A lengthy ‘legal notice’ absolves Dr. Silcox of any blame that his advice may lead to – which is strange as he looks very reliable in his gold suit and hat. It’s an hour long financial crash course on gold trading. Extremely dry and somehow extremely captivating. It’s a very specific type of comedy and I find it funny. Though I’m sure if someone described it to me beforehand, I would be bewildered.
Using a PowerPoint, he talks us through his success of becoming a gold trader, turning his £500 to £1,000 in just three months. Everything in this show revolves around gold. YOUR CAPITAL IS AT RISK appears as a warning throughout his presentation. He is plagued by pop ups advising that his account is empty. The running jokes are a hit with the audience who lap up his delivery.
It’s strangely informative so at the very least, it’s a chance to learn something new (remember your capital is at risk though). I didn’t study chemistry, but I now know gold’s atomic number and how much gold is in an Olympic gold medal.
I would have liked more of Mark’s crowd-work as that is when he is at his funniest. Asking the audience for stories about gold and belittling those who are brave enough to share – it’s sharp, dry, witty and the delivery elevates its effect.
Mark has plenty of gold to mine for in this enjoyable hour.
Mark Silcox: The Gold Trader, Speakeasy at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms, 14:00, Until 24 Aug
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/mark-silcox-the-gold-trader
