August 5, 2025 
Ed Fringe Review
As philosopher Montaigne said, 'our life consists partly in madness, partly in wisdom, whoever writes about it merely respectfully, and by rule, leaves more than half of it'. An ethos this show takes to heart as each week the host and two stand-ups explore a chosen philosophical theme through comedy and profound Q&A.A lovely, unique feature of the show is the ability to put up your hand at any point to ask questions. This creates a conversational atmosphere, allowing the audience to influence the show. Whether asking questions about false memories or clarifying that if you lived another one-hundred-and-fifty years, you would have to do it as a sixty-year-old, the performers are genuinely intrigued by the additions and respond with informed glimpses of wisdom. The host Alex Farrow in particular, by sharing teachings of philosophers.Under the excessive grandeur of four chandeliers, Farrow, a former philosophy teacher, divulges this week’s theme for a set: memory. He warms up the crowd with a great comedic voice and soon we know we are in safe hands, ready for the comedians. Amelia Hamilton is first; she’s young and shows impressive eloquence and presence. Full of energy, she paces back and forth. This certainly helps keep momentum and makes sure even if a joke does not land amazingly, it is not dwelt on for long.This is contrasted with the more laid-back, confident approach of Ben Pope, who seems much more at ease with the mic and has earned trust in his own delivery. Something I’m sure Hamilton will gain with experience.Hamilton performs a couple high energy raps with increasing commitment. Gaining more confidence in her performance, her movements are just as comical as the clever lyricism. With a loud backing track and microphone, there are rare moments that the lyrics aren’t altogether heard, but from concept to execution, it is a hoot. The concept of one of the songs is based on how there will soon be more active Facebook accounts of dead people than alive. A disturbing idea that she deals with wisdom and youthful energy. In her Q&A, she speaks just as acutely about the fragility of identity and how this impacts her view of memory as it relates to the self. You may find yourself, like me, wishing you were studying philosophy.Ben Pope is next elaborating with effortless comedic talent on how his opinion of photographs has changed over the years. At some points finding them misleading and blissfully nostalgic, at others appreciative, as they withhold memories forever. He skilfully performs his set, hitting some well-deserved laughs.From his Q&A, the idea that the true self is somewhere between sleeping and waking has stayed with me since my visit - are the words I mutter as I awake the purest form of me? This show was truly marvellous for any philosophy lovers or anyone who fancies a bit of comedy after lunch. There are different people each week and different themes so you can and should keep returning for more! Click Here For Review