Excitable is the word for Toussaint. From the moment you walk in, he’s high-fiving unsuspecting entrants and zipping around with his remote-control pigeon. It’s all very full-on, fast, energetic with no let-up, from one side to the other – he keeps this going on for the duration.
Toussaint talks about his roommate (his grandmother), and his girlfriend (boss) and how he navigates life in his business and personal relationships. It’s a very well scripted, and rehearsed hour we spend with him. Some of the gags about his relationships land better than others, but his theatrical delivery often rescues the flatter punchlines.
He promises the routine is pigeon heavy, but it makes up a small portion of his material despite the title. His high intensity sends a buzz around the crowd as he jokes about his London upbringing and the upbringing of pigeons. The differences he notes between doves and pigeons is very funny.
We get introduced to a puppet boxer who is beyond judgemental as an unwitting audience member is recruited to win his approval. This is a popular bit, and he makes sure someone keeps him on a timer as he’s known to get carried away with this portion and I can see why.
It’s an energetic, eccentric hour that soars when Toussaint leans into his silliness – even if the pigeons don’t quite take centre stage despite the promise.
Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material, Bunker One at Pleasance Courtyard, 19:25, Until 24 Aug
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/toussaint-douglass-accessible-pigeon-material
