Christian Dart was born a big baby. Around 11 pounds, he tells us, bounding onto the stage dressed as a turkey rapping about comedy.
It’s an attention-grabbing start to his new show, Bigger Than The Christmas Turkey, which covers topics from break-ups and incels to guacamole and Disney.
We discover that Dart – very personable, self-aware, and with a cheeky side – was a child performer whose love for attention led him to eventual work as an extra in films.
His girlfriend broke up with him by text just as he was about to hug the most showy resident in the House of Mouse. But we get the benefit as he shares the first of a handful of songs.
Comics who sing are a common core of performance, from Victoria Wood to John Shuttleworth. Dart entertains at his keyboard in pointed digs at the world around him.
He’s an edgy cocktail with a slice of cute. That pudgy baby (I was one too, 10 pounds and apt to roll rather than crawl) gives way to a rangy teen with enviable hair.
And he’s funny, assured, comfortable in his material. Captured here in the Museum of Comedy, he connects well with an audience. He’s an affable idiot with a winning smile.
I was sent a review copy of his show to look at in advance of his Edinburgh Fringe show. The quality of both sound and vision is excellent, and given that Dart uses a lot of multimedia in his show, that’s a big bonus.
Bigger Than The Christmas Turkey is better than the fowl, too, as it leaves a much nicer aftertaste. Experience Dart’s world for an hour of fine dining, and you’ll leave full of fun and spirit.
****
Christian Dart – Bigger Than The Christmas Turkey is at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe (31 Jul-11 Aug, 13 Aug-26). Tickets here.