Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Universal Recipe

A trio of friends, our plucky heroes, stand before us. One tall, one short, one long of hair, they talk us through the heroic and non-heroic parts of life, and muse on the nature of stories. They have travelled, they have read dubious fan fiction, they have come to terms with being both a man and a feminist. From their experiences they have produced a Fringe show of cheerful stand up and brief sketches which sticks closely enough to the theme of storytelling without being restricted to it. An old story well told can still make people laugh and make them think and Tim Ballantine, Haydn Griffith-Jones and Andy Kallstrom achieve both with ease.

The whole offers far more than the sum of its parts

Throughout the show we witness each performer's different experiences of manliness, or lack thereof, and discuss the power of stories in bringing people together. This is an hour not just of interesting and wildly funny comedy, but of genuine thought about one of the most important parts of being human. Every comedian at the Fringe tells us stories of one kind or another, but these three discuss the inner workings and common themes of these in an honest and insightful way - before launching into another What I Did On My Holidays-style recount.

Clashing cultures shine through when the Brit Ballantine and Canadian Kallstrom take to the stage between sets. Their outsider perspective adds an extra layer to the fabric of the show. We hear tales from Hotpants' home, Kallstrom's emerging realisations about British culture, and Wayne's time spent abroad including elaborate lies in place of chat-up lines. The whole offers far more than the sum of its parts and by sharing the hour between the three of them, the Universal Recipe offers its audience some great pieces of comedy guaranteeing they leave wanting more. 

Reviews by Jenni Ajderian

Just The Tonic at the Caves

Afternoon Delight

★★★
Citrus Club

Gower Rangers

★★★
Southsider

An Introduction to Twerking

★★★★
Stand in the Square

Keep the Kids Out!

★★★★
Sweet Grassmarket

The Universal Recipe

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

How do we tell stories? What separates a proper story from those rambling, incoherent accounts of their dreams your boring friends always insist on telling you? What’s the difference between an anecdote and a legend? In their new show, stand-up comedians Andy Kallstrom, Tim Ballantine and Haydn Griffith-Jones attempt to unearth The Universal Recipe for the perfect story.
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Wicked

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things : The First Shadow
Stranger Things : The First Shadow

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King

From £46.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Hamilton
Hamilton

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Play On
Buy cheap tickets for Cymbeline
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
Buy cheap tickets for Alls Well That Ends Well
Buy cheap tickets for Cinderella Kings Head
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for Mozart - Her Story