Counter Culture

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Gyles Brandreth has had several and varied careers over the years. From writer and broadcaster including stints on TV-AM and Countdown to politician and serving as a Conservative MP and more recently he has become known for his contributions to the “Gogglebox” TV series.

This highly entertaining one hour show sees Gyles recount a variety of stories from his lifetime and asks why he can’t stop talking? Efforts to stop his talking have included his siblings approaching their parents and offering to pool their pocket money to send young Gyles to boarding school.

More recent amusing stories include him being mistaken for Joe Biden while visiting Ireland and the lockdown bubble formed with Sheila Hancock that morphed into their collaboration on “Gogglebox” and later “Great Canal Journeys”. There is even a voice-over by Judy Dench at one point.

An invitation for a volunteer from the audience saw Ingrid, a project manager, select from a menu of story topics which Gyles then spoke to.

Looking at our photo from the show you may ask why is Gyles wearing a gilet? Is it that cold in Edinburgh in August? If you go to see this show, then all will be revealed!

Reviewed by Andrew Hunter

Venue8Assembly George Square – Gordon Aikman Theatre

• 16:00
•  Aug 20-27
• 1 hour
• Suitability: 12+ (Guideline)
• Country: United Kingdom – England
• Group: Bound and Gagged Comedy