(and a half) 

This is Sean Hughes' second show at this year’s fringe as well as his sentimental and charming theatrical comedy, Life Becomes Noises (I awarded it 4 stars). Sean Hughes Stands Up is on the other hand; disappointing. I fear this may be what happens when you take too much on.

From the beginning he had the whole audience behind him, ready to laugh and be entertained but by the end they were left lost and a little deflated. It was tired material, performed by what looked like a very tired man, no doubt from doing one too many shows. Jokes about Catholicism, Race and him growing old missed the mark, not that they weren't all funny, some were - but the laughs were few and far between and when the good jokes came we had just heard them before. 

Mind you, the room was swelteringly hot which could be part of the reason the audience were so quiet. Also, in a show where much of his material relies on support from banter with the front row, this particular evening he was very unlucky with who chose to sit at the front, (surely by now you realise that if you sit on the Front Row in a comedy gig you have to be fun), but instead of him picking someone else (someone interesting) to talk to, he kept at them which frankly, got us nowhere.

Perhaps if I hadn’t seen Life Become Noises I wouldn’t be so frustrated. Without wanting to sound too much like a teacher writing a report card for an apathetic child, I have seen what he can be like when he actually tries and in Sean Hughes Stands Up he does not utilise any of his great potential. 

Sean Hughes: Sean Hughes Stands Up

Gilded Balloon Teviot

Until 27 August, 20:15