EDINBURGH 2024: BroadwayWorld's Edfringe Reviews

For over a decade BroadwayWorld has been covering the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a local team of dedicated reviewers who know the festival inside out. 

This page will be updated daily throughout August with our latest reviews and you can also follow us on social media @broadwayworlduk on Instagram and @BWWScotland on X.

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Five Stars:

A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First: A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First is a storytelling masterpiece that blurs the lines between stories and depicts a heartbreaking tale of boyhood and loss. Rice and Roland have created yet another work that will live on in the hearts and minds of those who are lucky enough to witness it.

Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows: Do everything you can not to miss this show. Wambaugh is brilliantly funny, deserving of a mass of acknowledgement and destined for incredible things to follow. This is a masterclass of how to win over an audience and truly entertain.

Birdwatching:  Some may argue that there's nothing scarier than being in the woods at night. However, this is a notion that Birdwatching turns on its head, instead arguing that there's nothing scarier than being a teenage girl. After all, amid mounting tensions and suspicions, the friends turn on each other. In fear of being watched, they begin to look at each other a little closer, too. And what is scarier than someone seeing you exactly as you are? Horror is difficult to bring to the stage, but Birdwatching does it effortlessly. It is a must-see show at this year's Fringe.

Colin Cloud: Consequences: Colin Cloud: Consequences is an astonishingly tight and impressive show. The sequence of clever CONsequences builds layers of momentum, leaving the mouths of the audience open wide with awe, wonder and confusion.  This show is wildly dynamic, mesmerising and endlessly entertaining. Not to be missed, this one’s an absolute winner. 

Colin Hoult: Colin: Hoult is naturally funny, notably his ability to make all aspects of his life humorous and interesting is impressive, evidentially keeping the audience laughing throughout. Hoult’s superpower may in fact be his winning personality, quirks and investment in comical observation. Colin Hoult: Colin is bold, hilarious and a joyous show not to be missed.

How I Learned To Swim: The solo play is brilliantly performed by Frankie Hart, under Emma Jude Harris’ direction. Hart jumps and dives from character to character. Her charming candour as Jamie, to the tough exterior of her swimming coach, to her sneering childhood friends, to concerned family.

June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me: A captivating watch from start to finish, this production is absolutely joyous- a truly magnificent story of two remarkable women. 

Larry Dean: Dodger: Larry Dean: Dodger is a fantastic hour of comedy that mixes brilliant jokes with heartfelt moments between Dean and his grandmother. Dean manages to tie together important aspects of his life into a beautiful show that will have audiences laughing and wanting to call their nans. 

Love Beyond: It's an incredibly moving piece but provides a cathartic experience. Love Beyond makes for truly exceptional theatre.

Michelle Brasier: Legacy: Michelle Brasier: Legacy is a brilliant hour of musical comedy that uses a small coincide in Brasier’s life to lead into themes of the meaning of life and what one’s life could be if different choices had been made. Brasier’s infectious energy makes the show even more enjoyable than it already is, allowing audience members to feel as though they are catching up with a close friend and learning about their crazy adventures.

Plewds: While it may seem messy and chaotic on the surface, it’s clear that every element of plewds has been meticulously crafted. Clever audience participation breaks down the barrier between performer and spectator, as well as unpacking how we perceive abuse differently in queer and straight relationships.

Rachel Fairburn: Showgirl: Rachel Fairburn’s Showgirl is a brilliant hour of comedy, wildly enjoyable, thrilling, epic and entertaining. Miss this hysterical show at your peril, as it truly is an absolute treat.

Rosie and Hugh's Great Big Adventure: Rosie and Hugh's Great Big Adventure presents a charming autumn tale, and school-time hedgehog trails, ensuring the young audience journey through courage, hope and harmony.

Séayoncé: She Must Be Hung!: Ultimately, Séayoncé: She Must Be Hung! is a wonderful performance that combines comedy with an important message of fighting back against oppressors. Dan Wye and Robyn Herfellow combine to become a powerful force of music and theatre. To quote Séayoncé, “Namaslay, it’s been a pleasure.” Indeed, the show is a pleasure that should be experienced by all. 

Six Chick Flicks: Ultimately, Six Chick Flicks . . . is a brilliant and loving parody of the genre of chick flicks while still sharing important messages about the way women are portrayed in the media and on abortion rights, especially in the United States. Ipema and Apple are brilliant performers and I can’t wait to see what they do next!

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Four Stars:

IIII- About The Art Of Letting Go: The show encompasses the beauty and power of the Cyr wheel. Hanschitz in a feat of masterful power and careful control deconstructs the process of letting go, by dedicating her movement and adjusting her strength to the pure weight of the Cyr. The original music is hugely influential on the mood of the action, enhancing the atmosphere by harmoniously bringing changes between ‘calm balance, loss of control and floating lightness.'

A History of Paper: The connection with the audience and the likeability of the characters is what makes the curveball in the play such a gut punch. It's a meaty and unpredictable twist that prompts audible gasps from the audience and gives more depth to this beautiful play.

A Little Night Music: Set design is slick, costumes are intricate and choreography is polished. Occasionally sung lyrics are hard to follow  - perhaps this is due to Sondheim's characteristically unusual melodies and dense lyrics. Nevertheless A Little Night Music is a witty and poignant exploration of the complex human heart, combining delightful humor with a touch of melancholy.

Amos Gill: Going Down Swinging: Questioning if societally we should do more to safeguard from simply jumping to conclusions of instant disapproval, thus limiting blanket judgements. Further, challenges to assumptions opens a dialogue of varied points of view, allowing broadness. Finally, a reminder that embracing free speech (that does not step into hate speech) gives some space for impartiality and steps towards greater equity.

Arcade: It was particularly eye opening and enlightening talking about choices and selections to follow with Arcade attendees who had entirely different experiences. Arcade is a thrilling, unsettling and unmissable 80's gaming experience, leaving me with the feeling of wanting to try again to explore the alternative paths. Arcade is addictively unfamiliar and thought provoking.

Bellringers: Eerie and entertaining, come along to Summerhall for a dystopian fly-on-the-wall experience at Bellringers.

Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain: Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain is a hilarious hour of sketch comedy disguised as a funeral. You may not learn anything about the man whose funeral you’re attending, but you’ll certainly have fond memories of him!

Chemo Savvy: At this particular performance, one of the nurses who treated Gray is present in the audience and receives a heartfelt tribute from the cast at the curtain call. The love and care taken by the cast in this memorial to their friend and colleague is clear. A cathartic and chaotic look at life with and after cancer, ChemoSavvy is a surprisingly fun night out.

Conversations We Never Had, As People We'll Never Be: Detailed and intelligent, Conversations We Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be showcases fantastic character work in both acting and writing, and is well worth your time. 

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation: The scenes are each hugely amusing, meandering off on tangents, with a particularly humorous section dealing with confusion over a bowling alley, not to be mistaken with Crown Green Bowls, such is the nature of creating a convoluted storyline and importantly creating suspicious links.

Cyrano: This is a wonderfully bold and vibrant version of Cyrano that gives an exciting new life to a well-known piece.

Doktor Kaboom! Man of Science: Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science! unleashes the power of chemistry with explosive reactions, thrilling children and parents alike with his zany, witty and action-packed hour of experiments.

Dylan Mulvaney: FAGHAG: Ultimately, Dylan Mulvaney: FAGHAG is a powerful show that tells the story of a trans woman’s journey in discovering herself, a story that deserves all of the glitz and glamour Mulvaney happily provides. I look forward to seeing more performances from her in the future!

Eleanor Morton: Haunted House: Eleanor Morton: Haunted House is a fascinating and funny look at the world of spirits and ghosts, brought to life with Morton’s excellent delivery. We may never know if ghosts are real, but we can work to ensure that no one involved in the Fringe is haunted. 

Erin Farrington – Think Better: Manifesting Money, Real Estate and Hot People: Erin Farrington – Think Better: Manifesting Money, Real Estate and Hot People is a very funny and surprisingly meaningful parody of modern-day manifestation and meditation. As Farrington says at the end of the show, “You’re welcome in many ways,” so thank you, Erin, for your guidance.

Fountain Of You: The message of the play is extremely welcome, fresh and important - the performers challenge audience members to reflect on the unspoken realities between gender and age in modern society. It is important to note the play involves stage blood and slightly gory imagery for satirical, comedic purposes.

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins: Ultimately, Garry Starr: Classic Penguins is one of the most unique shows at the Fringe, and certainly one of the few that mixes classic literature and nudity in such a funny way. You can go in with Great Expectations and they will still be met, leaving you wishing you had The Time Machine to go back and see this fantastic work. 

Ghost Light: Between Fall and Flight: Ghost Light: Between Fall and Flight, is awe-inspiring, showcasing the work of exceptional aerial artistry and the power of acrobatic performance.

Huge Davies: Album For My Ancestors (Dead): Huge Davies: Album For My Ancestors (Dead) is a fantastic hour of musical comedy that will have you singing along - whether you want to or not. Davies has plenty of musical talent and charm that, accompanied by some deadpan comedy and purposeful technical errors, make for a great night out.

In Defiance of Gravity: In Defiance of Gravity is a creative piece of new writing, highlighting politics within the particular royal circle of the time, blended with an imaginative look at divination, precarity, and profiteering from fraud. 

In Two Minds: This is an honest and at times brutal look at loving someone with bipolar disorder. In Two Minds doesn't go for the sensational but shows a realistic portrayal of the strain mental illness can have on a relationship- but with a sense of optimism and hope.

Is The Wifi Good In Hell: There's a lot to enjoy in Is The WiFi Good In Hell? which strikes a nice balance of comedy and sincerity. Chapman is an endearing performer, aided by direction from Will Armstrong and clever lighting design. It's a great addition to this year's Fringe catalogue.

Knives and Forks: While it may need a little streamlining, Knives and Forks is a boldly ambitious production, combining art forms to examine a friendship from several angles at once. Company Band of Sisters, and especially director Hannah Calascione are certainly ones to watch when it comes to original theatre. 

Lil Wenker: Bangtail: LIL WENKER: BANGTAIL is a pure hour of genuine laughs, with high energy injected to create the vivid and memorable character, layered with the need for inspiration, confidence, humour and playfulness.

Off With Your Head!: Off with your head is a hidden Fringe gem that dares to push the envelope, offering an entertaining, innovative night out. It's 18+, so don't bring your kids (although Sam mentioned the possibility of creating a future version for children). Whether you're a thespian, gamer or someone wanting some fun, this is the show for you. It could easily become cheesy, but it really doesn't. Not only is it super fun, it's also free - a must-see at the Fringe this year!

Plastic Jeezus: Leave Them Wanting Less: Plastic Jeezus: Leave Them Wanting Less is a fun hour of musical comedy by some talented performers. Simon and Aaron have created a solid piece of work with a great balance of songs and spoken jokes.

Playfight: There are some genuinely beautiful moments in Grogan's script - with a confrontation between two characters, discussing their conflicting accepted truths about something that transpired on stage, being a key example of this. Julia Grogan's Playfight is powerful, punchy and evocative, effortlessly conjuring up reminders of girlhood and the fears of leaving that behind.

Pillock: This is a jam-packed hour of performance. Jordan Tweddle is one of the most high-energy performers I’ve seen. The story is compelling, but has the potentially to be taken even further. There is still one more quest awaiting our fool. 

Reading Through Singing Time: This show is well-pitched creating a family fun 30 minute show. Reading Through Singing Time is tailor-made for wiggling tots, happy tunes and tiny plots, creating joyful melodies, baby smiles and family fun for little ones.

Sawdust Symphony: By the end, we are dancing in the sawdust in a magical under-the-moon moment. Tools are thrown in the air, and the circus skills of the performers are finally fully released. This is a mesmerising production that transforms the art of carpentry into a captivating spectacle, leaving both craftsmen and spectators in awe.

So Young: So Young is a very well-written drama that is completely unpredictable and balances the humour in emotionally turbulent circumstances beautifully.

Stuart Laws Has to Be Joking?: Ultimately, Stuart Laws Has to Be Joking? is a fun mix of storytelling and observational comedy that allows audiences to take a peek inside the mind of Laws, who, for the first time in his life, is ready to put all of his cards on the table for the world to see. It is difficult to be judged by others, but Laws is taking the risk and it is paying off. And, the show even ends with some advice, as Laws says, “Take what you learnt from this show and make your next comedy show even better.”

The Black Blues Brothers: If you're after an electrifying circus act with flawless choreography, you can't go wrong here. Just be warned - there is a little audience participation!

The Last Forecast By Bridie Gane: The Last Forecast by Bridie Gane presented by Catherine Wheels Theatre is visually beautiful, bold and ethical. The whirling weather meets dynamic dancing, in this exciting and skilled visionary work.

Ugly Sisters: Radical in every sense of the word, piss / CARNATION’s sophomore performance marks them as stars on the rise – it’s not hard to see why this project won the Untapped Award. Theatremakers as bold and game-changing as this don’t come along often. 

Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse for England: Ultimately, Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse for England is a powerful piece of theatre that truly illustrates the power of the game of football. The story behind the infamous photo may not be true to real life, but it does accurately capture the feelings that many football fans have, especially when it comes to men and their mental health. 

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Three Stars:

A Jaffa Cake Musical: A Jaffa Cake Musical is a sweet new musical with lots of potential to grow. The mix of courtroom drama and 90s culture is fun and, with some more exploration of the different characters, it could make for a fantastic show. 

Alex Kealy: The Fear: Alex Kealy: The Fear is a fun hour of comedy that delves into a range of topics including politics, being a “wife guy” and dealing with anxiety as a comedian. Kealy does a great job of jumping from topic to topic, but I would have loved to see more of a focus on only a few topics, explaining the show’s title of The Fear through the three fears he brings up.

Alison Larkin: Grief . . . A Comedy: Ultimately, Alison Larkin: Grief . . . A Comedy is a beautiful story on how one can both love and grieve, but it could have done with some more comedy as implied in the title. Larkin does a fantastic job of portraying her own love story, switching to different characters with ease with her excellent voice acting, allowing audiences to connect with her joys and heartbreak. 

Alok: Hairy Situation: Overall, Alok's willingness to delve beyond surface-level comedy and explore complex and often uncomfortable topics onstage is both refreshing and crucial. Their ability to seamlessly intermix humour with advocacy makes their performances not just entertaining, but deeply thought-provoking. 

Bad Habit: Co-written by performers Gray and Geddes, Bad Habit is a fun, lighthearted production that shows a lot of promise among a company of early-career theatre makers. While some of the more emotional moments feel slightly under-baked, there’s a lot to enjoy within the production. It is funny in a way that never feels heavy-handed or forced. As such, it's a show that audiences at the Fringe are sure to enjoy.

Caitlin Cook: The Writing on the Stall: Caitlin Cook: The Writing on the Stall is an interesting musical comedy with a fascinating take on the importance of bathroom graffiti and some moments of personal loss and growth. While the show does not have the strongest storyline, the points made are strong and the songs are incredibly catchy!

Duck: Duck is a coming-of-age story that explores institutionalised racism, both within sport and society at large, through a mixture of both comedy and pathos. With a skilled performer at the helm, it's something that Cricket fans are sure to enjoy. 

Ellie MacPherson: Babe Lincoln: Ellie MacPherson: Babe Lincoln is an interesting cabaret interpretation of the iconic historical figure of Abraham Lincoln. MacPherson is clearly passionate about not only Lincoln but America as a whole, which shines through in her show. 

Failure Project: Failure is something that we've all experienced and feared, and this is skillfully explored within Failure Project, making it a performance that audiences are sure to relate to.

I'm Almost There: While it is amusing quite how many obstacles one can face trying to head down to the entrance of your building, the concept didn’t quite land for this particular reviewer, and may be better suited to another format. The musicianship of the trio has to be applauded though, and for a whimsical and fantastical tale, head to Summerhall for I’m Almost There.

I Sell Windows: With a 60-minute run time, I Sell Windows is well-paced, engaging, and a thoughtful exploration of the intricacies of ambition and loss - something which audiences are sure to enjoy. 

Solve It Squad: Ultimately, Solve It Squad is a fun parody that lovingly pokes fun at the murder mystery genre while still being an interesting standalone work. Outside of the technical issues that had a negative impact on the show, the performers are great and are clearly enjoying what they are doing which makes for a fun watch as a whole.

Stefani Licari: Trust Me, I'm A Comedian: Licari is clearly a beautiful human and a good storyteller, but sadly falls flat of any big laughs, leaving the audience feeling flat despite the genuine effort to entertain.

Tending: Well-paced and skillfully performed, Tending is a compelling and crucial piece of theatre. It's the kind of work that sparks conversations, making it part of the beating heart of what makes the Fringe great. 

The Conductor: The Conductor is a fun, if slightly disturbing, hour of physical comedy that allows audiences to see into the world of Salvatore Giovanni and his downfall. Fusca is a delightful performer who is able to communicate with the audience in only a few words, letting his movements do the talking, along with a little help from audience participation. “Grazie” to Fusca for the entertaining performance!

The Emu War: A New Musical: Ultimately, The Emu War: A New Musical is a show with an interesting concept, but it tries to put too many things into seventy minutes, leading to rushed plotlines and undeveloped characters. With some work, it could become a great piece on the Emu War with some fresh perspectives on queerness and gender roles in the 1930s.

The Mosinee Project: For a show about deception and pretence, there's so much more depth to be mined. That’s not to say the show isn’t engrossing. Ever shifting, ever mysterious, this is an intelligent and intellectual piece of theatre with the potential to be outstanding. 

Tom Brace: The Ride 4D: It feels like the structure of the theme park narrative may have restricted Brace from fully showcasing his talents. Despite these minor drawbacks, Tom Brace: The Ride 4D is a family friendly, entertaining show. The audience laughed, the young members of the audience were enchanted, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of magic and lighthearted fun.

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Two Stars:

The Sound Inside: Running just short of 90 minutes, The Sound Inside does have some genuinely thrilling moments but it takes far too long to get to them.

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One Star:

Willy’s Candy Spectacular: Ultimately, Willy’s Candy Spectacular is an incredibly disappointing musical that might be as unfortunate as the experience it was inspired by. The show does have some decent songs, but they are lost in the chaos of bickering narrators, bizarre plot choices and a strange decision to humanise Artificial Intelligence. If this is what the future of musicals is, then it truly may be the start of the end of the world that the show claims the time to be.