Winner of last year’s ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ award, Aisling Bea is destined to be the next big thing. With a highly original, yet still polished set, she had the audience on her side from the very first minute. Performing very sharp observational and surreal comedy, whether it was deconstructing the goings on in a nightclub or waxing lyrical about hip-hop, all aspects of her act were very strong indeed. With a shed-load of confidence that managed to be endearing as opposed to arrogant, Bea worked the stage at a hundred miles an hour, leaving little room for air in between. With charisma and material as good as this, she’s close to creating a belle époque of comedy.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug, 6.30pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Robert McGowan Stuart]