Leo Kearse: Transgressive

• Lauren McKay
• 22 August 2019

Constant laughs for a comedian who feels like an outsider

Leo Kearse is sick of woke comedians. His show Right-Wing Comedian got him banned from his own venue in Perth, and he's here to make the case that comedians shouldn't be censored. Within the first 15 minutes of his hour-long set, Kearse has already hit out at vegans, environmental activists and fat people, and the punches just keep rolling from there on in.

Kearse criticises the left-leaning viewpoints of most comedians highlighting that although they talk a lot about inclusivity, it doesn't extend to political opinions that don't align with their own. The audience are in hysterics with his observations on taboo subjects in the comedy world, from slut-shaming to gender pronouns, while his delivery is spot-on. He's hugely engaging as a person, which can only help when you're telling on-the-nose jokes.

It's refreshing to see something different amongst the masses of Fringe shows about finding yourself and getting woke, but you do get the feeling that Kearse is slightly playing up his political convictions just for the shock factor. He chooses the viewpoint that's going to make the audience cringe most (or, depending on the particular crowd, that they're going to wholeheartedly agree with) and goes with it. If that's his strategy, then it's one that works, judging by the constant laughs.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 25 Aug, 9.15pm, £12–£13 (£11–£12).