Review: Sam Lake: You’re Joking!? Not Another One!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Tron, Edinburgh | Sun 24 August 2025 | 13:35–14:35
📍 9 Hunter Square, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QW
🎟️ £14 (£10) | Box Office: 0131 225 3784
Part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe

✨ Introduction

Sam Lake brings his signature charm and quick wit to the Edinburgh Fringe with You’re Joking!? Not Another One!—a stand-up show that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt. With a warm stage presence and razor-sharp timing, Sam invites the audience into his world of awkward encounters, queer identity, and the chaos of modern life.

🎤 Performance Highlights

Sam is effortlessly engaging, bouncing between punchlines and personal stories with ease. His delivery is polished yet personable, making the audience feel like they’re catching up with a very funny friend. He’s quick-witted, charming, and knows exactly how to land a joke.

The show talks about Sam’s experiences coming out, including a brilliantly funny story about a delivery driver who refused to believe Sam knew his own surname—a sharp metaphor for his journey to self-identity. It builds to a powerful declaration that he’s done trying to win over certain audiences, followed by a perfectly executed comedic twist that encapsulates the heart of the show.

🏳️‍🌈 Themes & Tone

Sam’s comedy is rooted in authenticity. He explores queer identity, self-worth, and the absurdity of everyday life with humour and heart. The show is deeply personal without ever feeling heavy, and the balance between vulnerability and comedy is pitch-perfect.

🎉 Final Thoughts

You’re Joking!? Not Another One! is a Fringe delight—funny, thoughtful, and full of personality. Sam Lake proves he’s a rising star in the comedy scene, delivering a show that’s both laugh-out-loud hilarious and quietly powerful. If you’re looking for comedy with charm, depth, and a lot of laughs, this is one not to miss.

written by Suzzi Hirst

@suzzisspotlight

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