Review

REVIEW: Mr Thing – 4*

Radio Ha-Ha! talks Ha-Ha!

Written by Sarah Exton

Review date: 5th August 2019

Mr Thing made quite the impact at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, and having to follow such an outstanding performance, must be nerve-wracking! Therefore, it fills me with such joy to be able to write that these loveable boys are back, and still delivering a top-quality performance.

Opening with their signature theme song, it’s really hard not to have a good time from the offset! Their chipper personalities are contagious, and their show still brings back all the nostalgia of wholesome TV gameshows. The beginning may have included familiar gags from last year, especially with the set ups to recording audience reactions, but the show is also filled with many new segments! The audience can now choose which very special guest they would like to have on, and a ‘Thingflix’ special proved very popular with the crowd. As always, new games were created, depending on the guests they had on.

The only critique I have, is the character change in the infamous Steve the Bartender. I don’t know what’s happened over the past 12 months, but Steve seemed to have been on better behaviour. One of the reasons why Steve was such a lovely element to the show, was because of how misbehaved and blue his humour was. It added a contrasting element to this otherwise, family-friendly show. I can understand how Steve was able to act as a safety net at a time when the show wouldn’t always go according to plan, and therefore that safety net is not as important now. However, despite the show coming leaps and bounds, Steve is such a lovable character who still deserves his moments to shine.

Nonetheless, Mr Thing’s late-night chat show is filled with the same energy, laughter and playfulness as last year. The Mr Thing show has become synonymous with my Fringe experience. So if you’ve never seen them before, then they’re a must! And if you have, still go again! The boys are still amazing, and a good time is guaranteed.

Catch Mr Thing at the Pleasance Dome (KingDome), every day (except the 13th and 20th) at 10:20PM. Get your tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mr-thing