Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Ollie Horn is a gregarious, genial storyteller, dancing around as the audience files in and full of tales that exploit embarrassing incidents, in which he usually comes off as the idiot. 

But by taking full cheerful ownership of any ignominy, the tone is positive rather than self-deprecating (indeed, he likes to tell us how he is objectively good-looking), as we share the absurdity of the situations.

Even when discussing his sometimes unhealthy approach to food, the stories celebrate the passion rather than focussing on any shame. That includes the surely shared experiences of loading up at hotel buffets or trying to max out a meal deal bargain, as well as a more personal guilty pleasure of watching American Alpha Males grill ‘smashburgers’. It’s very relatable, upbeat material, enthusiastically told, but maybe not all that distinctive.

However, about two-thirds in, the show explodes into life when Horn finds himself trapped in Malaysia by the pandemic, which sparks two fantastic stories: signing up for a Zumba class for which he was clearly ill-suited and finding himself needing the loo in McDonald's, which is more eventful than you might expect. He doesn’t need punchlines as the stories, which also include tales of casual sex and terrible yoga teachers, are compelling and innately funny.

His affirmative approach might be because of a newfound motivation-speaker approach to life. Before/After carries upbeat messages of trying new things, envisioning a different version of yourself, opening your mind, yadda yadda yadda. He even uses the phrase ‘change your choice matrix’ more than once.

But though he’s cheerily sincere, this is really window dressing to give a disparate selection of amusing anecdotes an illusion of meaning. What is certain is that saying ‘yes’ more often gave him such great stories to share, adding substance to his upbeat personality that already makes him delightful company.

• Ollie Horne: Before/After is on at the Laughing Horse at The Hanover Tap at 6pm until August 29, with extra shows at other times and venues. See edfringe.com

Review date: 21 Aug 2021
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Laughing Horse @ The Hanover Tap