It's telling when the blurb describes one of the acts as 'brilliant' and the other as 'award-winning'. While both were performing works in progress in advance of the Fringe, it was clear how vast the gulf was between the two descriptions.
Connor opened the night, introducing himself and explaining the situation: both shows are still rough; they'll have notes; it may not always be funny. He then warmed us up with some crowdwork, finding some mileage with Clare and her meek voice, turning her into a disability scammer, skipping the amusement park queues and getting a free parking space near the venue; he also enquired if anyone was from another country, and my friend, whom I didn't know was there, sitting in the front row, volunteered that she was from Northern Ireland. Brave girl! One to speak to the comedian, and two, to sit in the front row (not her choice - those were the only tickets left). When she revealed what she did for a living - a care worker for people with special needs - Connor immediately thought she and Clare should pair up.
Connor then introduced Stuart. My back was spasming whenever I leaned to see past the Wilson Fisk-like behemoth sitting in front of me, so I didn't often have a direct view of the comedian (with his Hugh Grant Four Weddings floppy hair). What I heard wasn't that funny. It wasn't anything special or interesting. Just stuff about his relationship with his partner. That might work for a club twenty, but won't cut it as an Edinburgh show. He needs to put in a lot more effort. But that's what these shows are all about. Learning what to cut and what to keep. He might need to return to the drawing board. (I suspect his shtick might work better as a low-key, BBC Scotland sitcom about families.)
During the interval, I hobbled down the steps to chat with Andrea. My wife didn't mind. She got to read her book in peace.
In the second half, Connor did his material and blew us away. He is more polished as a performer, has more interesting takes on his subject matter, and his gags are sharper. His bits about the Deep South and Trump's America showed off his ability with accents and impressions. His school tales were the right side of risque. The laughs kept rolling so hard, he didn't want to leave us, adding another routine then another, packing them in until it was really time for him to go.
I suspect Connor's Fringe run will be a great success, as will the subsequent tour. Stuart might still be with his girlfriend, or might not. I didn't really care.
Ticket Price: £12.50 x 2 plus Booking Charge £2.50 = £27.50
Stuart McPherson is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and actor, probably best known for his appearances in SCOT SQUAD (BBC)
Please note these shows are still a work in progress, there will be some strong language and although they might not be slick, they sure will be funny!
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