Little Lark of London

If you go to Google “Ian Smith,” the first result you’ll find is the former Prime Minister of Rhodesia, later a strong critic of the government of Robert Mugabe as Leader of the Opposition. This is not the Ian Smith currently performing in Edinburgh, however. This Ian Smith, performing his second Fringe show, Foot Spa-Half Empty, makes this disclaimer at the start of the show to handle any confusion – even if the other Ian Smith died nearly twenty years ago.

Once the admin is out of the way, Smith gives a quick recap of what was discussed in his 2023 show, Crushing, which focused on his unusually high levels of stress and ended with a wild adventure of driving a tank with his hairdresser. As Smith reflects back, he realises that this might have been a wee bit of a mental breakdown, acknowledging that while he is still stressed, he’s not that stressed.

The show centres around the fact that even though Smith has had a less stressful year than those in the past, there are always things to stress about, especially when it comes to the potential future of having a child with his partner. This leads to Smith getting his sperm tested, which has some unexpected results, as one might have guessed – talking about a positive sperm test in a comedy show would be quite the strange bragging segment. Along with the main stressor of the hour, there are plenty of other things for Smith to worry about, including a particularly dangerous seagull!

There are some lighter bits, however. There is a hilarious use of the “flash forward” concept more commonly seen in films, with Smith promising a cinematic experience for the audience. Smith is also a co-host of the Northern News podcast with Amy Gledhill, and he brings us some fascinating news from his hometown of Goole, where several girls (or was it just one?) were found stuck in basketball hoops. And, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen stones with healing properties used during a comedy show this year, I’d have two nickels – which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice, both in Smith’s show and the recording of the podcast, The Cryptid Factor. 

Ultimately, Ian Smith: Foot Spa-Half Empty is a triumphant return to the Fringe for Smith. One can only hope to see him return next August with yet another show – hopefully one that involves less stress in his life, though it may be doubtful at this rate!

Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty runs until 24 August at Monkey Barrel Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This will be followed by a run at Soho Theatre in November and a UK Tour in February and March 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.