EVER get those “happy accidents” when something unexpected lands in your lap and it’s just great?
Well, that’s how I ended up hugely enjoying an hour in Barnie Duncan’s surreal company.
The show I was meant to review was cancelled due to Storm Floris, my first-choice replacement was sold-out and so I ended up in a cargo container chortling away at an absurd New Zealander on a pal’s recommendation.
I owe that pal a pint as this was hilarious fun, despite an enforced opening singalong that had me wondering, “What the actual ruddy flip have I got myself into?”
As Barnie admits, “I know I look like a man who kills sardines for a living.”
The nearest equivalent I can think of is the more abstract end of Bob Mortimer’s stuff, albeit had Bob ingested a hefty dose of psychotropic drugs before taking to the stage.
Put it this way, at one stage Barnie, a master of physical comedy, was regaling us with the tale of his discussion with a squirrel in Central Park, with the squirrel telling him how much he liked his impression of a shy moth at a works Christmas party.
You have to see that for yourself.
The surreal nature of the show actually led me to completely misunderstand one gag – but the misunderstanding only made it funnier for me.
I was sure he had asked an audience member if he believed in gods, and when the fella said yes and that he had seen one, Barnie replied, “Are you sure it wasn’t a sheep with a beard?”
It was only a couple of minutes later, once I’d recovered from my hysterics, that I realised I’d misheard Barnie’s Kiwi accent and was actually saying “goats”.
And that just set me off again.
The show is based on a cassette Barnie found of his mum talking to an astrologer, Michael Jackson – no, not that one – back in 1980 when his entire life was predicted.
Did it come true? You’ll have to come and see this wonderful show to find out.
Barnie Duncan: Oooky Pooky, 19.05, Assembly Roxy – Roxyboxy, until August 24 (not 6 or 11).
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/barnie-duncan-oooky-pooky