Hudson Hughes @ Underbelly Cowgate

Reverend Derek Gritt’s career as a TV priest is on a downward spiral. He’s battling a vape addiction. He’s fending off unwanted competition in the upcoming Bishop of the Internet election from an irritating upstart with a Mr Beast-style penchant for torturing fans on the internet. And he just might have a witch problem. 

That’s the set-up for an hour so packed with plot, gags, and craft that it could be easy to forget, at the end of it all, that only one performer has been on stage. As a director, filmmaker, editor, designer and technical craftsman, Hughes has long been one of the comedy scene’s most versatile Stanley knives. And he doesn’t let any of those talents go to waste here: this is a show filled to bursting with lovely little bits of business. There are nicely crafted audio elements, ingenious prop and electrical work, and (of course) excellent film and design.

That’s not to say that this is a gimmicky show, as Hughes is smart about using all of these bells and whistles in service of gags and story. And the gags are good: while comparisons to The League of Gentlemen or Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace are apposite, as a writer Hughes’ clearest influence is Alan Partridge, fans of whom will want to buy a ticket for At Your Service immediately.

There’s no shortage of comedy horror at this year’s Fringe – there’s Crybabies, Frankie Monroe, Georgina Collins' SUCCUBUS, and Reviewers Welcome... TO DIE! by Hughes collaborator Andrew Doherty. Hughes’ position in that movement is distinctive: one grounded in craft, a rapid gag rate, and that Partridge-esque obsession with small-town Britishness, told with both love and a twinkle in the eye (and more than a hint, if you go looking for it, of some smart stuff to say about commitment, obligation and belief). At Your Service is a feast for all the comedy senses.

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Hudson Hughes: At Your Service, Underbelly Cowgate (Iron Belly), until 30 Aug, £12-£14