Laura McMahon, One of the Gals 3***

This show is a bit of a chaotic shambles, through Ms McMahon herself is a delight. Some of the shambles is the venue: adjacent hand dryers, the facility for latecomers to wander in, the seats in odd places, and the … Read More

When Trolls Try to Eat Your Goldfish – 4****

Dommy B is a storyteller, and although you can buy a number of his books, including this tale, it is well worth experiencing him live.

This is a story of family, of caring for animals, and of bravery – both … Read More

Nick Doody: I Will Milk You 5*****

Nick has seriously good writing credentials, his many TV and radio credits include 8/10 cats, the Now Show , bigpedia to name just some of his extensive catalogue. . He has been performing stand-up at the fringe since 2006. This … Read More

Kate Smurthwaite: Bitch 3.5***

Ms Smurthwaite returns for her 15th Fringe with a vibrant show about ignoring the haters and embracing the ‘bitch’ epithet so many internet-people seem to think it’s okay to throw at her. As we’re taking our seats, we’re treated to … Read More

Eleanor Tiernan – Enjoying the Spotlight Responsibly 4****

Eleanor Tiernan is a self confessed cranky gen Xer who has definitely found her audience. The show was sold out and there was a real warmth for her in the room. She opens by empathizing with the audience’s experience of … Read More

Science Idiot 3.5***

This show in one word: subversive. Ms Hunter starts the show with the usual format: tell something personal so the audience can relate, make yourself vulnerable so they’ll like you, and chat to the audience so you’re approachable rather than … Read More

Gabby Best: 10,432 Sheep 4****

From her Hollywood entrance, right through the end, and unto the bucket speech, this was a delightful quirk of a show. It’s about Ms Best’s insomnia, and how she thought her life would be by the time she was this … Read More

Annie McGrath: Shepherd 4****

Annie McGrath holds the room with the ease of the seasoned performer; polished and with poise. She could use the crook to keep control – and I was particularly amused by its casual employment for emphasis towards the end – … Read More

Susan Murray: How Not To Die In A Plane Crash 3*** and a half

I learned things in this show, fascinating things, and I laughed. Excellent, job done!

Ms Murray is obsessed with a TV programme about investigations into aeroplane crashes. It is not, however, a ghoulish fascination; she acknowledges that it’s a horrible … Read More

Peter Brush: Present. Tense. 3***

The most awkward thing about this show was the bucket speech, which Mr Brush clearly doesn’t enjoy. Despite the blurb and the title, this isn’t comedy that will make you cringe. Mr Brush’s foray into improv based on audience suggestion … Read More