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Damian Clark: Extra Show

Aussie comedian is masterful about being a new dad
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Damian Clark: Extra Show

Aussie comedian is masterful about being a new dad

Damian Clark should have renamed his ambiguously titled show, Extra Show, something along the lines of 'The Dad Diaries' as his Fringe hour mostly details the ups and downs of becoming a first-time father. Clark muses on why adults make baby noises when they talk to infants, why others love to ask the weight of a new-born (hint: it's not to do with the child), and why in 2018 the only way to know you're pregnant is to pee on a stick.

Throughout his set, the Aussie firebrand tells rapid-fire jokes, barely even coming up for air let alone a sip of water. His fast delivery and ability to blend lines from 40 minutes ago into new jokes is impressive, and he sets out an energy that the crowd immediately connects with.

The story about going to buy a car as a present for his pregnant wife, but unfortunately ending up in jail, is a highlight of the hour. Clark weaves anecdotes, with jokes, asides, movement and general goofiness that sets him out as a masterful comic storyteller. As he proceeds through the show, you keep expecting the next joke not to be as spot-on as the last one: but it always is.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug, 10pm, £10–£11 (£8–£9).

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