Andrew And Carrie: A Night Of Comedy, Violins And Violence comedy review – Apologetic stand-up
A two-hander which treads lightly through US politics and assisted suicide
Essentially two shows in one, linked only by its Los Angeles-based performers being a couple, Carrie Nagy and Andrew Cornelius offer confessional storytelling bookended by prostrating, apologetic stand-up. Cornelius opens, a smiling compere for his partner, and closes their familial tale, with his tiny supporting artist role in it, explaining why he wanted no part of the drama. He’s equally keen to distance himself from his troubled homeland. Recalling Trump’s most recent election and his mounting horror (as per Cornelius’ solo American Apology show earlier in the Fringe), he invites the audience to air their grievances with the US, improvising ingratiating mea culpas, forging a spirit of reconciliation. Lightweight stuff, it is at least a sop for bleeding-heart liberals.
Nagy’s tale of murder is scarcely darker, concerning keeping the euthanasia of her beloved family dog from her dementia-suffering mother. A mercy killing with subterfuge, it’s a mildly twisty tale. Yet personal devotion to the hound notwithstanding, it doesn’t merit the peril Nagy ascribes to it. Still, she’s an accomplished violinist and swells the story with film scores and snatches of classical pieces. Her catharsis in sharing the grim deed is palpable. As with her effusive partner’s requests for forgiveness, there’s grace in the bloodletting.
Andrew And Carrie: A Night Of Comedy, Violins And Violence, Just The Tonic Caves, until 30 August, 5.20pm; picture: Kelsey Edwards.