Hjalmar Tjan & Chris Betts: We're New Here – Our Edinburgh Apprenticeship

The initial banter about the size of the venue between the trio of Chris Betts, Sam Golin and Hjalmar Tjan is the funniest part of fresh talent showcase We're New Here. Performing a 20 minute set each, they each fail to match this initial off-event chat.

First up, the strongest of the three, Chris, who confidently tells a story about smashing neon light bulbs, spooning strangers in bars and ending up in the drunk tank beside sick-covered Santa Clauses. 

Next up, Sam who announces he's just cut his beard and long hair off. Since then he feels he's lost his identity. He flounders at the outset by confessing to being a reformed drug taker and asking who else in the room has taken mushrooms. With a set lacking in content, he attempts to fill the time by prodding the audience with questions.

Final act Hjalmar has content (including some banter about rounding up racists and putting them on a train) but unfortunately it just isn't very funny and feels stilted as he keeps having to checking his notes. 

Overall this just doesn't work – their material feels awkward to watch and lacks depth. In the words of Alan Sugar to these three Fringe apprentices: you're fired. [Elaine Reid]