Hal Cruttenden is a very charismatic man. He is so endearing that, despite being ushered to the front row centre seat and bearing the brunt of his mockery for sixty minutes, I left the venue with a cheerful spring in my step. Fortunately, it was teasing in the kindest way possible – entertaining without being overly malicious. Cruttenden’s non-improvised material was equally as impressive, featuring dexterous wordplay aplenty and smooth transitions between each anecdote. The show’s social and political critiques were thoughtful without being too preachy, and peppered with enough disarming self-deprecation to keep viewers on his side. An hour in Cruttenden’s exuberant company will pass quickly. Enjoy it while it lasts. But perhaps avoid sitting in my place.

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-26 Aug (not 13), 9.45pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Joseph Fleming]