one4review | On 07, Aug 2022

Life Drawing with a Comedian is perfectly titled, and does almost exactly what it says on the tin, except we were treated to three, not just one, lightly-clad comedians for our artistic endeavours. In every other respect, however, it is as you’d expect: not-entirely-nude persons (male, in this case) holding (increasingly daft) poses in front of an audience so we could attempt to draw them.

There were definitely a variety of skill levels in the audience, and though my primary-school-level doodles were far outclassed by most of the room, there were a few other beginners there too. Part of the fun is the show-and-tell with the class, abetted by exhortations to ‘daub your friends in’, a tactic which elicited more examples to show off than asking the artists directly.

There’s no ‘teaching’, so this show is a chance to have a go at drawing a figure in a convivial lunchtime atmosphere. Host Ruven Govender facilitated the show by introducing different artistic styles for us to try out, as well as providing encouragement while we were drawing. And while there are comedians present, I’m dubious about rating this as a comedy show, however it’s listed in the guide. As an experience, rather than a comedy show, this is a lovely way to start a Fringe day.

Reviewed by Laura

Laughing Horse @ 32 Below
12:30 (50mins, not Tuesdays)