A review of The Witching Hour, Fringe 2023

The Witching Hour is a show in the Free Fringe, a female-led compilation stand-up show held in The Cocktail Mafia right in the City Centre.

The location is ideal, I’ve taken a note to return to The Cocktail Mafia after Festivals Season, and last night’s late show timeslot was perfect for me. It kicks off at a quarter past 10 at night, which might not be ideal for you, and, just to be pedantic, that’s not the traditional Witching Hour.

The Witching Hour, in folklore (and Edinburgh Reviews launched a folklore logo in time for the festivals, is typically after midnight and before sunrise when you might be something horrible and supernatural. Good people should be in bed for the Witching Hour. I didn’t meet any supernatural horrors last night; I just got to encounter comedic skills.

DISCLAIMER: Although Edinburgh Reviews are supporting PBH’s Free Fringe with an ad in the ‘wee blue book’, we are reviewing shows from both Laughing Horse and PBH’s Free Fringe, all of which will be reviewed fairly and without bias.

Jen Zheng

Jen was the night’s host, warming up the crowd and keeping the action going.

Afterwards, I asked if Jen had a show this year at the Fringe. No, but she’s supporting, and next year I hope she carves out space for herself as I thought she was a charismatic and funny host.

It’s just a small space, a few rows of seats and on Sunday night, the first week of the Fringe, it was a small crowd. I didn’t mind, although I’m sure it’s not what the performers wanted. Jen got us all involved.

Jamie Allerton

Jamie kicked us off with jokes about being a large man trying to travel around Edinburgh. I get you, Jamie; it’s not easy! Imagine trying it while needing a walking stick.

The set covers life truths such as dating, and fitness, and we took a video for his mum.

I suspect Jamie’s humour isn’t my usual, but I’d have no problems catching more from the comedian if he pops up on a roster or line-up again.

Jamie Finn

A man with a guitar and some funny songs! This is my humour, and out of a talented line-up, I think Jamie takes this blogger’s unofficial prize for ‘best find in The Witching Hour’.

Jamie looks like a nerd, sings like a Royal Variety Performance act and is clearly a talent. Mind you, perhaps the way Jamie holds his guitar so high up his chest gives me George Formby (I know that’s not a guitar) vibes or makes some other subliminal cues to think of a stage performance.

Anyway! I really enjoyed Jamie’s little ditties about Wayne (his ex’s new partner) and long-distance dating. I would be happy to watch Jamie again. In fact, I might track down his show.

(The Cocktail Mafia is absolutely a venue for pre and post-show drinks)

Leslie Gold

I’m terrible with accents and think Leslie Gold sounds South African. I’m wrong, and Leslie clearly spends much of her time explaining which part of North America she’s from.

Leslie’s clearly got experienced and savvy comedy chops. The Witching Hour promised award-winning comedians, and I’m sure Gold has a mantlepiece of gold awards.

The short set was about family dramas, compromises and secrets. It’s funny how the little antagonisms in life can be the most disruptive.

Fiona Ridgewell

Fiona’s set might have been the most thematically appropriate to The Witching Hour with stories of palm-reading and crystals.

By this time of night, a trend was emerging; many of The Witching Hour’s comedians were single. I guess it’s part of the challenges of the job. Safe to say, I’m not sure faith in mysticism will solve Fiona’s dating challenges.

In retrospect, Fiona’s turn on stage felt short – which I take as a sign that I really enjoyed it; time passed quickly.

Reece McLaughlin

Reece closed the compilation, which was a tough slot, and he kept checking his watch. I think that’s because he wasn’t sure how much time he had left, but he seemed to lowball it and be content to finish promptly.

We talked about that weird story about a woman waking up in her coffin and needing to knock on it at her funeral. True, and very Witching Hour, but I think Reece was testing half-finished material on us.

Despite some falters, despite the suggestion he was keen to get off stage, I thought Reece had stage presence. I think also there’s material there, perhaps just needing some spit and polish.

Overall

The Witching Hour wasn’t a scary encounter with some supernatural horrors or women drawing power from dark forces. It felt homely, inclusive and welcoming.

It was funny! The whole line-up brought something to the stage, and the pace we went through each set ensured the audience’s attention was held.

The Witching Hour, I think, is a success and a great way to spot talented comedians to find and watch a whole show with.