one4review | On 09, Aug 2024

The success or failure of this concept-show rests entirely on the performer, so it’s good that the performer is Rob Alderson, accomplished comedian and workshop-facilitator extraordinaire. ‘Workshop facilitator’ is meant here as the highest compliment; the show simply wouldn’t be as fun or as successful if Mr Alderson wasn’t as genuine, nice and yes-and-y as he is.

The premise is that each audience will workshop with Rob to create two minutes of stand up, and all the two minutes will be compiled into a complete show at the end of the Fringe. This is nowhere near as intimidating or cringe-inducing as might be in another’s hands. Mr Alderson is in total command of the show, and he’s as comfortable with sitting in a bit of quiet while we think and process his questions as he is poking and exploring and prompting us to uncover more. He’s also articulate and reflective, and between the audience contributions serves up discourse on the nature of comedy and art mixed in with self-aware stand up bits. It’s genuinely engaging and good fun.

This is a show that you can engage with in lots of ways, from solely partaking of the playful almost-improv, to deep philosophical ponderings on how and why is comedy, or all of that at once. And if, inconceivably, none of that floats your boat, there are adorable guinea pig badges. A great way to start the day.

Reviewed by Laura

Just the Tonic at the Mash House
11:15
Until 25th (not 12th)