EDINBURGH 2018 - BWW Review, RIK CARRANZA: STILL A FAN, Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre

Rik Carranza is a devoted Trekkie, but it wasn't always a badge he wore with pride. In Still A Fan, a work that's more storytelling with jokes than a conventional stand-up show, Carranza takes us through his life so far, from growing up mixed-raced in Scotland, through bullying, depression, a suicide attempt and attempts to be "normal", before finding happiness in being able to be his nerdy self.

Carranza is a warm, engaging presence throughout, with a gift for leading the audience to expect a predictable payoff for a joke, before bringing a totally different and hilarious punchline out of left field. He keeps levity and humour in the darker moments of his story, and uses his show to tackle contemporary issues with a light touch.

A major recurring theme is the importance of on-screen representation, with Star Trek one of the few places he could see people of colour on television. Indeed, with a vocal minority of sci-fi fandom loudly complaining about perceived agendas, as evidenced by recent backlashes against the Star Wars sequels and Ghostbusters reboot, it's nice to have such witty reminders that diversity has always been hugely important to science fiction, and to its multifarious fanbase.

Still A Fan is not at all over-reliant on Star Trek knowledge - geeks will get a chuckle out of some subtle references that will go over the heads of others, but Carranza has made a real effort to make the show accessible to anyone, even if you think a Cardassian is a reality television star. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of something will relate to a lot of what he talks about, whether you are a Trekkie, a Whovian, a Belieber or even an Arsenal fan.

A more developed climax, perhaps tying together more overtly the different strands of his journey, would have given a more satisfying resolution to the show. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining hour, delving into important issues in a relaxed and amusing fashion, delivered by a likeable comedian. In Still A Fan, Rik Carranza's enthusiasm and humour will undoubtedly win you over to the joy of fandom. After all, resistance is futile!

Rik Carranza: Still A Fan is at the Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre until 26 August

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