one4review | On 19, Aug 2024

“Best Man” at the Edinburgh Fringe is a wild ride through the emotional minefield of being the last single friend standing. Cahill, the hapless best man, takes centre stage in this immersive one-man show, where the audience finds themselves part of a chaotic wedding reception. As John and Rebecca tie the knot, Cahill’s best man speech quickly spirals out of control, making for an awkwardly funny yet painfully relatable experience.

The interactive improv aspect pulls the audience right into the heart of the celebration, where they become guests at the wedding, witnessing Cahill’s deadpan delivery of increasingly disastrous anecdotes. What starts as a routine speech soon derails into a bitter, raw reflection on breakups, loneliness, and the pressure to conform as friends move on to married life. Cahill’s biting humour and sharp wit keep the laughs coming, even as the show takes a much darker and more intense turn compared to previous performances.

The result is a compelling mix of comedy and cringe, where every misstep feels both hilarious and heartbreakingly true. If you’re looking for a show that captures the messy reality of modern relationships with a sharp comedic edge, “Best Man” is an absolute riot and a show you won’t want to miss.

*****
Reviewed by Gavin
Underbelly Bristo Square – Fresian
14.20 (1hr)
Until 25th August