John Smeaton, or ‘Smeato’ as he is fondly known, became a hero after he helped thwart the 2007 Glasgow International airport attack - in spectacular style. Now the man famous for warning potential terrorists “we’ll set aboot ye”, is delivering his worldly wise knowledge and ‘banter’ in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
From baggage handler to comedian seems like an unlikely and potentially disastrous move, but Smeato’ charm, honesty and instant likeability somehow makes this transformation work.
A slightly nervous Smeaton took to the stage in front of a sell out audience of vaguely familiar faces. Miss Scotland and the odd footballer or two were all there to support the Scottish hero along with the usual Fringe-goers, looking to discover the must-see show of the Festival.
It wasn’t long before Smeaton’s tales of life as a baggage-handler-turned-superhero had the crowd in stitches.
Frankly honest, the audience laughed at tales of the Bishopton boy meeting the Prime Minister and the Queen.
He told hilarious tales about his airport antics and what really goes on with your luggage once it disappears down that conveyor belt. Warning: If you are about to go on holiday, this show may put you off.
One of the biggest laughs of the night came from his story about George Burley. An avid football fan, particularly of Glasgow Rangers, Smeaton joked: “When Scotland played Norway last year I was in a coma. When Norway humped us last week I wished I was in a coma again.”
There are touching moments when he talks about his wife who is stuck in New York due to Visa problems and also his dice with death when he suffered a severe asthma attack which put him into a coma.
This show, although not perfect, is warm, funny and enjoyable and definitely worth a watch at the fringe. It may not be as slick as some of the well-rehearsed comic performances taking place around Edinburgh but it doesn’t need to be. With Smeaton at the helm, the audience are in good hands.
An Audience with John Smeaton is at the Assembly Rooms until the end of August.
