Show 12: Mr Swallow - Houdini

Nick Mohammed's no stranger to character comedy and performing. His previous Mr Swallow show, Dracula! was tremendously well received as a mad, almost shambolic musical caper. After hearing his Comedian's Comedian episode I was intrigued.

Mr Swallow is an energectic, almost frenetic, character aided by his two patient assistants, played by Kieren Hodgson and David Elms. From the start, with Mr Swalllow trapped in a clear box thumbing through a book about escapology, miming with the audience and making silent pleas for help, you cna tell it's not going to be your usual comedy show.

What proceeds is an hour of sharp comedic musical numbers, witty dialogue and thrilling escapology. You can tell this show is a labour of love. Nick Mohammed, David Elms and Kieren Hodgson manage to make their performances loot effortless, and the general tomfoolery provides a delightful and beguiling hour of comedy. It's remarkable that the energy and quality is consistent throughout the show. It's well worth a watch and I'm sure that MR Swallow will return with more escapades in future Festivals.

Score: 8/10

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Forth

Dates: 24-28 August

Time: 19:00

Price:£13 (£12) weekday, £14 (£13) weekend