⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A packed Fringe experience with 15 shows, two late nights, Best of the Fests and a two-hour Massaoke! Among the honourable mentions, Hasan Al-Habib brings sharp, thoughtful comedy about family, divorce and religion, while Truthmachine offers an intriguing immersive lie-detector experience. Massaoke was the spectacular finale: a packed singalong party of classic rock, glitter, smoke and flames that had everyone on their feet from midnight into the early hours.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A brilliantly imaginative and freakish take on modern man. Rob Preston’s solo debut is packed with memorable characters, belly laughs and cringe-worthy moments. From a bizarre pub quizmaster and dancing barber to a young Londoner and an aspiring “writer of stories”, Rob transforms snippets of real life and social media into an unforgettable hour of comedy. Fresh, clever and full of pathos, this is a Fringe show well worth seeing now.

An original, fun and breezy hour of chaos and irreverence you won’t see anywhere else. Ted Hill, recently awarded Ant & Dec’s Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent, brings his unique autistic perspective to an imaginative multimedia show. With PowerPoint, puppets, GeoGuessr, audience feedback and a “Small Talk Machine”, Ted constantly tests how weird he can be. Chaotic, creative and refreshingly original — embrace the weird!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A Kate in the hand is worth two in the Butch.” Kate Butch swaps songs and audience interaction for a more traditional stand-up hour packed with puns, silliness and sharp observations. From meal deals and Duolingo to Drag Race, homophobia and online backlash, Butch delivers plenty of laughs. The real magic comes in the ad libs and audience interaction, where their quick wit shines. Hilarious, cheeky and full of personality.

The best magic show in Edinburgh by a Royal Mile! Ben Hart’s “The Labyrinth” is a truly magical experience and a Fringe highlight. Staged in the atmospheric Palais du Variété, this creative show combines clever predictions, stunning revelations, cards, clocks, mirrors, shadow play and an astonishing finale. The audience gasped throughout, particularly during the incredible house-key trick. Atmospheric, original and jaw-dropping — I can’t recommend it more.

A masterclass in comedy and pathos. Michael John Ciszewski’s “Mother Superior” is a beautifully crafted hour of laughter, love and heartbreaking storytelling as he attempts to canonise his mother. From 9/11 and the HIV/AIDS crisis to his childhood, sexuality and comedy career, Michael holds the audience spellbound. Hilarious, moving and deeply personal, this is a show that deserves to be sold out every day.

A joy to behold. Alex Franklin’s “Kiss Me x” is a mischievous, heartwarming and very funny rollercoaster of silliness, storytelling, songs, PowerPoint and audience comedy. She embraces her transformation, dating and the abuse she faces with brilliant, poignant humour. A talented songwriter and pianist, Alex delivers one-liners, ad libs and wonderfully quirky songs. A joyful, high-energy hour that I highly recommend.

ubversive, imaginative, vulgar and gloriously bizarre, Fanny Bleach is a late-night Fringe treat! A fast-moving parade of freakish characters, outrageous sketches and brilliantly creative ideas, with plenty of audience participation and some unforgettable surprises. Not every sketch hits the mark, but there are far more hits than misses. Original, enduring and, most importantly, very funny — well worth seeing!

We saw Dystopia 26: The Rock Opera ahead of its Edinburgh Fringe run, and it proved to be a bold blend of live rock music, political satire and immersive theatre. Visually striking and powered by exceptional musicianship, the production delivers memorable original songs and energetic performances, although its political messaging felt rather too heavy-handed for my taste.

A dazzling, inventive celebration of Elton John’s music, Elton Reimagined showcases Jess Robinson’s extraordinary vocal skill, sharp humour and heartfelt admiration for every artist she embodies. It’s joyful, clever and unforgettable — a night where one remarkable performer makes a whole cast of musical legends come alive.

A review of Lambco's production of 'Love is Blue' coming to the Edinburgh fringe 2023. A short 2 hander, it's thought provoking.

"And then the Rodeo burned down" is a comedy show that combines physical theatre, slapstick humour and dark comedic moments as well as...