Carl Donnelly: How You Solve a Problem Like Carl Donnelly?

Donnelly has been steadily building a rapport with the Fringe, having received a nomination for best newcomer last year. If anything, this year ought to be the platform to cement his position as a fringe favourite.

Things start slow. Latecomers prompt a staggered flow to the opening of Donnelly’s set. The familiar audience census takes place, usually a tell-tale sign for a comedians level of wit. Maybe an off night, but nothing of real worth derived from it. He makes a confession that he has failed to have his power nap, and presumably, it shows.

The show is a fairly autobiographical account of his need to grow up a little, and his narrow escape from fame. He is a clearly skilled storyteller. His accounts of his troublesome past are some of the most positive quips for the night, yet other tales bring the consistency down through a lack of a knockout punch. There is a feeling that he is trying to wing it. He does it fairly well, but no comedian at the fringe with a sizable venue should be playing off the cuff, a sign that he is not trying to reach the top. All in all, it makes for a schizophrenic evaluation, because the almost award winner can be sensed, but not quite seen on tonight’s occasion.

Reviewed by Chris Aitken 26/08/2010

Carl Donnelly: How You Solve a Problem Like Carl Donnely?
Underbelly
20:55 August 26th-29th