Pat Burtscher's Patopotamoose

Pat Burtscher has more charm than sense. He has qualities that make him incredibly likeable, however, so the result is that you become more warmed to him as a person, rather than his set.

The low-fi, low-budget light-show that opens the piece is great, and from there he moves onto his material; he has a tendency to take a joke or concept that is endemic in comedy and then take it to a different, stranger place. Most of the material comes back to a principle that underpins Burtscher’s philosophy – that bad things should happen to bad people – and he invigorates this with a fresh perspective. He is imaginative, and offers an offbeat and unusual look at the world with new eyes.

He has a good turn of phrase and his casual manner works really well with the more out there material, making us question whether it is really as patently ridiculous as it first seems. But unfortunately the evening never really takes off. He seems a bit forgetful and a bit nervous. Burtscher is aware of this: he keeps bringing it up, but is unable to do anything to combat the problem. He is driven to share his doubts, insecurities and moments of self-loathing, as so many comedians are. Sometimes his nerves drive the energy forward, but at other times he gets lost toward the end of a section and doesn’t get the laughs that the punch lines deserve. This is strange because he has a really great audience connection and seems to enjoy chatting with the crowd.

As a whole the set lacks structure and direction. If he could stitch the great parts more tightly together, and give the whole a through line, he has the potential to be a really funny and clever comic.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

What's a Patopotamoose? It's a title. You don't like it? You do a show and call it whatever you want. Pat will address any further issues you may have at the actual show. He is Canadian.

Most Popular See More

The Phantom of the Opera

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Back to the Future - The Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

SIX

From £39.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From £12.00

More Info

Find Tickets