Kristine Levine: Fat Whore

Kristine Levine has spoken previously of writing a book about her life and given the many tales she has at her disposal, it’s unlikely that writers block would be a problem. Whether she has chosen the correct route in stand-up to reveal the details of a pretty bleak, sordid history is up for debate.

It certainly makes for an uncomfortable hour to hear about her 13 years working in a porn store in Portland, Oregon, where one client died (she feels no guilt at having plundered his wallet) and another got so messed up in the ‘jack shack’ that he emerged minus his eyebrows. Still, if she can have a hearty laugh at her own endless misfortune, then that certainly gives any crowd carte blanche to let it out.

Though her closing anecdote is about one woman who vehemently objected to Levine airing her filthy laundry on stage leaving the comic with only one choice: she slapped the punter repeatedly in the face. It’s not especially funny, and feels as though it’s only been put there to prevent further after-show aggravation happening in Edinburgh. Fat Whore is a sad, sad show.

Assembly Rooms, 0844 693 3008, until 26 Aug, 10.15pm, £10 (£9).