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Count Arthur Strong's The Greatest Story Ever Told
Craig Hill
Cream Of Irish Comedy
Creatures In Cream
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Show type: Edinburgh Fringe 2003
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Count Arthur Strong's The Greatest Story Ever Told
After the enormous success of Count Arthur Strong's Forgotten Egypt at last year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Count now turns his attention toThe Bible
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Original Review:
Count Arthur spits. All over his lectern, the stage, and the front row, where this reviewer happens to be seated. It is hard to sit comfortably when you're attempting to dodge saliva; but then The Greatest Story Ever Told was never going to be a comfortable, light-hearted hour of fun. Essentially the rantings of an old man possibly suffering from senile dementia, the 'story' revolves around the Count's attempt to get his autobiography published. Preoccupied with potential titles, his dictaphone and his life in Doncaster, he spouts unfollowable nonsense, occasionally accompanied by a disembodied voice. At times this confusion and befuddlement can be amusing, as when he auditions to play the role of 007 in the forthcoming Bond film, or engineers a winetasting session to disguise his alcoholism. However, most of his ideas are overstretched until they lose their humour and become embarrassing, while the interpretations of Genesis and the Last Supper are long-winded and dull. There's no denying that Steve Delaney has created a very convincing character in the Count that of a sweaty, unhappy elderly gent who spews out pompous bile, gradually losing his mind. However, next time you want to be trapped and drenched for an hour by an inebriated old man, it might be cheaper to try your local pub. |
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This is sheer genius. Even the spitting was classy and well placed especially on the nights that critics sat in the front. Anyway, jokes are so, so 90's. Character comedy is the way forward and Count Arthuir should be called King Arthur of Comedy. Tony Price, May 2004 |
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Just seen the Count as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival for the first time very funny, clever and original - most entertaining; can't wait for his next lecture. Heather Cox, February 2004 |
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Sheer genuis I haven't laughed so much for years. Barry Lightfoot, November 2003 |
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I agree with everything Ariane Sherine has ever uttered and is yet to utter.And as far as the spitting goes, if she hadn't spat at me first none of that would have happened! So that's a lesson to be learnt there for someone! Count Arthur Strong, August 2003 |
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Perhaps the show stretches the material 15 minutes too far. It is inspired and amusing, however, and one of the outstanding moments of the Fringe this year. Go and see it. Ed, August 2003 |
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I liked it, but more laughs were to be had watching the man in front of me get annoyed because The Count wasn't telling any "jokes". Mr Pointon Jones, August 2003 |
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Classier than 99.9% of current telly dregs Joan Culloty, August 2003 |

