^{Picture: Andrew Jackson}

Tight construction and essay-like structure form the backbone of many a comedy show at the Fringe. Maybe that’s why Dave Johns’ hour feels like a breath of fresh air, as the star of I, Daniel Blake has only a single priority on stage: to wring as many laughs out of his audience as humanly possible. It’s a remit he fulfils almost straight out of the gate, launching into the kind of refined crowd work that can only come from someone who’s honed their craft in clubs for half their life. 

What puts Johns a step above other comics is the unblinking momentum he provides a show and his seemingly unceasing energy, propelling it with adept improvisations and tangents into weirdness that conclude with exceptional pay-offs. Even within the more surreal skits, this excitable Geordie is an immaculate joke-teller, bolstering punchlines with cheeky asides and enough light physical comedy to create real comic dynamism (Johns using a microphone to mimic David Bowie’s testicles is a sight to behold). 

This is raucous, intelligent fun with barely a misplaced beat. Although sparsely attended on a wet Monday evening, the gig ended with a standing ovation for Johns and his hectic brand of comedy. It was very well deserved.  

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 28 August, 8.45pm.