It’s day two at the Fringe, and spotting the festival’s recurring themes is always a fun game. The current tally? Three separate comedians have brought up their colonoscopies, and four have declared a deep disdain for jorts. Fascinating.
I’m happy to report that more venues have splashed out on air con this year, which may explain why some shows today were charging over £20 for the privilege. At least the standard of shows has been brilliant so far.
Hot on the heels of his 2024 Best Show nomination, Chris Cantrill returned with Rewilding. This time, the former city slicker tackled his new life in rural northern England, unpacking the very real struggles of trying to make friends in the countryside.
The hour centered around a gripping local whodunit: exactly who cut down the iconic tree near Hadrian’s Wall, and why did it have more social media followers than Chris?
Combining his signature friendly charm with some hilariously unexpected roadkill anecdotes, this audio-visual comedy had Cantrill effortlessly transforming the audience into his own close-knit group of family and friends, where he shares some showbiz gossip with the trusted crew.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@chriscantrill
Joseph Morpurgo: Highlander 70
No one makes a show quite like Joseph Morpurgo. The award-winning comic is a master at turning vintage artifacts into an immersive, hour-long playground for his audience.
This time, we are transported back to 1970, Highlander Academy to meet a bizarre cast of high school graduates and a whole lot more. Together, we sang the school anthem, learned hip new dance trends, and even witnessed a dazzling heist!
Playing the majority of the characters himself, Morpurgo actively invites the crowd to join the chaos. The result is dark, delightfully absurd, and incredibly funny.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finlay Christie: Champagne Casanova
Finlay Christie is truly brilliant. Choosing not to hide his privileged background right at the top of the show could be dangerous territory, but the sold-out Monkey Barrel audience was easily swung, especially when he hilariously explains the difference between private schools abroad.
Tales of debauchery and calamitous threesomes had half the room in fits of laughter, with tears streaming down their faces. Whether he is effortlessly engaging with the front row or zipping out quick one-liners, The ISH Best Show award nominee can do it all, even while navigating taboo subjects like colonialism and dick sizes. Must see.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@finlaycomedy
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