Thursday 11 August 2022

Aidan Goatley : Tenacious' ZOO Playground, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Once upon a time a middle aged man had a dream of becoming a stand up comedian.  He could see himself up on stage of London's Apollo, before an adoring crowd.  So how's the dream going?  Might there have been a few obstacles along the way?

A show for anyone who wants to follow their dream, even if it does mean moving to Middlesbrough.  He talks about the big break that wasn't quite what it seemed, the trials of real life getting in the way of his comedy career, and how he's haunted by the now big TV star who got his first break into comedy from Goatley.  You get the sense of frustration of someone with all the talent, but not enough of the luck, and there's an edge at times that stops any blandness creeping.

Aidan is an immediately welcoming performer, chatting to his audience as they arrive and swiftly building a rapport.  He has some great stories, an engaging delivery and a well crafted routine.  I laughed far more than I have at some big name comedians' shows and he deserves to be much better known.  

Goatley is a Fringe veteran now and reckons this is his best show yet.  He's probably right.  You really, really should go and see it.  (Unless you're a fan of Gammon Broadcasting or the Daily Fail, in which case it's best avoided.  In fact just stay away from Edinburgh please...)


Aidan Goatley's Tenacious is on in the ZOO Playground (Infirmary Street) at 19.00 every day until the 28th.

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