The Thermos Museum

A surreal guided tour/comedy promenade of a bizarre thermos museum was a fresh and enjoyable anomaly in the Fringe. Neil Davidson is an avid collector of thermos’ and to describe his museum in too much detail would be to spoil the surprises in store. Davidson’s delivery was totally deadpan throughout, and he was skilled at building up expectations towards one outcome and then delivering punchlines brilliantly. There was a feeling of joky antagonism when he chided the ten participants for their reticence in following them, for it reflected their nervous middle class sensibilities. The show was also a lesson in how much creativity one can pack into a small space, and if the strange tone worked for you then the performance was a small, strange success. One note of warning: be careful if you are asked to take part in the Glasgow Picnic (as I was) installation and take Davidson’s clothing advice seriously.

Komedia, 4 June 2016

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