Words: Caitlin Todd
4 stars
Old God is a riotous, high-octane masterclass in clowning that keeps its audience grinning, guessing, and gasping for air from start to finish. A delirious blend of physical theatre, mime, and razor-sharp audience interaction, this show is one of the true comedic gems of this year’s Fringe.
Little is revealed in the promotional materials, and rightly so – part of the thrill is surrendering to the unknown. The performer, with complete command of the space and our trust, leads us on an unpredictable journey powered by nothing but his body, wit, and boundless energy. Whether miming Jeff Bezos scheming in his secret underground lairs, navigating a surreal timeline of chisels and tablets, or attempting to recite a 23-minute epic poem from memory, he executes each sequence with immaculate timing and unrelenting commitment.
The intimate dimensions of Assembly Roxy’s Box might seem constraining for such a turbocharged performance, but this only amplifies the magic. The physical limitations become a playground, expertly used by the performer to connect with every corner of the room and every person in it.
Internationally lauded with accolades from both Montreal and Orlando Fringe, Old God is more than just a clown show. It’s a fever dream of absurdity and invention, constantly inviting the audience to shape what comes next. The result? A rare sense of genuine collaboration, all while delivering laugh-after-laugh brilliance. This is boundary-pushing, brain-bending comedy at its finest. A Fringe must-see.
Old God
Assembly Roxy, Roxy Boxy
21:55
2nd-24th August