Edinburgh Fringe · @ComedyReviewer
18th Aug 2022 from TwitLonger
Mark Thomas: Black and White #edfringe review
Thomas bursts on to the stage with an angry, shouty delivery. This is a high-energy whirlwind of a show; it’s like the Tasmanian Devil has discovered cocaine. There are no apologies. He makes it clear from the start that ‘If you’re a Tory, you can f**k off now’, even going as far as offering refunds.
Black and White is a hilarious political rant, and a right good bashing of the Tories. Most criticism is directed to the current leader of the country, but nobody is safe. The new leader candidates, other members of the cabinet and even the leader of the opposition, they all get it good and proper. Thomas has produced yet another show that is well researched, well written, and well delivered. It’s another show that’s as informative as it is funny. There are as many nods of agreement as there are laughs. Thomas puts his all into this, and it shows. You just need to look at his shirt, which is absolutely soaked by the end of the hour.
It’s not all political anger though. There’s a nod to the late Bernard Cribbins and a routine about his newly diagnosed diabetes. There is even a beautiful singsong that I could have said unites the room, but believe me, there is already a huge sense of togetherness.
This show lift spirits, and don’t we just need it in these times of crisis? It’s a masterclass in writing and delivery; a very good show. It's maybe not a stand out show at this year's festival, but it’s still bloody good nonetheless.
4 Stars ****
Mark Thomas: Black and White @ The Stand 13:30