The absolute madness of the comedy industry means that a comedian like Josh Elton can have a decade of experience but also be launching his debut hour in a windowless conference room in a four-star hotel in the Grassmarket to an audience of ten. That said, he’s clearly put his time to good use, creating a finely crafted, well-balanced set that brings the laughs and tugs on the heartstrings. Growing up in Swansea is the starting point for his comedy journey, and he deftly weaves together childhood bullying, sibling rivalry and the necessary narcissism of any comedian. Truth and the nature of jokes is a well-trodden path (there’s that narcissism again) but Elton brings fresh insight in his final third that lands more than a few truth-bombs. 

Behind the crowds and the flyers, Edinburgh’s Fringe is basically an industry showcase for the next big comedy ‘thing’, whether that’s character, sketch, trauma, clown, jokes while juggling or whatever. Josh Elton-Bollards (please google him that way: he loves it) is simply a good old-fashioned stand-up, and that’s no insult; he knows his trade, clearly loves his crowd, drives the laughs and creates a gorgeous energy. Bigger rooms are surely on the way. He’ll like that and so will you.  

Josh Elton: Away With The Fairies, Hoots Apex, until 25 August, 8pm; main picture: Michelle Huggleston.