Who would have thought that a stand up act would come across with so much charm and wit dressed like an oil drum and sporting a horrifying dislocated shoulder?
Chris Cross would perhaps take offence to being labelled a stand up comedian. Throughout the show he eagerly promotes himself as an escapologist and contortionist. To accentuate this point, he carries a semblance of an on-stage persona larger than that of a regular stand-up, particularly in his striking vertical hairstyle and the black and yellow outfit draping his gangling frame.
However, Chris Cross delivered so many belly laughs in his one hour show it is difficult not to think of him in this light. Not only did he patter with the audience consistently, but he also straight batted hecklers admirably.
Sadly, the escapology aspect of the show feels old hat, and is only bound together by the cheeky quips he peppers throughout. A small, intimate space plays to Chris Cross’ strengths as a performer, where audience interaction is more frequent and observations are easier to make.
The overall feel of the show is not polished, and after the show I left feeling that outwith the accepting aura of the Free Fringe, the limited premise of the show may test the patience of those looking for more of Chris Cross’ ability to twist himself into knots, and less of his rapid fire chatter.
With that said, this is certainly one of the best free shows available, and Chris Cross mesmerised the crowd with his energy, comic timing, and mingin’ body tricks. Well worth a look, and he certainly deserves a few of your pennies after the show.
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