Degree of Comedy follows the format of an MC and 3 acts. MC Tom Hughes does a good job, as a warm-up to the 3 acts. He comes across as instantly likeable, confident and easy-going.

Graham Rice takes to the stage with a manic look in his eye and a raucous opening statement. He covers the attitude of locals to the Fringe, the pros of using disabled toilets and why he likes the summer. At times it feels as though he is a little rushed in his delivery. He ends on a very strong joke about how to ensure you get a decent toilet at festivals.

Tom Hughes returns with a 5-minute set with his strongest material about dyspraxia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and his doctor, who he says lacks compassion.

Joe Taylor is stands out most of the four comedians, not necessarily for having the best material, but because he has an immediately agreeable stage persona. He is memorable in his ill-fitting suit, with an overexcited, agitated air. His material is woven around two main stories - his sex education and how embarrassing it is to take socks off during sex. The end of the set is disappointing, as the build-up is so entertaining, but with a bit of work on the key ideas this should become a very strong 10 minutes.

Richard Todd comes across as nervous in his first three minutes, but then gains momentum and settles into his stride. Unfortunately the mix of comedians means there are overlapping themes, particularly sex, which lessens the impact of the his set - it feels like ground already trodden. Although there is a decent smattering of one-liners, some of the stories ramble and then lack a strong punch-line.

By having four comedians on the bill, each only doing about 10 minutes, the hour has tempo. Tom Hughes finishes the show with a bit of audience fun in a drinking race. Although nothing stands out as starkly original from any of the comedians, it's a solid hour of comedy, and definitely worth a look.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Tom Hughes. Graham Rice. Joe Taylor. Richard Todd.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - individual performers. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Three Graduates And A Drop-out.

END

(c) Helen Johnson 2008

reviewed Monday 11 August 08 / Nicol Edwards BH, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com