With multicoloured lights, a couple of coat stands, and a good few stretches of duct tape, Jonathan Oldfield presents the delightfully chaotic Exquisite Corpse, his debut comedy show. Loosely guided by a handful of personal reflections, Oldfield stitches a cast of characters together into a bizarre and silly sketch show. In watching, we’re not concerned with what comes next – Exquisite Corpse is, after all, utterly singular in its unpredictable joy.
Timing is a strength of Oldfield’s – we don’t stay too long on any one sketch, yet we’re always left satisfied by the storytelling and his attentive crafting of character. The thrill is sudden: with each character, Oldfield assumes a new accent, posture and story with astounding immediacy. From allotments to advertising, Oldfield takes us from place to place, with a few musical numbers and hip-swings to guide the way.
Despite the hilarity, Oldfield also maintains a unique warmth throughout the hour; there’s a palpable sense that he’s enjoying himself and wants his audience to enjoy themselves too – and a little side of audience participation certainly sweetens the deal. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously and we’re all the more at ease (and teary-eyed) for it. With Oldfield, it’s simple: god, it feels good to laugh.
Jonathan Oldfield: Exquisite Corpse, Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug (not 17), 9.40pm