Why I Work In Britain

From his 2009 DVD

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Rich Hall - Fringe 2009
Live Review

Fringe veteran Rich Hall returns with another hour – plus however long he chooses to overrun for on any give night – of unthemed and ranty comedy.

Hall has been performing at the Fringe for so long he feels like part of the furniture but furniture that is reupholstered in interesting new material every year. The rants are fresh but familiar, the banter assured and funny. He is the likable, grumpy old uncle of the Assembly Rooms, and like a favourite relative you may only see once a year it is a pleasure spending time in his company and the familiar feelings swell back in your breast as you sit and listen to his tales.

He is a master of his domain, never once seeming under pressure when dealing with latecomers, well-meaning jokers in the front row or lapses of memory when it comes to his set. In fact it is these unexpected events that always make a Rich Hall show so special. He will ostensibly launch into a confident tirade about Bill Clinton’s seemingly unending depths of ego only to unapologetically lose track halfway though and create a whole new level of funny as he tries to regain pace and composure.

The joy of this show comes from not only the cleverly observed prewritten material but also the gaffs, fumbles and saves that Hall excels in.

This is not to suggest that this is a badly prepared show, the structure is sound and the material is fantastic, touching on everything from Hall’s motivations to become a comedian, to Barack Obama to disappointing sandwiches. No stone remains unturned in the search for laughs and the hour flies by in a flurry of hilarity.

There were a couple of dubious moments, such as the very funny but familiar piece about books authored by rappers. Kanye West’s literary skills may be an easy target and I’m sure numerous comics have had the idea to mock unexpected authors, but this routine sailed a little too close to Stewart Lee’s recent demolishing of Asher D’s biography.

Also in a move that I have seen several times from Hall over the past few years the show doesn’t end, despite the technician flashing a custom made ‘stop’ light. Hall just cannot ever seem to leave the stage, if he gets a laugh he shoots it down, if he doesn’t get a laugh he finds it hard to leave. What we are left with is a hostage situation with the audience desperate to applaud and Hall refusing to leave if anyone does.

Confusing and uncomfortable for a period until it is pushed so far beyond it becomes hysterical, but until the last laughs come there is a moment of panic that we will never be allowed to leave.

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Absolutely fantastic. Every time I see his work; perfect jokes, perfect delivery, just so funny!

James Quince, March 2010

Saw DVD recording. I think it did work at the Apollo. Brilliant night.

Con, September 2009

I really like this guy. I felt sorry for him though at the Greenwich Comedy festival. Poor compere, in a big linen tent and a silent disco outside that kept on yelling over his gags. He got off the stage as quickly as possible, wish I'd held on and waited until he appeared at a good venue like the Apollo. Comedy Genius

Justin, September 2009

The best Edinburgh show for a while - not that the others were bad just that this one didn't have the customary dip in the middle. Bit pricey, though

Andy Barr, August 2009

Just saw him tonight at Sydney opera house in the Studio. Made the best of a 1/3rd full room, coping with a guy who was violently sick in one side of the room to make things a bit more eventful. I only heard that he was playing 5 days before so he needed more publicity, but he was pure genius for an hour and a half, both as Rich and Otis. Very quick, and great sarcastic wit. Well worth it.

Mike, March 2009

Saw Rich at the Trinity in Tunbridge Wells last Friday (19.09.08). A really good, varied, clever, funny and topical set. The second half (Otis) was as good in a different way. Highly recommended!

Ray Girling, September 2008

I watched Rich in Derby a few weeks ago. I thought he was funny, dark, emotive - and engaging. I would love to see him again. Not sure I like the Otis bit. I prefer just Rich. I love the grating voice, the grumpiness, and the amazing talent Rich has for sarcasm, and sometimes real kindness and an ability to relate to everyone. Impressive.

Samragi, May 2008

This guy is amazingly funny, and easily had me laughing more throughout his routine than I normally would in a week!

Jimbo, February 2007

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