Neil Hamburger

Why is Neil Hamburger so difficult to review? Well, it’s because every review is a success. Neil Hamburger’s purpose on stage consists of trying to appal an audience into walking out. What results is a convenient paradox which makes him very difficult to criticise at the risk of appearing oblivious to his MO.

It’s important to differentiate Hamburger from the “jokes so bad they’re funny” comics. His conventional material occasionally hits high notes in its own right, despite pushing bad taste to new limits. Old fashioned setup/punch-line humour is moulded into foul tirades against pop-culture deities like Courtney Love and Anthony Kiedis, intermittently breaking stride to insult bewildered audience members. Hamburger retches and splutters throughout the hour in a ragged suit whilst grease from his combed-over hair slides down over his vile expression.

Inevitably, the audience is divided between those rightfully repulsed by his manner and those who are satisfied by ten minutes of Michael Jackson material. However, there is another division populated by comics (Shappi Khorsandi, Des Bishop, Rich Fulcher and Sam Simmonds were all present on the night I witnessed Hamburger) who particularly relish the ‘anti-comedian’ choking through jokes and calling it a living. I happen to fall somewhere between the latter two, with my only reservation being that some of his references lacked tailoring for audiences unfamiliar with American culture.

A unique act like Neil Hamburger is awfully difficult to convey through text without appealing solely to his cult following. Hamburger is a disgusting joy to behold, and a rare treat at The Edinburgh Festival which I implore everyone to experience. After all, it wouldn’t be the same without the walkouts.

Reviewed by Christian Illingworth 18/08/2010

Neil Hamburger
Assembly Rooms @ George Street
23:00 August 16th-22nd