Liverpool Sound & Vision Rating: * * * *

Cast: Tom Dowling, Kieran Ahern.

With over 3,000 shows to choose from at the Edinburgh Festival, it is easy to feel daunted by such variety. Not only does the festival include comedy and theatre it also showcases some of the most varied performers from around the world, from circus acts to physical theatre to opera and the spoken word. Comedy sketch shows are also in abundance and there is one duo who are back for a second year to try their luck at the one of the largest art festivals in the world.

Located in the glorious settings of Edinburgh University, tucked away in a tiny seminar room are likely lads Tom Dowling and Kieran Ahern, where their show Good Kids: On Tap is currently running. This comedy sketch show is stuffed full of songs and monologues, and with the backdrop of their local pub these two over the course of an hour manage to produce memorable characters as they regale the audience with their tales of woe. Many are performed by Ahern, whose performance style does have a ring of Les Dawson about it. There are several very short monologues that are full of witty one-liners and showcases his ability for character comedy. Dowling leads the way with guitar and there are several very funny songs performed that only adds more layers to this very well written piece.

Pub humour yes, but mostly this is observational comedy, characters that are easily recognisable in any pub across the land. From first dates to over the wall gossip every character that these two have created are written and performed well. A cleverly scripted piece that is very entertaining, Good Kids: On Tap is definitely one to watch out for.

Janie Phillips