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

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

The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society (ACMS) 4****

Fringe institution The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society publishes a guide to the Fringe shows they recommend, comprised of friends of ACMS. A complimentary copy is available to audients. It is extensive, and its printed form makes an excellent coaster, if … Read More

Elf and Duffy: Heist 4.5****

Comedy duo Elf Lyons and Duffy present a madcap sketch-play based around Elf’s favourite words in BSL. They’re both on stage as the audience enters, bouncing around, checking in with each other, and saying hello to the audience. Elf introduces … Read More

Pierre Novellie: Why Are you Laughing 4.5****

He sounds like he should be French or Italian, but in fact this South African born comedian grew up in the Isle of Mann of all places. Pierre has a beautiful observational comedy style and his delivery is on the … Read More

The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society (ACMS) 5*****

The success of The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society, hosted by Thom tuck and a roster of co-hosts (Alexander Bennett at my showing; fitted right in and did an excellent job) is due in no small part to the following they … Read More

Andrew O’Neill: Geburah 5*****

Andrew O’Neill’s natural optimism and love of the surreal, coupled with great comedic skills that have been long crafted, ensure that we relax and laugh along all the while during this unique, awe inspiring and fastmoving hour.

Yes the show … Read More

Sofie Hagen: Banglord 4****

You know what you’re getting with Sofie Hagen: really well-told stories by a genuinely funny comedian at a show where you needn’t fear the front row. Sofie doesn’t do audience interaction because she doesn’t need to to get us on … Read More

Phil Ellis’s Excellent Comedy Show 5*****

It’s one thing to promise an excellent comedy show in the stark black and white print of the Fringe brochure, but can a performer really bring that bold claim to reality in the dark, musty caverns of The Hive on … Read More

Marc Jennings Away from Here 3.5***

Topics up for discussion in Marc Jenning’s sold-out show include why he’s living at home in his 30s and how it hits different to his 20s and a host of issues familiar to lots of us from communicating with an … Read More