I enjoyed Paul Zerdin’s No Strings comedy puppetry show but only just. Don’t get me wrong; this act safely gets four stars; the potential problem came with the audience involvement. My partner and I, forced to sit very near the front by newbie Gilded Balloon staff, were next to the couple that Zerdin lured up […]
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 Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler at the Festival Theatre
Bill Bailey is an intelligent and talented man. Combine his ability to play almost any instrument known to man, a keen insight on the world with his style of comedy and a healthy dose of whimsy and you have a show worth fighting to get tickets for. The Festival Theatre is a great venue. Easy […]
Review of Rhod Gilbert: The Man with the Flaming Battenburg Tattoo, Fringe 2012
The Fringe version of The Man with the Flaming Battenburg Tattoo is about an hour long and that feels about the right length of time for the routine. A film begins the set by showing a short video of Rhod getting the tattoo. It’s connected to a TV series that featured him doing different jobs […]
Review of Dylan Moran: Yeah, Yeah, Fringe 2012
Yeah, Yeah is not a new set from Dylan Moran. IMDB suggests it dates back to 2011. So, with an aging gig, at the height of the Edinburgh Fringe, competing against other world class comedians, Dylan Moran has to place bums on Playhouse seats. How does he do? The Playhouse was sold out. Packed. Not […]
Review of Mark Watson’s Edinborolympics, Fringe 2012
I imagine Mark Watson’s Edinborolympics will over run each and every night. It’s chaos. You could try and argue that Watson needs to get better organised but I think trying to marshal three guest comedians through a mock Olympics can only result in chaos. With three guest comedians there’s a large variable element to Edinborolympics. […]
Review of Pete Firman: Hoodwinker, Fringe 2012
I didn’t know what to expect from Pete Firman. I hadn’t seen him on TV. I think each Festival season you should see at least one new show on a recommendation and Firman had been recommended to me. This belief had me queue in the rain in the Pleasance Courtyard for Firman. Was it worth […]
Review of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Fringe 2012
As I waited in line for Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, around the back of the Pleasance, next to the strategically and cleverly placed new bar, I was treated to an oddball conversation about Paul Merton’s Impro Chums from a pair of Morningside Grannies. By “treated to” I mean “accidental eavesdropping” but that’s a hazard all […]
Review of Marcus Brigstocke: The Brig Society, Fringe 2012
As is the fashion at the Fringe this year Brig Society makes heavy use of audience interaction. One of my favourite parts of the show came when audience members waved real paper money at Brigstocke, as per his request, and where then surprised when he took it from them. Funnier still; he refused to give […]