Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Low Down
Eddy Hare: This One’s On Me is an hour of stand up and comedy music about what it means to be an uncle.
Review
One half of the fringe-famous comedy duo Crizards, Eddy Hare returned to the fringe this year with the solo stand up performance This One’s On Me. Hare brought his signature monotone style of comedy to stories about his life and the people in it. At its heart, This One’s On Me is about family, specifically nieces – of which Hare has two. His experiences as an uncle provide the backbone for a wonderful evening of solo comedy which specifically excels at bringing the audience in to laugh and enjoy the show together, not to watch as spectators.
Hare makes use of his surroundings well and leans into the less fortunate aspects of his Pleasance Courtyard venue. It’s hot, and he knows it. Even better, he takes credit for it in a silly opening moment that sets the tone (and temperature) of the show. It isn’t only the atmosphere that Hare plays with, he makes excellent use of light and shadow, quite literally breaking the fourth wall. Those movements and more stand out within the show given Hare’s subdued body language, voice, and tempo. This could be seen as a disadvantage, but it allows Hare to add in some great bits of physical comedy without making it the main focus of a bit.
Hare’s performance last year in Crizards was arguably more of a theatrical musical than a comedy show. Although This One’s On Me falls comfortably within the comedy category, it wasn’t without its musical moments. On stage with Hare are a handful of props (these can’t be referenced without spoilers) and a single guitar. His songs are intertwined and spaced well throughout the show acting as both tonal shifts and story transitions. The music is definitely a highlight of the show and an area that Hare hopefully continues to explore.
In a crowded sea of famous faces, Eddy Hare puts on a hidden gem of a show that shouldn’t be underestimated. It can be overwhelming trying to find a comic at the fringe, but going with someone you know isn’t always the best route. Hare brings a unique and personal charm to his comedy that stands out from the crowd. Should he return next year, Hare deserves a much larger stage to share his stories, his jokes, and his music.
