Dave Fulton at the Comedy Store Pt2

US comedian Dave Fulton live at London's Comedy Store - Part 2 (2007).

More Dave Fulton videos

Dave Fulton:... Based on a True Story
Live Review

In a criminally undersold show, in a new venue off the beaten track, in a very late night slot, it is hard to imagine the powerhouse that is American Dave Fulton doing too well. But from the minute the rugged comedian takes to the stage he grabs control. Within mere seconds there is not one doubt that we are in the hands of a professional, and such is his command of a room that we know we will be laughing whether we want to or not.

Fulton is an imposing performer and plays this small, largely empty venue with the panache and confidence of an arena act. He does make reference to his choice of venue, pointing out that he hates soulless large gigs and that small quirky rooms suit him better. But the man could surely play any space and have any audience eating out the palm of his hand. His delivery is such and his charisma so hypnotic he could read out a technical list of gun specs and people would still go with him. This is not hypothetical, he proves this in the hour.

Thankfully the material matches the delivery. There are no gags here, no pull-back-to-reveals. These are purely tales of Fulton’s exceptional and at times seedy life. He insists that his stories are all completely true and shows off some of his scars to prove it. The story of him and his buddies high on cocaine trying to shoot a spyhole in a door coming from anyone else's mouth would sound far fetched and unbelievable, but from this wild and scar-covered American there is not one iota of doubt. In fact, he's probably toned it down to make it more accessible.

The hour is four or five longer stories broken up with shorter more general observations. His pacing is almost spot on, pulling something lighter out the hat when the darkness gets a little too much. Even us humble reviewers get a mention as Fulton points out the difference in the British and American/Canadian press. He revels in reading bad reviews as apparently we get creative with our insults. But there is very little to insult here.

The only, pretty minor, criticisms are that some of the observational snippets feel a little out of place and club-like. Do we really still talk about the Americans being late for World War 2? He also breaks pace and some of the slick professionalism he exudes by selling a marketing gimmick halfway through the show. It's a clever and fitting gimmick, but it feels a bit forced and seems beneath him.

But these couple of slips can be forgiven. This is a great hour of intense storytelling and laughs.

The man has had several near death experiences, one of which involves alcohol, a woman and Mitch Hedberg, and for comedy fans this tale alone is worth the admission fee.

Fulton's life reads like a movie. He's pushed himself to try everything, he's been detained under the terrorism act, he's survived an avalanche, he's been involved in domestic violence and he lays it all out before us in a captivating, hilarious and at times worrying hour.

Although he claims his drug days are over he is still a man that gets a thrill from taking huge risks. Apparently Hedberg told him 'life is about experiences. Fortunately we have Fulton to regale us with his rather than having to risk our lives finding out first hand.

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He's terrific. Totally individual with an amazing stage presence. And really really funny. Which reminds me, I must re-book him.

Jan Jack, March 2013

We saw Dave Fulton at the Comedy Store in Kingston's Rose Theatre last night and he was absolutely fantastic. He was able to move from, what I imagine is his set, to conversational ad libs with ease, he is the best comedian that we have seen live for a long time

Ad, October 2012

Saw Dave Fulton at Glee Club Cardiff last year and he was a breath of fresh air compared to alot of the usual tried and tested comedy routines we get to see on TV these days. He was very sharp and kept the crowd well under control, far from being booed off the crowd wanted more, hes not everyone's cup of tea and if you are easily offended then don't bother but I'd definitely go see him again.

Emma, February 2012

Saw him last night at the edinburgh festival, very funny especially the spyhole - gun thing. Would definitely see him again :)

kriskay, August 2011

Sorry Mark, but I wasn't near the Cardiff Glee in March 2008...wish I was then it'd be my first time boo'd off by white people.

fulton, November 2009

Very funny - very quick mind - an act that never stops. Saw him at Hellfire Comedy Club High Wycombe.

Mark Stewart, October 2008

This guy is not funny. he was booed off stage in Cardiff Glee Club. He left calling us all "fucking pussies" to which someone shouted "go away you're ruining our night"

Mark, March 2008

Very funny man, great timing and very slick. Saw him at Haywards Heath and he seemed in a desperate hurry to get away... I suppose that's Haywards Heath for you

Adrian Breeds, March 2008

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