Bethany Black : Love and a Colt 45

* * * 3 stars I saw Bethany Black last year and was fascinated by her set, which was based around her decision to change gender and the subsequent emotional upheaval she went through.  I found it both engaging and life-affirming.  There’s more of that attitude on display here in this year’s ‘Love and a [...]

Janis

* * * * 4 stars I am of an age to remember the talented performer that was Janis Joplin, just. I was kinda young, but knew parts of the life story of the hedonistic singer that was taken from us at a young age, she was only 27 when she died. Nicola Haydn plays [...]

The Late Show

* * * * * 5 stars It’s almost 1am.  Why am I standing in the Jelly Belly at this time of the night waiting for a show to START?  Why am I not snuggled up in my bed back home with a good book and a cup of cocoa?  The Late Show, that’s why. [...]

Over The Threshold

* * * * * 5 stars Over the Threshold was written by writer / composer Christopher Hamilton in 2004 this 2009 Fringe version stars Madalena Alberto, Kieran Brown, Helen French and Trevor Jary. The set at first appears strange four obvious doorways, two mats and four chairs. The four chairs are two sets of [...]

Pappy’s Fun Club’s World Record Attempt : 200 Sketches in an Hour

* * * * * 5 stars My expectations were high as Pappy’s Fun Club (Ben, Brendan, Matthew and Tom) bounded onto the Pleasance One stage, and for the next hour I wasn’t disappointed. The premise of this sketch show is that the boys from Pappy’s Fun Club aren’t doing too well financially and in [...]

Rob Rouse: My Family…and The Dog That Scared Jesus

* * * 3 stars Rob Rouse’s show is about the two recent additions to his family; his dog Ronnie and his son Lenny (although to be honest, it’s mostly about the dog). There are plenty of laughs to be had as Rob describes how he chose Ronnie from Battersea Dogs Home because he looked [...]

Rudi Lickwood – Food for Thought

* * * * * 5 stars The first thing that struck me when Rudi Lickwood hit the stage, was his facial resemblance to Eddie Murphy. Like the American superstar Lickwood has a good sense of humour, only Lickwood is far, far funnier. From the off he took control of the gig, and the pace [...]

Stephen K Amos – The Feelgood Factor

* * * * 4 stars Stephen K Amos is as integral to Edinburgh Fringe as hangovers and poor weather, but for sure he is far more enjoyable. Now playing in the biggest space on the Fringe and regularly selling it out Amos is certainly one of the most popular comedians here this month. With [...]

AAA Standup

* * * * 4 stars As a comedy fan and also as a reviewer, I have been attending this show for years as it is a vehicle for up and coming new comedians to play in the Fringe and then hopefully go on to bigger and better things in the future. Such names as [...]

The Abi Roberts Experience

* * * 3 stars From the Fringe adverts and her flyer somehow I was expecting a little more from Ms Roberts. I love and admire those who can do vocal gymnastics and although there is no doubt Ms Roberts has this ability, I was not blown away by her as much as others in [...]