We tend to associate character comedy with the very obvious personalities, such as Borat or Bruno. Al Murray, pub landlord is a more subtle beast. Like the recent political satire, In the Loop, we have to disassociate Murray with reality, no matter how close his character acting is to it.
As a stereotypical British landlord expect a packet of Euro-scepticism and a few pints of Best British pride. Anyone meeting him has a good British name – possibly a poofy handshake – but we’re all the ordinary yeomanry of Britain, so it’s ok. Did you know we haven’t lost a war in a thousand years! What’s your favourite year then? Has to be 1945. Obviously it’s all went down hill since then. No national service anymore. And don’t get me started on the French. Go get yourself a pint.
It’s all a parody, of course. Al Murray is from an upper-middle class family of military stock and attended Oxford University. The fact this seems so far fetched speaks volumes for his talent.
A consistently funny act, whether you laugh at the stereotype portrayed or the views expressed. Murray has also taken the laudable step of doing a different show each day at the Fringe for a mere fiver.
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