Hangover wank

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Markus Birdman: Fringe 2012
Live Review
Stand 2

‘Don’t heckle. I’m too old for that now,’ announces Markus Birdman at the top of his show. The bagpiper outside hasn’t heard him, but he soon quietens. But there will be no need to get us to pipe down as Birdman’s flow commands attention.

At 42, Birdman maintains he’s ‘half-dead’, at least mathematically speaking. Mentally and physically speaking, he seems on ebullient form. However, he recently has cause to reflect on his own vulnerability and mortality though when he suffered a stroke.

At first, because of the timing of it, the attack was put down to a hangover, but, when a loss of vision in one eye persisted he went to the opticians and a journey through the NHS began.

Birdman dips in and out of his story to muse on related topics, or to punctuate each step of his medical experiences, – such as intrusive questionnaires – with a joke. Occasionally his jokes are corny, but always pithy. Often he’s too quick for his audience or maybe too sly. A joke about a brain scan looking like a ‘laser bukkake’ almost goes over everyone’s heads.

Explorative surgery reveals more about his condition, clearing up what was a mystery to the doctors and forcing Birdman into a longer hospital stay. Patients around him find god, but Birdman - the son of a vicar who has spent many of his last Edinburgh shows illustrating how not religious he is – does not.

Instead what Birdman finds is six rules for living. They are noted on the tableau behind him, a collection of the former art student’s smart doodles, including depictions of Mexico’s ghoulish Day Of The Dead characters. Oh his set list is on there too, but Birdman is too accomplished a showman to ever let anyone see if he needed prompting.

The tips for living are all quite obvious; love, friends, taking pleasure in the little things and being your best… This hardly matters because their general nature allows free reign on examples, but they are well chosen to illustrate his point rather than feeling shoe-horned in. Quite simply they are born out of first-hand experience and not cliché – just like the rest of the show.

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Funny sharp and intelligent . More please.

Dante, August 2010

This guy is very funny, one of the best comics I have seen at the Blue Cat. He maintains good pace and delivery and his topics are always interesting. His CDs are worth buying too, and repay the outlay. In appearance, he reminds me a bit of the young George Best, with his beard and all. Which is kind of funny, right there.

John F Keane, June 2009

He's brilliant and in my opinion, the most under-rated act in the country at the moment. He's already a top headliner, but can go even further. I just hope that someone realises this and gives him the opportunity for greater exposure that he thoroughly deserves.

Matt Price, February 2009

Markus is one of the best stand ups i've seen in a long time. His CD Sympathy for the Devil is one of the most enjoyable things I've heard in years

Paul Yorke, December 2008

Saw Markus last night at Jongleurs in Cardiff, wiped the floor with the headliner - not laughed so much in ages. Will defo pay to see him again.

Kate York, February 2008

Totally unfunny, seen him twice now and died a death both times. He should pay us. Love Chortle but they should be a ban on so called comics like Markus Turdman.. sorry Birdman. Hope he doesn't make a living out of comedy. If he does then anyone can be a comic. Avoid at all costs.

Simon Docker, February 2008

He's a funny dude. Saw him in Amsterdam. Good lad.

davey, July 2007

Markus completely out performed the headline act in Harrogate last night with a trial run of this year's Edinburgh show. Funniest comedian seen in Harrogate for some time. Fully recommended!

Stew, July 2007

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