The odds may not be stacked in Dan Nightingale’s favour as he prepares for his awkward tea-time slot in a stuffy room in the Pleasance Dome conservatory. The heat is challenging. The venue is confusing (the Pleasance Dome is at Potterrow rather than The Pleasance). And 5.30 is an awkward time of day, too late […]
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 Mark Watson’s Comedywealth Games, Fringe 2014
It’s not often you go to a comedy gig and get to watch an audience volunteer have their nose unexpectedly split open on impact from a thrown fruit and have to cope with the resulting flow of blood. I wasn’t that member of the audience. I had fun. In fairness to Mark Watson and the […]
A review of What Does the Title Matter Anyway?, Fringe 2014
The host for the night is Clive Anderson. He’s often on TV but I first encountered him in his role as host for the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” In “What Does the Title Matter Anyway” Anderson works with four improvisational masters and the audience through a series of games. On the opening […]
A review of Knightmare Live – Level 2, Fringe 2014
Do you remember the kids TV show from about 20 years ago in which kids would explore a dungeon together? The dungeon was a mix of poor CGI and props. One of the kids had to wear a “helmet of justice” and couldn’t see out from it while his friends tried to navigate him (or […]
A review of the Fright Bus Service, Fringe 2014
This was a good idea. The Ghost Bus (it’s not ‘the ghostbusters’ it is The Ghost Bus Tours) does not just run during the Festival Fringe but the savvy company is doing something special for the event. The result? Tickets can be bought from the EdFringe.com website. Whoever made that happen deserves a pat on […]
Review of Axis of Awesome: Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas, Fringe 2014
My first encounter with the Axis of Awesome was when my partner took me to see them at a sell-out Fringe show a few years back. I suspect most people encounter the Axis on YouTube, though. Each year I look forward to the chance to see the band – or Benny’s solo show – and […]
Review of EastEnd Cabaret: Sexual Tension, Fringe 2014
I was worrying that 2014 was going to be a poor year for cabaret. A date with Bernadette and Victy changed my mind. All it takes is a bit of sexual tension. The first challenge was finding the venue. Website says “Underbelly, Bristo Square” – which we know well. It’s actually in a sub-venue called […]
A review of Jess Robinson: Mighty Voice, Fringe 2014
I don’t remember how Jess Robinson got on my short list of shows to watch at the 2014 Edinburgh Festivals. I don’t recall having seen her before; not in a teaser show, not TV or anywhere else. I wouldn’t normally stay up late(ish) for an impersonation gig. Maybe I felt I needed to take a […]