“As the unending expanse of the pandemic stretched out before him, Adam Evans set out to achieve one thing: receive crisps to taste, for free, from crisp manufacturers. Thus, ‘The Crisp Review’ was born. Using his thorough, if fairly confusing, T.A.S.T.E system (Texture, Amount, Satisfied?, Taste and Economy) Adam diligently reviewed every crisp after crisp, only occasionally giving up several times in his quest for that elusive free crunch.”
Adam Evans brings his show to the Camden Fringe (Canal Cafe Theatre, 17 August) – read on for more details!
Tickets: https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/the-crisp-review-live/
Tell me about your Camden Fringe show! What’s it all about?
The Crisp Review is a lockdown project that got out of hand, created half because I was jealous of people getting free stuff on the internet and half because I had planned to start doing stand-up comedy in early 2020. We all know what happened next of course – the open mic night I emailed ignored me, twice, but then soon after there was a global pandemic so.. who can really say?
The live show is all about the rise, fall and then rise again of The Crisp Review from its humble beginnings through to its still humble continuings. It’s also, of course, about crisps. We have: an awards ceremony, a Q&A and group tasting session with my sponsors ‘Serious Pig’, who will provide free packets for every punter, a behind-the-scenes documentary detailing their creation and a bespoke slam poem amongst other crisp-based content. It’s £6 and the crisps are almost worth that on their own.
What’s the best thing about being part of a festival like this?
For myself as a first-time performer, it’s probably the thrill of being a total unknown and having strangers give up their evenings to come and see you. I stood in as an emergency judge at a few shows last year at the Greater Manchester Fringe and really enjoyed not just the shows but the DIY nature of them – the more haphazard the props, or homemade the design, the better! Being part of the festival is a joy. It’s full of authenticity at this level and that can be as charming as it is occasionally exhilarating when you uncover a gem.
What has your company been up to over the part year of theatre recovery?
I’m a company of one for now – all I’ve been doing this year is reviewing crisps on the internet. Solidarity with companies everywhere, though!
Do you have further plans for the show after the Camden Fringe? Or other shows in other spaces?
I want to bring The Crisp Review: LIVE to comedy and perhaps food festivals up and down the country. It’s an ever-changing show already after just two dates and that’s really exciting to work with. I’d like to be the UK’s go-to interviewee for all things crisps – when Gary Lineker’s busy. Also, free crisps are nice.
5. Let’s finish on a one liner. Why should I come to see The Crisp Review?
Tell me you don’t want to see confused audience members attempt to play Pictionary with Giant Wotsits?