If there is one thing evident about this year’s Edinburgh Fringe then it is the saturation of shows about AI and new technology have increased. It is one of the key themes so it can be difficult to chose which show to see. 

Tom Short’s show takes the world of AI to an interesting new level. Using ChatGPT and AI he takes suggestions from the audience to add into the AI script to create the format of a stand up routine that is going to be ‘award winning’. The idea is that the generator has the capability of creating a show that can’t fail…..or does it? 

Chaotic, lively and amusing. Whilst this show has a structure in place thanks to the computer, it is actually a show that is heavily improvised. That is what adds to the humour. Writing this as someone who is highly trained in improv, I know this is incredibly hard to do at the pace and the quick reaction Tom does it and whilst his experience of a comedian helps push the show along, it is still really impressive.

 Another thing I want to highlight that out of all the shows I have reviewed so far this year, Tom is at the top of audience interaction. His warmth and the way he talks with the audience is impeccable and some of the best I have witnessed that it even creates a lot of the energy of the show.

I’m giving this five stars, not because of the AI and not even because of the show itself, but because Tom is the star. 

He brings such a bubbly, infectious energy to the stage that the whole hour becomes a genuinely hilarious journey. While the show explores AI as its central theme, it’s Tom’s quick jokes, fast improvisation and larger-than-life personality that truly make the experience.

You could have the most sophisticated AI in the world, but without a comedian who can bounce off it the way Tom does, it simply wouldn’t be the same. His ability to think on his feet and turn unexpected moments into laughs is what makes the show so enjoyable. Keeping with the whole concept of the show, I’ve put this final paragraph* into ChatGPT to really praise and humour the comedian in his own format. 

Go and see this show while you still can. 

*And only this paragraph 

Rating: ***** 5 stars

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