It’s been five years since Dane Baptiste last performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and, as he readily admits, longer still since he became the first Black British act to be nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2014 Edinburgh Comedy Awards. In Baptiste’s own words, he’s ‘got old’. It certainly doesn’t feel like Baptiste’s been away that long. He’s one of the leading lights of the UK comedy circuit and regularly appears on our television screens. He’s a consummate professional and a slick performer, and this is clear throughout the set.

Baptiste is no less angry than he was in his incendiary Fringe debut, and Bapsquire is at its best when he’s railing against the establishment, rather than just performing classic observational material. Baptiste’s routine about being recently stopped and searched by the police is as hilarious as it is infuriating. The disenfranchisement he feels towards his one-time heroes that have continually disappointed him with their actions is as relatable as it is amusing.

There are moments where it feels like he is phoning it in, which could be symptomatic of a mid-afternoon slot in the latter part of the Fringe. Bapsquire is a consistently funny hour from a veteran of the UK comedy circuit, and proof that the ‘old man’ has still got it. 

Dane Baptiste: Bapsquire, Monkey Barrel, until 28 August, 4.15pm.