EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: JAMES WILSON-TAYLOR: GINGER IS THE NEW BLACK, Underbelly, Cowgate, 12 August
In a time of great diversity awareness, media discussion, and societal polarisation, James Wislon-Taylor is ready for his voice to be heard. To light the flame for his red-haired revolution. Though years of bullying and historical percussion do highlight valid points throughout, Ginger is the New Black is a hilarious insight into one man's plight to end myths, and put the roaring hot 'grr' back into ginger.
Ginger is the New Black is the comedy equivalent of Thomas Knights's Red Hot photography project, which you could expect the handsome James to appear in the future. Both wish to shine a light on how ridiculous society's stereotypes are, and celebrate all things ginger and proud.
From Ron Wesley to Ed SHeeran, famous redheaded stars are turned into musical parody songs performed by James. The multitalented musician may not have the voice of fellow ginger Adele, but he can play a keyboard and ukulele and has a vividly comical tone to his vocals. Each of his musical numbers could be easily become a viral YouTube hit.
Though the songs are highly humorous, his comedy alone could fuel this one-man show. It's delivered with punchy confidence, stuffed with naughty innuendo and a relatability that makes you feel like he's your funny mate down the pub rather than a stranger on stage. You also get a mini history lesson to boot, as he delves into the history of red-haired repression. All in a style more BBC3 than BBC4.
For someone starting off you would expect it to be a four-star show, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Combined, all these elements create a package that's difficult to fault. The songs are hysterical, his comedy is on fire, the theme ties everything together, and the energy never drops with so much packed in. It is easy to see why Ginger is the New Black is selling out at the Fringe.
Expect to see James Wilson-Taylor become a familiar face of comedy. With this as his starting point he has found a niche to launch himself, but has the talent to carry on into other shows and themes.
James Wilson-Taylor: Ginger is the New Black runs at Underbelly, Cowgate until 28 August
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