Ali Woods has garnered a mass following on social media but with his debut stand up show he proves he is far more than a TikTok star.
Ali appears to be a bit of a lad’s lad, but as he is growing up he’s realising there is more to life than going out every night to get as pissed as possible (although it is still fun). He explores his time when he was more selfish in his youth in a tremendously funny tongue in cheek manner, but it was this behaviour that was impacting Ali’s friendships for the worse.
His story explores his adolescence and years as a young adult. His style is brilliantly rational, observing and commenting on just how daft he and everyone around him was at those ages. Ali reflects on his time at school and marvels at how bafflingly nonsensical it all seems now, and he has a point. But it is these times that shape who we are now and contributes to Britain being such a repressed nation who fear genuinely talking to each other.
There is some hilariously good stand up in this show, especially for a debut. Looking at my notes now I cannot help but laugh at the scribbled phrase “woke Bond”. The night out content is exceptional, and Ali does not shy away from politics either. And while I must say the topic matter is already waring thin, his lockdown material is well-written and relatable.
This show at its core is about mental health, and how easy it is to get caught up in life’s stupidity and ignore all the signs that someone around you needs help. Ali and his friends have been getting so much better at becoming more selfless and understanding of one another which leads to some truly heartfelt moments.
This show is just the beginning for Ali, and I am sure he is going to continue to grow in the comedy scene both on and offline, so if you want to be on his journey from the start make sure to check out ‘Best Friend Ever’.
Ali Woods: Best Friend Ever
17:25 at the Underbelly, Bristo Square (Venue 302)
August 3 – 14, 16 – 28
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ali-woods-best-friend-ever
