Tom Lucy: Reluctant Millennial

• Craig Angus
• 5 August 2018

credit: Aemen Sukkar

Talented youngster faces a testing crowd of absolutely hilarious drinkers

Back in April, Tom Lucy appeared on Sky News to promote an upcoming run of shows. The host, Stephen Dixon, introduced him with a charming 'so you think you're funny? Everyone who thinks they are a comedian is normally rubbish,' whilst the youngster shot him a withering look that said 'clearly, mate'.

The clip opens his show, and is – unfortunately – hugely prescient. The 22-year-old's latest Fringe hour about his generation's shortcomings is sabotaged from the word go, taking on a new form: Tom Lucy versus the Hen Party.

Their running commentary is humoured by the comic for about ten minutes too long. Further to that he picks a man in the front row to banter with who thrives on one-word answers, and enters a few comedy cul de sacs with some others. It's a tricky crowd, to put it mildly. 'This feels like a test' becomes 'this is the hardest gig I've ever done'.

Lucy does manage to get some jokes in, dry observational stuff about dating apps, the vanity of those would-be video journalists who love just to juice, and binge drinking (how fitting), but review-night is not his night with half his material left unsaid. It's a reminder to audience members everywhere (not just those celebrating impending marriages) that it probably, nearly always (definitely always) sounds better in your head.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug (not 13), 8.15pm, £7.50–£10 (£6.50–£9).