Neil hits the ground running, as he makes his entrance to instant laughs. There are no holds barred, and the pace is fast. I am not even sure if, or when, he draws breath.
Delamere knows his craft very well. While other comics take their moment of hiatus in between stories to gather their thoughts, or perhaps reassess which gag would be the best way to go for this particular audience – I see no evidence of this with Delamere. He ploughs on, never missing a trick, and seizing every opportunity to find a laugh.
This show comes with a warning about audience participation. So if you sit on the front row, expect to be targeted with incredible wit, timing and near-psychic observation. Delamere is not for the faint-hearted, and at the same time as he ribs the front row for their foibles, he is laughing with us all.
Great comedians have the ability to tell you something that happened to them, even though it did not actually happen at all, and probably never will. There is an art to having the improvisational ability to keep it fresh. Delamere’s material for the most part, does not appear to be material at all. What I find astounding is his smooth, quick delivery; and impressive ability to let something political or taboo trip off his tongue as if he only just thought of it in that split-second.
Delamere remembers the names of the people on the front row, and comes back to their stories and plights at appropriate moments, as if he has pre-planned this conversation in great detail. Yet we know none of it is planned.
Neil By Mouth is a rare treat, from a highly accomplished stand-up story-teller. Prepare to fall off the edge of your seat.
Neil Delamere: Neil By Mouth, 21.40, Pleasance Courtyard, until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/neil-delamere-neil-by-mouth
