Daniel Oldaker’s Live Flavor is difficult to wedge into a nutshell for the sake of a review. It’s a one man show comprising of three characters, each distinguished by a very minor change in attire, but a very major change in temperament. The routine sees a corporate presentation amalgamate (in dream-like fashion) with a cooking demonstration whilst being sporadically interrupted by the forecasts of a fortune-teller.

If it sounds outlandish, that’s because it is. It defies definition, but ‘absurd’ would be one of the few words that is applicable. ‘Unconventional’ is another.

Presented with exceptional energy, the show demonstrates Oldaker’s live performance skills while constantly subverting the conventions of comedy and circus, withdrawing the predictability to offer a genuinely unique Festival experience. The faint hint of social satire is a welcome, if subtle, inclusion. Can I recommend it to you?

I came out of Trades Hall wondering how on earth I would convey my thoughts on the show in the form of a review. At the same time, I had a nagging feeling that I had enjoyed it, without knowing quite why. I liked Oldaker as a performer, despite the fact that this was a show that didn’t get me laughing.

That might be the best way to choose whether this is for you or not:

• If you’re looking for traditional stand-up with consistent laughs, Live Flavor may be one to forego.
• If you’re not so concerned about your giggle-to-minute ratio and seek an alternative to standard gags-into-a-microphone fare, it’s very well worth a look.

Best of luck explaining it to your friends, though.

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