Frankie is doing some shows at the Leicester Square Theatre and Museum of Comedy to try out some brand new jokes.
Frankie is doing some shows at the Leicester Square Theatre and Museum of Comedy to try out some brand new jokes.
Frankie is doing some shows at the Leicester Square Theatre and Museum of Comedy to try out some brand new jokes.
Sassy swing and jumpin’ jazz from Scotland’s hugely popular and biggest amateur big band.
Michael Hastie, Scotland’s number one Michael Bublé tribute, with the world-record breaking big band Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation.
A range of music from musical theatre, movie themes, popular music and swing.
In 2018, Simon’s father performed a play about his imminent death to cancer and, to Simon’s horror, it was quite good.
For one night only, the Taskmaster NZ star and Lorde’s favourite Kiwi musician (‘That was really nice of her’ – Paul) plays the hits at this year’s Fringe.
The Edinburgh Renaissance Band return for 2024 with a live performance of their ever-popular Viol Rackett Show, our best-loved programme of music and dance from the Middle Ages to …
When I am on stage performing stand-up comedy I feel like a wild horse galloping through the plains of Ohio, the wind running through my mane, the hot sun shining down on my sturdy…
Ave Maria: Centuries of Prayer and Praise.
After three consecutive sold-out runs, Paul Black returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new hour.
‘Beautifully crafted melodies… telling stories behind each tune… light-hearted and humorous… lively interactions with the audience’ (BroadwayBaby.com).
Paul makes fun of the French and they love it.
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
TS Eliot’s poem Ash Wednesday is widely regarded as a work of great spiritual depth.
Going further afield, we have added some real treasures from Eastern Europe and Central America.
Once again, this nine-piece ensemble will deliver the music of Springsteen with precision and energy to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Nicknamed ‘the Hendrix of the Kora’, Seckou is celebrated for his ingenious tunings and virtuosity.
Fresh from their residency at London’s iconic Comedy Store, Fringe favourites Paul Merton and Suki Webster, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, bring their highly anticipated bran…
Hot Chocolate in Old Saint Paul’s: an evening of classical music by candlelight, accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate.
Performance poet/musician Attila the Stockbroker has been writing and performing since 1980: 4,000 or so gigs in 25 countries so far.
Start each morning with this curated variety showcase, featuring the very best solo shows at the Fringe! Rotating daily line-ups include storytelling, theatre, clown, cabaret, spok…
Upbeat, hilarious magic with heart from Fringe legend David Alnwick.
We’re delighted to be back with a new show featuring some of the greatest music from the big band era.
Inspired by 90s VHS horror board games, can you beat the Necromancer? ‘Pure horror… Pushing the boundaries of magic as a genre’ ***** (WorldMagicReview.
After 10 years in the UK, Canadian stand-up comedian David Tsonos is taking the test: The Life in the UK test.
A celebration of the enduring friendship between the brilliant and tragic composer and war poet, Ivor Gurney, and Marion Scott, writer and trailblazer of women musicians, written a…
Voices of Israel and Palestine.
Award-winning David Hoare returns with another bumper show, brimming with silliness.
A brand new show from award-winning, working-class queer comedian Sian Davies.
Returning after a total sell-out run in 2019, Fragility of Man follows one man’s epic, lifelong battle with the justice system.
The tales of the dragons are special for many reasons.
The adventures of blind comedian and folk singer David Eagle: accosted by faith healers, bamboozling aggressive Australians and escaping arrest after a nocturnal accordion-based an…
Hey, this is Paul’s show.
The star of Taskmaster New Zealand returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for the third time after sell-out shows in Melbourne, New Zealand and London.
Abby awoke in hospital after a late miscarriage and, high on anaesthesia, decided to become a comedian.
TEET makes a welcome return after its 2021 debut (during the weird quiet post-Covid Fringe).
The David O’Doherty of comedy is back! Having trained his body and mind to the point of peak perfection, he has used a very nice pen to write a new concert of talking and songs.
The incredible true story of missing WWII soldier Arthur Robinson, written and performed by his great-nephew David William Bryan.
The Guardian’s Top 50 shows to see! Jillian is back at the Fringe with her yoga mat and blender after a hit premiere at last year’s Fringe and subsequent sell-out runs in New York …
“If that makes sense” Common Phrase.
Set in the deep south of USA in 1918 when interracial marriage was illegal, Julia, a black seamstress, and Herman, a white baker, are defying all odds with their secret love.
After 10 years in the UK Canadian stand-up comedian David Tsonos is taking the Test, the Life in the UK test.
BBC Popcorn Award Nominee Abigail Paul, a “transformative talent” who “lights up the stage” (★★★★★, Theatre Weekly), dives into her sophomore solo show Miss Communication…
After selling out last time David Nihill is back with his new show, Shelf Help.
After selling out last time David Nihill is back with his new show, Shelf Help.
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Join David Ingram, a 40-something retired twink, as he discusses his life as a gay man, the ups and downs, the tops and bottoms of growing up in a small town in Scotland in the 80�…
Multi-award-winning writer/performer Paul Richards returns with a radical percussion-led comedy about the perils of turning middle age and suddenly doubting absolutely everything.
David has undergone changes and is happier than he looks, promise.
Paul and Laura are nice, kind and funny people who make work about tiny details, joy and finding light in the smallest of places.
This debut show weaves together the insightful storytelling of David Sedaris and the clever stand-up of John Mulaney, welcoming you to the world of Renata, a non-native speaker bol…
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The Longest Running and most listened to Glasgow Rangers podcast presents a live recording with ex Rangers Legend Paul Gascoigne in his first London Glasgow Rangers show…
The Longest Running and most listened to Glasgow Rangers podcast presents a live recording with ex Rangers Legend Paul Gascoigne in his first London Glasgow Rangers show…
The longest running Tottenham Hotspur Podcast presents a live recording with Spurs and England Legend Paul Gascoigne in his first West End show in many years.
The longest running Tottenham Hotspur Podcast presents a live recording with Spurs and England Legend Paul Gascoigne in his first West End show in many years.
It’s Christmas Eve 2009: seven years into the world-famous boy band’s indefinite “hiatus”, *NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick has until midnight to make a wish that could change his life f…
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023.
The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023.
The ALBUMS SHOW is BACK.
Paul Smith is back with a brand new tour! ‘Joker’ is his biggest and funniest tour show to date in which the scouse funny man mixes his trade mark audience i…
The Bellshill Salvation Army Band was formed in 1921, its primary function being to support the worship and ministry of their church.
Celebrating 18 years at the Edinburgh Fringe, Scotland’s record-breaking big swing band brings you a night of music and song from the golden age of Swing.
The Prov Johnstone Band is an eclectic mix of musicians and music.
Imagine boarding a spaceship travelling at the speed of light with nothing but a guitar.
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Variety of music including musical theatre, movie themes, swing, and popular songs for all the family.
Fast-paced comedy magic.
‘Oh my God.
Already a veteran performer, having toured the world’s stages for a decade, predominantly as a founding member of world-folk band Dallahan and as a highly sought-after session mu…
The winner of Drag Race hits the Fringe as part of their debut solo tour! Join Danny as they take to the stage with their live band in a show which promises to be bigger, better an…
Back at the Fringe again after a gap of a few years for another trip down memory lane.
David Rivera and La Båmbula will make you dance with their Caribbean sounds from Puerto Rico and Cuba.
The Edinburgh Renaissance Band is back for 2023 with a fresh programme of their ever-popular Viol Rackett Show, the much-loved programme of instrumental music, from the Middle Ages…
Sassy swing and jumping jazz! Enjoy an evening with the classics and more, from Basie, Nestico and Fitzgerald to Earth, Wind and Fire.
This dynamic seven-piece band return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the 12th year to play the back catalogue and the latest album! With the precision and energy of the E Stre…
Duruflé Requiem: Life and Death in Music with Poetry.
In the Steps of the Master: Jesus and Landscape.
Let’s face it, you need a very big man to follow Elvis Presley, and Paul Francis certainly is! Standing at an impressive 6’ 5”, ladies would describe him as a ‘hunk of burning love…
Fast-paced comedy magic.
Rising to the Life Immortal: Organ Music for Easter and Ascension.
Fast-paced comedy magic.
Edinburgh Renaissance Band’s New Frontiers.
A wonderful and varied selection of concert band music from 40 musicians featuring music from stage and screen! A free concert with donations to support Edinburgh Direct Aid.
From his years as the visionary in Simon and Garfunkel through to his many solo hits, journey through one of the greatest back catalogues of all time.
Social media star Paul Black returns to the Fringe this year with his new stand-up show, Nostalgia, a look back into his childhood as a gay wee boy growing up in Glasgow as the son…
Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote some of the finest songs for a golden age of musical theatre.
The music that filled the dance halls during the Big Band era is brought to life again by The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK with the Glenn Miller and Big Band Spectacular.
A stand-up comedy show in BSL by the funniest deaf actor in the world, David Sands (aka Chris Baker from Small World). Come and laugh with… or at… David Sands.
Andy Williams was one of the world’s greatest light music entertainers and, in celebration of his legacy, Paul performs many of Andy’s biggest hits.
Join comedian and writer David Baddiel for an informal and unscripted audience Q&A exploring ideas in his bestselling books Jews Don’t Count, and The God Desire.
Paul Merton’s infamous Impro Chums return to the Fringe after a four year hiatus and is warmly welcomed by the Pleasance Grand’s 750 seat capacity bursting at the seams.
Witness first-hand all of the glamour, passion, excitement and sheer electric atmosphere of the archetypal 1970s Bowie experience.
David Baddiel presents work-in-progress revivals of his smash-hit stand-up trilogy of ‘Not the.
Ace in the Whole is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell.
This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform an eclectic mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan, tango, etc.
Award-winning LBC presenter returns with a series of in-depth interviews featuring his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs and audience questions.
We’re delighted to be back with a new show featuring some of the greatest music from the big-band era.
It is genuinely difficult to keep track of all the wellness tips that you’re supposed to follow to have a healthy body and mind.
Inspired by 90s VHS horror board games, can you beat the Necromancer? ‘Scary, especially for the easily frightened.
Upbeat, hilarious magic with heart from fringe legend David Alnwick.
The amazing, strange-but-true story behind the weird stuff advertised in vintage American comics.
David nails losing parents, so you don’t have to.
Brand-new, non-verbal immersive comedy show, created by award-winning Belfast comedian and clownarchist, Paul Currie.
‘Oh my God.
The Northern Irish comic is back with a brand new show.
Wonderfully absurd stand-up from a fool’s thinking man.
Quirky, surreal, highly original stand-up.
All jokes.
David Baddiel presents work-in-progress revivals of his smash-hit stand-up trilogy of ‘Not the.
Come and revel in the earthy tones of this low member of the clarinet family.
David Ellis is a terrible Jew.
In his debut hour, David Ian attempts a huge feat: to answer the question that many gay men think about their entire lives.
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Two comedians.
24 different award-winning or nominated comedians perform their full shows, recorded for Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube. See FringeSpecials.com for listings.
Australian comedian David Quirk quit comedy in 2017.
The dishevelled prince of £10 eBay keyboards tries to make you feel alive with a new pageant of laughter, song and occasionally getting up from a chair.
Following a complete sell-out, extended national tour, star of global hit Live Innit, Taskmaster and the first British-Asian stand-up to sell-out London’s Wembley Arena returns to …
A Christmas Carol meets It’s A Wonderful Life meets.
Join comedian and writer David Baddiel for an informal and unscripted audience Q&A exploring ideas in his bestselling books Jews Don’t Count, and The God Desire.
Jack’s love of Bowie is the jumping off point for an hour of comedy about his teenage years, first love, hedonism, families, AI, culture wars, mortality and why you should always m…
Acclaimed comedian, daytime TV star and global TikTok sensation, Paul Sinha is at least two of these.
Simon David brings Dead Dad Show to the Fringe this year and it is insane, an absolute piss-take, but also very emotional.
Wonderfully offbeat stand-up comedy from one of the UK circuit’s most distinctive and uniquely talented comedians.
Wonderfully absurd stand-up from a fool’s thinking man.
Do you love all things 1940s & 1950s? Do you love swing dance and Lindy Hop music? Then you don’t want to miss Miss Jean & The Ragtime Rewind Vintage Swing Band! Taking you on a jo…
Established in 2016, Ragtime Rewind Vintage Swing Band perform vintage music all over the country.
Milne Glendinning Band (MGB) is a cross genre trio featuring vocalist Debra Milne, with guitar maestro Stephen Glendinning, and Michael Clark on bass.
A cross genre trio featuring vocalist Debra Milne, guitar maestro Stephen Glendinning, and Michael Clark on bass.
In 2018, Simon’s late father performed a one man show about his imminent death to cancer.
Who Let Him In? Paul Merryck re-emerges from the Essex Swamplands with a new show telling a lot of stupid jokes and daft short stories, tenuously held together by the narrative th…
Who Let Him In? Paul Merryck re-emerges from the Essex Swamplands with a new show telling a lot of stupid jokes and daft short stories, tenuously held together by the narrative th…
David McIver (Chortle Student Comedy Award Entrant 2013) celebrates a decade of crushing gigs and raising the roof off of commercial venue spaces with a new hour of mildly mannered…
David McIver (Chortle Student Comedy Award Entrant 2013) celebrates a decade of crushing gigs and raising the roof off of commercial venue spaces with a new hour of mildly mannered…
‘Ace in the Whole’ is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell.
‘Ace in the Whole’ is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell.
Following a complete sell-out 2021 tour and 2022 extension, star of Taskmaster and global smash hit ‘Live Innit’, Paul Chowdhry brings his hit show ‘Fa…
If Fringe tickets are SOLD OUT visit www.
The legendary fireball of the cabaret apocalypse, David Hoyle, stares into the abyss of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in and says ‘there has to be a point to carrying…
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Paul Black's brand new show 'Nostalgia' follows on from the Glasgow-born comedian's debut Edinburgh Fringe run, which sold out in minutes.
Paul Smith is back with a brand new tour! ‘Joker’ is his biggest and funniest tour show to date in which the scouse funny man mixes his trade mark audience i…
Paul Smith is back with a brand new tour! ‘Joker’ is his biggest and funniest tour show to date in which the scouse funny man mixes his trade mark audience i…
Tamina was from Pakistan but living in London’s Notting Hill area during the 1950s, in the times before the decriminalisation of homosexuality came in 1967.
Fourteen-year-old David has just been punched in the face by his best friend.
Bonjour, bitch! Gorgeous girlie and monolingual comedian Simon David (“A hoot” - The Guardian) hosts a joyful 5 hour, cabaret spectacular featuring the best burlesque, drag, D…
David Ferguson: Nice Bum is a show for people who like a little tragedy with their comedy.
Wonderfully offbeat stand-up comedy from one of the UK circuit’s most distinctive and uniquely talented comedians.
What do you do when Ms Alzheimer’s – a hideous and befanged monster – comes to live with you? Local author and journalist, Susan Elkin, talks about her new book, …
For the first time in London, Paul Mirabel presents “Zebre” “Terribly funny” Telerama “The new sensation” Le Parisien
If you missed Esther Manito on Live at the Apollo, this is fantastic chance to see the Lebanese-British stand up in person.
A mixed-bill comedy, cabaret and variety show to celebrate the life of maverick producer David Johnson who died in 2020.
Celebrating 18 years at the Edinburgh Fringe, Scotland’s record breaking big swing band brings you a night of music and song from the golden age of Swing.
Scotland’s number-one Bublé tribute act, Michael Hastie, and record-breaking Scottish Big Band Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation invite you to a night full of seductive songs…
Glaswegian singer/songwriter with soaring vocals and unique lyrics.
What if your favourite characters didn’t quite like the way they were written? What if they decided enough was enough? When an unnamed author is found dead, his characters are br…
The Edinburgh Renaissance Band returns in 2022 with a live performance of their ever-popular Viol Rackett Show, our best-loved programme of instrumental music from the Middle Ages …
The music which filled dance halls during the big band era is brought to life again by The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK with the Glenn Miller and Big Band Spectacular.
Once more The Rising look forward to delivering the music of the Boss with passion and precision to Edinburgh Festival Fringe! Following previous festival sell-out shows, this seve…
In Every Corner Sing: The Choir of Old St Paul’s with Director of Music John Kitchen MBE, Edinburgh City Organist.
Cutting Edge Theatre: Hope Rises.
Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams is a solo acoustic concert showcasing many of Andy Williams’ greatest hits.
A Polish migrant, David Tasma, is dying from cancer in post-war London.
Even more fast-paced comedy magic from fringe legend David Alnwick.
Even more fast-paced comedy magic from fringe legend David Alnwick.
The brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform much-loved favourites from the musicals with their legendary skill and infectious enjoyment.
Join us on a tour through medieval and renaissance Europe, playing period instruments of every kind: cornetts, sackbuts, serpents, viols, rebecs, fiddle, violins, shawms, curtals, …
Sassy swing and jumping jazz! Enjoy an evening with the classics and more, from Basie, Miller and Nestico to Fitzgerald and Earth, Wind and Fire.
Sacred Arts Festival 2022 Opening Service High Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, celebrated in accordance with the Scottish Liturgy of 1970 in the beautiful setting of the hist…
Rarely off our screens and about to embark upon a 35-date Scottish tour of his new one-man play, Time’s Plague, Scottish acting’s national treasure revisits a highlight-strewn …
Award-winning LBC radio presenter and For the Many podcast host brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs back to the Fringe with these in-depth interviews featurin…
Born in the UK to Bengali doctors, the early 1990s saw Paul qualify as a doctor and take his first steps on the stand-up comedy circuit.
The America’s Got Talent winner brings his latest smash-hit show to Edinburgh for the first time.
Time to relax and listen to classical music in this beautiful historic church.
Even more fast-paced comedy magic from fringe legend David Alnwick.
Caliban needs to leave Liverpool and get back to London.
Returning after a sell-out 2018 show, Tenement Jazz Band continue their exploration of the roots of jazz, ragtime and blues.
Caliban needs to leave Liverpool and get back to London.
New Show for 2022.
Fringe legend David Alnwick performs his favourite tricks.
Paul Richards literally can’t stop drumming; he’s performed all over the world, from huge gigs in China to grotty working men’s clubs, posh corporate gigs to the whole of the UK to…
Even more fast-paced comedy magic from fringe legend David Alnwick.
Paul Savage wanted to do a fun, silly show but shows about trauma win awards.
It is difficult to work out exactly who this play is for.
BBD Productions return to the Fringe with Big Band Does… Broadway after their five-star sell-out run in 2019.
Witness first–hand all of the glamour, passion, excitement and sheer electric atmosphere of the archetypal 1970s Bowie experience.
Father-son stand-up comics Paul and Paul wish life was more like television and they had the power to rewrite and recast the characters in their lives.
Writer and performer Paul Black brings his theatre show Self-Care Era to the Fringe for the first time.
It’s four years since George Steeves brought his Magic 8 Ball show to Edinburgh, winning the heart and mind of at least this reviewer with such an honest, bold theatrical collage…
Tired of the goose? Swan Power is here.
Paul Sinha is probably best known as one of Bradley Walsh’s TV team of ‘Chasers’: a characterful crew of six champion quizzers whose aim is to stop four plucky hopefuls getti…
The continuing story of PD’s perpetually interrupted life.
David nails losing parents, so you don’t have to (NB you’ll still have to).
A brand-new show from the grand master of Dada nonsense that will endeavour to kick both the stigma of mental health and the patriarchy right in the non-binaries! Hold onto your re…
Under Covid, every day is like Groundhog Day.
A hilarious new stand-up show from the star of Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Impractical Jokers UK and Stand Up Central.
High-octane character comedy from one of the UK’s foremost TV sketch comedians, as seen in the BAFTA-winning series Horrible Histories, Class Dismissed and People Just Do Nothing…
Join New Zealand’s fastest comedian (5km and 10km) for an enchanting afternoon In the Moonlight.
There’s significant anger in One of Two; a sense of injustice felt by a young man whose experience of the not-so-subtle cruelties and discrimination endured by disabled people is…
Here he comes, trotting back onstage with all of the misplaced confidence of a waiter with no pad.
According to The Stage’s recently departed Scotland editor, Thom Dibden, comedy first overtook theatre as the largest proportion of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s programme du…
This is an engaging exploration of the friendship of two of the most iconic British Prime Ministers of all time.
It must be a baker’s dozen years since Scottish author, playwright and performer Alan Bissett first introduced us to Moira Bell, his much-loved tribute to the hard-working, hard-…
Simon David belongs to the most toxic, self-destructive (and annoying!) demographic there is: the white gay.
Playwright/director James Ley first gained some attention as a co-producer and writer of Leith-based The Village Pub Theatre, which provided performing space to a fresh band of act…
Do you love all things 1940s & 1950s? Do you love swing dance and Lindy Hop music? Then you don’t want to miss Miss Jean & The Ragtime Rewind Vintage Swing Band! Taking you on a jo…
Eccentric, scandalous, provocative, exuberant, and funny as ever, Jean Paul Gaultier is set to shake up London this summer when his stunning creation, Fashion Freak Show - 50 years…
Maverick comedian Fool F Taylor returns .
Maverick comedian Fool F Taylor returns .
Our Jubilee Bank Holiday Friday special! For the first time live on stage in Vauxhall in too many years, Eagle London is proud to present LIVE on stage, the one and only David Dale…
LET’S KEEP DANCING!Big Band Burlesque bring a show led by beautiful Belle de Beauvoir and belligerent Beatrix Valhalla.
LET’S KEEP DANCING! Big Band Burlesque bring a show led by beautiful Belle de Beauvoir and belligerent Beatrix Valhalla.
The legendary fireball of the cabaret apocalypse, David Hoyle, stares into the abyss of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in and says ‘there has to be a point to carrying…
The legendary fireball of the cabaret apocalypse, David Hoyle, stares in to the abyss of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in and says ‘there has to be a point to carryin…
“Brilliant”, “amazing”, “fantastic”.
“Brilliant”, “amazing”, “fantastic”.
Simon David belongs to the most toxic, self-destructive (and annoying!) demographic there is: the white gay.
Simon David (“A hoot”, The Guardian) belongs to the most toxic, self-destructive and, frankly, annoying demographic there is: the white gay.
The big band is back at the Spiegeltent for their 6th season at the Fringe.
Brighton Jazz Mafia big band combine with Swing Patrol dancers for a Lindy Hop dance spectacular.
Ivor B Gurney and Marion M Scott had a very special friendship.
A celebration of the friendship between the First World War poet and composer, Ivor Gurney, and violinist, musicologist and champion of women musicians, Marion Scott.
New material from the blogging comic.
New material from the blogging comic.
Come and enjoy a late night comedy and drinking session at The Caxton Arms with the legendary Essex life-coach, philosopher and comedian, Paul Merryck, and some of his boozier mate…
He’s survived another year and he’s back! For the fourth year running (he even did a show in 2020), it’s the Brighton Fringe gig that is fast becoming a very dodgy institution.
Simon David invites YOU to the live recording of his horrible DEBUT ALBUM From tender ballads (Daddy I Wanna Dance & Shitting On A Dick) to crowd favourites (Straggot, Why…
The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show.
Sir David Suchet makes his eagerly awaited return to the West End in POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE this New Year.
This show was originally scheduled for 21 November 2020 The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show.
Ladies, Gaydies, Theydies, straight people who can take a joke Fashionista, and musical comedian, Simon David is back at The Glory trying out some horrible new songs LIVE! Fro…
The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show.
Performing live on stage - Paul Middleton at 8pmTicket link
The music that filled the dancehalls during the Big Band era is brought to life again by The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK.
DAVID HOYLE: REBELLION Out of the darkness and loneliness of life in lock-down David Hoyle returns to the stage lights of his beloved RVT to create an opportunity for healing,…
Romancero Books with the support of the Office for Cultural and Scientific Affairs of the Spanish Embassy in London presents the Festival of Queer Spanish Literature in London…
A lot has changed for Paul in recent years.
DAVID HOYLE: REBELLION Out of the darkness and loneliness of life in lock-down David Hoyle returns to the stage lights of his beloved RVT to create an opportunity for healing,…
Simon David (A hoot - The Guardian) belongs to the most toxic, self-destructive and, frankly, annoying demographic there is: the white gay.
Farmers-turned-entertainers David & Sam are ploughing up to George Square with their rambunctious family comedy, littered with the absolute best showmanship they can muster.
Scotland’s number one Bublé tribute act, Michael Hastie, invites you to a night full of seductive songs and big band classics in a fabulous tribute to the Canadian Crooner and t…
Hop, bounce, jump, wave and sing! Percussion, music, laughter and balloons with Verona’s Musical Balloon Band.
Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and stand-up, Paul Dennis brings his music and comedy together for the first time.
Paul Black's Fringe debut had a lot to live up to.
So far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him.
60 minutes, 12 notes and three idiots.
After an outstanding premiere at VAULT Festival 2020, farmers-turned-entertainers David and Sam are ploughing across to Islington with their rambunctious family comedy, littered wi…
Come immerse yourself in the steamy hot waters of TEET as Paul Currie dissolves, froths and fizzes all around you.
A ghost story told with magic.
In between lockdowns, two masked up American comics met at a Camden gig, bonding over their expat status and comedy.
In between lockdowns, two masked up American comics met at a Camden gig, bonding over their expat status and comedy.
In between lockdowns, two masked up American comics met at a Camden gig, bonding over their expat status and comedy.
You will need a group of 2-5 detectives, internet access on your phone, your brain and your legs! We’ll provide the specialist kit.
A unique opportunity to enjoy this award winning, ever popular Early Music group, who have performed at every Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 1973.
You’re invited to celebrate Annabelle’s 10th birthday, hosted by everyone’s favourite MP candidate, Janet Crumb! (Almost) everyone is welcome… that is, everyone apart from …
2020 sees The Blues Band Celebrate their 40th year together Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher.
Straight No Chaser big band combine with Swing Patrol dancers for a Lindy Hop dance spectacular.
Shelf are a musical comedy double act.
Come and enjoy a late night comedy and drinking session at The Caxton Arms with the legendary Essex life-coach, philosopher and comedian, Paul Merryck, and some of his boozier mate…
Come and enjoy a late night comedy and drinking session at The Caxton Arms with the legendary Essex life-coach, philosopher and comedian, Paul Merryck, and some of his boozier mate…
Sara Segovia Rodao and Lachlan Werner are cuties by nature, cancers by astrological sign and clowns by trade.
In this new show, singer-songwriter Gary Edward Jones not only recites the music of one of his idols but also tells the unique story of Paul Simon combining visuals, stage design a…
In this new show, singer-songwriter Gary Edward Jones not only recites the music of one of his idols but also tells the unique story of Paul Simon combining visuals, stage design a…
Tl;dr: Two female comedians debut their 30 minute solo shows on one bill.
In between lockdowns, two masked up American comics met at a Camden gig, bonding over their expat status and comedy.
New material from the newly-40-year-old comic.
New material from the newly-40-year-old comic.
The burst of applause did not mark the end of the performance.
Nadia is a veteran journalist of The Balkan and Iraq wars.
The legendary fireball of the cabaret apocalypse, David Hoyle, stares in to the abyss of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in and says ‘there has to be a point to carryin…
Drag Bingo is BACK at the 2 Brewers and this time, it’s permanent!Pulling your balls is the ever wonderful Topsie Redfern with her right hand man, David Robson over on sound and vi…
Simon David (“A hoot”, The Guardian) belongs to the most toxic, self-destructive and, frankly, annoying demographic there is: the white gay.
‘Finneys Ghost’ is a a ghost story and maybe a love story told through the photographs left by a dead boy.
‘Finneys Ghost’ is a a ghost story and maybe a love story told through the photographs left by a dead boy.
Friday 14th May 2021, 8pm (doors open at 7.
Je m’appelle Paul, je suis Anglais et j’habite en France.
This event was rescheduled from Fri 01 May 2020 OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS PRESENTSPAUL McCAFFREY: LEMONAs seen on Live At The Apollo.
Please note due to recent Government guidance changes, all HCBB sessions this term starting Jan 2021 will be held online in a 1 to 1 format.
The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show.
The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show.
Two hours of big band hits to make your weekend go with a swing from Scotland’s record-breaking big band, Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation.
A showcase of musical performances from British Army Musicians presented by Lance Sergeant (LSgt) Connor Deacon and Lance Corporal (LCpl) Andee Birkett, two current serving members…
This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform much-loved favourites from the musicals with their legendary skill and infectious enjoyment.
Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.
‘Infectious fun’ ***** (FringeReview.
UK premiere: from his years as the visionary in one of the most successful duos through to his many solo hits, travel through one of the greatest back catalogues of all time.
A hilarious new stand-up show from the star of Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Impractical Jokers UK and Stand Up Central.
Tired of the goose? Swan Power is here.
Here he comes again, trotting on to the stage with all of the misplaced confidence of a waiter with no pad.
After an outstanding premiere at VAULT 2020, farmers-turned-entertainers David and Sam are ploughing up to Bristo Square with their rambunctious comedy spectacular decorated with t…
Je m’appelle Paul, je suis Anglais et j’habite en France.
A lot has changed for Paul in recent years.
Carrying David, which is the dramatic story of how David McCrory inspired his bother Glenn to become the cruiserweight champion of the world, will play the Canal Cafe Theatre in Li…
Twice grammy award winner Albert Lee with his band continues to delight audiences with his unique guitar style and soulful voice, delivering a great mixture of Roc…
Twice grammy award winner Albert Lee with his band continues to delight audiences with his unique guitar style and soulful voice, delivering a great mixture of Roc…
PAUL MERTON & SUKI WEBSTER’S IMPRO NIGHT Paul Merton and Suki Webster present a night of fast, and fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laug…
“It’s about us—together,” explain Jake Jarratt and Cameron Sharp, in their new play in which two drama students – straight “Jake”, gay “Cameron” – end up trying…
Mrs Puntila and her Man Matti is that relatively rare thing for the Royal Lyceum Theatre—a star vehicle, rather than an ensemble production, that happens to have two audience fav…
Edinburgh’s Traverse has long-championed new drama—indeed, the venue’s self-description is the simple goal of being “Scotland’s new writing theatre”.
Join us, farmers, David and Sam, under the watchful eye of our rumbustious Gran, as we courteously portray to you our untold and epic adventures right here at VAULT Festival, in th…
Two distinguished musicians – violinist Krysia Osostowicz (Dante Quartet) and cellist David Waterman (Endellion Quartet) – bring their own interpretation to Bach’s profound wor…
PAUL MERTON & SUKI WEBSTER’S IMPRO NIGHT Paul Merton and Suki Webster present a night of fast, and fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laug…
Many Scots first experience of comics is likely to be two series published by Dundee-based D C Thomson in their long-running newspaper, The Sunday Post.
Following the huge success of the first season of Sunday Favourites at The Other Palace, Lambert Jackson are thrilled to return with another star-filled line-up of intimate West En…
The ALBUMS SHOW is BACK!TWO more classic Billy Joel albums performed in their entirety… in ONE sensational show.
“We do not live in the back of beyond, we live in the very heart of beyond,” argues Roman Stornoway, a struggling musician and the central protagonist in Kevin MacNeil’s thea…
I well remember when Jenni Fagan’s explosive debut, The Panopticon, first appeared in 2013.
Having this year reached the notable landmark of their 500th new production, the team behind the award-winning lunchtime theatre phenomenon that is “A Play, A Pie and a Pint” i…
Wendy showcases new material from her forthcoming album, featuring her powerful, siren-like voice (the mystical creatures that lured sailors to their death, not a police siren!), c…
Fresh from his recent successful tour, Scotland’s number one Bublé tribute act, Michael Hastie invites you to a night full of seductive songs and big band classics in a fabulous…
The creator of Freaks and Geeks and director of Bridesmaids brings his perspective on the global television and film landscape in this special one-off event.
We will be picking the very best charts from our vast library to celebrate the golden age of the big bands.
Returning to the Fringe for its fifth year, Inverkeithing Community Big Band promises an incredible evening of exciting jazz and toe-tapping swing from Ellington, Basie and many mo…
Live, original band as seen at The London Palladium with seven critically acclaimed, original albums and over 2,000 live shows.
Cora is at the festival to see her ex-boyfriend perform.
Come and join Bessy and friends in their new lunchtime chamber music concerts for children! Bring along your own picnic and munch your lunch as Bessy and friends serenade you in ou…
If you have ever wondered how contemporary dance choreography is created (as opposed to classical ballet) this fascinating show, CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s Body Language directed …
BBD Productions make their debut at the Fringe with Big Band Does… Broadway.
Chameleon Lady are the latest big noise from Edinburgh with their exciting brand of semi-acoustic pop.
Music of great halls, cathedrals and servants’ quarters is brought to life by the group who have been delighting Fringe audiences since 1973.
Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic Anglican Catholic church directed by Dr John Kitchen.
Fresh from touring The Benny Lynch Story, completing the film comedy Fisherman’s Friends, and playing Private Frazer in the remake of the lost episodes of Dad’s Army (and a few…
Newtongrange Silver Band is a traditional mining village brass band based on the outskirts of Edinburgh, but their repertoire is far from traditional.
Following his first national tour in 2018, which saw him go from circuit act to one of the biggest selling names in UK stand-up in less than a year, Paul Smith returns w…
Misha Rachlevsky and the multi award-winning Russian String Orchestra return for seven special evening concerts, each totally different, showcasing major works from the 18th centur…
An unmissable evening with Edinburgh’s incredible swing, jazz and blues big bands on rotation every Thursday night.
Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.
The magic of David Attenborough live on stage! A blue whale swims through the ocean depths.
Time to relax and listen to classical music in this beautiful historic church just off the Royal Mile.
For the 16th year, this brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform their world music mix with virtuoso skill and infectious enjoyment.
Back at the Fringe again after a gap of a few years for another trip down memory lane.
Tenement Jazz Band return to continue their exploration of the roots of jazz, from ragtime through to the jazz age.
Join David Rudolf, defence attorney for Michael Peterson in the hit Netflix documentary series The Staircase, for an evening of discussion into the intimate details of the case and…
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with renowned choir and organ directed by John Kitchen.
Whether it’s because Hollywood has force-fed us with them for decades, or simply because the concerns of teenage life are pretty universal across most of the Western world, we’…
Character comedian David McIver’s Teleport takes us on a deliciously low-budget, self-deprecating, dynamic quest through the online fantasy character games he used to play as a c…
I have absolutely nothing but admiration to the performers of Recirquel Company Budapest, given that some of their number must have spent their entire lives training their lean, mu…
Let's be honest here: I've never particularly liked clowns.
Sean expects a quiet night alone in the pub, but Lisa catches his eye.
Paul Savage is no stranger to shame.
When you are given a class project of Flat Stanley who better than your stand-up comedian Uncle Dave to do it for you.
Paul Currie is bringing his sell out 2014/2015 award-winning masterpiece back to Edinburgh.
Paul Zenon is one of the UK’s most beloved and sought-after magicians – a veteran of TV shows, corporate events, and high end cabaret, as well as becoming a regular guest on th…
David Kilimnick puts on his rabbi hat and brings the rabbinical mind to the stage as he expresses his irreverence for what is wrong.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has, for many years, produced and maintained a “Red List” of species which are either already extinct or in danger of bei…
There are two challenges at the heart of Fox-tot!, a new work from composer Lliam Paterson and director Roxana Haines for Scottish Opera.
It’s the ruby anniversary of Madness and Paul Putner celebrates the past 40 years as a lifelong fan.
As a reviewer, there are several situations that I normally hope to avoid while covering the Fringe: it may surprise you, given that essentially I’m here to force my opinion on you…
A new stand-up show from David Callaghan.
There appears, these days, to be an almost apologetic desire among directors and producers to find ways of presenting traditional circus acrobatics and high-wire acts with some add…
James Barr is single.
Clean your heads, strap yourselves in for the brilliant new show from ‘cryingly funny’ (Bath Chronicle) 2019 Musical Comedy Awards finalist, as seen on BBC One, ITV, Channel 4, Par…
In the last couple of years, Paul McCaffrey has performed to over half a million people while supporting his comedy heroes Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges on their UK tours, and has go…
Paul, now a fully-disqualified swan psychologist, delves deeper to discover the origins of the gay sperms and once again unleashes his bag of Disturbances.
Disappear down the rabbit hole of a fool’s mind.
As might be expected, the environment – specifically, the “environmental emergency” we currently face – is one of the more notable themes running through this year’s Frin…
It’s a fact of life that any standup on the Fringe who is neither white nor straight is likely required to spend at least part of their show addressing it.
Genders and non-genders, come plunge your human meat gloves into this zeitgeist pavlova as you gently take each other delicately by the frontal cortex and we all ascend into the sp…
David Kay, one of the hidden gems of the Scottish comedy circuit, laconic, quirky, surreal, unexpected and awesome.
Paul Foxcroft is back with his first second show! A new hour that combines stand-up, sketch, character comedy and almost certainly improvisation.
David Tieck is a big absurdist, idiotic, teddy-bear type person.
Wild man of the accordion, Sandy Brechin, launches a brand new show of fast and funky traditional tune sets, featuring amazing new compositions from the long-awaited forthcoming th…
I have a slight confession of bias.
Thus far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him.
There are lots of words you can use to describe Jon Long, purveyor of clever gags and witty songs.
It may be because of the stage productions and films which I saw growing up, but my innate and core expectation about musical theatre is that it tends to be on the big size, if not…
Benson shares his fascination with the infamous plot to murder Lord Liverpool’s entire cabinet and the grisly aftermath on the gallows at Newgate.
Biographical performances like LipSync, produced by Cumbernauld Theatre as part of their Invited Guest project, don't always have some obvious, political point to make; they…
"I could be one of the Boys," New Zealander Chris Parker sings ecstatically at the start of Camp Binch, wearing a shirt and leggings echoing Elaine Stritch's iconic o…
Leo Kearse isn't, by his own admission, a 'woke' comedian.
In a festival where comedians eager to share their personal histories, foibles and perspectives on the world can oft seem ten-a-penny, it makes a pleasant change of pace to spend a…
Apparently, Richard Stott got into comedy “for all the wrong reasons”; at least, that’s what the aforementioned Richard Stott says.
Pathetic Fallacy, at heart, has a Unique Selling Point—the show’s creator, Anita Rochon, isn’t actually in Edinburgh.
What makes a home? It’s one of a number of questions that Victor Esses asks of audience members as they come in, taping their responses for use later on in his show.
Baby Wants Candy has become almost as much a staple of the Fringe as being slapped in the face with flyers on the Royal Mile.
There’s only one person who could compel people from their homes on a day when the rain is coming down in sheets and thunder crashes less than three Mississippi’s away.
For All I Care is, first and foremost, the story of two women.
"Poor Fellow.
Tales of woe, tales of science, tales of curses, tales of defiance.
Her name is Lila, and she’s a proud Blackfoot woman, she tells us.
You’ll learn two things from Aaron Simmonds’ Disabled Coconut.
Bystanders begins with staging reminiscent of a police detective’s office – plain desks, a few chairs, and piles of boxes full of paperwork and evidence.
Focus people! Shit’s about to get real.
It takes a certain bravery, or innocence, to name your debut full-hour show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Don’t Bother.
"It looks nice.
Liam Malone, it’s fair to say, is not backwards at coming forwards.
Titania McGrath may just be a young Kensington girl with a modest Trust Fund and a thirst for social justice, but she’s in Edinburgh to make a difference, and inspire us common peo…
Ryan Calais Cameron’s powerful new work plays with the meanings of its title in many ways: our central, point-of-view character has the “distinctive qualities of a particular t…
Paul, now a fully-disqualified swan psychologist, delves deeper to discover the origins of the gay sperms and once again unleashes his bag of Disturbances.
Paul returns to the Great Yorkshire Fringe with a preview of his upcoming Edinburgh Festival show.
A mixture of best bits and new material for Paul's next touring show about the life-changing effect a couple of drinks can have.
At first glance, The Ugly One looks somewhat clinical.
Agatha Christie’s The Rats - one of her perplexing shorter plays in all its intrigue and deceit.
First, let’s get the biggest disappointment out of the way first: Them!, a joint production between the National Theatre of Scotland, writer Pamela Carter and director Stewart La…
Band Of Horses have been a mainstay of indie rock for a decade, with five studio albums, including the Grammy-nominated Infinite Arms, to their name.
Jim Brown's Sea Changes is a play that delightfully and unashamedly embraces the info-dump, to the extent of having most of its characters directly introduce themselves to the …
Curious Shoes is a show that's unashamedly dominated by the perceived needs of its target audience, people living with dementia, and those who care and support them.
The first British tribute band performing the classic songs of Don Williams.
We are SUPER CUMBIA PARTY BAND, a superhero ensemble with an important mission: to remove the sorrow from planet Earth.
Arguably a surprise word-of-mouth hit during the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this physical-theatre exploration of a mass hostage-taking returns to the Scottish capital with - t…
It's appropriate that this particular production within the 2019 Edinburgh International Children's Festival is the only one slotted into the schedule for the Netherbow sta…
I have a confession: I’d never previously heard of Erich Kästner's 1929 novel, Emil and the Detectives; It just wasn't a part of my childhood.
Canadian stand-up comic David Tsonos has been auditioning for acting roles for 20 years.
From the age of sieges and chivalry comes a show about medieval love, adrenaline junkies and an insane quest for glory.
Fireball of the cabaret apocalypse, avantguardian, all singing, all raging wonder.
BA Theatre Arts at GBMet.
A new stand-up show from Comedian David Callaghan.
There's little doubt that The Duchess of Malfi has become the most popular and successful work written by the English Jacobean playwright John Webster.
Three, as the song goes, is a magic number.
Super Human Heroes from theatre group The Letter J (in association with Paisley Arts Centre) has a simple message: We all need to do our little bit to help make the world a better …
Canadian comedy veteran David Tsonos has had pet cats for the last 20 years, from the early days of Mittens to his new cat Mitzy, come watch him as he deals with problems of adopti…
Politics, celebrity, the media, technology, our 24-hour reality television cartoon dystopia.
Paul Cox has been cutting his teeth on the London and UK comedy circuit since 2015.
The daily blogging comic presents a work in progress for his new show.
Following its sell-out run at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2018, Paul Bunyan will receive its first revival at Alexandra Palace Theatre this May.
The first one-man show from one of the most original and outrageous character acts on the UK circuit.
There’s something reassuringly "classy" about this production of Patrick Marber's The Red Lion, now touring Scotland for the first time courtesy of Glasgow-based Ra…
The debut stand-up hour from the multi award-winning co-writer of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’.
One of The Guardian’s Best Shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018.
Come! Escape into the Kingdoms of Ashgorn, where you can level up, complete quests, defeat monsters and watch a very cheeky young man doing some really stupid character comedy.
Following on from their successful visits with The Nutcracker and Storyteller Storyteller, StoryPocket return with David Baddiel’s ANiMALCOLM the Musical.
For the uninitiated, Massaoke is a huge sing-along party with a brilliant live band, where everyone sings together guided by giant video lyrics, and the crowd is the star of the sh…
Fleetwood Bac, the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, are bringing their authentic sound and look to the stage as they perform some of the band’s greate…
Come and see the comedy powerhouse Paul Chowdhry - star of Taskmaster, Live at The Apollo and Wembley Arena Sell Out.
Come and see the stand-up comedy powerhouse & star of Taskmaster and Live at The Apollo.
When Noel Coward warned a certain Mrs Worthington against putting her daughter on the stage, it's highly likely that he didn't have Matilda The Musical in mind at the time.
It’s seldom fun to leave a venue thinking: "Well, that's an hour of my life I'm never getting back.
The sketch show can be a difficult beast to tame.
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band are well known in the brass band world.
This is a Spoiler.
When Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre announced that they were producing a stage musical based on the iconic 1983 Scottish film Local Hero, I must admit to wondering if it was …
In drama, an audience can either be ahead of what the characters know, or behind them, catching up; each approach has its dramatic advantages and disadvantages, but what is needed …
A Larger than life show from a Larger than life Band.
Paul Carrack, one of the most revered voices in music and a figurehead of soulful pop for decades, will return to the delight his legions of admirers with the new album ‘Thes…
“The music I listened to between the ages of 11 and 21 probably affected by life more than pretty much anything else.
Paul McCaffrey has recently appeared on major UK tours with two of Britain’s foremost stand ups, Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges – playing to more than half…
How Many Tears in a Bottle of Gin?Trust me, this job is the shit Paul Currie - Trufficle MuskSurreal Python comedy with the twisted nonsensical sequiturs of Dadaism &nbs…
Greetings.
Greetings.
Unhook your mindbras.
As Brexit screeches towards a nightmare climax that not even the Prime Minister can predict, the REMAINIACS podcast crew return for an evening of high-end Brexit talk an…
With their brand new stage show 50 Years of Bowie, Absolute Bowie will take audiences on a musical journey through the iconic singer's ever changing personas.
When Jo Clifford ("proud father and grandmother") first performed her play, The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven, at Glasgow's Tron Theatre, it attracted bo…
Take That are proud to present their new musical with a beautiful story written by the Olivier Award winning writer Tim Firth, The Band which is for anyone who grew up with a boyba…
It's said that Edinburgh is a city, the size of a town, that feels like a village; or, in other words, the Scottish capital is sufficiently small and compact that you don't…
What makes a "traditional" pantomime? It's certainly not just a case of blowing the dust off a 1970s panto script and hoping for the best; here, the Brunton’s now r…
Following on from his highly-acclaimed reunion concerts in the USA with Billy Joel’s original touring band and now in its fifth, hugely-successful year, Elio Pace …
The Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan.
Apollo Theatre Company in association with Spike Milligan Productions Ltd presentsThe Goon Show featuring Lance Ellington and his BandBy Spike MilliganFrom the producers…
Bestseller Sam Blake brings you some of the strongest new voices in crime fiction and finds out just how they did it.
Southern-rock phenomenon Zac Brown Band and Grammy-nominated Californian vocalist Beth Hart are the latest acts to be announced for this year’s BluesFest, which returns to Th…
Award-winning singer songwriter David Gibb returns with a brand new musical show for families and children, after sold out performances in 2017.
The works by French poet and playwright Edmond Rostand, just one of the victims of the influenza pandemic which swept the world in 1918, are today largely forgotten; the one except…
Watching Clare Duffy's one-act play "Arctic Oil", a particular phrase kept coming back to me: that mantra of 1960s' student protests and second-wave feminism, &qu…
An hour of sensational Improvised Comedy.
Across four limitless, unplanned evenings of hilarity, protest and misrule, cabaret terrorist and avantguardian David Hoyle RETURNS, supercharged and offroad, to the R…
Stand-up comedian and star of Arrested Development and Mr.
Following the huge success of Michael’s previous visits to The U.
Jean Genie are the ultimate tribute to David Bowie, fronted by John Manwaring and his band, expect a 2 hour show packed with all the hits from the Ziggy and White Duke e…
"Best leave history in the history books—get on with living.
Within a cluttered clearing in some woods that's neither town nor countryside and so somehow feels like nowhere, an unnamed Man (David McKay) sleeps the sleep of the just-finis…
It's just four years since Pitlochry Festival Theatre put on a production of Anne Downie's 1989 play The Yellow On The Broom, based on the autobiographical novel by Betsy W…
Michele Osten and the Not Just Jazz Band are delighted to be debuting at this year’s Fringe! The band, renowned for its vast repertoire covering everything from jazz standards to c…
Returning to the Fringe for its fourth year, Inverkeithing Community Big Band promises an afternoon of exciting jazz and swing.
Relive the era when swing was king, with classic instrumentals and laid-back vocals from Scotland’s popular record-breaking big swing band – everything from Basie to Bublé.
From Show Boat to Showman, there’s always Another Op’nin, Another Show about the sparkling self-obsessed world of musical theatre! And why not? Some of the best shows are all a…
‘Combined blistering pace with beautifully crafted melodies’ (BroadwayBaby.
Newtongrange Silver Band (established 1892) is a traditional mining village brass band but their repertoire is far from traditional.
The last word in Celtic Gypsy Klezmer.
Beautiful heart-wrenching songs, lively cello tunes and lots of laughter from Edinburgh’s own bubbly queen of folk Wendy Weatherby and her all-star band, featuring Fiona Cuthill on…
Eivind Ringstad ViolaDavid Meier Piano Tartini Sonata in G minor ‘Devil’s Trill’Schumann MarchenbilderPeder Barratt-Due Correspondances (world premiere)Franck Sonata in ASchu…
A bit of fun and a trip down memory lane.
A new stand-up show from David Callaghan.
End your Fringe day with relaxing classical music by candlelight in this beautiful historic church.
The music of great halls, cathedrals and servants’ quarters is brought to life by the group who have been delighting Fringe audiences since 1973.
Anna Phylactic and Ruth Cockburn come together to bring you a cabaret show about love and friendship, with a few history lessons along the way.
Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic Anglican Catholic church directed by Dr John Kitchen.
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with renowned choir and organ directed by John Kitchen.
The Edinburgh Renaissance Band are joined by Polyhymnia Dancers in the ever-popular Viol Rackett Show, our best-loved programme of music, song and dance from the Middle Ages to the…
Safe House are back for a fifth year playing their highly acclaimed Allmans Brothers set including classics from the Fillmore East album Whipping Post, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,…
Welcome to the big band era and beyond! The Sound of Seventeen is a jazz orchestra line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a four-piece rhythm section bringing you swing, ja…
Lonesome Highway are delighted to bring Sam back to Edinburgh with his wonderful band for their only Scottish show of the year.
A series of very special evening concerts which combine the wonderfully vibrant playing of the Herald Angel Award-winning Russian String Orchestra with the atmospheric and historic…
From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling.
Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.
Born in the UK to a family of Bengali doctors, the early 1990s saw Paul qualifying as a doctor and taking his first steps on the stand-up comedy circuit.
Last year, Chris was finally feeling happy and well-adjusted.
It’s hard to do good when everything’s falling apart.
Canadian comedy veteran David Tsonos returns with his sequel to his solo show 2015 Walking the Cat.
The wild man of Scottish accordion is back with his tip-top tunes, frighteningly fast fingering and hilarious hi-jinks and humour, accompanied by his groovin’ five-piece band.
New(ish) for 2018! Not featuring televised comedians or Fringe legends, just friendly unknowns being friendly.
Paper Dolls is advertised as a one-man show, but the person standing in front of us for the next hour isn't the show’s performer, writer, director and producer Shaun Nolan; r…
Look, it’s David McIver, the nicest little man in town giving it a good go with his debut hour of riffs, bits and skits.
Mark Thompson is quite clear about what his (modestly) titled Spectacular Show isn't: "It's not a science lecture," he insists.
The Traverse One stage looks more ready for a gig than a piece of theatre, but while music undoubtedly runs through the heart of Cora Bissett's latest, most autobiographical wo…
It seems that Cardiff-based Hijinx Theatre Company are happy to take risks.
Paul Currie is a disturbingly brilliant comic who plays his crowd like the conductor of an orchestra.
Feeling pressured by his success last year with The Elvis Dead, Rob Kemp returns with ten(!) shows stuck to a spinning wheel.
He doesn’t know it all but Silky can make up something plausible really quickly.
‘Five stars! Infectious fun’ (FringeReview.
This is the five-piece band’s second consecutive appearance at the Fringe.
August 1916, the great explorer Alexandra David-Néel has been in her hermitage cavern in the Himalayas for two and a half years, following the teachings of her guru, the Lama Gomc…
David Kay, one of the hidden gems of the Scottish comedy circuit, quirky, surreal, surprising and awesome.
What a difference a decade can make.
Tales of woe, tales of science, tales of curses, tales of defiance.
For anyone who thinks they don't make physical comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton any more, here's a word from the wise—which, in this context, essentially …
Tim Renkow insists he’s spent the last decade on the comedy circuit trying to find a social or racial group that he’s NOT able to insult, because that would mean – as a disab…
Do you struggle to fit in in an ever-changing world? Does the speed of change make you feel old before your time? Then you know how Paul feels.
From the age of sieges and chivalry comes a show about medieval love, adrenaline junkies and an insane quest for glory.
An interactive technological comedy adventure with comedian David Callaghan.
As seen on Ricky Gervais’ Derek, Sky’s Rovers and Channel 4’s Gittins.
"Life is a hideous thing," we're told by the lean figure of Simon Maeder, dressed for dinner and sitting in a leather armchair like some classic teller of ghost stori…
Paul Patin is a French actor/singer/dancer who has performed around the world with international companies for more than 10 years.
There are going to be two kinds of people who read this review: fans of Paul Foot, and people who are curious about Paul Foot.
Perhaps it is because of the multi-show venue, or just the financial realities of bringing any production to the Edinburgh Fringe nowadays, but Peter Darney’s production of Charl…
The 1991 holiday camp talent show winner, frontman of Best Hertfordshire Band 1998 and Most Promising Student 2002 pinpoints where things went wrong.
Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns with a work in progress.
The jig is up! Paul Williams is a quadruple threat – song, dance, comedy and opinion.
Wonderfully unexpected opportunities can occur at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; even more so at the 'Free' variety.
So what exactly IS the Trouble with Scott Capurro? Is it that this left-leaning liberal American (yes, he’s the one, apparently) seemingly talks without pausing for breath? (“Are y…
It was irresistible, I suppose: part way through Dan Freeman’s absurdist play A Joke, the acclaimed Scottish actor John Bett turns to his co-stars to start a joke with: "Doc…
Paul Foxcroft (Cariad and Paul, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show) is a professional improviser who, for some reason, has decided to script an hour’s show in defiance of his many years o…
“Welcome to Blackpool!” Cockburn beams as her audience files into Summerhall’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre.
David Mills is always well turned out: sharp-suited, finely tuned, sitting on his stool like some Easy Listening Singer from a bygone age.
Rik Carranza is a Star Trek fan.
It's obvious from the loud, excited audience in Assembly Studio 3 that London-based comedy theatre trio The Pretend Men – Nathan Parkinson, Zachary Hunt and Tom Rose – have…
Celebrating the friendship between composer and war poet, Ivor Gurney, and musician and first woman music critic, Marion Scott; written and performed by Jan Carey.
People Show have been producing work for more than 50 years which, given the self-indulgence of People Show 130 (or The Last Straw, to give its more Fringe-friendly title), is some…
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve.
This November happens to mark the 55th anniversary of the BBC broadcasting the first ever episode of Doctor Who, so it’s hardly surprising that several shows on this year’s Fringe …
Marmite: it’s the breakfast spread that we apparently love or hate, and the word has – in that way the English language often does – subsequently evolved far wider metaphoric…
Until relatively recently in Western society, children with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, or a wide range of neural and behavioural challenges, were either institutio…
Total sell-out 2015, 2016 and 2017! One of the best-known, longest-running and most celebrated improv shows in the world.
Tom Neenan has been a regular Fringe attraction for several years now, bringing a succession of one-man pastiches - Edwardian ghost story, Vaudeville Horror tale, 1950s British Sci…
To say that Paul Mayhew-Archer is not afraid to poke fun at himself would be the understatement of the last decade.
Erewhon: or, Over the Range is a fantasy novel by Samuel Butler which, first published anonymously in 1872, presented itself as the experiences of its narrator on discovering the m…
Malcolm doesn’t like animals, which is a problem because his family love them.
After last year’s sell-out run, Paul returns to Edinburgh with his life, seemingly, still bordering on disarray.
I'm sure that history will suggest otherwise but, after seeing George Steeves perform his one man show, I couldn't help but think that Stevie Wonder must have written his s…
If silent Hollywood star Buster Keaton is remembered for anything, it's his emotionless, mask-like expression; so the initial shock here is that this Buster speaks and smiles.
New Zealand’s David Correos has blown away audiences from Auckland to Adelaide, now he returns to Edinburgh with his debut solo show.
Unhook your mindbras.
After last year's sell-out show, Paul returns to the Great Yorkshire Fringe with his life, seemingly, still bordering on disarray.
An interactive technological comedy adventure with comedian David Callaghan.
Greetings.
Written by award-winning writer Tim Firth, The Band is a beautiful story for anyone who grew up with a boyband and how those songs became the soundtrack of their lives.
Leading US Humorist, David Sedaris, is coming to London for his 2018 UK tour supporting the release of his book of essays ‘Calypso’.
"Grow up, mature, and come back when you have something to contribute!" It's not the most sympathetic way to address a young audience; nevertheless, it succinctly sho…
Part of the inherent challenge for Noel Jordan and the Imaginate team when putting together their annual Edinburgh International Children's Festival is their very diverse poten…
Fairy tales survive because they can be constantly retold, uncovering new depths and relevancies to the world today.
Andy Manley is undoubtedly one of the treasures of Scotland’s current theatrical landscape, all the more so given his seemingly innate (but presumably hard-learned) skill in hold…
Do you struggle to fit in in an ever-changing world? Does the speed of change make you feel old before your time? Then you know how Paul feels.
Comedian David Callaghan brings his newest interactive technological comedy adventure.
Straight No Chaser big band combine with Swing Patrol dancers for a Lindy Hop dance spectacular.
By popular demand! Original musical journey from 400 AD Boerthelm’s Tun to present day Bom-Bane’s, with portraits of all the colourful inhabitants along the way.
Paul Savage spent last year trying to be better.
Post-drag, post-gender, impossible to beat, performance avalanche and avant-garde legend ‘David Hoyle’ returns for unmissable evening of high comedy, sound, vision, paint and song.
For the first time ever in the UK…TWO classic Billy Joel albums performed in their entirety… in ONE sensational show.
Step right down for a debauched carnie cabaret within tent, hosted by magic roustabout and snake-oil peddler Paul Zenon, TV trickster and longtime ‘La Clique’ ringmaster.
The daily-blogging comic presents a work in progress for his new show.
Bringing us four short scenes, Puck’s Players – consisting of Bill Poulton, Phillip Lee and Aaron Thaddeus Lee – were able to exhibit outstanding versatility as performers, d…
Wow, it’s time for the debut hour of comedy from hot ticket and nice friend David McIver! That’s right girls and boys, your special little man is all grown up and raring to do some…
Focus people! Stand-up comic David Mills is back with another free hour of sharp and hilarious rants.
August Strindberg apparently subtitled his play Creditors (in Swedish: Fordringsäxgare) a “tragicomedy” but, while David Greig’s 2008 adaptation does indeed contain a few de…
Sometimes, when it comes to suspending our disbelief, we just have to go with the flow.
“In my day, we trusted people.
A road movie, according to Wikipedia, is “a film genre in which the main characters leave home on a road trip,” during which “the hero changes, grows or improves over the cou…
Are you ready to be part of Justin’s Band? Because BAFTA Award-winning actor Justin Fletcher is going on a Musical Adventure and we would love you to come and play along wi…
Direct from Paris, multi-award-winning magician David Stone presents his unique brand of comedy & illusion live in Leicester Square.
If theatre is home to lies that impart truths, then this Actors Touring Company’s production of Roland Schimmelpfennig’s Winter Solstice (translated by David Tushingham) makes …
Make Believe - children’s songs for grown-ups! Like the lovechild of Noni Hazelhurst and your loveable drunk uncle, kid’s entertainer David Salter slurs his way through a songbo…
“It’s sweat on your brow that gives life meaning,” says one of the supporting characters in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, and it’s fair to say that, on occasions, there’s a …
The 2016 smash hit improv musical returns to Adelaide! Total sell-out Edinburgh Fringe 2015, 2016, 2017.
Peter Combe is back with the fast furious and fabulous Juicy Juicy Green Band with songs from his latest ARIA nominated LIve It Up album plus the old favs.
Ever wondered what wine goes best with Fairy Bread? Why hasn’t the ‘Champagne Spider’ caught on? These questions and many more will be inadequately answered by the self-sty…
Terry Who? (Final Touch/Gen XYZ) performs a tribute to the fantastic works of Sir Paul McCartney (Singer/Songwriter, Beatle, Trainee Bass Player, Trainee Piano Player, multi-lingua…
An evening of rapturous dark jazz alternative music from renown artist Jennifer DeGrassi and her band .
Billy T Award winner David Correos has developed a reputation for delivering full noise, powerful, messy comedy defying genre and labels.
Adelaide’s 2016 Award Winner and 5 Star performer returns to show you why he is widely regarded as one of the funniest magicians on the planet! Dressed to impress and with more th…
IN GOOD COMPANY – a fabulous 40 voice acapella group will sing original arrangements of many of Paul Simon’s hits such as “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes”, “Cecilia�…
Songs of beauty, songs of heartbreak, old squabbles and spontaneous nonsense.
Perhaps it was tempting fate, but David Leddy’s decision to call his latest work The Last Bordello now comes with a certain irony, given that it could well prove to be his final …
While not even Herbert George Wells’s own first dalliance with the concept of time travel, his 1895 novella The Time Machine has nevertheless become pretty much the definitive te…
Writer and director Tony Cownie has established a particular niche at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre, taking potentially overlooked 18th century comedies (like Carlo Goldoni’…
Most stand-up comedy these days is based on the lives of the people standing behind the microphone, albeit reshaped to varying degrees to ensure their material matches the “rule …
It’s 36 years since Andrea Dunbar’s breakthrough play announced the all-too-brief flowering of a new writing talent – “a genius straight from the slums,” as the Mail on S…
The central metaphor running through Frank McGuinness’s 2012 monologue The Match Box is almost breath-taking in its simplicity; it’s that all of us, all of our lives, are ultim…
Alan McHugh has played in enough pantomimes down the years to ensure It’s Behind You! reeks of authenticity, albeit the heightened theatrics of the genre.
David Harrower’s debut play, Knives in Hens, made a big splash back in 1995, recognised as a modern classic which has since seen revivals by companies as diverse as the Nation…
When watching the stage adaptation of any book, especially one I’ve not read, there’s often a question lingering at the back of my mind; would I appreciate this more, would I…
There’s a deliberate cheapness to the temporary, painted proscenium arch erected in the Brunton’s theatre-space, indicative of this local panto’s rough ’n’ ready (and n…
This revival of Shona Reppe’s acclaimed puppet retelling of the iconic fairytale is a fascinating jewel of a production, ideal for young children and families alike; subtle, s…
It’s a real shame temporary roadworks make accessing this show’s venue ever-so-slightly off-putting; also, that the venue is still relatively new, especially when it comes t…
As Scotland’s self-declared “new writing theatre”, Edinburgh’s Traverse does like to offer up an alternative to the pantomimes and decidedly family-focused fare on offer…
It’s said that actors should never work with children or animals, presumably because of their unpredictability and the extra work this requires.
Stories illuminate the truth, lies hide it; that’s just one of the lessons audiences of all ages can take from Suhayla El-Bushra’s energetic new adaptation of The Arabian N…
Constella OperaBallet return to the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells this November with their award-winning Sideshows.
It’s mildly amusing to see two grown men briefly falling into a childish bragging-match about their fathers—one a retired Church of Scotland minister, the other a former Bis…
“We’re beautiful, wild, free and full of joy,” say the titular Maids, Solange and Claire, towards the close of Jean Genet’s 1947 drama, courtesy of Martin Crimp’s 1999…
There’s a wonderful clarity to Linda McLean’s short play Thingummy Bob, a firm favourite with Scotland’s leading theatre company for people with learning disabilities, Lung H…
“Lavender Menace”, according to Wikipedia, were “an informal group of lesbian radical feminists formed to protest the exclusion of lesbians and lesbian issues from the fem…
There were a lot of expectation around this new Wales Millennium Centre production of Manfred Karge’s one-woman play, Man to Man.
There’s little obvious theatrical artifice on show; just four actors, in casual clothes, sitting or lying on the plain black floor of an empty stage as the audience comes in.
There’s no doubting the raw energy and physicality of this show, a work of dance theatre that definitely prefers choreography to speech, and uses it—along with some pretty st…
Site specific theatre is nothing new in Scotland; from the numerous innovative creations by the likes of Grid Iron Theatre Company to much of the work by the “without walls” …
Historically speaking, the original “Damned Rebel Bitches” were—according to the “butcher” Duke of Cumberland—the Jacobite women who marched behind their men in order…
During the early years of the British Broadcasting Corporation, its first Director-General Lord Reith established the BBC’s mission as being to “inform, educate and entertai…
Given that she’s such a much-loved public entertainer, an all-too-obvious challenge in creating a musical based on the early life of the late Cilla Black—born Priscilla Mari…
Returning after a second highly successful gig in 2016, the Inverkeithing Community Big Band promises an afternoon of riveting jazz and swing.
From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling, this renowned singer-songwriter brings you songs of love and seafood with some very special guest appearances.
Polly Toynbee and David Walker join Professor Chris Carter to discuss their dream government, constructing an imaginary cabinet from politicians of the past half century.
That Swing Sensation, Scotland’s record-breaking big swing band, with another night of toe-tapping music from the era when swing was king.
David O’Doherty – the Ryanair Enya, the Aldi Bublé – returns to the Fringe with last year’s hit show Big Time, an hour of talking and songs in a haunted hall on a hill fille…
O’Doherty is back with his mini-keyboard, flopping hair, and uninhibited attitude, but this time in one of the most prestigious venues that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has to o…
Part of the Fringe Central Events Programme, for Fringe participants.
America’s Got Talent winner, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, heads to Fringe for three nights only, fresh from headline shows in Las Vegas, with a sparkling new show featuring his all-s…
The award winning & brilliantly imaginative Paul F Taylor is BACK.
This workshop is suitable for anyone looking for a fun afternoon of unfamiliar dances, while still providing challenges for experienced dancers.
David Earl’s alter ego, Brian Gittins is an utter prat and according to the Sussex Argus, ‘The World’s Worst Comedian’.
One of Scotland’s great contemporary artists discusses his career.
Whimsical, surreal, truly inspirational: psychedelic pioneers The Incredible String Band entranced listeners in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their visionary, dream-like so…
A mind reading show based on the true story of America’s psychic spies.
A trip down memory lane, hear again 50s to 70s pop and folk hits like Putting on the Style, Amazing Grace, My Old Man’s a Dustman, Wild Rover, Hello Mary Lou, Nobody’s Child, Singi…
The contribution of travelling composers and performers to the music of Mediaeval and Renaissance Europe is brought to life by the city’s famous early music group in the vibrant …
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Skyfall and Love Actually: three films President Trump will encourage the Prime Minister to stream during his state visit to the UK (probab…
If you had to pick one writer to sum up the inventive spirit of the post-war transatlantic era, you could hardly do better than Paul Auster.
Safehouse are back at the Edinburgh Festival for a third consecutive year playing their highly acclaimed Allman Brothers set including classics from the At Fillmore East album: Whi…
Join us for traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic church, directed by City and University Organist Dr John Kitchen.
Join us for traditional Choral Evensong and Benediction with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic Anglican Catholic Church.
Part confessional monologue, part lecture and part nostalgic trip back to the days of the BBC’s Jackanory, there’s no doubt that There Were Two Brothers is a funny, personal—…
There’s a real sense of excitement in the run-up to Stand By, not least thanks to the slightly-unusual venue—inside an Army Reserve Centre in the north of the New Town.
Part of the Fringe Central Events Programme, for Fringe participants.
After sell-out shows at last year’s Fringe and Celtic Connections festivals, Bwani Junction return with their joyful rendition of Paul Simon’s Graceland album.
The king of Celtic ‘ccordion, Sandy Brechin, brings his lightning-fast fingers to the Fringe once again, along with his mad-cap humour, featuring hits from his many albums plus som…
Part of the Fringe Central Events Programme, for Fringe participants.
‘From tango to polka, Bulgarian Horo to hot New Orleans jazz – great skill.
This startling, if indistinct production from Mind the Gap, England’s largest learning disability theatre company, gets straight to its point, with cast members slipping into ‘…
New for 2017! Not featuring televised comedians or Fringe legends, just friendly unknowns being friendly.
Paul Savage gets himself into good places, and then blows it all up.
David McIver is a refreshing breath of air in every sense.
Beautiful heart-wrenching songs, lively cello tunes and lots of laughter from Edinburgh’s own bubbly queen of folk Wendy Weatherby and her all-star band, featuring Fiona Cuthill on…
There’s nothing that says ‘Edinburgh Festival Fringe’ quite like the portrayal of sex on stage: that said, compared with many of the thousands of shows in Edinburgh this August, …
The band feature multi-stringed instrumentalists playing original music and songs in the folk/country rock genre.
Dabek is an old-school showman; his banter is honed to a bleeding edge and you can easily imagine him holding forth on classic Saturday night TV, perhaps as a guest on The Paul Dan…
A special stripped-down lineup of The Blueswater play an upbeat swampy set of blues songs decided in advance by fans on social media.
Upbeat Gordon Southern may dress like the kind of supply teacher that the kids love to bully (his words) but, despite his repeated mantra of ‘Not Laughing, Learning’, his lates…
Unwritten, according to the flyer, is ‘a secret history of Scotland’; specifically, though, it uses the individual experiences of three disabled people to talk about Inclusive …
Rock’n’roll in all its facets.
The Californian pianist and composer’s improvisational flights through bebop and beyond – sometimes highly structured, sometimes wild – are rhapsodic, heartfelt and boldly melo…
A brand-new show from this hairy idiot man-child, strap in for more fun and nonsense as the entire audience is taken by the hand into a true circus of silly.
“I need more light,” our protagonist Caravaggio says at one point, and it’s fair to say that the 16th century Italian’s use of light and darkness is one of his paintings’…
What would an unpublished Agatha Christie mystery be like if, by some strange quirk of fate, its editor had given it over to P G Wodehouse for a final literary polish? Well, thanks…
Zinnie Harris has five plays on in Edinburgh this August, including two within the Edinburgh International Festival’s theatre programme.
The summer is coming.
At 36, David is still unable to function in society.
Award-winning performer Paula Valluerca, aka Madame Señorita, is committed to reconnect with the pleasure of being a totally deluded idiot.
Andrew Doyle has, allegedly, lost quite a few friends this last year.
It might seem all-too-witty for a SCRABBLE World Champion, when asked by the media for “a few words” on his victory, to admit ‘I don’t really know any’.
When you see Leo Kearse — and you should — there’s a very good chance it’ll be a four-star experience.
Take a deep breath and join me on a multimedia rampage.
If the illustrious names that have performed as part of The Rat Pack Presents is a guide, then it is worth heading along to the Cabaret Voltaire during this year’s festival.
Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns to the Fringe with his debut hour.
The blurb suggests this is a show about nothing, but amidst the surreal humour there is a deeper meaning.
Wakefield’s poet son may have a self-confessed tendency for lewd social observation but Matt Abbott is also an unpretentious recorder of life in the raw, with a talent for coming…
This acclaimed show from award-winning Australian theatre company Sisters Grimm clearly aims to put the “lion” back in George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, through a startlingly …
Time and again during Zinnie Harris’s new adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s famous farce, people tell each other not to be absurd.
Star of Impractical Jokers (BBC Three).
The truth about fairy tales, all too often forgotten by us grown-ups, is that the best ones are meant to be scary, albeit in an ultimately reassuring context.
Very much in the spirit of the Fringe, Phill Jupitus steps out of his comfort zone with a show of improvisational comedy that sees him inhabit two wonderfully diverse characters th…
When Phill Jupitus commits to the Fringe, he does so 100 per cent.
Winner: Piece of Wood (Comedian’s Choice) 2012, Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Skyfall and Love Actually: three films President Trump will encourage the Prime Minister to stream during his state visit to the UK (probab…
David Huntsberger’s stand-up show is problematic as a comedy show as it has very little resembling a joke.
Confession time: I’ve never been a fan of The Smiths or Morrissey.
Ding dong the witch is back! Multi award-winning Fringe sensation Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho returns with the most fabulous game show of all! Join the Iron Lady for songs, gam…
One figure doesn’t appear in Performers, Irvine Welsh and Dean Cavanagh’s new play inspired by some of the behind-the-scenes stories surrounding the making of 1970 cult film Pe…
Given that so much of the stand-up comedy you’ll find on the Fringe is blatantly autobiographical—at least to some extent—it’s not surprising that a lot of Jamie MacDonald�…
Thanks to the numerous adventures of Sherlock Holmes, we arguably don’t have the best impression of the Victorian Police Detective—especially when it comes to either their inte…
Culminating in an audience member punching a stuffed monkey named Jonnie whilst Paul Foot shouts ridiculous syncopated mottos about equality for all mankind, this show provides alm…
Fundamental Theater Project’s Dickless is a tale of rumours, girls, a headless cat and bizarre sexual conquests in the small-town of Dunningham.
You are what you eat.
When a comedian comes on clutching notes you would expect that you were about to watch something that was underdeveloped and in need of refinement.
After sold out Fringe shows in 2014 and 2015, Angela Barnes is back with a new routine that is, at times, remarkably and worryingly prescient.
Snowflake, a new play written and directed by the former Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre, Mark Thomson, feels a necessity to explain its title right from th…
Join David Edwards as he gives advice concerning how to navigate the messy world of modern-day dating.
Anna Mann is, according to herself, the greatest actress of her generation—a quote she can now legitimately edit for future Fringe posters with no fear of censor.
A pure and exhilarating romp of a good time.
Time has not withered Moira Bell, Alan Bissett’s 2009 tribute to the hard-working, hard-playing, straight-talking working class women of Scotland, and Falkirk in particular.
Ed Byrne’s latest show is based around the notion that as a generation we are all spoilt.
This show is a mixed bag.
It’s a hard task to sum up quite what The Andy Field Experience is about without using the words surreal and odd.
The King is back, long live the King.
There’s one point during Geoff Norcott’s latest show when it really flies, when you sense he really has most of the audience on his side — even though at least one or two of …
It’s four years since Rob Lloyd first brought this autobiographical, Doctor Who-related show to Edinburgh.
Burly Glaswegian stand-up Scott Agnew has for many years joked about “blow-job knee”—wear and tear arising from too much time on his knees providing oral sex.
Given the way that Jan Ravens effortlessly reels off her startling array of impressions it begs the question why it has taken so long for her to branch out on her own.
Choose Your Battles is Lucy Porter’s 11th Edinburgh Show and it’s a wonderfully crafted hour that is both funny and, at times, a poignant look at someone who goes out of their way …
It’s 54 years since the last conscripted British citizens returned to civilian life after completing their National Service.
From the team behind Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs comes a brand new adaptation of David Walliam’s children’s book The First Hippo on the Moon.
Many an article’s been written on how the gay scene appears dominated by drugs and sex.
“Ah yes.
Alan Bennett’s Bed Amongst the Lentils is one of the great observational pieces from the master wordsmith’s influential Talking Heads series.
The finals of the Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year competition as ever throw up a talented assortment of acts.
There is a tongue planted firmly in cheek with this affectionate tribute to the music of the Carpenters and in particular the legacy of Richard, forever doomed to be the “other�…
In 1966, Frank Sinatra performed at the Las Vegas’ Sands Hotel & Casino, accompanied by Count Basie and his orchestra.
The show that offended a thousand piglets is back.
There’s a lot wrong with the world at the moment, but I reckon if you gave everyone a ukulele then you could go a long way to curing all that’s troubling.
“O, what a tangled web we weave,” Sir Walter Scott wrote in his epic poem Marmion, “when first we practise to deceive!” It’s a life lesson we can only hope unfortunat…
A marriage isn’t just the joining of two people, or even two families—it marks the coming together of two communities.
Much-loved guitarist, Paul Gregory, returns to perform a solo recital of J.
Following its 2016 sell-out Belgian tour, the SLJO is back with an all-new set featuring tunes from the golden era of Big Band.
It’s fair to say that Bounce!, created and performed by French company Arcosm, is a delightfully playful blend of music and dance, performed with real skill and alleged wild a…
Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of (usually) London theatre productions being transmitted live to cinemas and other venues across the UK.
Skyfall, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Ghost, The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Beauty and the Beast, Notting Hill, 50 Shades Darker and Beetleju…
Award-winning stand-up comedian David Mills struggles to stay modern in a world quickly reverting to more medieval tendencies.
Brighton’s Storyland Press is a place where the story comes first, regardless of genre or where it sits on the commercial/literary spectrum.
Jazz and Poetry Layer Cake A delicious serving of modern original Jazz and poetry created by the award-winning author John Harvey (author of the bestselling Charlie Resnick series…
At one point during Glory on Earth, its two main characters—stage right, the young, romantic Mary, Queen of Scots; stage left, the firebrand Protestant preacher John Knox—ar…
Straight No Chaser Big Band combine with JATS swing dance aces Sam and Gabi for a Lindy Hop dance spectacular.
“Anyone else a massive fan of the divine Miss Vogue and her ukulele? Thought so.
An original musical & gastromonical journey from the 5th Century settlement of Boerthlelm’s Tun to Brighton in 1795, with affectionate portraits of the colourful inhabitants of 24 …
“Keep going,” actor Andy Clark says repeatedly to the musicians behind the glass screen in the unsubtly-named Limbo Studio created on stage, ensuring that we find our seats …
A light-hearted mind-reading show with amazing and impossible mind stunts! No dead relatives will be contacted throughout the evening, however they may be interrupted with the laug…
At thirty-six, David is still unable to function in society.
Post-drag, post-gender, impossible to beat, performance avalanche and avant-garde legend David Hoyle returns for an unmissable evening of high comedy, sound, vision, paint and song…
Paul Prem Nadama is a singer-songwriter-guitarist of beautiful, soulful acoustic songs, with a new-age twist.
In 1983, the BBC published a retrospective about “the first 25 years” of the by-then globally famous BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
“The true mystery of the world is the visible .
David McIver is one of the most fun guys around these days.
“This parable of limiting life down to human usefulness is as beautiful as it is bleak” (Exeunt).
The London-born artist Joan Eardley, who settled in Scotland to study and whose artistic career was cut short when she died—aged 42—in 1963, is best known for two very diffe…
Mrs H and the Sing-Along Band bring their unique family music to Brighton Fringe for the first time.
The 306: Day is the second of a three play trilogy instigated by the National Theatre of Scotland, inspired by the stories of the 306 British soldiers that we know were executed…
Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, heads to Brighton Fringe with his debut hour.
8 horns, 2 drummers, scratch-DJ and MC.
This is a homecoming, of sorts; the revival of a play, first performed at Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre back in 1989, which subsequently enjoyed successful productions in the West …
“I used to be Shirley Valentine,” explains the focus of Willy Russell’s 1986 one-woman play; a 42 year old Liverpudlian woman who, now that the children have flown …
The comedic tone of David Weir’s Confessional is clear from the start; as Schubert’s beautiful Ave Marie fades into silence, “Good Catholic” Kevin—or, as he puts it, th…
There’s much to admire, to even love, in Douglas Maxwell’s new play at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum; a script full of humour and subtle characterisation, if not always …
Based on the first novel of The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster and the graphic novel by Paul Karasik and David Mazzucchelli.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s debut novel has become so iconic in Western culture that the word “Frankenstein” is now used pejoratively to describe any scientific o…
If the usual writerly advice is to always “show, not tell”, then biography is arguably one of the few artistic forms where a certain amount of direct author-to-audience expl…
The Biblical narrative that is the foundation of the Christian faith has been described, on numerous occasions, as “The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Children’s entertainer Jango Starr is a total clown, but that’s certainly not meant as a criticism; sans white-face, he instead relies on a pair of trousers just sufficientl…
Almost at the start, Gilchrist Muir—here inhabiting the tweed suit of our lecturer, Glasgow University-based Theoretical Zombiologist Dr Ken House—insists that Zombies are no…
A young girl, annoyed by being made fun of by her seven older brothers, joins in the family’s evening game of throwing stones and unintentionally shatters the sun from the sky…
From the start of his exploration of the scientific method, through the prism of the 17th century rivalry between Isaac Newton and the now little-remembered Robert Hooke, playwr…
In one sense, this Lyceum revival of Caryl Churchill’s 2002 play is exactly the “dynamic two-hander” described in the programme: the only actors on stage are Peter Forbes,…
The symbolism is hardly subtle; when we enter the Traverse Theatre’s principal performance space, we have to choose which side of a massive shipping container we sit next to.
There’s always a risk attempting to present previously “unknown” stories as theatre.
I’m not a fan of promenade performances, especially those involving the audience being led in a group from one set piece to another.
Science Fiction isn’t the most common genre you find on stage; ironic, really, since it was Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.
Back by popular demand following a critically-acclaimed West End run and sold out residency at the Menier Chocolate Factory, My Family: Not the Sitcom is a massively disrespectful …
Paul Carrack is one the UK’s great singer songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.
Start with a few cold-reading tricks, dash in some sleight of hand, add in a heavy dose of comedy on top and you’ve got the recipe to make any mind-reading show come out well.
“Please don’t be charmed, he’s not a lovable rogue.
Dominic Hill, artistic director of Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre, apparently doesn’t like to constrain any theatrical experience with the blunt instrument of a rising or falling c…
Evan Placey’s Girls Like That (first performed at London’s Unicorn Theatre three years ago) came to Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre—courtesy of the neighbouring Lyceum Thea…
There’s much to love about this new touring production of La Cage Aux Folles; gloriously Technicolor™ sets, gorgeous costumes, tight choreography, clearly enunciated sin…
Three-quarters of a century on, there are still stories of the Second World War that aren’t as well known as they should, but Stuart Hepburn’s new play—while promoted as t…
The old showbiz adage that “the show must go on” is usually invoked—in the aftermath of some behind-the-scenes calamity—before curtain-up, but the point of The Play That…
There’s one deliciously unique—sadly never repeatable—moment during the opening night of Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show, when Stewart introduces the singer Susan B…
The writer and historian James Truslow Adams once defined the “American Dream” as the potential for life to be “better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity …
3pm-4pm The first show of the day will feature about as wide a variety of improvisation styles as one could ask for, with three groups that could not be more different from each o…
Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale has all the characteristics of a Tragedy, as we speedily witness the horrendous consequences of King Leontes’ groundless jealousy for pregnant …
“I’m so excited”—that iconic 1982 hit by the Pointer Sisters—is an apt intro to a show with a predominantly female audience that’s already wound up to have a good ti…
Mark Gatiss stars in this strictly limited West End transfer of the first major revival of this iconic play in two decades.
“Not a circus, it’s a Berserkus!” Cirque Berserk! boldly comes with two USPs.
18 years after her death, “blue-eyed soul singer” Dusty Springfield remains many things to many people—not least a gay icon, thanks to her emotional fragility and memorabl…
If politics is about people—specifically the ever-fluctuating power imbalances between people in different situations—then Federico García Lorca was right to focus his “po…
There is, ironically enough, a lot that’s incredibly old-fashioned about Thoroughly Modern Millie; it’s a feel-good, song and dance show about a young gold-digger who, while se…
You can always feel a particular kind of excitement in an auditorium, before “curtain up”, when a significant proportion of the audience are (a) less than five years old, an…
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland isn’t known for its plot; in fact, it’s essentially a succession of wonderfully fanciful sketches which happen to share …
In Sartre’s existential drama, three characters are placed in a mysterious room with no way out.
As titles go, Picnic at Hanging Rock is a fine conflation of the innocent and disturbing, although the cultural impact of Joan Lindsay’s novel is arguably more down to Peter W…
Pantomime, as we’re reminded by the Ambassador Theatre Group’s pre-show video (narrated by Brian Blessed), is a peculiarly British theatrical tradition, although it’s a sha…
“I can be pretty dim, sometimes,” says Sion Pritchard as Tom, an office-working film school graduate who doesn’t, initially, come across as particularly sympathetic.
Scottish writer Stuart Paterson now has a back catalogue of sufficient scale to warrant a revival or two; his adaptation of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine is curre…
It’s a brave show which starts with the words: “I don’t like it.
Inside Out Theatre’s second pantomime for relatively news arts venue Websters (located in Glasgow’s Kelvinbridge area) is another self-consciously low-rent production which …
Reviewing Mamma Mia! almost feels like a lost cause; it’s an unstoppable global phenomenon and, if this touring production—setting up home in the Edinburgh Playhouse for Chri…
There’s no doubting the energy in Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre before this show starts; many kids are already singing along to a soundtrack of current chart hits.
As a rule, the best children’s stories—be they novels, comics or TV shows—all inspire the same question: “What on Earth were they taking when they came up with that?” …
“Small boys are not to be trusted,” says the titular George’s gleefully malevolent Grandma in this new production—by Dundee Rep’s Associate Artistic Director Joe Dougla…
The master of the English ghost story, M R James, once described Irish author Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu as “absolutely in the first rank” among supernatural storyteller…
Invisible Flash Theatre presents Maddy and the Invisible Band of Groovers Full of audience participation and using storytelling, puppetry and songs to celebrate difference and frie…
First performed in 1775, Sheridan’s The Rivals remains surprisingly relevant, not least thanks to its inter-generational conflict.
You get a strong sense of what Jumpy is going to be like from Jean Chan’s impressive set—two jumbled piles of household goods, surrounded by an off-kilter frame of plain wall…
A risk when putting any historical figure on stage—let alone a writer and thinker of the calibre of Dr Samuel Johnson—is that using their own words makes them appear less a …
It’s not every play that starts with a reaffirmation of one of the basic fundamentals of theatre: that things which aren’t true can be imagined, and that what can be imagine…
“It’s quite comfortable being old,” 80 year old actor Tim Barlow tells us at the start of his latest one-man show, a work co-devised with the writer Sheila Hill.
For at least some of its audience, it’s enough that Grain in the Blood reunites actors Blythe Duff and John Michie—long-time compatriots on STV’s Taggart.
There’s no hanging about with Morna Pearson’s Walking On Walls; when the lights come up, we see a bespectacled woman observing a man who’s bound on an office chair, tape a…
This one-man show, written and performed by Gary McNair, won lots of praise during its initial run as part of the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
It was the head-to-head that, even at the time, seemed almost unthinkable; a televised face-off between British chat-show host David Frost—certainly at the time not exactly kn…
We’re somewhere among the Western Isles, and at least a thousand years back in time.
Edinburgh-based Grid Iron Theatre Company has long specialised in creating immersive, site-specific theatre.
If you’re a student theatre company with somewhat limited resources, but still want to try your hand at a reasonably successful Broadway musical, then [title of show] is argua…
Children are often said to be the most “difficult”—or, to put it another way, most honest—theatre audience performers are ever likely to face: they’re not “adult” …
In ancient Greece, it was the practice before any theatrical performance to name those citizens who had financed it, and for a respected citizen to give “the libation” to th…
Among the gifts bestowed on the world by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the one-hour slot, into which everything—stand-up, spoken word, circus, dance or drama—has become s…
R C Sherriff’s Journey’s End, inspired by his own experiences of life in the trenches during the First World War, stands as an authoritative exploration of men “in extremis…
It’s fitting, in the weeks running up to the latest Arctic Circle Assembly (running from 7-9 October in Reykjavik, Iceland) that the team behind A Play, a Pie and a Pint opted…
Following a critically acclaimed, complete sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, My Family: Not The Sitcom comes to the Vaudeville Theatre for a strictly limited 5 we…
Returning after a sell-out gig in 2015, the Inverkeithing Community Big Band promises an afternoon of riveting jazz and swing.
A guitar and organ driven blues trio, the band was formed in 2014 by Dundee-born guitarist Simon Kennedy.
Back at the Fringe again for another trip down memory lane.
Wild man of the accordion and frontman of Burach and the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, Sandy Brechin plays fast and funky favourites from his albums, Out of his Box and Out…
A scintillating 13-piece live band, featuring percussion and brass sections and fronted by Stu Goodall pay reverence to the songs of Paul Simon with an explosive show.
Paul Kelly has recorded over 20 albums as well as several film soundtracks.
Married multi-instrumentalists from South Africa: that’s what this folk duo define themselves as and it describes them perfectly.
The Alex MacDonald Band plays a unique brand of Scottish folk-rock that has been acclaimed in venues large and small across the country.
Steeped in the funk, soul and jazz traditions, The Groove Band have selected some great classic tunes and given them new life, injecting their own brand of groove, infused with exc…
From sets at the Olympic Closing Ceremony and Brit, MOBO and Mercury awards to live sessions on BBC Two, Sky Arts, BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM, from collaborations with the likes of Am…
The music, song and dance of the Medieval and Renaissance worlds is brought to life by the city’s famous early music group.
Apparently, even circuses nowadays feel a need to satisfy the public’s desire to glimpse behind the scenes, to smell the greasepaint and discover how the magic happens.
Upstairs Downton and Petting Zoo (‘Improv supergroup’ TimeOut) star creates a staggering array of characters using his mouth, brain, hands and body.
Safehouse return to the festival playing their highly acclaimed Allman Brothers set, including classics from the At the Fillmore East album, Whipping Post, In Memory of Elizabeth R…
Join us for traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic Anglican Catholic Church.
Edinburgh singer/songwriter Fiona J Thom brings the Lost Head Band together for the fourth year in a row to perform her songs influenced by the songwriting traditions of the Americ…
Join us for traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic church, directed by City and University Organist Dr John Kitchen.
From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling.
Later, considerably ruder and darker shows from internationally acclaimed, award-winning Scottish stand-up comedy meteor.
The Confederate States of America lost its quest for political independence in 1865, but its symbol, the Confederate flag, lived on, long after the nation it represented cease to e…
‘Simply outstanding jazz musicianship’ (Turin International Jazz Festival).
Simon David is the next big music sensation but what makes him unique? He’s a virgin! Co-written by Fringe First Winner Chris Larner, Simon & his live band tell the story of his di…
Lord David Steel joins Professor Chris Carter to reflect on an illustrious career in public life.
David Kay, returning to the Edinburgh Fringe 2016 as one of the hidden gems of the Scottish comedy circuit.
You couldn’t make it up if you tried! The hilarious, heartwarming true story of how The Fabulous TT came to write Robert Burns: The Musical.
Paul Merton returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with an improvised comedy show.
This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform an eclectic mix of music with infectious enjoyment – French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan, tango etc.
The music of Egberto Gismonti is like a microcosm of his native Brazil – diverse, joyful and unique.
There’s something wonderfully uncluttered and unpretentious about this particular wander down literary lane from the Mercators, one of Edinburgh’s oldest amateur drama clubs.
Paul Foot pits two teams against each other, discussing a series of real-life, perilous, yet bizarre situations and attempting to work out which of Paul’s unusual items will save…
Harbouring secret feelings for Geoffrey Boycott? Fantasising about Edwina Currie? Join David as he deconstructs the cult of celebrity with a collection of love songs, poems and let…
Paul Wady’s unique and controversial mass autism conversion show returns for a second year.
Offbeat one-liners, flights of fancy and a totally absurd storyline from surrealist fool and NATY 2013 winner, Paul F Taylor.
A gloriously friendly show packed with hopes, dreams, snacks and drums.
Great live music followed by some blasts from the past and current gems.
Paul Dabek is back in the spotlight at the Free Fringe and, without giving anything away; this is man who really knows how to make the most of a spotlight.
Oh boy, this looks good! David McIver is a silly little man and he’s got a bit of fun for you.
Back for his seventh Edinburgh Fringe, comedy magician and juggler Robbie Cockburn is here with a brand new stage show Badinage.
Why do we stop playing? What might make us start again? All those guitars propped up in bedrooms.
A semi-improvised stand-up show about mental illness and pest control.
It’s pretty clear what kind of show we’re about to see when – as it becomes obvious that there isn’t actually a sufficient number of seats for all of the audience that’s …
It’s apt, if a little predictable, that the pre-show music Doug Segal selects for his latest Fringe show is the classic James Brown track I Feel Good.
Comedian Paul Johnson guides his two sons through first loves, playground fights, youth sports and the timeless longing to fit in and be one of the cool kids – an urge Paul still…
“Poggle’s not scared of climbing trees,” we’re told early on in this beautifully clear and uncluttered piece of vibrant dance theatre aimed at very young children.
A three-piece version of award-winning band The Blueswater plays a mix of original songs and arranged covers, with a raucous sound reminiscent of Mississippi Hill Country blues.
Northern Irish master of surreal nonsense and bohemian clownarchist.
Trust me, Fringe magic still happens.
Some stupid adults, having forgotten what it’s actually like to be children, are often surprised, disturbed and horrified by the serious issues lurking in the heart of the most s…
It’s clearly an uncomfortable time of life for Jo Caulfield; a succession of musical heroes have died, she’s moved from middle-class Morningside to somewhat more “cosmopolita…
For a comedian with such a cult following, renowned for surrealist originality, I was very excited about my first encounter with Paul Foot’s comedy.
Throughout history, every generation has thought they would witness the end of the world.
Ding dong, the witch isn’t dead! And this time it’s definitely cause for celebration! After her previous success as an ‘international cabaret superstar’ Maggie is back in b…
Part stand-up show, part planetarium experience.
Theatre audiences are, for the most part, quite comfortable with their self-assigned role of secret voyeurs of the people on stage who go about their lives with no apparent knowled…
Andrew Doyle has now brought five solo shows to Edinburgh, each noticeably different in style and tone; even Doyle’s on-stage persona has shifted somewhat from one year to the ne…
Wahoo! And also hooray! It’s David Stanier’s Silly Party – the party based comedy show.
Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns to the Fringe with his debut hour.
David Ephgrave enters the room in an endearing manner, commanding the audience’s attention with music and his upbeat persona.
David Longley’s act is structured almost like Shakespeare, summarizing the course of the evening in its first moments: “I’ve always wanted to do standup that’s like talking…
In Paul Duncan McGarrity’s eighth show at the Fringe, Ask An Archaeologist, interesting and funny are blended to create a must see stand-up at the heart of the Free Fringe Festiv…
While categorised in the Fringe programme under theatre, this work – created and directed by Kai Fischer with contributions from its cast – is certainly not a play, at least in…
There are two ways to reach the small room where UK-based American character comedian Will Franken is performing.
Aidan Goatley’s stand-up show isn’t, despite its title, about ELO; indeed, there’s no obvious guarantee that he will get round to telling us why he chose one of that band’s…
Despite the commanding tone of his show’s title, John Gordillo doesn’t actually come across as a fan of Capitalism as an economic and social system.
Underbelly’s largest venue is the huge tent – shaped like an purple cow tipped onto its back – that this year has been transplanted into the western half of George Square Gar…
Bob drives his BlundaBus around Europe looking for adventures.
Enter a world with its veil drawn back, where good and evil battle in darkly hilarious style.
Based on a gauge adapted from his previous call-centre telemarketing experience, David O’Doherty rates being a professional stand-up as an eight out of ten, with two points dropp…
Alistair Williams is a bit of a lad.
“Orthodox”, according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, is an adjective that suggests “following or conforming to the traditional or generally accepted rules or belie…
“Every woman is a riot,” is roughly painted on the wall behind the stage area of this hidden-away New Town bar’s seldom used attic space.
The word “fabulous” is defined as being extraordinary and wonderful, and having no basis in reality.
Approaching Perfection is the new film¹ by award-winning director² David Quirk.
Star of Impractical Jokers (BBC Three), Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC Three), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), Paul returns with a brand new stand-up show.
Several years ago, a couple of wannabe stand-ups decided to do a Free Fringe show based around some of the odd things their respective fathers had said and done down the years.
There’s an anarchic edge to the Trash Test Dummies – as might be expected from a circus troupe who go on to perform a succession of tricks and humorous gymnastics using that mo…
Scott Agnew is looking good, these days; whether that’s down to him drinking less is unclear, though it’s clearly a bit of a culture shock on the night of this review as it’s…
Geoff Norcott, as he points out quite early on in his set, has not been seen on television.
The sharp-suited David Mills is already seated on stage when his audience comes in, chatting with us, riffing along to a Barry Manilow hit; while he later insists that the role in …
When life gives you lemons, those with an optimistic, can-do attitude invariably suggest you make lemonade.
Mikey and Addie is a story about two pre-teen kids who couldn’t be more different – Mikey’s life is all about imagination and play, while Addie’s is focused on enforcing rule…
Tom Neenan appears to be making his way through the genres with his one-man/many characters shows: Edwardian ghost story in 2014, and 1950s-styled British science fiction thriller …
Incredible, hilarious, infectious, amazing.
Pretend news reporter Jonathan Pie – the creation of actor Tom Walker – has risen to public attention, during the last year, thanks to a succession of videos on YouTube which a…
Paul McMullan’s debut fringe show is stuffed full of clever insights into the world of British drinking culture and its potentially destructive nature.
Lucky pup Elms is back chasing his tail again; he’s learning about sacrifice, guilt, and, as always, love.
Male stand up comedians from certain parts of Glasgow often face a significant impediment; they can’t help but sound like Billy Connolly, and so inevitably find themselves compar…
There’s surely no better sign that mental health issues – and depression in particular – are becoming more openly discussed than for the likes of Colin Hoult to come along an…
Some things never change; despite more than a decade performing stand-up, Laurence Clark still opens his set by drawing attention to his cerebral palsy: “This is just how I talk.
Making a musical out of poetic animal stories aimed at children is nothing new but, while Andrew Lloyd Webber opted to turn T S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats int…
A mind reading show based on the true story of the Cold War’s psychic spies.
If theatre is all about holding a mirror up to ourselves, then Tales From the Hanging Captain certainly makes the grade – it’s the first performance piece arising from the thr…
The Wee One starts with a scenario familiar enough from numerous television sitcoms – a couple well into middle-age who appear to be stuck with an adult child who has failed t…
Strange Town is an Edinburgh-based company which offers opportunities for young people between the ages of five and 25 to fulfil their creative potential though drama and perfor…
There’s a definite shift in the second play in this double bill from Edinburgh-based theatre company Strange Town.
A selection of pieces dealing with current day issues.
Part of the attraction of seeing magic tricks performed well – beyond the sheer spectacle – is trying to work out how they’re done.
“The here and the now is wow!” we’re told at the start of Broken Dreams.
Marilyn Carino’s torchy, existential electro-soul has been likened to “Nina Simone coming back from the dead to front Morcheeba”; her latest album, ‘Leaves, Sadness, Science’ deeme…
There’s a simple idea at the heart of Australian company cre8ion’s show Fluff; rescuing and giving a new home to lost and abandoned toys.
Straight from London’s comedy duo ‘Carroll and Hodgson!’ Paul brings his absurd and sometimes downright nasty characters to life in this one hour spurt of bad language, bad d…
Traces is a theatre show with no obviously clear-cut beginning or end; if there’s a start at all, it might be when the two principal performers – Marko Werner and Michael Lur…
Sometimes words feel unworthy of the task when it comes to describing and reviewing a performance, especially a dance-piece as vibrant, colourful and joyous as this.
On 4th July 1845 – Independence Day, suitably enough – the young Henry David Thoreau went into the woods at Walden Pond, near the town of Concord, Massachusetts, and lived t…
There is much more to history than just learning dates and facts.
The physical core of the The Little Gentleman is a large wooden crate, addressed to the show’s venue, which is slowly revealed to include numerous small doors and openings from…
Beautifully-crafted comedy from one of the country’s masters of anecdote and timing.
Touring stand-up George Egg has spent – and, presumably, continues to spend – a lot of his life in hotels the length and breadth of the UK.
Never, ever underestimate the stupidity of the rich and powerful; that’s certainly one of the obvious lessons you can get from Liz Lochhead’s brilliantly funny take on the sc…
Stranded by severe snowstorms, three identically dressed strangers disturb the rural calm of a young woman in a remote Sussex cottage.
Post-drag, post-gender, impossible to beat, performance avalanche and avant-garde legend David Hoyle returns for unmissable evening of high comedy, sound, vision, paint and song.
There are some incredible strengths in this latest production from Edinburgh’s most inspiring new theatre company.
Orkestra del Sol’s explosive reinvention of global brass band music has captured imaginations and left a trail of pummeled dance floors across continents.
A work-in-progress show from the star of BBC3’s ‘Impractical Jokers’ and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’.
The back end of the comic duo Doggett and Ephgrave turns the spotlight on himself for an hour of solo stand-up.
I must admit to feeling a tad confused after experiencing Dirty Dusting.
Glasgow-based Birds of Paradise Theatre Company continues to lead the way in producing theatre that’s fully accessible to people with physical and/or sensory impairments, both …
Mr.
All theatre requires some degree of “suspension of disbelief”.
Surreal one-liners, flights of fancy and a totally absurd storyline from the NATY 2013 winner.
Free alternative comedy from Matt Hutson (Runner-up in Preston Comedian of the Year) and David McIver (Selected for the BBC New Comedy award 2015).
The trumpet in the history of jazz featuring compositions and arrangements by the kings of jazz as well as new works.
Join Brighton Comedy Festival Squawker Awards finalist Paul Jones, as he presents his guide to parenting for nerds.
London-based comedian Paul Laight and guests deliver a free hour of jokes, puns, observations and a song or two about the horrors of everyday life.
They say you should never meet your heroes.
During the 2008 Spring Season of “A Play, A Pie and A Pint” at Glasgow’s Òran Mór, writer and director Selma Dimitrijevic presented audiences with a delicate, poignant e…
It’s not immediately obvious where Second Hand is located; Jonathan Scott’s set for this latest production in the Spring 2016 season of “A Play, a Pie and a Pint”, at Gl…
It says something about us as a species that one of our oldest myths, crystallised in the form of Homer’s epic poem Iliad, is about war – specifically the bloody climax of th…
Theatrical serendipity currently means that, after some masculine brutality set during the latter stages of the ancient siege of Troy (in the Royal Lyceum’s new adaptation of H…
As a playwright, David Edgar long ago sped past the number of plays written by Shakespeare, but it’s fair to say that – while often making a big impact at the time – not m…
First lines are important; as attention grabbers, but also as indicators of what’s to come, tonally at least.
Ring roads are not usually places you go to; they’re a means of avoiding congestion, of giving a wide berth to somewhere.
On 10 January 1992, the container ship Ever Laurel, several days out from Hong Kong en route to Tacoma, Washington, hit a storm in the North Pacific Ocean.
There’s are plenty of laughs in this imaginary conversation between King James VI of Scotland – preparing in March 1603 to make his stately progress south from the Palace of…
It has become traditional for Lung Ha Theatre Company – Scotland’s principal theatre group for people with learning disabilities – to present at least one large show every…
Most of us come to fairy tales – folk tales in general – courtesy of their so-called “traditional” retellings by Disney or the local panto.
In the near-century since Czech writer Karel Capek first gave us the word “robot” (in his play R.
It is a tad ironic that, initially, the most overpowering element in this new show from Stellar Quines Theatre Company – established in 1993 to “celebrates the energy, exper…
David Leddy’s apocalyptic fable International Waters certainly starts as it means to go on; loud and bold, with the memorable image of four gas-masked figures performing a tab…
Phil Differ is not someone you’d immediately recognise.
This fast rising and consistently delightful American tenor presents a wide-ranging recital of songs by composers including Schumann, Wolf, Berlioz and Villa-Lobos, as well as the …
Most theatre audiences have an anonymous – some might even suggest voyeuristic – role, viewing the action on stage from the safety of a darkened auditorium.
In one sense this latest production from Edinburgh-based Blazing Hyena Theatre Company is nothing more than a theatrical game in which writer Jack Elliot creates a succession of…
Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to the road with his band in early 2016 for a 34-date UK tour v…
In Greek mythology, princess Iphigenia is the eldest daughter of King Agamemnon, sacrificed to the goddess Artemis in order to allow her father’s warships to sail off to Troy.
There’s a beautiful symmetry to this new production from Glasgow-based Birds of Paradise Theatre Company; the start and end deliberately remind us that the four disabled men o…
At the risk of sounding ageist, an immediate concern with any student theatre company taking on Shakespeare’s tragedy of tragedies, King Lear, is that it is in many respects a …
I’ve long been a fan of Howard Phillips Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness, in which an Antarctica exhibition uncovers the still-living legacy of a previously unknow…
With typical modesty (not), Glasgow-based Vanishing Point describe themselves as “Scotland’s foremost artist-led independent theatre company, internationally recognised and …
Arguably, the most important part of any Agatha Christie play doesn’t happen on the stage at all; it takes place in the rest of the theatre during the interval, when there’s…
The playwrights, directors, and actors who constitute the loose confederation that is the Village Pub Theatre once again moved in to the more upmarket, city central Traverse Thea…
The Village Pub Theatre’s second evening of short new dramas at the Traverse, in celebration of LGBT History Month, came with a wonderfully louche vibe, thanks to the easy MC-i…
Outside of the almost factory-like default setting of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s one hour time-slot (long-since exported around the world), it actually feels somewhat odd…
In the face of something terrible, we can either laugh or cry.
Valentine’s Day may have a cheesy reputation, but the heart-filled holiday has inspired plenty of great live comedy for devoted couples, optimistic daters and determinedly si…
In the run-up to Mike Bartlett’s play Cock opening at the Tron Theatre, a lot of people – myself included – clearly couldn’t help have some innocent adolescent fun with …
All theatre requires a certain suspension of disbelief, musical theatre even more so.
“Finished, it’s finished, nearly finished, it must be nearly finished.
Coming to a “classic” Agatha Christie whodunnit after a full day’s binging on the latest series of the BBC’s Silent Witness – oh, the life of a reviewer! – is, frank…
With a performance and choreography career spanning more than half a century, David Gordon has accumulated a lot of mementos.
“A dastardly attempt was made in the early hours of yesterday morning by suffragists to fire and blow up Burns’s Cottage, Alloway, the birthplace of the national poet,” rep…
If there’s one moment in this new production of Conor McPherson’s The Weir that encapsulates the quality of its cast and director, it’s towards the close when a moment of …
Strange Town is a theatre company based in Edinburgh which aims to “enable young people to fulfil their creative potential”, by providing five to 25 year olds with the opport…
At a time of year when most theatres across the land are bursting with colour, raucous laughter and the panto spirit, it’s typical of Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, long-esta…
When it comes to retelling Cinderella, two of the three most important roles in terms of plot and audience participation are Cinders’ best pal Buttons and her Fairy Godmother.
Like most of Scotland’s producing theatres, the Citizens Theatre does not, as a matter of principle, “do” panto.
Pantomime is arguably the most self-aware and self-mocking of theatrical forms, with the most successful shows seeing cast and audience mutually shattering any metaphorical four…
To Breathe starts with its six performers standing in a circle, staring at the audience, just breathing.
“Smells like Seton Sands” is precisely the kind of line you expect in a pantomime at The Brunton theatre in Musselburgh; it’s hooked on local rivalries, and grounds the ubi…
There is an intrinsic roughness to this latest production from Edinburgh-based Blazing Hyena productions: performed “in the round” in a student bar within city’s Art College, th…
Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas are the subject of this White Light Festival event, featuring this British pianist of uncommon eloquence and depth.
“A truce is a truce, but war is war,” we’re told early on in Ben Blow’s history play focusing on the all-too-forgotten consequences of Robert the Bruce’s victory over …
The soprano Christine Brewer may disappoint some admirers of her sumptuous voice by not performing more often in opera.
This program of seven short plays by David Ives is presented by New York Deaf Theater and employs both spoken English and American Sign Language to tell its comedic tales (2:00).
Leicester-born David Campton, who died in in 2006, was a prolific British dramatist, especially adept at writing thought-provoking one act plays that make us laugh as much as we …
“Juke-box musicals”, which essentially use existing songs as their musical score, may strike you as a relatively modern theatrical phenomena – think Mamma Mia! or We Will …
Mr.
Panopticon, written and directed by second year University of Edinburgh student Liam Rees, is set in a women’s prison, into which well-meaning dramatist Julia comes to run a s…
“One day every company will fear a geek in a garage,” we’re told early on in Elliot Davis and James Bourne’s Loserville.
One of the strengths of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company during the last half-century has been its ongoing commitment to providing quality drama education and performance opport…
The first thing that strikes you about this new stage adaptation of William Golding’s classic dystopian novel is Jon Bausor’s astounding set: the huge section of a passenger…
This elegant young French pianist has attracted attention in recent years for his insightful performances and recordings of Schubert.
The family at the heart of Nina Raine’s Tribes is liable, at least initially, to make you yearn for the exit.
“I must learn to keep my mouth shut when there’s an angel in the room.
A criticism sometimes made about Edinburgh – especially by Glaswegians – is that, while the city appears sophisticated and morally upstanding, this is just a facade hiding a …
There are many good reasons for launching the celebratory 50th anniversary season of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre Company with a new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiti…
Arguably the most significant work of new theatre from “north of the border” in recent years is the National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch, an excellent example of inve…
Join Fife’s biggest, most fabulous big band for a sumptuous afternoon of classic tunes from Count Basie to Maynard Ferguson.
A toe-tapping evening of music from the era when swing was king with classic instrumentals and laid-back vocals – everything from Basie to Bublé.
Polly Toynbee and David Walker are two of Britain’s leading social democratic commentators and policy analysts.
Rock’n’roll spectacle! What are you looking for in an American rock band? Energy? Passion? General shenanigans? TMSB is coming to EdFringe! Guitars, keys, harmonies, drums, bass, a…
A sage said ‘nothing can be certain but death and taxes’.
Back at the Fringe again after a gap of a few years, for another trip down memory lane.
Through their use of improvisation and mime, backed with a fantastic live band (The Glue Ensemble), Cariad and Paul bring to life a series of hilarious stories, based solely on one…
London’s brass juggernaut makes its Fringe debut for three shows only, fresh from floor-filling gigs across Europe.
Barry Bonaparte’s Travelling Circus is in trouble.
Theatre is, for the most part, about telling stories with the aids of actors, scenery and props; in contrast, stand-up comedy is usually about a single person sharing their perspec…
Vesper Walk describe themselves as a “quirky five to eight piece band performing art-pop music in a gothic style.
It isn’t just through watching the plays of the Bard that you can get a taste of culture here at the Fringe; the Edinburgh Renaissance Band are bards of a different sort.
Recent cinematic reboots notwithstanding, there’s arguably at least one generation of television viewers for whom Star Trek’s starship captain of choice is not James Tiberius K…
Wild man of the accordion and front man of Burach and The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, Sandy Brechin plays fast and funky favourites from his albums Out Of His Box and Out…
Glasgow-based Birds of Paradise Theatre Company is arguably Scotland’s most innovative and ground-breaking theatre company when it comes to exploring disability and producing ful…
Matt Abbott admits that poetry is a hard sell on the Fringe, impossible to talk about without coming across as pretentious – which may well explain why one of his bespoke marketi…
Every successful show needs a Unique Selling Point – or, put simply, a gimmick.
Donald Torr was, apparently, the best big brother any little girl could have, especially growing up on the outskirts of 1960s’ Aberdeen.
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with renowned choir and organ.
Traditional choral evensong and benediction in the catholic Anglican style with the renowned choir and organ of this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
For those of you not lucky enough to live in Edinburgh all year round, Village Pub Theatre (VPT) is a regular “let’s put the show on here” brand of new theatre based in the f…
From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling.
Twelfth year at the Fringe! From Billie Holiday to Ray Charles, Lisa sings with passion and humour, with ease and sophistication.
The Rising – A Tribute to Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The David Latto Band bring their brand of celtic-tinged Americana to AMC@St Bride’s and the Fringe for the first time.
Due to massive demand, six later, quite probably ruder, shows! Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedy half-man-half-Xbox.
Paul works as the Scottish agent for Keddie Scott Associates Ltd, a London based agency.
Become autistic.
Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.
Jimmy Shand to Johnny Dodds, a virtuoso mix of music unfolds before you: French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan.
This acclaimed big band return to the Fringe for the third time, having previously sold out.
Many religions insist that humanity was created in God’s image; others argue that, throughout history, the process has been the other way round.
Dr Niamh Shaw is that relatively rare thing – a skilled and engaging stage performer who also happens to be a scientist and engineer, with both a degree and PhD to her name.
I wouldn’t normally mention a show’s venue in a comedy review, but David Mills is performing in a gorgeous space in the Voodoo Rooms.
Some cabaret performers attempt to lull you into a false sense of security about what they do, but thankfully any audience finds out quickly enough what they’re going to get from…
The Creative Martyrs, that white-faced Laurel and Hardy of existential cabaret terrorism, are not men to be trifled with, as some rather talkative front-row audience members discov…
Great live music followed by some blasts from the past and current gems.
Paul Savage can’t sleep.
Alternative comedy-themed stand-up from the melancholic David McIver (Tickled Pig finalist 2014), mischievous storyteller Sophie Henderson (Max Turner Prize finalist 2015), absurdi…
Where do letters and parcels go, when – because of an incomplete address, or lack of forwarding address – they can’t be delivered? According to Catherine Expósito and Marli …
Stephen Sondheim’s score for his self-described “black operetta” Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, must rank among his most complex and challenging works, if on…
This comedy show started with a question: why is it that conspiracy theorists will chew your ear off explaining that 9/11 was an inside job, global warming is a hoax, and chemtrail…
This comedy show started with a question: why is it that conspiracy theorists will chew your ear off explaining that 9/11 was an inside job, global warming is a hoax, and chemtrail…
A man is desperate for a job.
Following a bad break-up (although is there ever a good break-up?), David somehow gained custody of the cat, Mittens.
Block is a production that constantly surprises, though not always in ways that are comforting.
Sailor – he had a real name once, but he believes “Sailor” suits him now – is a street hustler, thief and raconteur; the illegitimate son of a prostitute who has taken up h…
Margaret Thatcher was – still is, two years after her death – a divisive figure, loved and hated in equal measure.
“Just go with the magic,” says one of the three singers on stage to a slightly reluctant compatriot.
Uncle Sam Wants You For U.
It’s fitting that, given how this is the centenary of its original publication by Edinburgh-based publisher Blackwood’s, that at least one version of John Buchan’s classic th…
‘God, what a day’ is the first thing said to us by Scaramouche Jones, the red-nosed, white-faced clown who – sensing the ghosts of an audience in his dressing room – decide…
Last year I used the word Schadenfreude in my description, and it seemed to frighten off dumb people as I had lovely audiences.
There is something inherently heartbreaking about the small metal-framed chair standing centre-stage as the audience comes in, but no more so than when one of the show’s co-devis…
Surrealist comedian Paul Foot is an Edinburgh Fringe institution.
Great Scott! 2015, still no hoverboards.
Every serious actor wants to do his Hamlet.
Having rummaged around the UK, Paul takes you on a tour of some of his charity shop finds.
You’d imagine that it’s quite difficult to write an hour of stand up about owning a cat, and apparently it is, because about half way through David Tsonos’ Walking the Cat he p…
Paul Currie returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with his anarchic, bread-filled 2014 masterpiece Release the Baboons after a triumphant run at Adelaide Fringe.
An adventure through a moral maze.
Return of acclaimed and libellously funny storytelling show on how to find outrageous nightly adventure on a budget of £5.
Mike Wozniak’s probably best known for playing moustachioed misfit Brian in Channel 4’s sitcom Man Down.
During the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe, What A Gay Play gained a certain amount of attention, given that its late-night scheduling and blatant use of the cast’s flesh on the flyers sug…
The first solo show from David Callaghan (BBC New Comedy Awards 2012 and 2013).
British Asian, Paul Sinha, makes a very welcome return to the Stand Comedy Club during the Fringe after a four-year absence.
David Elms brings his muted comedic style in the form of musical vignettes.
FUBAR Radio and Underbelly present The Underbelly Radio Shows recorded live from 12:30pm each day at Ermintrude, Underbelly hosts a series of live radio broadcasts brought to you b…
Like every other animal on the planet, humans need to eat in order to survive, but arguably no other species has developed such complicated social etiquettes around the consumption…
If you’re planning on making the trip to see Baby Wants Candy, get your title suggestions ready now! The audience for his fully improvised musical comedy has barely taken their s…
Graeae Theatre Company, according to the information sheet handed out before the start of the show, sees itself as ‘a force for change in world-class theatre – breaking down ba…
Following last year’s generally well-received comic homage to the Edwardian Ghost Story (The Haunting of Lopham House), writer and performer Tom Neenan shifts his genre gaze forw…
At first it’s almost as if George Dimarelos has chosen to counter any preconceptions about loud Australians by opting for the least dramatic stage entrance possible; he’s alrea…
This time next year, the Assembly George Square Theatre will not be big enough to contain David O’Doherty.
One of the challenges of reportage theatre – works in which the words and experiences of real people are edited and put into the words of actors – is to justify the process as …
Yes, the man with the silver shoes is back, and each of his 58 minutes on stage are as weird and wonderful as ever.
Paul Merton and his “Impro Chums”: Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster, have been practising short form improvised comedy for decades and bring their com…
Mr.
I was reading about a Gay Pride event in Glasgow last week that had banned drag acts from performing for fear they may offend transgendered members of their community who were conf…
It’s not often that I’m asked back to see a show, let alone because those involved have openly taken on some of the points I made in my review!When the War Came Home is a …
German dramatist Frank Wedekind’s play Frühlings Erwachen – written around 1891 but not performed until 1906 – deliberately kicked against sexually-oppressive fin d…
Described as “a metaphysical shocker” on its release in 1970, The Driver’s Seat was apparently author Muriel Sparks’ favourite amongst her own stories, in part thanks to th…
“This is not just about me,” says one of the cast at the start and close of Chris Goode’s Stand.
(previews start on Saturday; opens on June 29) Having just brought us Moss Hart’s entrancing “Act One,” Lincoln Center offers another piece of showbiz reminiscenc…
Having enjoyed a relatively carefree childhood and colourful teenage youth during the 1970s, I’m often still annoyed by the apparent cultural consensus which dismisses those y…
Work in progress.
Site-specific works can be accused of relying on their location to do the heavy-lifting, theatrically speaking.
It’s 2015, and still no hoverboards.
Hanuman is half human, half monkey.
The Improverts are back for two Exam Specials in the Teviot Debating Hall! A different combination of players will take to the stage each night for a round of high-class, high-ener…
For those who haven’t seen David Hoyle perform before, throw out your preconceptions and definitely expect the unexpected; for David is not your typical drag queen, and I’m s…
Free stand-up comedy: Focus people! David Mills is back with brand new razor sharp rants, cocktail swagger and a biting, acerbic wit.
Star of ‘Derek’, ‘Being Human’ and ‘Carnival of Monsters’ returns to the Brighton Fringe with two entirely new shows: Sit on the Ledge and Jump Down to the Ground (7, 2…
1926: Houdini’s right-hand man deals with the death of his boss.
David James, senior comedian and master story-teller, brings his baby-boomer show to Brighton Fringe for one night only.
The music programming at the Whitney Museum of American Art’s new building downtown begins, in a collaboration with Issue Project Room, with four concerts over three days.
An internationally renowned Irish comedian, Mr.
Alan Spence is not the first to imagine a meeting between two famous people from different worlds, though there’s certainly a whiff of wishful thinking in this thoughtful, if …
For some, he was “Italy’s Shakespeare”, “the Moliere of Venice”; yet it’s only relatively recently that British theatre audiences have warmed to work by 18th centur…
On 5th February 1941, during heavy gales, the cargo ship SS Politician ran aground off the Island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides.
Written very much in the tradition of the suspense-filled, atmospheric ghost stories by M R James, Susan Hill’s gothic novel, The Woman in Black, has been adapted numerous time…
It’s fitting that, this Eastertide, a resurrection of sorts lies at the heart of this latest collaboration between Glasgow’s Òran Mór and Edinburgh’s Traverse theatre.
Even the greatest of parties end with the hangover of cleaning up afterwards.
David Carl and Katie Harman star in their new play about a couple who have decided to remarry after their “violent and expensive divorce.
Mr.
Fools and their stories were the theme of this latest set of short plays, dramatic monologues and glorified sketches presented in rehearsed readings by the Village Pub Theatre t…
The American pianist David Witten, currently the coordinator of keyboard studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey, has long been curious about overlooked piano repertory…
The title of Schumann’s piano piece “Davidsbündlertänze” takes some explanation.
Many of the world’s greatest Tragedies – Shakespeare’s in particular – are grounded on the character flaws of their titular characters: Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and so …
No less a figure than Inspector Rebus creator Ian Rankin once insisted that the only author to ever “nail” Edinburgh was Robert Louis Stevenson in his classic 1886 novella, S…
The History Boys – at least according to the programme notes accompanying this latest tour – is “generally regarded as Alan Bennett’s masterpiece”.
Life was so much simpler, back in 1980.
Only a clever or ignorant writer would deliberately choose to begin a play with that most egregious of sitcom clichés: “Hi Honey, I’m home.
There’s one thing I hate about musical theatre, which is especially common with “amateur” productions – there’s seemingly no way of stopping audiences full of family an…
There’s something particularly appropriate about experiencing Peter Shaffer’s Equus at the Bedlam Theatre.
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself: After 60 years as the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the group returns this year as Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance, a more in…
At one point in the first act of The Judas Kiss, Oscar Wilde admits to always having had “a low opinion of what is called action.
The Guggenheim’s behind-the-scenes series usually features new works and creative collaborations in their incubator stage.
Since its first publication in 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has been adapted for stage, cinema and television hundreds of times.
There’s rumbustious joy aplenty in this new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s infamous examination of legality and justice.
Unexpected pre-show choice of “Easy Listening” music notwithstanding, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is an exciting theatrical ride, slipping from laugh-out-loud humour to…
They say that, while you can choose your friends, you can’t choose your family; even when you pick a partner, you have no say about the family that comes along with them.
A play about the battle between celebrity and “art” with a good dose of codpiece and a ghost thrown in!
Those who don’t know history, according to the Irish statesman Edmund Burke, are destined to repeat it, while the Bible insists more than once that the sins of the father will b…
American film actor and comedian Bill Murray allegedly fields offers of work via a voice mailbox which, according to Wikipedia, “he checks infrequently”.
When reviewing a play – especially one verging on farce – where two of the main characters are professional theatre critics, it’s hard not to become a tiny bit defensive …
Jan-Paul Sartre, the great French existentialist, displays his mastery of drama in NO EXIT, an unforgettable portrayal of hell.
Men – especially working class men from the West of Scotland – are not known for expressing their emotions, instead hiding behind either brutish silence or dry humour.
Lincoln Center’s popular Sunday Morning Coffee Concerts series offers rewarding, mostly younger artists in 60-minute programs starting at 11 a.
The “Scottish Play” is among Shakespeare’s shortest, but for critically acclaimed theatre company Filter to edit it down to barely more than 90 minutes, without missing an…
The First World War is often described as the first “total war”, that is involving the entire population, at home as well as on the battlefield.
Reality and performance lie at the heart of this solid production of Irish playwright Brian Friel’s Faith Healer.
Always Different, Always Funny! After a sell out run at Edinburgh Fringe 14 and comedy residents during term time Edinburgh University, The Improverts are performing two shows in L…
There’s a moment in Pamela Carter’s play Slope when the 19th century French poet Paul Verlaine, ensconced in a seedy London flat with his young lover Arthur Rimbaud, fears t…
Ahead of her next premiere — coming in February to Works & Process at the Guggenheim — Ms.
Nikoli Gogol’s The Gamblers (premiered in 1843) is relatively rarely-performed, at least in comparison with the writer’s most famous work, The Government Inspector.
“Nobody thought to save any of the roots,” says Sara towards the end of The Bondagers.
There’s a strong whiff of Farce about Cardinal Sinne from the off; only that particular genre, after all, requires quite so many doors in a set—in this case three interior d…
Kill Johnny Glendenning is a play of two halves; each a brutally funny, finely-tuned treatise on the various overlapping hierarchies of power and violence that, while shaping ou…
There are five characters in Tennessee William’s breakthrough “memory play” The Glass Menagerie.
When a work of fiction becomes so iconic a cultural “classic” that it’s known and understood by people who have never read it, it’s unsurprising that a few inaccuracies cre…
Familiar to many thousands of music fans as the front man in the Scottish rock band Idlewild, Roddy Woomble is also a celebrated solo songwriter and performer.
Come and join us for a show of classic big band music played by this popular band.
In the lavish surroundings of the Assembly Rooms, Guardian journalists Polly Toynbee and David Walker dive straight in at the deep end.
During the last few years, the Belarus Free Theatre company has built a strong reputation in issue-based theatre, utilising a wide range of performance techniques to frame and ex…
Successful stand-ups usually have a memorable on-stage persona; it may be manic, taciturn or just ‘nice’, but it’s what they’re remembered for.
A completely spontaneous improv adventure, taking one word from the audience and immersing them in a bespoke world of bizarre scenes and bold characters.
Kiss Me Honey Honey! appears to be attracting a decidedly local crowd of middle-aged women, at least if this performance is anything to go by.
Traditional choral evensong and benediction in the Catholic Anglican style with the renowned choir and organ of this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
One of the great institutions of Scottish traditional music.
Mr.
Practical workshop about making experimental multi-artform performance.
The Old Testament story of King David is quite a romp.
With Fringe sell-out show awards and an appearance in the Guinness Book of Records to their name, Jon Ritchie’s Swing Sensation Big Band makes a welcome return to the Edinburgh Fri…
Direct from Melbourne, Australia, The Perch Creek Family Jugband are a band of five energetic multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, four of whom happen to be siblings.
Some shows take the audience on challenging yet rewarding journeys through layers of meaning, interpretations, and staging.
Wild man of the accordion and frontman of Burach and The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, Sandy Brechin plays fast and funky favourites from his albums Out of His Box and Out …
This trinity of new plays by Scottish playwright Rona Munro are a timely study of nationhood, identity and the consequences of political actions.
We don’t see one of the most important events in the life of James II, just its immediate consequences; a hurried, chaotic, almost dream-like explosion of fear and movement fo…
If we’re to believe Rona Munro, the third James Stewart to rule Scotland was the country’s answer to England’s Edward II; a monarch who, while undoubtedly a man of culture…
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with renowned choir and organ.
Alex Rossi and friends roll a mash-up of traditional blues, the swagger of hip-hop and the high energy of rock’n’roll into three funky hours of music. Special Fringe guests!
Due to massive demand, six extra, later, and quite probably ruder shows from comedy’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning half-man/half-Xbox.
Newcomers to the city should come to the Jazz Bar regardless of what’s on.
Sumptuously celebrating the golden age of shipboard romance, while forging full steam into the future, Scotland’s premier swing sensation The Loveboat Big Band invite you aboard …
Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.
Edinburgh Renaissance Band returns with its ever-popular Viol Rackett Show, our best-loved programme of music, song and dance from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Gary Little isn’t.
This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a highly enjoyable eclectic mix.
The Story of Medieval England From 1066 to 1485 at Roughly Nine Years and Two Jokes Per Minute Incorporating The Hundred Years War as a Football Match and of Course Scottish Indepe…
Paul Dabek deceptively weaves a tangled web of comedy, magic and lies.
Accompanying Paul Savage on his quest to find every joke in the Bible is an enjoyable way to spend an hour.
A magical medley of music, stand-up and stories.
Theatrically interesting in the most accessible of ways, Paul F Taylor opens the show in the guise of an infomercial, claiming to be taking pills that cure him of his comedy lifest…
For several decades, it was the habit of the acclaimed medieval scholar Montague Rhodes James (who died in 1936) to entertain his Christmas guests with an especially composed tale …
This comedy show started with a question: Why is it that conspiracy theorists will chew your ear off explaining that 9/11 was an inside job, global warming is a hoax, and chemtrail…
“Gossip,” we’re told, “travels fast in a valley.
If this show was a stick of rock, it would have “Anger” written all the way through it in blood red: specifically anger at the medical, commercial and political establishments …
Regulation 18b of the Defence (General) Regulations 1939 is a now little-remembered piece of legislation which came into force just before the outbreak of the Second World War.
What happens to the thousands of people who go missing every year? And what happens to the people left behind? How can anyone accept they might never know what happened to their lo…
The centrally-located art gallery, Dovecot Studios, has provided a lovely break from the madness of fringe with its current offering of exhibitions.
“When a man starts a war against the State, it’s a war he cannot win,” says our nominal hero Willie McKay at the point in this play when the writer presumes we will sympathis…
The Fringe’s late-summer position in the calendar means that few of those who visit the Scottish capital ever experience one particular form of indigenous theatre — pantomime…
The award-winning comic’s libellously funny story-telling show on how to find outrageous adventure on a nightly budget of £5.
Following on from last year’s acclaimed show Awkward Hawk, Paul Duncan McGarrity (Amused Moose finalist 2011) looks at the power of schadenfreude, embarrassment, and how being hi…
In addition to their main show at the Pleasance, the writer-performer foursome known as the Beta Males have split into pairs to do something a bit different in the afternoon.
Irish comedian Aidan Killian certainly cuts a surprising figure with his new show; not so much for the long, simple robe he wears, but the fact that he’s shaved off half his bear…
Race first opened on Broadway in 2009 and ran for almost 300 performances, directed by its Pulitzer Prizewinning writer, David Mamet.
Sometimes, we can miss what’s important.
As a card-carrying, paid-up member of the Grumpy Old Men squad, I occasionally look at all those fresh-faced stand-ups staring out from the posters plastered across the city like S…
Patrick Mulholland and Paul McDaniel return to Edinburgh, and this time they’re full of beans.
Paul Foot’s offstage microphone isn’t working, so the pre-show announcement of Paul Foot - Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major is apparently ruined.
Tim Renkow has cerebral palsy.
“Are you ready to party?!” blares the PA at the start of the show and the audience roars in the agreement.
Scheduling is an often overlooked aspect of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, not least by venues attempting to squeeze in as many popular shows as possible.
The Comedy Store King Gong winner and Comedy Cafe New Act winner explains why his dad says things like: ‘Now that we own Afghanistan why can’t we get them in the Commonwealth Games…
‘This is the most inventive and hilarious act I have seen in years’ (Director, Leicester Comedy Festival).
For all its claims of being a one-man show, the stage can get pretty crowded during The Pitiless Storm.
Stephen Bailey—all silver dickie bow tie, floral grey suit and camp demeanour—is clearly in love with love and romance.
Paul Chowdry is perhaps one of the most interesting comedians at the Fringe this year.
We all have them, if we’re honest; those moments in our lives where we’ve reacted without thinking and “put our foot in it”, slipping from innocent victim to outright offen…
Growing up as a kid in the 1970s, my first experiences of academic lectures were either snatches of TV programmes aimed at those studying courses with the Open University (thankful…
David Morgan has two obsessions in his life: TV and the Internet.
One of the best known, longest running and most celebrated improv shows in the world.
The Trouble with Being Des, according to Des Clarke, is that he has an inner demon man child inside him which makes him “weird”—not least within the context of growing u…
During the last few years, Andrew Doyle has made a name for himself as a frequently hilarious, sharply intelligent, and fearless comedian, ready to push his audiences’ tolerance …
“You’ve proved my point: nobody has any respect for me”, McCaffery laments as four latecomers traipse across his stage to their seats, interrupting his flow.
This excellent one-man show from Mark Farrelly portrays the transformation of Denis Charles Pratt, born in suburbia, into Quentin Crisp.
David O’Doherty is one of those rare stand-ups who is a familiar face without being plastered everywhere, who is successful without being packaged.
“There has not been a single incidence of Zombieism anywhere in the world to date,” according to Doctor Austin of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies, but “this does…
David Trent enters to thunderous music and revs up the crowd with a flurry of fist pumps and screaming; only to cut it all off with a delightfully anticlimactic start to the show.
During this peculiar hour, David Elms takes a different approach to the usual bravado of musical comedy in a consciously quiet, ungainly performance.
“What is it that frightens you?” Tom Neenan asks at the start of this one-man pastiche of an Edwardian ghost story.
Dane Baptiste is a confident performer.
Being visually impaired, Glaswegian stand-up Jamie MacDonald definitely brings a new meaning to “observational humour”.
Age hasn’t softened Scott Capurro; nor, it has to be said, has marriage.
Four times Scottish champion of close up magic Michael Neto is an assured and amiable stage magician, whose slight of hand is smooth, assured and doubtless the result of decades …
Phil Roach isn’t the first man to be dumped by his girlfriend and realise his life isn’t quite working out as expected but, as Julian Wickham’s “Lifeline” quickly shows, he’s pos…
Louis is one of Canada’s most respected teachers of classical literature.
A celebration of children and young people in the Performing Arts featuring theatre, literature, music and movement.
The brilliant pianist David Greilsammer, who is also a conductor, has a gift for devising programs and recordings that juxtapose old and new music.
A startling and original portrayal of the fallibility of relationships in a technological age, Brewers Fayre demonstrates how theatre can be used to critique contemporary societal …
A dress-up sing-along celebration of everyone’s favourite musicals.
Paul F Taylor and Nick Hodder test out material.
If I told you there was a Liza tribute act at the Fringe, you’d probably expect sequins, smoke, mirrors, lights, kick lines and, of course, an awful lot of dancing around chairs.
‘Space and Time’ is an exhibition of unexpected landscape photographs.
Hear the thrilling big band sound of 18-piece jazz ensemble Straight No Chaser as they perform original music from their latest CD: Navigation alongside a new piece commissioned fo…
Master character comedian and star of ‘Derek’ and ‘Being Human’ performs all his critically acclaimed, sell-out, weirdly wonderful comedy shows, fresh from his hit Radio 4 series.
“You will not like me,” insists John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, at the start of The Libertine; not so much presented an unreliable narrator, more the self-created bad …
Us inhabitants of the British Isles can spend an inordinate amount of our time discussing the weather, yet it doesn’t automatically follow that our “four seasons in a day”c…
Host of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week and Star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo Paul Chowdhry is back in 2014 with his biggest tour to date tackling everything borderline within th…
As part of its contribution to the many debates in Scotland during 2014—sparked into life, of course, by this September’s independence referendum—new National Theatre of Sc…
London-based American comic David Mills combines a sharp-suited cocktail swagger with tremendous fire-and-brimstone rants.
When the Glasgow-born poet, playwright, song-writer, musician, cartoonist, humorist and story-writer Ivor Cutler died in March 2006, the nation’s obituarists remembered an “una…
Edinburgh’s revered Traverse Theatre has, for many years, defined itself as “Scotland’s new writing theatre”, regularly giving over its stages to a variety of new voices …
There’s no doubting that Philip Ridley’s debut play, even now, feels like a strange beast; a modern fairytale of two infantalised and orphaned twins, Presley and Haley, somehow…
Paul Sinha is a stand-up comedian, but you might know him as ‘The Sinnerman’, from ITV’s tea-time quiz, The Chase.
Big, bold and buxom; playwright Tim Barrow’s Union, directed for the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s artistic director Mark Thomson, starts as it means to go on, with blocks of “sce…
A common factor in the best sitcoms–and dramas, for that matter–are situations from which the characters can’t escape, most notably from each other: the binds of family (t…
This concert from Cadenza (an amateur choir founded in 1992) at Greyfriars Kirk proved to be a beautiful evening of accomplished music from both the choir and orchestra.
Big band hits to make your weekend go with a swing.
The Rising: a dynamic group of talented musicians who play tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band. An absolute must for fans of the Boss.
Theatre Uncut is one of the few good things that has come out of the knock to public spending put in place in 2010, said to be the worst since World War II: it is from these cuts t…
Singer-songwriter Shaun Shears sort of fancies himself as a 21st Century reincarnation of the medieval Troubadour, travelling the country performing his songs about life, love and …
Two wooden chairs, some books, an otherwise empty stage.
The idea of some supernatural being falling down to Earth and helping change the lives of us mere mortals is a powerful myth that resonates down human history, from the biologicall…
The fireball of Scottish comedy, ‘uniquely dry, understated performer’ (Chortle.
Comedian David Schneider, you know, him from Alan Partridge, tries to justify those wasted hours on Twitter with a funny show about the internet.
Accompanied by Rona Wilkie (fiddle), Marit Fält (Låtmandola), Kirsty brings Scots traditional material to life and performs her own thought-provoking songs.
Comedy improvisers Matt and Ian are sensible enough to start their show with what the unkind might describe as their get-out clause; they admit, from the start, that they ‘might …
Given that, at one point, Jon Ronson describes himself as ‘essentially [just] a humorous journalist out of his depth,’ you might be surprised that the Cardiff-born writer and docum…
David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humour writers.
Nuala Kennedy has a beautiful lilting voice that suits her ‘cheerful-sounding murder ballad’ songs perfectly.
Even on paper, this ‘reconnaissance mission into the no-man’s land where death borders storytelling’ has the potential to be either really good or a recipe for self-indulgence; a…
Written by celebrated folk musician Alan Reid, storytelling and songs relate the tale of this controversial and extraordinary 18th-century Scots mariner.
‘Wow’ doesn’t even begin to describe the talents of these two comedians.
Honesty’s important in stand-up; so’s making stuff up, obviously, but audiences can generally sniff out if the person on stage doesn’t – at least for that moment – believe in …
Sondheim’s Assassins sounds like a show that should not work; a musical exploration of some of the United States’ most famous attempts (and successes) to kill the President.
John Rivers is the first to admit he’s not an entertainer and that Poems and Pots isn’t a ‘show’ as such, but hopefully a relaxing opportunity to tease out and encourage the creati…
Playwright Idgie Beau sets out the parameters of A Hundred Minus One Day quickly and economically; 20 year old Jen, who has lived away from home for many years, has returned to her…
Frontman and songwriter Sandy Brechin played traditional accordion from his albums ‘Out of his Head’ and ‘Out of his Tree’, with backing from cajon, guitar, bass guitar, an…
There’s an unfortunate earnestness to this short piece from the Bangor English Drama Society, as they attempt with both script and performance to be all grown up and serious about …
‘A successful bachelor is always a puzzle to others,’ says the singer James Dinsmore, playing the composer and actor Ivor Novello.
Wild man of the accordion, Sandy Brechin, plays fast and funky sets from his albums Out of His Box and Out of His Tree, accompanied by bass, guitar and percussion.
Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic church.
In May 2013, David Piper - the modestly-titled ‘Global Ambassador’ for Scottish boutique gin producer Hendrick’s - accompanied master distiller Lesley Gracie and celebrated a…
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with its renowned choir and organ.
Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with its renowned choir and organ.
Due to massive demand six extra, later, quite probably ruder shows from comedy’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning half-man, half-Xbox.
Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter showcasing new songs and old favourites: ‘Jenny and the Cold Caller .
Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter showcasing new songs and old favourites.
Equipped with his electro-acoustic guitar, Paul Gilbody promises for a magical evening of hearty tunes and ripping beats to drive home a funky Fringe show full of imagination.
Paul Merton and his impro chums return to Edinburgh for their tenth festival run, delivering many more hours of top quality improv.
Doogie Paul may not be the most familiar name in music, but amongst those who know him, both directly and indirectly, he is spoken of with a great deal of admiration.
Improvised comedy is a difficult art to master.
Music, alternately exhilarating and tender, by Edinburgh’s famous 13-strong early music group.
It was wonderfully refreshing to come upon something on the Fringe that, by its very nature, had blown the one hour slot to smithereens; further, that tapped into a reserve of fun …
Playwrights’ Studio Scotland is an independent development organisation for playwrights, working with them across the country, including through its talent development programme.
Edinburgh’s up and coming New Orleans Dixieland jazz band means business.
The British geneticist and evolutionary biologist J B S Haldane once stated his suspicion that ‘the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose’.
The Blues Band are acknowledged throughout the world as being the finest and most entertaining purveyors of rhythm and blues.
Life’s not easy when you’re a pedant; not that you see yourself as being pedantic, according to Jim Higo, a self-described ‘punk poet, social commentator and general irritant’.
International experiment sharing a story about a woman called Thyme, with local interpretations.
Mike Shephard likes his history and, as a cash-conscious volume-drinker, the prices of rounds of drinks have always easily segued for him into historical anecdotes from the relevan…
This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform their eclectic worldwide musical mix and also pay tribute to the giants of British Trad jazz: Ball, Barber and Bilk.
This accordion and clarinet duo based in Edinburgh gave a showcase of different music styles from around the world.
Chops is not a piece of naturalistic theatre, but then that’s hardly to be expected, given that this ‘linguistic farce’ by Brooklyn-based artist Kirin McCrory, performed by an all-…
Undertaking the staging of David Copperfield is a tricky, if not impossible, task for any theatre company.
Death Ship 666 is Airplane meets Titanic; an exuberant rollercoaster ride of humorous grotesques, which revels in its own clichés and absurdities.
It’s said that the Devil has all the best tunes, but why shouldn’t the Godless also enjoy the fun and sense of community that comes from gathering on a Sunday morning to enjoy coff…
Canadian Shawn Hitchins bounces onto the stage with puppy-like energy, rushing straight into a ‘blond, brunette and a ginger’ joke to make the point that, as ‘a person of primary c…
Most magic shows you find on the Fringe nowadays are necessarily intimate, close-up affairs – not least because of the size of the available venues, budgets and the ‘close magic’…
This all-female spoken word cabaret claims to offer ‘a veritable smorgasbord of poetry’; yet even though it is, to a certain extent, a daily-changing ‘sampler’ of numerous performa…
Now enjoying its third year in Edinburgh, the Magic Faraway Cabaret has a reputation for presenting the best burlesque, variety and sideshow skills available in the Scottish capita…
Cabarets are, by their very nature, fluid and changeable beasts, especially those in Edinburgh which act as convenient samplers of what’s available elsewhere on the Fringe.
Paul Savage sometimes lies awake at night, convinced he’s a sitcom character.
Paul F Taylor is like a puppy: he has very fluffy hair, oodles of energy and even when he slips up, we still like him.
I first saw Alexis Dubus perform in 2008, when his ‘A R*ddy Brief History Of Swearing’ provided an interesting spine on which to hang some very funny material – and a justificati…
Last year, with Activism is Fun, comedian Chris Coltrane explained how he had returned to political action after years of apathy, not least because – thanks to the likes of direc…
According to the neat-suited Paul Dabek, the Magic Circle demands that all its members must include a card trick at some point in their act, otherwise there’s a terrible risk of ‘m…
Rolling into Edinburgh with a brand new barnstorming show, The Horne Section will yet again provide the festival’s best musical mayhem.
Are you tired of the persistence of peer pressure to be cool and to fit in? Ruth E.
Popular culture often gets derided by critics because, unlike many of the so-called ‘great’ works of art (you know, the ones that allegedly make you look good when ‘appreciat…
From the start, I must point out that I fully accept that standing up on a stage, making people laugh in a foreign language, even if it’s the ‘lingua franca’ of the western world (…
It has been said that the one ‘mercy’ dementia offers is that the person who has it doesn’t know they do; so it is with the emotive subject of this solo play written and perf…
It’s true: All the nice girls really do like a sailor.
Stephen Schwartz’s musical about Jesus might not be quite as famous as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s counterpart, but it’s just as notorious.
In some 4,000 High Schools across the US, you’ll find a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) group.
One of the delights of the Fringe is that it can throw up the unexpected; so, for example, the first time I hear a delightfully bad-taste joke about a recent double suicide in one …
Returning to, and re-staging, the “classics” is not without challenges, not least because they were often originally written at a time when actors were considerably cheaper to hire…
Ping Pong is an energetic game usually involving two or four people, but this latest stand-up show from Alistair Green is very much a one-man endeavour, with the only significant b…
Identity is a complicated matter for Rick Kiesewetter; not least because, as he points out from the start, his Asian face doesn’t match most people’s expectations of his adoptive f…
An hour long comedy show featuring five different acts talking about sex? After a few pints this starts to seem like a great idea and I would recommend the show to any finding them…
The anthemic song ‘We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ by The Animals sets the scene for this one-woman, biographical monologue by the writer and performer Monica Bauer.
The best allegories can stand on their own two feet.
Nominally, a Gay Straight Alliance is a pupil-based group found in some (though sadly too few) US schools, which meets regularly to discuss issues around homosexuality in order to …
‘I’ll save you yet,’ says the precocious Antony Sandel to the object of his desires, David Rogers.
Kevin Dewsbury is a bloke.
When Broadway veteran and world-famous mime Bill Bowers starts his show talking about sitting in a Hollywood make-up truck at three in the morning, with Hugh Grant to his left and …
Beachy Head in East Sussex has the tallest chalk sea cliffs in Britain, offering some fabulous views along the south east coast and across the English Channel.
Paul Foot, the backwards-haircut (short on top, long on the sides) staple of comedy panel shows, brings his slurring style of delivery and love for all things surreal to the Fringe…
Nearly 30 years after his death, Richard Burton still stands tall among the ghosts of Hollywood, the poor boy from a Welsh mining village whose acting talent and ambition took him …
Award-winning stand-up from two of the country’s best newcomers Adam Hess and David Elms (as seen on BBC3).
It was the 13th century Persian poet, Islamic jurist and theologian known to the English-speaking world as Rumi who said that ‘travel brings power and love back into your life’…
‘Officer don’t be a Benny/the thing we saw was MGM-y.
There’s a playful, rough-round-the-edges physicality throughout this new show by Megan Heffernan and Sophie Fletcher.
Having bought a house with his girlfriend the Edinburgh-born comic explores how a decision that comes from a place of love can lead to such fear and uncertainty.
While the BBC’s iconic sci-fi series Doctor Who is currently one of the biggest, most popular shows on television at the moment - and it’s likely to be everywhere this November, wh…
Science reveals, magic conceals, but both can inspire a sense of wonder, according to stage magician Oliver Meech.
This is not the first time Doctor Who has been put on trial.
In the past Kevin Shepherd has apparently used his Fringe shows as a kind of confessional, finding thoughtful humour in his past social and legal misdemeanours.
Droll, stylish stand-up! Inspirational rants! Mills dissects celebrity, relationships, politics with cutting accuracy.
If you, like me, are skeptical on the subject of the existence of ghosts, go and see Paul Gannon Ain’t Afraid Of No Ghost.
Heard of screenwriter William Goldman’s rule about Hollywood? ‘Nobody knows anything.
The lunchtime concerts at St Mary’s take place every day of the festival and the programme changes day by day.
‘Fame is a mask that eats into the face’.
You’d be forgiven for assuming that the top British universities these days offer a BA (Hons) course in A Cappella Singing and you’d also be forgiven for assuming that that mea…
Feast your eyes and teeth on the bizarre, absurd and delicate world of Paul Currie.
In a new adaptation of Luigi Pirandello’s disturbing masterpiece, Cambridge ADC chop, change and miss the point entirely.
How long does it take to write, choreograph and rehearse a musical? For most musicals it’s a long, drawn-out process.
Critics’ Pick (New York Times).
There’s a point in every show when stand-up Scott Agnew drops what he calls ‘the G bomb’; that is, he mentions that he’s gay.
Other stand-ups stand up.
Witty, full of puns, and anything but uninteresting, Name in Lights is a free-flowing performance that bears an aura of genuineness.
Dan Nightingale wants us to like him.
David Quirk, an unapologetic child of the ‘80s, paints the scene immediately with his passion for Guns N’ Roses, leather trousers and idolatry of Slash.
David Trent has labelled each of his possessions: ‘This is a screen’, ‘This is a laptop’, ‘This is a projector’, etc.
David Morgan is someone you want to be friends with.
When a performer reaches a certain level of stardom, the reviews may come in easier than ever before; with prime venue, time slots and media attention, life is made all that much e…
The scene a producer’s office in that place where men sit waiting to throw money at the moon.
Given that the original award-winning novel by Mark Haddon is told from the very singular, focused perspective of a 15-year-old boy on the autistic spectrum, it’s surprising that…
American Gothic: The Poetry of Edgar Lee Masters has an interesting premise.
David Trent calls live comedy ‘the only true spontaneous art form’.
It’s not that The Improverts aren’t funny.
There is something rotten in the state of Hampstead.
I didnt know what to expect from a show with the title Naked Boys Singing.
Bach before breakfast is a rather lovely, if bleary way to start the day.
I am Google is listed as Comedy, Interactive and Stand-up.
Advertised in the Fringe guidebook as ‘David Kelly is Shameless’, the show turned out to be rebranded as ‘David Kelly and Laura Carr Have No Shame’.
The format for this show is very simple.
It is easy to lose St Giles’ Cathedral in the haze of the Mile, where every square inch is covered with thespians still needing to sell the last few tickets.
Are our lives ruled by fate or chance? It’s hard to decide most of the time but even harder when a stage magician is making the seemingly impossible happen before your eyes.
Here in a school’s performance hall is one of the best shows of the festival, in this humble reviewer’s opinion.
You may have heard of a play-within-a-play but a musical-within-a-musical is another matter entirely.
Everyone loves a good scandal and this is probably why Sheridans most famous play has stood the test of the time for the last two hundred and thirty years.
There is a moment a third a way into Fergus Fords play when the lights dim, the comedy darkens and the plot takes a sharp and unsettling swerve into territory already occupied by…
At the heart of Allotment is a simple, visual metaphor: the burial and later uncovering of objects in the earth that clearly mirrors the suppression and later resurrection of memor…
At first glance, Tissue is an exploration of a fascinating topic: breast cancer.
Tom is a modern boy living an openly gay life but unable to get it together.
Jazz is a study of madness, perhaps.
An am-dram production in a church hall, this show comes from another world entirely to even the worst of fringe shows: a world where a serviceable witch’s hat can be made from a …
At the age of 18, Allegra Levy is already a considerably more compelling performer than handfuls of Parky regulars.
Hello Sailor.
Songs For a New World is a perennially popular Fringe favourite, a revue of cabaret numbers by Jason Robert Brown loosely themed around the American experience.
I fell in love with somebody completely by accident, just by sitting beside them, is a great way to introduce a song.
The duo of Ian Millar on tenor and soprano saxes and Dominic Spencer on (electric) piano play a standards-based set at the Radisson Hotel every lunchtime (though, 12:30 is breakfas…
Based on Conrad’s novel, The Secret Agent, transplanting its protagonist to modern-day Soho, attaching the story to a real alleged bomb plot on the London Eye, incorporating so…
David Longley’s opening skit is enough to put you off children’s television for life.
I caught this troop of budding young comedians last year and was mightily impressed by their ingenuity, their sense of comic timing, and the wonderfully risqué formula of getting …
Jamie and Matt are two young men indulging in the exchange of sexual fantasies over the internet.
I stumbled into FxP2 in Trouble out of an Edinburgh drizzle and initially thought to myself, oh well, another shower of rain, another comedy sketch show.
Paul McCaffrey seems less like a performer and more like a mate in a pub.
Can a magician’s hand really be faster than the human eye? Paul Dabek may well use that serious question as an excuse for a simple physical joke, but by the end of this excellent…
I have been to Walberswick and I never caught crabs, but Im glad I caught this new play by Fringe First Winner Joel Horwood.
It is easy to forget that in the tempest of the Edinburgh Festival, between the international plays and the famous comedians, there is still a strong Scottish backbone to many of t…
The concept of Bite Size is a perfectly simple, yet novel one, and the clue really is in the title.
This concert proved to be a bit of a gem.
With a razor-sharp tongue and ever sharper wit – think 1940s American reporter meets cocktail bar swagger – David Mills delivers an hour of comedy that you may mistake for an h…
Yorkshire-born Chris Cassells seems such a trustworthy young man that it’s somewhat disconcerting to realise that he’s already recognised as a rising star among the UK’s stag…
The Sitcom double bill has a pleasingly simple premise: the hour long show is divided into two and a sitcom is performed in each half.
This is a sketch show occupying a very special niche in the imagination of the Fringe.
Matthew John Curtis is famous.
This is a one-man show with a difference: the actor is also a magician.
Say what you will about ventriloquists, theres no denying their talent.
Planet Lem is a captivating and sometimes baffling exploration of the sci-fi works of the author Stanislav Lem.
A dinner party and a stand-up comedy performance might not seem to have much in common - and, in social terms, they don’t - but Xavier Toby gamely welcomed his first Edinburgh au…
Like much of the comedy currently clogging up Edinburgh, Toby Hadoke’s latest show is fundamentally about the man on stage, about his life experiences and his personal relationsh…
For most people, their wedding is the happiest day of their life.
Daniel Sloss delivers a supposedly darker, meaner show in his later slot but most of his material is relatively clean, geared towards an audience who can laugh at him as well as wi…
Struggling to Evolve ‘promises a guide to sex, drink and violence’ – which sounds like prime material for an edgy comedian seeking to unsettle his audience.
In this one-off show, Andi Neate’s band was small and intimate.
When a show advertises itself as involving ‘heavy music, headbanging and a smidgen of angst-ridden poetry’, it does not sell itself well to a punter like myself, especially as …
In this hour long lunchtime concert, the Wordsworth Singers verified the health and vigour of the contemporary choir scene in England.
It feels important to say before we discuss a show about such a sensitive issue that its engagement with the topic of women being raped is sensitively handled and that the dancer i…
Matador, you say? As in, red capes and bulls and Spanish people? For an hour? And it’s comedy?Thankfully, the matador pretence is dropped in the first ten minutes of Asher Trelea…
When someone sits down to write a musical, it’s rare that they dream up a piece of work that is befitting to a small performance space, shying away from spotlights and microphones …
How many US Presidents does it take to run a country? Three, apparently - and in the late 90s that was Bill, Billy and Hillary Clinton.
In the second floor of a pub off Grassmarket, a sweaty singer belts out peculiar variations on show tunes from Oliver! This is Oliver Pissed, as presented by The Sensational Alex S…
Imagine if David Starkey did a Fringe show.
The show starts with a projection poorly shone onto the back wall; ‘Lie Back And Think Of Sodom’.
Richard is the butt of school jibes and his home life is not much better in spite of his having two loyal brothers.
Where in Edinburgh can you get a three-tier stand of scones and cakes and sandwiches that would do justice to Jenners, a glass of bubbly, and a Victorian thriller all for the price…
To hear that a company is performing a classic poem like The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner with dance, acrobatics and music is the sort of combination of ideas and media that can lea…
Reminiscent of a Rihanna concert, the Tiffin Swing Band starts their set late.
Contrary to what some critics might suggest, it’s not a comfortable experience seeing someone ‘coming off the rails’ on stage, especially when they’re clearly talented and …
When I was a small boy, they filmed some of the outdoor scenes of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in my grandmothers street in Edinburgh.
Paul Ricketts is a natural storyteller.
Maff Brown’s Parade of This present the audience with a tight, irreverent and thoroughly silly sketch show.
It is often easy to think that a top quality set and good technical support can make a performance great in and of itself; shows like Turandot exist to demonstrate that this is not…
If we believe everything we see, at least on the video screen, the stage mentalist Doug Segal can get from his hotel bed to the venue — stopping off mid-route to buy a lottery ti…
I love Ontoerend Goed; whether it’s their audience-dividing masterpiece that was Audience last year or something life changing and unique like A Game Of You, I have been a massiv…
Those looking for a bit of relief from the frenetic pace of the Festival can find it underground, in the idiosyncratic Jazz Bar on Chambers Street.
Elis James bounds onto the stage with wonderful energy and a poetic way with language; there is something wonderfully friendly about this Welshman that gives you the feeling that r…
Billed as a ‘drama’, Heaven’s Gate, which explores the Titanic disaster (this year is the centenary of the sinking), proved to be a seemingly unintended comedy.
You know you’ve experienced a genuine one-man Fringe show when the guy who’s been performing on stage for the previous 50 minutes has to jump down, run to the tech desk at the …
Is Judas Iscariot the ultimate fall-guy, unfairly damned for his necessary role in what was once called The Greatest Story Ever Told? Is his sin — of “selling out the Son of Go…
It is very hard to know how to describe Gareth Morinan’s show.
The Jazz Bar’s crowd on Sunday the 12th August was a bit of a mix.
Particularly when compared to the polite folk of Edinburgh, Glaswegians have a reputation for talking.
It seems ironic that a show about heroin lacks so much speed.
David ‘Perrier Award winning’ O’Doherty has grown a beard especially for his role as the intrepid – read: inept - explorer Rory Sheridan.
Taking immersive theatre to the next level, Applespiel have launched into this year’s Fringe with a set of corporate seminars, designed to improve everyone’s awareness of thems…
Davie and Geordie are two teenage boys, the best of friends, just getting to the point in their lives where they begin to establish relationships with girls.
It’s no small challenge to summarise a country and its history in a single hour, which is perhaps why Carolyn Anona Scott and Jack Foster instead choose to pay ‘homage’ to Sc…
The excitement in the audience is palpable as the lights dim in St George’s West, a beautiful venue that lends itself well to theatrical transformation.
If there’s a book you’re guaranteed to come across in a literature degree, it’s Beowulf.
Conference of Strange is in the form of a lecture, and it’s 30 minutes (not an hour as billed), and it opens with a woman ironing a projection screen, and then the air, and then …
In his book about the onset of his wife’s dementia, former ITN journalist John Suchet explained that the one ‘mercy’ he could see about the condition was that the person with…
Six Ways is one of those small musicals that sends you out into the Edinburgh rain with a big heart.
In a festival filled with shows about wonderland and Lewis Carroll, Ontroerend Goed’s new production, the latest in a long line of probing pieces, stands tall as the true master …
The man looks like a comedian.
Paul Merton introduces a selection of silent film classics, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy.
‘An oasis in the Fringe… with bagpipes’ is how piper and most talkative Battlefield Band member Alasdair White described their show.
This is Soap takes improv comedy to a new level - forget sketch shows, musicals or short-form games.
Where Theatre In Heights’ production of this new musical is strongest is in its capacity to entertain.
The first thing you notice is that David Reed really has created a Shamblehouse in the Pleasance.
You know something’s different about a show when the people in the first three rows - also known as the slosh pit - are issued with cheap Scotland-branded ponchos.
An author, two actors and an audience member discuss Tim Crouchs last play, an unnamed and violence-filled two-person production whose effects on the actors and writer are slowly…
Terezin Concentration Camp is an utterly fascinating story; built in the Czech Republic, it was inspected by the Red Cross, and during the visit the Nazis turned the camp into a ho…
Theres always a plethora of musicals on the most unlikely subjects at the Fringe.
Love Child is the story of two women - a mother and daughter - who have never met; the former gave the latter away at her birth, the daughter returns to seek out her lost parent.
St Giles’ cathedral, built in honour of Giles the Hermit, is certainly grand and the atmosphere is an appropriate one for an organ concert.
Britpop band Cast’s live performances have been compared to a ‘religious experience’ by the Gallaghers.
An evening of music, song and dance from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance period is probably unlikely to set the pulse racing for most and yet while not exhilarating, the e…
You know when you come out of a show that its going to sell out fast.
Musical comedy is a risky business.
David Hasselhoff has a large and committed international following: Pleasance Grand was sold out on his opening night and at almost £20 a ticket, this is one of the more expensive…
Catie Wilkins works in a call centre, has a gay brother and parents who are both completely normal and yet very unusual - all great topics for a comedy set.
26-song set divided into two parts in the tall St Cuthbert’s church (which included tea and biscuits at the interval) provided a nostalgic throwback to the 1920s, 30s and early …
I must start with two clear statements.
The exquisitely moustached showman Donny Vomit was just 14, visiting an Oklahoma County Fair, when he saw a man swallow a long balloon.
The Oxford Belles are a small set of seven, performing upon a dauntingly massive black stage but as soon as they burst into song they fill the entire space with life.
Rash Dash are a theatre company to watch.
There’s one small, very special audience that most of us will be legally obliged to join at some point in our lives — a jury.
It is difficult for a fan of Ontoerend Goed to try and compare their output this year with their previous work, and that is mainly because they have little in common.
Given the importance many people put on their annual holiday — the glittering gift to themselves for enduring the hard slog of everyday life for the rest of the year — there�…
Nathan Caton is possibly the most amiable comedian you will ever witness on a stage.
Principal Parts is a play within a play.
There’s a long tradition of the gentleman thief - not least in Edinburgh, the city of Deacon Brodie - so it probably seemed apt to bring to the Fringe an adaptation of Eleanor Up…
Music Bugs is a company which provides music classes for ‘babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers’, an age group whose three primary occupations seem to be screaming, laughing and f…
We are in a strange building in an unidentified city, and not even the country is clear.
Fringe regulars may remember the moment towards the beginning of last year’s Festival, when performers, media and audiences alike slowly caught wind of the London riots, followin…
I’m one of those people.
Science Shows for Schools have take three of their popular science presentations for schools and turned them into a 50 minute production for children at the Zoo Aviary.
Glasgow’s Tramway has a reputation for cutting-edge visual and performing arts; so it’s something of a radical change for them to join Glasgow’s other theatrical venues with …
Written and animated by the alleged French “polymath” François Sarhan, Enough Already incorporates live music, theatre and film in a frustratingly pretentious, paralysingly du…
The Pathhead Halls on the corner of Commercial Street and Broad Wynd, Kirkcaldy, Fife were built in 1882, originally as a theatre and music hall although one room was later used fo…
There’s a brazen, wonderfully self-conscious theatricality in how director Dominic Hill approaches Chris Hannan’s new stage adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s iconic novel, C…
Recursion is a play that explores a plethora of different and fascinating themes, tapping into some intriguing sections of psychology in the process; a man who has lost his memory …
There is one word that, quite deliberately, is never uttered by anyone on stage during the National Theatre of Scotland’s Let The Right One In—vampire.
Although based on true events, the story of Calum’s Road is so unique that it comes with a strong sense of some greater story being told, one of mythical proportions.
In the beautiful St Mark’s ArtSpace, Arash Bazrafshan improvises pieces of piano music inspired by a set of four pieces of art provided by his sister, Roza, which sit next to the…
Children’s and young adult’s fiction have long been populated by orphans, characters who are both usefully free from parental restraints while also cut adrift from the traditio…
Inter-generational relationships are always controversial, especially when questions of predatory abuse arise in these Savile-dominated times.
Now I’m all for messing with Shakespeare.
There are actually plenty of comedy options at the Fringe if you want to avoid the ‘affable young bloke in jeans and a t-shirt telling jokes’ but perhaps none further removed t…
For those of us with a palette for traditional and contemporary Scottish folk music, Alistair Ogilvy and Band are here with a special treat.
Can you do anything of theatrical note in under 10 minutes? Is there a place for a theatrical equivalent of flash fiction, whether as a testing ground for new writers or as a form …
Presumably the mention of Katrina and the Waves, Lulu or Bucks Fizz will have a reader questioning why they’re making an appearance in a review about a cappella electro singing.
When does real life stop and the cabaret begin? Or the cabaret stop and real life return? On this occasion, Markee de Saw and Bert Finkle offer no simple or easy answers in this in…
A one-man show about a spare British poet - a challenging prospect for a sweaty Sunday in a tiny black box theatre.
Chris Coltrane is the first to admit that any political radicalism he might once have possessed had faded over time, thanks in part to a depressing sense of powerless after the UK …
Paul McCaffrey can very much be categorised as an observational comedian.
Arguably the most famous Scottish story written by an Englishman is re-imagined as One Flew Over The Cuckoo Nest by the National Theatre of Scotland, and showcases a remarkable sol…
From the start, you know that Tomás Ford isn’t your ordinary late night showman.
The Ugly Sisters should not work.
At one point in this freewheeling show, Paul Foot pulls out a heap of colourfully illustrated flashcards and asks us to yield to the ‘glimpses’ of jokes they contain.
The downside of performing in a multi-show venue must surely be that you may have very little time to set up a show beforehand — often little more than 10 minutes — while alway…
Salem is a production that attempts to do something dangerous - to perform a piece of theatre about a historical event that has already been covered by a really well-known play.
I got pulled into this pure wee gem of a show at almost the last minute.
Arguments and Nosebleeds is becoming a little nugget of tradition, a one-off poetry performance — now in its third year — that gives a platform to a host of Scottish poets, alo…
Jean Paul Jones is an eighteenth-century US naval commander with Scottish roots; and this is the musical of his life.
Paul Merton, Lee Simpson, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch and Jim Sweeney improvise for an hour using suggestions from the audience.
‘Do you like bubbles?’ asks Louis Pearl of the audience, which was mainly comprised of families with small children.
It can be difficult, in a festival crammed with a cappella acts, to tell the talented from the dross.
A travel writer returns to Scotland after twenty years travelling the world.
Whether you know much about Chekhov or not, Anton’s Uncles still has something for you.
The Unexpected Items come with great credentials: they are the team responsible for the famous ‘Gap Yah’ videos on YouTube and have a poster covered in recent reviews decrying …
It is incredible how the Internet can expose and produce brand new superstars.
Paul Zerdin is clearly an accomplished ventriloquist.
If you saw Stephen Frears movie My Beautiful Launderette, made way back in the mercifully distant days of Thatcherite Britain, or even if youre too young to remember it (like m…
Stephen Schwartz, long before he became famous for Wicked, collaborated with fellow student John-Michael Tebelak to create a highly experimental show that combined the parables of …
Take two of Cambridge’s Footlights, give them guitars, throw them in front of a crowd full of people and watch the magic happen.
The show begins in a Greek restaurant.
Paul Sinha has yet to really breakout, although hes been building a solid stand-up foundation over the years at the Fringe.
George’s Marvellous Medicine had the children in the audience bemused at some points and enthralled at others.
Sarah Hamilton relates a story drawn from the annals of her family history.
It’s a beautiful day at the Fringe and I’m sat on the top deck of a red bus in the Meadows.
In these increasingly cash-strapped times putting on any musical on the Fringe is worthy of praise, even if — with a cast of six accompanied by electric piano and drums — the d…
Its a perennial problem in plays where the actors are continually taking their clothes off: how do they get them back on, or off the stage cleanly between scenes? Theres a lot …
As a show, NGGRFG has one obvious problem: people are either uncertain how to say it, or are simply reluctant to say out loud the two words it represents, because — quite underst…
Among the delights of the Fringe are the opportunities it occasionally presents to see quality performers in more intimate, personal projects.
Theyre sold out until the end of time (well, the end of the run anyway) so its pretty academic if I say that this is the funniest, silliest, campest, rudest, coarsest, most pre…
It’s been said before, it will be said again, people will say it for years and years to come.
It is rare that, as a reviewer, to see a show that struggles even to reach the praise of a single star.
I was just about getting weary of anything with The Musical after it when I went in to see this show by StoppedClock.
This is not a prospect faced with every day: a musical journey through the history of the Papacy.
Take a liberal helping of Ayckbourn, add a sprinkling of Sondheimesque songs, stir well with a cupful of Joe Orton, and what do you get? A unique show which pulls the rug from unde…
In an increasingly categorised Fringe (this year added Spoken Word to an already multi-colour-coded Fringe programme), it can still be a delight to come upon a show that just doesn…
The Australian duo of musical comedian Sammy J and puppeteer Heath McIvor - best known for his purple puppet Randy - are now experienced Fringe regulars who, quite rightly, are mor…
If reindeer could really speak, what awful tales would we hear? My hackles rose in the lobby when I was confronted with early November shiny baubles and other such Christmas frippe…
Nick and Andrew are brothers, but that doesn’t mean they’re alike.
Oleanna is David Mamets unflinching and controversial portrayal of power relations as viewed through the prism of a potentially fraudulent allegation of sexual harassment.
Hurt, the theatrical offering from Aztikeria Teatro feels a little all over the place.
I used to know a guy with a small penis.
In a squat in Edinburgh in the midst of the riots, Miles and Kristy have set up their own little home of pillaged potpourri and Wetherspoons sauce sachets.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a director’s dream.
Three tables, each filled with the paraphernalia of different daytime meals; on each table, there’s an hourglass, progressively smaller.
It takes a lot of courage to put on a tribute composed entirely of musical numbers from shows which flopped.
Mod Girl tells the story of a young prostitute’s evening with an older and, as it turns out, psychopathic man.
From the start Richard Purnell (the short one) and Gary From Leeds (the horribly tall one) insist that their teaming up as ‘360 degree poetry consultants’ is not a gimmick.
You can almost smell the testosterone coming off the stage in this raunchy and sexy play, an all-male take on Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Sketch comedy duo Chris O’Niell and Paul Valenti started last night with a bit of a mountain to climb.
While Green’s professionalism for going ahead with his solo performance with a tiny audience is worth a mention, this shouldn’t distract from the most important point: that his…
It takes some pluck to produce, write, direct and star in your own play.
Despite a long and successful career in both British film and theatre, Dame Margaret Rutherford is now best remembered for a role she didn’t, initially, care for at all — Agath…
A show about shows is not the most original idea there has ever been but Dan Nightingale’s ‘what might have been?’ take on performing in this year’s Edinburgh Fringe provid…
Describing his genre as ‘racist comedy’ and insisting that the show is not funny, Paul Chowdhry presents 55 minutes of offensive material that is often as uncomfortable as it i…
Other Voices promised much — ‘comedy, politics, naughty lyrics, free sweets… And a veritable smorgasbord of poetry antics’, but the most significant terminology on its titl…
The first thing that was instantly noticeable about this ensemble was its intelligent manipulation of the acoustics of the St Mary’s Cathedral to create appropriate sounds for th…
Updating Shakespeare into modern dress may be de rigeur, but it takes a lot of nerve to do the same with restoration comedy, much of the appeal of which for modern audiences - and …
Piazzolla Late proved to be a charming evening of classical music performed by two rising stars of the classical music scene.
Longley quickly explains the plan for his show, that he calls A Joke is Just A Joke.
A Little Night Music is one of Sondheim’s most exquisitely written shows- somewhere between Wilde’s comedies of manners and Chekhov and Ibsen’s simpering naturalism.
Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a strong pedigree and reputation, built on its debut as part of Glasgow’s Òran Mór’s iconic A Play, …
Many comics wouldnt risk starting a show chatting about their hernia, but Tonkinson quickly gets up close and personal with his audience and their experiences.
Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly played to a packed Queen’s Hall with his own brand of low-key folk-rock, featuring only him and his nephew Dan Kelly, who played guitar an…
A concert in a modest and handsome Unitarian church situated underneath the castle sounds like a perfect way to spend lunchtime.
The Glasgow King’s Theatre panto, which last year marked its half century, is a much-loved institution in the city.
I live in Edinburgh and choose to go to this throughout the year because it is so good week after week.
David ODoherty has been going from strength to strength since winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2008, and this show is a total delight.
Mid-afternoon, an audience of just 10 people is not what most standups would want to see in front of them.
The history of Edinburgh opens up so many opportunities for brilliant site specific work, which is rarely properly realised.
There are many things you can say about Chris Cross; that he’s a shrinking violet is not one of them.
Neil LaBute’s companion plays Land of the Dead and Helter Skelter explore a sudden change in life situations, portrayed through the lives of two couples.
I hated history lessons at school - all those dates and names of Kings and Queens, so long ago that they seemed totally irrelevant.
Sometimes music does more than simply entertain you – sometimes it grabs you by the scruff of the neck and makes you sit up and listen.
Following last year’s success with Sunday in the Park With George, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s OneAcademy Productions have returned to the work of Stephen Sondheim in…
Grit tells the tale of Amy, a girl whose father has recently died in the Middle-East whilst photographing the conflicts.
‘O wad some Power the giftie gie us/To see oursels as ithers see us!’ wrote Robert Burns in his famous poem To A Louse, apparently inspired by seeing the insect roaming over th…
Veterans of the French theatre scene, Vincent Courtois and Pierre Baux, are two rather extraordinary performers and I would thoroughly recommend that everybody watch this show.
Stand & Stare Theatre Company create immersive theatre, which is like gold dust for me at the Fringe.
This debut show from Danny Buckler is a resounding success.
If you revel in the musicality of the 1930s, take pleasure in performance poetry or wish to be swept away with some old world charm, then push the boat out and go see this show.
Chris Dugdale is an instantly likeable magician.
While undoubtedly a good show by anyone’s standards - apart from someone who doesn’t like American men with high, nasal voices reading comic but ultimately touching stories, presum…
Do you love Alex? Let me tell you, if you are going to put A Clockwork Orange on, the audience simply has to love Alex.
If comedy often rises out of adversity, could this help explain how Northern Ireland has proved such fertile ground over the years — from Frank Carson and Roy Walker to Patrick K…
At theatre festivals there are often two types of show; dark and serious theatre that achieves acclaim, and theatre that acts as the tonic.
Returning after bringing all of the noise in 2018, David’s had time to reflect on one heck of a year.
It was the title, I must admit, which first attracted me to review Total Immediate Collective Imminent Terrestrial Salvation; its promise of combining "stage action and illust…
Theatre-making manifestos always make me wary, in part because I'm inherently suspicious of portentous artists in any field: "The aim is not to depict the real, but to mak…
A coveted Bobby has been presented to five shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year.
We talked to Clare Cockburn, who, at the age of 54, is presenting her debut play Tennessee, Rose at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.
Part animation, part-visualisation technology, a live camera and a toy train, Everything That’s Me is Falling Apart promises to be a unique comedy show at Edinburgh this year.
James Macfarlane chats with stand-up comedian David Ian about his debut Fringe show (Just a) Perfect Gay, queer role models and just what it means to be 'a perfect gay'.
Ditch the messy arts and crafts this half-term and entertain your little darlings with the best live family friendly performances Brighton and Hove have to offer instead.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (apart from Brighton Fringe, of course) and there are plenty of delightful performances to entertain you this winter.
Welcome to our top 5 picks from the third year of Brighton HorrorFest, the spooktacular celebration from Sweet of all things that go bump in the night.
All this week we've got some fantastic offers on your favourite West End shows. Check back daily for the latest offers.
Having received rave reviews for The Secret Life of Humans as well as supporting dozens of other theatre companies at the Fringe and beyond, the New Diorama Theatre has made a name...
Greenwich Theatre is set to have an unprecedented profile at this year’s Brighton Fringe, with no less than eight productions heading for The Warren either co-produced or support...
With Easter on the horizon it’s time to turn attention to Brighton Fringe with a look at some shows that are likely to sell out. Book early – you have been warned.
Bobby Winner Ten Storey Love Song (adapted by Luke Barnes from the Richard Milward novel) is a play cum techno gig about five wretched tower-block inhabitants who deserve better fr...
Natasha Granger and Kerrie Thompson wrote, produced and star in 90s girl-band musical 2 Become 1, a story about romance, speed dating and the ideal post-night-out meal.
Comedian David Ephgrave is getting straight to the point in this wonderfully innovative comedy that aims to make powerpoints more exciting than you've ever seen them before.
Brighton Fringe has officially launched.
Christmas is the one time of year you can drag your non-theatre-going friends to the theatre.
Rona Munro, writer of the three James Plays – critically acclaimed and popular with audiences at the 2014 Edinburgh International Festival – has a new collaboration with Stephe...
In their companion piece to 2013’s Fringe First Award-winning Dark Vanilla Jungle, writer Philip Ridley and director David Mercatali tell the story of Donny, a boy who has commit...
Acclaimed choreographers and performers Ramesh Meyyappan and Claire Cunningham bring two startling – and highly personal – shows to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
BBC Slam champion David Lee Morgan is Building God at the Banshee Labyrinth this Fringe with a show about the great revolutions of history.
Focus people! David Mills returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with brand new, razor sharp rants delivered with his signature cocktail swagger and his biting, acerbic wit.
New York City's "rapid-fire raconteur of sex and death" returns to Edinburgh with a brand new show, where it’s fair to say he’s decidedly Trigger Happy!
Broadway Baby is talking to Chris Haigh of the The Jäger Maestros, an oompah band that promises to have crowds laughing, drinking and bouncing.
Arches LIVE, the annual festival of new performances and artwork by some of Scotland’s most exciting creative talent returns to Glasgow’s The Arches this October.
Doctor Austin of the renowned Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies, based in the University of Glasgow, has come to educate the Edinburgh Fringe about the inevitable Zombie Apo...
Comedian David O'Doherty will host a one-off gig tomorrow to pay the temporary theatre license fee for his friend’s site-specific comedy horror show in a six-seater caravan.
Described as a “theatrical maverick” with “a propensity for fearless experiment” by the Financial Times, writer-director David Leddy returns to Edinburgh with two productio...
Game-keeper turned poacher? Liam Rudden may be Entertainment Editor for the Edinburgh Evening News, but he also has decades’ experience as a writer and director for the stage–i...