Marcel Lucont’s Whine List at Pleasance Dome

Wineglass as full as his ego, flamboyant Frenchman Marcel Lucont takes the stage at the Pleasance Dome this year at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Before the show starts, spectators are asked to fill out a form stating their worst day at work, worst situation abroad and worst amorous encounter. Lucont is open in his search for a victim immediately, selecting at random and shaming unsuspecting audience members with his talent for swift, witty retorts. The comedian’s on-the-spot wit succeeds throughout the show, twinned with expressive eyebrows that collect the crowd’s laughter from the initial “alors”. His voice is silkily arrogant as he begins to batter English systems, smugly focusing on the favourite British discussion points: Brexit and the weather. Tired jokes, yes, but Lucont doesn’t disappoint in his satire, particularly when it is laced with his signature heightened French accent. Not deterred by the odd inevitable heckler, he sharply grapples any obstacle with consistent hilarity. Delivery is everything, even when juxtaposed with material that speaks for itself in comic quality, and Lucont is a natural for gripping an audience with his charming presence – shoeless, dapper and elegantly poised upon a mic stand as he is.

Although Whine List succeeds in its main purpose, to make people laugh, it will inevitably be compared with the comedian’s previous shows, both at the Fringe and elsewhere. This year, one can’t help but feel his potential isn’t fully stretched to it’s maximum in the choice of material he offers. The song halfway through is a tradition for Lucont, but it’s cabaret-esque performance is out of keeping with the indifferent hostility that makes him so hilarious. Whine List is, however, an easy choice in the search for laughter amongst numerous colourful acts at the Fringe and Lucont’s gleaming reputation remains undented after this year’s run.

Daisy McConnel

Marcel Lucont’s Whine List is at the Pleasance Dome from 10^th until 28^th August 2016, for further information or to book visit here.