"His lengthy, obscure diatribes, done in a plethora of squeaky regional variations are like a polluted stream of achingly funny consciousness." Magnus Huntly-Grant reviews Andrew Lawrence's tour show.
Andrew Lawrence bites the hand that feeds him to hilarious effect. Even the title of his new show is steeped in low self esteem. His lengthy, obscure diatribes, done in a plethora of squeaky regional variations are like a polluted stream of achingly funny consciousness.
It may not be Lawrence’s looks which necessarily prohibit his appearances on the box. He seems like the type of person who is constantly alienating and upsetting those around him. Stories about spoiling holidays over the correct pronunciation of scone and ruining his girlfriend’s birthday by calling her a dog are cases in point.
His whole take on life is one of sad resignation, or perhaps more realistically , angry recognition of his own shortcomings and the failings of those he encounters. He berates ‘Nathan Barley’ style trustafarians with independent production companies, the Guardian, the Pleasance, even those he should be appealing to most - the reviewers. Nevertheless he does so with such vitriolic enthusiasm that one almost feels honoured to have his rancorously inventive attentions.
While it is unlikely that Lawrence has a withering portrait in his attic it is perhaps too much to call him too ugly for TV. Without doubt he is funny enough for it. And besides, he’s already done three series of Ideal on BBC Three.
Andrew Lawrence: Too Ugly for TV Tour 2010 is at the Pleasance Courtyard until the 29th August at 9:20pm
Return to the Edinburgh Fringe homepage
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...