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Funz and Gamez rebootz

 
Hannah Mackenzie Review by Hannah Mackenzie 4 Published: 31 Jul 2025 Monkey Barrel Comedy Show Dates: 28 Jul 2025-10 Aug 2025

2014’s Foster’s Panel Prize winner Phil Ellis returns to the Fringe with a “rebootz” of his comedy show, designed to have the adults in the audience laughing just as much as the kids.

What child could resist the chance to throw a plastic ball directly into a man’s face?

Taking place in Monkey Barrel Comedy’s underground bar, the venue staff do a respectable job of wrangling throngs of children and directing them to their seats. The atmosphere is already filled with excitement, and this is only intensified when Ellis and his co-stars burst onto the stage, armed with little more than cheap costumes and sweets to toss to the children in the audience. If that weren’t enough to ensure they all leave with smiles on their faces, the constant barrage of jokes and plentiful opportunities to disrespect the adults on stage would more than suffice – after all, what child could resist the chance to throw a plastic ball directly into a man’s face?

The anarchy is enhanced by the performers’ ability to respond to things said by the audience in ways that are both authentic and deeply funny, allowing the children to feel they have just as much control over the show as the adults do.

There is also a great deal of humour aimed at the adults in the audience. Much of it stems from the performers and their depiction of the show as a shameless money-making scheme – from the careful avoidance of copyright with team “orphan wizard boys” to the “grand prize” of a printed photograph of a PS5 handed out to each child on the winning team. Other jokes, such as references to the KKK, will fly over a child’s head entirely (or at least, one would hope), ensuring the adults laugh just as much as the children.

Despite claiming to be “only there for the money”, the enthusiasm and talent of every performer indicate otherwise. Their dedication to creating a thoroughly entertaining children’s show is commendable. With a solid grasp of what both children and their adults want to see, this skilful production is certainly worth your time.

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The Blurb:

The smash-hit, Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning Funz and Gamez is back with a brand-new show and brand-new group of misfits, lead by your Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning host Phil Ellis. Come and see the kids show that’s even more funz for the adultz. ‘The anti-hero of kids’ shows and one of the funniest, buzziest hours’ **** (Times). ‘I cannot imagine the being that would not be blown away by this ridiculously funny, shambolic gigglefest of a show’ **** (Scotsman). 'Entertainingly inappropriate… expertly choreographed chaos’ **** (Telegraph). ‘A uniquely funny show’ **** (Guardian).