Andrew Maxwell – The Lamp

**** 4 stars

The hall is packed, the temperature inside is tropical with everyone posed for the arrival of the ‘clown’, his words not mine, and onto the stage a vision in white shorts, singlet and trainers, strides Andrew Maxwell.

… Read More

4 Poofs and a Piano – Smoke & Mirrorballs

**** 4 stars

Ian Parkin, Stephen De Martin, David Roper and David Wickenden are more commonly known as ‘4 Poofs and a Piano’. This is ¾ of the group’s second visit to the Fringe, with Stephen returning for his third … Read More

Janeane Garofalo

**** 4 stars

I had not heard of Janeane Garafolo until watching Loose Women a few weeks ago. Fuelled by the curiosity raised by this appearance I went to see her Fringe show. Having not seen her however is not … Read More

Lemon Custance

*** 3 stars

This showcase show was the first I have visited this year under the PBH Free Fringe banner as is fronted by diminutive comedian Dee Custance.

As with plenty of other shows around this is a chance … Read More

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

**** 4 stars

WendyBird Productions present their version of C. S. Lewis’  ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and with a fairly large cast there is a lot going on at any one time.  It is difficult to represent … Read More

Matt Kirshen – Shorter Than Napoleon

*** 3 stars

Matt Kirshen’s show is not just about height, he assures us.  In fact, it seems to be very little about height and more to do with just about anything else – childhood, the BNP, the G20 riots … Read More

Oh, My Green Soap Box

*** 3 stars

Lucy Foster’s performance using a variety of theatrical techniques is intriguing. Her starting point is her concern for global warming and the consequent melting of the ice caps. The drama of this disaster is seen through the … Read More

OUA UMPLUTE

***** 5 stars

We are invited to Grandfather’s funeral. This small band of Spanish Gypsy musicians are celebrating grandfather by playing the music he loved during his life. These three men and one woman play drums, violins, guitars and saxophones. … Read More

The Play About Charlotte

*** 3 stars

Cathy (Amy Marchant) is a prolific and award winning writer but recently her books have taken a complete change in direction. She seems to be drifting away from her partner Jamie (Pierre Thailleux) and more and more … Read More

The School for Scandal

***** 5 stars

Perhaps this should be re-titled ‘A Degree in Upstaging Comedians!’ for comedians by comedians. As at times the script, written by RB Sheridan in the 18th Century, is secondary to getting one’s colleagues to corpse on stage. … Read More