Marcel Lucont Etc: A Chat Show

It seems that every year another few chat shows spring up in Edinburgh. It’s easy to see why – the host needs only to prepare a small amount of material, while the guests get the chance to promote their own shows and get bums on seats.

This particularly excellent example of the breed stars French raconteur and bon viveur Marcel Lucont – the perfectly realised comic creation of Alexis Dubus. Shrugging his way around the wine bar set dressed in the Parisian artist’s uniform of suit and polo-neck, Lucont drips contempt for all while being completely unaware of his own ridiculousness. It’s a classic combination and the laughs come easily throughout.

Of course it's the very nature of these types of show that they live and die by the quality of their guests. This winning performance saw Lucont lasciviously spar with a very game Meryl O’Rourke then swap misanthropic banter with Liam Mullone.

The interviews tread the line between blatant self-promotion and interesting revelation well, with both guests more than holding their own against their Gallic host. This is in no small part down to the expert way Dubus uses his oddly loveable character—as well as a plentiful supply of booze—to draw out anecdotes which might otherwise remain hidden.

A raucous burlesque song and dance act breaks up proceedings, adding to the naughty nighttime fun. Meanwhile, Lucont bookends the hour with a spot of standup which pokes fun at the stereotypical Frenchman’s views of the English speaking world. It’s a one-joke act, sure – but it’s a damn good joke.