Fainting audience members are not the best end to a gig but at least they’re memorable, unlike much of the rest of Mark Dolan’s routine. Dolan is a sharp performer with a good delivery and he judges the line between amusingly creepy and just plain creepy well, particularly when bantering with the audience. However, his scripted material sometimes feels old and dull – topical references to Barak Obama and Comet surely belong to Festivals past – and sections on obesity and married life trundle on too long with too few jokes. Additionally, his list of “awesome things” is decidedly hit or miss. Dolan might think life is awesome, but this show, while entertaining enough, is just a bit average.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 25 Aug (not 12), 7.45pm. 
tw rating 3/5 | [Andrew Bell]