'In this way I shall preserve many things that would otherwise be lost in oblivion. I shall find daily employment for myself, which will save me from indolence and help to keep off the spleen, and I shall lay up a store of entertainment for my after life.'

For James Boswell posts please follow the labels on the right.

This blog mainly contains reviews from the Edinburgh Festivals from 2008 to 2010 which I wrote for the Edinburgh Festivals Magazine. These reviews cover everything from comedy to contemporary dance; children's theatre to Handel.


Sunday 23 October 2011

Rob Rouse: My Family … and the Dog that Scared Jesus Review

Rob Rouse: My Family … and the Dog that Scared Jesus

Brendon Burns, a man this reviewer would not like to get on the wrong side of, recently commented on criticism aimed at comedians. In a surprisingly subtle point from a man about as subtle as World War II, Burns noted that being relevant in humour should not be criticised. For example, reviewers should avoid berating comics like Rob Rouse for sticking to ‘ye olde’ subjects of Dog, Family and Baby names.

Certainly Rouse’s relevance makes it easier for him to connect with the audience, and present himself as a likeable northern bloke. It also helps him to set up one of the most hilarious joke based around a dog you will probably ever hear. It’s a joke infused with Jesus Christ, Christmas, Wallace and Gromit and a pious mother-in-law. It’s executed brilliantly and left the audience in a giggling slobbering heap.  

Rouse is a mix of friendly observation and sheer silliness. And very good dog based jokes.  

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