one4review | On 22, Aug 2013

Jason Manford has brought his First World Problems to the Fringe playing a short 5 date segment at the prestigious Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The setting maybe grand but there is no airs or graces about Manford. No entry music, no announcement just the no frills Mancunian funny man striding to centre stage to hold court for the next hour.

Although he admitted to being slightly anxious before each gig but this wasn’t evident. He was as relaxed and entertaining as ever, happy to riff with the audience in addition to delivering his set.

He talks about football, call centres, his daughters his TV appearances, complaining, and scallys, the North West equivalent of Chavs or Neds. His keen observational style mixed with his natural comedic abilities certainly make the hour go all too quickly for the sell-out crowd. There is an interesting section which adorns the full touring show where there is an opportunity for the audience to write down their problems or complaints. Time does not permit unfortunately in this abridged version, but Jason read a selection from earlier show and it was the cause of a lot of hilarity

Manford is a top comic and a total professional who always delivers. I’m not sure you could still get a ticket for this run but if you can’t manage check out the rest of his tour dates on www.jasonmanford.com future dates.

*****

Reviewed by Geoff

EICC

Until 25 August

19.40 to 20.40