Anil Desai combines improvised comedy with impersonations to produce a very funny show. He brings onto the stage a pack of cards on which have been written the names of well known actors, film and cartoon characters. The cards are shuffled. He sets up a variety of situations and the characters come out in random fashion.   

When I saw him, Homer Simpson was an Edinburgh bus driver; Johnny Dep was mugged in the Paris metro and the Godfather was musing on the joys of walking in the Scottish Highlands. The pace is fast and he rises to the challenge of playing multiple characters in the same situation. His A-team routine sketch involved Marcel Marceau rescuing Beavis & Butthead.  

He also throws in a couple of musical items. He does a spoof Michael Jackson dance routine and a group of Robert de Niro’s as Coldplay, both hilarious.

Naturally, impro comedy does vary with each performance. The night I saw him he was on form, quick and assured. He does get through the 52 characters with a few bonuses added to the mix.

****       

 Anil Desai - Stand Up Chameleon

Company: - Chameleon Productions

Venue: - Gilded Balloon Balcony  V 14

Dates: -5 to 30 August 2009 (not 17) 

Times: - 20.45 to 21.45

Fringe Programme Page: - p34  C 32