Review: Luke Toulson: I Don’t Know How I Feel About My Kids – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh

It’s a credit to the Free Fringe movement that it attracts acts as accomplished as Luke Toulson.

Establishing himself as approachable and likeable, Toulson quickly addresses the problematic issue of two pre-teens watching a show that has adult themes.

He skips between a range of topics from children to Nigel Farage, and, inevitably, “the Scottish”.

But the core themes collide during a tale about his daughter appearing in what he describes as a racist school production of Miss Saigon; perhaps forgivable when the professional production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical is just as questionable.

There are clear moments of originality, with some particular pedantry about The Sound of Music and the lexicalisation of Nazis.

And Toulson’s endearing energy more than compensates for the lack of a distinct narrative thread, which is ultimately what limits this show.

Already picked up by Russell Howard’s Good News, Luke Toulson clearly has a bright future ahead of him.

Date of live review: Friday 16 August 2013

Luke Toulson: I Don’t Know How I Feel About My Kids is part of the PBH Free Fringe at the Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh until 24 August 2013.