As he steps onto the stage the man behind MC Hammersmith is not afraid to make fun of his very non-gangsta appearance, in fact, for these few opening moments he isn’t really in ‘character’ yet, he’s just a jolly likeable bloke thanking us all for being there.
Exiting and re-entering the stage area after adopting his gangsta-rap persona, which basically means more swearing, the show starts proper and for the next hour we are treated to a masterclass in lyrical improvisation.
Everything in the show from this point on is based on suggestions taken from the audience and, with the public being the public, there are some absolute curve balls thrown in there by those that obviously want to see the MC work for their gratitude. But even with this slightly sadistic approach every single one is taken in his stride and skillfully turned into some laugh out loud lyrics before our very ears.
The sheer speed of thought that must be going on inside MC Hammersmith’s head is impressive. He is clever and quick while never falling into the trap of repeating himself or filling the narrative with fluff. Everything he spits out calls back to the theme the audience provided much to the joy of those seated watching this unfold.
And that’s the beauty of this show, I could go and see it again tomorrow and I am certain I would walk away just as satisfied but having seen an entirely different show, and the joyful thing is that if asked, I probably would.
You might be thinking that improv isn’t your thing, you might be thinking gangsta-rap isn’t your thing, but the way MC Hammersmith smashes these two together will make you realise that this has been your thing all along. Go see this, and if the mood takes you, go see it again.
MC Hammersmith: Straight Outta Brompton
12.30
Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 1
Aug 9-14, 16-21, 23-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mc-hammersmith-straight-outta-brompton
