Matt Whistler Edinburgh fringe reviews

Matt Whistler 5 star show

EDINBURGH FREE FRINGE REVIEW
Now and Zen Gazette bi-bank holiday hourly

Radio West Pier.... I have come to the conclusion that the presenter of this show, a.k.a. Jah Scooterman is a complete contradiction in terms. At first I had him down as some sort of fascist who was in denial of the whole global warming thing, citing vegetarianism, namely Lentil Broth and the idea of going back hundreds of years ago not unlike the Brethren of Amish or the 'plain people' who reside in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country in North America. New age Hippies and those likewise seem to in for a heckling and having their lifestyles picked apart, chewed and spat out. He points out that those who advocate conserving energy, drink gallons of green tea and buy the latest eco-gadget are just following today's trend, whilst still driving their 4x4 to take little Timmy to prep school, enjoying and relying on Daddies allowance, obtained from dubious sources. However on reflection, he's right about the whole hypocrisy of some individuals, those that can afford to look like they are doing something for the environment and those of us who don't have a pot to piss in but still make sacrifices in order to their bit. Radio West Pier is a bit like that but extrapolate as to where we might be in the future. Could they be right in their hypothesis? Jah Scooterman banters on like Ian Paisley after someone had eaten his last rolo, coming across like some sanctimonious capitalist, yet applying his charm as some defence to the wounding of some old lady. But where exactly is his sidekick Rico Mortis?...Does he exist? We do hear him but as Jah Scooterman gone to far in his displacement of this chap? More master and servant than cohorts methinks! Yet such divine incantations whilst on a solar powered bicycle delight us with their misadventures underwater and on land…..Perhaps underwater radio is the new media, if global warming is happening, sea defences breaking down and sea levels rising then we may all be underwater in the future. So in same strange irony are they right? Media whores they are and they exploit that to the maximum, yet still managing to have a degree of respect for those of us who constructively criticise this ramshackle show as comedy. I've managed to paint a picture of complete chaos and it is - but it is within the subtlety of undercurrents of many subplots.

5 stars for Irony
Worth a View even if you don't get it!

Reviewed by:-

Amelia Scott