LUKE ROLLASON: Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair

4.5 stars ~

Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe ~

Luke Rollason's show is an excellent and very entertaining hour of comedy, performed clown-style by a skinny wiry man in pink with endless facial expressions, doubtless coming from mime training, who really looks the part.  Traditionally clown shows are tedious and boringly low-brow, but not when it's Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Your Hair Down.

There should be no spoilers about the content of a show such as this - there are two ways to take its title, both of which are fine - which after a gentle start grows from a simple premise to something more than its parts, being so cleverly constructed and charmingly executed.

Initially wearing a golden crown Luke works his way through various silliness with multiple toilet rolls as his most popular prop, and involves audience members who are thrilled to happily go along with his antics while he continues developing his theme.  Things become increasingly amusing and silly, with laughter all round that continues to rise and grow, which is quite an accolade for a show that on paper might appear unpromising.

A very poignant section which has everyone totally on board and committed is about the experiences of an imaginary animal character, brought brilliantly alive just by a sound, and yes some mime (it is after all imaginary).  But we are soon on the silly track again, and ultimatelyLuke's crown is back on his head, having overcome a pretender with great charm and aplomb.

Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair is classified as 12+, and while there are a few slightly rude bits, the classification could just as easily be there to protect children from seeing adults relishing and having childlike fun - always embarrassing for youngsters.

You are recommended to have this experience for yourself and leave with a smile on your face too.  However it must be said that this will not be a show for everyone, especially children for the reason given, though more unsuitable for grumpy sobersides who should be left downstairs with a pie and pint.

Reviewed by RoxyReviews for One4Review on 15 Aug 2024