Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer 5*****

It would be interesting to know the relative words per minute of Sam Nicoresti versus other comedians. I’m pretty sure Sam would win. After one of the best openings of show I’ve seen, this is, as Sam describes, fifty minutes … Read More

Ironing Board Man 4.5****

In parting, Mr Kamali wishes us ‘good luck explaining’ the show to anyone. And it’s true that trying to explain the plot or the premise probably wouldn’t help anyone, sharing the atmosphere and the emotion might. If you’re prepared to … Read More

Britt Migs: Dolphin Mode 3***

Britt Migs is an exuberant New Yorker with a huge smile and an easy and confident stage presence, who immediately brings the audience in when she arrives on stage. It’s this ease and confidence that carries a show that feels … Read More

Jenny Ryan – Bjorn Yesterday 3.5***

Jenny Ryan is a huge ABBA fan! Or is she? Do they even exist? In this one woman show, Ms Ryan explores the legends, the myths, the Gods, these Swedish phenomena.

There’s no question that these pop icons have built … Read More

Vlad Ilich – The Immortal Game 4.5****

Do you play chess? Can you remember what all the pieces are called and how they move? Vlad Ilich, North Macedonias most famous export, after Alexander the Great and Mother Theresa, will take you on a checkerboard journey on how … Read More

Deage Paxton – Inappropriate 4****

Brazen, bizarre, and at times brilliant — imagine Adam Sandler transplanted into a Geordie vessel and set loose on a stage.

Newcastle’s Deage Paxton is one of this year’s surprise packages. If you don’t know him yet, you should. He … Read More

KC Shornima: Detachment Style 4****

There’s something bubbling at the Pleasance this year. A sense that you’re watching a comic not just arriving, but arriving fully formed. KC Shornima—29, currently writing for SNL, and making her Fringe debut—is not just doing stand-up. She’s doing it … Read More

Stephen Buchanan: Cold Meat 4****

Scotland’s quiet king of crafted comedy returns smarter and sharper.

There’s a likeable precision to Stephen Buchanan that sets him apart from the moment he walks onstage. No flailing, no mugging, no filler theatrics — just calm command and the … Read More

Grace Mulvey: Did You Hear We’re All Going to Die? – 4****

Irish gallows humour for the beaten generation.

Grace Mulvey blends millennial existential dread with stand-up that never feels preachy or performative — a rare feat in the age of overshare comedy. She bounds onstage like a warm hug in good … Read More

Ayo Adenekan – Black Mediocrity 4****

File under: charisma, craft, and the comedy of considered belonging.

At just 23, Edinburgh-based Ayo Adenekan doesn’t so much step onstage as arrive — statuesque at 6ft 3in, effortlessly composed, and instantly magnetic. And within minutes, it becomes clear that … Read More