2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Chris Martin review
All in all, an impressive solo debut from Chris Martin. No. Not That One is a perfect example of a debut act being better than some of the veteran performers here at the festival. As Chris Martin proves in this hour-long show, he is an open, broadminded, confident, very funny and likable comic. He has a lot of aplomb too - a word I've been waiting to use all festival.
In what has to be one of the hottest and sweatiest rooms at the Fringe, the Delhi Belly, a place that could easily make your coats melt in front of your eyes, Martin does very well keeping everyone's attention focused, but - more importantly - he also keeps us laughing throughout the set with some genuinely funny stories.
From gangster valets to cat guns, Martin effortlessly gets his points across through gesture, storytelling, simple but effective observational humour, and some quality quick-fire gags. His stories revolving around bouts of paranoia are - weirdly - something to take delight in. It seems that underneath all of the jokes, Martin is implying that while it is horrible to be embarrassed in front of people, you still need people around you in order to enjoy life.
He gets the laughs in the right places and has smooth links throughout the set. His hour was tight and well balanced with an end that does indeed leave you with a message relating to the importance of friendship.
Chris Martin: No. Not That One listing