The Phil Monty from award winning comedian Phil de Lange is a blend of tongue-in-cheek wit, one liners, and musical comedy. Phil strips down to his most vulnerable state with a hilarious take on his early onset midlife crisis, awkward doctor's visits, grief, the politics of Patagonia puffer jackets, and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. The Phil Monty is directed by award winning comedian and actor Kate Pinchuck who describes Phil's work in 5 words: “Funny, profound, silly, moving, ukelele”. Phil's alternative approach to stand-up has earned him a Savanna Comics Choice Award and a coveted feature on Trevor Noah's Nationwild Showcase.

August 31, 2025   Fringe Review

Excellent Show

Low Down
A riotous stand-up hour from de Lange; The Phil Monty blends crowd-banter, life-confessions, and flashes of inspired silliness, with good ol’ South African self-deprecation.

Review
With the energy of someone genuinely thrilled to be here, de Lange is the epitome of Fringe Spirit. Bounding onto stage with an infectious, shy smile, his style is conversational, engaging, and at once, compelling: like chatting with a proper friend, determined to make you laugh at himself, at you, or at everyday absurdities.

Witnessing two performances: at the start and, towards the close of Fringe; de Lange and his act have clearly evolved, his character naturally arcing, through a life lived on the rollercoaster that is the Edinburgh Fringe. The Free Fringe, in fact, and the challenge that brings, which readers, if not audiences, are likely to appreciate.

This may not be de Lange’s public debut, but it is definitely his premier performance as a full-time stand-up comedian, making his clear success all the more commendable. For a South African to make the journey and then survive a full, 30-day EdFringe, is a complex and costly decision, so naturally, they are cautious. But de Lange’s choices have proven valuable and successful.

Right at home in The Wee Room, of Three Sisters in Cowgate, one of the Laughing Horse venues, the intimacy of a 20-seat black box matches his style, tone and content; show time being 14:30, as though popping round for an impromptu braai (barbecue); the philosophical and deep surprises de Lange offers, as often found at the bottom of a few pints, dotted with lyrical interludes, as the evocative sea shanty would undoubtedly appear on such nights. De Lange’s act has evolved magnificently into a spirited, joyful and uplifting set from a comedian who thrives on unpredictability and connection – as only a South African can, one might argue.

Structurally, the show has tightened, although looseness is the cornerstone of de Lange’s charm. His strength lies in his self-deprecation and instinct for daft observation: spinning trivial moments into riotous asides, unexpected yet oddly relatable. It takes courage and of course, skill, to lean into improv successfully, yet de Lange thrives on the sense that anything could happen, and the audience leans into that chaotic, warm, and jovial South African hospitality. His crowd-work teases, prods, and riffs with ease, and if it stutters, there’s never a sense he isn’t giving his full, messy enthusiasm, if not authentic modesty, when his hecklers get the better of him.

De Lange offers an unfiltered hour, wearing his heart on his sleeve. If you want to be in a room with a comic who’s willing to play, stumble, overshare, keep going until you’re laughing with him, and serenade you with his “noisy” ukulele, de Lange delivers again and again. Expect a fuller, more daring and thorough act, next Fringe. Click Here For Article