Show Details
Phil Nichol: Things I Like, I Lick Perrier nominee
Show type: Edinburgh Fringe 2002
Starring Comic:
Phil Nichol

Phil Nichol: Things I Like, I Lick Perrier nominee


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Description

"The picture is my friend Shannon.

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Reviews

Original Review:

Show Rating:Phil Nichol: Things I Like, I Lick Perrier nominee rated 4/5

It's rare these days to experience a genuinely exciting stand-up show, a show with a sense of danger and expectation in the presence of a truly unpredictable comedian.

Phil Nichol is one of those comics.

Though his show is obviously structured, a glint often enters his eyes, sparking a frisson of anticipation as you wonder exactly what's going to happen next.

This sense of the unexpected is brought to a head in the surprise ending. Phil has invited a performance artist to devise a different way to close the show each night, keeping him completely in the dark - an inspired idea that has already led to some bizarre scenes.

It's a far cry from the style of show's opening. Announced as the king of deadpan comedy, Nichol sets out with some laid-back one-liners, a delivery at polar opposite to his usual shtick.

But clearly this is just a gag, and Nichol quickly descends into frenzied rage, his veins throbbing and eyes bulging as he launches a vicious tirade against the catalogue of pain that has hit him over the past year.

Arrested after rowing with a train stewardess, dumped by his long-term girlfriend, laid up in hospital, deprived of his life savings and randomly punched in the face on a London Tube platform, it's been a miserable 12 months for Nichol. But at least it gives the rest of us something to laugh at.

The anger at these injustices fuels some passionate and exciting stand-up. Here's a man whose hacked off with the world and isn't shy about expressing it with so much energy he must be breaking at least two laws of thermodynamics.

Yet even this tempestuous fury subsides, thanks to the reasons to be cheerful that Nichol listed during his enforced hospital stay - the Things I Like which help bring the show to an upbeat conclusion. But not before we've had some belting songs, dollops of tasteless fun and a hefty dose of gloriously nihilistic attitude.

Nichol's definitely going on my list of Things I Like.
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Comments

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Absolutely brilliant, like a tsunami of comic current, in your face, no holds barred, unstoppable and totally absorbing. I can't believe how much his act has matured and evolved into an on stage presence that is unmistakably Phil Nichol.

Ally Dunn, October 2002

He is an inspiration to us all. Not to take anything away from the other nominees, but Phil being nominated was something that made everyone I know genuinely happy. Go get 'em buddy

Brendon Burns, September 2002

Fantastic gags that are still making us laugh.

Jeavon, August 2002

Seeing Phil for the second time was certainly all I could have hoped for. A little ditty called No Hope for New Toe Utopia (spurred by the fact someone sat a chair on their own foot) even had Phil stunned at his own wit. I do hope he doesn't burn out, though.

Dean, August 2002

Bang on - truly memorable and THE highlight of the fringe. Phil was a force of nature!

Klart, August 2002

I just saw him at the Edinburgh festival last night - he was heckled by one guy for a while at the start and his whole show fell apart. Some of his material is quite funny, much of it is a little funny, a big chunk is pretty woeful. The songs were good but he really needs to calm down a bit and deal with the heckling without taking it personally. He got really upset by the one guy and it threw him off completely. He even tried to have the guy forcebly removed. The rest of the audience had to intervene as it was getting too negative. He has talent but he needs to command it a little more I think.

Nick, August 2002

One of the best shows at Edinburgh this year. Truly excellent

Dave, August 2002

The best show I have seen so far. Perfect from beginning to end and he has the audience with him for a whole hour wich flashes by in seconds. I've seen the naked man and the cheese hunt and both took the roof off.

Mike Belgrave, August 2002

He is one of the best things I have ever seen in Edinburgh, and this is my 5th year, having seen over 200 shows. He makes me want to be a better person

Jackie, August 2002

I saw the show last night based on the Chortle review below and it was absolutely awesome!. The surprise involved everyone repeating whatever Phil said and Phil used it to excellently to talk to someone in the front row who'd been annoying him. 10 out of 10!

Bennet, August 2002

Hi, Phil's friend Shannon here. Each and every night I concoct a new surprise ending for the show. At the half way mark in the Festival, we have seen Phil try and deal with a 6ft 4in naked man, a giant chicken, a sign language standing ovation, a minute of silence and being pelted with 8 bs. of peanuts, just to name a few. I would like to solicite your ideas, whether you have seen the show or not. Email me every wacky idea you can think of! Let's not make it easy for Phil! Email me at surpriseendings@hotmail.com. Remember, do not post your ideas here, Phil will see! Thanks!

Shannon, August 2002

I saw Phil in Edinburgh for about two weeks ago. The best thing I've ever seen. I laughed my ass off. He was amazing. Thanks for the best night in a long time.

Fredrik, July 2002

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