Category Archives: Theatre

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – VOTE: The Musical, Anyone For Tennis – Pauline Eyre, Down to the Felt, Why Won’t They Eat the Cake? The Detective’s Demise, Alex Farrow: New Order, and Drinking With Grandma

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VOTE: The Musical, Paradise in Augustines.4-starsThe history of women’s rights and universal suffrage has never been more relevant, with some governments even today looking at ways to deny women the vote. Phoebe Perry’s Vote The Musical takes the 1908 Hyde Park rally as its starting point and explores the lives of some fictional women (and men) to help understand their fight, society’s resistance against them, and their eventual success. Never shying away from the brutality of the police and prison officers, or indeed of the average man-on-the-street, it’s a bold attempt to celebrate resistance, and thank those women who laid their security and indeed their lives on the line for the benefit of generations to come.

The musical itself is a little uneven, with some songs much stronger than others; to be fair, that also applies to the performances, some of which are superb, and others a little weak. I wish that the central narrative had been less abstract and more informative about the history of the suffragettes; and the side story about infidelity obscures more than illuminates their struggle. It’s also a shame that the song given to illustrate men’s attitudes to the women’s struggles is so unimaginative lyrically, in comparison with the eloquence of some of the women’s songs. However, some scenes truly stick out – the Holloway prison scene and the celebratory finale scene for example, and the group harmonies are always sensational. An ambitious project to have 15 cast members on a relatively small stage as well as the keyboard player! With stand-out performances from Daisy Bayer, Lexi Lott and Thomas Drage, overall, this is an emotional and fascinating story that could be developed into a larger, tighter show – but is still well worth seeing as it is. 4 stars.

Anyone For Tennis – Pauline Eyre, Hoots @ The Apex.4-starsDo you have the Tennis Bug? Pauline Eyre doesn’t, because a “bug” doesn’t come close to what she has – it’s a full-scale infection. Ex-professional line judge Pauline introduces us to the unknown backstories within the world of tennis and Wimbledon: a few secrets about players, why certain rules are in place, and how you can subvert your otherwise straight-laced day as a line judge and get away with it. As an expert in her field, her insights are second-to-none, and this is a smartly-structured, deftly-written show that not only reveals her true passion for the sport but also questions to what extent tech can replace people in sport overall. Very funny and constantly surprising! 4 stars.

Down to the Felt, Greenside @ George Street.4-starsAt some unspecified time and place in the future, a totalitarian regime has made homosexuality illegal, and the penalties, even for being complicit or enabling homosexual relationships, are severe: you can expect to disappear. Defence lawyer Ailith is married to teacher Ethan, but only to mask his relationship with Gabriel, who occupies the spare room in their flat. Can this status quo continue, as the policing of the crime intensifies, and without being able to express their love openly, is it genuinely worth it? A fascinating and terrifying play given excellent performances by Lizzie Kilbride, Sam Bain and Jude Burrows, it powerfully emphasises their claustrophobic and paranoid lives and the wait for that inevitable knock on the door. At a time when human rights are in danger and when politicians talk of abandoning the ECHR, this devastating play shows how easy it can be for our hard-won rights to be obliterated. 4 stars.

Why Won’t They Eat the Cake? The Space on The Mile.3-starsIt’s Audrey’s 18th birthday and her father has ordered her a lovely celebratory cake. Next day, she and best friend Elle sift through the memories of the night before – such as they are – and they discover that no one ate the cake. What a waste! Keturah Peirson and Evelina Rudasa’s audacious play – and production – shows a friendship stretched to its limits, with the two characters sometimes aggressively at each other’s throats, and sometimes being adoring and supportive. It paints a rather bleak portrait of the protagonists and denies the audience a true resolution to their issues. Very experimental! The monologues are especially well delivered, but it’s an unsettling and deliberately emotionally cold play. 3 stars.

The Detective’s Demise, Just the Tonic at the Caves.3-starsIt’s Ace Detective Ben’s birthday, and he’s arranging a small gathering for his nearest and dearest to celebrate. Top of his game, he’s going to retire at the youthful age of 25. However, Ben has already nominated who is going to take over his mantel as top detective – Arthur Evans. Unfortunately, just as they’re going to cut the cake, a gun goes off and the blood-spattered Ben caves over as dead as a doornail. But which of his alleged “friends” and “relatives” murdered him, and why? Evans then unexpectedly turns up and has to solve the crime – but is he even really a detective? Grown Up Playhouse’s Detective’s Demise sets this comedy mystery as a musical, with some entertaining patter songs and larger-than-life characters. Slickly and amusingly done, and with some very good singing, it was a shame that technical problems caused a lot of microphone rumblings and feedback, but the cast were super troupers and carried on regardless. 3 stars.

Alex Farrow: New Order, Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate. 4-starsYou can take the man out of philosophy but can you take philosophy out of the man? I dunno, I’m not a philosopher. But Alex Farrow is, and his New Order: Sex, Power and the Philosopher’s Hoover is an entertaining look at what concerns him as he reaches his early 30s (ahem), such as making enough money to get by, discovering how to dress like an Italian Daddy (oops, I think I do), and what he rather alarmingly has in common with Vladimir Putin. He’s also become entranced with DIY, an interest designed to help one’s mental health that will probably injure it, and he has a unique need to feature a broken vacuum cleaner in his show. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know your Heidegger from your Hi-de-Hi, Alex Farrow cuts an extremely engaging persona on stage, and his show is an intriguing and intelligent potpourri of comical ideas and observations, delivered with authority and charisma; and it’s also extremely funny! 4 stars.

Drinking With Grandma, Greenside @ George Street.3-starsNearly every family has that one big towering influence who manipulates thought and behaviour in everyone else; and for Anthony Maranville that was his Grandma. Full of seemingly wise words, ridiculous self-contradictions, and a deliberate blend of telling the truth and spinning a more interesting yarn, it wasn’t until she died and Anthony could get his hands on her “book of secrets” that he could start telling what was genuine and what was not. Drinking with Grandma is a journey through his memory of his childhood upbringing with Grandma ruling the roost, right up to her interactions with his own wife and children. Anthony is an eloquent storyteller, recreating his eulogy at her somewhat bizarre funeral, conjuring up a picture of a larger-than-life, mischievous, but loving matriarch. Relatable and entertaining. 3 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – The Infant, Help Me!, All Over the Plate: A Stand-up Comedy Tasting Menu, Dirty Money, Stuart McPherson: Crisps and a Lie Down, Derby Day, and How Can(t) I Help?

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The Infant, The Space at Surgeon’s Hall.3-starsThis psychological thriller asks, if you can sacrifice something dear to you for the greater good, should you? God tested Abraham when He required Abraham to kill his own son Isaac; Abraham agreed to do so but, having passed the test, God pardoned them both. What would you do if you were Abraham? Montague Austin’s ambitious and thought-provoking thriller starts with an apparently straightforward police questioning of a murder suspect in 1974 Arkansas, but quickly develops into something more supernatural. An intriguing story, with some good writing and good performances, although there are some sequences where the words are quite difficult to hear. There’s an unnecessary plot twist at the end that weakens the impact of the story, but overall, it’s a curious and satisfying play. 3 stars.

Help Me! The SpaceTriplex.4-starsWhat’s worse than a dead body? A dead body with unfinished business! In this hugely interactive séance show, our hero Levi is suspended in limbo, unable to talk, but through the art of mime he seeks our assistance to return to life. Piecing together clues from his extensive family tree, will we help him manage to regain the power of speech? That all depends on whether we successfully enable him to connect with great-grandfather Dr Isaiah! Playing all the characters in his waywardly secretive family, Leo Lion introduces us to the arrogant Professor Dmitry, the heroic Svetlana, failed lion tamer Andrei, and little Masha, amongst others. This cleverly structured, extraordinarily creative show is a mixture of mime and clown, with a little bit of charades and game show thrown in for good measure. Advice to future audiences: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it! Amazing talent and tremendous fun. 4 stars.

All Over the Plate: A Stand-up Comedy Tasting Menu, The Space at Surgeon’s Hall.Comedians by Night bring their six-pack of comedians to the Edinburgh Fringe in All Over the Plate, described in the blurb as a comedy tasting menu. Now I’d never want to cast aspersions, and these six young people are all doing something that I could never dream of doing, so I am in awe of their bravery. That said, I’m afraid that although All Over the Plate may have some degree of charm, it’s severely lacking in comedy material. Two of the acts were embarrassingly poor; another adopted an unlikeable stage persona, one was severely hampered by nerves, and the others just didn’t have sufficient experience to make their material work. There’s no lack of effort here, which makes it deserving of an extra star, and to be fair they did raise a few chuckles. However, and it grieves me to write this, when there is such competition at the Fringe for one’s time and money, I have to say there are much better ways of spending both. 2 stars.

Dirty Money, The Space on The Mile.3-starsDesperate times need desperate remedies. When Luke finds out that a failed business venture means he owes £210 million to a man who doesn’t take no for an answer – he discovers that there is a possible way out. All he has to do is spring the villainous tycoon Venetia Byron from jail and he will take a share of her money. which will, in turn, pay off his dues. A piece of cake? To find our you’ll have to watch Dirty Money, a musical comedy by Amelie Hampshire which follows him and his motley crew of brainboxes and hapless mechanics, on their quest for fame, fortune and debt write-off. It’s a very ambitious project, with a five-piece live band – such a shame they have to sit out of sight of the audience – and some very well-written musical numbers; I particularly enjoyed the ensemble sequences. The performance standard is slightly patchy but the whole cast work hard to bring this surreal and quirky tale to life. 3 stars.

Stuart McPherson: Crisps and a Lie Down, Monkey Barrel Comedy Cabaret Voltaire.4-starsA new name to us, Stuart McPherson is a bright and positive persona on stage, celebrating his neurotypicality, happy to get a game of 5-a-side going, and appreciating the kindness of his parents, despite their faults. That makes him sound a bit of a goody-goody, which would certainly give a false impression. Confident and briskly paced, he shares his very recognisable and relatable family-based material, particularly addressing that inevitable question of do we want kids? Very funny, and with some lovely, unusual twists to familiar situations, this is an easy going hour of spot-on comic observations. Recommended! 4 stars.

Derby Day, The Space Triplex.4-starsIt’s the day of the Edinburgh Derby, and Hibs fans Danny and Harris plan to watch the match with a few beers and safe in the knowledge that Danny’s pregnant wife Jade and his sister Chloe will be out of town at Jade’s parents’. But there’s a problem. Their friend Shaun had recently been killed in a knife attack, and although Danny and Harris have been questioned, police investigations are continuing. Can they pretend that nothing is wrong whilst they’re waiting for a possible knock upon the door? Without Compromise Theatre’s production of Michael Johnson’s Derby Day explores the pressures of violence in a close Scottish community, and the consequences of one’s actions, even when carried out to avenge the honour of one’s family. Powerful performances (although the female voices were a little too soft at times) and a riveting, emotional play. 4 stars.

How Can(t) I Help? Greenside @ George Street.3-starsIn a former life, about thirty years ago, I found myself managing a team of unfortunate council officers whose (almost) sole task was to take complaint calls about missed wheely bin collections. You would not believe the hatred that the public can express over the phone to a poor person who can do nothing but apologise (even when it’s the member of the public’s fault, as it nearly always was.) So it was with huge empathy that I settled down to watch Holly Gow’s How Can (‘t) I Help, a day in the life of a GP receptionist. One can only imagine the horrors to which they are exposed on a daily basis and it’s no surprise that it turns some of them into savage Rottweilers. This is a fun, revealing, and strangely educational hour of pestilential manflu, stool samples, and even the occasional emergency, all told by Holly in an engaging and confiding manner. A perfect show for anyone who’s ever been on either end of the 8am call to the doctors! 3 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – The Crawl, Sam Lake: You’re Joking!? Not Another One!, Good For You, Mussolini, and Tom Stade: Naughty by Nature

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The Crawl, Pleasance Dome.3-starsIn a small acting space at the Edinburgh Fringe we’re about to witness an amazing sporting final – the 300 kilometre swimming pursuit between Russian Ice-man Mita and typical Brit lad Steve. Can Steve use his tactical game to put the pressure on the unbeaten Russian? You’ll have to watch The Crawl to find out! This is a very smart concept for a show – having two physical comedians act out the process of swimming on stage (there’s only the occasional splash of water) – and it’s a particularly promising and funny start. However, the show needs more content to keep the interest going over an hour, and there’s quite a lengthy serious sequence which lands uneasily with the playfulness of the rest of the show. There’s some audience participation, and it’s certain that the more the audience plays along with it, the better it makes the show (our audience was very reticent to take part!) Overall, it doesn’t quite work but there’s still much to admire and enjoy. 3 stars.

Sam Lake: You’re Joking!? Not Another One! Monkey Barrel Comedy (Tron).
Although he’s been on the comedy scene for a few years now, this was our first exposure to Sam Lake, and I regret that I must have missed out on a lot of laughter in the past! For the avoidance of doubt, Sam Lake comes on stage and immediately announces he’s gay. Having established that salient fact, he points out that he’s extremely welcoming to the straight lads in the audience – indeed, he doesn’t know how we do it. He then weaves a wonderful sequence of comic storytelling about the difficulties he had about coming out and includes a story about receiving a delivery where the deliveryman refused to accept that Sam knew his own surname. It’s a clever illustration of his search to find and confirm his own identity, which reaches a serious moment when he asserts that he’s simply not going to try to win over a certain type of audience member. This leads to a brilliant comedic coup de theatre, which hilariously sums up everything he’s tried to say over the previous fifty minutes. Sam Lake gains a fantastic rapport with the audience, has a uniquely fun energy on stage, and his show is crammed with exceptionally funny material. And it reinforces a very positive message too! Highly recommended. 5 stars.

Good For You, The Space on The Mile.<3-starsAmbition is a vital attribute for a top American attorney. When Michael is sacked on the grounds of sexual misconduct, his wife Jeanie is devastated – but she also has eyes on taking over his high-profile and lucrative casework, including the Goldsmith case. The trouble is, so are her two colleagues, the diligent Zara and the newbie Summer, and it’s up to boss Alan to decide who will inherit the big ticket dossier. Good For You is an entertaining exploration of workplace ambition and rivalry between women, each of whom has their own personal issues to navigate as well as taking care of their own career. Three strong performances from Fiona Hourston, Natalie Beller and Netaniah Faison Osborne lay bare the truths of how exasperated women work together when the boss refuses to commit. 3 stars.

Mussolini, C Arts C Venues C Alto.3-starsIf there’s one person in history of whom I’ve heard a lot but actually know very little, it’s Mussolini. The Italian wartime dictator, known for his belligerent behaviour and grumpy face, allied with Hitler and held the rest of Europe in contempt, especially Britain. But if you want to find out more about Mussolini’s part in the war, Tom Corradini’s show won’t help you a lot, I’m afraid. It’s set in the Palazzo Venezia in July 1943 as Mussolini awaits news of what the Government will decide to do with him. From his thoughts and reflections, you gain an impression of a mentally unstable, rather childish, self-satisfied man, who had little time for Churchill or even Hitler, but was afraid of Stalin. You meet a man who understands the art of oratory, and that how you say something is more important than what you say. Tom Corradini gives a convincing portrayal of this mass of self-contradictions, this womanising creep, this puerile man-boy; but if you’re looking for a factual history lesson, you’ll probably be disappointed. 3 stars.

Tom Stade: Naughty by Nature, The Stand Comedy Club.Who can resist an hour in the company of the irrepressibly mischievous Tom Stade? There’s no one quite like Tom to mine brilliant comic material from the generation gap. From words you can’t say anymore, to ways in which you can meet a partner, from gaslighting, to allowing someone to “change” you, Tom is a master of making the unsayable sayable, and he had the entire room in hysterics for a full hour. His style is relaxed, confiding and companionable, and his material is fully relatable and honest. That’s what makes his shows so funny, because he tells the truths about relationships that we all recognise but might not dare to say out loud. Always a joy! 5 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – In The Black, Yellow, Paul Savage: Hopes Under the Hammer, Hail Mary, None of the Grace, Inlet, Alfie Packham: My Apologies to the Chef, and Arthur Hull’s FLOP: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written

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In The Black, The Space at Surgeons’ Hall.Kofi’s in jail. They nickname him Calc, because he has a reputation of being a whizzkid with numbers. 3246 x 172? No problem, he can work that out in his head in less than a second. There are worse reputations to have in jail. But how did he get there? Kofi tells us his story of growing up in New York with an ambitious and strict Ghanaian father, who instilled in his son an ambition to do well in finance. And there’s always room for a romance to develop at work too! But how does this lead to jail? Quaz Degraft gives an outstanding performance in his finely written and structured one-man play that makes us question the important things in life. His compelling storytelling has us hanging on his every word, as he introduces us to an entertaining cast of characters who all play a vital part in his tale. Written with an excellent feel for light and shade, with delightful comical moments breaking up the serious story, it’s a privilege to watch a young master at work. 5 stars.

Yellow, The Space at Niddry Street.3-starsHaving left the service of politician Olivia Horvath due to an embarrassing fancy dress faux pas, Mal now finds himself ensconced in a lawyers’ office, working on defending those accused of financial criminality. But when new recruit Rosie joins the firm, she opens his eyes to the big world out there and how together they could make a difference. Geoffrey Mamdani’s Yellow starts promisingly with a funny opening scene between Rosie and Big Boss Tony Marchant, but then it gets bogged down in a turgidly written conversation between Rosie and Mal, and from then on it’s an upward battle to re-engage with the plot. Good performances – mostly – including an amusing turn from Peter Wilding as Tony and solid work from Heli Pärna as Rosie and Yorgos Filippakis as Mal. The play impresses as a clever modern reimagining of Twelfth Night – just a shame it couldn’t have benefited from a lighter touch. 3 stars.

Paul Savage: Hopes Under the Hammer, Hoots @ The Apex.4-starsAs a renter, Paul Savage has had to move house nine times in the past five years. That’s no way to live! Still, it has given him the inspiration for his comedy show Hopes Under The Hammer, so it can’t be all bad. As well as dealing with those charismatic letting agents, he has an extraordinary story about property-selling that should strike fear into anyone on the housing chain, as well as wider subjects like Big The Musical and being a tour guide. Paul has a very affable, natural conversational style of delivery, and his show is full of strong, funny material delivered at a decent pace, and with a natural connection with the audience. 4 stars.

Hail Mary, None of the Grace, Gilded Balloon @Appleton Tower.3-starsMary Kennedy speaks to us from the funeral of her mother, who played the organ at that church for over twenty years. Raised a Catholic, by not only her mother but two devout grandmothers, it’s taken her into her 50s before she feels she can be who she really is. Mary tells her personal story, including the radical realisations that both her mother and one of her children undertake, from a position of quiet, mature self-awareness, and it’s a story full of honesty, sincerity and surprises. When does one finally gain the confidence to cut oneself free from a belief and a culture that is simply no longer meaningful? Riotous stand-up it isn’t; more an engrossing account of one woman’s journey to self-understanding and acceptance. 3 stars.

Inlet, Assembly @ Dance Base.Saeed Hani, Syrian-German choreographer and director of his Luxembourg-based Hani Dance Company, brings his Inlet to the Edinburgh Fringe; a powerful and absorbing work of contemporary dance. Taking the myth of Romulus and Remus as its inspiration, the dance explores the importance and significance of walls and building blocks on society, how they imprison us, and how we can break down the barriers they create. Three dancers, equal in status, emerge as if newborn from behind their individual structures. As they start to form bonds between each other, we begin to see partnerships form and break, until powerplays develop, and a struggle ensues for dominance via possession of the building blocks, which are seen as vital to success. Hani’s challenging and emotional choreography is fully realised by Ana F Melero, Michelle Scappa and Francesco Ferrari in a brave and committed performance which keeps our attention throughout, stimulating thought and impressing enormously with their strength and skill. A gorgeous, riveting work. 5 stars.

Alfie Packham: My Apologies to the Chef, Underbelly Bristo Square.3-starsAlfie Packham is a new name to us, so we went in with no preconceptions of what was in store. Firstly, the title My Apologies to the Chef bears no connection with the substance of his show, so if you think you’re in for some kind of Gordon Ramsay/Fanny Cradock mash-up, you’d be sorely disappointed. Having recently lost his mother, his father is now back on the dating apps, which Alfie finds suitably both impressive and repulsive; but most of his material is a rather free-flowing stream of consciousness, which you feel could go in any direction at any time. He raises an interesting question of the respective values of art versus music versus performance, but he doesn’t take this to any logical – or indeed comedy – climax. In fact, Alfie seems to get a great idea for comic material and the run with it for a while until it runs out of steam; and this becomes the basic structure for the entire show. There is a lot of funny material here, but he also has a few sequences that raise no more than a wry smile. So for me this was a bit hit-and-miss. 3 stars.

Arthur Hull’s FLOP: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written, Gilded Balloon @Appleton Tower.20-year-old Arthur Hull brings his musical show Flop to the Edinburgh Fringe in a blaze of glory… Hang on a sec, did you say 20? You’re ‘avin’ a larf, incha? How can this young man be so talented?! Flop is Arthur Hull’s homage to the world of musical theatre – but in a specific way, taking the best songs from musicals that were flops, either commercially, critically or artistically. And, surprise, surprise, there’s a wealth of fantastic songs out there that come from shows that died a death and of whose name we may never speak again. I’d forgotten the horrors of Diana the Musical, or the film of Cats, plus King Kong and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, as well as many others. Arthur has researched these unsuccessful endeavours so that we don’t have to, and the result is an hour of pure musical theatre joy. But the best thing about the show is Arthur himself, a charismatic singer and instrumentalist, who fills the theatre with glorious vocals and a terrific sense of fun. A star is born. 5 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Love Hunt, Don Toberman: Ping Pong Champ, Bury The Hatchet, Nick Everitt: Shadow, and Jim Hooker and Mark Moloney: Bald 2 in 1

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Love Hunt, Just the Tonic at the Caves.3-starsAmber can’t find her boyfriend. She’s looked everywhere! He must have left her. Why can’t she hold down a relationship? What is wrong with her?! This very funny show by Charlie Mulliner explores those insecurities that make us feel a breakdown is all our fault, as she starts to rebuild her life and set forth on a new Love Hunt for her forever person. Charlie’s characterisation of Amber is a delight; but she also introduces us to other wayward characters, from a sex-mad nun to a fitness guru, and even a poor lonely star. The show runs a little unevenly at times, but at its best it’s totally hilarious, and Charlie is a truly creative and extremely funny performer. 3 stars.

Don Toberman: Ping Pong Champ, Pleasance Courtyard.American Ping Pong Champion Don Toberman faces his most gruelling battle yet – a ping pong tournament against his entire audience! Will he knock it out of the park, or will the audience have some table tennis tricks of their own up their collective sleeves? A brilliant comedy creation by Chase Brantley, this masterpiece of clowning brings the super-confident Toberman into our arena, armed with only the official sponsors’ energy drink to protect him from the powerful returns of the crowd. Helped by his trusty ball boy and hindered by his dad, this is simply one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen. Endlessly surprising and extraordinarily innovative, my face took ages to stop hurting from the laughter. A definite must-see. 5 stars.

Bury The Hatchet, Pleasance Dome.4-starsThe American Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892, but much to everyone’s surprise, the jury found her not guilty. Bury the Hatchet follows the questioning of Lizzie and the subsequent courtroom trial, and also offers a few alternative motives or explanations for what really happened. This famous mystery is brought to life by Out of the Forest Theatre, a jolly team of three actors; Sasha Wilson, who wrote it and plays Lizzie, and Lawrence Boothman and David Leopold, who play everyone else and also play instruments on stage. A serious subject given a light-hearted production, with plenty of fourth wall breaking, and ad-libbing between the cast members. Very well performed and totally engrossing, this turns storytelling on its head. 4 stars.

Nick Everitt: Shadow, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.Now here’s a Marmite act if ever there was one. Nick Everritt’s level of deadpan is so deep that it unsettles and provokes, deconstructing a traditional one-man comedy Fringe show and laying bare all its usual attributes. It raises questions about the nature of a stage persona versus the real personality of a performer; and it’s so experimental that there’s no guarantee that an audience will find it funny. Full of risk, it’s a bold attempt to do something different with an hour of comedy. Disconcerting, challenging even; you may find it’s something you admire rather than enjoy – or indeed you may do neither. The kind of show that defies critique! 2 stars.

Bald 2 in 1, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.3-starsA fun double (bald)-header from Jim Hooker and Mark Moloney, united in their mutual contempt for follicles. Jim’s opening section includes his observations about his beloved hometown of Romford, growing up in a pub, and the benefits of having an eight-year-old niece. Mark’s set sees him overanalysing the Vengaboys, equating pop music with Nazism, and spiralling into a delightful surreal fantasy of deadpan humour. To finish, there’s a most unexpected and rather Pythonesque finale that had me guffawing. The two have very different comedy styles but work well together, and this is a straightforward, honest, good-hearted comedy package. 3 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Will You Be Praying the Entire Flight?, Cabin Fever, Going Soft, Windrush Secret, Jackie!!!, Saaniya Abbas – Hellarious, and Ruaridh Miller: It’s Pronounced “Ruaridh”

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Will You Be Praying the Entire Flight? The Space at Niddry Street.4-starsYou know that heart-sinking moment when you’re seated on the plane just before take-off and the passenger from hell comes and sits next to you? A secular Jew and a Hasidic Jew find themselves next to each other on a six-hour flight to London, with only a well-meaning but rookie air steward to interrupt their conversation. But sometimes, being confronted by opposing opinions or vastly different ways of life can open your eyes and make you question everything you always believed. Will You be Praying the Entire Flight? is deftly structured to allow perfectly pitched light comedy alongside its serious issues without ever unbalancing the substance of the play. I must particularly commend the script, which touches on many sensitive subjects, including a thoughtful and beautifully expressed analysis of the current Gaza situation. Three fantastic performances from Rachel Ravel, Marissa Ruben and Madeline Rose Parks, and superb writing make this an unexpected hit of the Fringe. 4 stars.

Cabin Fever, The Space at Symposium Hall.4-starsAll aboard the Fresh Ink flight from London to Los Angeles, in the company of controlling wife Rachel and scared husband Michael, therapist Anastasia, an elderly couple, an unruly family with noisy kids, a pair of Insta influencers, and a precocious kicking child, not to mention the hard-pressed cabin crew. When Rachel discovers she’s sitting next to her old school bestie Alice, it’s clear that Alice has a different memory of their school times. Will they still be best buddies by the time they land in LA? Aurelia Harris-Johnstone and Beth Miles play all the roles in this tightly written, fast-moving and extremely funny play; and the speed and precision with which they instantly flip from character to character is spellbindingly impressive. 4 stars.

Going Soft, Underbelly CowgateChildhood friends James and Martin reunite after a few years’ separation to create a business – Bar-L, a prison-themed bar, appropriately located next to a prison. Not content with that, they’re seeking to expand into the adult soft play market but need a Dragon’s Den-type investment in the business to knock down the walls and make the space. They invite Jean, an investor, to hear their pitch. There’s such a good play lurking here, exploring themes of how to sustain a relationship when one person has moved on and developed, and how to deal with bullying toxic masculinity, but sadly Going Soft isn’t it. No lack of effort from the talented cast, but over-the-top performances and an annoying temptation to litter the script with silly, dad-type jokes that detract from the credibility of the story truly make this an opportunity missed. I really wanted to enjoy this more, but couldn’t. 2 stars.

Windrush Secret, C Arts C Venues C Aurora.4-starsThe Windrush Scandal represents one of the UK’s most disgraceful miscarriages of justice. In this riveting but unsettling one-man show, Rodreguez King-Dorset plays three roles: the Trinidadian Ambassador to the UK, the leader of a far-right English political party, and a senior adviser to the Home Office, all of whom have their own attitudes to exactly what happened and who is at fault. Mr King-Dorset brings powerful characterisations to his characters, especially the obnoxious leader of the England for the English Party, and the smarmy cynicism of the Home Office adviser. There’s also a nice twist at the end of the play, which truly represents a Windrush Secret. Not a pleasant watch, but a very important one. 4 stars.

Jackie!!!, Gilded Balloon Patter House.A musical about Jackie Kennedy Onassis sounds like it should be an intriguing ride, but Joe McNeice, Nancy Edwards and Max Alexander-Taylor’s show has taken a fascinating story and reduced it to a comedy knockabout; a farcical musical indeed, with four doors on stage for rapid entrances and exits to prove it. The show starts with JFK’s assassination, then goes back in time to Jackie meeting JFK, their relationship growing, his philandering, her meeting Onassis, and ending with his assassination again – all that material in one hour!

There are some very good things about this show, primarily Nancy Edwards’ outstanding performance as Jackie; perfectly pitched, with a great voice, and an innocent air, she really makes you believe that she is that First Lady. Among the supporting cast there are two very good performances by Rebecca D’Lacey as her sister Lee and Marilyn Monroe, and Danny Colligan as an idiotic dingbat of a Bobby. Max Alexander-Taylor’s music is very tuneful and immediately attractive. Sadly, these aspects are outweighed by the less good things. First, the sound balance is awful, with the music drowning out the singing; but when you do hear the words, you realise the lyrics are banal and the book is crass. And the performances of Joe McNeice as JFK and Luke Hickman as family patriarch Joseph Kennedy are pure two-dimensional stereotypes. There’s a truly embarrassing scene where JFK is writing a speech and can’t stop making “accidental” sexual references – this is the kind of puerile stuff a thirteen-year-old would dream up. So nearly an excellent show – yet so far. 2 stars.

Saaniya Abbas – Hellarious, Gilded Balloon Patter House.4-starsWhy is Saaniya Abbas’ show called Hellarious? As a haram Muslim, she is on a one-way ticket to Hell. But that’s OK because she’s had fun getting there; and we have fun listening to her story of how it all happened. Born to a Conservative Muslim mother and a liberal Muslim father in New Delhi, she moved to Dubai for work, married – and divorced – a white English man, and is now back on the dating apps. But there’s much more to Saaniya’s story than that! She has a wonderfully inclusive style, chatting relaxedly with the crowd, with original and very funny, beautifully delivered material. She also has a terrific memory for little details that she gathered from her audience interactions! Very confident and perfectly paced, this is an unexpectedly hilarious hour of pure – and impure – fun. 4 stars.

Ruaridh Miller: It’s Pronounced “Ruaridh”, Hoots @ The Apex.4-starsSometimes a show just demands to be seen on the strength of its name. I was laughing at the thought of It’s Pronounced Ruaridh about three months ago and I’ve been intrigued to see the man behind the name ever since. Ruaridh Miller takes a refreshingly no-nonsense approach to his new show; no need for childhood videos, no need for “pictures of me when I was a baby”, just a need to ensure you say his name right. He has a super-engaging style that puts you instantly at ease, and a confident, fluid delivery timed to perfection so that you get maximum enjoyment from his comic gems. During these extremely funny 45 minutes, we discover that all non-Edinburgh-based Scots hate Edinburgh, we hear about the two worst things that man has ever done, and we learn how much he appreciates everything about Elon Musk. Definitely One To Watch; and I feel daft that I got his name wrong. 4 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Mr Jones, It’s Gonna Blow, Elon Musk: Lost in Space, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, The Black Hole, and Ali Woods: Basher

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Mr Jones, Greenside @ George Street.Next year it will be 60 years since the Aberfan disaster, when a coal tip slip engulfed the village of Aberfan, trapping the village’s children in the school and taking 144 lives including 116 children. I am too young to remember it, but my parents, and all the adults of my childhood memory, would talk of it in hushed, sad tones and grim sadness. Liam Holmes’ brilliant new play, Mr Jones, tells the story of the disaster but from a different angle; that of a survivor coming to terms with the loss of a brother. The play offers us three different ways of dealing with the grief; escaping from the community, retreating into a silent shell, and bravely trying to continue as best one can. Immaculately written, with a genuine feel for the love of a small community, and superbly acted by Mabil Gwynne as Angharad and Liam Holmes himself as Stephen, this stunning play is truly emotional but superbly structured to allow for regular opportunities to reflect and celebrate the humour in everyday life. Mrs Chrisparkle was in tears at the end – and she wasn’t the only one. A must-see highlight of the Fringe. 5 stars.

It’s Gonna Blow, Pleasance Dome.4-starsPompeii, 79 AD. We’re queueing up to get into the citizens’ meeting to air our grievances and seek the Gods’ blessings – or if not the Gods’, then at least the Mayor’s. With rumours flying around that Herculaneum is being destroyed by fire and earthquake, it’s so regrettable that the mayor is a conspiracy theorist and a climate change denier. Still, when you’ve still got a bottle of Vesuvio Noir, there’s always hope. Once again, Fishing4Chips bring a historical event to life with a cast of four playing dozens of quirky characters – and plenty of audience participation too! Extremely funny and delightfully inventive, this farce is performed at breakneck speed, by the brilliant Yasmine Meaden, Elinor Solly, Sean Wareing and Freddie Walker, who set up a terrific rapport with the audience. Tremendous fun. 4 stars.

Elon Musk: Lost in Space, The Space at Surgeons Hall.3-starsEveryone loves Elon Musk, right? Just listen to the cheers of the crowd as he ascends into outer space! He’s on a mission to Mars, accompanied only by his specially programmed super computer robot, who will keep him on course and in touch with Ground Control. Basking in his global superiority, he’s only too happy to keep the President of the United States waiting; after all, Trump’s only in charge of his little part of the world for four years, but Musk – he’s the world leader for evermore! Still, even the best systems aren’t infallible, and sometimes those robots grow just a little too big for their boots… David Morley’s Elon Musk: Lost in Space is a fun concept and has some great lines; at its best, it’s very funny. However, it’s also remarkably weird, with some anachronistic contributions, including from Sir Patrick Moore (a regrettably poor vocal impersonation), who died in 2012, long before Musk became a household name. Ben Whitehead nicely recreates Musk’s boorish behaviour with a very good physical performance, and Sarah Lawrie is excellent as the robot; even so, listening to a robotic voice, no matter how well delivered, does get tedious over the course of an hour. Some good ideas, and some funny passages, but overall, the rocket never quite touches down. 3 stars.

Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, Underbelly Bristo Square.Is it really bad of me never to have come across the wit and voice of Laura Benanti before? Self-proclaimed one-time Tony award winner, four-time Tony award loser, she brings heaps of personality to her one-woman show, named in honour of her plain-talking older daughter. On her third marriage (this one sounds like a keeper), she has some great stories about making it on Broadway, and how being a people pleaser can take you to places you really shouldn’t go. And don’t mention the perimenopause! With a raft of witty and moving songs, accompanied by her three musicians, Laura brings immense style and sophistication – as well as masses of laughter – to her hour of comedy and music. A perfect comedy cabaret. 5 stars.

The Black Hole, The Space at Venue 45.3-starsAh, those carefree early days of young love, how blissfully enchanting they can be! Two young people, apparently in the early stages of a relationship, are exploring each other’s personalities, as well as their bodies, finding out what each other likes and what they don’t like. They clearly both like whisky – and fortunately, he has brought an extra bottle along. But as the explorations delve deeper, the truth can become hard to take. This is a very intense piece of writing, which could perhaps have benefited from a little more light and shade, but it holds the audience’s attention throughout, and Rosalind Jackson Roe and Vkinn Vats, who also wrote and directed it, give strong, unsettling performances. 3 stars.

Ali Woods: Basher, Underbelly Bristo Square.4-starsAli Woods doesn’t want to boast, but his life is going pretty well at the moment. When you reach the perilous age of 31, and all your friends are getting engaged, there’s a lot of pressure to do the same. This is the sparking point for an hour of terrific comedy reminiscences, including nights on the town with the lads when you’re 18, his strangely intimate relationship with his dad, the sad degeneration of a t-shirt to a pyjama top, and generationally different attitudes to social media. Ali is a lively and energetic figure on stage, with a swift and sure delivery of his meticulously well-planned material. Very likeable and very funny, he quickly gains a confident rapport with the crowd, and his set went down a storm. 4 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Going, #CHARLOTTESVILLE – The play that Trump does not want you to see!, Swan?, Will & Noah: Too Much Time on Their Phones, Girlz, and Oblivion Boys with Gayle Tuesday

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Going, The Space at Niddry Street.4-starsWe’ve all been there – a hot train, a travelling hobo with a guitar who’s not afraid to use it, and an uptight passenger who looks daggers at anyone who comes near. If that isn’t already a recipe for a journey from hell, it only gets worse when the train comes to a sudden halt due to an incident on the line. Studio B Productions’ finely structured and smartly written Going, inspired by the works of Chekhov, gradually reveals each character’s reasons for going where they’re going; and it develops into a fascinating debate on action versus inaction, and to what extent one should be prepared to make sacrifices for a cause. Two superb performances from Nissryne Dib and James Trewin make this a very engrossing and rewarding production. It does rely on a rather massive coincidence, but you forgive it for the dramatic opportunities it allows! 4 stars.

#CHARLOTTESVILLE – The play that Trump does not want you to see! Pleasance Courtyard.In 2017 Priyanka Shetty moved from India to Charlottesville, Virginia, to embark on a drama course at the University of Virginia, with hope in her heart and an expectation of living the American dream. But something is wrong. Fellow student Trent makes jokes about her race, and when she complains to the Head of Department, she is asked not to rock the boat but instead to develop a sense of humour. But Trent is just a small part of a wider problem. On 11th and 12th August 2017, members of several Alt Right groups marched through the city on the Unite the Right rally, torching and terrifying anyone who wasn’t a member of their group. One activist, James Alex Fields Jr, ploughed his car into the crowds and caused the death of a woman named Heather Heyer. Priyanka Shetty has created this astounding play from interviews with Charlottesville citizens and students, as well as from her own experiences at that fateful time, so as never to forget those dreadful events. She also takes us through various scenes from the Court Case, and the whole project helps maintain opposition to the insidious rise of the Far Right. An immensely powerful and extremely important play, Priyanka brings marvellous characterisations to the inhabitants of the town that became a hashtag. A must-see; if, like me, you knew nothing of this event, this show will plug a vital gap in your education. 5 stars.

Swan? Underbelly Cowgate.`3-starsThey say a swan is all serenity above the water, but its little feet are going nineteen to the dozen under the surface. Here’s a swan that’s ostensibly a graceful creature, at home on her private lake, not alone because she has a few cigarette butts for company, as well as her current cigarette, Timothy. If only she could find her own Prince Siegfried she’d be the happiest swan ever. But she does have some demanding criteria that any potential Prince must meet to be considered eligible for that prestigious position. Will she ever find contentment? This playful fantasia on Swan Lake examines the backstory of Odette and makes you confront her plight – how would you cope with the constraints that dictate her life? Both funny and sad, Lauren Brady gives an entrancing portrayal as the swan; a complex character desperate for love and acceptance, it’s an unpredictable and very enjoyable mix of comedy, ballet and clown. There’s also quite a bit of good-natured audience participation! 3 stars.

Will & Noah: Too Much Time on Their Phones, Underbelly, Bristo Square.Spending too much time on their phones is a smart concept on which to base a sketch show, and this is Will BF’s and Noah Geelan’s first stab at writing and performing a sketch show for themselves. They both have great comedic skills, bags of energy and plenty of confidence, which keeps the show moving at a great pace. As is always the case with a sketch show, the proof of the pudding is the number of sketches you find funny. Although there were some very funny sketches – I particularly liked the Uber sketch and the Where’s Wally sketch – unfortunately there were too many sketches that only provoked a wry smile at best. But they’re very likeable on stage, and if they can get some sharper material under their belt they will be a force to reckon with. 2 stars.

Girlz, Greenside @ George Street.Every so often, a new girl band hits the big time, from the soul groups of the 60s, to Bananarama in the 80s, The Spice Girls in the 90s, and now – Girlz! Five wannabe stars made it through the rigorous selection procedure to be part of impresario Colin Cashman’s new pop confection; but, as he makes clear, it will be hard work and they’ll have to do what they’re told, because just as easily as he created them, he could dissolve them. Daf Hughes’ exciting and lively new musical tells the story of the Girlz as they come to terms with fame, relationships, addiction, success and tragedy, and dealing with that wretched manager. This is a fantastic production with evocative lighting and costumes, a superb backing track throughout, credible songs, and a remarkable opening dance sequence choreographed by Monique Salle. Some terrific performances, including Meggie Hughes as Nicky and Daniella Mirels as Alex; and the whole show oozes that girl group vibe. 5 stars.

Oblivion Boys with Gayle Tuesday, Gilded Balloon Patter House.Nostalgia – that’s doubtless the reason we chose to see the Oblivion Boys (Stephen Frost and Mark Arden) together in a double-act for the first time in decades. They always had a touch of the surreal about their material, and they knew how to use precision timing in their frequently nonsensical exchanges. However, I’m afraid their act hasn’t aged well. There’s a lot of hitting each other – and not particularly playfully – which now comes across as barely suppressed toxic masculinity. And that pinpoint precision of delivery is now sadly absent as they mumble and stagger through a few routines. Things brightened up enormously when they introduced as their guest artiste Gayle Tuesday, legendary Page 3 stunnah, who’s shagged dozens of footballers and brings new depths to the art of shallow. A fine comic creation by Brenda Gilhooly, it’s been way too long since we’ve seen Gayle, and although her material was not quite as good as it could be, you can’t help but love the essential kindness and simplicity of the character. So it was a delight to see Gayle, but, alas, the Oblivion Boys didn’t work at all. 2 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Holly Street, A Covert Affair, I Was a German, Piano Smashers, Motorhome Marilyn, Matt Forde: Defying Calamity, and Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America

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Holly Street, The Space on The Mile.It’s the 35th anniversary of much-loved soap Holly Street, and the writing team gather to flex their creative muscles. Arthur, the leader of the team, has even procured a brand-new whiteboard on which to flesh out their ideas. They’re an ill-matched group, with their own powerplays, bickering, and bullying that both helps and hinders their efforts. However, it soon becomes clear that today is no ordinary script meeting, as the outside world starts to impinge on their office in extremely surreal ways… Lewis McLauchlan’s Holly Street has a clever central concept rooted in fantasy/sci-fi, plays many meta cards making it an unpredictable experience, and he has created some over-the-top characters who are given appropriately over-the-top performances. However, sometimes less is more, and this would have benefited from a calmer, less manic approach. 2 stars.

A Covert Affair, The Space on The Mile.3-starsA male British agent and a female Russian agent meet on an assignment – each has to get as much information as possible about what the other knows to satisfy their demanding superiors. She has no qualms about trapping him in a sexual relationship if that is what it takes to get the job done; he has no problems with being sexually approached. Are they double-crossing each other, or is this love? Some neat writing intriguingly develops the story and the characters, although I found the prurience of the British boss hard to believe. One of the actors is too softly spoken, making it hard to hear everything said, but it’s still an enjoyable tale, entertainingly told. 3 stars.

I Was a German, Zoo Southside.4-starsClare Fraenkel’s grandfather was at the cinema in Berlin in 1933 when a stranger whispered to him that the Gestapo were waiting for him at his flat and that he should escape to Paris while he could. Clearly not easily fazed, this didn’t stop him from attending the party to which he had been invited; but then, when the party was over, he got on a train to Paris and never looked back. Ninety years later, Clare is at the German embassy claiming German citizenship. It’s as though the family has come full circle. But what has brought her to this place, and what made him reject his homeland even after it was safe to go back? This fascinating dramatic analysis of national identity and the differences between then and now brings the brave and resilient Heinz to life and poses some difficult questions about Britain and Europe today. Is the UK the same welcoming country it always has been? At what point do you know that it’s time to abandon your country? Clare is a dynamic and authoritative communicator, and you leave the theatre better informed but uncertain of the future. 4 stars.

Piano Smashers, The Space at Surgeon’s Hall.3-starsOur host Rob Thompson has his pride and joy – a Parker piano that occupies his living room – except that he’s already moved it to a recording studio so he can preserve the sound of his playing it for eternity. But when you tie up all your love and affection into one item, what happens if it should accidentally get damaged? A gentle, reflective play that seeks to find a solution to those inherited items or behavioural patterns that drag us down and prevent us from growing or developing. For Sam and Jo, it’s the problem of what to do with their parents’ piano – but it could be anything for anyone. With some fun audience participation – yours truly ended up playing the part of Jo and masterminding the delivery of the piano onto the stage – something from this play will resonate in your own life and might help you see things from a different perspective. Also: no pianos were smashed during our performance! 3 stars.

Motorhome Marilyn, Gilded Balloon Patter House.4-starsDenise Jarvis is more than just a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, she’s an obsessive. Living in a motorhome, she nevertheless covers her walls and furniture with images of her hero; and she’s not alone because she has her pet snake, Bobby, to keep her company. But Denise has a secret to keep, and when a police detective refuses to leave her alone, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Michelle Collins makes her Edinburgh debut in this absorbing play by Ben Weatherill and the late Stewart Permutt and gives a convincing portrayal of Denise, trying to cling on to her chosen way of life despite the pressures from outside. Fully booked for the entire run, but an extra performance has gone on sale for 23rd August. 4 stars.

Matt Forde: Defying Calamity, Pleasance Courtyard.A classic fifty minutes of extremely funny political stand-up with Matt Forde, whose remarkable vocal impersonations are enhanced by his terrific facial expressions; Keir Starmer, Donald Trump, Angela Rayner, Ed Milliband – even the King all get their turns with Mr Forde’s tremendous political gags and observations. He also doesn’t shy away from his own brush with mortality, with a truly hilarious sequence about one of the more regrettable side effects of his treatment. I didn’t stop laughing the entire time. 5 stars.

Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America, Pleasance Courtyard.4-starsFor as long as he can remember, Kieran Hodgson has been entranced by the thought of America. He loved the movies, he loved the inspirational speeches of JFK, he loved the idea of the bright lights and the notion of the Land of the Free. And he loved the accents, which gave him extra confidence when he won the role of Sandwich Man in the movie The Flash. Voice of America is his exploration of what it means to be American, what he feels about the America of his youth and the America of today, and how America influences the rest of the world. Kieran Hodgson has a smart but relaxed comic delivery, and an engaging, confiding style; and although the structure of the show feels effortless, you can bet that every word he says has been deliberately chosen for its impact. What feels like a comedy tribute to America ends by becoming surprisingly subversive. Very intelligent comedy. 4 stars.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – FLUSH, and God Is Dead and I Killed Him.

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FLUSH, Pleasance Courtyard.Who knows the secrets that get revealed in the women’s toilets at a busy noisy nightclub? A hiding place from a lousy date, a sneaky spot to top up on ketamine, somewhere to cry your eyes out, and somewhere to overhear others talking about you. Friendships are built and destroyed, reputations lost and won, bullies get their comeuppance, and scandals get written on the wall. Launch Box Productions’ FLUSH, written by April Hope Miller, is a superbly structured, stunningly written series of vignettes in the loos which piece together to tell the story of a night out that no one will forget – some because it was fantastic fun, and others because it was a personal disaster. The play demonstrates how sometimes the kindness of strangers is all you need to get you through the tough times – Blanche Dubois knew what she was talking about. Compelling ensemble acting from Ayesha Griffiths, Jazz Jenkins, Miya Ocego, Joanna Strafford as well as writer April Hope Miller, this is a fast moving, extremely funny but also touchingly sad tale of one night in the cubicles. 5 stars.

God Is Dead and I Killed Him, Pleasance Courtyard.4-starsOn a bare stage, with just his guitar in hand, Callum Patrick Hughes invites us to hear the story of his life, from his childhood with an actor father and a teacher mother, both of whom were determined he should join neither the acting nor teaching professions, to his school years where he and his sister found God, through to his adult years when God’s help had kind of run its course, and he and He parted company. Full of enjoyable side stories and characterisations, and some beautiful songs, Callum draws us into his world of family Sundays and school bullies, pub pals and refusing to accept he’s a witch. I’m no music critic, but when Callum sings plaintively to his guitar, he reminded me of the early Cat Stevens. A warm and supportive hour of gifted storytelling. 4 stars.