Scott Agnew @ Gilded Balloon

Last year, Agnew disclosed he was HIV positive in his Fringe show. This year, he speaks about the impact that show had on him, and leaves with him questioning whether that was a brave or stupid decision to make. How can something be perceived as brave if you forever feel a failure?

Drenched in Catholic guilt, Agnew is branded not a failure but a sinner; something ingrained since his days at one of the largest Catholic schools on the West Coast. Beneath the cheeky, smutty tales of acquiring blowjob knee and extraordinary fetishes, there unravels an affecting story of inherent homophobia and subsequent drug-taking. The emotional abuse at the hands of his school’s Monsignor is horrific, with Agnew having his card marked the minute he ran over “the lord’s grass”.

As a result of being repeatedly belittled and demeaned for his sexuality, the comedian discovers that his only relief is becoming a drug addict. The theme of bravery vs stupidity crops up throughout the hour, giving the show a grounding and an interesting perspective of supposed masculinity. It’s a hard-hitting hour which is lightened by Agnew’s tales of sexual (mis)adventures, but only just.

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Scott Agnew: Spunk on Our Lady's Face, Gilded Balloon Teviot (Turret), until 28 Aug, 10.15pm, £9-10