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Best of So You Think You're Funny?

 
Victor Black Review by Victor Black 4 Published: 20 Aug 2025 Gilded Balloon Patter House Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-25 Aug 2025

So You Think You’re Funny features three up-and-coming comics who are already making waves and winning competitions on their way to potential stardom, following in the footsteps of some of your favourite comedians who trod the same path. The acts today, and for the whole run, were all worthy of their success so far and complemented each other well.

Up-and-coming comics who are already winning competitions on their way to potential stardom

First up was Ciara O’Connor, who took on the guise of quasi-compère in getting to know the audience and setting the atmosphere for the evening, before seamlessly flowing into her material. She had a confident stage persona and a wide range of solid material that did not rely too heavily on being trans. Her trans-chess analogy was a set highlight.

Next up was Bert Broadbent, who talked – as too few comics do – about his glasses. As with so many stand-ups, much of his set focused on his appearance, and while amusing, I prefer comics to verge into more original and diverse subjects that you don't hear in the majority of sets. A strong act who will not disappoint nonetheless.

The standout for me was the final performer, Fab Goualin, who offered witty commentary on his Nigerian-French heritage and coming out story. Despite – and forgive the hypocrisy – both being topics many comedians cover, Fab proved to be a master of the callback, tying his set back to epic discussions from the previous acts. This helped establish SYTYF as a cut above some other Fringe compilation shows, where comedians often arrive mid-bill and repeat interviews with the same audience members.

You will always be in safe hands with this brand, who work tirelessly to quality-control their acts based purely on merit and ensure you leave struggling to identify any lowlights in the lineup.

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The Blurb:

An unmissable line-up of fresh talent starring Bert Broadbent, Fab Goualin, and Ciara O'Connor – finalists from the UK's biggest new comedy competition! See the best emerging comedians before they become household names. Previous winners and finalists from the competition include: Aisling Bea, Tommy Tiernan, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Fern Brady, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Daniel Sloss and many more. 'Showcasing the stand-up stars of the future' (Comedy.co.uk).