Struan Logan: Struan All Over the World

• Katharine Gemmell
• 17 August 2018

This article is from 2018

credit: Wilson and Lewis Photography

Uninspiring hour of travel anecdotes

When your entire family are sitting in the back row of your show, it's maybe not the best time for a reviewer to be in. However, the heckles from Struan Logan's clan become an amusing addition to an otherwise lacklustre hour. The Scottish comedian has been travelling across South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and in this new show he shares his stories and observations from the road.

Unfortunately, there's a patronising quality in the way he describes his treks. His findings are not revelatory (yes, we know Domino's is cheaper in Australia) and it's cringe-inducing when he consistently refers to Kuala Lumpur as KL. When Logan makes a quip about being a shit Scotsman or a good Russian, as he drinks a pint of water, he waits for a laugh and sarcastically describes us as a smart audience. But it's not that anyone didn't get the gag; it's just a tired line.

Then there is the way in which he describes cultural differences. Yes, you have to respect that comedy pushes the boundaries of what people can say, but when he tries to deconstruct cultural stereotypes, it regrettably feels uncomfortable. Ultimately, the hour felt like one of your funnier pals telling you about their holidays.

Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, until 26 Aug, 6.05pm, donations.