Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour comedy review: Pure, masterful joy
Conk delivers a masterclass on how to win over a skeptical audience. Lauren McKay insists that Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour has cult Fringe hit written all over it
A countdown timer shows 60 minutes. Then there’s a voiceover: ‘Hey. My name’s Conk. I’m about to walk on stage and sing a song for you. Many times.’ You might assume that it’s just a joke, and that despite the title of this show, there’s no way anyone would just sing the same song over and over again for an hour and call it a Fringe show. Maybe it’ll give way to something else once the proper show starts? But it doesn’t. Conk walks out, the timer starts ticking, and he does exactly what he warned us would happen.
It’s an absurd concept. And yet it works, thanks to Conk’s physical craft. He’s a superb clown, using subtle facial expressions, shifts of movement and his whole body with each new variation of the tune. It’s a rare performer who could pull this off, but he controls the room completely. Before we know it, the crowd feel like we’re all in this thing together: we’re not just watching him do this ridiculous bit, but somehow we’re living it with him.
The first rendition of the song (no spoiler here about precisely what song) is fairly straight: there’s a mic stand, some dancing, and a bit of air guitar. By the third rendition, you may well be thinking, ‘surely he’s not going to keep doing this’. Conk meets that doubt head-on, glancing at the clock as if he’s thinking it too. By the fourth time through, the room’s disbelief has dissipated. We’re fully on board now, and every cheesy grin as the opening notes strike up again gets a bigger laugh than the last.
Somehow, every single rendition finds a new way to be funny. Dramatic reinterpretations, running gags, audience members drafted into the action. One is handed an instrument, while another is sent to fetch a pint. And, of course, there’s a singalong complete with lyrics. Although at that point, it’s doubtful that any audience member needs them.
By the end, no one’s checking the clock. And when the time is up and he finally takes his bow to shouts for an encore, his response is the perfect final beat. Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour might not be for you if you like your Fringe shows to have a deep meaning. There’s no arc and no big lesson here. But if you’re looking for pure, unadulterated joy from a master of his craft, this is exactly that. And couldn’t we all do with some more joy in our lives?
Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour, Summerhall, until 31 August, 7.45pm; picture: Madeline Royce.