Now here’s a proper Fringe hit. Where else would you find someone wearing the massive papier-mâché head of a mid-60-year-old spurting his Reform-loving thoughts? This is Basil Crumbwick, aka Sam Eley, and mark my words, this won’t be the last time you hear his name - and not just because he’s said something oh so terribly offensive.
Eley’s character, Basil, is lonely, angry, and confused by the ever-changing world. So, what is he to do? Retreat into a fantasy of a life inside the Playboy Mansion, of course. Here, he is comfortable. Here, he is respected as the “genius” that we are lucky to be in the presence of tonight.
Basil is made of views that are ripe for ridicule - opinions that are reactionary, nonsensical and absurd. Hardly the most original ground for comedy. Still, Eley has masterfully drawn out every ounce of humour from this section of society. Basil spends the hour complaining. And goodness does he have a lot to say. His neighbour Beverley - who seems justifiably concerned about his late-night screaming and refusal to put on the heating - is a “rat”. He hates having his prostate checked. And why does the bin man seem totally resistant to his attempts at friendship?