**Update 22 Aug: due to a production error, this review was originally wrongly published online as three stars. It was published in print correctly, as two stars.**

Patrick Melton gets off to a flying start with his Fringe debut, warming to the audience by telling them how welcoming he finds Edinburgh compared to his hometown of New York. The room remains engaged with some easy laughs about Melton's impressive weight loss and rare gym sessions. Then comes a thoroughly non-PC joke about a 'midget', a crude Hillary Clinton gag, and some borderline bigotry. All too quickly, his series of simplistic statements have changed the tone of the show altogether.

If things weren't tense enough, Melton tells the audience to 'lighten up', which, unsurprisingly, doesn't sit well with an already agitated group. But those that can see past his warped worldviews appear to find him genuinely hilarious, thankfully breaking an uncomfortable silence. However, it's not long before sweeping generalisations return, encouraging another audience member to do the walk.

The hour ends on something of a high when Melton describes various forms of animal reproduction. His declaration of envy for the detachable octopus penis and talk of the awkwardness of oral sex for giraffes engages the audience once more. But after making us endure uncomfortable and rather insulting comedy for the majority of the show, it's hard for Melton to make a proper comeback.

Underbelly Med Quad, until 29 Aug, 10.50pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50).