Des Clarke: Des Comedy Jam

Note: This review is from 2011

Review by Julia Chamberlain

Des Clarke’s show is super Scottish. He’s an award-winning radio presenter in Glasgow, and his high-energy walk on music and intro is met with equal enthusiasm from a heavily Scottish crowd.

His trademark million-mile-an-hour approach has slowed to merely ‘very quick indeed’, but his clarity is enviable and you get a lot of funny for your money here. He’s magnificent at telling the Scots about themselves: the busted economy comparable to Iceland, the likely pitfalls of the Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Scottish football, tennis hero Andy Murray, John Smeaton the Glasgow Airport terrorism hero.

There’s some huge laughs to be had from his stories of a Gorbals upbringing, Scottish vernacular and unflinching approach to strong language. Who thought mum’s swearing could still be funny? But it really is when it’s his mum doing his toiletries shopping. The man next to me had tears of laughter splashing off his knees and I wasn’t far behind.

He really delivers a strong, laugh-filled hour with a mixture of personal anecdotes about his working-class background, family and friends, and then the gleeful examination of Scotland’s national character, the local genius for turning negatives to positives and Scotland’s place in the world.

He’s really not stretching himself much with this show, and gets a very easy ride from a local crowd, but what he’s neglecting in his personal development he invests in delivering a properly entertaining, hilarious show.

Read More

Published: 13 Aug 2011

Des Clarke: Desire

There is no doubting Des Clarke’s status as a Scottish…
1/01/2008

Des Clarke

Following stints on Saturday morning telly and local…
1/01/2004

Past Shows

Edinburgh Fringe 2003

Des Clarke: For One Night Only


Edinburgh Fringe 2004

Des Clarke


Edinburgh Fringe 2005

Des Clarke: 3 Little Gigs


Edinburgh Fringe 2007

Des Clarke: Destiny


Edinburgh Fringe 2009

Des Clarke: Clarxism


Edinburgh Fringe 2011

Des Clarke: Des Comedy Jam


Edinburgh Fringe 2012

Des Clarke: Final Destination


Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Des Clarke 3D


Edinburgh Fringe 2022

Des Clarke: One O’ Clock Fun


Agent

RDF Management
Contact by email
The Gloucester Building
Kensington Village
Avonmore Road
W14 8RF
Office: 020 7013 4105

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