Fringe comedy

HHHH

The Fringe can be a pretty intense affair. Back-to-back show scheduling is expected of audiences – and sometimes performers can get in on the act too. Phill Jupitus, pictured, has a bit of a complex this festival and seems to be stretching himself thinly, show wise.

In his show at The Stand he appears in three guises and questions from the cramped basement audience shape the show's jokey journey. A German submariner who died in 1945 is our first character and, in seafarer scratchy jumper, he is reliant on a few extroverts in the crowd offering some probing questions. Some quality quips and fast as lightning put downs follow.

His second character was a livelier "bon viveur". As audience member Sue Perkins pointed out he must have some secrets to divulge as he had lived to the whopping age of 113. With brandy being his secret, filmic references from throughout the 20th century followed, as diverse as Margaret Rutherford and Sandra Bullock.

Entering in his third guise, a deceased Phill Jupitus, as a projection from 2050, he kicked off the most surreal part of his set which did create the best comedy moments. I won't spoil the ending but for a jagged little pill thrill from Phill check out his early evening show.

Ends August 27

HHH

Ranting was the billed name of the game for Phil Nichol although he was the picture of a welcoming host at the outset. I always root for Nichol as he so often has flickering moments of sheer comedy gold and his speedy delivery can be equally thrilling and disturbing.

With no musical aspects to this year's show he rants about many things: women with too many cats, medical professionals wanting next of kin details and any element of "multiple choice" that leads to his brow sweating and his blood pressure soaring.

Where he nearly lost the crowd was in berating them for a lack of response. "Come on, that's funny. It's a joke!" The Canadian doth protest too much.

Sound guy Stuart had to call time when Nichol refused to accept applause at the end of the show, deeming it patronising.

"This is now a hostage situation!" screamed Nichol before ill-advisedly chucking a bottle of water at a heckler in need of a loo break.

Caustic and confusing? Yes. But with a tendency for occasional brilliance.

Ends August 26

HHHH

As compere of a late-night comedy showcase running almost a half hour late, Fred MacAulay had his work cut out. The heckler who persisted in shouting "next!" was given the professional treatment but unfortunately it did not succeed in shutting him up.

Irishman Andrew Maxwell could give everyone a lesson in crowd management. His expert handling could have been utilised by both compere and main attraction. Maxwell's best gags were about Edinburgh, with a few junkie and sectarian stories thrown in for any Americans who have a rose-tinted view of Scotland.

The best of Mitch Benn's three songs was his Eurovision ditty but, as an audience member pointed out, the sound balance detracted from the experience. The Boy With Tape On His Face added his own unique brand of comedy and mime. His skill lies in his super slick execution and perfectly expressive eyes with a fair dollop of artistic ingenuity.

Phill Jupitus took the stage with a bottle of beer and a bit of attitude. "Why did I take this gig?" did not bode very well. Heading out into the audience to confront his heckler was also not foreseen by the bemused security staff either. "Have I done my 15 minutes?" Jupitus asked, shortly thereafter, exiting stage right.