Des Clarke: Final Destination

It’s a predominantly Scottish turnout for radio DJ, TV presenter and standup Des Clarke. The fact the Glaswegian doesn’t look further than the borders for much of his material isn’t a problem, but it’s a shame there are so few tourists; Final Destination provides a most un-Fringe-like atmosphere. Lively with cliche, Clarke’s set may appeal to curious foreign visitors with an interest in Scottish culture.

Presenting an archetype of the self-deprecating Scot, he cheerily compares his nation to a North Korea run by two fish—Salmond and Sturgeon—and talks a mile a minute allegedly due to the average Glaswegian’s short lifespan. His observations of Scottish reactions to the Olympics are pointed but his gestures to broader material less so. There’s little that's memorable about the WHSmiths, dentists and hairdressers Clarke finds room for in his rammed set. And as for the Final Destination of the title, that turns out to be a career highlight when Clarke carried the Olympic torch through Glasgow; it's a tale that’s more touching than funny.

Clarke specialises in more esoteric and specific references outsiders may miss, but this crowd applauds in recognition of his vigorous physical Glaswegian impressions, holiday etiquette and slang. Despite sweating impressively, Clarke needn’t work hard to entertain the punters present. Indeed, they’re so much on his side some chip in to hush a heckler. The assured “See you soon!” Clarke leaves us with is apt. He's barely past thirty and his ninth Fringe’s audience show no signs of disloyalty.