Words: Caitlin Todd
4 stars
In her debut Fringe hour, Chortle Hotshot 2025 Alex Stringer delivers a sharp, honest, and frequently hilarious take on sobriety, dating, and the strange rituals that bind us together. Happy Hour isn’t just a comedy show, it’s an offering of community, especially for those who have struggled with addiction (whether that be the young men with an addiction to posing with fish on dating apps or those that attend cult-like cold water swimming.)
Stringer has been sober for eight years and began stand-up two years into recovery, something she shares with both candour and warmth. She speaks openly about what led her to turn her life around, anchoring the hour in emotional truth without ever dipping into self-pity. That balance is key to the show’s impact: it’s raw and relatable, but consistently funny.
Her natural rapport with the audience allows her to tailor jokes to the audience; comparing strongly disliked drinks from around the globe. Her interactions feel genuinely spontaneous and relaxed, rather than crowd-work filler. Other highlights include tales from rehab bingo (where the word “line” is banned) and the new bisexual culture craze of partner gender reveals.
As far as Fringe debuts go, this is an assured, generous hour from a comic who knows exactly what she’s doing. Honest, inclusive, and deeply funny, Alex Stringer is definitely one to watch.
Alex Stringer: Happy Hour
Bunker Three Pleasance Courtyard
18:00
30th July – 24th August