Day Two: Storm Floris had blown into Edinburgh, delivered one chaotic performance, and exited to a chorus of furious one-star reviews. Sadly, the cancellations didn’t end there — Helen Bauer was forced to pull her show due to illness (wishing her a swift recovery). In 15 years of Fringe-going, I’ve only ever had one show cancelled; three in two days is practically unheard of. Fingers crossed the rest of the week brings fewer dramas and more laughs.
Bella Hull: Doctors Hate Her
Forget the title — this isn’t some anti-GP tirade. It’s Bella, unleashed for an hour. She delivers stand-up that’s wickedly sharp and filled with cutting one liners. Bella flips between high and low status with ease, as she shares her anecdotes that most comics wouldn’t touch with a bargepole: chatting to trees, mouse dreams, astrology, and the murky depths of underwater folklore. It’s surreal, smart, and hilarious. And the best part? She’s clearly having just as much fun as we are. Catch her now — she won’t be playing rooms this size for long.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
@bellabellahull
Paul Williams: Don’t Look At Me
Paul Williams doesn’t need Taskmaster to win over a crowd — he’s got heart, humour, and a cracking setlist. In a sold-out room, he delivered a glorious mix of songs, storytelling, and unfiltered home truths. From tales of growing up in Nelson to the quirks of the Williams clan, it was part confessional, part musical comedy gig, and entirely captivating. There’s a gentle brilliance to Paul — self-deprecating humour, that has to be witnessed live. Whether he’s crooning about childhood awkwardness or riffing on family dynamics, it’s all delivered with a wink and a warmth that’s hard to resist.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
@paulwilliams
Carl Donnelly:Another Round
The Hive might be hot and sticky, but Carl Donnelly made it feel like your favourite corner of the pub. With his trademark warmth and laid-back charm, Carl spun stories of hospitals, travel mishaps, and new-dad life — persol, but never too heavy. It’s the kind of comedy that feels like a chat with an old mate, only funnier. He’s effortlessly engaging, never trying too hard, and somehow makes even the sweatiest Fringe venue feel cosy. If you had to pick one comedian to take down the local, it’d be Carl. Possibly the most likeable comic you’ll see this summer.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
@carldonnelly
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