I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked in to Phil Wang’s new solo show but it certainly wasn’t what I got. My first experience of Phil Wang was a number of years ago at the Fringe on a late night mixed bill – he was performing Asian stereotype gags with a dead pan delivery that honestly had me in stitches. More recently I caught up with Phil as part of the sketch troupe ‘Daphne’,  I’m not a big sketch fan but again thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Based on these past experiences my expectations for Kinabula were understandably high, which may account for my relative disappointment. The introduction and opening monologue were weak and the character that he appeared to be playing seemed unpolished. The gags fell flat and the over reliance on an extended ‘man’ at every pause felt desperate.

Phil then started the show with a routine about sexual lubricant. At times it was mildly amusing but nowhere near the level that I had anticipated and my pals (who I had recommended the show to) were getting restless. A clumsy end and a tenuous link took us to politics and this is where the Phil Wang that I had been hoping for arrived on stage.

From this point we were treated to some excellent observational political comedy highlighting the reality of Brexit from the perspective of the old British Empire. The jokes hit home alongside the brutal truth of the ‘bigger picture’ and this clown had come to life.

If this had been a review of the second half of this show then I would be championing a 5 star review but as a whole it felt like a work in progress. There is gold and laughter within this clown’s routine but he isn’t quite baked just yet. However, I for one cannot wait to see where Phil Wang is at when he completes his character evolution.

Clown Stars: * * * *

 @Pleasance Beneath, Edinburgh