Weather Morning: 9°c Sunny spells Afternoon: 10°c Sunny spells

Comedy

London,

Jason Manford


Rating: 3 out of 5 Bruce Dessau's rating
Rating: 3 out of 5

Reader rating

Your rating

one star two star three star four star five star

Click on a star to rate

Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Fringe

Invasion of the Telly Panellists

Jason Manford is a stand-up in the mould of Peter Kay
Jason Manford is a stand-up in the mould of Peter Kay

By Bruce Dessau
17 Aug 2007


You could call Edinburgh 2007 the Invasion of the Telly Panellists. Within a short walk one can see Phill Jupitus, Russell Howard and Frankie Boyle, desk jockeys usually spotted on the box with their legs hidden. All this and Jason Manford from C4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats, too.

At times you can barely get a fag paper between Manford and early Peter Kay. Like Kay this cheeky Mancunian specialises in conversational have-you-ever-noticed? banter. Utterly undemanding, very effective. If they ever revive Granada's conveyor belt schedule-filler The Comedians, Manford should be top of the wish list.

It is a shame that so much of this likeable, talented scamp's patter treads well-trodden ground. Overpaid footballers get the boot, Gillian McKeith gets a stuffing. Brokeback Mountain and Mick Hucknall get namechecked.

At least two gags reworked old jokes, which is certainly not suggesting Manford filched them m'lud, rather that his own ideas are painfully limited.

Much has been said about big acts spoiling the spirit of the Fringe. Manford is proof that smaller acts can lack the pioneering, inventive spirit of the Fringe, too.

Until 27 Aug (www.edfringe.com).

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.