Raj Poojara @ Pleasance Courtyard

It’s a difficult truth of the behemoth Fringe experience that no two shows are the same, and despite a week of sell-out performances for Raj Pajoora, tonight’s draws only a small crowd. This hour is standard practice for a Fringe debut, acting as a relaxed introduction to the performer. Touching on his Indian heritage, his family life and his journey to stand-up, many of the jokes hit familiar beats. Yet what marks Poojara as a talent is his candour on stage and his confidence in the ways he lightly wrestles with the audience. Before appearing, hiding behind a curtain, he asks for a cheer, and while the crowd musters their best, he refers to it as “sad Monday energy”. As the show ploughs on, the repeated references to this low energy only increase. 

Poojara has a relaxed but present demeanour, with his formidable stature and gentle demeanour working in lovely contradiction – but cracks begin to show as Poojara loses confidence, and the room. Dice is a show about control; it’s a promising hour, albeit he's unsure yet of what persona he wants to commit to. Gentle storytelling falls stagnant without a firm hook as a performer, with his chilled-out audience rapport battling against his more risqué jokes. Ultimately, his mellow charm is a winning element as he sails through a safe set about strict parents and his struggling romantic life. 

Today’s performance sees Poojara on the back foot. He has a calm presence on stage, but it is tested during this specific performance in a way that does not seem to fit the standard. There are kinks to be ironed out, but the signs of a talented comic are all there. Combining this sturdy set with confidence, time and experience may well be all this comic needs to flourish. The Fringe can be unpredictable, and on this occasion it catches what would otherwise be a strong performer off guard. 

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Raj Poojara: Dice, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Three), until 30 Aug, 4.35pm, £13.50-£15.50