The Amused Moose Comedy Awards Gangshow is a showcase of previous contestants and winners of the Amused Moose Comedy Awards. With thirteen comedians performing in the space of about an hour and a half, it is a show with an unrelenting pace and little time for more than a comedic aperitif. For those with experience of more substantiated Fringe sets, the format is not ideal. For those looking to define their tastes or spot potential, up and coming stars, the buffet formula might suffice.
As with all omnibus shows however, quantity was emphasised to the detriment of quality.
Although all thirteen comedians offered memorable moments and displayed a noteworthy competence, three comedians particularly stuck out. Relative unknown George Lewis spent his five minutes working through a wonderful bit about parental neglect. His off-beat, angst poetry had a touch of Tim Key only bettered by some brilliantly left-field one liners. Somewhat unfortunately Lewis left the stage to beleaguered applause, the format unsuitable for this evidently competent comedian. Mark Simmons, with his hair and face like Mac from Green Wing, broke from the narrative form and doled out a fair bunch of one liners. Baring obvious similarities in delivery and level of Dad humour to Tim Vine, Simmons’ strong set was only slightly undermined by his overactive eyebrows. Up next was Tim Renkow, a Mexican comedian with cerebral palsy. The slight tension evident upon his arrival was quickly dispelled as Renkow addressed the issue, working a brilliant set around the diminishing elephant in the room. It is a testament to his wit and the secondary nature of his impediment that laughs were found away from the obvious topic.
The evening displayed a strong selection of comedians for the reasonable price of nine pounds. As with all omnibus shows however, quantity was emphasised to the detriment of quality. The sets were too short to really get stuck into, leaving the audience placated but not quite satisfied.
