****When Spencer Jones, alias almost-silent clown The Herbert, came on I spent the first five minutes writing down who he reminded me of. Blackadder’s pudding basin hair, Mr Bean’s awkwardness, Tommy... more
Reviews
This year the Gilded Balloon’s annual talent search went global. The 10-strong line-up was one of the most international competition line-ups I’ve ever seen, proving, if nothing else, that people who... more
****Rhys James was on the cusp of a breakthrough with his show last year. The follow-up is another step in the right direction for this young comic who pretty much has star-in-waiting running through... more
****A few years ago comedian Dan Tetsell did an Edinburgh show about the discovery that his grandfather was a German soldier in WW2. Maybe Luke Toulson should form an double act with Tetsell. Despite... more
**** When you’ve set the bar extremely high where do you go from there? Alex Edelman’s debut Fringe show last year bagged him the Foster’s Best Newcomer Award. So now for the comedy equivalent... more
This year’s Edinburgh Fringe seems to be wide open when it comes to awards. Is a newcomer going to win the main Foster’s Award? And if so who? Meanwhile the first major Fringe comedy competition may... more
****Comedians are always on the lookout for experiences that they can turn into an Edinburgh show. For Diane Spencer that inspirational experience was an Edinburgh show in the first place. Power Tool... more
There is so much competition for audiences in Edinburgh it helps to have a unique selling point. In the past, Abnormally Funny People, the floating ensemble made up of comedians with various... more
****In comedy there are people who change and people who hone one particular thing to the point of absolute perfection. John Shuttleworth is one of the latter and so, to a slightly lesser extent, is... more
***I don’t really know journalist Viv Groskop but I do know her writing. It is sharp, funny and well-observed. In recent years she has been developing another string to her bow, adding stand-up... more
