Mike Ward: Freedom of Speech Isn’t Free 4****

Mike Ward is a Canadian comedian making his Edinburgh debut this year. The title of his show comes from the fact the Human Right’s Commission of Quebec wants to fine him £25000 for telling a joke about a disabled child … Read More

Dissecting the Joke With Matt Hutchinson and Haran X

This isn’t strictly a comedy show, and it’s listed on the venue poster as ‘science and rationalism’. It’s actually a science experiment; a proper one with an ethics policy and links to UCL. They’re investigating laughter – why we laugh … Read More

John Robertson: Arena Spectacular! 3***

John Robertson, in my opinion, is at his best without a planned show, showering abuse on sleeping audients and stealing people’s flip flops. This show isn’t necessarily him at his best.

Mr Robertson wanted to perform an arena show, … Read More

Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Neal Portenza. Tracey. 3***

This show isn’t about anything. It is random, surreal, absurd nonsense. I thought it was hilarious, and the rest of the mid-week audience eventually got there too.

There’s lots of audience interaction in this show – not just dragging people … Read More

Danielle Ward – Seventeen 4****

Set in an underground bunker of a venue Danielle Ward entertains a diverse and packed house with her advice as a mid-thirties woman to seventeen year old girls on the threshold of womanhood. This counsel is delivered by song, musings … Read More

Mark Dolan – Life Hacks 4****

Mark Dolan returns to the Fringe this year with ‘Life Hacks’, a show based on what needs fixing and there sure are plenty, some of which he gives his take on. Dolan is a very tall amiable forty something comic, … Read More

Elliot Steel – Netflix ‘n’ Steel 4****

Elliot Steel is a young comedian, he is barely out of his teens, but his reputation is growing and having witnessed his show it is easy to see why. He has been doing stand up for a little over three … Read More

Colin Hay – Get Rid of the Minstrel – 4****

Colin Hay may herald from Saltcoats in Ayrshire but he really made his name as a singer songwriter in his adopted home, then anyway, of Australia. Probably best known for fronting Grammy award winning band Men at Work who made … Read More

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums – 4****

Paul Merton probably best known for ‘Have I got News for You’ on BBC One is always a draw whatever he is doing, The charismatic personality has been doing this show for quite a few years now and each year … Read More

Maddy Anholt: Rent Girl 3***

Maddy Anholt has fantastic rapport with her audience from start to finish of her show. She gets to know a few people then selects a couple of men from the front row to keep returning to, playfully flirting with one … Read More