A review of Lianna Holston and Michael McPheat: Starter Pack, Fringe 2025

Starter Pack lives up to its name, delivering fresh comedy from two rising talents. Lianna Holston and Michael McPheat bring sharp wit, contrasting styles and infectious chemistry to their Fringe debut.

Michael McPheat revels in oddities

First up is Michael, with his anxious but radiant energy. He riffs on the quirks of his living situation and why it’s apparently impossible to ever leave Milton Keynes, a city where even the roundabouts seem to multiply on their own.

He pokes at the pitfalls of being cast as the “gay best friend” but knows that anonymity would be much worse. He shares tales about his osteopath two-timing him, and even admits to fainting from his own imagination. Goofy, sharp and extremely likeable, McPheat can rest assured that anonymity is a distant concern.

Lianna Holston packs hard-hitting gags and precise delivery

Then Holston takes over with her signature measured style. Poised, deliberate, and slyly self-aware, she warns us early on that she is bad at reading social cues and would prefer any would-be suitor to be direct.

Her material spans awkward age-ID scenarios, questionable men she’s not sure she’s lucky to have avoided, temp jobs at hedge funds and tech offices, and even her strong opinions about animals.

Delivered with dry seriousness that only heightens the humour, Holston proves why she was runner-up at Leicester Square Theatre’s New Comedian of the Year 2024.

A promising debut 

It’s obvious the pair have great chemistry and their energies complement each other. There’s a little surprise at the end best left to discover in person. As up-and-comers it’s a very promising debut. 

Overall

Starter Pack is lively, fun and purely delightful. For those starting shows at noon, it’s the perfect way to begin the day. McPheat’s goofy charm and Holston’s meticulous gag delivery make for a balanced, engaging hour. A fresh addition to this year’s Fringe.