Scotland

An Evening with Christopher Bliss – Monkey Barrel Comedy

Fringe veteran and Shropshire born novelist, Christopher Bliss (Rob Carter’s alter-ego) this year welcomes the audience for a Q&A hour with a chance to ask questions about their own novels- being offered paper slips to write down their pitches as we enter the show.

Having seen Christopher’s work previously and encountered the different ways he has framed his work I was familiar and excited for his short (literally never more than two sides of A6) stories which are wonderfully silly, joyfully obscure and a true masterclass in British absurdist comedy.

Christopher, blue anorak freshy washed ready for another fringe, banters with the audience with ease. Carter is a gifted character comedian who knows his creation inside out.

Compared to other offerings from previous years I did feel this latest show could do with a little more polish and finesse- We are of course more forgiving at the Fringe to technical errors and wobbly moments and I am sure Carter will find his feet as the weeks go on.

The show flies in the moments of Christopher’s novel readings- when he is in his comfort zone his work truly lends itself to full belly laughter.

The hour flew by and Chris Bliss will firmly remain a fringe favourite of mine for years to come! If you’re looking for an easy hour which is sure to please most, this is the show for you.

Reviewer: Rita Bryce

Reviewed: 5th August 2023

North West End UK Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.
Rita Bryce

Recent Posts

101 Dalmatians – Edinburgh Playhouse

This musical is very much a children’s entertainment, so it’s therefore surprising that it runs…

13 hours ago

It’s a Wonderful Life – Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio

I was glad to see how busy it was in the Studio for this production.…

14 hours ago

A Christmas Carol – Birmingham Rep

Vanity publishing, which in recent years has metamorphosed into the far more respectable “self-publishing”, was…

18 hours ago

That Love Thing – HOME Mcr

This moving and entertaining piece follows the inner life of Peter, a man living with…

1 day ago

An Inspector Calls – Liverpool Empire

With the size and grandeur of the Empire stage, any play has a feat to…

2 days ago

1984 – Liverpool Playhouse

In a new adaptation of Orwell’s seminal classic, Theatre Royal Bath productions bring their take…

2 days ago