Observational comedy at its finest – Brodkin puts on an unmissable new show
Character comic and original prankster Simon Brodkin is probably best known for playing cheeky chappy Lee Nelson, handing Theresa May her P45 and for dumping golf balls adorned with swastikas in front of Donald Trump to highlight his racist views. But he's also an exceptional stand-up and, in his latest solo show Xavier, he absolutely shines.
Making well-informed and clever quips, the Camden-born Jewish comedian touches on topics like the recent swathe of trade strikes (he's a former doctor, so he knows of what he jokes) and makes digs at famous faces such as Matt Hancock and The Royals. He unpicks the heavy subject of class disparity in the UK with such charm and wit that you can't help but laugh. Plus, his accents are second to none and his delivery is seamless. Happily belly-laughing away, the hour will be up before his quickfire punchlines have even had time to sink in.
And if you're wondering who Xavier is – he's the perfect embodiment of the kind of man Brodkin thinks his caring teacher wife deserves, if only he loved her enough to let her go and find him. For now, she'll have to settle with this London lad who, if nothing else, offers some of the best observational comedy you'll see all year.
By Danielle Goldstein
Simon Brodkin: Xavier runs until Sunday 27 August. 8.30pm. £15/£16, £14/£15 concs. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Courtyard: Fourth, EH8 9TJ. He then tours the UK with Screwed Up from September until March 2024. simonbrodkin.com