Is social media killing live comedy? Obviously not but it makes a good opening line. However, maybe it is changing it ever so slightly. I've seen a number of shows in Edinburgh this summer where there is less of an element of suprise because I've been aware of the basic plot because I've read about it on Facebook/Twitter/etc as it happened. Ross Smith is a case in point.
Earlier this year the story of how Smith was invited on a free lads' holiday in Hamburg because a spare ticket had his name on it was picked up and went viral. It gave the comedian his five minutes of fame and earnt him a lot more followers on Twitter as he live-tweeted his "will I survive this?" weekend.
In I Am Ross Smith the amiable, youthful comic expands on the story and also gives his more accurate version of events, which, inevitably, is different to the version in the press, which tended to home in on the boozing, brothels and bad hangovers.
Of course there is plenty of boozing, brothels and bad hangovers here too, but Smith puts everything into context, filling us in on his family background and childhood and the reason why he felt it was about time he took this Dice Man-style leap out of his comfort zone.
And as for the three lads, they are not just Jagerbomb-downing cartoon neanderthals, they are human. Whether Smith becomes their bezzie mate for life after this adventure you'll have to see the show to find out.
It's all well told by a comedian whose career was clearly on the way up before this delicious story tailor-made for the Fringe fell into his lap. This is a nice calling card with laugh-out loud gags and more subtle jokes that are cleverly set up. It also touches on more existential questions. Who are we? What shapes us? Can we ever change? What are the German lyrics to Nena's 99 Red Balloons?
You might think you already know Smith's story from the headlines, but go and see I Am Ross Smith to read beyond the bullet points. And also to have a good laugh.
Until August 26. Info here.
Read more Edinburgh Fringe reviews here.
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