EdFringe Review: Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs

If it’s whimsy you’re after this Edinburgh Fringe, then Alasdair Beckett King – ABK – is the master you’ve been seeking. ‘King of Cumbs’ finds him in fine fetttle, auburn locks flowing about shoulders encased in corduroy, whilst he folds forth on branding for birds, how hard it is to be a comedian these days, and the dangers of millennial nostalgia.

Along the way, the self-proclaimed ‘Comedian and Philosopher’ – and who could disagree – gives oat milk packaging a hard time, whilst extolling the socialist virtues of Christmas Tree lights. The absurd laughs just keep coming.

Accompanied by his trusty screen, and talent for visual humour, be it stills, short film, or animation, no one could accuse Alasdair of being a one-trick pony, unless that pony were named ‘Whimsy’ in which case, if the horse fits…wear it. Who else would insert periodic ‘Sad Jokes’ in protest against the monopoly of the cheerful punchline?

“If it’s whimsy you’re after this Edinburgh Fringe, then Alsadair Beckett King – ABK – is the master you’ve been seeking.“

Oh, and there’s a rotary phone on stage, which inevitably rings. His failed attempts to answer it are funny at first, as are his knowing assurances that it will never ring again. Yet, however delightful this strand of the show is, it becomes more technically impressive than hilarious as it develops.

This aside, there’s just such a lovely cadence to ABK’s show, which flits gently from topic to topic, layering elements atop each other, and arming himself with piquant call-backs to dispense when least expected. The room chuckles and guffaws merrily from start to end.

Who else would include British 80s Cartoons and Irving Berlin into his set so naturally? So if you’d like this non-irritating Vegan to teach you what Lewis Carroll has to teach you about a life of crime, you will there is only one ‘King of Crumbs’.