one4review | On 08, Aug 2022

Deep in the bowels of Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the Liquid Rooms Annexe, lurks the lair of Alistair Barrie, a stand-up of renown, returning to his August habitat once more. A popular return judging by the healthy numbers attending his second gig of the run.

Right from the off he is into his stride, taking the audience back 4 years and how we all thought it was bad then. He continues that he was well prepared for this years run, show written in April and then the principal subject of his litany did the dirty on him and resigned… sort of and happenings in Ukraine didn’t assist either.

Bo Jo provides a large chunk of the material that survived a re-write, the way he conducted himself, presented himself, claiming victories and personal kudos for others efforts. Then there is the new leader elections. He jests that he considered joining the race, after all he is an ex-public school boy too and the Ukraine PM is also a professional comic, and treated us to a very funny and cutting pitch in the form of a rap.

There is more than this though, he covers a pandemic sacking from his own company, becoming a househusband and primary carer for his two young kids, racist parents and showcases a new skill he learned in lockdown with a blues song.

As always Barrie has a well written show, packed with laughs, which is delivered as only he can, maybe just a touch more vitriol than normal, but certainly gives value for money and should be seen for yourself

4.5****

Reviewed by Geoff

Liquid Room Annex Studio

16.15 to 15.15

Until 28^th (not 15^th)