Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Barry Cryer & Colin Sell: Twittering On ****

Barry Cryer has written for the likes of Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Morecambe & Wise, Stanley Baxter and Bruce Forsyth. So when a man of his considerable experience comes to town you simply have to grab the opportunity to see one of the legends of comedy writing.

Cryer’s jokes may be almost as old as he is – it’s hard to believe the great man will be 80 next year – but it was a privilege to see the master of the quick fire gag in action. Along with pianist Colin Sell – his long-time friend and colleague from BBC Radio Four’s long-running comedy show I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue – Cryer entertained his highly appreciative audience in the intimate atmosphere of Wine Bar at Edinburgh’s Gilded Balloon.

Cryer made reference to the fact that many of today’s comedians such as Michael McIntyre bound across the stage with ceaseless energy. Cryer made a self-deprecating attempt at this but, with his audience chortling with delight, soon climbed back on to his stool. Most of the audience probably grew up listening to Cryer and knew what to expect – but that’s why they were there. Like an endearing old grandfather the whole family loves, Cryer was hugely entertaining and a delight to behold.

My only gripe, if it can be called that, was the show was too short – 45 minutes just flew by. Nonetheless, just one day in at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Barry Cryer and Colin Sell’s Twittering On will be hard to beat for good, old fashioned fun and entertainment.

If you see just one show at the Fringe, go to see a legend in British comedy. You won’t be disappointed.

Tickets for Twittering On here