Funny, touching and technically outstanding, Tabby Lamb’s Happy Meal is a delicious snack that will leave you craving more. Cleverly scripted and superbly performed, Happy Meal is just the right mix of relatable nostalgia and coming-of-age story. We are introduced to Alex and Bette as they meet online during the early days of dial-up, then... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Closure (Pleasance) ★
With leaden dialogue, predictable narrative and a seriously problematic climax, Closure is a heavy-handed morality tale that borrows extensively from other media. Conor Burns, Nina Holland and Faye Draper. When Laura and new boyfriend Alex go to Mia’s home, who would guess that it would turn into the dinner party from hell? The audience well... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Review 2022: The Silver Bell (Pleasance Courtyard) ★★★
A nuanced story about love, loss and parallel universes, The Silver Bell is a heartfelt tale told through witty dialogue, meaningful movement and intelligent design. Alan Flanagan and Brendan O'Rourke. Photo credit: Paul Phipps-Williams. When scientist Mico meets actor James after a mediocre play, neither of them can guess that it is the beginning... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Bianca Del Rio – Unsanitized (Pleasance at EICC) ★★★★
This may be her very first time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but rest assured, Bianca Del Rio is taking it all in her stride. Having spent so much of the pandemic forced to stay at home, she’s all worked up and back doing what she does best - coming for everyone with her infamous... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch (Underbelly) ★★★1/2
Ursula is here to spill the tea on what really went on under the sea. Splash-landing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this down and dirty Disney parody is full of show-stopping songs, magical puppets and delightfully filthy humour. Elliotte Williams-N’Dure as Ursula. Photo credit: Underbelly. Following in the footsteps of Cruella and Elphaba, everyone’s favourite... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain (Roundabout @ Summerhall) ★★★
A poetic fable about an immigration system not dissimilar to the UK’s own, Sami Ibrahim’s A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain uses a fairytale premise to dissect the realities of the hostile environment. Utilising dreamy movement, storytelling and direct address, this story feels both other-worldly and pointedly terrestrial. Princess Khumalo & Sara Hazemi. Photo credit:... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: The Chosen Haram (Summerhall) ★★★★★
A dynamic exploration of faith, sexuality and addiction, Sadiq Ali's The Chosen Haram is a beautiful, affecting piece of physical theatre. Powerful, strong and sensual work that both challenges and entertains. Hauk Pattison and Sadiq Ali. Photo credit: Glen McCarty. Drawing on Ali’s personal experiences, and interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community who identify... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Dick (Greenside @ Infirmary Street) ★★
A combination of storytelling and film sequences, Dick shares Richard Stamp’s personal experiences of diagnosis, treatment and survival. A self-proclaimed tragi-comedy, the production is an informative and honest confrontation about how manhood is defined. Frank, unabashed and direct, Stamp chronicles his real-life ordeal when, in 2018, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of penile... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Lizard Boy (Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose) ★★★★★
First dates are always tough, but when you are a Lizard Boy they can be even more challenging. Venturing out for the first time in twenty years, sweet and socially awkward Trevor goes on an epic rollercoaster of self-discovery. With a thrilling original score and superb cast, this new rock musical is a true smash... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Candy (Underbelly Bristo Square) ★★★★
When Will sees the woman of his dreams singing in the local club, he is overwhelmed by feelings of love, and of what could be. The catch? The siren is his best mate Billy performing in drag. A funny, touching monologue about the concepts of masculinity, sexuality and gender, Candy is both entertaining and thought-provoking.... Continue Reading →