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Each year, Cohesion visit the Edinburgh Fringe to remind ourselves how much we love our favourite comedians, and to see and recommend new names to clients requiring comedy for their events.
The quality of acts this year was better than ever. In no particular order, we've listed our favourites of this year's fringe.
TIM VINE
Pun-slinger is an excellent title for this fast paced, brilliantly timed show. Tim (who you might know from TV's 'Not Going Out' and brother of Jeremy) is a comedy genius and past world record holder for highest number of funny jokes told in an hour. You could put this man in any event and be totally confident of his professionalism and that he'd be totally clean, and give you one of the best sets of comedy you've heard in a while. (Su 14/8/08)
DAVID O'DOHERTY
As he had been recommended by Jimmy Carr at a client event, I was pleased to finally see David's live show, which is a mix of stand up and comedy songs on keyboard. Getting the music and comedy mix right is a real skill - and so many clients say they don't want musical comedy (apart from Bill Bailey!) - but I'd urge them to see the likes of David or Tim Minchin, who are an ideal solution for the event manager looking for something contemporary, really, really funny, but a different format of stand up. (Julie 13/8/08)
NINA CONTI
Nina was Julie's favourite fringe act of 2007, so I was keen to see this comedy actress / ventriloquist myself. Her talent is extraordinary and she'd be ideally placed as a 20 minute show within an awards ceremony. Nina looks like butter wouldn't melt and looks genuinely shocked with some of the stuff Monkey comes out with. Her use of a puppet version of her actor dad Tom was brilliant. Su (14/8)
KARL SPAIN
Limerick's Karl Spain is a really likeable comedian, with a wide audience appeal. His show this year was about how he has dealt with becoming diabetic - and this show is probably the best possible way to learn about this condition - in a warm and well structured way. (Julie 14/8/08)
NICK MOHAMMED
One of the highlights of my festival this year, Nick is a one man character comedy sketch show, changing effortlessly from posh female student to the strangest job interviewer you'll ever meet. I would like to see some of his best characters put into a 30 minute corporate show format, and look forward to finding the event this brilliant comic actor will suit. (Julie 13/8/08)
IVAN BRACKENBURY
Comic character DJ Ivan with his totally inappropriate dedications on his hospital radio show. I loved the show - at the moment don't know how it could be used for corporates - but I'm sure the right event will come up to suit this uniquely funny character. (Su 15/8)
SARAH MILLICAN
Geordie Sarah was able to relate to a mixed audience in a better way than any female comic I've booked or seen. Although this show is dirtier in content that I'd expected from the sweet look of her, she seems capable enough to not rely on this content for corporates and would be able to adapt her loveable style to an event audience. I really hope the positive reviews she's been getting will get her some recognition outside of the comedy circuit. Sarah's one to watch for the future. (Julie 15/8)
JIMMY CARR
Although we've used him as a host, I'd not seen Jimmy's full length show until now, and he really showed the art of comedy timing at its best. His theatre show isn't for the easily offended, but Jimmy is a master of knowing how far to go on a corporate show without losing any of the laughs, so it's good to be able to reassure clients that they're in safe hands with him. Brilliant. (Julie 15/8)
JUSTIN MOORHOUSE
Another highlight of my week was Justin's show 'Ever Decreasing Social Circle'. I was a big Phoenix Nights fan, and had only caught a few minutes of his live show before, so it was a real treat to see him at work. His audience interaction was great, and I didn't stop laughing for the full hour. Combined with his experience in radio presenting, I'll be recommending him as a comedy host or urging clients who ask for Peter Kay to do a set to give Justin a go instead. (Julie 16/8)
KIT AND THE WIDOW
This was their 25th year on the Fringe, but their satirical, intelligent material is as fresh and funny as ever. Their experience and ability to be so comfortable on any stage is every event planner's dream, and their intellectual image shouldn't put anyone off - their humour is really accessible - and the duo and piano combination works really well. (Su, 16/8)
STEPHEN GRANT
I think this is the fourth or fifth time I've seen Stephen live - I've always thought him one of the best comperes around, but the scripted material in this show was his best ever, and just leaves you thinking, "surely this year he'll hit the big time?" He has the type of quick comedy mind and intelligence which has in the past made me book him for interactive style events, but his show content has developed so much that I'll be putting him forward for every comedy request going. He well deserves the great reviews he's been getting. (Julie 16/8)
TIM MINCHIN
Tim Minchin was my favourite act of this years fringe. His individual talents of playing piano, singing, stand up, and even dancing alongside a dancing bear would be enough for a fantastic show, but combined, he's just remarkable. He can also write a bespoke comedy song for your event, or his green anthem 'Canvas Bags' is a perfect opener to an environmental event. (Julie, 16/8)
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