one4review | On 10, Aug 2026

It must be nearly a quarter of a century ago that I first saw Phil Nichol perform at the Edinburgh Fringe and he became an instant favourite of mine. It has been around seven years since he was last here, but after spells doing plenty of TV and theatre work, he is thrilling audiences old and new with his talent.

On entering the performing space, Nichol is on stage playing Lou Reed’s Perfect Day as his walk in music (he’ll tell you why). And then boom, Phil is into his show, 110mph, delivering the opening sequence about being old and not wanting to be a pensioner, then giving a brief synopsis of his recent past. His engagement and the proposal issues segues into the portrayal of his parents — Scots born but Canadian citizens — and his early life, flowing seamlessly but interrupted frequently by peals of laughter from the adoring crowd.

He talks of his friend Kevin Hearn, a rock star, and Kevin’s leukaemia problems; the phone calls from Lou Reed; comedian Ed Byrne’s guitar purchase; strangers met on a train; closing with the meeting of a former girlfriend’s family for the first time. It is all threaded with his comedic genius, and his obliteration of the fourth wall makes it seem even more personal.

Apparently one of Lou Reed’s regular comments was “aren’t we lucky”. Well with Phil Nichol back on the scene we most certainly are.

5 *****
Reviewed by Geoff
Gilded Balloon Lounge
Until 30 August (excl. 17th)
17.20 – 18.20