A theme seems to be emerging from several reviews of Dana Alexander’s 2012 Fringe show. She just doesn’t seem to adapt very well to playing in front of a small audience. Of course, it’s not ideal for any comic, but the old maxim surely must apply: ‘the show must go on. Even in a late-night sweatbox in Edinburgh and before 11 people who might not be laughing uproariously at every single gag’. That’s still 11 (or thereabouts) individuals who have paid for the privilege of seeing an act do some stand-up when there are countless other shows they could have chosen for their night’s entertainment.

To her credit, Alexander absolutely zips through topics as though a law was about to be passed banning their public airing, and her hour fairly flies by. Except, it doesn’t: the Canadian is only on stage for 45 minutes tops, and leaves the stage not looking best pleased.

Her finest story is about a battle she has on Facebook with her grandmother, but she doesn’t use it to build a coherent theme or drive through any kind of momentum, and any impetus quickly fades. A disjoined, limp affair, Breaking Through might be the least apt stand-up title of the Fringe.

Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, until 27 Aug, 10.35pm, £9.50--£10.50 (£8.50--£9.50).