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The Creative Martyrs

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 4 Published: 10 Aug 2025 PBH's Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms Show Dates: 2 Aug 2025-24 Aug 2025

The Creative Martyrs are the sort of show you see once before going back again and again. They’ve well earned their cult-like following in the Scottish cabaret scene, but this was the first time I’d seen them at the Fringe. They did not disappoint; they are some of the best the Free Fringe has to offer.

The tunes are catchy and memorable, the sort of thing you’ll remember weeks later when watching the news.

Taking to the stage, Gustav and Jakob immediately give off sad clown energy… before undercutting it with evocative grins on their powdered faces. They almost seem to wink at the audience, as if to say, “You’re in on the joke.” The joke — of course — being that society itself is crumbling before our very eyes. Some might say the end of the world is nigh. That doesn't mean we shouldn't laugh at our situation though, and the duo seem poised to point out our plight while chuckling along with us.

This wry satire of the world's current affairs is delivered with Weimar-era panache, blended with hilarious songs and brief verbal interludes. The tunes are catchy and memorable, the sort of thing you'll remember weeks later when watching the news. Many also almost lull you to sleep with their mellow tones, as the duo come armed only with a ukulele and a cello — until the dark irony of the lyrics hits home.

With just an hour and a handful of songs, you will fall in love with this duo. They have a certain earnestness that is endearing, and Jakob's baritone contrasts nicely with Gustav's more manic energy. The latter is often among the crowd, leading the way in everything from an exploration of the Overton Window via line dance (yes, really) to adding you to The List.

The duo are doing what they’ve always done, albeit with a little more polish these days. If you’ve seen them before, you won’t be surprised or dazzled by their performance. But that’s perhaps the magic of the Free Fringe — you don’t need to be. You can keep coming back to a show and continue to be charmed, year after year. The Creative Martyrs are some of the best the Free Fringe has to offer, and you should go see them again and again.

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The Blurb:

Serious satirical silliness, songs, democratic participation, immersive existential doom feels in need of a Kabariot. Join us for our most pertinent material both new and old. Prescience is hindsight in this dystopian terror shite-show… Ukulele, cello, bowler hats, a little Weimar kabarett for curious times. Progress progresses progressively, fortunately we have learned from our mistakes, the world is more peaceful and kind, myriad wonderful futures await. Do join us.... Time Out and Soho Theatre Award nominated, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Alba featured. 'Wonderfully dark, delightful' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Canaries in the cabaret coalmine' **** (Scotsman).