There’s no denying that Australian comedian Felicity Ward has stage presence. There’s something about her that’s instantly likeable, from the butter-wouldn’t-melt way she breathes numerous expletives to the sweetness with which she interacts with the audience. It’s a shame then that her show, based on strong foundations, is so flimsy. A hit at the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe festivals, Ward surrounds herself with paraphernalia from her childhood – from pre-adolescent poems about loneliness to unflattering school photos – and talks us through her awkward, poor upbringing on Australia’s central coast.

There are some engaging and funny stories here, including a particularly embarrassing encounter with former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, but many of her jokes have a blunt end and she lapses too quickly into her hip hop gangsta impression to fill potentially flat moments. What’s more, there’s little that’s ‘variety’ about her offerings, with her guitar lying idle for most of the show. Nevertheless, it’s likely that Ward will win over enough fans to return to Edinburgh in 2010. Hopefully, it’ll be with a sharper repertoire that’s more befitting of her agile performance skills.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 31 Aug, 9.15pm, £9–£10 (£8–£9).