Rich Hardisty’s plan to take the worst bits of his life and make them into the funniest show ever immediately wins an audience over in his debut hour. His life-long struggles with mental health means there’s a lot to cover too; as he says, when seeing your own blood stored in the fridge calms you down, you’ve crossed a line. The manic episodes he describes translate easily into comedy and retellings of accidents, incidents, addictions and treatment are often very funny; if the odd joke doesn’t land, he’s onto the next one without pausing for breath.

It’s admirable that he wants to share his story to create understanding and compassion, but the climax to the final, wild sequence (with a hilarious call-back punctuating life inside his head) reminds us that he shouldn’t have to. Yes, this show is both funny and brave, but there’s a world of pain underlying the confident delivery and razor-sharp timing. That the audience keeps laughing, rather than stopping the show to check he’s OK or taking to the streets to demand better services, is a testament to Hardisty’s presence and guts. Not so much a silly boy, rather a comic of skill, precision and rare honesty.  

Pleasance Courtyard, until 29 August, 4.30pm.