Colin Hoult: Enemy of the World

Pleasance Courtyard
6-30 August, 16.45

Last year, Colin Hoult proved himself a writer and performer of extraordinary ability and a pioneer for theatrical comedy. From this year’s opening, a vaudevillian musical number featuring a baby Adolf Hitler, the show sets out its stall: a series of character vignettes themed around the villainy and failures of humanity.

Intelligent, insightful and expertly performed, these character studies combine sharp satire with a warm heart. Some ideas are re-used from 2009’s Carnival of Monsters, and the gag rate is slower, but Hoult and ensemble develop the theatrical elements to great effect.

It’s impossible to see Hoult’s work without identifying a comic mind furiously working to uncover new ground. Few comedians’ work can honestly be described as atmospheric, poignant and truly beautiful while reliably keeping broad smiles every audience member’s face. As he continues to refine this combination, he will prove himself a force to be reckoned with.

– Will Young