By Colin Flaherty
Accompanied by his backing band, drum and keys duo The Child Labourists, Chris Turner returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a show about sticking to your childhood dreams, even when they are kinda questionable in hindsight. Through stand up and song he recounts his journey to become the musical comedian / rapper he is today and how he plans on encouraging that drive in his daughter.
This show certainly reaches for the stars being presented as a huge stadium concert even though it’s self aware that this takes place in a low ceilinged room. The theme is covered with plenty of nods to childhood play in the way the band are dressed and the large toybox centre of stage containing Chris’ many costume pieces.
There is a great audio visual aspect to this performance in the many photos documenting Turner’s upbringing and family, as well as video messages from his parents. Unfortunately the smallish screen sits between the drummer and keyboardist so those at side of stage or behind a pillar won’t have the best vantage point to catch it all.
Surveys from the audience via an online portal prior to the show (once again, thanks 3 for the “brilliant” mobile coverage) are used to generate material for a couple of showstopping rap numbers. These responses, about childhood dreams and life advice, allow Turner to show off his improvised rapping chops with effortless flow and witty lines. Similarly, he is impressively quick in his riffing with the audience to instantly whip up hysterical lines during his stand up segments.
This trio cover a wide range of the musical styles in this hour. Turner croons in the Charles Aznavour styled “J’aime le derierre” with its many single enterdres. The new wave of “80s Kid (technically)” reels off every 1980s clichĂ© imaginable to a danceable electro beat. “I put a baby in the womb” gives us a brief ditty of 50s doowop. We also get high energy pop punk with “My Dad is better than your Dad”. All the tunes were dense with witty lyrics, often of a hilarious self deprecating nature.
Childish is sure to delight with a plethora of laughter and toe tapping throughout. You’ll leave the venue humming the catchy tunes and embracing your optimistic child within.
Childish is on at Underbelly, Cowgate until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/chris-turner-childish