Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

‘If you’re not perfect but are working on yourself, make some noise!’ As an icebreaker it’s neither so clean, nor so hack, as getting people to cheer if they’re from Scotland, England or elsewhere – but nicely sets up Anesti Danelis’ gentle mockery of the self-help world through stand-up and song.

‘Change your perspective, it’ll change your life,’ he sings, the same sort of meaningless slogan the wellness industry loves, as he strums away melodically on the guitar. He’s an unassuming but assured performer, speaking in a measured but engaging manner, focussed on his warmly witty script.

The material is gently whimsical musings about being single, or stealing stuff from work, the songs lyrically nimble but a little forgettable. His best is a rant against all who have dismissed him, though it transpires every critical thought was in his head all along. Elsewhere, a nice gag takes aim at those who brand everyone who disagrees with them as a toxic narcissist

Another track, I Fucked Your Parents, is about how, as a bisexual man, he’d sleep his way through an ex’s family if they wronged him – entirely imagined of course. But it’s a pretty basic joke, and predicated on an anger this Greek-Canadian comic can’t muster. 

The show’s as robustly constructed as you would expect from a former architect, but despite sometimes switching instruments for keyboard or violin the hour las too little variation in energy and approach to be much of a journey.

There’s a nice twist on the call-and response to end as he concludes the best advice he can give is not to take any advice, tying up the threads neatly. But while is understated charisma makes for good company, the show’s missing the oomph to stand out.

Review date: 29 Aug 2023
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Underbelly Bristo Square