Top shows to catch at the Edinburgh Fringe
Now my time up in Edinburgh is over for 2023 I thought it was worthwhile celebrating the best shows I was lucky enough to see. Starting off with a few honourable mentions
Honourable Mentions:
Wasteman - Assembly Rooms
Leather’s writing is direct and accessible, guiding us through the highs and lows expertly, the weight and truth of the piece omnipresent and of course the looks are fabulous. Leather has a natural comedic talent which adds needed shimmers to the often uncomfortable junctures. In spite of the struggle, this is a beautiful story that brims with joy, overflowing with moments that can cause tears and laughter simultaneously. This is what the fringe is all about.
Running 6-16th, 18-28th - Tickets
Grubby Little Mitts: Hello, Hi - Assembly Rooms
In comparison to their debut, this production has the whiff of more time and polish, notably in the delightful sound design that compliments the work of the pair and their wonderfully expressive faces. It’s rare to see a sketch show that thrives so much in its unpredictability, Nicholls and Brown continually subvert all expectations and by the final sketch anything could happen - but maybe wear a raincoat if you are sat in the front row…
Running 6-14th, 16-28th - Tickets
It's a Motherf**king Pleasure - Underbelly
I caught this show before the fringe during their run at Soho Theatre but I hear they are thriving in Edinburgh. In many productions, access needs are forgotten or duct-taped on last minute, but the charming new company FlawBored have challenged that practice and moulded the accessibility features to be an integral part of their show resulting in an enhanced experience for all audience members that is also downright hilarious. Swarming with cynicism and wit, A Motherf**king Pleasure is a resounding success of inclusion and silliness.
Running 11-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Top Picks:
Drag Queens vs Vampires - Underbelly
These queens are masters of their craft, filling any gap with innuendo goodness. Their audience work is particularly good, always remaining in complete control but leaving enough wiggle room for some beautiful chaos throughout. Drag Queens vs Vampires is a guaranteed good night, go and see these hilarious queens do what they do best as they bring a whole new meaning to the word slay.
Running 5-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Chicken - Summerhall
O’Connor’s performance is nothing short of exquisite. She captivates and surprises, pecking around the space, never once dropping the wonderful physicality. The humour and absurdity of the piece are constant and magnificent. O’Connor’s comedic talent obvious particularly when combined with her and Hildegard Ryan’s remarkable writing. Somehow at nine o’clock on a Sunday evening, I find myself rooting for a chicken battling fame, ketamine and poultry rights and I am here for it. Chicken is a rare gem, a fringe triumph that no words can quite do justice in describing, so cockle doodle-doo yourself a favour and see this show.
Running 8-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Spin - Gilded Balloon
Spending a month performing at the Edinburgh Fringe is a feat of stamina all by itself but Kate Sumpter has imposed an additional challenge upon herself. She has opted to stage a piece performed almost entirely in the saddle of a spin bike. Far more than a gimmicky ploy to boost ticket sales, Sumpter has instead crafted one of the most brutal yet heartfelt plays on offer at this year’s festival and it deserves to be seen en masse. A brave script and blistering performance make this a must see fringe hit.
Running 5-8th, 10-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
The Fish Bowl - Summerhall
I was not prepared to be so profoundly moved and close to tears before midday. Matthew Barker’s award-winning production about those living with dementia is tormenting and honest in its dissection of the cyclical, impossible task that carers and families face on a daily basis. The ugly truth about humans living longer reveals newer and more challenging barriers that we need to be urgently discussing and that is where this brilliant play positions itself. This show’s calm vulnerability is masterful, intelligent and exquisite, a production I will remember for a long time to come - needs to be compulsory viewing.
Running 8-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Oh My Heart, Oh My Home - Summerhall
Every now and again there comes a show that has the power to stop time. Casey Jay Andrew’s latest is one of those. The language is evocative and poetic yet grounded and accessible, guiding us into the familiar world of the story, never once at risk of leaving us behind. The hour flys by in that safe and cosy space but I could have sat there for hours, frankly I’d listen to Andrews read a shopping list because she would find a way to make it sound wondrous. Go and immersive yourself in this little bubble of bliss.
Running 7-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Lachlan Werner: Voices of Evil - Pleasance
After the sun has set at the Pleasance Courtyard the sinister things lurking in the cellar come out to play. Ventriloquist Lachlan Werner is amongst them and with devilish intent has conjured up one of the most unexpected and hilarious shows going. It is uniquely wild and perfect for anyone seeking a late night thrill. The absurdist nature of the show had the audience, myself included, in hysterics and I whole heartedly believe that Werner has reanimated the world of ventriloquism. Deeply unexpected twists and turns ensure this show is a mad, barbaric and down right side-splitting romp - if I had time, I'd be going again.
Running 6-14th, 16-22th, 24-27th - Tickets
Distant Memories of the Near Future - Summerhall
There has been much talk over recent months about the rise of AI and how it may affect our future but it is over at Summerhall where David Head has imagined a possible future where love has been solved by an algorithm, mandatory adverts are broadcast to citizens and we harvest soaring asteroids for their minerals. He tells a collection of stories that neatly knot together forming a potential tapestry that brims with hope and warning - a quiet cacophony of storytelling. This show is a tonic for existentialism, a space to lose yourself for an hour amongst the hubbub of the fringe festival - mesmerising and wondrous.
Running 8-13th, 15-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder - Underbelly
Kathy and Stella host Hull’s least successful true-crime podcast but harbour dreams of making it to the big leagues. When their idol Felicia Taylor, a cold case solver and novelist, is brutally murdered after a book signing, the women find themselves caught up in the case of their lives. This might just be the chance they’ve been after, but “who knew solving a murder would be so hard?” This is a show that effortlessly delights, impossible not to adore, and ready to take on the world.
Running 5-8th, 10-20th, 22-27th - Tickets
This all being said, my time in Edinburgh was extremely limited and I know that right across the festivals there are fantastic shows, fully deserving of packed audiences. Take a risk and seek out these shows for yourself, you never know what talent and gold you might uncover.