Best of Edinburgh Showcase Show is well worth your time, and it’s on at a great time, ready to tee you up for the day with a refresher of why you love comedy, some belly laughs and acts to visit later.
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 David O’Doherty: whoa is me, Fringe 2022
A top tip for your festive. Grab yourself tickets to David O’Doherty: ‘whoa is me’ and be thankful that the Fringe is back.
A review of The Twenty-Sided Tavern, Fringe 2022
An interactive tabletop RPG actual play show laden with jokes, talent and the occasional monster.
A review of Bee Babylon: Once Upon a Time in Iceland, Fringe 2022
A trip to Iceland from the safety of a double-decker bus. A funny abridgement of an ill-fated Scottish exhibition to the gateway of hell where the people are kind and dirty.
A review of David O’Doherty: You Have to Laugh, Fringe 2018
Riotous. I rate David O’Doherty high in my list of favourite comedians and “You Have to Laugh” is my favourite encounter with him and his crappy keyboard yet. If you don’t know this Irish entertainer yet, then you’re missing out. He mixes music with jokes and storytelling. As with the best comedians, O’Doherty’s skill is […]
A review of Thrones! The Musical Parody! Fringe 2016
Baby Wants Candy have managed to condense the TV show (not the books) of Game of Thrones into just one hour. There’s time to imagine the series’ ending too. Expect spoilers, sex and death. It’s inconceivable to me that anyone would go to a Game of Thrones inspired parody and not expect spoilers, sex and […]
A review of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Fringe 2016
Paul Merton and his Impro Chums are always on my to-watch list for the Fringe. They’ll fill out the largest venue at the Pleasance Courtyard, every time, so book well in advance. This year we had familiar faces in the Chums; Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson and Mike McShane. They’re all so good it’s […]
Review of Seann Walsh: One for the Road, Fringe 2016
I’ve always found Seann Walsh to be great value for money at the fringe. He plays little venues and up close to the crowd when, I suspect, he could play larger arenas and step back a little. It’s good to see Walsh back at the Fringe – although he was in the process of dying […]