I find it interesting when an American Comedy Star makes their way over to the Festival to peddle their wares. Many of the people will go in to see this show, will know Hannibal from YouTube videos and other TV programmes he can be seen on over this side of the pond.
As someone who is a fan of American comedy, Arrested Development and 30 Rock, American stand up always entices me in purely for the reason of difference. It is fun to see what an outsider thinks of our fair Scottish city and 99% of the time, has exactly the same distorted view on the world just to find the funny.
Hannibal is one of the most laid-back stand ups I have ever seen. His Chicago drawl soars and falls in tone and pitch. His timing for the joke is impeccable, switching up how he delivers the end product each time, but not once missing the laughs.
It is also refreshing to watch a gifted stand up, who happens to be black, not use their race for a whole hour to generate the laughs. Buress’ comedy is built on situations that happen to everyone daily – colour is not the focal talking point – which it shouldn’t always have to be. He is a gifted storyteller, pulling each audience member in and is also a clear master in his story construction, content and has a strong uniqueness that is unforgiving.
If you know who Hannibal is, then you will most probably already have your tickets for this, but if you don’t I suggest you get them before they sell out. This is one stand up that is not to be missed this and an excellent example of stand up from our friends in America.
Times: Aug 6-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 @ 21:45; £11:50 (£10:50) Aug 8-11, 16-18, 22-25, 29 @ 21:45 £10:00 (£9:00)