one4review | On 21, Aug 2017

It is necessary to understand the distinction between stand-up comedy (in which heckling may be appropriate) and a comedy show, in which you should not speak unless spoken to. It often flusters performers who are not stand-ups, and that ruins the show for others. This is a comedy show, with various interactions with the audience, and it is a lovely one.

We are, as the audience, attending a family reunion of sorts, representing both the Beckett and King sides of the family and turning out to support Alasdair’s show. This technique is quite subtle, but works well to get the audience on Alasdair’s side at the start, and the illusions are maintained until the end of the show.

Mr Becket-King likes magic and mystery and the esoteric (including in his language; the show contained accurate use of the word ‘lambent’), and isn’t much of a fan of reality. The show pulls together some fairly disparate elements under this banner, and weaves it together in a lilting lyrical meander. Alasdair’s deliver is dry and measured, but alongside the vocabulary and the wit, it combines into an enjoyable and fun hour.

Pleasance Courtyard, 18:00

Reviewed by Laura