Jake Yapp is One in a Million

• Murray Robertson
• 17 August 2016

This article is from 2016

credit: Steve Ullathorne

Intriguing compilation of topics can't quite elevate this lengthy hour

Most veteran Fringe-goers have by now evolved a series of complex strategies which they implement every August to evade the clutches of the most cunning flyerer. Jake Yapp opens his hour with a nicely observed interpretation of these touts in their myriad forms. He then builds on this routine with a short skit where he imitates the various archetypes of Fringe performer before launching into his stand-up show proper.

He talks at length about his veganism and how it has led him to darken his palate with culinary catastrophes such as vegan cheese and tempeh, the fungal preparation of which he describes with ghastly relish. Later observations and flights of fantasy veer wildly between Adam Curtis documentaries, the origins of public relations and a curious segment on WW2 PTSD sufferers.

Yapp seems to think his material needs embellishment (it does) but he achieves this by climaxing anecdotes with bizarrely obscene punchlines wholly out of kilter with what's come before. It all just feels like he's trying to push too hard, and his efforts further distance a largely uncertain audience. Jake Yapp can be a funny guy but One in a Million is top-heavy and lacks focus, which is particularly annoying when he overruns by almost ten minutes.

Underbelly George Square, until 28 Aug, 6.50pm, £10–£11 (£9–£10).