Burger and a Pint: Treats For the Soul

★★★★★

There seems a sweeping notion in comedy that someone must always be the butt of the joke. As an audience member of the various small venues at the Edinburgh Fringe, it is quite likely that this person will be you. As such, I have found myself entering the doors of stand-up and sketch alike with equal parts anticipation and apprehension. However, stepping into Pleasance Cellar at 4:15, it quickly became clear that with James Trickey and Ted Milligan steering the ship, there was no need to fear—and in fact, I cannot think of a show where I have laughed harder and felt less self-conscious about doing so than at Burger and a Pint, aptly subtitled: Treats for the Soul. 

The two-man sketch show is thoroughly charming, self-deprecating, and silly, all while remaining impressively inoffensive throughout. Their sketches, while often relying on childish humour, are framed by an acknowledgement of larger political issues that makes clear the pair are smart—too smart to have their comedy rely on divisive jabs. The quick transitions between sketches, which often slow shows down, were equally as funny as the longer, fully choreographed scenes. In these intervals, it was hard to tell where the sketches ended and where the real banter began—luckily, revelling in this friendship soon became as much of a treat as the rest of their show. The atmosphere throughout was so pleasantly warm that by the show’s close, I felt as if I was walking out of a friend’s living room, having just cheered on a massively impressive game of charades, and clutching my stomach, desperately hoping to be invited to another party soon.

While wordplay, physicality, and impressions are all in the wheelhouse of these two talented performers, the overwhelming sense of joy is what truly makes this a standout show. The defining sound of the night (afternoon) was not of half-hearted groans or tentative chuckles, but of full-bellied laughter. It’s widely known that comedy is best received when it is unfamiliar. The element of surprise allows punchlines to shock laughter out of an audience in a way which cannot be replicated, no matter how good the show. Yet, even in knowing this, walking out of Burger and a Pint, which runs until the end of the month, I find myself desperately tempted to put this theory to the test, so that I might get the pleasure of enjoying the show again. 

Thankfully, Burger (Trickey) has graced the Fringe with not one but two shows this August, which means next up for me will be Trickey’s solo show, Split (running until the end of August in Pleasance Courtyard).

Cover image via Rebecca Need-Menear

Muna Mir