| 07 August 2011
No one in tonight’s audience could possibly doubt the fact that Carl Donnelly’s got it goin’ on. So comfortable onstage it ought to be criminal, Donnelly seems every bit the connoisseur of cool as he effortlessly owns the room, admirably never veering into the realm of cheesy or creepy along the way—just ask the front row.
It’s a shame, then, that Donnelly doesn’t further develop his act from here. While he has mastered the art of disguising his transitions, there is no hiding the fact that he has yet to incorporate enough fully-formed bits into the show. This may seem like a minor point of contention, but this extra layer could make an astounding difference. A mid-show story centered on inedibility, for instance, was a massive hit with the crowd and thus an absolute tease, as it showcased abilities beyond the impromptu.
With such talented competition at almost every hour of the Fringe, Donnelly would be wise to match his colleagues’ efforts in structuring a show. Because his banter with the audience is somehow so entertaining that it alone is probably worth the ticket fare, just imagine, then, what could ensue if Donnelly were to properly apply the talent he so clearly possesses. As convinced as I am of Donnelly’s knack for stand-up, I was underwhelmed tonight by a comic who oozes nearly palpable potential from start to finish.
One of his best qualities, however, is his shrewdly observant and clever mind, one that thankfully keeps working even onstage. “You guys are like a focus group,” he tells us at the show’s close. “And what I learned from you lot is that I need an end.” A statement like this may suggest a disconcertingly awkward air about the show, but I insist Donnelly’s audience was one of the happiest I’ve seen. Rather, we can see here a necessary and reassuring moment, as it briefly lifts the suave veil to expose the inner workings of a guy who really loves what he does and wants you to love sharing it with him. My money says he’s well on his way.
Carl Donnelly 3: Carl Donnelier!, Udderbelly’s Pasture, 7-29 Aug, 7.50 pm
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