Maisie Adam @ Gilded Balloon

Last year’s So You Think You’re Funny? winner impresses with her candid debut

Review by Polly Glynn | 06 Aug 2018

From her puppy-like greeting as you enter the room to the second she realises a man hasn’t abandoned her show, but was just too nervous to return to his seat, Adam is effortlessly charming. The hour is a coming-of-age tale of sorts: one with fairly humble beginnings and an utter sense of gratitude for where she is today. She details teenage antics alongside her revelatory diagnosis of epilepsy – the show being named after her initial type of physical fit. Discovering that you could wear more than one polo shirt or use foundation as lipstick in 2008 was pretty revelatory for a certain generation too.

There’s some nice pull-back-and-reveals, as well as a handful of great physical set pieces; something which made her noticeable at the comedy competition that got her here. Although the material isn’t groundbreaking, there’s something about the purity of her comedy and charismatic delivery that ensures Adam has a magnetic stage presence. For some, Vague may be described as old-fashioned, but it’s simply good stand-up delivered by a new professional. 


Maisie Adam: Vague, Gilded Balloon, Teviot Row House (Wee Room), until 27 Aug, 4.30pm, £6-9

Scroll on to read more of The Skinny's 2018 Edinburgh Fringe comedy reviews; click here for a round-up of all the best reviews from this year's comedy and theatre programmes

From our August 2018 issue, Adam on winning So You Think You're Funny?, and launching her comedy career at an idyllic literary festival

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