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EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: ALFIE MOORE: VIVA ALF VEGAS

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Comedy and therapy can often overlap in one-hour shows and such is the case in ALFIE MOORE: VIVA ALF VEGAS. Former police officer, steelworker and problem gambler Alfie Moore returns to Edinburgh for the fourth time with a deeply personal show about what drives people to risk (and lose) everything.

Smartly dressed in grey trousers and waistcoat, it's not hard to believe that until recently, Moore had spent many years on the force. He looks ready for court, so much so that he even has a police notebook and a taped-out dock, where he promises to tell only the truth. Delving into his past, and his family history, this show helps us understand how he ended up in the force in the first place, having hit rock bottom so many times.

A teddy bear provides a stark illustration of just how early his gambling habit, shared with his father, kicked in. We learn what gambling really is, how it affects the brain and what the government are (or, more aptly, aren't) doing about the situation.

Moore covers everything from the bedroom tax to food labelling, but is at his strongest when he starts to describe the irrational decisions that a compulsive gambler makes. At times Moore is the archetypal copper, straight-speaking and lacking emotion - a trait he picks up on himself during the set. Unfortunately, self-awareness isn't quite enough and he doesn't have the natural rapport with the audience that you need for a one-man show. There is good material, but his jokes don't always quite hit the mark and his pacing means the show can drag, with the ending telegraphed a good while before we actually get there.

Moore's story is fascinating, and does provides real insight into the much misunderstood addiction of gambling - but as stand-up comedy it doesn't quite pass the winning post.

"ALFIE MOORE: VIVA ALF VEGAS" runs at 2150 until August 25th at Pleasance Courtyard

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