Joe Bor

Chris Stokes

Pleasence Courtyard –

31st July to 11th August, 13th to 25th August

1900

£6-£8

    Something went wrong for Chris Stokes today. Whether it was the overwhelming whir of the fans or the wrong audience or the depression of his recent break up finally catching up with him I didn’t see the 4 star performer of the List and Skinny reviews. But the ingredients were all there. He was charismatic, charming, intelligent and some of his material was undoubtedly strong yet regardless I couldn’t help but feel he was lacking a certain spark. He was making a valid point too. A more than justified dig at all those people we know only too well (unless you are one) who are constantly telling us how it is with scant regard for human sensitivity. Basically people who try to justify their own obnoxiousness by dressing it up as some kind of heroic quest for truth. Don’t get me wrong, I was on his side. But about half way through, just as he was starting to brighten up, he just kind of gave in on the audience and resorted to reading exerts from one of said truth seekers self penned erotic novels in an Alan Bennet accent. Now this device of apparently giving up on your audience before launching into your finest material is not uncommon in contemporary, alternative stand up. But it’s usual followed by some sort of spectacular mental collapse rather than the disappointing nonchalance this show dissolved into. Where was the depressing diatribe about his recent relationship collapse I was so looking forward to? And, with this comics apparent potential for whit and grace could have been the shows highlight.

But no. Chris Stokes was having an off day. But I wouldn’t let this review put you off because I suspect when he’s on form he can bring the house down. Just have a little faith. See it as comedic Russian roulette or bag of revels. It might just be magnificent. But then again, maybe he should have just took that PR women’s advice and worn the yellow jumper after all…

Reviewer – Steven Vickers

Mark Restuccia

Just the Tonic at Bristo Square

Reviewer – Steve Vickers

Reviewer – Steve Vickers

MacAulay & Co

BBC@ Potterrow

Weekdays 9-23^rd Aug

Free via BBC Website

Great Banter from hosts Fred MacAulay and Susan Calman introducing top guests from across the fringe.  Today’s offerings were the excellent Adam Paige and his infectious loop-pedal driven grooves, US comic Michael Shay, the Ginge The Geordie & the Geek as well as comedy stalwarts Milton Jones, Ed Byrne and The Boy with the Tape on His Face.

McAulay and his able sidekick Calman prove affable hosts for the varied and excellent guest performances and interviews.  It’s a lively mix of stand-up, sketches, music and general chitchat.  This large venue was packed out and the whole show is broadcast live on Radio Scotland so you also get an insight into how it all works.  Highly enjoyable and professional show as you would expect.  Full marks to Ed Byrne for taking the time to chat to audience members after the show. Highly recommended.  It’s a total bargain at nil pounds. FOUR STARS

Reviewer –  David McMenemy

TWONKEY’S BLUE CADABRA

Espionage (Mata Hari floor)

Daily throughout August apart from 20^th

7.30pm,

Free Fringe

Paul Vickers’ (of Paul Vickers and The Leg fame) comedy cabaret is one of those rare shows which, during a month of fringe comedy bombardment, manages to make you stop the comparisons and let yourself be taken on a magical mystery journey. Surreal and witty word play draw you into the dark depths of Mr Vickers’ imagination and just as you start to take it all a bit seriously he conjures up some altogether silly imagery to release you again.

There are also entertaining musical intersections which keep the pace moving along quite nicely . All of this for free with the option to donate some cash and even acquire a CD. Like all the best people, Paul Vickers is clearly bonkers, but in an entirely endearing way. Dare you select some knickers from the ship’s wheel of early sexual experiences? FIVE STARS

Reviewer – Antionette Thirgood

MR SUSIE

The Caves

14.40

1-25 August

£5

For those who have never seen Mark Davison’s alien alter-ego, Mr Susie, I urge you to rectify the situation as soon as you are able, before he completes his brief visitation on earth & is beamed back to his own planet. OMG this show’s funny, whose surreality is at times rib-crushingly hilarious. He is so likeable, the audience are more than willing to go along with his madcap participation routines, one of which had me smashing a zebra-toy with an inflatable rubber hammer whenever I heard the sounds of Jazz.

An interview with Mr Susie

Half-way through the show he introduces a second character, a disco-dancing cockney OAP, which, although not as funny as Mr Suzie, still keeps the smile stuck fast to your face. Especially amusing are his new inventions to the English Language, such as the word ‘Nunt’ – a deeply unpleasant nun.’   Another great fiver spent at the Fringe – FOUR STARS

Reviewer – Damo Bullen

JASON BYRNE

Underbelly Bristo Sq.

1-25 August

21.00

£10

Jason Byrne definitely fits into one the modern day movement of comedians as superstars, managing to pack out McEwan Hall on the first night of the festival. Opening night must be a night of nervous energy for comedians at the festival, perhaps being the testing ground for the rest of the tour.  At times Jason seemed to disconnect with the audience but overall got everyone joining in, with lots of audience participation.  If you like your comedy packed with fart and sex jokes and appreciate comedy prop gags well then “get the pints in” as this is the one for you! On the other hand  if you prefer comedy with a bit of intellectual zest, maybe best to give this one a swerve and try out one of the smaller up and coming acts. THREE STARS

Reviewer – Antoinette Thirgood

 SEAN HUGHES

Gilded Balloon Teviot

1-25 August

19.30

£11-£15

Working as a waitress years ago, I once opened up to find this man asleep at the bar, with a blue bin full of spirit bottles to suggest he’d lead the staff astray with some post-work drinks. Mr Hughes now claims to have left these days behind, yet still manages to draw laughs from a typically inebriated Edinburgh audience .  Sean; of “Sean’s Show”  fame, tells us about his romantic history, music tastes and talks about the youth of today’s environment has changed drastically from thirty years ago and how romance, parenting, music and technology will lead to drastic changes in our future generation’s formative experiences.

Comedy with intellectual appeal rather than machine gun gag routines but a show that makes you laugh in a sweet reminiscent kind of way. One to watch.

Reviewer – Antoinette Thirgood

SIMON LILLEY

The Tron

2.20pm

2-25 Aug (not 7,13,19)

£6

Downstairs in the basement of the Tron pub, early Sunday evening after being out in the tropical heat, I headed to sit myself at the back of the room to scribble my notes and cool down.   Alas, Simon Lilley had other ideas and asked me straight away if I was a fan of football.  My reply was that I support the Homeless World Cup – I wasn’t going to get away with ‘shying away’ at the back after all.His hour long show cleverly threads the three topics and peppers them with great jokes, football chant hymns & other songs as well as witty references to famous ‘icons’/idols of our time and old.

If you have ever bought property you will enjoy his hilarious letters to ‘Dean’ – one of his local estate agents who didn’t know who he was messing with when he plopped his flyer through Simon’s door!You don’t have to be religious, greedy or an avid fan of footie to appreciate his ideas, wit and great stage presence.  FOUR STARS.

Reviewer – Christine Morgan