A classic bit of fun

Transferring a television hit to the stage is always tricky and without your regular celebrity guests things should be trickier.

Against the odds, the live adaptation of character comic Rob Brydon's chat show parody fronted by his hapless divorcé Keith Barret is a resounding success. The unpredictability even adds an extra humorous frisson to the Welshman's probing interrogations.

As in the BBC2 version, Brydon's alter ego uses scripted elements to link improvised digs at the audience about their relationships. Two years ago, he tried this same format but it did not quite click. He can now ad lib without breaking sweat. On discovering someone called Dahlia, he snaps that it sounds "halfway between Delia and darling".

Memories of marital harmony are clearly never far from Keith's mind.

His freeform insults, punctuated by his dismissive catchphrase "it's a bit of fun", have an immense appeal. There is also something delightfully sinister in the accompanying grin that hints at greater depth and maybe inner turmoil. Things could probably turn nasty if Keith was cornered.

It says something about anti-Americanism that even Brydon's apolitical split personality has his satirical moments. He greets an LA visitor with "you're welcome to Edinburgh ... not in a military sense".

Though this is a rare current affairs foray - Keith prefers affairs of the heart. For the finale, a couple are invited to deputise for the stars grilled on the box. On this night Adrienne and Andy were a gift, in their fifties and lusty as newlyweds.

Many Edinburgh shows feel stretched at an hour. This terrific one could easily be longer. A national tour has been delayed because of filming commitments, but when he comes south make a date with Keith. His nuptial hell is our comical heaven.

Until 30 August. Information: 0131 556 6550.