Marcel Lucont Etc: A Chat Show

Brit-baiting French chat show host Marcel Lucont is one of the most compelling comic characters of this year's Fringe. Nursing a glass of red wine as he saunters across the stage in bare feet, his sharp blue suit and natty roll-neck are augmented by a Sartre-quoting backdrop and an Absinthe-stocked drinks cabinet.

Denouncing Scots, Australians and latecomers with devilish condescension, Lucont cuts a vain, egotistical figure with magnificent precision. A self-proclaimed sage of romance, he regales us with poems about erectile dysfunction and cutting advice on how to end relationships. Guests for the show are drawn from a pool of outstanding comedians (and Abi Titmuss). DeAnne Smith and James Sherwood provide excellent value in the 'Etc' section of the set, matching Lucont's probing questions with candid sexual stories and snappy word-play.

Well-honed poems and songs (especially the hilarious Fifteen-love show stopper) are perfectly balanced by moments of genuine spontaneity in this consistently brilliant performance. I can easily imagine Marcel Lucont capturing the public imagination as effectively as one of Steve Coogan's creations. An essential Fringe show.