As we go into the final week of the Fringe , we look back at the top ten acts we’ve seen as well as thank all of the staff at the venues that hosted the shows at the Pleasance, Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Underbelly, Just The Tonic and especially the Monkey Barrel. Shout out to everyone who has shared our reviews this year, its great to share our love of live comedy with the community.
There were so many shows that we were unable to see and looking forward to checking out Jordan Gray, Lilly Philips and Crybabes in the future. Isn’t it great to be back at the biggest art festival in the world. Can’t wait for next year.
Colin Hoult : ‘The Death of Anna Mann’
A Fringe favourite. Colin Hoult’s character is adored in Edinburgh, evident with a line of fans wearing t-shirts with Anna’s face on them. Anna gives us the sad news that she doesn’t have long to live. Luckily she has enough time to to narrate her life story, including a string of marriages, her part in Predator The Musical and how her friend Sue Clinch became ill. The floor was wet with tears of laughter, I will be surprised if this isn’t nominated for an award
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Hal Cruttenden: ‘It’s Best You Hear It From Me. Hal has created a personal show that covers the pandemic, sexuality and his love of dogs. He is a sheep in wolves clothing, as his loveable uncle persona disguises a darker, wicked sense of humour that delivers some unexpected punchlines that raised the roof.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Jordan Brookes: ‘This Is What Just Happens’
The 2019 champion returns with a new show and a new Mr Nice guy persona. The all new Jordan is delighted to chat to the audience and even poses for photos. Though just don’t call him a name as he may not be able to shake it. He will take you to places that many wouldn’t dare, a unique triumph.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Jake Lambert: ‘Liminal’
Jake is always an affable performer and has delivered an engaging show that covers his epilepsy, plotting his own indie rom-com and some brilliantly observed joke on Anatidae. An absolute must-see.
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Ania Magliano: ‘Absolutely No Worries If Not’
Ania’s debut hour covers many subjects including: her relationship with her parents, identity and Gummtree cats. With this subject matter Ania delivers her brilliant material with a gleefull smile that makes it hard not to love. Surely a big name for the future and judging by her sold out run, she is going to be a star.
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Josh Pugh : ‘Sausage, egg, Josh Pugh, chips and beans’.
Josh has made a name for himself over the last few years on social media by delivering a line of uniquely observant hilarious videos. His show has all of these qualities, as well as showcasing his narrative skills documenting his recent IVF journey and some awkward DMs.
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Sean McLaughlin : ‘So Be It’
Sean never sells out, morally and apparently literally pointing at a handful of empty seats. Mad really considering he has been doing comedy for 15 years and is one of the finest comedians of his generation. This year’s show is full of gut wrenching unexpected laughs as well as observations on marriage and W H Smiths. Simply brilliant.
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Nick Helm: ‘What Have We Become?’
Nick Helm is always a must see act up in Edinburgh. This night he needed all his experience to get over the show being 15 minutes late, and to deal with the people leaving for the toilets, before getting lost backstage and needing Nick to herd them out of the venue. This could derail plenty of shows, but with Nick it just seems to add to the beautiful chaos. The show is a lockdown story, with poems, crowd participation and a hint of Pepsi Max cherry. A great performer with some of the best jokes of the Fringe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Kiri Pritchard-McLean: “Home Truths’
Kiri moves back to her homeland of Wales during the pandemic and found herself learning Welsh and a discovering a deeper connection to her native country. She shares some rather horrific stories of English imperialism and reminds us that we can do better dealing with racism. Though as this was a Kiri show, this didn’t feel like a finger-wagging lecture, she filled the show with her wicked humour and quick-fire wit, with just a side serving of filth. She didn’t want the show to end and neither did we.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Delightful Sausage: ‘Nowt but Sea’
Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill have both brought solo shows up this year, but luckily they are still working together as The Delightful Sausage would be sorely missed. ‘Nowt but Sea’ tells the story of the duo having to travel to a remote island to hide from their problems only to find that they are not alone. Though the narrative is just a vehicle for their brilliant one-liners and genius set pieces, involving dvd collections, reggae, and a real boat (worth every penny). An audio and visual delight.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Scott Bennett: Nine Lives
Comedian, podcaster will keep you laughing from start to finish with his relatable observations and brilliant crowd work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5