How to Win 5 Grand on the Internet, Zoo Playground.If you’re expecting a TED talk on how to win money online, think again. Laurence Baker managed to make a living from playing internet poker after his father died, but is that really the legacy he wants to leave behind? This fascinating piece of experimental theatre is both funny and challenging. Laurence is a splendid clown and improviser, who conveys the process of trying to express thoughts and ideas where words just don’t cut it. Some sentiments are difficult to communicate, and the play concentrates on that search to find a way through. It’s worth noting that it relies on considerable participation from the audience, although it’s easy to duck out of that if you want. Some sequences work brilliantly, others don’t entirely land, but the bravery of this performance and the experimental directions that the show takes make this constantly stimulating and intriguing fun. 4 stars.

The City for Incurable Women, Pleasance Courtyard.A fascinating history of how society in general and the medical profession in particular have treated women over the ages. Concentrating on the work of 19th century Parisian Dr Jean-Martin Charcot, a pioneering scientist and misguided busybody, actor Charlotte McBurney both conveys and lives through the cruelly harmful practices to which women have been subjected over the years – and with the continuation of medical misogyny, that’s not ending soon. An intelligent and unpredictable narrative, beautifully written by Helena McBurney, it’s not only an inspiring piece of drama, it’s fascinatingly informative too. Very slickly put together, and a technically flawless performance. 4 stars.

ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States, Gilded Balloon Patter House.Chastity Quirke rules the roost outside the Oval Office in her unofficial role as receptionist of the United States. No one notices a receptionist, not even the “pretty blonde” ones, so she hears secrets that no ordinary spy could discover. Would she use these secrets to her own advantage? You betcha! But what’s that old saying about when you play with fire you get burned? Will Chastity be outsmarted and be used as a sacrificial lamb, or will she get the last laugh? A smart and engaging performance by Leigh Douglas as not only the ROTUS, but also all the other characters in this entertaining tale of political intrigue. 3 stars.

Courier, Zoo Playground.<Benny works his socks off, on his bike all day, delivering his food orders all around town. During the Covid pandemic, he sees himself as an essential worker, couriering his Deliveroo bag to whoever needs it. Benny is on a mission to deliver to 25 Swanpool Road, but it seems as though wherever he delivers, he meets Lucy, who has given him her number… What starts off as a simple celebration of the life of a Deliveroo operative takes a turn for the surreal, and Things Are Not Necessarily What They Seem. An excellent solo performance by Piers MacKenzie, cunningly but honestly written. Funny, alarming, and constantly surprising. 4 stars.

Will Owen: Looking Fab at Fifty, Assembly Roxy.An hour of very engaging comedy with the extremely likeable Will Owen, exploring what it’s like to be a young gay man today, and how he fits in (or doesn’t) with the scene. Can Grindr help him find the man of his dreams, and even if it does, will he want to see him for a second date? Effortlessly funny, he strikes up a terrific and instant rapport with the audience, and packs tons of excellent material into his tightly written and structured set. Great fun, and I reckon Mr Owen will be One To Watch. 4 stars.

Three Can Keep a Secret, The Space on The Mile.Mason invites his poker buddies Moose and Sonny over for a boys’ night of cards whilst his wife Denise goes off to Vegas with her friend Julia. The evening starts promisingly enough but things get a little tense after the first round of cards; and when Mason goes to fix some fresh drinks for the guys he gets a rather unpleasant surprise…. Three Can Keep a Secret is a comedy thriller by Gregory Crafts where the audience gets to choose which way the story develops at several important plot points, so every performance is always different, depending on the decisions made by that audience. Brought to the Edinburgh Fringe by Theatre Unleased of Los Angeles, a terrific cast keep the pace and atmosphere going with high energy and a lovely mix of fun and suspense – and also some impressive stage combat! A thrillingly entertaining end to your Fringe day! 4 stars.