The Alternative Black Cabaret Showcase 4****

Compilation shows are a bit hit-and-miss at the Fringe. More often, the sum of the parts makes an enjoyable evening; the premise doesn’t quite match the full entity. Not here.

The aim is to bring together Black comedians who may … Read More

Liz Bains – Born To Be Mild 4****

Liz Bains is back, and since last year, things have changed. OK, she’s still a spinster, but now describes herself as a cat lady in a healthy open-door relationship, negotiating the modern world Vinted-style, with pre-loved glee. She’s more … Read More

Caitriona Dowden : Sesh Head 4****

Oxford’s Caitriona Dowden has clearly taken notes from a review that described her stage persona as pallid and low-energy. This year, she’s deconstructing that persona and turning the dial up to 11, becoming more outgoing and bringing her harp … Read More

Sansha – To Be Fair To Me 5****

In the back of the Southsider pub, something is stirring quietly. No, it isn’t the pub punters popping their heads in asking where the toilet is. It’s primarily because London-based Sasha’s Bluetooth speaker is broken. Always inventive, she’s got her … Read More

The Patron Saint of Scratch Night 4****

Poet Seth Sideways (alter ego of Lloyd Robinson) once dreamed of being famous but later learned to appreciate the joy of creation and performance, no matter his success, slinking in to open mix to wow a crowd before disappearing, becoming … Read More

Emmanuel Sonubi – What’s Next? (WIP) 5*****

I primarily went to see this show because, having seen all three of his previous Fringe offerings I was keen to see even more of this excellent comedian. It was billed as work in progress show, trying out new stuff, … Read More

Lorraine Hoodless – Mean 4****

If there is a word that doesn’t describe Lorraine, then it is Mean. She isn’t. She is  bright, bubbly and entertaining, a funny lady who controls her venue with a velvet glove who, seems to be into many things , … Read More

28.06.1980 (or How A Fake Version of Deep Purple Brought Rock Music to Mexico) 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a bizarre true story. Well, mostly.

Based on his excellent book Stealing Deep Purple, McLean classes his show as a live documentary, primarily about Deep Purple and the strange events of 1980, when an unauthorised version of the … Read More

Samantha Day — I’ve Started So I’ll Finish 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Funny Women 2025 finalist and self-described comedy hottie is back at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The setup of the show is like Mastermind (with a chair), only instead of answering questions on a specialist subject, it’s everything that comes with … Read More

Leviathan x Asmodeus 4****

A double bill of Scotland’s next bright young things, and first to take the stage is Saoirse O’Hooligan. She gets off to a strong start, and it’s delightful, getting the crowd immediately with the barbed comments she’s had about looking … Read More