Ali Brice is funny. With a Mike Lindell moustache and the air of a supply teacher desperately trying to control his class, Brice relishes playing to a packed house. But things haven’t always been so golden for the comic; he’s had issues with alcohol and depression but uses his experience to bring depth to a shambolic but agreeable show.

^{Picture: Miranda Holms}

Brice starts by peering at the audience through a Venetian blind, a kind of artistic peekaboo which is very much in tune with an awkwardly personal show garnished by silly audience interaction. He describes a suicide attempt with pills bought on the internet; when the provider was made aware of his purpose, they offered him a credit note to be used for his next purchase. Even if that content is dark, it’s a blackly funny situation; and Brice has plenty of them, ranging from his friend’s hairy back to his partner’s gardening prowess, although a little indiscipline and repetitiveness sneaks in to his delivery.

A happy conclusion brings the show to an upbeat end. With warnings about potential subject-matter triggers and tonal shifts, Brice is a welcome addition to the Fringe’s gathering of edgy comics who turn out to be surprisingly easy to like. 

PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth, until 28 August, 4.50pm.