Paul Foot

Paul Foot isn’t like other comedians. This much can be gleaned from a quick glance at his gangly frame, his bizarre attire and avant-garde haircut. His comedy is as unconventional as his appearance and, over the past few years, it has helped him build something of a cult following among aficionados, critics and fellow performers.

Foot reckons that he doesn’t have fans but rather "connoisseurs." Certainly he has little mainstream appeal, and that's what makes him so wonderful: he stands bravely, sometimes provocatively, out from the crowd. He likes to test boundaries and find out what audiences are prepared to endure. For instance, he spends several minutes elaborately berating one audience member for not applauding his entrance. Later, he dedicates almost five minutes to receiving an imaginary phone call, silently revelling in the confusion of his crowd. There are few comedians with either the bravery or the ability to pull this off.

There are stylistic similarities between Foot and more mainstream comics like Russell Brand or Noel Fielding (who directs this show). Foot’s tendency to go off on daft tangents while discussing village-hall inanities is very much reminiscent of Brand’s quirky domestic surrealism. However, there is much more of an anarchic edge about Foot’s work, with a dangerous quality about him --as those who sit uncomfortably through his brilliant "homophobic shire-horse" section will be able to attest.

It should be pointed out that Foot might not be suited to the casual Fringe punter. However, for comedy fans, this set has to figure highly on the Fringe wish-list.