Jarlath Regan: Shock and Ahhh!

Posters for Jarlath Regan’s latest Edinburgh effort vow "No silly promises, no stupid gimmicks, no cheap tricks". And—notwithstanding an admittedly adorable snap of his infant son at the show’s close—the Irish comic keeps to his word.

It is difficult to imagine Regan, who appears sporting the first pair of Reebok pump trainers I’ve seen this millennium, intentionally offending his audience or slaying sacred cows for the sake of it. Instead the affable, mild-mannered Fringe regular offers up wry, sharply observed gags, keeping the laugh count ticking over nicely without pushing too many boundaries.

With the birth of his first child—little Michael, the ‘Ahhh!’ of the show’s title—fatherhood is the main topic for discussion, but Regan also turns his caustic wit to the economic crisis in Ireland, his own money worries and, er, Take Me Out. "We are going back to the Roman times in terms of entertainment," he complains before launching into a hilarious skit on ITV’s egregious dating show.

Regan is at his most cutting when turning his ire on himself, not least concerning his spell as a presenter on Irish children’s television. If I’d ever wondered what Jedward would look like in 10 years time (and really who hasn’t?), I don’t anymore.

Regan is a likeable comic with a strong stage presence and enough decent material to keep the crowd on his side. When you’ve got that, there’s really no need for gimmicks, tricks or empty promises.