Review by Steve Bennett

Marc Maron is one of the select few American acts flown into this year’s festival, but he seems to be having a rough time of it, telling us of the ‘detached, cold, angry stares’ he’s been getting at other gigs.

If true, that’s tough, because he’s an accomplished comedian, although the raw, honest and personal nature of his routine means that laughs are sometimes going to be sacrificed for depth of material.

From what he says, he’s been something of a screw-up; twice married with past drink and drug problems – an addictive personality that once seemed exciting and glamorous, but now sees him sadly chasing highs in a litre tub of Haagen Dazs. He describes himself as ‘a little gnarly’ and certainly a strong stench of bitterness and self-hatred comes off this routine.

But such a sour viewpoint yields comedy that’s incisive as it is prickly; intelligent, confessional and sometimes very funny. But leaving you in very little doubt you’d never want to be in his shoes.

June 6, 2010

Review date: 30 Jul 2010
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