REVIEW: Ed Byrne Tragedy Plus Time Tour at Cheltenham Town Hall

Cheltenham

Heartfelt, unflinchingly frank and quick witted, household comic favourite Ed Byrne took to the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall on Wednesday, 22nd May 2024, with a show billed as his most personal to date.

 

 

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. In the extension of the nationwide tour following his Best Reviewed Show at the Fringe, Ed sets out to test this theory with the exploration of the most tragic event in his life - and proves that something that is not remotely funny at the time, can become funny later.

Ed barely stops for breath in his no holds barred, roller-coaster observations of life and death, the fallacy of the Irish goodbye (must admit my dad also always leaves the pub like he’s running for mayor), why people just aren’t grateful when called a moron and the invitation to Covid denialists to “suck the farts” from his ass.

“If you’re struggling with that one, there’s some more beauties to come” quips Ed. There certainly was as he fired out more tennis balls than his wife could clock in a lifetime of matches. A grand slam of a win if you caught them all despite the sheer speed of delivery and the venue’s poor acoustics.

From car break ins, poor customer service and an ADHD diagnosis signalling prospective new diversity (being Irish is no longer enough) to the cathartic narration of his brother Paul’s passing, laughs and jokes are aplenty. Some cut very close to the bone but even if you don’t like them all, you’ll likely find a favourite in Ed’s incredibly touching and relatable story.

As the world keeps turning, one take home undoubtedly lies at the very heart of this tale of acute grief and regret- alongside the note to self of what songs perhaps not to play at the bedside and funerals of loved ones and what not to say.

It may or may not be the best show Ed Byrne has ever done but it undoubtedly includes the darkest joke he has ever told and the most poignant of messages: Life is short; say what you can to who you can, when you can and while you can.

For up-to-date 2024 tour listings, please visit HERE

Review by Lady Janey

 

 

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