Most right-thinking people have a soft spot for Nicholas Parsons. He may have embodied all that was naff about light entertainment when he hosted Sale of the Century, but old age and Radio 4's Just a Minute have seen him appreciated without irony.
So there's a thrill when he arrives on stage to host his chat show from the Edinburgh fringe. He promises "one of those shows where anything can happen", then proves it by using the f-word. Yes, genteel Nicholas Parsons.
What follows is indeed an eye-opener, but for all the wrong reasons, as Parsons loses all self-restraint and gushes over his two guests, the not very funny comedian Jimeoin and the exciting and excitable Phil Nichol. Jimeon is congratulated for "observing life and reproducing it in charming little gestures"; Nichol, for his "bravery in searing his soul to this extent", his "incredible powerful personality" etc. Their "wonderful" shows are plugged, praised, plugged and praised again until you pray for someone to press a buzzer and shout: "Repetition!"
Parsons promises an entirely different show every day. It can only get better.
· Until August 27. Box office: 0131-556 6550.
