Time is probably the audience’s most precious commodity at the Fringe and competitions like these are good value, providing tasters of comedians’ hour-long acts. Last year’s winner Lara A King hosted, as four other female comics, Sarah Callaghan, Kerry Gilbert, Lucy Frederick and finally, my favourite, Katherine Ryan, each did a sterling job at tempting the crowd into seeing their solo shows. Some might bemoan the gender-exclusivity of the showcase (and the implication that male and female comics shouldn’t compete in the same arena) and the free Benefit make-up did feel a little patronising. It also wasn’t very clear how the competition worked, or who would be appearing in future shows; despite that, a safe bet for the Festival-goer.

Assembly George Square, 3-17 Aug (not 6, 7), 2.00pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Rachel Aroesti]