★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Brett's approach to comedy is honest, relaxed and crucially very funny.
If you're a fan of Miranda and you think you recognise Brett Goldstein, then you'd be mistaken. He's not the guy you're thinking of, he's the guy from Derek. But never mind where you might have seen him on telly before, because stand-up comedian Brett Goldstein is returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe three years since his last show.
What Is Love Baby Don't Hurt Me is a huge step-up from Brett's last show Burning Man. It was far more coherent as an hour, it was far funnier and he looked a lot more comfortable on stage than he did in 2015.
Brett's approach to comedy is honest, relaxed and crucially very funny as he once again tackles his struggle with addiction. Continuing to give up porn, Brett talks at great length about this and how that lifestyle change has affected the moment he fell in love whilst in America.
He also talks about being jealous of his girlfriend's A-list pals, seeing a therapist and the time he went to an STI clinic and got recognised. As well as the events that lead to that clinic visit. His stories are relatable and connect incredibly well with an audience who stick with him throughout as the laughter rarely wanes.
The only time it did wane was at the very start which is a very unfortunate place to lose your audience as Brett runs into the room topless dancing like he's in Ibiza before putting on a t-shirt and telling a joke about the Nazi atrocities. But thankfully Brett was quick to win the audience round and change the tone of the show and the atmosphere in the room.
If you're looking for a solid hour of stand-up from a hugely likeable comedian then you won't go wrong with Brett Goldstein.
Brett Goldstein: What Is Love Baby Don't Hurt Me runs until 26th August at 7pm at the Pleasance Courtyard (The Attic). Book tickets here.
(This review was based on the performance from Saturday 18th August 2018)