The Late Show attracts a lot more of a local audience than most Fringe events and there is a sense that it doesn't necessarily mind separating itself somewhat from the hustle and bustle of other Fringe events.
Iszi Lawrence held her ground well throughout as she quipped about everything from her sexuality to the state of the Fringe today. She is intelligent and insightful and was very easy to warm to, considering she was playing to a crowd which didn't seem to be her target demographic: some of her material didn't receive massive applause.
John Scott was welcomed warmly by the locals, being an Edinburgh man having recently relocated to Newcastle. His set, as you can well imagine, centred largely around the differences apparent in his relocation; the English were left ragged and worn after a heavy beating which received rapturous applause. Scott is likeable and quick with his retort.
Irishman Jarlath Regan has had TV coverage on Russell Howard's Good News of recent, and worked hard to keep up a quick fire pace; Regan again had a great rapport with the Stand crowd. Fellow Irishman Michael Legge made quick work of a heckler on the front row who didn't appreciate the hard-nosed witticisms being dished out; the communication between the two was electric as the comedian successfully extinguished the debate to the crowd’s approval. Legge capably held the show together, his contributions rich and prolonged for what was essentially a compère role.
After the second interval and well into the early hours, the headline act finally came out and he was worth the wait. Admittedly drunk and possessing a temperament to fit, Phil Nichol could barely stand in one spot for more than a few seconds and within a matter of minutes he resorted to what seemed to be an extended version of his usual outro, some witty guitar-led musical comedy which saw him unleash heroic bursts of energy, screaming and shouting with a charming mock-insanity. It was a treat to see an extended musical addition to his set and the Stand's punters lapped up the gags and interacted with pizazz, clapping and singing along until well past closing time at 2.00am.
An enjoyable evening of big name, big laugh comedy. The venue itself bought a different feel to the festival but it simply made the gig an extremely authentic Scottish experience.
