Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Anil Desai – Impressions of a Hindude

 
Martin Walker Review by Martin Walker 5 Published: 13 Aug 2015 Sin Show Dates: 6 Aug 2015-30 Aug 2015

In all likelihood, you’ll have already noticed the five star rating attached to this review. Anil Desai’s Edinburgh offering, Impressions of a Hindude is utterly without fault.

Those unfamiliar with his work should be aware of the high level to which the impressionist comic is held amongst his peers. Since catapulting himself to the top of the impressionist’s league with his breath-taking (and record-breaking) 52 impressions in 5 minutes routine in 2009 Desai has toured the globe several times over.

Desai is a world class celebrity impersonator. You can just tell. It’s not hyperbole to state that if you close your eyes during, say, Desai’s Eddie Murphy impression, it feels like Murphy’s in the room. Whilst other impressionists chose to approximate a voice for comic effect, Desai achieves accuracy before delivering the superior gag.

Christopher Walken, Bill Cosby, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Homer Simpson, and many others are gently lampooned. With the exception of Cosby – who receives a kicking during the set - the celebs are affectionately pitched. Desai rarely resorts to cheap gags or crude laughs. He does wonder what an adult version of The Simpson’s cartoon would sound like, but its family friendly ‘carry-on’ innuendo and his impression of Marge Simpson, is of course, perfect.

Celebrity impersonations, no matter how good, can-not sustain an hour long show. One crucial key to the success Impressions of a Hindude is that it’s very well written. Another is Desai himself, an accomplished comedian who could, I’m sure, deliver a stand-up set without celebrity voices if he chose to.

If you were a fan of cricket you’d describe Desai as an all-rounder, who happens to be the best batsman, bowler and wicket keeper in the league. As a fan of comedy, whether you enjoy impressions or not, I urge you to seek out Desai’s next show and go. Just go.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

The stand-up chameleon and international movie star impressionist brings his new, funny-loaded, fast-faced, friendly and philosophising comedy show to Edinburgh – for free! ‘Incredible… Extraordinary... Stunning’ **** (Pun). ‘A possessed schizophrenic tour de force ... more than an impressionist’ **** (Hairline.org.uk).