Al Pitcher - Tiny Triumphs

• Niki Boyle
• 21 August 2012

This article is from 2012.

A funny if unchallenging appreciation of life’s little amusements

Most people are too busy to stop and appreciate life’s small absurdities, but not Al Pitcher. He spends his days taking photos of things that amuse him, then presents a slideshow of his results at that evening’s performance. It’s a performance style that sits well with the digital age – he operates much the same way as internet programs like StumbleUpon or Reddit, which aggregate funny pictures of cats for you to cycle through and, on special occasions, award a virtual thumbs up. He just has a better commentary.

While none of what he says is very profound, it does feel good to share the usually solitary pleasure of picture-based lulz with a room full of people. Pitcher, as well as possessing a keen eye for a funny picture, has an open and likeable personality, and while his jokes are only slightly funnier than your mates’ on a good night out, that’s only as funny as they need to be.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 26 Aug, 8.15pm, £9.50--£10.50 (£8.50--£9.50).