2015 is the 15th year that David O’Doherty will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he shows no signs of lacking in delivering laughter in waves.
Saddled with a keyboard given to him as a Christmas present – all he wanted was some Star Wars figurines – O’Doherty gives the audience a mini-review of the year. Sometimes he does this with magical musical accompaniment and sometimes through nothing but the medium of his supreme storytelling wit.
Having seen O’Doherty before, it’s always pleasant to revisit a comedian who comes across as an old friend. His exuberant presence and unfailing comic timing leave audiences wanting more. He did explain how up to the early evening he had been battling a bout of food poisoning from a bad falafel but felt extremely happy to have made it. The audience was happy too and as the hour went on, he worked the crowd like only a pro of his stature could do.
It’s always been a wonder to me why he hasn’t exploded to become even bigger than he is – something which he playfully acknowledges himself in his opening monologue.
The musical pieces worked well as he reviewed his best jokes of the year and also gave a shout out to some jokes that just didn’t make the cut. They were still hilarious, leaving only the thought of: if they were bad, then what’s really bad?
Over the years, O’Doherty has built a strong and loyal following on the comedy circuit and this is something which will no doubt continue. His acerbic charm and acute observations will leave you and whoever you take with you laughing for days after.
If you’re a fan, then you’ll already be there, and if not, then what’s taking you so long to get on board?
14-31 August, 7:15pm & Midnight (check Fringe site for details). Tickets £14, Concessions: £13.