There is a theme running through this show about party games… and it’s a good thing if you like a guessing game, because that will definitely help you find this venue.

The Crate is tucked down some stairs behind a theatre with little signage and, most unhelpfully, in the opposite corner of George Square to where it says it is on the map.

Thankfully, it’s worth the effort, as Abi Clarke is a  very enjoyable clown to watch. Better known for her work on social media – she apparently has more followers than Jesus on TikTok – she’s joining the likes of Max Fosh by turning those online skills into full stand-up shows.

At this point, though, I do have to have a quick moan. This show wasn’t priced as a work-in-progress, and it wasn’t technically listed as one, even though the title offers a hint. 

Sadly, that means we can’t give this a full review. More importantly, though, it doesn’t feel entirely fair on the audience, and it was a topic of conversation amongst several people as we left.

Niggle over. 

Because there is the makings of a really fun show here.

It starts with a break-up in New York’s 9/11 museum, which is essentially cannon fodder for punchlines. But there are also tantalising glimpses of stories that feel like they deserve more space. I’d particularly like to know what happened in NYC for her to start calling her ex’s best mate ‘maximum cunt’. There has to be a story or two in there.

Abi has a delivery style and cadence that evokes early James Acaster, and it serves her well. As she continues to hone the material, though, there are definitely jokes that need to be put back on the drawing board. “Winning” the award for worst joke at the Fringe with “Osama Bin Fasting” is a pretty good example of one that could probably do with another edit.

But this is definitely a show to keep an eye out for. There is a likeable performer here, some strong material and plenty of potential. Give her a bit more time to work out what stays, what goes and which stories deserve to be expanded, and this could be a very fun hour.

We believe the show starts touring in January, but we’ll update you with the details as we get them.

Clown Stars: (-unrated-)

@Assembly Crate, Edinburgh