****

The first impression of Fringe newcomer Tom Deacon is his appearance. He looks younger than 23, wearing jeans, baseball cap and cardigan which he explains is arranged in just the right trendy way. He opens with a few short gags about the venue (hot!) and being in Edinburgh.

By now, we are beginning to see he has a relaxed, confident manner. His main theme is the indecision in his personality. There is the alpha male side, macho and aggressive. This is at odds with his beta male side, more caring and considerate. The problem is when he is with his mates, some of whom do have homophobic tendencies; he has to keep to his alpha male side. 

Keeping to this theme means that his material is personal and intimate. Two revelations feature strongly, going on his first date as a teenager, and currently sharing a flat in London with his girlfriend. I have to say that, when it came to opening up about sharing life together with a partner, a number of females in front of me just about went into hysterics.

With a young newcomer there is always the question, can the humour be sustained for the full hour. No problems on that score. His comedy is funny throughout and completely absorbing.

Tom Deacon - Indecisive

Company: -Avalon Promotions 

Venue: -  Pleasance Cellar V 33

Dates: - 5 to 31 August 2009 

Times: - 20.30 to 21.30

Fringe Programme Page: - p106 C 29