smokingboot

With a trio of one person shows in bijoux studios. The first was Five Mistakes That Changed History, which we expected to be some kind of satire; turned out to be a story-telling gig doing exactly what it said. We were treated to five little known stories out of history told by an enthusiastic nerd with slides, just perfect for an afternoon show. Genial, interesting, an easy 7/10.

Next was Heavenly Baba, a comedy show based on a man's childhood as an American Muslim, growing up with his eccentric father etc. Personally, I detest any show that leans hard on representation to justify it. I will never say that a show has merit because a [insert minority] person made it; smacks of condescension. Without qualification this was the best stand up comedy I have ever seen on stage. Yes, poignant, yes, authentic, principally extremely funny. Rated right up there between Shamilton and Fly You Fools: 9.6/10

Comedy Samurai followed on the same stage an hour and a half after HB. It was a much more standard stand up routine and though shrewd and excellently observed, suffered by comparison. My companions enjoyed it, I thought it was OK. 6.6 /10.

Time to go home then, making our way to the train station while folk tumbled out of pubs and venues, streets thronging. All that colour, all that music! Farewell Fringe, you've been amazing, but sometime in the next 48 hours I've got to sleep.