Sarah Bennetto: The King And I

4 stars **** I first encountered Sarah Bennetto when I reviewed The Storytellers’ Club a couple of years back.  I enjoyed that show very much indeed and found Bennetto herself an endearing and engaging performer, qualities which were very much in evidence in this, her one-woman show. The show is framed around Bennetto’s invitation to [...]

Late Night Gimp Fight

5 stars ***** As I excused myself from the pub last night and explained to my assembled friends that I had to run away to review the Late Night Gimp Fight, I have to admit there were a certain number of eyebrows raised.  It’s a divisive title, one that will either repel or intrigue you.  [...]

Comedy Countdown

4 stars **** How best to describe the Comedy Countdown?  I think ‘ramshackle’ probably just about covers it.  If you’re familiar with the format of Channel 4’s ‘Countdown’ then you’re probably one up on some of the comedians involved in this late night version of the well-known show.  But don’t take this as a negative [...]

Bowels

3 Stars *** Edinburgh based, amateur company Big Village Theatre embrace the spirit of the Fringe by showcasing new writing. In 2009 Neil Walden won the Company’s writing competition and now his entry is being premiered. This does represent something of a gamble but his comedy is given a lively and highly entertaining treatment by [...]

Bright is the Ring of Words

Three Stars *** Jeffrey Mayhew’s play is an uncompromising yet poignant drama putting together two men who could not be more different. John, played by the author, is living in a dingy bed-sit. He is an aging alcoholic who was once on the verge of international fame as an opera singer. Stanley (John Garfield-Roberts) is [...]

That Moment

2 Stars ** Young actress Jenny Harold takes on around a dozen or so characters in Dougie Blaxland’s solo performance comedy. The central character is Alicia Harding, a struggling young actress/waitress. She recounts the heartaches and the dashed hopes of her career – failed auditions and appearing in a struggling Fringe play. Her private life [...]

The Wau Wau Sisters Last Supper

***** 5Stars This is not the first time I have seen The Wau Wau Sisters perform in Edinburgh. Hell no!! So I was a little prepared for the maniacal mayhem that was surely going to be on the menu for this Last Supper The Wau Wau Sisters, Tanya and Adrienne. Are they singers? Are they [...]

Devlin’s Daily

**** 4 Star  Nearly every venue runs a similar sort of show these days but the one I return to year after year is the one that is at The Stand I every week day. Hosted by STV’s The Hour reporter and comedian Bruce Devlin, it is part chat show part showcase for acts who [...]

Nina Conti – Talk to the Hand

***** 5 Stars There are not too many ventriloquists on the comedy circuit currently, even fewer female ones and I’m sure there are even less that have the talent that is possessed by Nina Conti. Original puppet Monkey was the first of her co-conspirators on the night and this cheeky chimp is still giving his [...]

Laura Solon: The Owl of Steven

**** 4Star  When Laura Solon won the Perrier Award a few years ago, she appeared from nowhere as far as I was concerned and so when I saw she was returning this year made a point of seeing what she was all about. The sold out house was packed into Pleasance Above in anticipation as [...]