In our lives there will be series of defining moments that will change the trajectory of the path we’re currently on. For David Boyle, one of those moments came in the form a big night out with some serious consequences which subsequently led him to the title of this Fringe show – I’m Quitting Alcohol. And according to his podcast, he is currently 5 years and 261 days into his sober existence (from alcohol).

Prior to my attendance at the show, I had believed this show would offer some insights (in a humourful way) into the struggles of what life might look like once you quit alcohol, however that was only a mere fraction of the show before it quickly devolved into anecdotes from Boyle’s life that had very little to do with sobriety.

To start the show off, Irish comedian Mark O’Keeffe did a little pre-set to warm the crowd, even though the Perth summer was doing a pretty good job of that already. As O’Keeffe leaves the stage and the show moves past its introduction to the title, you’ll find yourself become more familiar with Boyle’s history from his colourful friends, with their rather unique names - to his family life, where you’ll find out exactly what his in-laws think about him.

Boyle is no stranger to the Fringe Festival and comedy veteran that’s toured in several countries, with great source material from his life to draw from – which made it a bit underwhelming that there were moments the show felt rather flat, and the jokes didn’t quite land. Often at times, you were left wondering if that was the whole bit? Surely there’s more? Perhaps it was the heat. Perhaps it was the triple jetlag. Perhaps he needed a show or two to warm up into his full potential. Or maybe it was the fact that he did not prepare for this - as confessed on his podcast from his own review of how the show went last night the following morning. Whatever it might be – it has potential, and I hope if you do catch the show, it lives up to that potential.