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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Bruce Dessau's rating
Reader rating
Gifted: Phil Nichol has a way of appearing manic and distracted while delivering a controlled narrative
The opening weekend of the 61st Edinburgh Fringe Festival and some things never change. The crowds are out in force, as ever outnumbered by the plethora of eager-beaver performers thrusting flyers at tourists on the rainy Royal Mile. And, as has also become a tradition in recent years, Phil Nichol, 2006's if.comedy Award winner, is back with another rollercoaster ride of a show.
If Hiro Worship does not top last year's turbo-charged tale, which culminated in the sweaty Canadian body-surfing naked over the audience as he recounted his experience of being chased by skinheads in Amsterdam when high on magic mushrooms, it is a pretty serviceable sequel.
Once again the Fringe favourite is in extended anecdote mode, this time recalling a close encounter with an obsessive Japanese Rolling Stones enthusiast.
This gifted comedian has a sublime way of appearing manic and distracted yet actually delivering a remarkably controlled piece of narrative comedy.
While Hiro Worship centres on the Nichol's unconventional paternalistic relationship with this Jagger-phile and the question of when fandom turns into stalking, it takes welcome comedic detours to explore the raconteur's own messy love life, his theatrical past and his passion for Norwegian trip hop.
The result is never as compellingly crazed as his prize-winning set, but it is a joke-peppered treat with a cute sting in the tale.
A couple of flaws: if you do not like the Rolling Stones, the musical interludes may feel like padding. And sensitive souls might find Nichol's feverish cod-oriental impressions ("Okaaay, London!!!") on the wrong side of Benny Hill. There is no denying that this is a performance of considerable power by one of stand-up's most full-on funnymen.
• Until 27 August (www.edfringe.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
