Strong. Brave. Cool. Cheeky. These four words are Patrick Spicer’s personal brand, and he’ll do anything to keep it up (including hiding his chronic panic attacks for over a decade). A Fringe debut hour of comedy therapy that unpacks Spicer’s various possible mental and physical disorders as well as his overwhelming death-anxiety. But, like, in a strong, brave, cool and cheeky way.

^{Pictures: James Deacon}

Spicer has some brilliant (if anxiety-inducing) stories, including his first experience of taking drugs at 13 years old, an incident which he blames many of his possible issues on. Combined with some hilariously embarrassing anecdotes from the hospital, his journey of discovering ‘what is wrong with him’ will have you thinking ‘thank god that’s never happened to me’. He delivers jokes with a cheery enthusiasm that leaves his audience grinning from ear-to-ear, despite the heaviness (and overwhelming cringe) of his content.

Nominated for Chortle Best Newcomer, this happy-go-lucky comic provides a cathartic hour of comedy. He engages with his audience with the keen excitement of a golden retriever while explaining his most mortifying moments. Patrick Spicer reminds us that it’s okay to throw the personal brand out the window. Sometimes . . .

Reviewed at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose as part of Edinburgh Fringe.