As this was my first show of this year’s fringe I wanted to start with a safe pair of hands… Usually when someone says that they mean “middle of the road” or “solid” but when it comes to comedy this is not the case.

In the world of comedy it means a guaranteed laugh and the knowledge that you will enjoy the performance – that is a incredibly high bar to set.

That being said Stewart Francis clears it effortlessly.

When it comes to puns this man is mixing it with the clown heavyweights – people like Tommy Cooper & Tim Vine – he fires so many lines that even though not all hit you don’t have time to react before the next good one gets you… “My girlfriend dumped me because I sold her wheelchair… I’m sure she’ll come crawling back“.

Francis has always been low key in his delivery but this was pushing that to the extreme – although it turns out that low energy attempts at “flossing” and the “single ladies” dance routine are actually hilarious.

Into the Punset is apparently this clowns last ever tour and yet despite trawling Google I couldn’t find out the reason why. It is possible that perhaps the low key delivery wasn’t part of the show this time and maybe he really is tired of the life of a stand-up. It certainly isn’t because comedy audiences have tired of him. He sold out the Ball Room at the Assembly tonight and was met with a steady flow of laughter, well intentioned groans and earnest applause.

I hope that this retirement proves temporary but if it is the end then I want to thank Stewart Francis for all of the laughs and wish him well for the future.

If you can catch this clown before the punset becomes the sunset then I highly recommend that you do.

Clown Stars: * * * *

 @Assembly Rooms – Edinburgh