It seems disingenuous for Julia Sutherland to claim, near the end of her show, that weight isn’t particularly important. She evidently places a lot of emphasis on the issue, having moulded a whole Fringe show around the achievement of having lost six stone. It’s an impressive accomplishment, and Sutherland talks candidly about the change in her appearance and self image. The material is frequently funny, though it probably helps if you can empathise with her struggles, as a lot of it is rather one-dimensional. From wanting a second wedding in which she can be slim, to avoiding becoming the fat friend of the group again, her jokes amuse and entertain but never fully ignite.

The Stand Comedy Club III & IV, until 19 Aug, 8.10pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Ian Freeman]