Ivo Graham: Grand Designs comedy review – Solid familiar fun
British stand-up’s favourite toff delivers another crowd-pleasing hour

Ivo Graham has had a particularly busy Fringe. He’s starring in his debut play, Carousel, and he’s the creator and commentator of the hugely popular late-night Comedians’ DJ Battles. You could understand why he might be phoning this third show in a bit. Grand Designs is essentially a catch up of what’s happened in Graham’s life over the last year, with a bit of footy chat thrown in for good measure. As can be expected from a comedian of his calibre, effortless gags are scattered throughout the set. But certain routines, such as the one about him planning his best friend’s stag, could do with being trimmed. It’s fun to feel like you’re just watching an old friend catching up with 750 other old friends, but a few more jokes wouldn’t go amiss.
The cinema screen-sized PowerPoint presentation is a fun addition, along with the classic Venn diagrams and lists that often accompany that sort of thing. Graham’s trademark charm and wit ensure that the hour never feels lacklustre, but it would be nice to see him expanding beyond the ‘posh twat’ material every now and again. The ending is sweet, with Graham discussing why it’s important to make ‘big’ memories. For some in this audience, Ivo blasting confetti cannons to LCD Soundsystem’s seminal ‘Dance Yrself Clean’ could be one of those.
Ivo Graham: Grand Designs, Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 August, 8.30pm.