Abandoman: Hot Desk

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There’s definitely something to be said for being hurled into the deep end. Improv hip-hop duo Abandoman’s first gig together was a last-minute support slot for a US rapper at London’s sizeable Scala, after main-man Rob Broderick persuaded the people he was buying tickets from to let them fill in. Performing an hour of unscripted raps to big Fringe crowds probably seems pretty chilled by comparison: certainly Broderick and co make it seem so.

Happily ensconced at the 400-seat Udderbelly for a second year, Abandoman appear untouched by the annual traumas that bedevil regular stand ups: they always look to be having a fabulous time, and I’ve yet to see an audience not go nuts. No doubt Broderick mentally thrashes himself backstage for every minor wordplay slip, but the charm and chutzpah rarely flag while he’s in full flow.

Not that it’s a one-man team: guitarist James Hancox is an unsung chorus-coiner, and this year they’ve support from a handy new drummer/Rihanna impersonator. Oh, and P Diddy. Hot Desk refers to Diddy’s patented hit-making machine, the premise being that Abandoman have an hour to make him at least one chart smash. They’re regularly berated by Diddy between improvised ditties.

If anything the show peaks too soon, hitting particular heights when Broderick gets in amongst the audience, particularly the early bit where he hurtles around rapping about random personal items we’re all waving. Although the standout moment here is a ballad that leads to a venerable lady getting unexpectedly down and dirty. I’m not sure any of us ever really recovered from that.