one4review | On 07, Aug 2023

This is a work in progress show from a first time Fringe performer, albeit he’s clearly got stacks of experience from doing comedy everywhere apart from the Fringe. As a first solo show, and a work in progress, this isn’t perhaps as polished as a finished hour, though definitely nowhere near the ‘does no one love you enough to tell you not to embarrass yourself’ end of the scale. Mr McGrane is at his best delivering his prepared elements, which is not to say they sound rehearsed or rote, but that his skills here outshine his crowdwork. Some phrases got a little lost in the enthusiasm of his delivery, but on the whole Mr McGrane’s material is solid and well constructed, covering topics including money and the lack thereof, children, and what it’s like to be a performer at the Fringe.

An occasional burst of apparently nervous laughter in the midst of the well-delivered stand-up recalled the sense of a tightly-wound first time performer evident in Mr McGrane’s opening crowd work, but, as noted, once in his comfort zone Mr McGrane is an accomplished performer. There’s a loose theme and structure, but as a work in progress and a figuring out of what works best, there’s no points off for that. A nice show with lots of potential.

Reviewed by Laura

PBH’s Free Fringe @ Subway

13:15 (40mins)

Until 27th (not 17th)