There is a real novelty in wandering into a nightclub during the day: it’s never a space that is meant to be enjoyed by sober eyes, and not with all the lights on. On this occasion there is also a dramatic smell of bleach that makes you wonder just what level of bodily fluids had been excreted on this floor the evening past?

Nevertheless, this is The Hive, and if it’s good enough for Trainspotting 2, it’s good enough for us. I order a double vodka red bull (seems appropriate), raise a glass to the retro fruity in the corner, and head into our show.

Our clown for the afternoon was nominated for not one but two comedy awards at this year’s Fringe, and I would love to say that we either knew that, or had been given a tip, but that is not why we’re here to see him. No, we simply saw his show description, about being a former actor who retired from the stage after his major role in the nativity and thought – now that’s funny!

Yes, dear readers, that is the level of research that occasionally goes into a Clownster show selection: roughly as much as your nan when she backs a horse in the Grand National! But as we all know, occasionally, Nans win that bet!

Eric Rushton’s stage presence is novel one: his delivery style is deadpan and self-depreciating but the words coming out of his mouth are confident to the point of arrogant – it definitely throws the audience for a minute, especially when his crowd work includes questions like “and why do you like sex?”

As jarring as the juxtaposition may be, it quickly becomes incredibly funny, and as we join him on a reminisce through school trips, first loves and even that breakout role that gave this show its name we are only further won over.

Even when the show touches on its darker subjects, the gallows humour with which depression, anxiety and even suicide are dealt with ensure that the mood doesn’t drop – likening having to talk a friend out of suicide to when someone wants to borrow your phone charger whilst you are only on 5% was a personal highlight.

I am so glad we caught this show and can’t wait to see what this clown does next: we just hope that he has room for us in his next show.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@Monkey Barrel – The Hive, Edinburgh