Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Heidi Regan opens her show with a unique perspective on an old topic – the difference between men and women – that sets the bar high. The standard and silliness of the jokes never dip, providing a richly rewarding hour full of big laughs and excellent storytelling.

We meet the comedian now in a long-term relationship with her girlfriend Kat and starting the journey towards having a baby together. A recurring theme is contrasting the lives of a comedian and an NHS doctor, as well as finding the balance between planning for the future and living in the moment. The impact of the pandemic and chronic underfunding of the health service both form part of the story, but even in the show’s more serious moments, Regan instinctively finds optimism and positivity.

Early on, Regan goes all-in on what becomes a long-running gag, with a high level of commitment and deconstruction that absolutely pays dividends. She also uses slides, graphs and short videos – usually involving Kat – to provide bonus gags, illustrate points and introduce new angles, often extracting multiple laughs from one idea. Whether it’s Gollum from Lord Of The Rings or the equally terrifying Woebot mental health chatbot, they all add extra layers to the story, never failing to get a reaction.

This is a tightly written show that also manages to feel playful and spontaneous, thanks to Regan’s speed of thought and ability to read the room. By the end, we consider Heidi and Kat as our friends, such is the warmth between performer and audience.

Ultimately, the show’s eye-catching title makes sense, backed up by a nice tongue-in-cheek legal disclaimer. Full of heart, laughs and ideas, this show comes highly recommended.

• Heidi Regan Gives Birth Live on Stage Every Night or Your Money Back is on at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms at 5.55pm.

Review date: 21 Aug 2022
Reviewed by: Matt Carwardine-Palmer