Just for laughs

With comedy accounting for a rib-tickling one in three of the 2088 shows at this year’s Fringe, it’s harder than ever for audiences to sort the worthy from the witless. Luckily, here at s1play, we've been keeping up to date with the Herald’s critics to provide a quick round up of some of the best performers for the final week in Edinburgh.

With that in mind, it’s been interesting to note that in spite of there being more new shows than ever before, it’s been some of the Fringe’s more seasoned performers who have attracted the best notices over the last couple of weeks.

According to reviewer Colin Somerville, a comic as experienced as Jason Byrne merits enduring popularity not only because he is very good at making people laugh, and but also because of his “unparalleled ability” to interact with audiences.

2007 IF award nominee and fellow Irishman Andrew Maxwell (pictured) also attracted a similarly rapturous notice for latest show Supernatural.

Another old hand whose reputation has been enhanced with his new-for-2008 effort is Jimeoin, whose wickedly self deprecatory On Ice has had audiences “doubled up in agonising laughter” on a nightly basis.

Less well known names have also been impressive. Edinburgh solo newcomer Sarah Millican’s bitter-sweet observational show Not Nice provides a great platform for her excellent comic timing and conversational charm. “British comedy needs a new female star and might just have got one,” said Colin Somerville.

Meanwhile, honourable mentions have also gone to If.Comeddies Best Newcomer 2006 Josie Long (“wide-eyed but whip-smart”), Alun Cochrane (“a crescendo of hilarity”), and Kevin Glidea (“a treat of an hour”), as well as David O’Doherty’s Let’s Comedy, mixing musical musings with off-kilter rumination on topics like toothbrushes, the animal kingdom, and Einstein’s love life.

The Edinburgh Fringe continues until August 25.