Be My Friend
Belgian Beer Cafe
Wed 14 March
Until Sat 31 March


One of the best ways for a comedian to get the audience in the right mood and secure the cheers that keep the show going is to preface their appearance with something funny and unique. Mark Trenwith, star of 'Be My Friend', does this to great effect with a hilarious, almost 'Simpsons'-esque short video of him trying to get into his own show. This is just the first of many video segments that makes this show one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen.

The premise of Trenwith's show is that he decided that he wasn't being friendly enough to other people, partly as a consequence of the songs he listened to on his MP3 player - cut to sidesplitting video comparing his behaviour under the influence of different music. So in an effort to improve his life, Mark starts a vigourous friend-making campaign, and informs us of the misadventures that result.

The various multimedia bits Trenwith uses are the highlights, each more surreal than the last, but he's certainly capable of keeping up the pace in between. He has the manic energy - and dance moves - of a cartoon character. At the same time, he's comfortable enough with his act to slow down when he needs to. Trenwith seems to naturally understand what's funny, and he doesn't have to push it to get laughs.

While this show is a little too off-the wall to be everyone's cup of tea, those who can get into Mark Trenwith's crazy world will have an absolute ball. By the end of the show, you'll want to be his friend; Hell, you'll want to adopt him. This show is genius.

Henry Nicholls