Daniel Piper is in Four Gangs

• Brian Donaldson
• 9 August 2016

This article is from 2016.

Enjoyably light romp about the joys of being friends with other human beings

This amiably uncool Yorkshire poet and storyteller throws some physical fun into proceedings for his show, Daniel Piper is in Four Gangs. In particular, he seems to like a good old fight scene in the James Bond karate style, even if it happens to be an imaginary parent he's fending off with a frenzy of choreographed punches. In a largely kid-friendly show (the two parentally-guided young ones near the front might have laid some questions on their Fringe-visiting guardians afterwards about all the sex talk in one scene), Piper's narrative is about a lad who goes through life flitting in and out of peer-based collectives (aka gangs).

The gangs he joins include the one with his brother as they attempt a bold night-time mission in scoring some Munch Bunch yoghurts from the fridge; a James Bond web community; and a slam poetry team which ultimately offers him the chance of true love.

An inoffensive and jolly display of one man's talent, Daniel Piper's slightly detached and awkwardly geeky stage persona keeps things bumbling along nicely and this gentle affair could proffer an enjoyably light diversion if you need a break from some of the tougher material being spouted during August.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 28 Aug (not 15), 4pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50).