one4review | On 20, Aug 2026

Graham Barrie has, like any parent with a young child growing up, all the same things in common. Protection, love and hope that they will follow in his parents’ footsteps. What do they want for them? To be a teacher, doctor or work in the arts? That is up to the individual, but they want him to follow the family way: become a goth.

Now, it’s not as if they didn’t take all precautions. They consummated the union on gravestones. Yes, we all know comedians have a tendency to exaggerate the truth, but you get the feeling that this happened.

Then we have the lovely alternative name for the child, with many iterations, suitable toys (Mr Potato Head), and, of course, suitable death metal nursery rhymes.

Barrie, like a rock-goth, ginger, macabre Proclaimer, keeps this moving wonderfully. What works in his favour is that he’s not trying to be a hammy, hokey horror host; he’s 100% himself, respectful of the goth movement and deadly funny with the pretence of it. His full-on analysis of the dark arts is a joy, like Hannah Fry wrapped in a red cloak, pulling the petals off a black rose as they fall into this baroque world. Look out for early signs of the subculture, a great Q&A to find out if you are a suitable parent for the scene, 35 flavours of goth, and The Real Band or Fake Name, which is the highlight of the night.

Also, a huge plus is the venue. Edinburgh’s premier goth and rock club, The Banshee Labyrinth, fits like tight leather pants, and Barrie probably the loudest and best high-quality VT presentation using a live comedian in the Festival.

The Fringe is chock-full of similar shows about personal obsession on screen, but this isn’t a death-by-PowerPoint fluff piece. Barrie has really created a Carry On Screaming show, with something here for the curious or obsessed. Given the number of the undead that came from the crypt at the witching hour to see this, it’s clearly got its following.

So, even if you are more All Hail Satin than Satan, there was loads to admire in the structure, and you’ll be rooting for these Rocky (Horror) underdog parents to get their black magic wish. Will they succeed? Look out your eyeliner and get down to this fantastic cult show-in-waiting, Cradle of Mirth.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Steve H.
Banshee Labyrinth — Banqueting Hall
Until 30th August (excl. 25th)
00:00 – 00:55