When the fun stops, stop. At times, it’s hard to find the fun in Hannah Walker’s musical criticism of the online gambling industry. While she does hit us with a couple of good one-liners, the anti-gambler doesn’t always play her cards right. That’s not to say this show isn’t worthwhile. Walker shares the tale of her partner’s online gambling addiction through a series of songs (some catchier than others), videos and storytelling. She criticises the industry with admirable gusto while presenting an imperfect but respectable attempt at raising awareness about the dangers of problem gambling.

As the show moves through this story, it becomes choppy, with its comedic and serious undertones clashing. It includes lengthy (perhaps overly so) audio clips from experts in the field and interviews with problem gamblers. Walker is also offering discussion sessions throughout the Fringe for people to learn more about the industry, which furthers its goal of raising awareness. 

She relies on a lot of tech, some of which doesn’t seem entirely core to the plot. Videos have a homemade and dated quality, which takes away from their creativity and humour. That said, Walker does possess the stage presence and storytelling skills to command an audience, and her likeability defuses some of the performance’s weaker aspects. While unpolished, Gamble is a show that could hit the jackpot with some more time and attention. 

Hannah Walker: Gamble, Summerhall, until 26 August, 4.30pm.