Olaf Falafel Presents: The Marmosets of My Mind

A vital and vibrant part of the free fringe is whimsy-laden shows that revel in confusing their audiences. Their pleasure is in disorientating punters, many of whom sit bemused, the performer seemingly taking delight in the discombobulation they're causing. Olaf Falafel is such a comedian, his show a destabilising concoction of unabashed silliness.

But while the joy in such palaver is precisely this sense of dislocation, there still needs to be something that grounds the comedian’s world in order for the audience to know where they're being taken. It is in this aspect that Falafel doesn't quite hit the mark. An opening musical number, clearly intended to set the tone, instead produces mainly bafflement. There is tension in the air. And though Falafel’s engaging personality eventually puts everyone at ease, it's a false start that doesn't augur well.

Multiple callbacks indicate a desire to produce a Harry Hill-style cavalcade of juggled jokes, but the scaffolding’s not in place to hold all this up. When momentum is achieved it is suddenly halted by a moment that doesn't quite sing. This is a shame because there's skill in the brevity of some of the one-liners, such as a great gag about spaghetti. Technically complex moments using video and Powerpoint indicate an interest in the comic value of visuals. The hour works towards an admittedly rousing finale of audience participation that is delightful. But it's an unfortunately uneven journey getting there.