Andrew Maxwell: The Lights Are On, Assembly George Square, Edinburgh
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The lights are almost always on in Andrew Maxwell's sprightly mind. After his 2009 show, The Lamp, which, ironically, displayed a dimming in quality, the Irishman is back on form. And he is as quick as ever to give us what we need – namely a valve for the antipathy building up towards a world that is continually throwing up events as unsettled as the weather.
He is straight into the UK riots, imagining Seb Coe in the foetal position, crying over the loss of the Olympic spirit. Of the geographic and racial variation of the rioters, he says: "Black kids in London, Asian kids in Birmingham and white kids in Manchester: it's a scumbag rainbow."
Maxwell broad-brushes with a broad grin and that last gag indicates the ground he seeks to cover. He tickles the Celts, teases the English, winds up the faiths and goes for a wander abroad where appropriate.
"Israel wouldn't feel safe it was being spooned by the Hulk," the bowl-haired comic says, before criticising Pakistan for hindering the search for Bin Laden as well as England's ire towards Pakistan for being more focused on cricket. This is an equal-opportunities tour de force from a master mocker.
To 29 August (0131 623 3030)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments