Andrew Frank: Cognitive Goof 4****

Mr Frank is a newcomer to the Fringe, but not to comedy, having performed in America for some time. His experience is evident in his confidence and easy facility with his material, and in his effusive, enthusiastic energy on stage. … Read More

Jenny Collier: The Jen Commandments 3***

Most of this show is your basic common-or-garden stand-up; nothing fancy, just solid material delivered by an experienced performer. Where Ms Collier lights up – and to which her audience respond with burgeoning enthusiasm – is in discussing, in blunt … Read More

Shut it Down Carol 4****

Mr Hedges presents as a genuine, lovely, and humane comedian. He checked if it was okay to ask people direct questions. He told stories about people in his family, but never with mean intent. Mr Hedges does long-form … Read More

Siân Docksey’s Totally Casual and Freewheeling Mystic Comedy: Lemon Torpedo 3***

Each of the words in the title to Sian’s show have some relevance to the show, and signify something of what the show will be. Specific meanings are probably best explained by Sian herself at the top of the show.

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Hello Humans 2**

Positive things about this show: Jay Cowle is enthusiastic and personable, and seemed to really enjoy performing. He never let his energy diminish throughout, despite the little that was coming back from the audience (who did their best to be … Read More

John-Luke Roberts: Look on My Works, Ye Mighty, and Despair! (All in Caps) 4****

Should anyone wish to know, I am instructed to inform people that this show was ‘significant’. This means: ‘sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy’. I am willing to grant that it is a sufficiently great show … Read More

Can’t Dance, Won’t Dance 3***

Sometimes an audience can make or break a show, and sometimes it’s all on the performer. The show was full, but the audience was a strange one; Mr Kingsley dealt with the unruly as if he were a teacher at … Read More

Samantha Pressdee: Back 2 Basics 4****

This show has lots of threads: it’s a lament for a friend and for society, it’s a cry for compassion, it’s an essay on radical left-wing politics, it’s excellent storytelling and very funny in lots of places. It addresses challenging … Read More

Paul Duncan McGarrity – Ask an Archaeologist 3***

Mr McGarrity is an archaeologist, and seems to be enamoured of it, especially the bit that means he gets to understand the stories – historical, psychological, superstitious. This show is about stories, including the ones we tell ourselves to help … Read More

Jordan Brookes: The Making Of 4****

I’m very disappointed that Jordan’s audience hasn’t found its way to his show yet. There’s an audience for almost all comedy, and the right one brings an extra frisson to a show. There were more right audience in this show … Read More