A fine sense of the ridiculous

The success of LOL Productions, who presented their 17th edition comedy, serves to prove there’s an eager market for comedy in Malta. However, in contrast to LOL Productions’ previous sold-out shows, still referenced in terms of quality and style, this edition was something of a mixed bag.

In contrast to LOL Productions’ previous sold-out shows, this edition was something of a mixed bag- Pete Farrugia

An XFM radio host buzzed over the hum of guests, and magician James Ryder provided a little pre-show entertainment with close-up card and coin tricks.

When British comedian Tim Fitz­Higham finally took to the stage, we expected much. Critics’ Award and Editors’ Award winner at Edinburgh in 2005, he’s well-known for an eclectic and exuberant style with jokes drawn from his adventures paddling a paper boat down the Thames and rowing a bathtub across the English Channel (the bathtub’s currently on display in the National Maritime Museum, London).

I waited for him to talk about that epic 200-mile journey in an antique Thomas Crapper bath, tossed about on grey Channel waves, but what we actually got was a rather sedate MC who seemed content to lead us through a gently meandering routine. It was full of stories about his two-year-old daughter and lots of “so where are you from Sir/Madam?” banter. Maybe his decision to play it mellow was an effort to let the other acts shine, or maybe he was tired. Why he was earmarked as MC instead of an actual act is anybody’s guess and whatever the reason, the man whose madcap odyssey nabbed him the acclaim of the British press and an audience with the Queen just wasn’t in the mood.

Next up was Tony Law, a London-based Canadian stand-up comic who looks a lot like a 19th century Arctic explorer (and knows it). His blend of surreality and meta-comedy produced a predictably unpredictable act, something between Noel Fielding and Rik Mayall. He spent time mocking and teasing the sponsors’ advertise-ments, which were strategically strewn across the stage, and the audience seemed to enjoy that most of all. His DVD, An Hour and Some of Tony Law was released in 2008 and is, presumably, still available.

The evening closed with Junior Simpson, a comedian from Luton who’s famous for appearing in film (Love Actually), and on TV (Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The 11 O’clock Show). A popular face on the UK comedy circuit, this was his first visit to Malta and Simpson singlehandedly justified the show’s AO rating – and was charming with it.

His energetic style found a comfortable balance between anecdotal hu­mour and the kind of mischievous ‘man to man’ confessions that go down well everywhere.

As good as it is bringing international talent to the island, it would be nice to see more Maltese stand-up presented on a par with foreign offerings. Why hasn’t a comedy circuit sub-culture developed here yet? Having said that, there’s already plenty of hilarious stuff on local TV.

On any given Friday, an episode of Malta’s “most watched television programme” is by turns morbidly fascinating, outrageously crass and downright ridiculous. Hats off to all the people who can sit through an entire show.

And maybe that’s the reason Malta can’t be bothered to develop the kind of comedians who thrive in other countries – they save their pent-up sense of the absurd for special occasions, we’ve made it a lifestyle choice.

Still, it’s thanks to shows like this that many people get their first experience of professional stand-up, and that might motivate aspiring comics to take the plunge.

As regards LOL Productions’ upcoming 18th edition, if the organisers can find a happy balance between booking worthwhile acts and bringing them together in interesting combinations, audiences will undoubtably continue to attend, and anticipate each performance.