Matt Kirshen, Assembly@George Street, Edinburgh
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matt Kirshen missed last year's Fringe because he was busy being made into a minor celebrity on the comedy reality show Last Comic Standing, in which he did rather well. Kirshen, 28 going on 12 in looks, has duly been able to bring some nice Stateside material into his show this year.
Of a number of examples, the best scene-setter is the Texan lady he meets on a plane who marvels at the wonder of air travel: "I guess we'll never know [how it's done]". Kirshen stays with the theme of ignorance (and religion) in a routine about scientology, in which he recounts a visit to its museum in Hollywood called "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death". He wonders how they ever got psychiatrists to admit to their survey that one in 10 of them had sexually abused their patients.
Unfortunately, after a promising start the show wobbles thematically, and the lack of joins between routines is disorientating. However, the material is still of a high standard, such as his story about trying to get served at a drive-in restaurant when you have no car: "I was basically soliciting for chips" is how he describes approaching one driver to help him circumvent the outlet's crazy rules.
Despite the mix-and- match feel, Kirshen's career trajectory after his US success will be enhanced rather than damaged by this accomplished hour.
To 25 August, except 11 (0131-623 3030)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments