Josh Widdicombe: If This Show Saves One Life

Josh Widdicombe is one of British standup's bright young things. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Russell Howard—indeed, looking and sounding stylistically very much like him—his is a TV-friendly face which is certain to take him places. A couple of good years in Edinburgh and the door to panel show success is bound to swing open.

Unfortunately, though, this year's show is very patchy. There are a number of promising moments, in particular when Widdicombe discusses being the only singleton member of his group of friends and the general sense of isolation that can bring. He is also particularly engaging when talking about his relationship with his father – a clever inversion of the expected stern father/laid-back youngster tale. But most of the rest is a rather staid and hackneyed affair that might raise a few laughs but isn't anything to set himself apart in a crowded comedy marketplace.

But this show's great failing is Widdicombe's excruciating insistence on engaging his audience in stilted, awkward and dull conversation. Perhaps it was just tonight's audience, but when the first few engagements go badly, it's best to cut one's losses and move on. But with each new attempt to get some banter going, the rhythm and flow of the set is disrupted and disturbed. There are a number of comedians out there who handle audience interaction brilliantly—one thinks of Dara O'Briain or Jason Byrne—but it doesn't seem like Widdicombe has quite the right kind of affability to pull it off.