Making his Fringe debut is deadpan Irish comedian Chris Kent. His timing, stoic facial expressions and savvy use of repetition recall a young Michael Redmond, as Kent eases into his show about living in Cork and previously working as an electrician.

Handling and working the crowd like a seasoned pro, it’s hard to believe he’s unveiled such a polished routine for his first Fringe. With some cleverly refurbished jokes about ordinarily predictable topics (farmers and their sheep, getting on the wrong train), Kent breathes new life into anecdotal comedy. There are some potholes: the set is anchored by far too many call-backs, which eventually ruin the show’s organic rhythm, and he occasionally strays dangerously towards material that just about hovers on the right side of ironic.

Still, these things do demonstrate an overall attention to detail and groundwork which has gone into the writing. Kent is potentially a restorative force for Fringe comedy and certainly has the persona to rival some of the bigger names.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 26 Aug (not 13), 9pm, £8.50--£9.50 (£7.50--£8.50).

How to take a shit!