Penelope: 4****

At the Edinburgh Fringe, it’s hard to find an original musical that actually works. Usually, it’s a parody from students or something trying to cash in on a trend or movement, with very little to offer.

Penelope is the exception. … Read More

Dracula: Lucy’s Dream 5*****

A gothic fever dream, Dracula: Lucy’s Dream takes Bram Stoker’s tale and flips it 180 degrees, a choreographed, inhuman puppet show like no other, putting Lucy Westenra front and centre in a dark exploration of desire, sensual control and psychological … Read More

Obie – Making Memories 3***

Obie has been a stalwart of the Scottish comedy scene for 20 years. This year, he’s back, running down his greatest hits, with a board numbered with some of his routines from the past. It’s up to his loyal audience … Read More

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper – Just Like That! 4****

Few British comedians created a character as instantly recognisable as Tommy Cooper. The fez, the booming voice, the physical awkwardness and the apparently effortless ability to make a complete mess of even the simplest magic trick remain instantly familiar. The … Read More

Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show 4****

Paul Merton, probably most famous for being a captain on BBC’s Have I got News for You has been a top Improv comedian for eons and together with his wife Suki Webster, also a star of the genre, are as … Read More

Crowd Work with Frank Skinner 4 ½ ****

Crowd work is a skill sometimes underestimated in the comedy world, but when it is done well it can be amazing. Avalon have decided in their wisdom to present an hour of this skill, hosted by the amazing Frank Skinner … Read More

Darren Gaffney: The Full Gaffney 4****

A Sunday night crowd and the lad from County Cavan is whipping up a storm with his trapdoor entrance

The first big hit of the night is about Irish conservatism being eroded, and a progressive step is the local … Read More

Will BF: Moon Team IIIV 5*****

Moon Team is a very good film that doesn’t exist. This is a show about its controversial, much worse sequel which is also a prequel. Which also doesn’t exist.

There are shows that are “high concept” and then there are … Read More

Gearóid Farrelly -No Pressure 4 ½ ****

Bounding onto the stage, in a smart suit over a fancy tee shirt, he is not normally a fancy guy, he loves dungarees, even bought himself dungaree shorts for the summer, he quiped. There are two main threads to this … Read More

Slim for Life 4****

Anyone who’s ever been in a slimming group knows that they can be a little bit cult-y. The ritualistic weighings, the confessing of “sins” and the strict adherence to rules to live a good life can feel all too religious. … Read More