The racial slurring, chauvinistic alter ego of Jim Muir interviewing Ali McGregor and Ed Byrne – sounds like a recipe for success, right? Hopefully a couple of YouTube moments? Wrong. The opening routine by the Rev didn’t establish the character, instead it just blurred the lines between the man and the character. When coupled with his material (knob and sex jokes predominantly), this made for uncomfortable viewing. The first “interview” became all about the Reverend, with Ali McGregor receiving a barrage of sexual expletives. It ended with Ed Byrne finally steering the ship to safety, resulting in an entertaining section. But when you see the guests taking control, you know that the plot has been lost somewhere.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug (not 12, 19), 5.30pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Christopher Spring]