Festival review: Hannibal Buress: Still Saying Stuff; Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33)

By Jay Richardson
Published on 17/08/2012 16:52

After last year’s best newcomer nominated debut, this is a disappointingly patchy effort from Hannibal Buress.

His title could be interpreted as indicative, reflecting an affected lack of development in the past 12 months, in tandem with his expressed reluctance to be in Edinburgh.

Tongue-in-cheek sentiments perhaps, because his projection of laid-back nonchalance and sensitive irritability never truly slips. But this American can’t dispel the impression that he hasn’t brought his “A” game.

He opens compellingly with the account of a resisted one-night stand, appreciating just how much baggage he was expected to carry on behalf of all men, foreshadowing a later liaison in London from which neither participant disengages with any glory.

He never strives to be likeable, admitting his laziness, arrogance, cheapness and duplicity. And yet I warmed to Buress for his brass neck and honesty, such as his tale of blagging his way into an Eddie Griffin gig, then holding up his hands when he’s caught.

He has some sharp observations on flip phones, the liberation of reading on an iPad and how deep you can get into your favourite TV series. But there are rather too many hazy routines that simply peter out.

Rating: * * *

Until 27 August. Today 9:45pm.