The Joker and the Thief

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sid Michaels is performing in a cellar bar in the 1980 Edinburgh Fringe.

Meanwhile his old friend and comedy partner Larry Langford is part of the International Festival performing comedy in the Usher Hall.

He is managed by sharp talking Howard.

The partners fell out years ago after a mysterious taped session should have been the start of their fame.

The play takes place in Larry’s dressing room of the Usher Hall where Sid comes to visit and return an old prop from a Cowboy sketch they used to do.

Old arguments come to light as they start to piece together why things went wrong.

This is a sharply written play by students living in Edinburgh.

They capture the time period perfectly with references to George Carlin, Johnny Carson and Alexei Sayle. All mentioned as great influences.

They also manage to throw in some topical Festival references, in discussing the cost and few comedians that actually played the Fringe in 1980.

The cast give it their all, there is a hilarious comedy fight scene which they obviously have great fun with.

Will Larry and Sid bury the hatchet and will Howard still be in a job. Well that would be telling.

Get a ticket for the Space in Niddry street and find out. 

A sharply written, nostalgic wee gem that captures the spirit of the 1980 Fringe with real affection.