British Comedy Guide

2011 Edinburgh Fringe

Humphrey Ker review

Humphrey Ker

At the time of writing this review, Ker is a Best Newcomer nominee at this year's Fringe, so I was expecting good things from his debut solo show.

For those of you familiar with Humphrey, you will know he is one-third of sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls. They started out specialising in Victorian sketch comedy, and as soon as Ker stalks onto the stage you can see that influence immediately. In fact, and I'm sure this isn't want he'd want me to say, but Ker's show as pretty much a Penny Dreadfuls play minus the other two.

I was disappointed it wasn't different to what I've seen him do before, but in good dialogue and historical nods his strengths lie. Ker has a brilliant way with words; and is skilled at saying a line and getting multiple gags out of it. He also paints a very vivid picture for his audience with few props and a charming stage presence.

The story itself is, in a nutshell, Watson smashing a spy plot - it's well constructed and the character is fleshed out fully.

Although I found it very hard to concentrate in such a hot room, it was a pleasant hour. The man next to me was stomping his feet in appreciation; the Fringe has already shown its own appreciation. Let's see what happens next for Ker.


Humphrey Ker is Dymock Watson: Nazi Smasher! listing

Share this page