Yes, yes, yes – we have reviewed these clowns a lot. But we hadn’t yet taken this particular group of pals to see the original Police Cops show, so here we are again, and I make absolutely no apologies for it.

Before we get to the show, though, a quick word about the Spiegel Gardens.

For all the things we love about Brighton Fringe – the glorious randomness, the full spectrum of “talent” on offer, and the fact that it still feels wonderfully underground – there was something genuinely heartwarming about walking into the most “Fringey” venue in the city. And by “Fringey”, we mean unmistakably Edinburgh Fringe.

A giant pink cat’s head nailed to a tree. Posters plastered across every available surface. Music, bunting, and a huge tent serving drinks in branded plastic pint glasses. It felt a little like coming home.

Naturally, this called for the return of our most sophisticated festival beverage: the double vodka Red Bull. (Nobody ever accused us of making sensible decisions.)

We joined the queue – and yes, this was a proper queue, because the show was completely sold out – and began the familiar shuffle into the Spiegeltent.

As mentioned, we’ve reviewed this show before, so rather than repeat ourselves, it’s worth focusing on why we keep coming back.

It’s the fun. The fun that spreads through the audience with every gloriously over-the-top set piece. The fun the performers are clearly having as they attempt to derail one another with improvised nonsense (“Well, wrap me in cling film and put me in a basket – I’ve been hampered” very nearly finished the show). And the fun that lingers long after the curtain comes down.

Needless to say, our pals loved it. And somehow, against all odds, the Police Cops may have delivered the best damn Police Cops show ever… once again.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

Spiegeltent@Spiegel Gardens, Brighton

If you would like to read any of our past Police Cops reviews you can do so below. They are currently touring and should be at Soho theatre in the very near future. We can’t recommend them enough.