Review of Seann Walsh: Seann 28, Fringe 2014

At this point it seems certain that Seann Walsh prefers the smaller Fringe venues. He could fill the larger ones.

That said; Seann 28 was a gamble for the comedian with the wild hair. This was not a show built from the crazy adventures, fuelled by drink, friends and an oddly out of place insecurity (see last year’s drama around the embarrassment of buying toilet paper). No. Two new influences this year are responsible for a change of direction.

Influence One – Seann’s turned 28. Hence the name of the show. He’s beginning to feel his age, if only a little.

Influence Two – He’s found and moved in with his girlfriend Rebecca.

Is it possible that stories about trying to drunkenly get past nightclub bouncers could evolve into jokes about light shades and doing the dishes? It is more than possible. That’s exactly what has happened here.

Fear not. Seann’s life may have changed but his comedy hasn’t. Seann 28 is just as funny. There’s that same sense of charismatic warmth from the man from Brighton. His observational skills are just as sharp.

Those of us who’ve been following since Seann to be Wild have the fun of discovering how the domestication process as affected him. You don’t need to be long-time fan of Walsh to enjoy Seann 28. You’ll laugh at this show if you know anything about getting older. If you’ve ever said “Oh, my feet”, if you’ve ever spilt tea or come home late then you’ll have enough of a personal connection to get involved in the show.

Laughs are great. The danger here is of one of those ambush laughs you weren’t expecting and comes out far too loud. Quick-witted Seann’s asides and observations are as laugh-deadly as the planned routine.

Usually I hate comedians being too distracted by their audiences, I’m one of those grumpy so-and-sos that don’t want to get involved beyond enjoying the jokes but Walsh is one of the few exceptions. When his asides stray into talking to the audience it’s usually safe. You do need to watch though. Turn up late, check your phone or attract attention and you might find yourself having a banter with the Lie-In King in front of the whole audience. For our visit to the Cabaret Bar, just off the Pleasance Courtyard, he did stop the act when he suspected someone in the audience had let one rip.

Seann 28 is a hat-trick for Walsh. The show is up there with the two previous years. Recommended.