Andrew O'Neill: Alternative

It’s no coincidence that Andrew O’Neill bounds on stage to the sound of The Kinks’ ‘Lola’: the energetic, abrasive Englishman is hot on Eddie Izzard’s heels for the title of most successful cross-dresser on the circuit. Tonight, O’Neill appears in a fetching combo of pink tights, size 9 Docs and a short black skirt – but it’s his anarchic wit, surreal tales and idiosyncratic delivery that are the real talking points.

Having paid his dues at the Five Pound Fringe, O’Neill has graduated to the big leagues – or, more accurately, the big top on George Square. Where previous shows delved into his penchant for wearing ladies' clothes and love of all things heavy metal, this latest effort sees the avowedly leftfield comic coming to terms with the modicum of success he now enjoys.

Between hilarious, rapid-fire interludes about satanic milkmen, Michael Jackson singles and vegan butchers, O’Neill looks back with refreshing frankness at his own attempts to lead an alternative lifestyle. There’s a series of well-crafted stories about hitchhiking in the north of England, squatting in London and the k-hole ethical debates of veganism.

O’Neill is becoming more domesticated but he’s not lost his edge yet. The gags are as good as anything on the Fringe and behind the gothic persona lies a comic of rare verbal inventiveness. He’s also got the best merchandise at the festival: what’s not to love about a T-shirt that reads "Tranny Metal Bastard"?

Ray Davies would surely approve.