one4review | On 12, Aug 2022

It’s fair to say that Paul Zerdin is an extremely talented and incredibly funny ventriloquist. So good in fact he previously won Americas Got Talent, the ultimate talent show, securing a $1 million dollar prize and a prestigious Vegas contract.

We’ve seen many of his puppets on his TV shows, but in a live performance here in Edinburgh at The Gilded Balloon at the Museum, they are a lot edgier and their language is a bit looser!

Paul’s puppets are hilarious and the banter between them and their master is relentless. What takes this show to the next level is when they come to life “hands free” and they perform as an ensemble.

There’s a nod to Abbot & Costello with an incredible part of the show where Paul and 3 of his cast all perform in a mash up, trying to help “deaf Albert”.

The jokes keep coming and this slick production is a pleasure to watch. Whilst he’s obviously comfortable performing sell out shows in Vegas, he’s equally at home on a much smaller scale at the Fringe.

Do go and see this show, it’s an absolute delight and laugh out loud funny.

*****

Reviewed by Gavin

Gilded Balloon at the Museum – Auditorium

21.30 (1hr)

Until 17th August