Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Fringe veteran Alexander Bennett returns with a deeply introspective hour, boldly experimental and willing to probe into uncomfortable areas without the guaranteed release of laughter to ease the tension.

Its theme is risk, and the stand-up takes an admirable gamble in trying to nudge the boundaries of what a comedy show can be. But the thing with risk is that it doesn’t always pay off, and Emotional Daredevil offers too few moments of levity and too many of awkward intensity to be able to claim unqualified success.

Though he presents a soft, approachable persona, Bennett suppresses any ebullience for the sake of this show. Indeed, he seems to be channelling Derren Brown as he asks the audience earnest, searching questions about our honesty and happiness as he sizes us up.

This completed, we start the bulk of the show on relatively safe ground with anecdotes about terrible gigs, a terrible birthday present and terrible dates (accompanied by a little song and dance, waving those red flags).

These are precursors for deeper dives into Bennett’s psyche as he quietly and thoughtfully explores his aversion to taking risks in relationships and in how he presents himself to the world, as well as his PTSD and the shame he feels from a sexual inclination he revealed in a previous show.

It’s also not all about him – how rare for a comedian! – as he further subdues the atmosphere for some deep, often uncomfortable, dives elsewhere. 

Bennett’s certainly taking a risk on his show – should you do the same as a punter? Maybe, but be prepared for something different that prioritises unconventional soul-searching over easy entertainment.

Review date: 12 Aug 2024
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Gilded Balloon Patter House