David Hoare’s new show promises to “teach you how to live to 100”. He does sort of deliver on that promise, although – just to manage expectations – it won’t be especially easy to put what you learn into practice. But the lesson itself is very entertaining. Structured around Hoare’s mission to discover what is necessary to live a nice long life – and his even more ambitious bid to get a telegram from the late Queen Elizabeth II – this show offers some great stories, some jovial audience banter, and a fair few musical interludes and comedy sound effects. It all fits together very nicely indeed, and while your life may not end up being any longer as a result of spending an hour in Hoare’s company, I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy that hour of your life was well spent. 

Hoots @ Nicolson Square, until 31 Aug. 
tw rating 4/5 | [Chris Cooke]