one4review | On 16, Aug 2024

Luke Rollason’s show is an excellent and very entertaining hour of
comedy, performed clown-style by a skinny wiry man in pink with endless
facial expressions, doubtless coming from mime training, who really
looks the part. Traditionally clown shows are tedious and boringly
low-brow, but not when it’s Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair.

There should be no spoilers about the content of a show such as this –
there are two ways to take its title, both of which are fine – which
after a gentle start grows from a simple premise to something more than
its parts, being so cleverly constructed and charmingly executed.

Initially wearing a golden crown Luke works his way through various
silliness with multiple toilet rolls as his most popular prop, and
involves audience members who are thrilled to happily go along with his
antics while he continues developing his theme. Things become
increasingly amusing and silly, with laughter all round that continues
to rise and grow, which is quite an accolade for a show that on paper
might appear unpromising.

A very poignant section which has everyone totally on board and
committed counters that, about the experiences of an imaginary animal
character, brought brilliantly alive just by a sound, and yes some mime
(it is after all imaginary). But we are soon on the silly track again,
and ultimately Luke’s crown is back on his head, having overcome a
pretender with great charm and aplomb.

Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair is classified as 12+,
and while there are a few slightly rude bits, the classification could
just as easily be there to protect children from seeing adults relishing
and having childlike fun – always embarrassing for youngsters.

You are recommended to have this experience for yourself and leave with
a smile on your face too. However it must be said that this will not be
a show for everyone, especially children for the reason given, though
more unsuitable for grumpy sobersides who should be left downstairs with
a pie and pint.

****1/2
Reviewed by HJ

Pleasance Dome, 10 Dome

19.10 (1 hour)

Until 25th Aug