Adam Hess and Sean McLoughlin’s show shares certain similarities with The Aerie at Jekyll and Hyde, where their free hour-long set takes place: both are charmingly ramshackle and in need of a good polish. The thrown-together feel of ‘The McLough-Hess Monster’ works in the pair’s favour, however. It’s a typically student-y affair, with off-hand observations on university life, girlfriends and terminal poverty. Hess is the most animated of the pair, and though funny, is at times a little rambling. McLoughlin is more upfront about the show’s unfinished nature, and we see him mentally scratch the two or three jokes that simply don’t work. Despite this, it’s a promising start. Hopefully by the end of August they’ll have found their Fringe feet.

Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde, 2-26 Aug (not 16), 4.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Rebecca Low]