Edinburgh previews: Tom Allen & Suzy Ruffell

Three weeks to go before the Edinburgh Fringe starts and some real comedy gold was shining through from these two shows. First up was Ruffell, marking and celebrating her roots with comments and stories about her own background and family in working-class Portsmouth. An utterly engaging storyteller, with a corker of a bit about a smear test, Ruffell shines brightest when she’s re-telling events with her own well-worded narrations. Just a few more gags needed along the way, but her storytelling skills had our attention held throughout.

Tom Allen’s ingratiating demeanour and razor-sharp wit already has the delivery of a practised star, scattering punchlines like rose petals, keeping the laughter tempo going as he moved from more established material to newer ideas without the need for segwaying.

Previews of this sort allow you the privilege to see behind the curtain and view the construction of the comedy and of the show. These were two real delights of this privilege.

Caroline of Brunswick, 13 July 2016

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