If you type [Iranian Comedian] into a search engine the chances are high that Omid Djalili will pop up top of the list. When Omid asked the audience where they were from a shout from the balcony in the Music Hall in the Assembly Rooms replied, “Lebanon, we came all this way just to see […]
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 Festival of the Spoken Nerd, Fringe 2013
For the second year in the row Festival of the Spoken Nerd has been one of my favourites. Presented by the impressive trio of Matt Parker, Helen Arney and Steve Mould the FOTSN takes the audience through some impressive and hilarious science. We had fire tornadoes. We had demos that used flying beads to illustrate […]
Review of Domestic Science, Fringe 2013
Domestic Science is a free show from Helen Arney and Rob Wells that explores every day science. I was there last year and the 2013 is very similar but enjoys perhaps some more spit and polish. It’s also fair to say that last year Rob didn’t get me up on the small stage, pretend to […]
Review of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Fringe 2013
It’s the same thumbnail of Impro Chums from Edinburgh Reviews’ 2012 look at the show but the line-up was different when this blogger attended the penultimate 2013 show. We had Paul Merton, of course, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson and Steve Steen. Mr Steen was new to me and he was very funny. I […]
Review of Slightly Fat Features, Fringe 2013
I’d had Slightly Fat Features described to me as both “cabaret” and as “variety” before I went – so I had no idea what to expect. I’ve seen the show now and I’m still not sure how to describe it. This is a kid friendly show, providing the kids aren’t wimps and is signed. In […]
Review of Rob Lloyd: Who, Me, Fringe 2013
I now know it is possible to spend an hour wondering whether someone looked like David Tennant or not. I’ve come to the conclusion that Rob Lloyd does not look like David Tennant. Except sometimes. Sometimes Lloyd looks so much like Tennant that you’ll wonder what just happened. Who, Me is best thought of as […]
Review of Marcus Brigstocke: Je m’accuse – I am Marcus, Fringe 2013
I’d seen Marcus Brigstocke hobbling around Edinburgh on crutches before finally being able to catch his show in Assembly Hall this year. He had been trying to make his way up Dundas Street, towards Queen Street, and needless to say was finding that quite a challenge. I wasn’t surprised when a stage hand/usher pulled back […]
Review of Milton Jones On the High Road, Fringe 2013
Milton Jones was one of my favourite acts last year and I had high hopes for this year. Trouble began when we got to the queue – a full 30 minutes before the doors were supposed to open – and found it stretched around the corner and two blocks back. Milton’s popular for a reason. […]