Another brilliant episode Knightmare and that’s great news. It feels like there’s a little more budget to this season. We’ve lost the hilariously unpredictable, Doctor Who style, cardboard scenery that was always falling off and otherwise taking part of the show. We’ve gained some special effects via the new projected background. We’ve not lost the […]
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.
Review of Kevin Quantum: Illuminations, Fringe 2016
Quantum began by asking whether there were any kids in the audience and remind us that his 4pm show is rated PG. I think that only applies to the banter and the risk of having audience members up on stage. Illumination is a mix of science and magic. I was impressed with the magic. He’s […]
Review of Twins: Pret a Comedy, Fringe 2015
Sitting in the Pleasance at 12am watching Twins is perhaps one of the more bizarre ways to kick-start your day. Whether it was their charm or to take shelter from the rain, the show attracted a diverse audience; people in their pyjamas, people drinking tea, people drinking vodka and people eating their tea. However, unlike […]
Review of “Jennie Benton Wordsmith”, Fringe 2015
Waiting outside Venue 302 on a Saturday afternoon, I kept hearing people saying they were there to see Jennie Benton, or even just Jennie. This made me wonder if the title of the show was designed to confuse and surprise: unlike most stand-up comedy shows where the name in the title is that of the […]
Review of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Fringe 2014
I always look forward to Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. This year they had competition from Clive Anderson’s What Does the Title Matter Anyway?. A battle of improvisational comedy! The Impro Chums are the same as ever – Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson, Mike McShane and, of course, Paul Merton. It’s good to see the […]
Review of Paco Erhard: Worst. German. Ever., Fringe 2014
Paco Erhard makes fun of national stereotypes, takes his audience on a few humour filled trips into history, and shares a way too personal story explaining why he has become too British for his liking. A feel good show for open-minded international audiences.
Review of Tommy Rowson: Down and Out in Powys and London, Fringe 2014
Tommy Rowson’s act begins with an intro video splicing images of bad behaviour, tattoos, snippets from the bible and a rock and roll soundtrack. This was an intro that got me excited about seeing a comedian with stories to tell, and a unique way of telling them. After all, the title Down and Out in […]
Review of McNeil and Pamphilon Go 8-Bit, Fringe 2014
How often are you told that it’ll be worth the wait? How often does that prediction come true? McNeil and Pamphilon Go 8-Bit really is worth the wait. Hopefully there won’t be any more late starts. On Friday night, at the Pleasance Dome/Potterrow, we had to wait some extra 30 or more minutes for the […]