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Stuart McPherson: Crisps and a Lie Down

 
James Macfarlane Review by James Macfarlane 4 Published: 23 Aug 2025 Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire) Show Dates: 28 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

The Cab Vol caves are dark, dank and drippy. It’s good, therefore, that Stu McPherson immediately adds a bit of silliness to proceedings, something I definitely wasn’t expecting. Last year I wrote that McPhersons show was his most accomplished to date. This year, working with director John Aggasild on Crisps and a Lie Down, he takes a huge step up.

Stu McPherson is the real deal

Speaking about his “little family” that he’s created – himself, his girlfriend and their dog – it’s a chilled-out start, the kind of vibe I usually associate with McPherson. But it’s his physical impression of his dog excited to go for a walk where I first burst out laughing.

McPherson and Aggasild work in perfect harmony and the direction really feels like an asset, drawing out sides of him I’ve never seen before. Even when he jokes about wanting to appeal more to the “thickos” in his audience (is he talking about the Americans that he frequently translates for? I’m saying nothing…) the craft on display is sharp.

From sound effects to secret strokes, McPherson proves himself a comic wise beyond his years, delivering razor-sharp comedy with a deceptively gentle touch. Crisps and a Lie Down proves once and for all that Stu McPherson is the real deal – confident, creative and unmissable.

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Following his sell=out 2023/24 runs, Stu returns to the Fringe with his highly anticipated new show about settling down, growing up and how he’s being controlled by his step-dog. Join the host of smash-hit podcast Some Laugh and star of BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad for another sensational hour in which he pokes fun at 30-something relationships, generational divides and why he doesn’t want to die surrounded by loved ones. 'Hilarious' (Comedy.co.uk). 'Remarkable hit-rate' (Rolling Stone). **** (Scotsman). **** (List). **** (Skinny).