★ ★ ★ ★
A new hour which matches the sharp wit and observations of her debut.
Maisie Adam delivered one of the standout debuts of 2018 earning herself a Best Newcomer nomination and a number of television appearances including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Mock the Week. Returning to the Fringe with her follow-up, Maisie has produced a new hour which matches the sharp wit and observations of her debut.
Sometimes a comedian is born to be doing what they're doing, and with Maisie that's very much the case. Her natural, relatable and pin-sharp approach to her material is already, only a couple of years in to her career, really connecting with audiences.
Now performing in a deservedly larger room at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, Maisie begins her second hour with a few revelations - she's had a new haircut, she's not working-class (she's eaten a meringue) and she didn't play Mary in the school nativity. There are also tales of long-forgotten gym equipment, a hilarious one night stand and that time in the computer suite when she was in Year 8 which she'll never forget.
The show's title Hang Fire refers to people who make judgements far too quickly and questions whether or not we all own up to our mistakes enough. To illustrate her point further, Maisie uses a washing line of familiar and unfamiliar mugshots, including Mick Jagger, Hugh Grant and Justin Bieber.
However this year, it's advisable not to take everything Maisie says at face value. Towards the end of her new show, Maisie delivers one of the best twists I've ever seen in a Fringe show. Twists are commonplace in comedy, but few twists are as satisfying and surprising as the one Maisie has written into her new hour - leaving the audience with their mouths wide open in shock and disbelief.
Hang Fire is a solid four-star follow-up to what was an exceptionally strong debut. Some comedians struggle when it comes to writing their second show but there's no sign of struggle here from Maisie. One of the most exciting new talents on the circuit, I'm certain that after a few more Fringes under her belt, she will deliver a five-star show that blow everyone away.
Maisie Adam: Hang Fire runs until 26th August at 5pm at the Gilded Balloon Teviot (Billiard Room). Book tickets here.