Have you ever watched a high-pace action thriller and wondered how you would handle yourself? Red Richardson can tell you, but you may not be thrilled with the answer.
The comic found himself in the midst of a terrorist attack, which was later proven to be a hoax, and when faced with death, he learned things about himself he wished he hadn’t.
Red Richardson clearly has the comedic ability to go far in the industry. Each funny avenue he sends you down distracts you just long enough until he drags you right back to the story with him. One moment he has you questioning your own life, whether you’ve lived it to the fullest, whether anyone would remember you, and the next you’re laughing about the absurdity of it all.
However, the show has some negative aspects, at times the doom and gloom felt almost exhausting. But that is because you felt as though you were right there with him. Even if some jokes didn’t quite hit the mark, or the occasional sidetrack didn’t provide as big a laugh, Red Richardson produced first rate story-telling.
As the subject matter is quite dark, so too is some of the material in “Shots Fired”, therefore those who are coming to the Fringe looking for lighthearted laughs may struggle with this show. This comic caters more to those who can have a pained laugh as they look at the world through a bleak, nihilistic lens.
“Shots Fired” had a few hiccups, and some of the material felt too familiar. But overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable standup show. Red Richardson may be a relatively new face at the Fringe but his show is presented with a laidback confidence that makes it feel as though he is a mainstay. The routine is clever, well-planned, engaging, and most importantly, entertaining. His blend of relaxed, comedic story-telling with outlandish tales makes for a very interesting performance, one that is certainly important to see at this year’s Fringe.
