Beckett & Smith

There are some real gems on the free festival circuit, but picking the wheat from the chaff can be a daunting prospect. Split into two halves, Ian Smith launches this hour of stand up with some freewheeling rambling that at times cuts close to the bone but his assertions that the gig is going badly sucks some of the energy from the room. He needs more confidence in his fine material that was all going down well until he points out he expects even bigger laughs. However there’s a great payoff with some childhood photos.

Sam Becket is far more self assured and polished. It’s mainly observational material and while it might not be groundbreaking it’s packed with solid, slick routines. Gags about pitta bread, cheese and tomato toasties and ‘cereals’ all hit their mark while there’s a surreal edge to a constantly evolving lost dog skit that makes a great running joke. A genuinely funny 60 minutes – and you can’t really ask for more than that from the free fringe.

Whistlebinkies, 557 5114, until 29 Aug, 1.30-2.30pm, free.