Seymour Mace Presents Funshine! – Fringe 2009
Live Review

The man next to me in the bar sought assurance from the Stand’s bartender/box office/go-to girl that he hadn’t accidentally purchased tickets for a kids’ show. She gamely told him that it was suitable for children and adults alike, and that all-adult audiences had enjoyed previous performances.

That’s all very well, but this is still a kid’s show, albeit a good one. Hand on heart I couldn’t say this is a must-see if you don’t have children with you, but it is very beguiling, crammed with incident, and must surely confirm stand-up Seymour Mace as a five-star babysitter in anyone’s books.

This works because it’s not cute and not twee – but not ironic nor patronising either. Mace doesn’t change his stentorian tones when addressing the motley crew of children and adults. There’s no breathy gushing here, he might as well be calling an inventory of car parts, and the no-nonsense delivery hits just the right note.

There’s more variety in this show in terms of ideas than a whole week of CBBC, and without any flash props or effects, just paper, address labels, a couple of hats and some teabags. He attunes to the attention span of a child quite perfectly, with a change of game every three or four minutes, and he ensue everybody gets involved to the their own level of comfort without feeling bullied. By renaming every member of the audience, he allows you to join in without feeling too self-conscious, as it’s not you, it’s Fiona Dingbat or whomever. You end up feeling cheerfully charmed but not manipulated, and that’s an important distinction.

An enjoyably daft distraction, especially if you’re in charge of a posse of seven-year-olds.

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Ace. Just seen Fundayland at the ed fest, audience of 10, but he rocked it.

Hannah, August 2009

Headlined my gig on Saturday, encored and was absolutely outstanding - one of my favourites.

JS, February 2009

I saw him do a 30 minute set and he made it look easy, Brilliant material and inspirational to anyone getting into comedy with his unique outlook on life! Anyone who loves comedy should make every effort to see this act!

KaiBosh, December 2008

I have never felt so ripped off at a comedy night. Awful. Did 20 minutes and you could tell he was struggling with that long. Dreadful

colin the courtyard king, April 2007

I've only heard one of his jokes on Radio 4's 28 Acts In 28 minutes. He was the best by miles - a comedy inspiration.

Ed Fawhites, June 2006

As quick as shit off a shovel. Love him.

Vic McGlynn, April 2006

Unique 10/10.

Paul Haslam, April 2006

Every time I've seen him he's rocked it

Mary Bourke, April 2006

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