Abi Clarke starts off ‘(Role) Model’ by stating that she’s not a good person, and no, not because she’s an influencer! Clarke is self-aware that her occupation is one of the least important jobs around, using an estate agent-related anecdote as a brutally honest yet extremely witty example of her lack of virtue.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of the no holds barred fusillade of jokes that genuinely go over the edge. From the schadenfreude of America’s Next Top Model to worrying about being a hot victim, Clarke’s energetic delivery, where she’s having as much fun as the audience, is what makes them go beyond simple shock value and into creative hilarity. It’s refreshing to have a comedian who isn’t overly self-conscious about the appropriateness of their material and who makes their own self-awareness actually funny rather than merely lightly humorous.

Whilst Clarke does touch on serious issues regarding feminism and body image, they’re used more as a springboard for darkly comic jokes and not prompts for a jarring tonal shift. The emphasis throughout is on broad comedy throughout, with the ending involving Clarke’s videos emphasising this tone. It works wonders for the audience, who are engaged throughout, helped by Clarke’s willingness to get them involved as much as possible, with one unwitting audience member helping to keep a tally throughout the show. Watching Clarke in action, it’s hard to believe that this is only her second show, as she has the confident stage presence of a seasoned Fringe professional.

After the past few years of Fringe stand-up shows feeling more therapeutic than hilarious, Clarke’s rapid-fire, freewheeling approach, which combines her skilful use of props (the aforementioned board and her stool of shame being particular highlights) and shameless enthusiasm, serves as a reminder that sometimes the best comedy is just plain funny.

‘(Role) Model’ is at Pleasance Courtyard – Beneath until Sun 25 Aug 2024 (except Mon 12) at 19:40