Waugh's recent house move promoted a delve into some old notebooks and, more than a decade on, a 'bucket list' compiled by his 17 year old self. And it's that list that forms the basis for the show, and a story of teenage desires, missed opportunities and wishes fulfilled.
With the aid of a projector he takes us through a few of the items on his list. Some are conventionally wishlisty - the swim with dolphins kind of thing - and others reflect his obsessions at that age - like singing a rap song live. It's cringeworthy stuff and Waugh makes the most of the opportunities for self deprecation and stories of how things went right, or wrong, in the years since. There's also memories of earlier years, including what sounds a lot like child abuse from his grandmother, and the games he played as a kid that would baffle people from other countries, and subsequent times travelling with an Irish psychopath and a bit of chicken murder. A rap song he and a mate wrote when they were 14 gets a lot discussion, mainly about just how awful the lyrics were.
The good news is that Waugh narrates all these triumphs and disasters with a consistently high laugh factor. It's a nicely constructed set, builds well to the finale, and never flags. Few actual jokes, but situations and characters that have been turned into very funny stories, and his analysis of those rap lyrics is hilarious.
In a Fringe largely dominated by acts from other countries it's good to see a strong local talent showing how good observational comedy is done. Recommended.
Gareth Waugh is in Gilded Balloon Teviot at 15.00 until 26 August.
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