Fringe favourite Andrew Maxwell returns to Edinburgh with a show that touches on everything from Barack Obama to the difficulties of sexual self-gratification as a young father. Maxwells rapid-fire machine gun approach is incredibly entertaining. He picks out punch line after punch line on topics so diverse its amazing that theyre in the same show. But this is Maxwells style and its one thats made him a total sell out year after year.Although consistently very funny, Maxwell doesnt take enough time to expand on the topics and ideas he raises. It wouldnt be so much of an issue if Maxwell wasnt taking aim at the big issues of the year. Since he is, it left me feeling a bit unfulfilled, as though opportunities for more substantial comedy were being overlooked. This is particularly evident in the ending of the set which more of a fizzle than the big bang Maxwell can obviously deliver. Also, the titular lamp, although on stage, is never really mentioned, explained or developed beyond a crutch for Maxwell to return to when the energy in the room is on the wane.These, however, are minor quibbles. If youre looking for an entertaining and funny hour of stand-up from one of the Fringes best, Maxwell is definitely a safe bet.
2007 If.Comedy Award nominee Andrew Maxwells star continues to rise.
He returns to the Edinburgh Festival for his tenth year in the newly launched Pleasance Over The Road One with The Lamp, a brand new hour of comedy exploring the topic of wishes: both the personal and the political.
Since last years festival Andrews schedule has been packed, taking in a range of festival gigs, a sell-out run at The Soho Theatre, television appearances on ITV2s Celebrity Juice and the Dave Channels Argumental and the hosting of the annual St Patricks Day parade through Trafalgar Square to record numbers.
Andrew is due to appear as part of the panel on the new series of Have I Got News For You on 28th May. Regular appearances on RTEs The Panel and the success of his first live DVD Andrew Maxwell: Live in Dublin continue to make Andrew a household name in Ireland. He is currently on a nationwide tour of the country taking in Dublins Vicar Street and Corks Opera House.
Andrew is known for his unique approach to performance locations; past venues have included Dublins maximum security prison, a haunted theatre in Alexandra Palace and the French Alps ski resort of Meribel where for the last two years he has also organised his hugely successful comedy and music festival Altitude. He devised the event alongside chum Marcus Brigstocke and went about booking a range of performers including Lee Mack, Rich Hall, Ed Byrne, Ugly Duckling and DJ Brandon Block.
He is due to take a one-off special Maxwells Full Mooners to the E4 Udderbelly at South Bank Centre on 19th June.
Andrew continues to build a loyal following of passionate supporters in the UK and Ireland making him one of the most sought after and unique voices in British comedy today.
