Alistair McGowan: The One and Many

Being too well-known for one thing can be a curse. Comedians who become synonymous with a particular show or act inevitably face challenges when they try to branch out, and Alistair McGowan is no exception. Should the 45 year-old Big Impression star stick with his infamous and popular imitations of public figures, or try to move beyond his comfort zone, into potentially dangerous territory?

In his first act at the Fringe for over a decade, McGowan errs towards the former. Despite the first section of the show focussing on stand-up, large parts of his routine are based on familiar sketches. The old favourites from TV feature are all here—the Beckhams, Sven Goran Eriksson, Dot Cotton—and it is obvious that the show’s direction is based on accommodating these characters.

But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As far as impressions go, McGowan has mastered his art, and his confident style helps to make the show a success. When he does try his hand at stand-up, it is well delivered and witty, though it's questionable whether it would carry him through an hour-long show on its own.

Whilst there is a sense of deja-vu about the act, McGowan has clearly done his homework, and knows how to appeal to his largely middle-class, middle-aged audience with jokes at expense of Edinburgh housing estates and current burning issue: trams. For those who enjoy McGowan’s popular brand of comedy, this outing provides an excellent showcase of his talents.