***

There are several strands which are linked together in Stephen Carlin’s brand of dry, observational humour. His starting point is the different behavioural characteristics of pandas and penguins sparked off by the arrival of the two pandas to Edinburgh Zoo earlier this year to replace the penguins as the Zoo’s top attraction. These characteristics can be observed in humans.

Now being resident in England, he is now acutely aware of the differences between the Scots and English in emotional responses to similar situations. There is also in his own personality as to whether he is more panda than penguin, particularly in his relationships with his parents and past girlfriends.

His style is thoughtful, ironic and witty as he takes on a journey to learn more about our inner selves. In terms of the comedy, when he fully commits to a fast flow of ideas, this is when the laughs come most. He invites us to make a choice. Are we more panda than penguin?

Reviewed by Ben

Pleasance Courtyard/Hut: 33

1 to 27 August 2012 (not 14)

18.00 – 19.00

Fringe Programme Page Number: 164