Dour alright but not convincing

Published on Wednesday 6 August 2008 09:05

Will Hodgson – Chippenham on my Shoulder? *** Pleasance Courtyard WILL HODGSON is often known more for his quirky appearance (he is frequently mistaken for a butch lesbian) and equally odd interests (Care Bears and Spice Girls memorabilia) than for his material.

Nonetheless, as a former Perrier award-winner and Festival regular, his track record is admirable, therefor Chippenham on my Shoulder should be a reliable choice. As the show's title hints, the contents are more or less the same as 2007's Straight Outta Chippenham? – growing up as an outsider in working-class Chippenham; an unlikely stint as a wrestler and his unsuccessful attempts to fit in with the macho, beer-swilling culture of his friends and family.

Having seen a great Hodgson performance on last year's Fringe, it would be unfair to write him off completely.

This show contains the right ingredients and the jokes are in all the right places. It is the comedian himself who isn't quite there, coming across as more than mildly depressed and with a tragic lack of conviction.However, fans will probably still enjoy this show, suffused as it is with his typical dourness. Until August 25