Are you willing to question life, the universe and everything?
This show is an inclusive hour of major philosophical thought married nicely with witty comedy. Three philosophers come stand-ups each perform a set that is rooted in an overarching theme before the discussion is opened to the audience for a wider scope on the topic. They are like your philosophy teachers, but cool. And here you don’t need knowledge of Descartes or Plato, you can just sit back and enjoy some very clever people’s very funny jokes.
This particular set had the acts discussing identity and just as you are rethinking everything you thought you knew about yourself; they catch you off-guard with some tremendously punchy lines. What is great about this show is the way that these cerebral topics become goofy observations about themselves and others. Do occupations define us? Does a diagnosis change you? Has technology shaped us too much? We can’t say for sure, but we can all laugh at the search for the answers. And as with a lot of philosophy, these can be found by looking inward to our own life experiences, and these comics are no strangers to hilarious life experiences.
The crowd interaction often turned the light-hearted storytelling a touch more serious. Are labels good? Or do you think you are who you are autonomously? Heavy. But the comedians do a great job of discussing this in a well-informed manner while simultaneously lifting the mood to remind you once again you are in a comedy show. It’s a fine line between daft and serious but the cast of ‘Stand-Up Philosophy’ walk that line with ease.
The theme the artists focus on being randomised daily makes this show a standout for seeing more than once (already there were a few repeat attenders). This isn’t the show that is going to have you on the floor laughing but the fascinating conversations combined with the massively entertaining comics is formidable duo for piquing your interest. And you never know you may leave the show with an entirely new perspective on life.
Stand-Up Philosophy – Free!
14:30 at The Counting House (Venue 170)
August 4 – 28
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stand-up-philosophy-free
