Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back is playing in the delightfully intimate Attic venue at 19.15pm at The Pleasance Courtyard during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until the 27th of August.
I confess, I spent a little bit of time during Hutson’s show trying to pick out his accent, at points wondering if he was from my hometown. It turns out he isn’t but it is worth mentioning here that it seems to be part of his mission to make you feel like that is the case. That by entering the Attic, within touching distance of the act, you are in fact being treated to a set in your living room, having a laugh with your best mates from home, though the one glaring difference is that this is brought to you by an outrageously talented and insightful performer rather than your drunk mate, James (sorry, James).
Packed with charm and cheeky northern quips, Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back delivers a brilliant hour, rammed with musical comedy that evokes the genius of Flight of the Conchords, Tenacious D and even echoes brilliant British lyricist/songwriters like Lily Allen and Kate Nash, who, while not necessarily trying to be funny, always delivered pithy wordplay that minced little and roasted plenty. Add to this that he has a stunning singing voice with which to accompany his skilled playing and you find yourself mesmerised by a full comedic package.
This had the feel of a gig where everything went right and among the many laughs (and there were so very many) there is a genuine warmth to the show, seen best via Hutson’s audience interactions which were both beautifully placed and sensitively navigated.
As a relatively early doors show at 7.15pm, Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back is a brilliant aperitif to begin the main course of what may be the rest of your night. Be warned though, it’s so good, you may not find anything better. Brilliant, bold and bulging with belly laughs.
