Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

‘I’ve got nothing to say and a show in which to say it,’ laments the inspiration-deprived comedian that Claire Parry has become. There are plenty of Fringe offerings to which that could apply.

Through her alter-ego, the hugely physical clown both satirises the solipsism of stand-up and celebrates the huge potential of its artistic merit, in a way that is never quite straightforward.

She highlights the struggle to create something out of nothing, the brutality of the industry and the lack of funding for something that could do wonders for the nation’s mental health – while still acknowledging that most performers are driven not by such noble motives but by pure ego. This character happens to be a stand-up, but she is also all artists.

I Am Claire Parry (Very Funny Stand-Up) is also, more simply, a collection of bizarre and funny physical comedy sketches, starting with a palaver of an opening with Parry clambering over the seats to find her rightful place, before ultimately realising it’s on stage.

Once there, her set has all the rhythms of stand-up, but her name is the only words she says, both highlighting that artistic egotism and being very good for her brand recognition. Maybe she’s lost for words. She has written her set list on her hands and elsewhere as an aide memoire. They comprise just ‘Claire’ and ‘Parry’. Maybe buying an expensive new notebook will help inspire her to fill it with comedy gold.

Surely it’s her time? Surely she should be in the bigger room? A cult hit at least? This is definitely brilliant, but who is it for? It defies categorisation. Oh god, there’s a reviewer in! What will he think?  So many insecurities are given voice.

Parry previously portrayed the manic composer Boorish Trumpson, and returns to music for a section here, building up a band by inviting various audience members on stage to mime their instruments, a light diversion from the crisis of confidence.

For while she’s making point about supporting artists, what you’ll remember are the ridiculous set pieces. Those inner-voice questions about how to market and monetise this may all be true, but it’s a blast when you’re in the room.

Review date: 21 Aug 2025
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Assembly Roxy