I’ve never seen Abie Philbin Bowman before so didn’t really know what to expect. The name itself was reminiscent of the Tim Minchin ‘Pope Song’ and I was preparing for a poorly written show bashing the stupidity of the Catholic Church, (not exactly tricky or even that gutsy nowadays) the only reason I went to see the show is that Abie tried to get me to see his free show but when I explained I was off to see Josie Long he accepted my excuse and complemented me on my fine show choice. So I found myself turning up to this show based purely on the fact that we both enjoy Josie Long.
This show was the very opposite of what I thought it would be. Very smart and insightful, this show was about ideas. It was much more about how different religion affects our outlook to the world and how we have replaced religion with other devices. It’s a show about Monty Python and economics and everything in-between. Forget Richard Dawkins, this show should be the guide to any liberal minded atheists. Truly the most insightful show on the fringe.
Right, now lets see what was wrong with the show. Firstly the name doesn’t represent the content. Also this is not a show to turn up to when half drunk and on a stag night. This show requires concentration and at times this can veer nearer to an interesting lecture rather than a comedy show. I’m not saying you need a degree to understand it but bring your A-game. It looses a star simply as it veered towards interesting content over straight comedy and I’m reviewing it as a comedy show. I disagree with LA weekly who called him like “Robin Williams” but if you like Mark Steel or Mark Thomas you’ll love Abie.
There is nothing else like this on the fringe. It’s so rare to see such a truly original show and it’s in a league of it’s own. It’ll make you think and thinking has never been quite so much fun.
4 stars
11-29 August. Pleasance Courtyard. 20:45.
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