Michael J Dolan: Nothing Will Ever Be Alright Again, Ever

• Rebecca Ross
• 5 August 2013

This article is from 2013.

Nihilist comedian appears likeable but lacks resolve

Dolan almost didn’t come to the Fringe this year – indeed, with this cursory performance it’s almost as though he isn’t quite here. What’s billed as a no-nonsense dose of misanthropy turns out to be merely a vacillating moan – its light tone and stumbling dialogue making you feel that even Dolan isn’t convinced by his peevish persona.

The premise of the show is that most of us should be shuffling off this mortal coil – and sooner rather than later. Zombie films are no more than a thinly veiled allegory for the all old folks, and such longevity is a man-made problem. “We’re not meant to be here” is the take home message of the performance – a phrase which, repeated to replace dwindling material, takes on increasing irony until the show seems to run out of steam and ends almost twenty minutes early. If only the human race would have the good grace to do the same.

Despite his lack of resolve, Dolan is certainly a likeable and endearing nihilist – perhaps he should give positivity a go.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 25 Aug (not 12), 4pm, £8–£9 (£7–£8).