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The Herald Scotland

Review: Kieran Hodgson at the Fringe is a riotous road trip

Pleasance Courtyard, until August 24, 9.30pm. Gayle Anderson Four stars Appropriately for a show about the land of plenty, Kieran Hodgson has super-sized his offering this year. Voice of America begins with Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA booming through the speakers. Hocus POTUS! We're instructed to please welcome the future president of the United States, before Kieran high-fives his way through the auditorium and onto the stage. This is a long way from Two Doors Down, but it promises to be less shock and awe and more shock and aww. Dressed in double-denim and very nearly getting away with it, Kieran describes himself as looking like David Tennant's nephew. Who would doubt him? He's warm, funny and utterly engaging as he tells the story of his life-long love affair with the USA and his attempt at carving out a career in Hollywood. Kieran Hodgson is at the Pleasance Courtyard until August 24 (Image: Paul Gilbey) It's a slick, carefully-crafted show, packed with smart one-liners and silly catch-phrases. His railway timetables tic is a favourite. It's train-spotting geek style rather than Leith style. Throughout the show, Kieran explores his adoration of all things Americana. As you'd expect, there's some masterful mimicry. All that's missing with his three 90's movie impressions is the popcorn and his JFK stump speech sent shivers. Not all former presidents fare quite so well. It's (stars and) swipes at George Bush and his infamous Bushisms. Even Obama doesn't escape unscathed. As far as the current White House resident goes, Kieran has pleaded the fifth. But will the mango menace make a guest appearance? You'll have to see for yourselves. Big reveals are for losers… Read more: In 2021, Kieran's two-minute on-line parody of The Crown became a viral sensation. It gave him a taste for Tinseltown. So when the producers of a Hollywood superhero movie come calling, can Kieran convince them he can play an American? Will his Sandwich Man cut it? This is a well-planned, riotous road trip full of delicious detours. But, a bit like the Hodgson family holiday tapes, my feelings on the ending were mixed. Will the four-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee's name be in those ballot boxes this year? I wouldn't bet against it. Other Shows I Recommend This Week… Jonny Pelham: Is It Me? Hive 2 at Monkey Barrel, four stars. Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Near Death, Pleasance Courtyard, four stars. Vittorio Angelone: you can't say Nothing any more, Monkey Barrel, four stars.