Words: Calum Baxter

4 stars

Ali Woods, the half-English, half-Scottish comedian, podcaster and content creator who has supported various comedians on tour, including Russell Kane, Axel Blake and Adam Kay, is embarking on his third run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.

In a show centring on love and relationships, the “2020 Hackney Empire New Act of the Year” winner sheepishly saunters on stage and guides his audience on an emotional rollercoaster which begins with a personal anecdote about a trip to the doctors in his adolescence. Ali introduces audiences to his outspoken Scottish mother, who was concerned about his delayed puberty at 17. This impression steals the show with every fleeting recurrence within the narrative arc.

Ali makes light of relatable anecdotes about past romantic rejections as well as the drudgery of his past office job, whilst poking fun at the ridiculousness of societal pressures to improve his life through conventional pathways. At the same time, he highlights the damage that can result from conforming to masculine stereotypes.

Having left his 9-5 job, Ali performs stand-up comedy full time. Through this exciting chapter of his life, he meets and starts dating a woman who he feels he can finally be himself around and who reciprocate his feelings. There are some touching anecdotes about their time together with an incredibly poignant and emotional conclusion to a well-constructed hour.

I felt the tonal shift reflected Ali Woods growth in maturity which made for a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking hour.

Ali Woods: At The Moment
Underbelly, Bristo Square – Jersey
20:30
5 – 11, 13 – 25 August