It's Brendon ******* Burns

Introduction

You might be saying "who?" So, let's talk about Brendon Burns briefly.

Brendon Burns is an Australian stand up comedian who has been based here on the stand up circuit in the UK for the last 10 or more years. He probably appeared on most people's radars after the first series of Channel 4's The Eleven O'Clock Show. He also appeared as a presenter on the ITV2 show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now! but left after only a couple of days. The reasons for this are outlined during this show, and are part of the driving force behind it.



Burns' style is very much based on a confrontational delivery of material that gets a bit close to the edge at times.

This show "So I Suppose This Is Offensive Now" won the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival if.comedy award (formerly known as the Perrier Award), and was called "edgy and dangerous" by the award organisers. This DVD of the show was recorded earlier this year in London.

Video and Audio

Nothing to complain about here, a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer as you would expect and a DD2.0 stereo soundtrack that's just fine.

Extra Features

The first extra is an interesting 20 minute interview (don't watch this until after you've seen the show).



The second extra is a "comedy commentary" featuring Dave Hadlingham, Adam Bloom, Ed Byrne and Ben Norris, and they talk about various things, occasionally including this show (that they are watching whilst commentating) and Brendon Burns. I still can't decide whether this track is genius or a waste of time. Hmmm. Again, avoid this until you've seen the show.

Conclusion

Should you really bother giving a homeless guy five pence, when some handy advice would probably be more useful yet equally resented? Does all cultural identity physically suck? Is it sexist to hate women?

Have you spotted the inherent Socratic irony in any of these questions, laughed, then secretly given the question more credence than it deserves? I could say "then this is the show for you" but that would imply that there may be answers or moralistic respite.



Brendon Burns is a very good stand up, and it's easy to see why this was an award winning show. It's a well placed attack on the lack of balance in modern society, and it delivers the central message of the material without pulling any punches. If you enjoy comedy a little near the knuckle, or something that might take you beyond the edge of your comfort zone, Brendon Burns is for you. If you prefer not to be too challenged by your comedy, stick with something a little safer.

Recommended.