one4review | On 14, Aug 2022

It was one of the hottest days of the Fringe so far the evening I went to the Gilded Balloon vast Debating hall and what had Maxwell set up for us, a volcano crater that belched smoke and noise every time the show title was mentioned.
Dressed in a colourful shirt and denim cut-offs he explained that the attire was meant to be ironic given the usual Edinburgh weather but as it turned out was total appropriate. Also it was for his dad, who would have loved it.
Andrew is a born raconteur, he has a lot to say about a lot of things, that have happened over the three years since he last appeared and he wasn’t missing any chance to have his informed say. As usual there are local references, Portobello beach the Commonwealth Pool, the Tory Party elections, trade deals, Covid of course, anti-vaxers, anti-mask wearers, Facebook warriors, the internet in general, Zoom and carpark gigs that he participated in and robots. This is only a selection of subjects he opined on.
During lockdown there was an addition to the Maxwell family, and also a loss. His dad died, and he had an anecdote or two to emphasise the influence he has lost, but in celebrating the lost life throughout.
The over riding feeling was that this articulate and hilarious entertainer was just glad to be back, doing what he loves most, playing to a live, enthusiastic audience. He says he missed us, Andrew, we can only concur and agree we missed you too.
5*****
Reviewed by Geoff
Gilded Balloon Debating Hall
21.30 to 22.30
Until 29th (not 15th, 25th)