Finally, I feel seen. Perhaps you could argue that this review is biased given that me and Ruaridh Miller share the same first name, but I can assure you, this is brilliant hour of comedy. I knew I was in for a good time as soon as he walked on to Dog Dribble by Getdown Services, but what I didn’t expect was that it would have some significance to the show. Ruaridh reveals he is named after a dog, shortly before getting into his place in society (middle class, of course). Beyond some great self-deprecating material about this, there is a brilliant reveal which is made through a Botswanan football team and some hilarious observations about Leith that locals in the audience were loving.
The show begins with, what is for me at least, the painfully relatable pain in the arse that is autocorrect when you don’t have a boring name. He rattles off some really interesting bits from his upbringing, including growing up as a catholic Rangers fan, this is not… conventional to say the least. Living a middle-class lifestyle, being funny and likeable all at the same time is something I have noticed a lot of comedians struggle with at this year’s fringe, but Ruaridh manages to fall in all three categories with some cleverly executed, relatable commentary on the gentrification of Leith, the area of Edinburgh he lives in. It’s impossible not to laugh at his bit about the recently closed and converted Wetherspoon’s on Leith Walk, with both the local audience and tourists in the crowd left in stitches.
This show is full of witty, relatable and generally fun material, all presented by a very likeable comic who has the audience on his side the entire time through his ability to tell local stories in a way that makes them appeal to everyone. I highly recommend going to see it if you fancy finding out how Miscellaneous SC Serowe managed to fund their first ever transfer!
Ruaridh Miller: Autocorrect Thinks My Name is Rubbish, 20:20,The Penny at Gilded Balloon Patter House, Until Aug 30
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ruaridh-miller-autocorrect-thinks-my-name-is-rubbish
