The Late Show

When the Fringe programme declares a late show’s prestigious nine-year heritage and a two-and-a-half-hour runtime one builds a certain expectation: one which seems at odds with the ambience as you’re being shoehorned into another of Edinburgh’s storage spaces converted into venues for the month.

First act Philberto demonstrated that it doesn’t matter how thin one’s character comedy is or indeed if your posturing at character comedy is just recreating vague stereotypes – late at night you can elicit a departing cheer by shouting and swearing.

Carl Donnelly held a solid middle set together with some charmingly silly observations about Subway.

Thankfully the headline act was an incredibly high-energy set from a pumped & primed Phil Nicol, who played a safe, capable routine featuring 1992 hit song “I’m The Only Gay Eskimo” to the appreciative crowd.

As a late night compendium, the show will vary wildly from night to night (presumably some nights it also runs for the entire two and a half hours advertised), however discerning comedy fans are advised to thoroughly check the night’s listing in advance, and less selective punters should at least ensure they get a few pints in.

– Jason B Standing