Rob Rouse at Chortle's Fast Fringe

Clip from 2009 Edinburgh Fringe show

Rob Rouse: My Family... And The Dog That Scared Jesus - Fringe 2009
Live Review

Of all the comedians performing on the Fringe, Rob Rouse is the one that I want to shake until he starts meeting his potential. It is absolutely infuriating watching an act who should be doing brilliantly, merely doing OK.

Rouse is without a doubt one of the most exuberant and likable performers on the circuit and is well respected as a club act. But when converting his energy and writing skill into an hour show he just falls short, always producing good but unspectacular shows.

The story this year revolves round Rouse’s newborn son Lenny, and the family rescue dog, the permanently aroused mongrel Ronnie. The problem is that the story, although funny, cannot be stretched to fill the hour and there are very few available opportunities for Rouse to add more jokes. Two or three stories would have been more effective than stretching one tale over the hour. Because of this the show feels padded in places with an overly long set piece about what not to call a baby and a disturbingly visual extended mime of Ronnie’s ultimate crime.

Despite the shortcomings, this is an enjoyable and entertaining hour, consistent enough to ensure you retain a smile throughout punctuated by some big laughs. Rouse’s description of the birth of his son is touching, funny, vile and so apparently unbelievable I am inclined to believe that it is completely true.

The obvious joy that permeates Rouse’s being while he regales us with the embarrassment of his first very nearly picture-perfect family Christmas shows the passion that, if harnessed and focused more effectively, could produce something incredibly special.

A pleasant hour with a great performer.Next year I hope the expectations of an amazing hour will be met.