I thoroughly enjoyed Marc Burrows’ The Magic of Terry Pratchett, and you should go, as fans should, and everyone else is likely to be a fan-in-waiting who will appreciate this spoiler-free and delightful curation of Pratchett’s impact and talent.
Comedy in Edinburgh
Edinburgh boasts a vibrant and deeply-rooted comedy scene that thrives throughout the year, anchored by legendary venues such as The Stand Comedy Club, a proving ground for countless famous comedians, alongside the multi-award-winning Monkey Barrel Comedy and the ever-popular Just the Tonic, which all provide a consistent programme of top-tier stand-up.
However, this thriving year-round culture is merely the prelude to the comedic explosion that occurs each August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city transforms into the undisputed global epicentre of comedy, as thousands of performers—from household names testing new material to ambitious newcomers seeking their big break—descend upon the capital, turning every conceivable space from grand theatres to cramped pub basements into a performance venue. This month-long comedy marathon creates an unparalleled atmosphere of creative energy, solidifying Edinburgh's reputation as the ultimate destination for performers and fans of live humour.
A review of Initial Consult, Fringe 2023
Initial Consult is a show worth watching, and it’s worth skipping other shows for. Charlotte Grimmer plays a character that’s both alien to us and wholly relatable simultaneously, and then there’s music, comedy, shock and tap dancing.
A review of Dorks ‘n’ Orks – Live, Fringe 2023
Dorks ‘n’ Orks is a funny live show where comedians try their hand at a lightly animated D&D-inspired adventure. Ideal for geeks, gamers, their parents and anyone who likes a bit of impro comedy.
A review of It Just So Happened, Fringe 2023
It Just So Happened is a fascinating and funny history podcast. Fans should go, people interested in neither history nor smart people discussing history are unlikely to enjoy it, but the rest of us probably will. I did!
A review of Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill, Fringe 2023
Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill will make you acknowledge that we’ve screwed up but can still turn things around. This comedian has a powerful message and isn’t shy about sharing it. There’s laughter and tears.
A review of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Fringe 2023
Paul Merton’s Impro Chums is a welcome return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Paul Merton, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Mike McShane and Kirsty Newton are in fine comedic form.
A review of Rachel Parris: Work in Progress, Fringe 2023
Rachel Parris is fantastic and worth seeing, even if the Work in Progress is an honest-to-goodness description of the state of the show and not a clever name.
A review of 1 Billion Songs Please!, Fringe 2023
David Hoare has that magic combination of quick wit and observational insight. Dress in layers and grab a tix to “1 Billion Songs Please!”.