Glaswegian storyteller Gary Little proves you cannot judge a book by its cover by documenting his fall from book-thief to prisoner to ex-con.
Little does not absolve himself of his crime and in no way glorifies his past, instead highlighting the subtle comedic ironies from a world alien to most of us, with a warmth of character and innocence that is in stark contrast to his burly skinheaded appearance. This is typified when Little says that his proudest moment while succeeding in his book scam was maintaining 100% feedback status on eBay.
The contrasts are many. Little’s prison nickname ‘Big Man’ is betrayed by his experience in acquiring the role of counsellor and father figure to his fellow inmates, with unforseen results that are as hilarious as they are touching.
The joy of Little is that he appears just as excited to be re-telling these tales as he presumably was the first time he told them, and the manner in which he puts his trust in the truth alone to get the laughs. Little bares all, making no effort to put on a macho front in order to save face. At the show’s climax he takes delight in the irony of Harper-Collins, his faceless victim, gaining its revenge on him.
The standout moment of ‘He Was Only Jail Gay’ is the story of Little’s re-adjustment to the ‘real world’ following his release, featuring a punchline that could be the best you hear in any show at this year’s Fringe. It is complimented by the fact that Little’s act is expertly paced – a real journey.
5/5 
Nick James
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