Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

You can see why Derek Demko chose to do a show about American summer camps, given he has all the upbeat, peppy enthusiasm of the best camp counsellors – even if he is a little too old for the job.

This is presented as the end-of-summer ceremony, set up with a jaunty song – jaunty being very much the vibe of the show. It comprises a number of silly games and activities, with the audience competing to throw ping-pong balls into a net on Demko’s head, joining in campfire songs or simply giving a supportive cheer for a campmate.

Elsewhere, the comedian improvises the odd song or freestyle rap based on stories prompted by the crowd, whether it be about an unfulfilled childhood ambition to be a surfer or the loneliness of being a Bigfoot.

A recurring theme speak about the friendships you make when you are young that are so much harder to forge in adulthood, which may be why Demko clings to the camaraderie of the camp in his 30s. 

Certainly, friendliness is the performer’s default mode: full of smiley encouragement as he urges audience members to showcase their talents or take part in the activities he’s put forward. Were it not for a couple of f-bombs, this would be family-friendly fare.

He’s a member of America’s Baby Wants Candy / Shamilton improv troupe that returns to the Fringe year-in, year-out, so it’s no surprise to know that this is as slick as can be. There’s almost nothing of substance here, but for a jolly lunchtime show to put you in a good mood, Demko brings all the Good Vibes you could hope for. 

Review date: 31 Aug 2026
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Assembly George Square