2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Andrew Lawrence review
Andrew Lawrence begins by criticising the lighting, finishes by reviewing the audience and comments on his own performance and career throughout. This year his set has mellowed significantly, so that whilst Lawrence still has some of the most caustic, aggressive jokes on the Fringe, they are balanced by material with a broader appeal.
Long-time fans may be disappointed that he has cut back on the trademark intense, furious rants, though when they come they're still excellent. The rest of his material isn't as original, but he has a fascinating, bitter on-stage persona which puts a fresh spin on weaker lines, so it all goes down well with the packed, enthusiastic crowd.
Having been twice nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award and appeared this year on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Lawrence has spent a long time at the edge of true stardom. Relaxing his style and interacting more easily with the audience broadens his appeal, and ensures he grabs and holds the attention of the whole crowd in the weirdly shaped Cabaret bar.
Don't turn up expecting as much of the densely-packed, exquisitely ferocious rants as there were in previous years, but this is a solid show which should still appeal to fans with dark taste... only now they can bring their friends.
Andrew Lawrence - The Best Kept Secret in Comedy Tour listing