At Chortle Fast Fringe 2010

Previewing his Edinburgh show

More Tom Allen videos

Tom Allen spent several years with the National Youth Theatre before entering comedy, winning the BBC Talent New Comedy Award in 2005 and So You Think You're Funny in 2006

Tom Allen: Women! - Fringe 2009
Live Review

Even having never previoulsy seen him before it is immediately obvious that Tom Allen is not going to be providing a roguish, misogynistic show about women, given that a large bunch of lilies scent the room as the crowd filters in.

Allen is a positively droll gay guy who has dedicated this years show to all the women he has loved (not in that way) and he takes us on a meandering journey through his past. And this is definitely a gentle stroll rather than a romp, despite the fact there could be some rather dark comedy fodder hidden in the fluff. There are tales of school bullies forcing him to he their boyfriend and a tempting tale about his mother’s friend whose husband left her for a hooker.

But Allen never seems to want to stray away from the surface, the comedy never scratches the fabulous sheen and everything ends up rather unsurprising and uninspiring. This is not to detract from the fact that Allen is an accomplished anecdotalist, he weaves a rather enchanting spell with the timbre of his voice and the warmth of the room having a soporific effect.

Cozy and comforting. The safeness of the content assuring you that there is little that could go horribly wrong or push any boundaries.

It is a gently entertaining retrospective from a very charming host and I can see a future for Allen in light entertainment, and good luck to him. It is perhaps braver to stick to safe and comforting than it is to push boundaries in an industry where the press and public can clamour for new outrage.

Tom's demeanour came across as divided between Phil/Grant Mitchell's younger brother (being folically challenged at present) entwined with Kenneth Williams. Audience enjoyed your self- deprecating manner (sounds rude!) incorporated into your act. You must have the most pronounced diction (sounds rude again!) on the comedy circuit. It contributes to your act, all the more surreal and individualistic. Which entertained the audience and a complete contrast to the other comedians on the bill.

Douglas Thomson, October 2009

So funny and gorgeous.Can't wait when I can go and see his stand up show.

Sumiko, August 2009

Are you kidding me? This is the biggest pile of fucking shite I've ever seen.

CHRIS, August 2009

So I was watching the car crash that is the TNT Show and who should come on except for this dipshit. Yeah, He's funny! Putting a normal word with a swear word and making up a definition is not talent. Oh and it's just hilarious when he uses the words "Innit" and "Bitches" all the time...

God, July 2009

I'm watching 'Who is Tom Allen' on E4 and before this programme the answer was 'I haven't a clue' now I know the answer is 'a very very funny man'. Will look out for lots more from Tom. Genius.

Julie, August 2008

Oh, so so so funny. A must-see at fringe this year. Don't miss it if you value impeccably well written and delivered comedy

Sam, July 2006

Was waiting, nay hoping, for him to take off his mask and reveal himself to be funny. Never happened... Ratunta 29.11.05

Ratunta, November 2005

Really stands out, impeccably delivered set, surely an exciting future as the material grows. Richard 10.11.05

Richard, November 2005