Review by Steve Bennett

With so many comics extending their 20-minute sets into hour-long Edinburgh shows - with varying degrees of success - it's nice to be able to see a collection of stand-ups in their native habitat.

Comedy promoter Screaming Blue Murder has established a regular club night at the Café Royal with all the usual ingredients ­ three comics, one compere, a venue that's seen better days and a couple of beer breaks.

And the late-night line-up is not a collection of hopeful newcomers, but a team of talented, established stand-ups who certainly know their stuff.

Quick-witted and lively compere Greg Burns did a fantastic job sparring with a rowdy and vocal midweek crowd with a series of sharp comebacks and a fine routine packed with unexpected punchlines.

The overexcited audience, and a couple of enthusiastic hecklers, were won over by all the acts - distinctly amusing, and sometimes downright disgusting, Sally Holloway, Cockney funnyman Mickey Flanagan and weird American cowboy Glenn Wool.

At £6.50 for two hours of top-notch entertainment, this show certainly lives up to its name. A safe bet for a great night's comedy.

Review date: 1 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett