A show that proved Mark Twain's assertion that humour is tragedy plus time. Audiences left the theatre with contented sighs, having shared in the story of Bryne's loss and how he found precious moments of joy during a horrific time.
The night was made up of two comedians, Bryne came out for a very quick greeting and to introduce the warm-up act to the stage. Michelle Shaughnessy was hyped as an Edinburgh Fringe Festival discovery, I could imagine her style in an intimate comedy venue being enjoyable, but on a stage with a good distance from the crowd, the lack of engagement to her to questions and her repetitive responses were somewhat disappointing. Shaughnessy spoke about her beauty enhancements as part of her act, but took to wearing a turtleneck, jumper and sweatpants, it was the look of someone very casual, which when compared to the suited semi-formal Bryne in the glittering historic theatre that is the Plaza was a stark contrast.
After the interval Bryne came out and began his set, a well-known likeable character, his twinkling charisma and most often positive delivery seemed like they might have met their match in trying to deliver a show about the death of his brother Paul to liver failure. Bryne began with several light anecdotes about being the victim of car vandalism, theft and the usual comedic banter about different towns and cities, but often alluding to Irish Goodbyes, foreshadowing his brothers fate.
He didnt shy from giving a rounded picture of Paul, From a brotherly fall out that lasted a year to their reconnection when they found out how ill he was, there were several mentions of the positive impacts Paul had on others in comedy circles, with Byrne sharing WhatsApp messages projected on a screen to show his caring nature to his clients. Through his heart-felt stories we felt the true sense of the loss he and his family must have had. The loss of loved ones too soon is a uniting experience for all of humanity, the audience were all behind him and his story, no heckles to be heard, it felt more like a theatre piece than stand-up.
A poignant story that moved its audience, Bryne rounded up his show urging everyone not to hold grudges against loved ones. Though the show had a moving message and covered in detail his brother's death, there was much laughter throughout the night, I laughed and clapped many times. Bryne's comedic skills in engaging his audience, great call-backs at moments that were very funny and his spritely energy make him a great watch, I would recommend to lovers of comedy and theatre. I hope his agent is pushing him for acting work!
A superb show, full of emotion and laughter, Bryne knocked this one out of the park.
No comments:
Post a Comment