Words: Calum Baxter
Image: Matt Crockett

4 Stars

Making his triumphant return to the Edinburgh Fringe this year following on from a two week run of theatre production “My Neighbours are Kinda Weird” last year, Henry Rowley is no stranger to a captive audience. This year marks his first solo stand-up show in Scotland’s capital.

In this hour the audience are first given a word-for word account of an interview Henry had from Tatler magazine in which his attempts to come off in the article as self deprecating prove to be taken at face value by the publication making him come off arrogant which is far from reality.

This evening the audience were treated to a few unrehearsed improvisations due to the fact the performer’s father was among the crowd. This made for intentionally funny movements particularly as Henry began describing growing up in Leicester and impersonating his parents. Henry introduces us to a whole host of characters and personas living rent free in his mind including the “Soho House guy”, “the music guy at afters” as well as “Minty” as well as poking fun at how men can be portrayed on dates. I’m not sure if we, as an audience, are any clearer as to the reasons behind why all these characters occupy so much of Henry’s mind but we all certainly enjoy their portrayal throughout.

It’s clear that Harry’s father is very proud of his son’s achievements. His performance continues to be received warmly by audiences here in Edinburgh before Henry takes the show on tour of the UK and Ireland in the Autumn.

Henry Rowley: Just Literally
Pleasance Courtyard – Beside
19:30
Aug 9 – 11, 13 – 26