Josh Howie is the son of ab fab

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Now this is a tough act to follow. It is no surprise that Howie uses his father's surname in his stand-up career.

In his first full-length show the bespectacled comic does not keep mum about mum.

In fact, Chosen is all about how he has spent most of his life trying to escape from her overwhelming presence.

His various rebellious tactics involved Jewish rapping, training to become a rabbi and even briefly adopting the persona of a frizzy-haired wigga", or "Wafrican-American", as he mock-earnestly prefers to call it.

These sharply drawn self-deprecating stories, plus a too-much-information re-birthing anecdote, are given added oomph by accompanying photos and Howie's nervy comedic delivery. Though if he does not want to be shackled with the "English Woody Allen" tag, he is going to have to take elocution lessons pronto. And ditch the nerdy specs.

There are occasional dips and cringeworthy Jewish in-jokes - his circumcision pun needs cutting - but this is a very good hour.

Howie might be embarrassed by his mother, but he must be delighted that she saved so many childhood pictures. The snapshot of him as a pensive toddler merits a "Smuggest Baby" award in its own right.

Until 24 August (www.edfringe.com, 0131 226 0000).

Josh Howie: Work In Progress