I sometimes wonder if I like Robin Ince because telling people that I have been to see him makes me feel high-brow and intellectual… I then remember that I am neither of those things and as much as some of his jokes do go over my head the real reason that I like this clown is because Robin Ince is thoroughly likeable and genuinely funny.

This wasn’t actually the show that I wanted to see, I wanted to catch Robin’s later show ‘Pragmatic Insanity‘ but it had predictably sold out. Nevertheless some Robin is better than no Robin so we headed off to the Edinburgh Museum… yes, it was a first for me too!

The show offered a blistering blast through the world of art with a little science (obviously) thrown in for good measure. Not only does the science chat allow Robin’s true passion to break through but it gives him carte blanche to drop in his – actually rather good – Brian Cox impression.

This is not a show for the hard of hearing or the slow of wit. You can almost hear Robin’s mind whirring as it races through all of the paintings, sculptures and teensy galleries this ever-curious comic has tried to cram in to this one-hour show. It makes you laugh, and makes you think – for example, what is the best painting you have ever seen of a woman knitting?

I would gladly recommend this show to anyone… just don’t drink too much the night before – you need your faculties

Clown Stars: * * * *

 @Gilded Balloon at the Museum, Edinburgh

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