A one-man variety show / dreamscape filled with original characters, music and general absurdity written and performed by Los Angeles comedian Kenny Gray, Kenny Goes to Sleep ran at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe at Greenside.
Gray’s subconscious mind generates various characters as he sleeps, and people, places and objects fill the 50 minute show of silliness.
It is a weird and quirky piece which starts with sketches rather reminiscent of the likes of Bob Newhart, but progress into daft songs and vignettes which will make you crease up with laughter.
I’m not really sure that the ‘goes to sleep’ idea is even necessary to link the ten pieces in this show, but I suppose we go further as we dream than we ever would in life.
Gray is an accomplished character comic with a manic edge, which works well for the trippy and twisted nature of some of the sketches.
Did I mention there was music, too? Catchy, clever, and cute. Gray is very funny and personable, and clearly has a fertile, if rather fevered mind. You might never think about a ketchup bottle in the same way again.
This show shows that Gray is a talented performer in a variety of areas, but a couple of the skits fall flat and others could be tightened up just a little.
There’s definite scope for the flight desk clerk to be further refined into a longer piece, and the movie producer and evangelist (“I’m 33, love to have dinner with my boys, and am confused about what my dad expects of me”) both have potential for expansion.
Kenny Goes to Sleep is just the kind of show that is made for the Fringe. It pushes at boundaries in a bonkers way and isn’t afraid to slip along the road. Worth a look.
***.5