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Scotland on Sunday review of Hercules

Midlife crisis? Time to steal Germaine Greer's bra

REVIEWS

JONATHAN TREW

AS THEY gird their loins for Edinburgh, it seems that the most crucial weapon in a comicÂ’s armoury is a good, sharp theme. A sense of humour, some jokes or a routine can be worked on, but a good theme can at least give a show the appearance of having a point or even a meaning.

This tends to be a male trait. By organising all their gags and observations around the theme, male stand-ups give their material the same sense of order that they probably lavish on their CD collections and underpants drawers. It allows them to label, compartmentalise and ultimately control their material.

This year, Richard HerringÂ’s show is based around a mid-life crisis which he suffered and then cured by attempting a modern day version of the 12 tasks of Hercules. It is hard to imagine a more blokeish solution to an emotional crisis.

The tasks faced by the mythic Hercules seemed to involve killing half the wildlife of Asia Minor. Herring tackled less bloodthirsty challenges such as cleaning the elephant cage at Colchester Zoo, dating 50 women in 50 days and running a marathon. He managed 10 of the 12 tasks but still has to steal Germaine GreerÂ’s bra when she appears at the Book Festival.

HerringÂ’s challenges cured his existential blues and also make for an entertaining hour. Never let it be said that stand-up is dumbing down the Fringe. Herring successfully combines the classics and comedy.