one4review | On 09, Aug 2023

Alistair Barrie has been a top class comedian and regular Fringe performer. I first saw him back in 2007 and have tried to catch his show ever since then.
It was a very busy night the evening I caught the 2023 edition and with a crowd that were certainly up for being entertained, he delivered in style.
Barrie has gravitas as a performer, a bitingly witty style and is not afraid to ‘have a go’ at the UK’s hapless politician, especially the ‘supply teacher’ PMs. Despite his accent he is of Scottish descent and is a lefty, according to his Isle of Wight parents, but it is not politicians that come under his scrutiny.
He makes reference to his family, an older parent of small kids, a brief brush with lockdown, men’s unjustified confidence re instructions, school plays, issues of gigging abroad post Brexit, compares UK to France in their striking tendencies along with an assortment of other topics. I have a feeling he still had a lot more to say but the hour flew by so quickly.
This year Alistair is doing a slightly shorter run than usual, but you still have chance to catch him if you are quick, and it is the right thing to do.

4****1/2

Reviewed by Geoff
Hootenannies @ The Apex Hoot 2
19.45 to 20.45
Until 19th August