John Pendal: International Man of Leather

What's a fringe festival for if not exploring fringe activities? John Pendal may argue that deviance is all in the eye of the beholder. But crikey, he seems to have beheld some sights as the only British winner of International Mr Leather.

Something of an ingénue growing up as a strict, shy Baptist in Watford, his belated conversion to hardcore S&M could scarcely have been more committed, as he literally became an ambassador for kinky international relations. Related with twinkling charm, this autobiographical debut makes a solid fist of promoting a live-and-let-live message but is never so gauchely explicit, instead relying on Pendal's affability and relaxed storytelling prowess. Appreciating that his sexual proclivities are not mainstream, he knows that the prurient interest of the uninitiated and nods of recognition from his fellow fetishists mean he doesn't need to strive for shock or outrageousness, and instead simply shares his tale with an awareness of the more ridiculous elements.

He successfully fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity by asking everyone to anonymously nominate their turn-ons, mildly titillating as he draws them from a bucket and shares them with the rest of the room. Though his safe space of cat photos for the more easily disturbed is more tongue-in-cheek. A higher gag rate is arguably required for this to become an evening show. But in terms of his engaging persona and intriguing backstory, Pendal is set for a promising and possibly even mainstream career in comedy.