It’s no easy feat to deliver anecdotes about abuse and jokes at the same time, but James Barr pulls it off: the tone and mood are well-balanced, and the audience is with him all the way. Barr is an entertaining storyteller, and by the end of the hour, you feel like you know him. You also want to thank him and give him a hug. Apart from all the funny material – ranging from Botox and mothers to Christmas and dogs, there is a real heartbreaking core to this show and an enlightening message: “Why are people more scared of talking about abuse than living it”? Barr makes us reflect as well as laugh. We need more honest stories like this.

Underbelly, George Square, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Sara Basso de Marc]