At the time of writing this, I have seen 40 shows at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. This is the only one that has made me cry. This show is outstanding, wonderful and beautiful.
This show didn’t just make me cry, it made feel deeply, laugh, smile and it’s hard to stop thinking about it afterwards.
Edinburgh Fringe 2026: Every 5-Star Show Reviewed as Final Week Begins
Planning your final week at Fringe 2026? Here is the complete list of 23 five-star shows reviewed across Edinburgh venues this August.
Review: Sarah Roberts – Scary Movie 7, Fringe 2026
Draped in chains and unpacking a lifetime of loneliness, Sarah Roberts turns confessional trauma into pure late-night gold at Edinburgh Fringe. An absolute must-see at Monkey Barrel.
Review: Richard Stott – Streets Won’t Forget, Fringe 2026
The best punchlines often happen in the smallest rooms. Richard Stott’s new stand-up hour tackles identity and football metaphors with an empathetic touch that completely transforms a pop-up hut into a comedy goldmine.
Review: Irene Woo – Golden Child, Fringe 2026
What interview questions do female software developers get asked compared to men? Irene Woo tackles tech industry double standards and family expectations in her safe and pleasant new comedy set.
Review: Fatiha El-Ghorri – Cockney Stacking Doll, Fringe 2026
The queues outside Monkey Barrel are heaving for a reason. Fatiha El-Ghorri brings raw charisma to the stage to dismantle stereotypes and leave you feeling like you just spent an hour with a hilarious new best friend. You need to see this.
A review of Matthew Gallagher: Last Minute, Fringe 2026
A really fun hour of impressions, observational comedy and crowdwork. A strong debut from Gallagher, if not the most polished – with a bit more confidence, he’ll definitely be one to watch in the coming years!
Review: NewsRevue, Fringe 2026
A hilarious musical parody comedy sketch show on all things political and current affairsy. If the real news is bringing you down, this feels like the antidote.