Paul Byrne, a respected figure in the world of stand-up comedy, left an indelible mark on the stage before his untimely passing at the age of 44. In this show, his brother Ed pays tribute to Paul’s legacy while grappling with the weight of tragedy.

Despite the gravity of the subject matter, Ed, one of the world’s finest clowns, fearlessly embraces the darkness when addressing his brother’s untimely demise. Paul, known for his offbeat humour, had left explicit instructions for his funeral, demanding that “Disco Inferno” accompany his final journey into the crematorium – a darkly humorous testament to his unique wit.

In the spirit of his brother’s irreverent legacy, Ed’s performance builds to what he terms “the darkest joke I’ve ever told.” This joke is a gut-wrenching, cringe-inducing, yet uproariously funny gem. While many comedians aim for punchlines that elicit simultaneous gasps and laughter, Byrne’s audacious offering spans the wide spectrum between these two states.

Titled “Tragedy Plus Time,” borrowing from the musings of Mark Twain, the show takes us on a meandering journey much like life itself. Ed’s storytelling is punctuated with keen observations, planting seeds of ideas, phrases, and punchlines that reap substantial comedic rewards as the narrative unfolds.

Throughout the performance, we’re treated to tales of a disastrous car break-in, encounters with phrases like “an Irish goodbye,” and Ed’s unapologetic jabs at more successful “round-faced” comedians. The absurdity of Covid conspiracy theorists becomes a canvas for Ed’s palpable frustration with the world but has taught him the futility of arguing with the stubbornly ignorant.

Ed’s clashes with Paul, however, persist, climaxing in a fiery dispute over misdirected Sat Nav instructions—a confrontation that nearly severed their fraternal bond. The thought that these might have been their final, venomous words lingers, and Ed confronts it unflinchingly.

In today’s comedy landscape, blending tragedy with humour is commonplace, but Byrne masterfully weaves a tale that celebrates brotherhood and serves as a cautionary reminder of missed opportunities. The show is poignant and inspiring, yet above all, it’s uproariously funny—an homage to what Paul would have wanted. It stands as our highlight show from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

If you’d like to see this show you’ll find Ed’s tour dates here – edbyrne.com/live-dates/

Clown Stars * * * * *

@Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh