My boyfriend wants to grab a pint with him, my girl friend is devastated he isn’t single, and I am certain this comedian is destined for a Netflix special. As soon as the ethnic question mark, Michael Welch, steps out on stage, there is no question it’s definitely going to be a good time.
He’s instantly distinct in the way he holds himself and how he cracks the first of his jokes. He has a laid-back self assuredness that lets his jokes roll off the tongue. It’s obvious the room is captivated and hanging onto every word. He takes us through hilarious anecdotes of the only place he always knew he was from, Edinburgh. Touching on subtleties yet not leaving out anyone on an inside joke. His audience interaction lets his easy-goingness and rapid humour energise the room.
We learn Welch grew up with his mom, not knowing who or where his father is. Nor where in the world he could be from. There were only hints of his father in his features and the melanin of his skin. Welch realised he was an ethnic shapeshifter. Each year he grew older he grew into a different ethnicity. On holidays to Spain his tan makes him unrecognisable. Come winter he experiences a brief stint of white privilege. There was privilege and slurs, a whole lot of self-conflict and confusion. We go with him on a hunt for answers, but not without the fuel of humour.
Welch’s show hits the sweet spot of a personalised funniness, combining heartfelt story with non-stop laughter. Welch is the guy everyone loves. You feel like you know him by the end of his gig. We get the answers we want, but we are certainly left wanting more.
Michael Welch: Ethnic Reveal Party
20:20 @ Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Snug
Aug 9-14, 16-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/michael-welch-ethnic-reveal-party
