one4review | On 14, Aug 2026

We don’t believe that Mr Cardboard is who he says he is, apparently. But he has us all in the palm of his hand and we’re keen to know more.

Miles Calderon is the silliest, warmest, funniest clown I’ve seen in a long time. I first discovered him at Stamptown, where I felt he stole the show. I knew from then I needed to see him again.

He did not disappoint.

After introducing himself—repeatedly, to our delight—Mr Cardboard flies us to his domain, the “Land of Cardboard”. But not before he’s worked the crowd, teased us, built us photorealistic animals, played with our emotions and got us all completely on side. Calderon has the energy of a childhood imaginary friend taking us all back to a time we were more free to imagine.

However, when we arrive, the Land of Cardboard is decimated.

Mr Cardboard must battle with a higher power to make all of us the “happiest we’ve ever been in our entire lives.” This is where Calderon comes into his own. He is pushed to recreate the moments that made them happiest, and absolutely kills recreating someone’s brother’s wedding day:

“Your wedding day is the happiest day of my life.” lampooning the memory with silly teasing kindness.

It’s just top class improvisation and the room shakes with laughter.

Then he bravely does a high-wire act. He puts himself in a box. Just raw clowning: Calderon trying desperately to make all of us “the happiest we’ve ever been.” Watching him navigate what might make an entire room laugh is excellent and really funny in itself.

Despite being warm, funny as hell, with an imagination beyond belief. In our show not every audience member was the happiest they’ve ever been – despite his valiant effort. There are consequences.

Calderon is a massive talent, and this show is truly excellent: fun, silly, warm and engaging. Crucially, it actually takes us on a journey that lands in a different place.

The ending is brilliant stagecraft (whispered), changing the pace and tone of the show while Calderon bravely drops the mask. If there’s one thing missing, he could use more room to run around. He has created a character I will never, ever forget — equal parts silly and funny. I want to see this character played to the fullest.

Mr Cardboard is dead. Mr Cardboard has risen. Mr Cardboard please come back to Edinburgh again.

****1/2

Reviewed by Stephen “Sharpie” Sharp
Underbelly George Square
Until 30 August (not 17)
19.20 (1 hour)