I’ve known about Tim Key for a while – initially through the
short-lived but brilliant BBC mock-quiz show ‘We Need Answers’ with Alex Horne
and Mark Watson (originally an Edinburgh show), then having seen Tim Key in
Daniel Kitson’s production ‘Tree’ and listened to Key’s Comedian’s Comedian
Podcast episode, I was finally convinced to see what Key had to offer.
Key has a strong, dominating but almost aloof stage
presence. He acknowledges the crowd, but it’s also as if he doesn’t quite trust
us, or believe we’re actually here. He seems imperious and separate, like a
lion coolly observing its audience through a cage.
Megadate is his work-in-progress show, but it’s pretty well
worked up already. It tells the story of his date and his search for his lost
hat. The show switches between filmed, arty black-and-white montages of the
date and the following day as he goes about his search for his hat, with a
detailed chronically of Key’s persistent, perhaps ill-judged texting of his
date, who never responds.
Each section of the show is punctuated by a clip, and between
each clip is a dazzlingly impressive costume change from Key as he relives his
night and retraces his steps.
Throughout he recounts what happened on the date, punctuated
with breaks where he recites his famous short poems on playing cards.
Overall this is a magnificent production – this is Key at
his prime. He had the audience’s absolute attention, taking us on a bewildering
journey in his inimitable style. His persona is a curious blend of ragged
detachment, haughty commander and skilled raconteur. He keeps the audience on
its toes, forever guessing what’ll happen next and it’s exhilarating.
So thrilled was I from the 2017 work-in-progress I’m
watching it again this year.
Key is an exceptionally talented writer and performer –
there’s no one quite like him and my God does he know how to play his audience.
Score: 10/10
Venue: Pleasance Dome
No comments:
Post a Comment