William Andrews: Willy

• Kenza Marland
• 22 August 2018

This article is from 2018

Quirky Edinburgh return takes a leftfield approach to parenthood

After a ten-year Fringe hiatus, William Andrews is back with his half-daft, half-earnest style of comedy. Performing most of the show with an empty Hovis bag on his head, having lengthy conversations with his imaginary, chain-smoking, Irish, speech-therapist wife, and projecting his singing face onto a balloon to perform a karaoke rendition of 'Angels' by Robbie Williams: this is just some of what's in store.

The show is an uphill journey, and what starts as deliberately uncomfortable and disorientating becomes rapidly entertaining and, by the end, quite moving. Andrews' unusual and quirky style takes getting used to, but once you're onboard there are moments of real delight. Exploring the highs and lows of hitting middle-age, Willy recounts tales of parenthood from a refreshing perspective: his son has helped dismantle his ego, and for that he seems grateful.

Undoubtedly he'll be a marmite comic, but Andrews is one worth giving a go. If you love him, you'll be head over heels. There will be many who won't be taken in by his pacy, often repetitive lines, delivered fervently and chaotically. And make sure you dodge the Calpol at the end …

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug, 4.45pm, £9–£12 (£8–£11).