Kai Humphries brings a uniquely affable Geordie perspective to his comedy, he likes to tell tall tales and relay some of his favourite memories for comedic material; his one liners and observations can feel slightly garish, but that’s kind of his style, and his charisma and storytelling ability cannot be denied. His story about a trip to India is in this vein – undeniably charismatic and engaging, but his impersonations of Indian people and observations can feel trite and crass, something which he doesn’t have to do considering the quality of his comedy on other topics.
He is married to a Scottish woman but is still getting used to the Scottish manner of speech and sense of humour, and his quips about being unaware of the existence of posh Scottish people are seriously funny. Similarly, an extended and fiery deconstruction of the colour teal and its relation to Glasgow is another of Humphries’ finest moments. His insights into dog ownership and uppity rescue dog owners demonstrates an intelligent and biting wit, but he strays back into the playground humour, and the show ends up feeling slightly imbalanced.
There’s nothing wrong with low brow humour, to be clear, but when it’s done in poor taste, it does kind of sully proceedings. But, as a consummate storyteller and genial comic, he achieves it so well for much of his show – but his use of some seriously tired jokes about Islam – and Buddhism, for that matter – among others leave a disappointingly sour taste in the mouth.
Kai Humphries: Gallivanting, 19.15, Just the Tonic, until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/kai-humphries-gallivanting
