Huggers-Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret
by Nik Coppin
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 (Free Festival)
Laughing Horse @ Free Sisters
I don't get it
A nice, eye-catching poster of two bunnies hugging each other. An image with no reference to the show whatsoever. The title-Huggers-Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret. The only reference to the show is when the presenter Nik Coppin at the beginning of the show asks the audience to hug one another. And that would be it. What this show is, is a sample showcase of three stand-up comedians who have their own individual comedy acts for adults and use this so called “family friendly comedy and cabaret” to promote their adult show to parents that brought their kids believing it’s something for the kids. And of course buy tickets. Or maybe, the comedians wanted to try performing for the kids-in which case, they need to spend considerably more time with kids to see what really appeals to kids without putting nonsense into their heads. Because most of their jokes were balancing on the verge of disrespect for young children’s inability of critical thinking. Most of the jokes were rather about kids, which made some parents giggle but many people seemed disappointed. OK, personally I don’t like stand up comedy. There is maybe a handful of comedians around the world whose jokes are funny to me. I do respect comedians, though. I think they are a really brave lot getting up on the stage wanting to make people laugh. The more I don’t get why three smart and experienced comedians decided to be part of this? For me, the effect was contrary to the goal. Rather than wanting to see their acts I wanted to leave the venue as soon as the house lights wen up.
by Nik Coppin
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 (Free Festival)
Laughing Horse @ Free Sisters
I don't get it
A nice, eye-catching poster of two bunnies hugging each other. An image with no reference to the show whatsoever. The title-Huggers-Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret. The only reference to the show is when the presenter Nik Coppin at the beginning of the show asks the audience to hug one another. And that would be it. What this show is, is a sample showcase of three stand-up comedians who have their own individual comedy acts for adults and use this so called “family friendly comedy and cabaret” to promote their adult show to parents that brought their kids believing it’s something for the kids. And of course buy tickets. Or maybe, the comedians wanted to try performing for the kids-in which case, they need to spend considerably more time with kids to see what really appeals to kids without putting nonsense into their heads. Because most of their jokes were balancing on the verge of disrespect for young children’s inability of critical thinking. Most of the jokes were rather about kids, which made some parents giggle but many people seemed disappointed. OK, personally I don’t like stand up comedy. There is maybe a handful of comedians around the world whose jokes are funny to me. I do respect comedians, though. I think they are a really brave lot getting up on the stage wanting to make people laugh. The more I don’t get why three smart and experienced comedians decided to be part of this? For me, the effect was contrary to the goal. Rather than wanting to see their acts I wanted to leave the venue as soon as the house lights wen up.