The Odd Squad
After meeting on the London stand up circuit, Chuquai Billy, Stewart McCure and Roisin Mirza joined forces to form a group show for the Fringe. Being from varying backgrounds, the title The Odd Squad suits them perfectly. Their diversity allows them to approach their material with a somewhat unique bent, making for a varied stand up experience.
Chuquai Billy was a gent of Native American decent which made him a rather unique commodity in the stand up world. The fact that he was now based in the UK amplifed this. His set was mainly concerned with his experiences growing up in the US on a Reservation and his subsequent move to Britain. Fot those in the audience such as myself that had never encountered a Native American before his material provided great insight, even when he covered well worn topics. He played up on the stereotypes of his race at times and drifted into a Stoner persona regularly which allowed him cover for his loose and wandering delivery, especially when he lost his place occasionally.
An Australian expat, Stewart McCure gave the show another foreign view of the country. Living in the UK for only three years allowed him the luxury of taking extended liberties in his humorous criticisms of London which the largely Scottish audience lapped up. In addition to his culture shock material, Stewart explored many topical subjects with enough varied insight to make them fresh as well as a few comments of dubious taste to keep the audience on their toes. Not every joke was a winner but he was able to keep the set flowing. His confident and smooth delivery were clearly the result of a productive experience on the London circuit.
Despite being rather WASPish in appearance and having a broad Brighton accent, Roisin provided yet another foreign perspective of the British experience. Her Irish and Pakistan heritage gave her a name and background that placed her in a kind of cultural no mans land when it came to her interaction with others. Her set explored these exchanges along with plenty of observational material, all delivered with confidence and warmth.
The Odd Squad was a highly entertaining show of stand up featuring a trio of promising performers. All covered familiar topics, but each gave it a unique spin to keep the audience interested and entertained throughout.
Visit the Fringe Website for details.