Mat Smith: The Middle - Review

What to watch at Fringe! A review of Mat Smith: The Middle. 

A 10am slot may not be the obvious choice for a slot at Fringe, but radio host and the Komedia New Comedian 2025 semi-finalist Mat Smith (as he quips, "not that one") truly makes the most of it for his show, "The Middle".

Mat is effortlessly charming and funny; his show explores all things middle, from being the middle child to being in the middle seat of a plane, as well as being a "bad bisexual". Mat is conversational; as he delivers his performance, each story becomes increasingly (and occasionally concerningly) more relatable than the last, making it easy for an audience to connect with him.

Self-deprecating and charismatic, Mat is an excellent storyteller. He asks questions of his audience, regales tales of his travels and shows off his rather cool robotic camera. His audience interaction is spot on; so funny, but also completely relaxed, meaning his audience doesn't feel pressured, embarrassed or "picked on" regardless of where they've sat in the room. This is an intimate space, so you can expect some sort of interaction at some point during the show, but this only enhances the experience.

To address the elephant in the room – yes, this is a 10am show. I would usually start going to shows in the afternoon onwards, but I am pleased I caught this one; it was a friendly, witty and perfectly polished hour to start the day with. I arrived with a latte and started my morning laughing solidly for the hour, perfectly setting me up for a busy day at the festival.

You can watch Mat until the 16^th of August in the Las Vegas Room of City Café at Edinburgh Fringe.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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