Josh Widdicombe @ The Stand

Review by Collette Cullen | 22 Mar 2012

This young stand-up was nominated for the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer last year and has guested on several of the high profile panel shows that saturate our televisions. Having only been on the scene for four years, these achievements show the promise of a future among the comedy glitterati.

If you like quick fire jokes and observational humour, this is your man. He takes us through his awkward transition from a rural west-country upbringing to life in the big smoke at break-neck speed, with plenty of laughs along the way. After tales of dismal childhood holidays and some nice reflection on the cultural wasteland that pervades the life of a twenty-something, there is still time for a sizeable comedic helping on the trials of being single.

But we've been here before and while the jokes are accomplished the themes feel a little tired. His irritation also builds into a frenzied mix of Victor Meldrew and Zippy at points. And while the bashful charm he exudes does not prevent him from adroitly dealing with a mouthy crowd member, there are microscopic pauses preluding the comebacks.

Maybe I'm being a little harsh but only because there are unmistakable glimmers of real talent here. Widdicombe's weary exasperation could be directed in a much more original direction.

The Stand, March 20 as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival http://www.joshwiddicombe.co.uk