Mel Brown: My hot tip for the Fringe

With no quality control, sometimes it’s good to get a tip from an expert when deciding what Fringe show to splash out on. And who better to recognise up-and- coming comic talent than comedy aficionado Mel Brown of Impressive PR. This year, her hot tip is The Chris And Barry Show, a double-act she first discovered at the festival 12 months ago. Or to be more precise, they discovered her, as she reveals...

I WAS tipped off about this well-rounded New York comedy sketch duo long before last year’s newcomer nomination at the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

I decided to check The Chris & Paul Show out on a very rainy evening at Just The Tonic, at the Caves. I slipped in quietly as the show had started and sat at the back. From the moment they leapt on stage it was a roller-coaster of fun. I was laughing so much that without realising it, I suddenly found myself on the stage having a picnic with Paul while Chris, dressed in a very large bee suit, started buzzing around me. I was now the butt of the joke.

Definitely my most unusual introduction to an act ever, and when I left, I had the biggest grin on my face, despite the humiliation of being dragged into their unique show.

The Chris & Paul Show Volume II, Just The Tonic, The Caves, August 6–26, 8.40pm, £9