Review by Dave Hampson

Bratchy, aka David Bratchpiece, is a bloke who has lived his life so far to the full. Now 35 years old, this show regales us with stories of a hedonistic 15 years or so. In his twenties, he managed a popular nightclub in his native Glasgow, so it’s not hard to believe these tales of drink, weekend long binging and, most prominently, drugs.

However, this is not just an exercise in the glorification of drug taking. It would have been the most simplistic way of pulling off this show, but Bratchy has enough intelligence and awareness to go further, into exploring the questions around them while remaining entertaining and funny.

There are plenty of clever, well-thought out gags, especially in the first half-hour. There was one riot joke which was the only weak link, not funny or intelligent to justify its presence.

This leads to some extended audience interaction, which goes along comfortably for both Bratchy and the 20 gathered punters. His approach is sincere and honest and also disarming. The only point of question here is whether this could work in front of different, older audiences. Those present at this performance were mainly students and young people – and a veterinary graduate was a gift when the subject of ketamine arose.

Around 40 minutes in to the hour Bratchy announces he a promising ventriloquist. He then exits the room to fetch his puppet – which turns out to be a living breathing co-performer with a shocking wig and two lines drawn along the side of his mouth.

The material delivered during this concluding part of the show bears absolutely no relation to the previous portion and that’s a shame. Basic political shtick and jokes about Susan Boyle being visible on Google Earth proved to be an unflattering contrast to the excellent work that had passed before.

Review date: 20 Aug 2011
Reviewed by: Dave Hampson