Sam Eley Is Basil Crumbwick: Soul Sewage comedy review – Ridiculous invective
The mischief-making grotesque proves to be unsubtle, consistently hilarious company
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With his bulbous pink head, bloodshot eyes and carpet-sample hair, Basil Crumbwick is a horrific sight. Tottering around the stage with his high centre of gravity and restricted field of view, there’s always the fear that he might do himself (or an audience member) a mischief. The grotesque mask gives comedian Sam Eley licence to push the character’s risqué jokes further than he himself might otherwise go: Crumbwick is a middle-aged, Reform-voting misanthrope with ghastly opinions on Adolf Hitler, Harold Shipman and, remarkably, Malala Yousafzai, and he makes his points with wild gesticulations and furious invective.
Subtlety is not on the cards but Crumbwick occasionally veers away from his rage-filled default. And his entirely deadpan visage is somehow always appropriate, whether he’s spouting cod philosophy or making desperate attempts to spark a friendship with the local bin man. Eley’s gag writing is consistently strong and he has a real knack for spinning surreal encounters. At times, there’s a hint of Reece Shearsmith beneath the mask, while much of the material recalls vintage Vic And Bob and, more recently, Joe Kent-Walters’ wonderfully dark creation Frankie Monroe. Like those performers, Eley has created a character who feels ripe for a cult following: ridiculous, unpredictable and genuinely edgy.
Sam Eley Is Basil Crumbwick: Soul Sewage, Monkey Barrel, until 30 August, 11.25pm; picture: Sophie Holden.