Edinburgh and Beyond 2008 at the Sub Rooms

The evening was well compered by Dan Atkinson, despite his shabby and dishevelled appearance. His ability to engage and relax the audience with his natural charm and anecdotal wit were evident from the outset, although those at the front may not necessarily agree!

The first and probably hardest slot was filled by the bearded and shuffling Londoner, Joe Wilkinson. His dead pan style of self deprecating humour was met with mixed reactions from the two hundred strong audience. Although disjointed, his material was generally good and fairly safe.

The next act was Isy Suttie who many will know from her appearances in the ‘Peep Show’. She was a Victoria Woodesque comedienne who delivered her takes on love and life in Matlock, Derbyshire with a number of ditties and ‘Phoebe like’ coffee shop songs. Her underlying musical talent was undoubted, but whether or not she could command the audience as a headline act is questionable. After a short interlude, giving the audience a chance to wet the whistle, the headline act of Glen Wool was finally introduced.

Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, the ‘118’ moustachioed Wool was not afraid to test the audience and push the limits with his surreal humour. Starting with a quip about Prunella Scales he went on to discuss recycling, American politics, alcoholism, drugs and divorce. He has an engaging and dominant presence about him that draws you in and makes you listen and watch. A lot of the time it is not only his material that amuses, but also his style of delivery and facial expressions. He is one not to be missed if the opportunity arises and in this instance ‘Strude’ was treated to one of the best comics currently touring the country and a fitting end to a truly entertaining evening.

Ben Gannon