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Rosco McClelland: Bring Out Your Dead

 
Laura Tucker Review by Laura Tucker 4 Published: 22 Aug 2023 Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) Show Dates: 2 Aug 2023-27 Aug 2023

Glaswegian comedian and popular Twitch streamer Rosco McClelland enters clad in a denim biker vest and a spider’s web tattoo coning one elbow.

A tough-guy comedy routine with a dram of winsome charm

As soon as McClelland opens his mouth to reveal a gravelly accent and surreal observational humour, comparisons to fellow Glaswegian Billy Connelly are inevitable. McClelland’s tough-guy routine, however, is uniquely his own, with an extra dram of winsome charm.

For all except royalty, Bring Out Your Dead is an inclusive show and McClelland saves his ire for just one subject: King Charles. Instead of commenting on ‘issues that don’t relate to [him]’, McClelland prefers to opt for neutral territory, riffing on bendy buses, drunk antics and dentistry.

The main purpose of the show seems to be to provide solid entertainment rather than to share personal stories, and though he throws in some new gags, McClelland seems to be playing it safe, already backed by loyal fans and a 10,000-strong following on Twitch.

Strap in for a show peppered with multimedia, lyrics from The Proclaimers, and slug content, all tied together by a born performer who oozes confidence despite unforeseen audio glitches.

Tech issues notwithstanding, Fringe veteran McClelland is a dream to watch, taking charge despite an admission that the show is usually much better. Thankfully, the crowd doesn’t care, happy just to be in McClelland’s loud, lairy but loveable presence.

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The Blurb:

A show about taking chances, even when the consequences are certain death. Multi award-winning Scottish comedian and top 1% global Twitch streamer Rosco McClelland presents his latest collection of works. Scottish Comedian of the Year 2016 and Best Scottish Compere 2020. Host of Comedy Central Live. 'Sheer delight, I haven't been able to get it out my head since' **** (Telegraph). 'Joyously weird' **** (Times). 'The highlight of the show' **** (Scotsman). 'A gifted storyteller, with great stage presence and, of course, fantastic gags' **** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).