Comedy
By Wit Large
Noodle Palace at Central
25th January
Review by Amy Thomasson

A show Bloustien has brought back from the dead (well, two years ago), for this year’s Fringe Festival, Dave Bloustien’s Complete History of Western Philosophy is less about Western philosophy and more about Dave answering one of life’s big questions, “Am I racist or was that just an unhappy coincidence?”

Inspired by a case of mistaken-identity-cum-potential- instance-of-inadvertent racism, Bloustien’s show details his perusal of a book he stumbled upon at a mate’s house, and how it helped him come to terms with his diversion from his self-confessed ‘lefty’ views. Bloustien is a brilliant improviser, playing on the audience’s reactions and adapting his content to their responses which, while incredibly entertaining, tended to draw focus away from the main story of how Western philosophy saved Bloustien from the clutches of an identity crisis.

While it is Bloustien’s dynamic character that initially entices, the audience stays for his expansion on the ideas and themes of his encounters, drawing abstract connections to Western philosophy along the way. Prior to seeing this show, I would never have thought it possible for someone to outline their allergic reaction to a pony in the same breath as the delicacies of Descartes’ “I think therefore I am”, but Bloustien makes it happen.

Unexpected and hilarious from start to finish, Dave Bloustien’s Complete History of Western Philosophy is a must-see for those who like their comedy with a hint of existentialism.

Dave Bloustien’s Complete History of Western Philosophy runs until the 7th February At Noodle Palace and has a one-off showing at Midlandia on the 19th of February, as well as one at Victoria Hall on the 6th February.

Tickets are available here.