Comedians Dave Chawner and Robyn Perkins really did make things hard for themselves. Free comedy in a tiny, sweaty room at tea-time is a hard enough sell, but to build the show around anorexia and bereavement? Insanity. And yet, it really works. There’s a genuine, refreshing honesty in Chawner’s account of his anorexic past and in Perkins’ discussion of the death of her partner. It  captivates the audience and allows the comics to really mine the comedic potential; and what potential there is! Both are gifted performers – though they need to refine their skills at dealing with drunken, disruptive punters – and their material is sharp, insightful, touching, but above all really, really funny.

Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters, until 25 Aug, 6.00pm.
tw rating 4/5 [Andrew Leask]