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

A Political Breakfast – 3***

Host Chris O’Neill introduces us to the panel who will be debating the issues of the day, despite how very early, in Fringe time, in the day it is. The hour doesn’t stop the room being full, with further people … Read More

Kriss Foster: The Mug Tree 3***

This is a slow moving show – roomy – which has lots of pleasing elements rather than outright belly laughs, delivered by an apparently awkward, genial, northerner. The show ponders along through a variety of subjects and bouncing off various … Read More

Weird Stuff 3***

The performance of this show was super: confident, committed to the material, clear delivery, bringing in the whole room. Some of the material, especially the last act, was excellent. It had an extra level of energy and audience participation that … Read More