John-Luke Roberts Builds a Monster 3***

John-Luke Roberts does not do conventional stand up. But then equally, he also did not do this show, since his set was presented by the ghost of his father (you’ll know he died last year if you saw last year’s … Read More

Zach and Viggo: Thunderflop 3***

Zach told us that they love what they do, and it’s clear they have a blast doing it. I do believe that it’s customary to ensure that the audience does also. There were some pretty big and unusual asks for … Read More

David Longley: Everything I Hate About My Club Set 2**

The gig opened with a robo-compere doing all the stereotype lines via a lager box head, a voice machine that sounded like a cross between Siri and my satnav, and a bit of pointing.

Then on came David Longley, … Read More

Bronston Jones: God Bless ‘Merica (Again) 3***

As Bronston Jones’ blurb says “God Bless ‘Merica, because it’ll take a… miracle to fix it!” And boy does he outline the ways in which our cousins across the pond are mad, scary, and in need of a serious miracle … Read More

NewsRevue 2016 5*****

NewsRevue is an integral part of the Edinburgh Fringe, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fast-paced topical show packed with sketches, songs and voice-over gags all combining to summarize and satirize the year.

And what a year it … Read More

Mermalade 3***

I have never before been welcomed to a show by an oyster, but they were charming, and kept the queue from getting fretful.

Once the show started these same oysters became very philosophical, before we met the title character, a … Read More

Comedy Club 4 Kids 3***

Comedy Club 4 Kids is becoming a Fringe institution, as a great way for adults and children to enjoy stand up together.

Our host was Lee Kyle, an engaging man who got the children calling out excitedly, fully engaged with … Read More

The Remains of Tom Lehrer (performed by Adam Kay) 5*****

Adam Kay arrived on stage in very low-key style, but quickly got on with what the audience wanted – Tom Lehrer’s songs, with mild tweaks to keep them up to date.

Accompanying himself on the grand piano, Kay hit his … Read More

Paul Thorne: This Month’s Apocalypse 3***

Paul Thorne is an interesting comic, with plenty to say on a lot of topical issues, from the Home Office deportation list, to a succinct summary of US voter trends; from the BBC’s terrified weather reporters, to a Taliban lullaby, … Read More

The Secret Garden 4****

Such a beloved story can be a challenge for a youth theatre group, but the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre didn’t let it show.

In a tale like this, there is always back-story to narrate, but on stage action kept the pace … Read More