Denise Scott - Regrets

One of the least likely comedy debuts this Fringe comes from Denise Scott, a jovial fiftysomething Australian who just so happens to be ‘incredibly famous’ back home. As she retells in one of several stories about her regrets, that fame was nearly wrecked by a massive faux pas in front of a 2000-stong crowd. Her key regret is not losing her virginity to one Robbie Buckle at the age of 16, but with a circular swoop, we discover at the finale that maybe she was better off not letting him pop her cherry.

With a fair degree of not-always subtle Aussie charm, Denise Scott might make you think of a Dame Edna without the cross-dressing passive-aggression. Despite having some decent stories at her disposal, she is at her best when bantering with her audience, some of whom appeared a little too willing to share on this evening.

But that’s where Scott’s strength lies: she gets her crowd so onside to the point that the weaker elements of her show (the tale of her going on tour with some young buck comedians seems a little forced) are forgiven amid a tsunami of goodwill.

Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 26 Aug, 6.30pm, £9.50--£10.50 (£8.50--£9.50).