The Birthday Party: A Theatrical Catastrophe, The Space at Surgeons’ Hall.Los Angeles-based British actor Nick Ullett reminisces about the time he got a job in the Geffen Playhouse production of Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party in 2014. This would be a dream job as he’s always wanted to appear in this play, which would be directed by legendary film director William Friedkin. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot actually! Nick’s funny and informative talk is full of wonderful anecdotes and insights into some of theatre’s bigwigs coming to grips with Pinter’s landmark play. They say the show must go on – but Nick’s story tests that theory to the limit! A thoroughly entertaining and personal narration. 4 stars.

Miss Brexit, Underbelly Bristo Square.Do you remember a certain referendum from 2016? Created by David Cameron to shut up the anti-Europe faction of the Conservative Party? The one that was only ever meant to be purely advisory? Watching the projections of news headlines at the time of the Brexit vote on the screen before the show started, I thought I was going to sit angrily all through the show. But within a minute of its starting, I was in hysterics. Miss Brexit is the most hilarious and inventive satire of a political act that I thought was beyond satire. Four wannabe Brits, from Spain, Catalonia, Switzerland and Portugal, compete for the title of Miss Brexit, which will give them the right to remain in the UK; the other three will be summarily deported. But this is not just a campy fun excuse for a beauty parade, it emphasises the plight that overseas workers face in the UK, with exploitation, inadequate housing and xenophobia. The MC puts our contestants through some humiliating experiences in an attempt to win the crown, with a truly witty script, some extremely funny songs and five stunning performances by Alba Villaitodo, George Berry, Maxence Marmy, Ricardo Ferreira and Shivone Dominguez Blascikova. Mr Berry’s quick-thinking ad-libs with the crowd and Ms Villaitodo’s tremendous physical comedy are extra highlights. You laugh all the way through, even if you hate yourself for doing so. 5 stars.

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence, Assembly George Square Studios.What I know about netball can be written on the back of sports shirt, but fortunately, we’re in the company of the Dunsinane Hellhounds, with Coach Duncan trying her hardest to choose the best captain to lead the team for the first game in the season. When she chooses Chloe Macduff, Mac Beth is not best pleased. Will she take this rejection lying down? What do you think?! Courtney McManus, Ana Ferreira Manhoso and Bec Price have written a very funny and engaging musical that not only conveys the sense of being part of a sports team but also is a very clever parody of Macbeth, with so many Shakespearean references sneaking in throughout the whole show. Energetically and powerfully performed, with some great characterisations – from loyal Summer Banquo to thick Brooke Ross, and Mia Porter, Macduff’s cousin, brought in from their arch enemy, the Birnam Owls. An excellent opportunity to see Macbeth from another direction. Great fun, and it received a huge reception from the very full house. A palpable hit! (Oops, wrong Shakespeare). 5 stars.

LEI – LDN, Pleasance Courtyard. From NY to LA? Not quite! Na-Keisha Pebody tells the vibrant story of 17 year old Chardaye, growing up half Jamaican and half English in Wigston, Leicester, and the journey that takes her from LEI to LDN, in other words from the Highcross Shopping Centre to the Westfield Shopping Centre Stratford. With a much-loved father who took care of her, a distant mother with whom she was never close and a well-meaning but strict aunt, she’s never alone but nevertheless has to learn to fend for herself. She also needs to discover her own identity and become comfortable who she is. Na-Keisha gives a lively, exciting, unpredictable performance, involving the audience in many unexpected ways in this very well-written and structured show that showcases her tremendous talents. Enormous fun and thought-provoking, you may even get to dance with her! 4 stars.

Rusk, Greenside @ George Street.To most Brits, a Farley’s rusk is one of those things you give babies on which to try out their first teeth – softish, slightly biscuity, and delicious. Once a Farleyman, always a Farleyman, as the advert used to go. Nik Narain’s Rusk is not only the title of his show but the biscotti-type snack that you dunk in your tea. Is it a biscuit, or is it a cake – or is it somewhere between the two? Comedy with a science background and from a queer angle, Nik tells us about his journey that has brought him to where he is today, as a Rusk-like Indian trans man living in North Carolina. On the way, there are several comedy highlights including running the closet for the LGBTQ+ department at university, the link between the Edinburgh Fringe and Costco, and the possibility of bisexual cows. Nik has a very warm and friendly style that welcomes you and puts you at ease as he delivers his clever material with confidence and fluidity. There were a few American references that went over my head, but there were also several Americans in the audience who found them very funny – so that must be a good sign! An enjoyable and entertaining hour. 3 stars.