Put simply, Hellbent is a tour-ready hour of slick stand-up. Fast, frenetic and really f*cking funny, Larry Dean’s recently married and ready to talk about it.
Much of the show charts Dean’s relationship with his now-husband from the Black Country, from first meeting to proposing and the big day itself, told through tightly written observational gags with more of an emphasis on accents and impressions (you can tell why he landed the SNL UK gig) than previous Fringe hours. Highlights include set pieces on meeting the King at the Royal Variety Performance, being even more Glaswegian than usual at 5am in an airport, and talking about his cousin from Iran.
Dean’s at the top of his game. He’s a magnetic, super likeable performer. His angular physicality and breakneck pace could be compared to the likes of Lee Evans, and his writing is relatable, naughty and sharp (fun digs at the English in Edinburgh are a particular riot and room-splitter).
If guaranteed, huge laughs are what you’re looking for (and who isn’t?), Larry Dean has them in spades. Don’t miss your last chance to catch him in this small a venue – he’ll be in arenas soon enough.
Larry Dean: Hellbent, Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug, 6.30pm