Sunday 18 August 2019

Stephen K Amos Talk Show, Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Comedian Amos is a strong warm up man before moving into his role as chat show host.  These events depend almost as much on the quality of the guests as the abilities of the interviewer and today's line up was a cracker.  (There's no excuse for it not to be in Edinburgh in August, is there?)  First up was the deep voice and humanity of Reginald D Hunter, talking about why he prefers British racism to the US variety he grew up with - less chance of getting shot being one element - and stories of how people frequently confuse him and Amos.

He was followed by Isma Almas who did a five minute set before settling into the comfy chair.  She provided a different slant on racism as the daughter of Pakistani immigrants and mother of an adopted black son, each generation having very different experiences.  Followed by Scotland's own Janey Godley on the dumb reactions she gets to being a woman who swears a lot, her fearlessness in the face of internet threats, and going viral with her magnificent "Trump is a Cunt" photo.  Amos spent more time laughing than posing questions, not that janey needs anyone to get her talking...

Final guest was magician James Phelan, who has a magic show on radio.  he tried to get this across by performing a trick of sorts with Stephen, but Amos' lack of internet savvy proved a bit of a hindrance!  Funny guy though.

Amos is a genial host, promoting rather than probing, and keeping the mood light.  Overall a very enjoyable hour, which made us feel a bit better about having to queue in the rain.

Stephen K Amos Talk Show is on in Gilded Balloon Teviot on 23 and 24 August.

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