Cirque Berserk 5*****

This circus throws everything at you from jaw dropping acrobatics, juggling, trapeze, contortionists and motorbike stunts. It has you sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the entire performance. Paulo Dos Santos is small in height at 3 foot … Read More

The Blue Bird

The Blue Bird opens with two small children at the centre who wake to discuss the possibility of Santa visiting them for Christmas and a song breaks out on how much they love cake, or at least I think that’s … 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

Socially Awkward Penguin 3***

The venue is definitely a third participant in this show (alongside audience and performer). It’s basically a big bar, so no house lights, and a good chance some of the people in the bay seating will be facing the wrong … 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

Reality Sucks! 2** and one half

Mitigating factors about this show: 1. there were only two of us in the audience. That’s disconcerting for everyone, audience and performer. Ms Chima likened it to an AA meeting. 2. It starts before lunchtime. I think people who would … Read More

Masie Adam: Hang Fire 4****

Maisie Adam is fairly new on the comedy scene but her rise has been meteoric. 3 years ago she had never done a stand-up gig. Her first was not the normal 5 minutes, no she did an hour. 2 months … Read More

Lucie Pohl – Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Real 4****

Lucie Pohl has become one of my favourite performers at the fringe and never disappoints. Her relaxed manner and oodles of charisma have the audience onside with her dynamic performance from the off. In her show this year Lucie covers … Read More

Esther Manito: Crusade 4****

Esther Manito is performing her debut Edinburgh hour with her show Crusade, based on her own personal crusade with life. She was born in a village Essex to a Lebanese father and a Geordie mother and due to the cultural … Read More