Restless sleeper

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Andrew Lawrence’s dark, musical comedy landed him a place in the final of So You Think You’re Funny? in 2003, and won him the BBC New Act of the Year Competition the following year. His debut Edinburgh show in 2006 was nominated for the if.comedy best newcomer title, and his 2007 follow-up nominated for the main award.

Nominated for best headliner in the 2010 Chortle Awards.

Andrew Lawrence: Fringe 2012
Live Review
Pleasance Courtyard

Trust Andrew Lawrence to get the audience in the Saturday night spirit: ‘So you’ve come to see some stand-up comedy? Well, it passes the time while you wait for death.’

But no one comes to see Lawrence for his chirpy world view. For nearly a decade he’s carved a niche as one of stand-up’s bleakest clowns and at 32, he shows no sign of mellowing.

Within the first 20 minutes of the show he’s covered overpopulation, suicide, stealth euthanasia and pissing on public sector workers. It’s hard to believe him when he feigns surprise about being the BBC’s first choice to present a documentary on the link between comedic brilliance and mental illness.

Lawrence is at his best when he launches into one of his lyrical, vitriolic diatribes – his writing is immaculate. His attack on the dubious health benefits of supposed diet foods and the cynical advertising campaigns that support them builds and builds until it achieves a sort of demonic quality, while his recreation of an attempt to skive off a shit job is blackly farcical.

He’s less impressive when he takes the easy route to shock; even he looks unsure about his joke on the Dark Knight Rises/Aurora shootings and the audience’s reaction confirms what he obviously suspected. It raises the perennial question of how soon is too soon for jokes about tragedy but more than that, it comes across as cheap. Lawrence is too intelligent for this sort of gag.

He gripes at one point about being described as ‘up-and-coming’ in a recent interview – it’s understandable that he finds it frustrating after nine years in comedy. But there’s a genuine sense of fatigue lurking below the surface of this show. Lawrence’s writing and delivery rarely lets him down; it’s more that he seems a bit weary of being this character.

A few segments come across too much like what he thinks the audience expects of him. Again, it’s understandable when you have such a specific niche – it’s not like Lawrence can take a foray into light-hearted observation all of a sudden – but it makes for a show that’s slightly more lethargic than one might hope for from this talented comic.

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Andrew Lawrence at One Touch Theatre Inverness played an understated gig to an appreciative audience aware of his style of comedy.rnHis command of the English language and his unique tonal voice gives a distinct slant to his comedic skills. Hope Andrew's comedy evolves, as he deserves a wider audience.

Douglas Thomson, April 2012

Saw Andrew Lawrence last night at the Funny side in Covent Garden... best comedian I have ever seen live. He's diverse and controversial but totally brilliant. Would buy a DVD and see the show again next week.

David Woods, September 2009

Saw Andrew at the '09 Edinburgh Festival after asking someone at the Pleasance box office to recommend a comic. We were not disappointed. Absolutely brilliant. He had be in stitches from start to finish! Absolutely recommend him to everyone -even if, in his own words, he has the eyes of a rapist!

Lee, August 2009

Saw him do a ten minute skit on Paramount Comedy last year and on the basis of that performance decided to see his show at the Fringe. He did not disappoint, truly the best stand up I have ever seen!

Matthew, August 2009

This guy is amazing. When he goes dark he goes really dark. I've seen him loads of times and he constantly changes his stuff. Well worth going to see.

Jim Lock, July 2009

I saw Andrew last night at the Lyric and he was outstanding. I laughed so much I cried. Massive talent who I will definitely be seeing again soon.

Vickie, September 2008

Saw Andrew last night doing his Edinburgh preview and was very pleased to see his act (which was genius) has moved on. It takes guts to move away from the 'persona' and do serious comedy. Stil oddball, still eloquent and bang on the mark.

John, July 2008

After seeing Andrew's Edinburgh preview last night I'm convinced he's one of the most prolific, exciting and enthralling comics we've got. An incredible way with words, and a delivery to match - really top stuff.

Alexis, June 2008

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