one4review | On 17, Aug 2017

It’s really hard to review a show when the style of comedy is just not one that fits into the comedy space in your brain. Michael Redmond is very good at what he does, it’s just I wouldn’t normally choose to watch the thing it is that he does. But I did and the rest of the audience were laughing so I take my cue from them.

This is the ‘here is a premise (the 1987 joke, in this case), and here, for an hour, is the story around it, with diversions, distractions, tangents and audience chats along the way’ sort of comedy. Mr Redmond, as the show title suggests, wrote a joke in 1987, and on the strength of that moved to London and became a comedian. The show is his origin story, if you will.

Mr Redmond delivers his stories, audience chats, and improvised riffs with equal sincerity and aplomb, and the show burbles along increasing in strength and quality on the way (read: the second half hour was better than the first). The show is easy-going and relaxed, with an unhurried pacing and confident delivery, which doesn’t sound like a compliment for a performer with 30 years’ experience. There is good stuff going on here, and if you like your comedy served without fussy adornments, this show’s for you.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 18:30

Reviewed by Laura