Alex Horne

Source: The List (Issue 584)
Date: 23 August 2007
Written by: Brian Donaldson

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Leaving you twitching with laughter

Alex Horne revels in trying to find comedy in the most unlikely of corners. It’s one thing to make fun out of ancient languages (the absurdities of Latin was the topic of his last full Fringe run) but he’s now moved on to the inherently unfunny pursuit of birdwatching. The boy clearly likes a challenge, for it’s not even one of his true passions, the show being engineered from his dad’s favourite leisure activity.

In Dave Gorman-esque style, Horne set himself the task of adopting this hobby and aimed to spot more birds over the course of a year than his father. Admittedly, this raw synopsis makes the show sound less than hilarious. But Horne’s wide-eyed appetite for knowledge shines through and uncovers the naturally ridiculous elements of his findings. He’s certainly helped along the way by stumbling across some genuine eccentrics in his audience (perhaps this was part of his strategy in doing the show) and his material almost takes second place to the leftfield banter. And who on the Fringe can wield a better PowerPoint presentation? (Brian Donaldson)

Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 27 Aug, 7.40pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8–£9).

More: Edinburgh Festivals, Festival Fringe, Reviews (Comedy), Stand-up (Comedy)