Leifer is a veteran of comedy. She started at 21, was one of the writers for hit shows Seinfeld and the Larry Sanders Show, and her present act is about to be turned into a book. With such promises, the failing result is even more disappointing.
There is no denying Leifer is an extremely talented writer, and her warm and funny personality coupled with the candle-lit, comedy-club quality of the venue is everything the audience could hope from what is sold as a top quality comedy act. Unfortunately, not a moment in the whole show reflects her impressive CV. In place of comedy, Leifer offers a reading of four essays from her upcoming book – ‘But this one’s eating my popcorn’, ‘Surprise!!!’, ‘Holiday Gift Guide’ and ‘Take Five, Japan’.
The stories all are cute, sweet and genuine; Leifer offers insight into the most defining, personal steps in her life, such as the death of her dad, or her sudden realisation she is gay.
While the audience appreciates her sharing these intimate memories, ‘cute’ is unfortunately not what they expect from the show. The spectators really, really want to enjoy it, but taken aback by the reading they do not really pay attention to the witty remarks that are sometimes hidden in the four stories, and the jokes sadly fall flat, drowned among the narratives.
This would have been a great addition to the Edinburgh Book Festival, and would have probably drawn more light to Leifer’s writing. But as part of the Fringe, it would sadly be better to skip the act altogether and instead pre-order the book.
2/5 
Adeline Amar
