I Am Your Tribute, PBH’s Free Fringe at the Voodoo Rooms.

You can divide the world into two types of people; those who think tribute acts are cheap and steal the glory of the stars they mimic, or those who believe they honour their stars and pay tribute to their excellence. If you’re one of the latter, you’re going to love Sarah-Louise Young’s I Am Your Tribute. What are the reasons why a performer might go down this particular path of entertainment, and which plethora of stars do performers like Sarah-Louise choose to bring to life? All is answered in this enormously positive and joyful show, with plenty of good-hearted audience participation and, unlike Mamma Mia and The Bodyguard, you’re welcome to sing along too (at appropriate moments. When invited to do so. Don’t disrespect the turn!) There’s a thrilling moment where Julie Andrews has to Let it Go, plus there are wonderful tributes to Freddy Mercury, Kate Bush and many more. All put together by the hugely talented powerhouse that is Sarah-Louise Young. The kind of feelgood show that has you beaming from ear to ear, and a truly showbizzy start to the day!

Beryl Cook: A Private View, Pleasance Courtyard.

There was a time when Beryl Cook’s illustrations were everywhere. On greetings cards, posters, tea towels, mugs, you name it. Her style has always been instantly recognisable; big, jolly men and women, warts and all, getting caught off-guard having fun, frequently with a touch of naughtiness or even salaciousness. But what do we know of the woman herself? She lived a very private life and kept herself and her family out of the news headlines. Beryl Cook: A Private View is an excellent way of getting to know the woman behind those bold canvasses. Kara Wilson writes, narrates and paints her way through an appreciation of Beryl, a show created in association with Beryl’s son John, and it’s an enjoyable and highly inventive hour of both understanding the creative process behind those famous pictures and good old-fashioned nostalgia. Out of necessity, Ms Wilson has to have her back to the audience on and off throughout the performance to paint her picture; this does somewhat interrupt the flow of the show, but I can’t see how this could be avoided. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to see a picture painted over the course of an hour, and you will come out of this show wiser about Ms Cook and her work.

Please DON’T see our show, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.

Welcome to the Zumba hour; well, it would be, but it’s easier to book a Fringe venue than negotiate with the local parish council. So, a quick change of programming is required, and after dismissing a suggestion of an improv show, the group decides to go back to their offering of five years ago, a loose parody of Love Actually, Duncan’s Big Affair. It destroyed friendships last time around, and it looks like it might do the same again now. I think that’s the gist of the show, but I’m not 100% certain if I’m honest! Not A Gym Productions’ Please DON’T see our show is full of comic ideas and a whole heap of physical comedy, some of which lands terrifically, and some of which never reaches the ground. Perhaps I’m a little old to get all the references; however, the performers are all very likeable, full of energy and commitment, and show tremendous potential; indeed, the actors playing Emma and Molly (Bethan and Robyn?) give very strong comic performances. Most important of all, the audience loved it!

Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend, Monkey Barrel Comedy 2.

Milo Edwards’ new show takes on the class system in the UK and specifically concentrates on his grandmother Peg, and her influence in his upbringing; her proficiency on the Bowls green and her appreciation of the art of Spite – which is clearly what keeps her going into her very old age! Milo Edwards is a fantastic joke teller, and the hour is crammed with superb material, including reflections on the Falklands War, how to spot a posh person, and the perils of temporary tattoos on the backside. Fresh, funny and full of drive, Mr Edwards is a terrific comic presence and we didn’t stop laughing all the way through!

Sitting Pretty with Kitty Cassis, PBH’s Free Fringe at the Street.

Come, if you dare, into Kitty Cassis’ salon – the most exclusive hairdressing salon in the North West, where she also doubles up as a hair transplant surgeon, earlobe reader and she’s a devil with the fillers. Everyone’s a valued client as Kitty shares her career highlights and professional rivalries – whatever you do, don’t go to Brenda’s Brows or she’ll kill you. A fun, inclusive and hilariously good-natured show, Kitty Cassis is the comedy creation of Aimee Cooper, and she presents an hour of chatty gossip, musical interludes and bleaching. Throw yourself into it and you’ll get the most out of it – I came out with a hair transplant! What the Free Fringe is all about!