What is the role and value of a political comedian amid a time of global political crisis? In Love Bombing, Sid Singh asks his audience and himself exactly this. From recounting a date with his stalker to lamenting the poor financial skills which see him with a magician for a flatmate, Singh welcomes us into his own failings as well as that of our wider political system – primarily, the violence of the Trump administration. In this, Singh offers an impassioned and quick-witted manifesto to fight for social justice and resist our own political burnout.
Assured in his own comedic rhythm, Singh carries us with ease. Self-deprecating asides are well-balanced by sharp – albeit unsurprising – notes on a myriad of prejudices. At times, the structure certainly trips over itself, with an unnecessary reference to Twilight’s infamous baseball scene. However, such detours are forgiven in Singh’s deft yet emotive ending which calls for our commitment to tackle our contemporary crises head-on.
Most notably, Singh cares – he really, really cares. Such care isn’t clout-driven or financially viable (he’s keen to remind us that his 17 years in comedy haven’t left him exactly rich); rather, his earnestness is the brilliance of the hour. It’s all too easy to be apathetic: with Singh, however, compassion is catching and joyfully cheeky, too.
Sid Singh: Love Bombing, Laughing Horse at The Counting House, until 30 Aug, 4.15pm