Bridget Christie has departed from her fascination with King Charles II, the subject of her previous Fringe shows, to choose a period from her own past. What she has retained is her wonderfully witty, quirky line of patter and observations.

In 2003 she was a struggling stand up. An act based on the walks of TV historians wasn’t moving her career forward. In order to make ends meet she managed to con her way into getting an admin job on the Daily Mail gossip column. Occasionally, when the column was short of a journalist, she was sent out to functions to get a quote from the famous. Luckily for us all, she recently discovered her notebook of the questions and answers involving a mixed bunch individuals.

It can’t be said she asked perceptive questions. Asking Nick Robinson, the BBC’s parliamentary correspondent, ‘Do you have any mad fans?’ is not particularly meaningful. The answer she received was just about as daft as the question. Her past experiences with celebrities are fascinating. She was nearly strangled by Gene Wilder and she almost caused the painter Jack Vetriano to have an apoplectic fit.

There is a moral for celebrities in her show. Treat fledgling reporters dismissively and you may suffer mercilessly if they turn out later to be successful doing stand up comedy.

Bridget Christie: My Daily Mail Hell

Company: - Siobhan Rhodes & United Agents

Venue: -  Gilded Balloon Billiard Room V 14

Dates: - 5 to 31 August 2009 ( not 17) 

Times: - 18.30 to 19.30

Fringe Programme Page: - p32  (c19)