Teatime television’s most cherished asset accepts an invitation to return to the Fringe, choosing to share stories from one to one conversations he’s had during a distinguished education and career in broadcasting and politics.
It’s hard to imagine Brandreth was once a Tory MP, and he himself concedes he was too honest to take full advantage of the position, too sensitive not to have taken election defeat personally. Here, he proves he still has the flair to win over a constituency. Articulate, Brandreth is the consummate professional and a background in theatre is put to fine use, the Pleasance One venue representing an ideal setting.
Brandreth creates the impression he has kept these anecdotes to himself until now. In truth, they must have appeared in a hundred after-dinner speeches; and if this is the case Brandreth disguises it well as he lifts the lid on the real personalities of major British public figures. Truths covertly bestowed, now divulged are so preposterous as to be scarcely believable, but who would question the ability of the personable and well-connected Brandreth to uncover them?
Make no mistake, the jokes are broad, and this show is best suited to viewers of BBC’s The One Show, on which Brandreth is a features presenter. However, even those who do not find themselves laughing at every punchline are still likely to find Brandreth charming, his enthusiasm for storytelling engaging and his tales absorbing.
4/5 
Nick Hemsley
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