Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul’s Church

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul’s Church

Ave Maria: Centuries of Prayer and Praise. 

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Sacred Arts Festival Dance at Old Saint Paul’s Church: Dancing Ash Wednesday

Sacred Arts Festival Dance at Old Saint Paul’s Church: Dancing Ash Wednesday

TS Eliot’s poem Ash Wednesday is widely regarded as a work of great spiritual depth. 

Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show

Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show

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… 

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

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… 

Paul McDaniel – Butter Beans

Paul McDaniel – Butter Beans

Hey, this is Paul’s show. 

Paul Williams: Mamiya 7

Paul Williams: Mamiya 7

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. 

Abigail Paul: Miss Communication

Abigail Paul: Miss Communication

BBC Popcorn Award Nominee Abigail Paul, a “transformative talent” who “lights up the stage” (★★★★★, Theatre Weekly), dives into her sophomore solo show Miss Communication… 

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Paul Richards: I Could Literally Talk For Hours About What Went Wrong

Paul Richards: I Could Literally Talk For Hours About What Went Wrong

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. 

Paul and Laura Don't Give A Sh*t (sorry)

Paul and Laura Don't Give A Sh*t (sorry)

Paul and Laura are nice, kind and funny people who make work about tiny details, joy and finding light in the smallest of places. 

Paul Foot - Dissolve

Paul Foot - Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Paul Foot - Dissolve

Paul Foot - Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

The Heart & Hand Glasgow Rangers Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

The Heart & Hand Glasgow Rangers Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

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 Heart & Hand Glasgow Rangers Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

The Heart & Hand Glasgow Rangers Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

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 Spurs Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

The Spurs Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

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 Spurs Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

The Spurs Show Live: Audience With Paul Gascoigne

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. 

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023. 

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023. 

Paul Smith: Joker

Paul Smith: Joker

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 Foot: Dissolve

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul's Church

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul's Church

Duruflé Requiem: Life and Death in Music with Poetry. 

Sacred Arts Festival Visual Art at Old Saint Paul's Church

Sacred Arts Festival Visual Art at Old Saint Paul's Church

In the Steps of the Master: Jesus and Landscape. 

Paul Francis as Elvis Presley

Paul Francis as Elvis Presley

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… 

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul's

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old Saint Paul's

Rising to the Life Immortal: Organ Music for Easter and Ascension. 

Sounds of Simon, The Music of Paul Simon

Sounds of Simon, The Music of Paul Simon

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. 

Paul Black: Nostalgia

Paul Black: Nostalgia

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… 

Paul Brown Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein

Paul Brown Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein

Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote some of the finest songs for a golden age of musical theatre. 

Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams

Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams

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. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

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. 

Paul Connell: Ace in the Whole

Paul Connell: Ace in the Whole

Ace in the Whole is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell. 

Paul Zenon in Monkey Business

Paul Zenon in Monkey Business

The amazing, strange-but-true story behind the weird stuff advertised in vintage American comics. 

Paul Currie: Shtoom

Paul Currie: Shtoom

Brand-new, non-verbal immersive comedy show, created by award-winning Belfast comedian and clownarchist, Paul Currie. 

Better Paul Paul

Better Paul Paul

The Northern Irish comic is back with a brand new show. 

Paul F Taylor: Head in the Clouds

Paul F Taylor: Head in the Clouds

Wonderfully absurd stand-up from a fool’s thinking man. 

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Paul Foot: Dissolve

Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Eddy and Paul: Comic Stands

Eddy and Paul: Comic Stands

Two comedians. 

Paul Chowdhry: Family-Friendly Comedian

Paul Chowdhry: Family-Friendly Comedian

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 … 

Paul Sinha: Pauly Bengali

Paul Sinha: Pauly Bengali

Acclaimed comedian, daytime TV star and global TikTok sensation, Paul Sinha is at least two of these. 

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Wonderfully offbeat stand-up comedy from one of the UK circuit’s most distinctive and uniquely talented comedians. 

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Wonderfully absurd stand-up from a fool’s thinking man. 

Paul Merryck: Who Let Him In?

Paul Merryck: Who Let Him In?

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… 

Paul Merryck: Who Let Him In?

Paul Merryck: Who Let Him In?

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… 

Paul Connell: Ace in the Whole

Paul Connell: Ace in the Whole

‘Ace in the Whole’ is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell. 

Eddy & Paul: Comic Stands

Eddy & Paul: Comic Stands

‘Ace in the Whole’ is a hilarious show by comedian Paul Connell. 

Paul Chowdhry: Family Friendly Comedian

Paul Chowdhry: Family Friendly Comedian

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… 

Paul Black: Nostalgia

Paul Black: Nostalgia

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 - Joker

Paul Smith - Joker

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 - Joker

Paul Smith - Joker

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… 

Auntie's House by Paul Stone: A Muslim woman’s fight to protect her gay loved ones from persecution in 1950s London.

Auntie's House by Paul Stone: A Muslim woman’s fight to protect her gay loved ones from persecution in 1950s London.

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. 

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Paul F Taylor: Head In The Clouds

Wonderfully offbeat stand-up comedy from one of the UK circuit’s most distinctive and uniquely talented comedians. 

The Alzheimer's Diaries: Meet The Author

The Alzheimer's Diaries: Meet The Author

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, … 

Paul Mirabel - Zebre

Paul Mirabel - Zebre

For the first time in London, Paul Mirabel presents “Zebre” “Terribly funny” Telerama “The new sensation” Le Parisien  

Death of an Author

Death of an Author

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… 

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old St Paul’s Episcopal Church

Sacred Arts Festival Music at Old St Paul’s Episcopal Church

In Every Corner Sing: The Choir of Old St Paul’s with Director of Music John Kitchen MBE, Edinburgh City Organist. 

Sacred Arts Festival Drama at Old St Paul’s Church

Sacred Arts Festival Drama at Old St Paul’s Church

Cutting Edge Theatre: Hope Rises. 

Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams

Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams

Paul Brown Sings Andy Williams is a solo acoustic concert showcasing many of Andy Williams’ greatest hits. 

Sacred Arts Festival Church Service at Old St Paul’s Episcopal Church

Sacred Arts Festival Church Service at Old St Paul’s Episcopal Church

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… 

In Conversation with... Paul Sinha

In Conversation with... Paul Sinha

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. 

Paul Zerdin: Hands Free

Paul Zerdin: Hands Free

The America’s Got Talent winner brings his latest smash-hit show to Edinburgh for the first time. 

Old Saint Paul's Music at 8pm

Old Saint Paul's Music at 8pm

Time to relax and listen to classical music in this beautiful historic church. 

Paul Richards: My Function Band Hell

Paul Richards: My Function Band Hell

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… 

Paul Savage: Well Groomed

Paul Savage: Well Groomed

Paul Savage wanted to do a fun, silly show but shows about trauma win awards. 

Two Paul Johnsons Build a Better Sitcom

Two Paul Johnsons Build a Better Sitcom

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. 

Paul Black: Self-Care Era

Paul Black: Self-Care Era

Writer and performer Paul Black brings his theatre show Self-Care Era to the Fringe for the first time. 

Love and Sex on the Spectrum

Love and Sex on the Spectrum

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… 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Tired of the goose? Swan Power is here. 

Paul Sinha: One Sinha Lifetime

Paul Sinha: One Sinha Lifetime

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… 

Paul Dennis: Ashes to Mashes

Paul Dennis: Ashes to Mashes

The continuing story of PD’s perpetually interrupted life. 

Paul Currie: The Chorus of Ghosts Living in My Skull Keep Telling Me to Take a Shit in the Fruit Salad

Paul Currie: The Chorus of Ghosts Living in My Skull Keep Telling Me to Take a Shit in the Fruit Salad

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… 

Paul McCaffrey: We Go Again

Paul McCaffrey: We Go Again

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. 

Paul Williams: In the Moonlight

Paul Williams: In the Moonlight

Join New Zealand’s fastest comedian (5km and 10km) for an enchanting afternoon In the Moonlight. 

One of Two

One of Two

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… 

Feeling Afraid as If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen

Feeling Afraid as If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen

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… 

Moira in Lockdown

Moira in Lockdown

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-… 

Ode to Joy (How Gordon got to go to the nasty pig party)

Ode to Joy (How Gordon got to go to the nasty pig party)

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… 

Jean Paul Gaultier: Fashion Freak Show

Jean Paul Gaultier: Fashion Freak Show

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… 

Paul F Taylor: The Writing is on the Paul

Paul F Taylor: The Writing is on the Paul

Maverick comedian Fool F Taylor returns . 

Paul F Taylor: The Writing is on the Paul

Paul F Taylor: The Writing is on the Paul

Maverick comedian Fool F Taylor returns . 

Paul Dennis: Imashination

Paul Dennis: Imashination

“Brilliant”, “amazing”, “fantastic”. 

Paul Dennis: Imashination

Paul Dennis: Imashination

“Brilliant”, “amazing”, “fantastic”. 

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

Ivor B Gurney and Marion M Scott had a very special friendship. 

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

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. 

Paul Merryck - Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories

Paul Merryck - Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories

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… 

Paul Merryck - Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories

Paul Merryck - Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories

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. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

This show was originally scheduled for 21 November 2020 The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. 

Paul Middleton @ Bar Broadway

Paul Middleton @ Bar Broadway

Performing live on stage - Paul Middleton at 8pmTicket link 

Talk discussing the novel Permafrost with author Eva Baltasar

Talk discussing the novel Permafrost with author Eva Baltasar

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… 

Paul Smith: Changed

Paul Smith: Changed

A lot has changed for Paul in recent years. 

Paul Dennis: Imashination (Free Festival)

Paul Dennis: Imashination (Free Festival)

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and stand-up, Paul Dennis brings his music and comedy together for the first time. 

Paul Black: Worst Case Scenario

Paul Black: Worst Case Scenario

Paul Black's Fringe debut had a lot to live up to. 

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

So far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him. 

Paul Currie: TEET

Paul Currie: TEET

Come immerse yourself in the steamy hot waters of TEET as Paul Currie dissolves, froths and fizzes all around you. 

Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories: Paul Merryck & Friends

Lies, Alibis & Filthy Stories: Paul Merryck & Friends

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… 

Lies, Alibis and Filthy Stories: Paul Merryck and Friends

Lies, Alibis and Filthy Stories: Paul Merryck and Friends

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… 

Something About Simon: The Paul Simon Story

Something About Simon: The Paul Simon Story

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… 

Something About Simon: The Paul Simon Story

Something About Simon: The Paul Simon Story

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… 

Paul Taylor: So British Ou Presque

Paul Taylor: So British Ou Presque

Je m’appelle Paul, je suis Anglais et j’habite en France. 

Paul McCaffrey: Lemon

Paul McCaffrey: Lemon

This event was rescheduled from Fri 01 May 2020 OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS PRESENTSPAUL McCAFFREY: LEMONAs seen on Live At The Apollo. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. 

The Paul Simon Story

The Paul Simon Story

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. 

Paul McCaffrey: Dreamer

Paul McCaffrey: Dreamer

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. 

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Paul Foot: Swan Power

Tired of the goose? Swan Power is here. 

Paul Taylor: So British Ou Presque

Paul Taylor: So British Ou Presque

Je m’appelle Paul, je suis Anglais et j’habite en France. 

Paul Smith: Changed

Paul Smith: Changed

A lot has changed for Paul in recent years. 

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

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… 

W*nk Buddies

W*nk Buddies

“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

Mrs Puntila And Her Man Matti

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… 

Pride Plays

Pride Plays

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”. 

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

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… 

Oor Wullie

Oor Wullie

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. 

The Stornoway Way

The Stornoway Way

“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… 

The Panopticon

The Panopticon

I well remember when Jenni Fagan’s explosive debut, The Panopticon, first appeared in 2013. 

Fly Me To The Moon

Fly Me To The Moon

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… 

Edinburgh TV Festival Presents: Paul Feig

Edinburgh TV Festival Presents: Paul Feig

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic Anglican Catholic church directed by Dr John Kitchen. 

Paul Smith: Following

Paul Smith: Following

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… 

Russian String Orchestra at Old Saint Paul's

Russian String Orchestra at Old Saint Paul's

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… 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. 

Old Saint Paul's Music at 8pm

Old Saint Paul's Music at 8pm

Time to relax and listen to classical music in this beautiful historic church just off the Royal Mile. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with renowned choir and organ directed by John Kitchen. 

Filament

Filament

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’… 

My Land

My Land

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… 

Kombini

Kombini

Let's be honest here: I've never particularly liked clowns. 

Paul Savage: Shame Spiral

Paul Savage: Shame Spiral

Paul Savage is no stranger to shame. 

Paul Currie: Release the Baboons (All Ages)

Paul Currie: Release the Baboons (All Ages)

Paul Currie is bringing his sell out 2014/2015 award-winning masterpiece back to Edinburgh. 

Paul Zenon: Trust Me!

Paul Zenon: Trust Me!

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… 

Vigil

Vigil

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… 

Fox-tot!

Fox-tot!

There are two challenges at the heart of Fox-tot!, a new work from composer Lliam Paterson and director Roxana Haines for Scottish Opera. 

Paul Putner's Embarrassment – Me and Madness (The Band)

Paul Putner's Embarrassment – Me and Madness (The Band)

It’s the ruby anniversary of Madness and Paul Putner celebrates the past 40 years as a lifelong fan. 

Shattered

Shattered

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… 

Paris de Nuit

Paris de Nuit

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… 

Paul 'Silky' White: The Sound of the Baskervilles

Paul 'Silky' White: The Sound of the Baskervilles

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… 

Paul McCaffrey: Lemon

Paul McCaffrey: Lemon

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 Foot: Baby Strikes Back!

Paul Foot: Baby Strikes Back!

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 F Taylor: Odd Paul

Paul F Taylor: Odd Paul

Disappear down the rabbit hole of a fool’s mind. 

When the Birds Come

When the Birds Come

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… 

Sam See: Coming Out Loud

Sam See: Coming Out Loud

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. 

Paul Currie: Trufficle Musk

Paul Currie: Trufficle Musk

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… 

Paul Foxcroft: Debut

Paul Foxcroft: Debut

Paul Foxcroft is back with his first second show! A new hour that combines stand-up, sketch, character comedy and almost certainly improvisation. 

Son of Dyke

Son of Dyke

I have a slight confession of bias. 

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

Thus far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him. 

Jon Long: Planet-Killing Machine

Jon Long: Planet-Killing Machine

There are lots of words you can use to describe Jon Long, purveyor of clever gags and witty songs. 

Normaler Than Everyone

Normaler Than Everyone

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… 

LipSync / Cumbernauld Theatre

LipSync / Cumbernauld Theatre

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… 

Chris Parker: Camp Binch

Chris Parker: Camp Binch

"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: Transgressive

Leo Kearse: Transgressive

Leo Kearse isn't, by his own admission, a 'woke' comedian. 

Marcus Brigstocke: Devil May Care

Marcus Brigstocke: Devil May Care

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… 

Richard Stott: Right Hand Man

Richard Stott: Right Hand Man

Apparently, Richard Stott got into comedy “for all the wrong reasons”; at least, that’s what the aforementioned Richard Stott says. 

Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic Fallacy

Pathetic Fallacy, at heart, has a Unique Selling Point—the show’s creator, Anita Rochon, isn’t actually in Edinburgh. 

Where to Belong

Where to Belong

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. 

For All I Care

For All I Care

For All I Care is, first and foremost, the story of two women. 

Deer Woman

Deer Woman

Her name is Lila, and she’s a proud Blackfoot woman, she tells us. 

Aaron Simmonds: Disabled Coconut

Aaron Simmonds: Disabled Coconut

You’ll learn two things from Aaron Simmonds’ Disabled Coconut. 

Cardboard Citizens: Bystanders

Cardboard Citizens: Bystanders

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. 

Don't Bother

Don't Bother

It takes a certain bravery, or innocence, to name your debut full-hour show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Don’t Bother. 

Liam Malone: No Limbits

Liam Malone: No Limbits

Liam Malone, it’s fair to say, is not backwards at coming forwards. 

Titania McGrath: Mxnifesto

Titania McGrath: Mxnifesto

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… 

Typical

Typical

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 Foot: Baby Strikes Back!

Paul Foot: Baby Strikes Back!

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 Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love

Paul returns to the Great Yorkshire Fringe with a preview of his upcoming Edinburgh Festival show. 

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love (Work In Progress)

Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love (Work In Progress)

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. 

The Ugly One

The Ugly One

At first glance, The Ugly One looks somewhat clinical. 

Them!

Them!

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… 

Sea Changes

Sea Changes

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

Curious Shoes

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. 

Us/Them

Us/Them

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… 

I Wish I Was A Mountain

I Wish I Was A Mountain

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… 

Emil & The Detectives

Emil & The Detectives

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. 

Paul Duncan McGarrity: A Practical Guide to Attacking Castles

Paul Duncan McGarrity: A Practical Guide to Attacking Castles

From the age of sieges and chivalry comes a show about medieval love, adrenaline junkies and an insane quest for glory. 

The Duchess (of Malfi)

The Duchess (of Malfi)

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. 

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

Three, as the song goes, is a magic number. 

Super Human Heroes

Super Human Heroes

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 … 

Paul Cox: Unattended

Paul Cox: Unattended

Paul Cox has been cutting his teeth on the London and UK comedy circuit since 2015. 

English National Opera presents Paul Bunyan

English National Opera presents Paul Bunyan

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. 

Paul Merryck: Local Businessman Unrepentant

Paul Merryck: Local Businessman Unrepentant

The first one-man show from one of the most original and outrageous character acts on the UK circuit. 

The Red Lion

The Red Lion

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… 

Paul Mayhew-Archer: Incurable Optimist

Paul Mayhew-Archer: Incurable Optimist

The debut stand-up hour from the multi award-winning co-writer of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’. 

Paul Chowdhry – Work In Progress

Paul Chowdhry – Work In Progress

Come and see the comedy powerhouse Paul Chowdhry - star of Taskmaster, Live at The Apollo and Wembley Arena Sell Out.   

Paul Chowdhry: Work In Progress

Paul Chowdhry: Work In Progress

Come and see the stand-up comedy powerhouse & star of Taskmaster and Live at The Apollo. 

Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical

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. 

(Can This Be) Home

(Can This Be) Home

It’s seldom fun to leave a venue thinking: "Well, that's an hour of my life I'm never getting back. 

Get a Life!

Get a Life!

The sketch show can be a difficult beast to tame. 

Local Hero

Local Hero

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 … 

The Funeral Director

The Funeral Director

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 … 

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack

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… 

Lost in Music

Lost in Music

“The music I listened to between the ages of 11 and 21 probably affected by life more than pretty much anything else. 

Paul McCaffrey: I Thought I'd Have Grown Out Of This By Now

Paul McCaffrey: I Thought I'd Have Grown Out Of This By Now

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? | Paul Currie - Trufficle Musk

How Many Tears in a Bottle of Gin? | Paul Currie - Trufficle Musk

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… 

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

Greetings. 

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

Greetings. 

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven

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… 

Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece

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… 

Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk

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… 

Fresh Blood: Paul McNeive, Olivia Kiernan, Alex Reeve with Sam Blake

Fresh Blood: Paul McNeive, Olivia Kiernan, Alex Reeve with Sam Blake

Bestseller Sam Blake brings you some of the strongest new voices in crime fiction and finds out just how they did it. 

Cyrano de Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac

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… 

Arctic Oil

Arctic Oil

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… 

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Impro Night

An hour of sensational Improvised Comedy. 

Scotties

Scotties

"Best leave history in the history books—get on with living. 

Nests

Nests

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… 

The Yellow on the Broom

The Yellow on the Broom

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… 

Old Saint Paul's Hot Chocolate at 10

Old Saint Paul's Hot Chocolate at 10

End your Fringe day with relaxing classical music by candlelight in this beautiful historic church. 

Safeword with Anna Phylactic and Ruth Cockburn

Safeword with Anna Phylactic and Ruth Cockburn

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic Anglican Catholic church directed by Dr John Kitchen. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with renowned choir and organ directed by John Kitchen. 

Russian String Orchestra at Old Saint Paul's

Russian String Orchestra at Old Saint Paul's

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… 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. 

In Conversation With... Paul Sinha

In Conversation With... Paul Sinha

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. 

Paul Savage: DoGooder

Paul Savage: DoGooder

It’s hard to do good when everything’s falling apart. 

Paper Dolls

Paper Dolls

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… 

Mark Thompson's Spectacular Science Show

Mark Thompson's Spectacular Science Show

Mark Thompson is quite clear about what his (modestly) titled Spectacular Show isn't: "It's not a science lecture," he insists. 

What Girls Are Made Of

What Girls Are Made Of

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… 

The Flop

The Flop

It seems that Cardiff-based Hijinx Theatre Company are happy to take risks. 

Paul Currie: Hot Donkey

Paul Currie: Hot Donkey

Paul Currie is a disturbingly brilliant comic who plays his crowd like the conductor of an orchestra. 

Paul 'Silky' White: Ziuq

Paul 'Silky' White: Ziuq

He doesn’t know it all but Silky can make up something plausible really quickly. 

Midsummer

Midsummer

What a difference a decade can make. 

Kaput

Kaput

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 Tries to Punch Down

Tim Renkow Tries to Punch Down

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… 

Paul Wade: Mortal

Paul Wade: Mortal

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. 

Paul Duncan McGarrity – A Practical Guide to Attacking Castles

Paul Duncan McGarrity – A Practical Guide to Attacking Castles

From the age of sieges and chivalry comes a show about medieval love, adrenaline junkies and an insane quest for glory. 

Providence

Providence

"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: Angelo

Paul Patin: Angelo

Paul Patin is a French actor/singer/dancer who has performed around the world with international companies for more than 10 years. 

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

Paul Foot: Image Conscious

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. 

Free and Proud

Free and Proud

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… 

Paul Revill: Revillationships

Paul Revill: Revillationships

Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns with a work in progress. 

Paul Williams: Santa Fe

Paul Williams: Santa Fe

The jig is up! Paul Williams is a quadruple threat – song, dance, comedy and opinion. 

James Barr: Thirst Trap! – Free

James Barr: Thirst Trap! – Free

Wonderfully unexpected opportunities can occur at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; even more so at the 'Free' variety. 

Scott Capurro: The Trouble With Scott Capurro

Scott Capurro: The Trouble With Scott Capurro

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… 

A Joke

A Joke

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: Huge If True

Paul Foxcroft: Huge If True

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… 

Ruth Cockburn – Love Letters from Blackpool

Ruth Cockburn – Love Letters from Blackpool

“Welcome to Blackpool!” Cockburn beams as her audience files into Summerhall’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre. 

David Mills: Focus People!

David Mills: Focus People!

David Mills is always well turned out: sharp-suited, finely tuned, sitting on his stool like some Easy Listening Singer from a bygone age. 

Police Cops in Space

Police Cops in Space

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… 

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

Author, Composer, Soldier-of-a-Sort

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. 

The Last Straw

The Last Straw

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… 

My Left Nut

My Left Nut

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve. 

Space Doctor

Space Doctor

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

Marmite

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… 

Statements

Statements

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… 

Tom Neenan: It's Always Infinity

Tom Neenan: It's Always Infinity

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… 

Paul Mayhew-Archer: Incurable Optimist

Paul Mayhew-Archer: Incurable Optimist

To say that Paul Mayhew-Archer is not afraid to poke fun at himself would be the understatement of the last decade. 

Erewhon

Erewhon

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… 

Paul Sinha: The Two Ages of Man

Paul Sinha: The Two Ages of Man

After last year’s sell-out run, Paul returns to Edinburgh with his life, seemingly, still bordering on disarray. 

Magic 8 Ball (My Life With Asperger's)

Magic 8 Ball (My Life With Asperger's)

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… 

When You Fall Down: The Buster Keaton Story

When You Fall Down: The Buster Keaton Story

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. 

Paul Sinha: The Two Ages Of Man

Paul Sinha: The Two Ages Of Man

After last year's sell-out show, Paul returns to the Great Yorkshire Fringe with his life, seemingly, still bordering on disarray. 

Expedition Peter Pan

Expedition Peter Pan

"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… 

Mbuzeni

Mbuzeni

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… 

Gretel and Hansel

Gretel and Hansel

Fairy tales survive because they can be constantly retold, uncovering new depths and relevancies to the world today. 

Stick By Me

Stick By Me

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… 

Paul Wade: Mortal (Work in Progress)

Paul Wade: Mortal (Work in Progress)

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. 

Paul Savage: Performative Wokeness

Paul Savage: Performative Wokeness

Paul Savage spent last year trying to be better. 

Paul Zenon's Hellfire Club with the Urban Voodoo Machine

Paul Zenon's Hellfire Club with the Urban Voodoo Machine

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. 

Creditors

Creditors

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… 

Eddie and the Slumber Sisters

Eddie and the Slumber Sisters

Sometimes, when it comes to suspending our disbelief, we just have to go with the flow. 

Gut

Gut

“In my day, we trusted people. 

Passing Places

Passing Places

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… 

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice

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 … 

Three Sisters

Three Sisters

“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 … 

DAMIAN CALLINAN & PAUL CALLEJA: THE WINE BLUFFS

DAMIAN CALLINAN & PAUL CALLEJA: THE WINE BLUFFS

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… 

An (Almost) Acoustic 60's Tribute to Sir Paul McCartney

An (Almost) Acoustic 60's Tribute to Sir Paul McCartney

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… 

Paul Dabek - Encore!

Paul Dabek - Encore!

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… 

50 ways to sing Paul Simon

50 ways to sing Paul Simon

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�… 

Paul McDermott and Steven Gates LIVE!

Paul McDermott and Steven Gates LIVE!

Songs of beauty, songs of heartbreak, old squabbles and spontaneous nonsense. 

The Last Bordello

The Last Bordello

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 … 

H G Wells' The Time Machine

H G Wells' The Time Machine

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… 

The Belle's Stratagem

The Belle's Stratagem

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’… 

Showtime from the Frontline

Showtime from the Frontline

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 … 

Rita, Sue and Bob Too

Rita, Sue and Bob Too

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 Match Box

The Match Box

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… 

It's Behind You!

It's Behind You!

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. 

Knives in Hens

Knives in Hens

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… 

The Lover

The Lover

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… 

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

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… 

Shona Reppe’s Cinderella

Shona Reppe’s Cinderella

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… 

The Tin Soldier

The Tin Soldier

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… 

How To Disappear

How To Disappear

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… 

Tommy and the Snowbird

Tommy and the Snowbird

It’s said that actors should never work with children or animals, presumably because of their unpredictability and the extra work this requires. 

The Arabian Nights

The Arabian Nights

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… 

Our Fathers

Our Fathers

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… 

The Maids

The Maids

“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… 

Thingummy Bob

Thingummy Bob

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… 

Love Song to Lavender Menace

Love Song to Lavender Menace

“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… 

Man to Man

Man to Man

There were a lot of expectation around this new Wales Millennium Centre production of Manfred Karge’s one-woman play, Man to Man. 

One Mississippi

One Mississippi

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. 

Without a Hitch

Without a Hitch

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… 

Cockpit

Cockpit

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” … 

Damned Rebel Bitches

Damned Rebel Bitches

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… 

The Coolidge Effect

The Coolidge Effect

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… 

Cilla – The Musical

Cilla – The Musical

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… 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

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. 

Paul Zerdin: All Mouth

Paul Zerdin: All Mouth

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… 

Paul F Taylor's Back!

Paul F Taylor's Back!

The award winning & brilliantly imaginative Paul F Taylor is BACK. 

Paul Auster at 70

Paul Auster at 70

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Join us for traditional Choral Evensong and Benediction with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic Anglican Catholic Church. 

There Were Two Brothers

There Were Two Brothers

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—… 

Stand By

Stand By

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. 

Bwani Junction Perform Paul Simon's Graceland Album With Special Guests

Bwani Junction Perform Paul Simon's Graceland Album With Special Guests

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. 

Mia: Daughters of Fortune

Mia: Daughters of Fortune

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 ‘… 

Paul Savage is Set to Self Destruct

Paul Savage is Set to Self Destruct

Paul Savage gets himself into good places, and then blows it all up. 

The Amorous Ambassador

The Amorous Ambassador

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, … 

Paul Dabek – Encore!

Paul Dabek – Encore!

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… 

Gordon Southern: That's a Fun Fact!

Gordon Southern: That's a Fun Fact!

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… 

Bella Freak: Unwritten

Bella Freak: Unwritten

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 … 

Paul Keeling's Transcendent Piano Excursions

Paul Keeling's Transcendent Piano Excursions

The Californian pianist and composer’s improvisational flights through bebop and beyond – sometimes highly structured, sometimes wild – are rhapsodic, heartfelt and boldly melo… 

Paul Currie: Cats in My Mouth

Paul Currie: Cats in My Mouth

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. 

Caravaggio: Between the Darkness

Caravaggio: Between the Darkness

“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’… 

A Charlie Montague Mystery: The Game's a Foot, Try the Fish

A Charlie Montague Mystery: The Game's a Foot, Try the Fish

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… 

Meet Me At Dawn

Meet Me At Dawn

Zinnie Harris has five plays on in Edinburgh this August, including two within the Edinburgh International Festival’s theatre programme. 

Paul Williams: Summertime Love

Paul Williams: Summertime Love

The summer is coming. 

Andrew Doyle: Thought Crimes

Andrew Doyle: Thought Crimes

Andrew Doyle has, allegedly, lost quite a few friends this last year. 

Blank Tiles

Blank Tiles

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’. 

I Can Make You Tory

I Can Make You Tory

When you see Leo Kearse — and you should — there’s a very good chance it’ll be a four-star experience. 

The Rat Pack Presents...

The Rat Pack Presents...

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: Revillations – Free

Paul Revill: Revillations – Free

Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns to the Fringe with his debut hour. 

Seymour Mace's Magical Shitcakes from Heaven

Seymour Mace's Magical Shitcakes from Heaven

The blurb suggests this is a show about nothing, but amidst the surreal humour there is a deeper meaning. 

Matt Abbott: Two Little Ducks

Matt Abbott: Two Little Ducks

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… 

Lilith: The Jungle Girl

Lilith: The Jungle Girl

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 … 

Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros

Time and again during Zinnie Harris’s new adaptation of Eugène Ionesco’s famous farce, people tell each other not to be absurd. 

Paul McCaffrey: Suburban Legend

Paul McCaffrey: Suburban Legend

Star of Impractical Jokers (BBC Three). 

The Road That Wasn't There

The Road That Wasn't There

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. 

Phill Jupitus: Achtung!/Acting!

Phill Jupitus: Achtung!/Acting!

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… 

Phill Jupitus Up the Stand

Phill Jupitus Up the Stand

When Phill Jupitus commits to the Fringe, he does so 100 per cent. 

Letters to Morrissey

Letters to Morrissey

Confession time: I’ve never been a fan of The Smiths or Morrissey. 

Performers

Performers

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… 

Jamie MacDonald: Designated Driver

Jamie MacDonald: Designated Driver

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�… 

Victorian Gothic

Victorian Gothic

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… 

Paul Foot: 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet

Paul Foot: 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet

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… 

Dickless

Dickless

Fundamental Theater Project’s Dickless is a tale of rumours, girls, a headless cat and bizarre sexual conquests in the small-town of Dunningham. 

Paul ‘Silky’ White’s Food Fight!

Paul ‘Silky’ White’s Food Fight!

You are what you eat. 

Andrew Maxwell: Showtime

Andrew Maxwell: Showtime

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. 

Angela Barnes: Fortitude

Angela Barnes: Fortitude

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 by Mark Thomson

Snowflake by Mark Thomson

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… 

Colin Hoult / Anna Mann in How We Stop the Fascists

Colin Hoult / Anna Mann in How We Stop the Fascists

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. 

(More) Moira Monologues

(More) Moira Monologues

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: Spoiler Alert

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert

Ed Byrne’s latest show is based around the notion that as a generation we are all spoilt. 

The Andy Field Experience

The Andy Field Experience

It’s a hard task to sum up quite what The Andy Field Experience is about without using the words surreal and odd. 

Richard Herring: Oh Frig, I'm 50!

Richard Herring: Oh Frig, I'm 50!

The King is back, long live the King. 

Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning but Well Meaning

Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning but Well Meaning

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 … 

Who, Me

Who, Me

It’s four years since Rob Lloyd first brought this autobiographical, Doctor Who-related show to Edinburgh. 

Scott Agnew: Spunk on Our Lady's Face

Scott Agnew: Spunk on Our Lady's Face

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. 

Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman

Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman

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. 

Lucy Porter: Choose Your Battles

Lucy Porter: Choose Your Battles

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 … 

Knock Knock

Knock Knock

It’s 54 years since the last conscripted British citizens returned to civilian life after completing their National Service. 

5 Guys Chillin'

5 Guys Chillin'

Many an article’s been written on how the gay scene appears dominated by drugs and sex. 

Talking Heads: ‘Bed Amongst the Lentils’ by Alan Bennett

Talking Heads: ‘Bed Amongst the Lentils’ by Alan Bennett

Alan Bennett’s Bed Amongst the Lentils is one of the great observational pieces from the master wordsmith’s influential Talking Heads series. 

The Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year Final 2017

The Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year Final 2017

The finals of the Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year competition as ever throw up a talented assortment of acts. 

Richard Carpenter is Close to You

Richard Carpenter is Close to You

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�… 

Paul Foot – Tis Pity She’s a Piglet

Paul Foot – Tis Pity She’s a Piglet

The show that offended a thousand piglets is back. 

Grand Old Uke of York

Grand Old Uke of York

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. 

The Lying Kind

The Lying Kind

“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… 

The Waves on the Seas

The Waves on the Seas

A marriage isn’t just the joining of two people, or even two families—it marks the coming together of two communities. 

Bach's 4 Lute Suites with Paul Gregory guitar

Bach's 4 Lute Suites with Paul Gregory guitar

Much-loved guitarist, Paul Gregory, returns to perform a solo recital of J. 

Bounce!

Bounce!

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… 

Falling Dreams

Falling Dreams

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. 

Storyland Author Readings

Storyland Author Readings

Brighton’s Storyland Press is a place where the story comes first, regardless of genre or where it sits on the commercial/literary spectrum. 

Glory on Earth

Glory on Earth

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… 

Music Is Torture

Music Is Torture

“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 … 

Paul Prem Nadama

Paul Prem Nadama

Paul Prem Nadama is a singer-songwriter-guitarist of beautiful, soulful acoustic songs, with a new-age twist. 

Daphne Oram's Wonderful World of Sound

Daphne Oram's Wonderful World of Sound

In 1983, the BBC published a retrospective about “the first 25 years” of the by-then globally famous BBC Radiophonic Workshop. 

Joan Eardley: A Private View

Joan Eardley: A Private View

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… 

The 306: Day

The 306: Day

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: Revillations

Paul Revill: Revillations

Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, heads to Brighton Fringe with his debut hour. 

Travels With My Aunt

Travels With My Aunt

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 … 

Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine

“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 … 

Confessional

Confessional

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… 

Charlie Sonata

Charlie Sonata

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 … 

Paul Auster's City of Glass

Paul Auster's City of Glass

Based on the first novel of The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster and the graphic novel by Paul Karasik and David Mazzucchelli. 

Monstrous Bodies

Monstrous Bodies

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… 

Orlando

Orlando

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 Edinburgh Easter Play

The Edinburgh Easter Play

The Biblical narrative that is the foundation of the Christian faith has been described, on numerous occasions, as “The Greatest Story Ever Told. 

One Man Shoe

One Man Shoe

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… 

Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario

Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario

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 Stone’s Throw

A Stone’s Throw

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… 

Isaac’s Eye

Isaac’s Eye

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… 

A Number

A Number

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,… 

Girl in the Machine

Girl in the Machine

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. 

Cosmonaut

Cosmonaut

There’s always a risk attempting to present previously “unknown” stories as theatre. 

Dr Stirlingshire's Discovery

Dr Stirlingshire's Discovery

I’m not a fan of promenade performances, especially those involving the audience being led in a group from one set piece to another. 

The Nether

The Nether

Science Fiction isn’t the most common genre you find on stage; ironic, really, since it was Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R. 

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack is one the UK’s great singer songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. 

Hay Fever

Hay Fever

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… 

Girls Like That

Girls Like That

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… 

La Cage Aux Folles

La Cage Aux Folles

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… 

The Beaches of St Valery

The Beaches of St Valery

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 Play That Goes Wrong

The Play That Goes Wrong

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… 

Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show

Allan Stewart’s Big Big Variety Show

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… 

Death of a Salesman

Death of a Salesman

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 … 

The Winter's Tale

The Winter's Tale

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 … 

69 Shades of Gay

69 Shades of Gay

“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… 

Cirque Berserk!

Cirque Berserk!

“Not a circus, it’s a Berserkus!” Cirque Berserk! boldly comes with two USPs. 

Dusty Won't Play

Dusty Won't Play

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… 

The House of Bernarda Alba

The House of Bernarda Alba

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… 

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Thoroughly Modern Millie

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… 

We're Going On A Bear Hunt

We're Going On A Bear Hunt

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… 

Wonderland

Wonderland

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 … 

No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre

No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre

In Sartre’s existential drama, three characters are placed in a mysterious room with no way out. 

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Picnic at Hanging Rock

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… 

Cinderella

Cinderella

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… 

Last Christmas

Last Christmas

“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. 

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

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… 

Black Beauty

Black Beauty

It’s a brave show which starts with the words: “I don’t like it. 

Snow White and the Seven Wee Muppets

Snow White and the Seven Wee Muppets

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 … 

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!

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… 

Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk

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. 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

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?” … 

George’s Marvellous Medicine

George’s Marvellous Medicine

“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… 

Green Tea

Green Tea

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… 

The Rivals

The Rivals

First performed in 1775, Sheridan’s The Rivals remains surprisingly relevant, not least thanks to its inter-generational conflict. 

Jumpy

Jumpy

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… 

Dr Johnson Goes to Scotland

Dr Johnson Goes to Scotland

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 … 

Invisible Army

Invisible Army

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… 

Him

Him

“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. 

Grain in the Blood

Grain in the Blood

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. 

Walking on Walls

Walking on Walls

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… 

A Gambler’s Guide to Dying

A Gambler’s Guide to Dying

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. 

Frost/Nixon

Frost/Nixon

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… 

Mischief

Mischief

We’re somewhere among the Western Isles, and at least a thousand years back in time. 

Crude: An Exploration of Oil

Crude: An Exploration of Oil

Edinburgh-based Grid Iron Theatre Company has long specialised in creating immersive, site-specific theatre. 

[title of show]

[title of show]

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… 

The Shape of Things

The Shape of Things

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” … 

The Suppliant Woman

The Suppliant Woman

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… 

The Course of True Love

The Course of True Love

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… 

Journey's End

Journey's End

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… 

Breaking The Ice

Breaking The Ice

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… 

Paul Simon Treatment

Paul Simon Treatment

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 in Concert

Paul Kelly in Concert

Paul Kelly has recorded over 20 albums as well as several film soundtracks. 

Dame Nature – The Magnificent Bearded Lady

Dame Nature – The Magnificent Bearded Lady

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Join us for traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir, organ and congregation of this historic Anglican Catholic Church. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival High Masses

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. 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with an improvised comedy show. 

Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico Play the Music of Gismonti

Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico Play the Music of Gismonti

The music of Egberto Gismonti is like a microcosm of his native Brazil – diverse, joyful and unique. 

Arthur Conan Doyle – Man of Mystery

Arthur Conan Doyle – Man of Mystery

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's Game of Dangers

Paul Foot's Game of Dangers

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… 

Guerilla Aspies – the Show of the Book, with Paul Wady

Guerilla Aspies – the Show of the Book, with Paul Wady

Paul Wady’s unique and controversial mass autism conversion show returns for a second year. 

Paul F Taylor: Sour Apes

Paul F Taylor: Sour Apes

Offbeat one-liners, flights of fancy and a totally absurd storyline from surrealist fool and NATY 2013 winner, Paul F Taylor. 

Paul Richards Is The Least Of Your Problems

Paul Richards Is The Least Of Your Problems

A gloriously friendly show packed with hopes, dreams, snacks and drums. 

Paul Dabek – Look at Me!

Paul Dabek – Look at Me!

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. 

Robbie Cockburn: Badinage

Robbie Cockburn: Badinage

Back for his seventh Edinburgh Fringe, comedy magician and juggler Robbie Cockburn is here with a brand new stage show Badinage. 

The Man Who Knows Everything

The Man Who Knows Everything

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 … 

Doug Segal: I Can Make You Feel Good

Doug Segal: I Can Make You Feel Good

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. 

Paul Johnson: The Cool Kids

Paul Johnson: The Cool Kids

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

Poggle

“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. 

Paul Currie: FFFFFFFMILK!

Paul Currie: FFFFFFFMILK!

Northern Irish master of surreal nonsense and bohemian clownarchist. 

Dani Girl

Dani Girl

Trust me, Fringe magic still happens. 

Fraxi Queen of the Forest

Fraxi Queen of the Forest

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… 

Jo Caulfield: Pretending to Care

Jo Caulfield: Pretending to Care

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… 

Paul Foot: 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet

Paul Foot: 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet

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. 

Paul Thorne: This Month's Apocalypse

Paul Thorne: This Month's Apocalypse

Throughout history, every generation has thought they would witness the end of the world. 

Expensive Shit

Expensive Shit

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: Future Tense

Andrew Doyle: Future Tense

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… 

Paul Revill: Revillations – Free

Paul Revill: Revillations – Free

Paul Revill, Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2014, returns to the Fringe with his debut hour. 

Paul Duncan McGarrity – Ask an Archaeologist

Paul Duncan McGarrity – Ask an Archaeologist

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… 

Last Dream (on Earth)

Last Dream (on Earth)

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… 

Will Franken: Little Joe

Will Franken: Little Joe

There are two ways to reach the small room where UK-based American character comedian Will Franken is performing. 

Aidan Goatley: Mr Blue Sky

Aidan Goatley: Mr Blue Sky

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… 

John Gordillo: Love Capitalism

John Gordillo: Love Capitalism

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. 

The Amazing Bubble Man

The Amazing Bubble Man

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… 

Joe Jacobs: Orthodox Joe

Joe Jacobs: Orthodox Joe

“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… 

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist

“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. 

Wayne Carter Teaches You to Be Fabulous

Wayne Carter Teaches You to Be Fabulous

The word “fabulous” is defined as being extraordinary and wonderful, and having no basis in reality. 

Paul McCaffrey: Fresh Hell

Paul McCaffrey: Fresh Hell

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. 

Bricking It

Bricking It

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. 

Trash Test Dummies

Trash Test Dummies

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: I've Snapped My Banjo String, Let's Just Talk

Scott Agnew: I've Snapped My Banjo String, Let's Just Talk

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: Conswervative

Geoff Norcott: Conswervative

Geoff Norcott, as he points out quite early on in his set, has not been seen on television. 

David Mills: Shame!

David Mills: Shame!

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 … 

Johnny Cochrane: Appeal

Johnny Cochrane: Appeal

When life gives you lemons, those with an optimistic, can-do attitude invariably suggest you make lemonade. 

Mikey and Addie

Mikey and Addie

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: Vaudeville

Tom Neenan: Vaudeville

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 … 

Jonathan Pie: Live

Jonathan Pie: Live

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: Alcopop

Paul McMullan: Alcopop

Paul McMullan’s debut fringe show is stuffed full of clever insights into the world of British drinking culture and its potentially destructive nature. 

Larry Dean: Farcissist

Larry Dean: Farcissist

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… 

Colin Hoult / Anna Mann: A Sketch Show for Depressives

Colin Hoult / Anna Mann: A Sketch Show for Depressives

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… 

Laurence Clark: Independence

Laurence Clark: Independence

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. 

The Hairy Maclary & Friends Show

The Hairy Maclary & Friends Show

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… 

Tales From The Hanging Captain

Tales From The Hanging Captain

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

The Wee One

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… 

What Next?

What Next?

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… 

What Now?

What Now?

There’s a definite shift in the second play in this double bill from Edinburgh-based theatre company Strange Town. 

One World Jazz Suite - Part 2: Paul Busby's Bigger Band

One World Jazz Suite - Part 2: Paul Busby's Bigger Band

A selection of pieces dealing with current day issues. 

The Great Illusionist

The Great Illusionist

Part of the attraction of seeing magic tricks performed well – beyond the sheer spectacle – is trying to work out how they’re done. 

Broken Dreams

Broken Dreams

“The here and the now is wow!” we’re told at the start of Broken Dreams. 

Fluff – A Story of Lost Toys

Fluff – A Story of Lost Toys

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. 

Paul Carroll: Forty Shades of Strawberry Blond

Paul Carroll: Forty Shades of Strawberry Blond

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

Traces

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… 

Constellations

Constellations

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. 

Walden

Walden

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… 

Tales of a Grandson

Tales of a Grandson

There is much more to history than just learning dates and facts. 

The Story of the Little Gentleman

The Story of the Little Gentleman

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… 

George Egg: Anarchist Cook

George Egg: Anarchist Cook

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. 

Thon Man Molière

Thon Man Molière

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… 

Living Like a Moth

Living Like a Moth

There are some incredible strengths in this latest production from Edinburgh’s most inspiring new theatre company. 

Paul McCaffrey: Work in progress

Paul McCaffrey: Work in progress

A work-in-progress show from the star of BBC3’s ‘Impractical Jokers’ and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’. 

Dirty Dusting

Dirty Dusting

I must admit to feeling a tad confused after experiencing Dirty Dusting. 

Role Shift

Role Shift

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 … 

Avenue Q

Avenue Q

All theatre requires some degree of “suspension of disbelief”. 

Super Ape Man (The Paul F Taylor Story)

Super Ape Man (The Paul F Taylor Story)

Surreal one-liners, flights of fancy and a totally absurd storyline from the NATY 2013 winner. 

Paul Jones: The Nerdfather

Paul Jones: The Nerdfather

Join Brighton Comedy Festival Squawker Awards finalist Paul Jones, as he presents his guide to parenting for nerds. 

The Paul Laight Show

The Paul Laight Show

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. 

Paul Jones: The Nerdfather

Paul Jones: The Nerdfather

They say you should never meet your heroes. 

Gods Are Fallen And All Safety Gone

Gods Are Fallen And All Safety Gone

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… 

Second Hand

Second Hand

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… 

The Iliad

The Iliad

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… 

This Restless House

This Restless House

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… 

Mary Barnes

Mary Barnes

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… 

Right Now

Right Now

First lines are important; as attention grabbers, but also as indicators of what’s to come, tonally at least. 

Ring Road

Ring Road

Ring roads are not usually places you go to; they’re a means of avoiding congestion, of giving a wide berth to somewhere. 

Lost at Sea

Lost at Sea

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. 

Neither God Nor Angel

Neither God Nor Angel

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… 

The Silent Treatment

The Silent Treatment

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… 

Little Red and the Wolf

Little Red and the Wolf

Most of us come to fairy tales – folk tales in general – courtesy of their so-called “traditional” retellings by Disney or the local panto. 

Uncanny Valley

Uncanny Valley

In the near-century since Czech writer Karel Capek first gave us the word “robot” (in his play R. 

The Air That Carries The Weight

The Air That Carries The Weight

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… 

International Waters

International Waters

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… 

An Evening with Phil Differ

An Evening with Phil Differ

Phil Differ is not someone you’d immediately recognise. 

Paul Appleby

Paul Appleby

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 … 

Rapid Departure

Rapid Departure

Most theatre audiences have an anonymous – some might even suggest voyeuristic – role, viewing the action on stage from the safety of a darkened auditorium. 

For the Love of Cousins

For the Love of Cousins

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… 

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack

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… 

Iphigenia In Splott

Iphigenia In Splott

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. 

Purposeless Movements

Purposeless Movements

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… 

King Lear

King Lear

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 … 

At the Mountains of Madness

At the Mountains of Madness

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… 

The Destroyed Room

The Destroyed Room

With typical modesty (not), Glasgow-based Vanishing Point describe themselves as “Scotland’s foremost artist-led independent theatre company, internationally recognised and … 

Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution

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… 

Village Pub Theatre LGBT Innovators 1

Village Pub Theatre LGBT Innovators 1

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… 

Village Pub Theatre LGBT Innovators 2

Village Pub Theatre LGBT Innovators 2

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… 

My Name is Saoirse

My Name is Saoirse

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… 

The Crucible

The Crucible

In the face of something terrible, we can either laugh or cry. 

Cock

Cock

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 … 

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers

All theatre requires a certain suspension of disbelief, musical theatre even more so. 

Endgame

Endgame

“Finished, it’s finished, nearly finished, it must be nearly finished. 

A Murder is Announced

A Murder is Announced

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… 

CauseWay

CauseWay

“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… 

The Weir

The Weir

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 … 

Aladdin

Aladdin

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… 

Tracks of the Winter Bear

Tracks of the Winter Bear

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… 

A Belter of a Cinderella Story

A Belter of a Cinderella Story

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. 

Rapunzel

Rapunzel

Like most of Scotland’s producing theatres, the Citizens Theatre does not, as a matter of principle, “do” panto. 

Ali Bawbag and the Four Tealeafs

Ali Bawbag and the Four Tealeafs

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

To Breathe

To Breathe starts with its six performers standing in a circle, staring at the audience, just breathing. 

Cinderella

Cinderella

“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… 

One, Two, Three, Yippee

One, Two, Three, Yippee

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… 

Paul Lewis : Last Soliloquy

Paul Lewis : Last Soliloquy

Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas are the subject of this White Light Festival event, featuring this British pianist of uncommon eloquence and depth. 

The Bruce in Ireland

The Bruce in Ireland

“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 … 

Christine Brewer and Paul Jacobs

Christine Brewer and Paul Jacobs

The soprano Christine Brewer may disappoint some admirers of her sumptuous voice by not performing more often in opera. 

Cagebirds

Cagebirds

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 … 

The Smallest Show on Earth

The Smallest Show on Earth

“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 … 

Panopticon

Panopticon

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… 

Loserville

Loserville

“One day every company will fear a geek in a garage,” we’re told early on in Elliot Davis and James Bourne’s Loserville. 

Hidden

Hidden

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… 

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies

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… 

Tribes

Tribes

The family at the heart of Nina Raine’s Tribes is liable, at least initially, to make you yearn for the exit. 

Lot and his God

Lot and his God

“I must learn to keep my mouth shut when there’s an angel in the room. 

The MsFits: Fur Coat & Magic Knickers

The MsFits: Fur Coat & Magic Knickers

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 … 

Waiting for Godot

Waiting for Godot

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… 

The Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil

The Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil

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… 

Cariad & Paul: A Two Player Adventure

Cariad & Paul: A Two Player Adventure

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… 

Edmund the Learned Pig

Edmund the Learned Pig

Barry Bonaparte’s Travelling Circus is in trouble. 

The Misfit Analysis

The Misfit Analysis

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… 

The Fallen Angel Show

The Fallen Angel Show

Vesper Walk describe themselves as a “quirky five to eight piece band performing art-pop music in a gothic style. 

Jean-Luc Picard and Me

Jean-Luc Picard and Me

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… 

Wendy Hoose by Johnny McKnight

Wendy Hoose by Johnny McKnight

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 is Skint and Demoralised

Matt Abbott is Skint and Demoralised

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… 

Rhymes with Orange

Rhymes with Orange

Every successful show needs a Unique Selling Point – or, put simply, a gimmick. 

Donald Does Dusty

Donald Does Dusty

Donald Torr was, apparently, the best big brother any little girl could have, especially growing up on the outskirts of 1960s’ Aberdeen. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with renowned choir and organ. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

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. 

Village Pub Theatre

Village Pub Theatre

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… 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

From pin-drop delicacy to infectious grooves that leave you smiling. 

Meet the Agent: Paul Harper at Keddie Scott Associates

Meet the Agent: Paul Harper at Keddie Scott Associates

Paul works as the Scottish agent for Keddie Scott Associates Ltd, a London based agency. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. 

God's Waiting Room

God's Waiting Room

Many religions insist that humanity was created in God’s image; others argue that, throughout history, the process has been the other way round. 

To Space

To Space

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. 

Thrill-Seeking Pianist WLTM Like-Minded Audience for NSA Fun and Good Times

Thrill-Seeking Pianist WLTM Like-Minded Audience for NSA Fun and Good Times

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… 

Tales from a Cabaret

Tales from a Cabaret

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… 

Paul Savage: Tired and Emotional

Paul Savage: Tired and Emotional

Paul Savage can’t sleep. 

Dead Letter Office

Dead Letter Office

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 … 

Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd

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… 

Complex

Complex

A man is desperate for a job. 

Block

Block

Block is a production that constantly surprises, though not always in ways that are comforting. 

Thief

Thief

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… 

Pip Utton: Playing Maggie

Pip Utton: Playing Maggie

Margaret Thatcher was – still is, two years after her death – a divisive figure, loved and hated in equal measure. 

Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas

Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas

“Just go with the magic,” says one of the three singers on stage to a slightly reluctant compatriot. 

39 Steps by Patrick Barlow

39 Steps by Patrick Barlow

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… 

Scaramouche Jones

Scaramouche Jones

‘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… 

Paul Duncan McGarrity – Today is the Good Old Times of Tomorrow

Paul Duncan McGarrity – Today is the Good Old Times of Tomorrow

Last year I used the word Schadenfreude in my description, and it seemed to frighten off dumb people as I had lovely audiences. 

CELL

CELL

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… 

Paul Foot

Paul Foot

Surrealist comedian Paul Foot is an Edinburgh Fringe institution. 

Paul Kerensa: Back to the Futon Pt2: Dude, Where's My Hoverboard?

Paul Kerensa: Back to the Futon Pt2: Dude, Where's My Hoverboard?

Great Scott! 2015, still no hoverboards. 

Paul Harry Allen's Retro Delights

Paul Harry Allen's Retro Delights

Having rummaged around the UK, Paul takes you on a tour of some of his charity shop finds. 

Paul Currie: Re-Release the Baboons

Paul Currie: Re-Release the Baboons

Paul Currie returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with his anarchic, bread-filled 2014 masterpiece Release the Baboons after a triumphant run at Adelaide Fringe. 

Paul Ricketts: West End Story

Paul Ricketts: West End Story

Return of acclaimed and libellously funny storytelling show on how to find outrageous nightly adventure on a budget of £5. 

I Went To A Fabulous Party...

I Went To A Fabulous Party...

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… 

Paul Sinha: Postcards From the Z List

Paul Sinha: Postcards From the Z List

British Asian, Paul Sinha, makes a very welcome return to the Stand Comedy Club during the Fringe after a four-year absence. 

May I Have the Bill Please? by Robin Mitchell

May I Have the Bill Please? by Robin Mitchell

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… 

The Solid Life of Sugar Water

The Solid Life of Sugar Water

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… 

Tom Neenan: The Andromeda Paradox

Tom Neenan: The Andromeda Paradox

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… 

George and Co (the Solo Tour)

George and Co (the Solo Tour)

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… 

Trans Scripts

Trans Scripts

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 … 

Paul Foot

Paul Foot

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's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

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… 

Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory

Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory

Mr. 

Paul Chowdhry: PC’s World

Paul Chowdhry: PC’s World

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… 

When The War Came Home

When The War Came Home

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 … 

Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening

German dramatist Frank Wedekind’s play Frühlings Erwachen – written around 1891 but not performed until 1906 – deliberately kicked against sexually-oppressive fin d… 

The Driver's Seat

The Driver's Seat

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… 

Stand

Stand

“This is not just about me,” says one of the cast at the start and close of Chris Goode’s Stand. 

Yer Granny

Yer Granny

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… 

Persevere

Persevere

Site-specific works can be accused of relying on their location to do the heavy-lifting, theatrically speaking. 

Paul Kerensa: Back to the Futon pt 2

Paul Kerensa: Back to the Futon pt 2

It’s 2015, and still no hoverboards. 

Tales of Hanuman by Paul Scott

Tales of Hanuman by Paul Scott

Hanuman is half human, half monkey. 

Paul Zenon in Linking Rings

Paul Zenon in Linking Rings

1926: Houdini’s right-hand man deals with the death of his boss. 

No Nothing

No Nothing

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 … 

The Venetian Twins

The Venetian Twins

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… 

Uisge-Beatha Gu Leòr / Whisky Galore

Uisge-Beatha Gu Leòr / Whisky Galore

On 5th February 1941, during heavy gales, the cargo ship SS Politician ran aground off the Island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. 

The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

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… 

Broth

Broth

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. 

Boys

Boys

Even the greatest of parties end with the hangover of cleaning up afterwards. 

Fools

Fools

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… 

Hedda Gabler

Hedda Gabler

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 … 

The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde

The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde

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

The History Boys

The History Boys – at least according to the programme notes accompanying this latest tour – is “generally regarded as Alan Bennett’s masterpiece”. 

Beating McEnroe

Beating McEnroe

Life was so much simpler, back in 1980. 

Edgar and Annabel

Edgar and Annabel

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. 

Chess - The Musical

Chess - The Musical

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… 

Equus

Equus

There’s something particularly appropriate about experiencing Peter Shaffer’s Equus at the Bedlam Theatre. 

Paul Taylors American Modern Dance

Paul Taylors American Modern Dance

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… 

The Judas Kiss

The Judas Kiss

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. 

Jekyll & Hyde

Jekyll & Hyde

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. 

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

There’s rumbustious joy aplenty in this new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s infamous examination of legality and justice. 

Fleabag

Fleabag

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… 

Netting

Netting

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. 

I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick

I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick

A play about the battle between celebrity and “art” with a good dose of codpiece and a ghost thrown in! 

When The Rain Stops Falling

When The Rain Stops Falling

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… 

Village Pub Theatre: Bill Murray Night

Village Pub Theatre: Bill Murray Night

American film actor and comedian Bill Murray allegedly fields offers of work via a voice mailbox which, according to Wikipedia, “he checks infrequently”. 

The Real Inspector Hound

The Real Inspector Hound

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 … 

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre

Jan-Paul Sartre, the great French existentialist, displays his mastery of drama in NO EXIT, an unforgettable portrayal of hell. 

Butterfly

Butterfly

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. 

Paul Huang and Jessica Xylina Osborne

Paul Huang and Jessica Xylina Osborne

Lincoln Center’s popular Sunday Morning Coffee Concerts series offers rewarding, mostly younger artists in 60-minute programs starting at 11 a. 

Filter's Macbeth

Filter's Macbeth

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… 

When The War Came Home

When The War Came Home

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. 

Faith Healer

Faith Healer

Reality and performance lie at the heart of this solid production of Irish playwright Brian Friel’s Faith Healer. 

Slope

Slope

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… 

The Gamblers

The Gamblers

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. 

Bondagers

Bondagers

“Nobody thought to save any of the roots,” says Sara towards the end of The Bondagers. 

Cardinal Sinne

Cardinal Sinne

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

Kill Johnny Glendenning

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… 

The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie

There are five characters in Tennessee William’s breakthrough “memory play” The Glass Menagerie. 

1984

1984

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… 

merry christmas, Ms Meadows

merry christmas, Ms Meadows

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… 

David Kay

David Kay

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. 

Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Adventure

Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Adventure

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!

Kiss Me Honey, Honey!

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

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. 

Looking for Paul - Wunderbaum

Looking for Paul - Wunderbaum

Some shows take the audience on challenging yet rewarding journeys through layers of meaning, interpretations, and staging. 

James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock

James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock

This trinity of new plays by Scottish playwright Rona Munro are a timely study of nationhood, identity and the consequences of political actions. 

James II: Day of The Innocents

James II: Day of The Innocents

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… 

James III: The True Mirror

James III: The True Mirror

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… 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with renowned choir and organ. 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

Newcomers to the city should come to the Jazz Bar regardless of what’s on. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. 

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 Independence Performed by Paul B Edwards – Free

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 Independence Performed by Paul B Edwards – Free

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: Liar Liar

Paul Dabek: Liar Liar

Paul Dabek deceptively weaves a tangled web of comedy, magic and lies. 

Paul Savage Finds Every Joke in the Bible

Paul Savage Finds Every Joke in the Bible

Accompanying Paul Savage on his quest to find every joke in the Bible is an enjoyable way to spend an hour. 

Toast with Ruth E. Cockburn

Toast with Ruth E. Cockburn

A magical medley of music, stand-up and stories. 

The Incredible Paul F Taylor

The Incredible Paul F Taylor

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… 

Casting the Runes

Casting the Runes

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 … 

God's Own Country

God's Own Country

“Gossip,” we’re told, “travels fast in a valley. 

Factor 9

Factor 9

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 … 

18b

18b

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. 

Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition and Paul Furneaux Japanese Woodcut Prints

Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition and Paul Furneaux Japanese Woodcut Prints

The centrally-located art gallery, Dovecot Studios, has provided a lovely break from the madness of fringe with its current offering of exhibitions. 

3,000 Trees by George Gunn

3,000 Trees by George Gunn

“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 Pure, the Dead and the Brilliant

The Pure, the Dead and the Brilliant

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… 

Paul Ricketts' West End Story

Paul Ricketts' West End Story

The award-winning comic’s libellously funny story-telling show on how to find outrageous adventure on a nightly budget of £5. 

Paul Duncan McGarrity: Fail! - Free

Paul Duncan McGarrity: Fail! - Free

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… 

The Beta Males Sessions: Richard and The Storybeast

The Beta Males Sessions: Richard and The Storybeast

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. 

Aidan Killian: Jesus Versus Buddha

Aidan Killian: Jesus Versus Buddha

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… 

3,000 Trees: The Death of Mr William MacRae

3,000 Trees: The Death of Mr William MacRae

Sometimes, we can miss what’s important. 

Old Folks Telling Jokes

Old Folks Telling Jokes

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… 

Pat and Paul Get Some Beans

Pat and Paul Get Some Beans

Patrick Mulholland and Paul McDaniel return to Edinburgh, and this time they’re full of beans. 

Paul Foot: Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major

Paul Foot: Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major

Paul Foot’s offstage microphone isn’t working, so the pre-show announcement of Paul Foot - Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major is apparently ruined. 

Four Screws Loose in The Big Screw Up

Four Screws Loose in The Big Screw Up

“Are you ready to party?!” blares the PA at the start of the show and the audience roars in the agreement. 

Playdough Face

Playdough Face

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. 

Paul Currie: Release the Baboons

Paul Currie: Release the Baboons

‘This is the most inventive and hilarious act I have seen in years’ (Director, Leicester Comedy Festival). 

The Pitiless Storm

The Pitiless Storm

For all its claims of being a one-man show, the stage can get pretty crowded during The Pitiless Storm. 

Stephen Bailey: Neon Heart

Stephen Bailey: Neon Heart

Stephen Bailey—all silver dickie bow tie, floral grey suit and camp demeanour—is clearly in love with love and romance. 

Paul Chowdhry: PC's World

Paul Chowdhry: PC's World

Paul Chowdry is perhaps one of the most interesting comedians at the Fringe this year. 

Laurence Clark: Moments of Instant Regret

Laurence Clark: Moments of Instant Regret

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… 

Zombie Science: Brain of the Dead

Zombie Science: Brain of the Dead

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… 

Des Clarke: The Trouble with Being Des

Des Clarke: The Trouble with Being Des

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… 

Andrew Doyle: Zero Tolerance

Andrew Doyle: Zero Tolerance

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 … 

Paul McCaffrey: Paul Or Nothing

Paul McCaffrey: Paul Or Nothing

“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. 

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope

Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope

This excellent one-man show from Mark Farrelly portrays the transformation of Denis Charles Pratt, born in suburbia, into Quentin Crisp. 

Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario

Zombie Science: Worst Case Scenario

“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… 

Tom Neenan: The Haunting at Lopham House

Tom Neenan: The Haunting at Lopham House

“What is it that frightens you?” Tom Neenan asks at the start of this one-man pastiche of an Edwardian ghost story. 

Dane Baptiste: Citizen Dane

Dane Baptiste: Citizen Dane

Dane Baptiste is a confident performer. 

Jamie MacDonald: That Funny Blind Guy 2 - The Good, the Stag and the Ugly

Jamie MacDonald: That Funny Blind Guy 2 - The Good, the Stag and the Ugly

Being visually impaired, Glaswegian stand-up Jamie MacDonald definitely brings a new meaning to “observational humour”. 

Scott Capurro Islamohomophobia: Reloaded

Scott Capurro Islamohomophobia: Reloaded

Age hasn’t softened Scott Capurro; nor, it has to be said, has marriage. 

Tragic Magic

Tragic Magic

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 … 

Lifeline

Lifeline

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… 

In My Father's Words

In My Father's Words

Louis is one of Canada’s most respected teachers of classical literature. 

Paul F Taylor & Nick Hodder WIP

Paul F Taylor & Nick Hodder WIP

Paul F Taylor and Nick Hodder test out material. 

Somewhere Under the Rainbow - The Liza Minnelli Story

Somewhere Under the Rainbow - The Liza Minnelli Story

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. 

The Libertine

The Libertine

“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 … 

Pressure

Pressure

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… 

Paul Chowdhry: PC's World

Paul Chowdhry: PC's World

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… 

Dear Scotland

Dear Scotland

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… 

The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler

The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler

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… 

The Best of Village Pub Theatre

The Best of Village Pub Theatre

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 … 

The Pitchfork Disney

The Pitchfork Disney

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

Paul Sinha is a Stand-up Comedian

Paul Sinha is a stand-up comedian, but you might know him as ‘The Sinnerman’, from ITV’s tea-time quiz, The Chase. 

Union

Union

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… 

This Wide Night

This Wide Night

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… 

The New Age Labrador

The New Age Labrador

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 … 

A Reason to Smile

A Reason to Smile

Two wooden chairs, some books, an otherwise empty stage. 

Landfall

Landfall

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… 

Matt and Ian's Improv Show

Matt and Ian's Improv Show

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 … 

Jon Ronson - The Psychopath Test and Other Real Life Mysteries.

Jon Ronson - The Psychopath Test and Other Real Life Mysteries.

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… 

Story's End

Story's End

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… 

The Adventures of John Paul Jones

The Adventures of John Paul Jones

Written by celebrated folk musician Alan Reid, storytelling and songs relate the tale of this controversial and extraordinary 18th-century Scots mariner. 

Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Adventure

Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Adventure

‘Wow’ doesn’t even begin to describe the talents of these two comedians. 

Our Father

Our Father

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 … 

Poems and Pots

Poems and Pots

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… 

A Hundred Minus One Day

A Hundred Minus One Day

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… 

Easter Eggs

Easter Eggs

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 … 

The Ivor Novello Story

The Ivor Novello Story

‘A successful bachelor is always a puzzle to others,’ says the singer James Dinsmore, playing the composer and actor Ivor Novello. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Traditional choral evensong and benediction with the renowned choir and organ of this historic church. 

The Perilous Botanical Expedition

The Perilous Botanical Expedition

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… 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with its renowned choir and organ. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Old Saint Paul's Festival Masses

Traditional Catholic Anglican liturgy in this historic church with its renowned choir and organ. 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

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's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton and his impro chums return to Edinburgh for their tenth festival run, delivering many more hours of top quality improv. 

Doogie Paul Memorial Concert

Doogie Paul Memorial Concert

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. 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Improvised comedy is a difficult art to master. 

Patrick Monahan and Bob Slayer Set a World Record!

Patrick Monahan and Bob Slayer Set a World Record!

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 … 

A Play With Songs ... and Music and Film and Dance

A Play With Songs ... and Music and Film and Dance

Playwrights’ Studio Scotland is an independent development organisation for playwrights, working with them across the country, including through its talent development programme. 

Robin Ince - Importance of Being Interested

Robin Ince - Importance of Being Interested

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’. 

That's Not How You Spell Pedantic

That's Not How You Spell Pedantic

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’. 

Everything That Happened in the 20th Century, Seen Through the Eyes of a Liar

Everything That Happened in the 20th Century, Seen Through the Eyes of a Liar

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… 

Chops

Chops

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-… 

Death Ship 666

Death Ship 666

Death Ship 666 is Airplane meets Titanic; an exuberant rollercoaster ride of humorous grotesques, which revels in its own clichés and absurdities. 

The Sunday Assembly

The Sunday Assembly

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… 

Ginger Nation

Ginger Nation

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… 

Young & Strange - Magic, Illusion and a Hate for Each Other

Young & Strange - Magic, Illusion and a Hate for Each Other

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’… 

Other Voices: Spoken Word Cabaret

Other Voices: Spoken Word Cabaret

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… 

Magic Faraway Cabaret

Magic Faraway Cabaret

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… 

Magic Faraway Cabaret

Magic Faraway Cabaret

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 - Cheerful Shambles

Paul Savage - Cheerful Shambles

Paul Savage sometimes lies awake at night, convinced he’s a sitcom character. 

Paul F Taylor Presents The Greatest Show In The World Ever

Paul F Taylor Presents The Greatest Show In The World Ever

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. 

Alexis Dubus - Cars And Girls (2013 version)

Alexis Dubus - Cars And Girls (2013 version)

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… 

Chris Coltrane: Compassion is Subversive

Chris Coltrane: Compassion is Subversive

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… 

Paul Dabek - Stand Up and Be Conjured

Paul Dabek - Stand Up and Be Conjured

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… 

Ruth E. Cockburn Doesn't Even Smoke

Ruth E. Cockburn Doesn't Even Smoke

Are you tired of the persistence of peer pressure to be cool and to fit in? Ruth E. 

We Are All Orange Ghosts

We Are All Orange Ghosts

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… 

Björn Gustafsson

Björn Gustafsson

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 (… 

In Tune With Dementia

In Tune With Dementia

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… 

Godspell

Godspell

Stephen Schwartz’s musical about Jesus might not be quite as famous as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s counterpart, but it’s just as notorious. 

Gay Straight Alliance

Gay Straight Alliance

In some 4,000 High Schools across the US, you’ll find a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) group. 

French Kiss

French Kiss

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 … 

We, Object

We, Object

‘We, Object. 

Macbeth

Macbeth

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… 

Alistair Green: Ping Pong

Alistair Green: Ping Pong

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… 

Rick Kiesewetter: Chink

Rick Kiesewetter: Chink

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… 

The Year I Was Gifted

The Year I Was Gifted

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. 

Paul Dennis: Almost Blunted Purpose - Free

Paul Dennis: Almost Blunted Purpose - Free

’. 

Gay Straight Alliance

Gay Straight Alliance

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 … 

Sandel

Sandel

‘I’ll save you yet,’ says the precocious Antony Sandel to the object of his desires, David Rogers. 

Kevin Dewsbury Out Now

Kevin Dewsbury Out Now

Kevin Dewsbury is a bloke. 

Paul Pirie: Me

Paul Pirie: Me

‘Hilariously brutal’ (Chortle. 

It Goes Without Saying

It Goes Without Saying

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 … 

Way Back

Way Back

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: Words

Paul Foot: Words

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… 

Burton's Last Call

Burton's Last Call

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 … 

Tyke Rider: A Yorkshire Lass's Driving Adventure from the City of Angels to Graceland via the Big Easy

Tyke Rider: A Yorkshire Lass's Driving Adventure from the City of Angels to Graceland via the Big Easy

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’… 

Luke Wright: Essex Lion

Luke Wright: Essex Lion

‘Officer don’t be a Benny/the thing we saw was MGM-y. 

Roll It in Sequins

Roll It in Sequins

There’s a playful, rough-round-the-edges physicality throughout this new show by Megan Heffernan and Sophie Fletcher. 

The Pyramids of Margate

The Pyramids of Margate

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… 

Oliver Meech: When Magic and Science Collide

Oliver Meech: When Magic and Science Collide

Science reveals, magic conceals, but both can inspire a sense of wonder, according to stage magician Oliver Meech. 

Rob Lloyd: Who, Me

Rob Lloyd: Who, Me

This is not the first time Doctor Who has been put on trial. 

Kevin Shepherd: Confess Nothing - Free

Kevin Shepherd: Confess Nothing - Free

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. 

Paul Gannon Aint Afraid Of No Ghost

Paul Gannon Aint Afraid Of No Ghost

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. 

Desperately Seeking the Exit / Free Festival

Desperately Seeking the Exit / Free Festival

Heard of screenwriter William Goldman’s rule about Hollywood? ‘Nobody knows anything. 

The Alleycats: Contemporary a Cappella

The Alleycats: Contemporary a Cappella

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… 

Paul Currie: The Sticky Bivouac

Paul Currie: The Sticky Bivouac

Feast your eyes and teeth on the bizarre, absurd and delicate world of Paul Currie. 

Six Characters in Search of an Author

Six Characters in Search of an Author

In a new adaptation of Luigi Pirandello’s disturbing masterpiece, Cambridge ADC chop, change and miss the point entirely. 

Scott Agnew - Something's Gotta Give

Scott Agnew - Something's Gotta Give

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. 

Paul McCaffrey: Name in Lights

Paul McCaffrey: Name in Lights

Witty, full of puns, and anything but uninteresting, Name in Lights is a free-flowing performance that bears an aura of genuineness. 

Dan Nightingale: Love in the Time of Cholesterol

Dan Nightingale: Love in the Time of Cholesterol

Dan Nightingale wants us to like him. 

Paul Zerdin: No Strings

Paul Zerdin: No Strings

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 Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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… 

The  Improverts

The Improverts

It’s not that The Improverts aren’t funny. 

I am Google

I am Google

I am Google is listed as Comedy, Interactive and Stand-up. 

Laurent Piron - Unusual Day

Laurent Piron - Unusual Day

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. 

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Drowsy Chaperone

You may have heard of a play-within-a-play but a musical-within-a-musical is another matter entirely. 

Allotment

Allotment

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… 

Paul McCaffrey: Pills'n'Thrills and Belly Laughs

Paul McCaffrey: Pills'n'Thrills and Belly Laughs

Paul McCaffrey seems less like a performer and more like a mate in a pub. 

Paul Dabek - Nothing Up My Sleeve!

Paul Dabek - Nothing Up My Sleeve!

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… 

From Houdini to Potter

From Houdini to Potter

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… 

Wild Allegations

Wild Allegations

Matthew John Curtis is famous. 

Paul Dabek Presents Thurston

Paul Dabek Presents Thurston

This is a one-man show with a difference: the actor is also a magician. 

Paul Zerdin: Sponge Fest

Paul Zerdin: Sponge Fest

Say what you will about ventriloquists, there’s no denying their talent. 

Xavier Toby: Binge Thinking

Xavier Toby: Binge Thinking

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… 

My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver

My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver

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… 

Asher Treleaven: Matador

Asher Treleaven: Matador

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… 

Constance & Sinestra

Constance & Sinestra

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 … 

Clinton the Musical

Clinton the Musical

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. 

One Man and His Masks - Arthur: Britain's Making

One Man and His Masks - Arthur: Britain's Making

Imagine if David Starkey did a Fringe show. 

Stories from the Middle

Stories from the Middle

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 … 

Paul Ricketts - Ironic Infinity

Paul Ricketts - Ironic Infinity

Paul Ricketts is a natural storyteller. 

Doug Segal: How to Read Minds and Influence People

Doug Segal: How to Read Minds and Influence People

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… 

Paul Kirby Trio

Paul Kirby Trio

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. 

Age of the Geek

Age of the Geek

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 … 

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

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… 

Paul Gilbody

Paul Gilbody

The Jazz Bar’s crowd on Sunday the 12th August was a bit of a mix. 

Des Clarke: Final Destination

Des Clarke: Final Destination

Particularly when compared to the polite folk of Edinburgh, Glaswegians have a reputation for talking. 

Executive Stress / Corporate Retreat

Executive Stress / Corporate Retreat

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… 

Scotland in Song

Scotland in Song

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… 

Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage

Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage

If there’s a book you’re guaranteed to come across in a literature degree, it’s Beowulf. 

Conference of Strange

Conference of Strange

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 … 

An Evening With Dementia

An Evening With Dementia

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… 

Paul Merton's Silent Clowns

Paul Merton's Silent Clowns

Paul Merton introduces a selection of silent film classics, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy. 

This Is Soap

This Is Soap

This is Soap takes improv comedy to a new level - forget sketch shows, musicals or short-form games. 

Party Worth Crashing

Party Worth Crashing

Where Theatre In Heights’ production of this new musical is strongest is in its capacity to entertain. 

Re-Animator The Musical

Re-Animator The Musical

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. 

Author

Author

An author, two actors and an audience member discuss Tim Crouch’s last play, an unnamed and violence-filled two-person production whose effects on the actors and writer are slowly… 

Love Child

Love Child

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. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

I must start with two clear statements. 

The Curious Couple from Coney

The Curious Couple from Coney

The exquisitely moustached showman Donny Vomit was just 14, visiting an Oklahoma County Fair, when he saw a man swallow a long balloon. 

Irreconcilable Differences

Irreconcilable Differences

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. 

When Holidays Attack

When Holidays Attack

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�… 

Principal Parts

Principal Parts

Principal Parts is a play within a play. 

Montmorency

Montmorency

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… 

Riot! The Musical

Riot! The Musical

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… 

Showchoir! The Musical

Showchoir! The Musical

I’m one of those people. 

Red Shoes

Red Shoes

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 … 

Enough Already

Enough Already

Written and animated by the alleged French “polymath” François Sarhan, Enough Already incorporates live music, theatre and film in a frustratingly pretentious, paralysingly du… 

In Time o' Strife

In Time o' Strife

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… 

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment

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… 

Let The Right One In

Let The Right One In

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. 

Calum's Road

Calum's Road

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. 

Running On The Cracks

Running On The Cracks

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… 

Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude

Inter-generational relationships are always controversial, especially when questions of predatory abuse arise in these Savile-dominated times. 

PCUK - A Midsummer Night's Remix

PCUK - A Midsummer Night's Remix

Now I’m all for messing with Shakespeare. 

Paul Foot - Kenny Larch Is Dead

Paul Foot - Kenny Larch Is Dead

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… 

Any Objections?

Any Objections?

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 … 

Fork - Electro Vocal Circus

Fork - Electro Vocal Circus

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. 

Markee De Saw & Bert Finkle

Markee De Saw & Bert Finkle

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… 

Activism Is Fun

Activism Is Fun

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: Saying Something Stupid

Paul McCaffrey: Saying Something Stupid

Paul McCaffrey can very much be categorised as an observational comedian. 

Macbeth

Macbeth

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… 

An Audience With Tomás Ford - Free

An Audience With Tomás Ford - Free

From the start, you know that Tomás Ford isn’t your ordinary late night showman. 

Paul Foot: Still Life

Paul Foot: Still Life

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. 

Rob James: Magicana

Rob James: Magicana

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… 

Arguments and Nosebleeds - Free

Arguments and Nosebleeds - Free

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… 

John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones

Jean Paul Jones is an eighteenth-century US naval commander with Scottish roots; and this is the musical of his life. 

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums

Paul Merton, Lee Simpson, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch and Jim Sweeney improvise for an hour using suggestions from the audience. 

Anton's Uncles

Anton's Uncles

Whether you know much about Chekhov or not, Anton’s Uncles still has something for you. 

Paul Zerdin - Sponge Fest Revisited

Paul Zerdin - Sponge Fest Revisited

Paul Zerdin is clearly an accomplished ventriloquist. 

I Am, I Am

I Am, I Am

Take two of Cambridge’s Footlights, give them guitars, throw them in front of a crowd full of people and watch the magic happen. 

Paul Sinha: 'Extreme Anti-White Vitriol'

Paul Sinha: 'Extreme Anti-White Vitriol'

Paul Sinha has yet to really breakout, although he’s been building a solid stand-up foundation over the years at the Fringe. 

Have a Nice Life

Have a Nice Life

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… 

Nggrfg

Nggrfg

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… 

Just a Gigolo

Just a Gigolo

Among the delights of the Fringe are the opportunities it occasionally presents to see quality performers in more intimate, personal projects. 

Moll Flanders

Moll Flanders

It’s been said before, it will be said again, people will say it for years and years to come. 

Legs 11

Legs 11

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… 

Sammy J and Randy - The Inheritance

Sammy J and Randy - The Inheritance

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… 

Outside

Outside

Nick and Andrew are brothers, but that doesn’t mean they’re alike. 

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a director’s dream. 

Kin

Kin

Three tables, each filled with the paraphernalia of different daytime meals; on each table, there’s an hourglass, progressively smaller. 

The Long and the Short of It

The Long and the Short of It

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. 

Uninvited

Uninvited

As I walked into the theatre. 

The Chris and Paul Show

The Chris and Paul Show

Sketch comedy duo Chris O’Niell and Paul Valenti started last night with a bit of a mountain to climb. 

Alistair Green: Jack Spencer - Why Anything?

Alistair Green: Jack Spencer - Why Anything?

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… 

Murder, Marple and Me

Murder, Marple and Me

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… 

Paul Chowdhry - What's Happening White People

Paul Chowdhry - What's Happening White People

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: Alternative Spoken Word Cabaret

Other Voices: Alternative Spoken Word Cabaret

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… 

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut

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, … 

Paul Tonkinson – The Anti Mid-Life Crisis

Paul Tonkinson – The Anti Mid-Life Crisis

Many comics wouldn’t risk starting a show chatting about their hernia, but Tonkinson quickly gets up close and personal with his audience and their experiences. 

Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly

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… 

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

The Glasgow King’s Theatre panto, which last year marked its half century, is a much-loved institution in the city. 

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

Old Saint Paul's Festival Evensongs

I live in Edinburgh and choose to go to this throughout the year because it is so good week after week. 

Damien Crow: The World According to Damien Crow

Damien Crow: The World According to Damien Crow

Mid-afternoon, an audience of just 10 people is not what most standups would want to see in front of them. 

Chris Cross: Loose Cannon 2012

Chris Cross: Loose Cannon 2012

There are many things you can say about Chris Cross; that he’s a shrinking violet is not one of them. 

Land of the Dead / Helter Skelter

Land of the Dead / Helter Skelter

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. 

Company

Company

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… 

Alan Bissett: The Red Hourglass

Alan Bissett: The Red Hourglass

‘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… 

A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange

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. 

Ward and Bartlett's Double Impact

Ward and Bartlett's Double Impact

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… 

Total Immediate Collective Imminent Terrestrial Salvation

Total Immediate Collective Imminent Terrestrial Salvation

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… 

La Reprise Histoire(s) du theatre (I)

La Reprise Histoire(s) du theatre (I)

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… 

Clare Cockburn Blossoms With Her Rose

Clare Cockburn Blossoms With Her Rose

​We talked to Clare Cockburn, who, at the age of 54, is presenting her debut play Tennessee, Rose at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.  

​Brexit and Nazi Art: Interview with Ten Storey Love Song’s Paul Smith

​Brexit and Nazi Art: Interview with Ten Storey Love Song’s Paul Smith

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... 

James Plays Playwright Rona Munro does Christmas at the Traverse

James Plays Playwright Rona Munro does Christmas at the Traverse

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... 

Choreographers Claire Cunningham and Ramesh Meyyappan talk Hieronymus Bosch and Madame Butterfly

Choreographers Claire Cunningham and Ramesh Meyyappan talk Hieronymus Bosch and Madame Butterfly

Acclaimed choreographers and performers Ramesh Meyyappan and Claire Cunningham bring two startling – and highly personal – shows to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

Three Minute Interview: Dandy Darkly

Three Minute Interview: Dandy Darkly

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! 

Glasgow: Arches LIVE festival to present self-help theme this October

Glasgow: Arches LIVE festival to present self-help theme this October

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. 

The Doctor Austin Three Minute Interview

The Doctor Austin Three Minute Interview

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... 

The David Leddy Three Minute Interview

The David Leddy Three Minute Interview

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... 

The Liam Rudden Three Minute Interview

The Liam Rudden Three Minute Interview

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...