one4review | On 17, Aug 2026

They say the secret to a successful Fringe show is making it plain and simple in your show title what it’s about. In that case, this could be the motherlode and be used in 101-to-make-and-market a successful Fringe show. And, humbled brag, he’s toured the world with it and has a sold-out crowd tonight.

It’s simple. Scottish comic Gary Sansome is the bald man. Yes, he sings Rihanna, well, in segments. I imagine the bigger, more pretentious venues and acts struggling to get punters would be jealous of the crowd’s size as they sip their morning matcha and look over their spreadsheets.

And as for the show itself, it delivers exactly what is required.

Sansome knows Rihanna’s lyrics for her most popular hits. Diamonds, Disturbia, Shut Up and Drive, and of course Umbrella pop up throughout the set, with quips and jokes related to the songs, some deep, mostly stupid observations, with Dundee and Airdrie getting a hammering too.
Audience interaction is also key here. In the hands of a lesser mortal, it would fall on its arse, but Samsone has been around and knows how to handle the most verbose crowd and keeps everything moving along. And this crowd wants to sing and interact, with plenty of opportunities, plus added appearances by Adele, Katy Perry, and Kendrick Lamar. Even Rihanna’s acting career gets touched on; well, Battleships, which brings one of the bigger laughs.

Comedy doesn’t need to be high art. If, as here, you have a great comedian like Sansome in command of the art and a good concept with universal appeal, you are on to making a successful, entertaining show.

***
Reviewed by Steve H
PBH’s Free Fringe – Brewdog Doghouse Hotel
Until 30 August (not 17 or 24)
19.30 (55 mins)