Austin Walker Brings Nostalgic Variety Show to EdFringe

A living homage to television variety hosts of yesteryear, Austin Laine Walker brings his unique brand of dysfunctional family entertainment to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time. This one-of-a-kind multimedia experience features musical comedy, original characters, a virtual cameo from voice of Spongebob Tom Kenny, and a mystically omniscient, albeit rarely accurate cohost called Ancient Idol (or A.I. for short). Walker’s show transports audiences to a time when entertainment was just plain fun. Embracing the classic style of primetime legends like Dean Martin, Kermit the Frog, and Carol Burnett, Walker—natural born impresario and rising name in the Los Angeles comedy scene—makes audiences laugh with highbrow humor that can be enjoyed by most ages.

Heralded by TV titan Saul Ilson as “a talent that can do it all”, Walker has written, directed, and starred in twenty-six unique, one-time-only performances of his live Los Angeles-based monthly show turned entertainment collective, Varietyville, which pays tribute to the timeless spectacle of variety shows and vaudeville with recurring sketches, musical numbers, and special guests. His adapted one-man version maintains a similar approach:

“In an era when shock and awe rule the alternative theatre scene, I’ve enjoyed embracing a more nostalgic and lighthearted form of entertainment that I like to call dysfunctional-family friendly,” Walker reflects. “Carol Burnett once said, ‘Comedy should make you feel good,’ and I’ve really let that belief guide the entire vision behind Varietyville and my one man show.”

A lifelong student of character comedy, Walker has shared the stage with legendary performers like M.C. Gainey (Lost, Con Air), David Koechner (Anchorman, The Office US), Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Freaky Friday), and Tom Kenny (Spongebob, Adventuretime). On Walker’s past performances, Kenny says “It’s just an exhilarating experience to see this confluence of talent. What a great evening of entertainment!” with Los Angeles audiences in agreement, describing the show as “scrappy and full of heart”, saying “this is what joy looks and sounds like.” Guests have said, “it’s really smart, I love how the show is written,” and “this stuff harkens back to the greatness of vaudeville”. By adapting this unique, feel-good experience into a one-man-show, Walker is excited to entertain a wider, international audience to increase visibility for his entire Varietyville cast, musicians, and crew, one day taking the whole production on the road.

Photo courtesy of Austin Walker's One-Man Variety Show

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