10/08/17

Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh

The poet Cyril Connolly once famously wrote, ‘There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.’ But for some artists – especially comedians – it turns out that pram (or rather its occupant) can be the central premise of a very amusing routine. Take Stuart Goldsmith, for instance. The standup comic and host of the popular podcast, The Comedian’s Comedian, has fairly recently become a father and his baby (and some of the mysterious ailments suffered by her mother) provide Goldsmith with a whole raft of quips and observations.

He’s on good form at the Liquid Rooms (one of the Free Fringe venues), but you’ll need to get there early if you want a seat, because he’s popular and the place gets rammed. Also, don’t forget to take some cash along with you, because it’s considered very bad form indeed to attend without throwing some cash (preferably of the paper variety) into the bucket as you leave. Comedians need to eat – and feed their families – you know.

Goldsmith does a great line in self deprecation and this year, as he’s decided to record his routine at each session, he milks a lot of extra laughs from his wry asides to the recording device, commenting on which jokes went well and which ones clearly sailed over the heads of the audience.

Goldsmith has a very likable persona and a relaxed way with an audience that always makes his sets enjoyable. He was very good last year – and this show is even better.

4.2 stars

Philip Caveney