One thing a lot of comedians try to do with their Edinburgh shows is make an impact very quickly by starting big. Alasdair Beckett-King goes for the minimalist approach. He starts his show with the most slow burn entrance you can imagine. And then he does it differently and it is still pretty laid back. Yet ironically this sets up a show that's one of the most memorable shows of 2022's Fringe.

Beckett-King is probably famous in comedy circles for his viral social media clips and reddish/copper-coloured long hair that suggests he should be walking on wearing a kilt and carrying a caber. As he explains politely he is basically English but with a Scottish face. He actually grew up in the north-east of England. This is one of a number of comic juxtapositions that pepper a deliciously well-crafted set.

There's a bit of a maritime theme along the way from the deckchair-based opening onwards, as he recalls a seaside job which would probably be a health and safety no-no today. Inevitably he gets an easy laugh out of the word "groyne" but is smart enough to take his coastal anecdotes in unexpected directions too.

Despite the gentle nature of Nevermore there is so much going on it is impossible for the mind to drift. There's sophisticated gags onscreen, surprising props, wordplay wizardry, moments of pure joy and some lovely call backs confirming what you already know – that this is a show as meticulously constructed as a ship in a bottle. 

On the night I was in a couple of audience members arrived incredibly late, missing a few of the set-ups which paid dividends later. But despite this I could see that they were still laughing even when they'd missed the initial premise of the gag. Just imagine how much they would have been tittering if they'd heard the whole joke. If that isn't proof of a formidable comic talent combined with a warm, inviting personality I don't know what is. 

Alasdair Beckett-King, Nevermore, Pleasance Dome, until august 28. Buy tickets here.

four stars