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.

Hal Cruttenden: Straight Outta Cruttenden

 
James Moore Review by James Moore 4 Published: 8 Aug 2015 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 5 Aug 2015-30 Aug 2015

Parading onto the stage to a gangster soundtrack and with the threatening stance of a dormouse, Hal Cruttenden jumps in with his first gag and the laughs just keep rolling with this slick comedy routine. 

He has credits for Live at the Apollo and Radio 4, and it doesn’t take a critic to note that Cruttenden is a natural performer. His relaxed disposition and natural delivery feel spontaneous and, for most of the show, seemingly unscripted; he’s able to uphold its quality even when exploring a new topic plucked from an unsuspecting audience member.

What’s interesting about Cruttenden is the contrast between his camp, ‘non-threatening’ exterior and the more serious, if not controversial nature of the topics that he explores with his set. Jokes about “terrorist training camps” come unexpectedly from his mouth, as does much more. 

Yet this doesn’t in any way make his show unenjoyable. Though there is bound to be a moment when his audience sucks in its breath out of immediate shock, there tends to be a broader serious agenda concerning the perception of men and people's online presence. Its just layered beneath the coating of comedy, and that is what makes Cruttenden so refreshing.

At times his style does become a little repetitive to the point that you can detect where the twist in his build up is going to kick in, but ultimately there is very little I can criticise. Though his stage in Pleasance Two was perfect for the relationship he wanted with his audience, this could have easily been moved to one of Edinburgh’s bigger venues.

Broadway Baby Radio interview with Hal Cruttenden

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Host of Live at the Apollo and star of BBC Radio 4, the great Hal is back ranting about the real evils of the modern world – oversharing on social media and the 5:2 diet. The more he complains the funnier he gets. Book early. As seen on The Royal Variety Performance, Would I Lie To You?, The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, Live at the Palladium and Have I Got News for You. ‘An absolute joy to watch’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Hugely talented’ **** (Times).