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

Lord of the Zings: A Kiwi Comedy Showcase 3.5***

When I saw the listing, this one jumped out at me given I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan and I was looking forward to the main theme being a comedy version of the blockbuster film franchise, even the … Read More

Ian Stone Is Looking for the Wow 5*****

The Fringe has not officially started yet shows, are up and running in many venues and the audiences are building, and yes even the weather is good. All of which is helping Ian Stone in his search for the , … Read More

Black Blues Brothers: Let’s Twist Again! – 5*****

The Black Blues Brothers return to Edinburgh with Let’s Twist Again! It’s listed as a brand-new show but is a bit more like an evolution of previous outings. Don’t fret; at no point will you be disappointed, and if you’ve … Read More

Taiwan Season: Where Has All the Fruit Gone? – 3***

Taiwan Season: Where Has All the Fruit Gone? is a rather charming little piece that explores the passage of time, families, and even how “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is an international question. Fruit, in … Read More

Taiwan Season: Whale, Where Are You Going? – 4****

This is the European premiere of this show, and it’s a real treat. Without reading the show blurb, you may be a bit confused about what exactly is happening for a while, but this spoken-word-free show is full of wonder … Read More

Zara Gladman is…Aileen: Cameron’s Gap Year Fundraiser 4****1/2

Outstanding. Sketch comedy with bite, brilliance and just the right amount of bile.

At a time when sketch comedy is being flattened into algorithm-chasing improv and tossed-off TikToks, Zara Gladman delivers something almost radical: care, craft, and scalpel-sharp satire. This … Read More