Late'n'Live ★★★★

Now considered an absolute Fringe institution, the format of Gilded Balloon’s Late’n’Live needs little introduction. A rotating compilation of five stand-ups plus a MC take to the stage each night to deliver a short burst of their best material.

Previously, it has played host to many of the UK’s most legendary comedic names including John Bishop, Fred MacAulay, Aisling Bea, Dara O’Briain, Bill Bailey and Jimmy Carr. It’s, arguably, one of the ‘safe bet’ tickets of the Festival as it’s unlikely that at least one or two of the acts won’t land.

Continuing 2022’s pledge to have an all-female MC’ing roster, on the evening The Recs saw the show, rising star Sikisa kept things moving along between the varied crew of acts (George Zacharopoulos, Tawida Mahlunge, Mat Ewins and Pravanya Pillay), prowling the stage like a panther and throwing out playful barbs.

Indeed, the vibe here is definitely more mischievous and good-natured than the mean-spirited overtone many late night revues are often guilty of. With little time to impress, many comics resort to vicious insults directed at audience members to make an impact. But, on this evidence, the Balloon’s stated intent to deliver an evening of high energy and chaotic comedy, but with an atmosphere where the comics and the punters are in it together, is obviously succeeding.

Headliners Jarred and Hobbit with The Beatbox Collective delivered a barnstorming set, showcasing a polyphonic masterclass that had the audience guffawing and gasping in equal measure.

Obviously, how much a person gets out of Late’n’Live will depend on the particular line-up landed on. But with the likes of Alison Spittle, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jay Lafferty and Michelle Brasier all lined up to MC for this run, Late’n’Live is a Fringe institution for a reason.