Wilson Dixon

Ride into a world of deadpannery
Country and western star Wilson Dixon returns to the festival from his native Cripple Creek with songs from albums such as his debut, entitled Greatest Hits, and the subsequent Introducing Wilson Dixon. It's a mellow way to spend teatime, as he regales us with his stories of his family: his wife Maureen who left him for their neighbour Dwayne Richards, purveyor of 'substandardly designed carpets', and his uncle with the rather lengthy line in advice.
Some of the gags here are pitch perfect. A man with no name is described as arriving in town on 'a horse as big as a bus. Actually,' Dixon reconsiders, 'it might have been a bus.' Elsewhere there's a deadpan, surreal edge to lyrics like 'ma was by the river naked stinging herself with bees.' Other jokes still feel like they need a little work or, in the case of the pensioners mistaken for street entertainment, less explanation, but this peek at Wilson Dixon's world is an enjoyable one that is guaranteed to elicit a titter.
The Stand III & IV, 558 7272, until 24 Aug, 6pm, £8.50 (£7.50).