London-based, Greek-born comedian George Zacharopoulos proudly brings a new show to the Edinburgh Fringe every year, always about a different theme. This year his show “Butterfly Effect” centers around the most important decision he has ever made in his life: moving to the UK.
He begins the show by asking if there are any “dirty little immigrants” in the crowd which is met with a series of woos and a few uncomfortable chuckles from the locals. George sets the tone, immediately establishing his identity as an immigrant and an undeniable stage presence in one go. Then he sets the scene: this is the story about how he, at the tender age of 17, left Greece to study biochemistry in Newcastle, a spur of the moment decision that would have a profound effect on his life thereafter.
He paints a vivid picture of life in Greece, honing in on the ironies of the ancient people versus those of the modern day. He manages to pepper in hilarious anecdotes of family funerals and the various “ramifications” of living in his big, fat, Greek family. Utilizing clever observational humor and the authenticity of his lived experience, he draws cultural comparisons between Greeks and Brits that somehow hit every member of the audience, whether they fall into one of those categories or not.
Despite his grandmother’s words of warning against the sinning British people and her foreshadowing of George as a “prostitute”, he not only moves to the UK, but decides to stay, much to the dismay of his family. Through masterful storytelling George takes audiences on a journey; hearing of his disdain for brussel sprouts and various tales of his many travels. The show follows George from Manchester, to Portugal, and beyond—and by beyond we mean to Dutch saunas and on a naked bike ride across London.
George is not only witty but heartfelt as he expresses his gratitude for being European, and for his passport granting him the opportunity to see the world and ultimately, make audiences from all over the world laugh, a great achievement to which he credits the EU. And this is the very essence of European Comedy. It’s talent like George’s that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together, one joke at a time.
