On a day of great shows (Larry Dean & Pierre Novelli) we had chosen Andrew Maxwell as the closing act, the coup de grace, the finale. And once again this clown stuck a cherry on top of an almost perfect comedy sundae.

This year Andrew essentially started with a teaser, he wasn’t going to discuss Trump, not really -because he didn’t have his lawyer present- but next year, next year he feels circumstances may well have unshackled a lot of comedians on that subject – I personally can’t wait.

Shake a Leg is typical of recent shows from this clown. It discusses the ridiculous nature of all sides of politics and trickles all the way down through pirates and football to family – I wish I could have seen his son flyering with his “shit moustache”.

Every subject is delivered with that playful twinkle-in-his-eye tone that somehow makes even the most damning criticism or insult just seem like craic.

The story about having to tell his son off, over skype, in the early hours of the morning, whilst drunk and on tour in Australia was a particular high point for me. But the true climax to the show involves the behind the scenes tales from a show Andrew did for BBC Three called Conspiracy Road Trip. Giving this clown access to Americans is one thing, but giving him access to Americans who believe in conspiracy theories is like giving a pyromaniac napalm!

I can’t (and won’t even try to) give away any of the material from the performance, needless to say though that this is a show that I highly recommend and if you are anything like us you will be scouring Iplayer for Conspiracy Road Trip almost as soon as you leave the theatre.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@Assembly George Square Theatre, Edinburgh

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