You’ve heard this one before, or something to this effect: how can we possibly consider the idea of paradise in our current political climate? Michael Elsener considers just this in his funny and surprisingly thought-provoking Fringe debut.
Elsener possesses the double threat of being both a comedian and a political scientist, a combination I’m sure all of us have fancied ourselves experts in at some point. But Elsener is the real deal, and he does deliver some shocking Swiss statistics as he grapples with the insanity of the world. His discussion on what constitutes democracy was insightful, especially considering the semi-direct Swiss model. This guy clearly knows his stuff—and it’s little wonder he’s been dubbed “the Swiss John Oliver”.
He’s already made a name for himself in Switzerland. While the show took a little time to find its footing, once he got comfortable in the Appleton Tower venue, the jokes got better and better. The motif of Swiss identity was at the heart of a lot of his comedy (he’s neutral about the whole thing), and Elsener delivered some of his funniest stories when considering his strict upbringing in a remote part of Switzerland. It is also here that the show has a slight unsteadiness, as it is difficult to discern whether Elsener is trying to tear down a misconception of Switzerland being a “paradise” to live in (you can’t help but think of quality of life statistics) or otherwise; perhaps that’s the point.
With a keen eye for running gags, he works well with his audience. To get a sense of the room, he gets the audience to agree or disagree with political statements, what he calls “a Swiss sounding hmmm”. He did not let up when one audience member gave Elsener his “Starbucks name”: I guarantee that audience member left the theatre wishing he’d given his real one.
Elsener does give the answer as to how to live in paradise. Not to sound like a BuzzFeed article, but the answer might surprise you. Spoiler: I did leave the theatre with a smile on my face.
Michael Elsener: How to Live in Paradise is running until 21st August (not 11th) at Ruby @ Gilded Balloon, Appleton Tower.
Tickets available here.
Image courtesy of Philippe Huber, provided to The Student as press material.