one4review | On 05, Sep 2026

Glasgow-based Tattoo Dave brings his unique brand of inked mirth to the Fringe with his first full hour, Tat’s Life.

Dave, as all good comics do, brings us into his id the right way, with tales from the swimming baths that are completely delightful, almost BBC Scotland sitcom-style. Of course, he also mines his own adventures in the tattooverse, with sizing and bizarre requests all getting an airing. Nothing seems off limits when it comes to finding the funny.

His travels abroad also get a decent airing, particularly the joys of learning the lingo and his experiences in France. It’s the kind of stuff that Dave manages to turn into something relatable, calling out absurdity in elitism and snobbery with gusto and cutting barbs.

More interesting, though, is the section on how his own views have made him something of a target for the right-wing shiterati, particularly online. Dave doesn’t shy away from it, but the politics doesn’t overwhelm the comedy. He keeps the whole thing moving along, which is one of the show’s real strengths. He controls the crowd beautifully and knows exactly when the push and pull of audience interaction should end.

Dave already has something of a cult following in Scotland. On the evidence of Tat’s Life, expect that following to grow. An excellent, well-managed and thought-out hour from a performer who knows what he wants to say, isn’t pandering to the masses and is the type of everyman we need on the comedy scene.
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Hoot 2 at Hoots @ The Apex
17 – 31 Aug
20:10-21.00