Hal Cruttenden Tough Luvvie

“Not only do I sound like Tony Blair, I sweat like him too”, says Hal Cruttenden, warming up the crowd in the stifling Pleasance Cellar. This isn’t all that Cruttenden has in common with the politician or indeed, any politician. Giving an impeccable standup performance of popular topics with strong Northern Ireland material, Cruttenden also displays some wonderfully discomforting views you’d suspect Blair of actually sharing. 

Taking on more sinister topics such as policemen hitting students and a light, teasing spot of faux-misogyny, these are Tough Luvvie’s most dangerously funny parts. After briefly flirting with the eponymous themes of toughness and loveliness, Cruttenden proceeds to run through the typical and topical like a comedy checklist prepped by Alistair Campbell. Olympics, riots, Andy Murray, EU, PMQs, WWII... like a real Campbell checklist it descends into acronyms.

Safe as the Houses of Parliament are Cruttenden's views on Prince Phillip, Nando’s, and John Terry. Furthermore his pacing is perfect, his timing well-observed, and his audience interaction politely professional. But it’s the occasional gaff that endears him the most, such as starting a gag with a self-conscious “I have a black friend...” 

Cruttenden certainly has an edge to him. Perhaps it’s from existing on the edges of things; the edges of London, the edge of middle-age, the edge of middle-class (“Like Ron Weasley”) and the edge of greater fame. The established standup and actor somewhat resembles an edgier Michael McIntyre, if he’d let this side show more he might get the roadshow he deserves.