When Phill Jupitus commits to the Fringe, he does so 100 per cent. There are numerous opportunities to see him across this year's festival and with his main stand up show, he confirms that he is more than able to tackle the schedule that awaits him.
This is lovingly crafted hour of comedy that shows a performer on top of his comedy game.
He mocks himself as being the star of 'an ever diminishing number of TV shows'. He's a welcome addition to many a TV programme, but if the lack of commissions means that he has more time to devote to the stage, then on the evidence of this performance that's no bad thing.
Jupitus acknowledges the difference between his stage persona and that of his TV one to good effect. He's very much aware that people will have wandered in off the street to see that 'man off QI' and are confronted by a shoutier version. He gives all present both aspects of his performer personality.
He clearly loves Scotland and the festival in particular and this devotion forms the basis of this show. It acts as a love letter to the place and it's a love that clearly shows no sign of diminishing, nor is it one that he takes for granted.
He opens with a couple of songs performed on the guitar. The first takes on a target for derision that you may never have previously considered. The second song's scorn is trained on a band that most would find it hard to disagree with Phill's viewpoint. These hit the mark and are great songs in their own right.
Before he puts down the guitar and starts striding the stage like the comedy colossus that he is, he shows how the riff from Scotland's unofficial national anthem can be used as a deterrent in any tricky situation. If the first two songs were mainly there to lead to this punchline, then it was worth him bringing out the guitar for this pay off alone.
A slip of the tongue starts him off on an impromptu Call My Bluff riff that is funny and shows his ability as a comedian to deviate from the script. When back on course, he repeats this same fluff. Eventually he regains his line of thought, not before he mockingly turns on the audience who cheer him for getting the line right.
His routine about the chip shop around the corner from the venue, had you salivating and laughing at the same time. That's a sensual first for most in the audience. What he details doesn't sound like the most enticing meal in the world, but the way that Phill describes it, you wouldn't be surprised if M&S came calling for him to voice their next advert.
The reminiscences about the first time he came to Scotland with Billy Bragg see him wander down memory lane with a affectionate look at all things Scottish. The Krankies are subjected to a waspish takedown. An easy target, yes, but funny all the same.
The perils of having a beard and wearing a fleece in Scotland opens up the opportunity for a bit of mimicry and some note perfect impressions. He appears to be having fun with the material as he improvises a few elements that have him and the audience cracking up in unison.
The show's big finale, sees him refer to a routine that he's done previously, on Live at the Apollo about his eldest daughter having sex with her boyfriend in his house. His youngest daughter had asked why she is the one that doesn't get mentioned in his act. He redresses the balance with a lovingly heartfelt piece about her.
This is lovingly crafted hour of comedy that shows a performer on top of his comedy game.
