[usr 4]
Adam Hess sprints around the stage with boundless energy. His observations are creative. It feels as though he is generating these ideas out of nowhere, with random ideas popping into his head, and somehow forming them into inventive, hilarious short-form jokes.
My Grandad Has a Fringe is a show that follows in a similar fashion to Hess’ previous shows, with the comic speaking of his family’s weird quirks (his audience are left wondering where he gets it from), as well as uncomfortable social situations his own awkwardness and anxieties have got him into. Topics covered are wide-ranging, from his mother’s knitting obsession to Hess’ own habit of enthusiastically waving at people he has met while waiting outside toilet cubicles.
Hess’ bright-eyed, genuine childlike glee personifies the homely feel of the entire show. It feels like going round to your friend’s house to play when you were little, Adam of course being the needy, attention-grabbing high-maintenance child (but this is somehow why we like him).
It’s refreshing to see a show that doesn’t drone on about one’s own privilege or the current socio-political climate. Hess presents an hour of true, hectic escapism.