one4review | On 12, Aug 2014

The Comedy Zone is a Fringe institution that gives four up and coming comics the chance to shine in an Edinburgh show that is probably more like a normal comedy gig than most. One compere plus three acts each doing their 20 minutes.

The alumni have such names as the Russells , Kane and Howard, Danny Bhoy, Dave Gorman and even Al Murray all who have gone on to greater things.

This year’s quartet are Compere Steve Bugeja, Jack Barry, Alex Smith and Adam Hess and each more than acquitted themselves extremely well given the rowdy Friday night crowd and the elephant in the room, or should that have been the bear as a stag party front and centre with the groom dressed as a bear complete with a green trilby.

Bugeja did the warm up and is obviously well used to the role and did all that was needed backed up with some good stories prior to introducing Jack Berry who reinforced the gig with is good material in which a few gems sparkled.

For me the singing comedian Alex Smith was the pick of the bunch not that any were bad. His confident delivery and great singing voice backed up with funny stuff pleased everyone.

The gig was closed out by Adam Hess who’s high energy set was a fitting end to a quality 90 minutes show.

Reviewed by Geoff

Pleasance Cabaret Bar