During the last two years the pandemic forced many industries to change and adapt in order to survive – and stand up comedy was right at the forefront of those changes.

Clowns could no longer perform, venues struggled and comedy fans had to look for their clown fix in brand new places.

Social media was a logical place to turn and, whilst many clowns struggled with the new format, there were a few that embraced the challenge and absolutely nailed the delivery. Josh Pugh was one of the most those clowns.

He regularly posted shorts of awkward exchanges with an unseen antagonist (mostly from a single perspective) that thoroughly tickled us and helped keep our comedy appetite sated. And this was easily enough for us to take a flyer on some tickets for this year’s Fringe run, and I’m so glad we did.

Josh Pugh has one of the most laid-back, easy-going styles on the circuit today – every anecdote is just like listening to a story from your mate’s mate who just turned up at the pub – but funnier.

There are proper belly laughs to be had from this routine, which, at its core, tells a meandering tale of how our clown’s first baby son came to be. The kernels of truth in each of this clown’s anecdotes give them their charm but it is his everyman delivery, surreal twists and occasional knowing smirk that turn them into the comedy gems they are.

This is a great show (with possibly my favourite title on this year’s Fringe) from a clown that I can’t recommend highly enough and would love to see again.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh