Brett Goldstein review

Brett Goldstein is telling a story in his first solo offering at the Edinburgh Fringe. He is an engaging storyteller who has the ability to paint strong pictures in the minds of his audience, and the audience here are very accepting whisked away into this tale of growing up in a strip club.

The way he connects with the audience is commendable; however there are serious flaws in this show, the most prominent being that it isn't funny. Goldstein doesn't fall into the easy trap of not telling any jokes, it's the jokes he tells are lazy. Even with this packed audience the reception for these gags is poor. There are a couple of vaguely humorous situational moments, but these generally produce 'titters', not laughs. Although I did have the occasional smile, I didn't laugh once during this show, and I was far from alone. This isn't really good enough for an Edinburgh comedy show.

The art of making a 'story show' is a difficult one, and perhaps it is a bit too ambitious for a first show. The story itself isn't rewarding enough to compensate for not being funny. At best it's moderately interesting.

In summary, this engaging performer was let down with weak material. But it is by your material that you are primarily judged.

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Brett Goldstein Grew Up in a Strip Club listing