Welcome to our coverage of the Edinburgh Fringe. This year’s Fringe runs from 4th – 28th August 2023.
- Interview with Flora Novak – Providence
Flora Novak is a Hungarian actress and puppeteer based in Budapest. She premiered at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe with the object-puppetry show Providence, created and interpreted by her. The show was staged from 30th July to 10th August at C Venues, C Alto. We meet with Flora once again in her hometown of Budapest, one… Read more: Interview with Flora Novak – Providence - Guest Article: Gregg Ostrin offers a first time Fringer’s guide to everything you need to know about performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, and surviving
Here are some Edinburgh Fringe fun facts… This year, I attended my first Edinburgh Fringe Festival and while I found the experienceexhilarating and unforgettable, I also came away with an understanding of what oneneeds to know to make the experience as positive and successful as possible.The Edinburgh Fringe is unlike any other performance-based experience, because… Read more: Guest Article: Gregg Ostrin offers a first time Fringer’s guide to everything you need to know about performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, and surviving - Solo Show Focus: Ned Arnold on Putting His Subject, and Himself, Under the Microscope
Ned Arnold is a stand-up comedian from New York City. In his Fringe debut, Seducing Your Professor: A Short Guide, he tells the story of dating his 46-year-old university professor when he was just 20. We talk about what it’s like to revisit that experience now with more perspective, how UK audiences have responded, and… Read more: Solo Show Focus: Ned Arnold on Putting His Subject, and Himself, Under the Microscope - Edfringe Podcast Interview: A solo exporation of a unique aspect of The Great War
The Last Bantam is a solo play written and performed by Michael Hughes. It recounts the story of Patrick Michael Wolfe, an Irish teacher who serves with the Bantam battalions during World War I. Bantams were a group of men between five feet and five feet three inches in height, recruited from Britain, Ireland, and… Read more: Edfringe Podcast Interview: A solo exporation of a unique aspect of The Great War - Stop Press! Our second Outstanding Theatre Award goes to Delusions and Grandeur at Summerhall
Our second Outstanding Theatre Award has been presented to Karen Hall for her show at Delusions and Grandeur at Summerhall at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. FringeReview editor Paul Levy presented Karen Hall with her legendary FringeReview teapot for a show that achieved a MUST SEE rating from reviewer Pat Silver, confirmed by other members of… Read more: Stop Press! Our second Outstanding Theatre Award goes to Delusions and Grandeur at Summerhall - Ed Fringe Interview: Aaron Pang talks about subverting the story, with Erin Williamson
Fringe Reviewer Erin Williamson came out of Falling: A Disabled Love Story very excited and with lots to say about it. Thankfully Aaron Pang, the writer and performer, agreed to chat to her. Here they are over zoom on the last Saturday morning of the Edinburgh Fringe – listen as they talk story structures, the… Read more: Ed Fringe Interview: Aaron Pang talks about subverting the story, with Erin Williamson - Stop Press! Our first Outstanding Theatre Award of Edfringe 2025 goes to Refuse at AssemblyThe legendary FringeReview Oustanding Award was presented today to Refuse from Just Bcoz Productions. The award was presented by FringeReview editor Paul Levy at the show’s curtain call in Studio 5 at Assembly George Square. Paul’s review can be read here where the show achieved the GROUNDBREAKING WORK rating. Paul Levy said this about the… Read more: Stop Press! Our first Outstanding Theatre Award of Edfringe 2025 goes to Refuse at Assembly
- Edfringe Guest Blog: Comedian Henry Churney has arrived!
Thursday – Day 5 of my Edinburgh Fringe. Today started with a catch up with some of the team from Fringe Review. It was great to meet up with them all. All doing various roles, shows & they have really helped me this year. This will help me for future events. Off to my first… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Comedian Henry Churney has arrived! - Mychelle Colleary on developing her solo show Ambitious Underachiever in advance of its second Edinburgh outing
Kate Saffin caught up with Mychelle Colleary on the eve of her departure for Edinburgh 2025. They talked last year about Mychelle’s first experience of developing a solo auto biographical show Ambitious Underachiever and bringing it, newly hatched, to Edinburgh in 2024. You can listen to that interview here She describes the show as ‘Part memoir.… Read more: Mychelle Colleary on developing her solo show Ambitious Underachiever in advance of its second Edinburgh outing - Mental Health at the Fringe: In conversation with the artists
In this two-part podcast conversation, FringeReview editor Paul Levy asks two questions: What are the challenges and approchaes to bringing shows themed on mental health to the Fringe? This is the producer and “maker” perspective. The second question focuses more on the show content and the process of that work being properly and professionally reviewed… Read more: Mental Health at the Fringe: In conversation with the artists - Fringe Storytelling focus: Kate Barry on making and performing Kate, Allie, and the ’86 Mets
From a Crichton Street bench next to Appleton Tower, Kate Barry speaks to Erin Williamson about her show Kate, Allie and the ’86 Mets (running at Gilded Balloon @ Appleton Tower until the 24th of August). The show received a Hidden Gem rating from Fringe Review. Here we chat about Kate’s story and how she… Read more: Fringe Storytelling focus: Kate Barry on making and performing Kate, Allie, and the ’86 Mets - Casey Jay Andrews talks about creating The Quiet Earth Beneath with Jo Tomalin
Casey Jay Andrews is an award-winning writer and performer – with an impressive design portfolio. Casey talks about creating and performing shows at Edinburgh Fringe including her latest show The Quiet Earth Beneath, with Jo Tomalin. - Sam Critchlow and Beckett Gray talk about devising and Imprints with Jo Tomalin
Sam Critchlow and Beckett Gray are performers and devisers from The Palimpsest Project, a company producing, devising and performing Imprints at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025. They talk with Jo Tomalin about creating the company with other creatives and their latest show, Imprints, about memory in young people.Listen to our 7 minute conversation here: More… Read more: Sam Critchlow and Beckett Gray talk about devising and Imprints with Jo Tomalin - Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: A Second Chance at a Grandfather
Two years ago, I went to a Shakespeare festival in the mountains of Oregon. I didn’t expect to meet someone who would become a scene partner, a confidant, and—somehow—a second chance at a grandfather. Kevin Cahill is a retired high school teacher, just like my own grandfather was. We met through Shakespeare and poetry, but… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: A Second Chance at a Grandfather - For all the (many) Tom Lehrer fans at Edfringe2025
I first encountered Tom Lehrer songs… aged about eight or nine. I have two older brothers, who were both fans. I think we had them on reels, to be played on something that looked like this (it was the early 1960s)… So it was a joy to discover that the 2025 Edfringe had three shows… Read more: For all the (many) Tom Lehrer fans at Edfringe2025 - Edfringe Interview: Philosophy, Absurdist Theatre and Two Experiment in Theatre at the Fringe
Producer Yixuan Yang and Writer Roland-Reynolds chatted to Paul Levy about their two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. “Abhorrent Little Scrotum” is a show by Fragen Network at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. It is part of a double bill with “Hunger.” The play involves a protagonist dealing with psychological themes and incorporates physical theatre. The show… Read more: Edfringe Interview: Philosophy, Absurdist Theatre and Two Experiment in Theatre at the Fringe - Edfringe comedy focus: An interview with Steve Vertigo about the murmuration of starlings, AI, and a fringe comedy show
Steve Vertigo is a comedian and storyteller from Manchester, now based in London. He used to be a rave DJ and taught computer games design before starting comedy. He performs stand-up and solo shows at festivals and fringe events. His new show “Murmuration” at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is about a man who feels isolated because… Read more: Edfringe comedy focus: An interview with Steve Vertigo about the murmuration of starlings, AI, and a fringe comedy show - Guillaume Pigé and Alex Judd from Theatre Re talk with Jo Tomalin about creating The Nature of Forgetting
Guillaume Pigé, director and actor, and Alex Judd, musician talk about Theatre Re, creating shows and The Nature of Forgetting with Jo Tomalin at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. “Following more than 200 performances across the globe, Theatre Re, ‘One of the UK’s most admired physical theatre companies’ (Scotsman), returns with its explosive and joyous five-star… Read more: Guillaume Pigé and Alex Judd from Theatre Re talk with Jo Tomalin about creating The Nature of Forgetting - Interview with Kim: Supporting Artists at Edinburgh Fringe
ARTIST Workshop – Supporting Fringe Performers is a 45-minute support workshop running daily at 3:15 PM from August 11-17 at C Alto venue, conveniently located just off the Royal Mile. Created by Kim, an American entertainment industry professional with experience at major Hollywood studios including BBC Studios, Paramount, and Warner Brothers. This workshop addresses the… Read more: Interview with Kim: Supporting Artists at Edinburgh Fringe - Solo Show Focus: The Lost Priest on Taking a Leap of Faith
The Lost Priest came to Edinburgh intentionally as a work in progress, in many ways. The young writer/performer had Edinburgh on his radar for years, but needed a project. The director wanted to give their new theatre company large scale exposure. In this interview with Danielle Solof they talk about how they, as a budding… Read more: Solo Show Focus: The Lost Priest on Taking a Leap of Faith - The safest show at the Fringe for danger addicts: An interview with safety anarchist Don Parman
Canadian safert expert Don Parman has brought probably the most unique event at the Fringe. It’s a training session and they cover different ways to safe your life on or near your fringe stage. The risks are great, you ignore them as your peril and what you learn at one of Don’s sessions might just… Read more: The safest show at the Fringe for danger addicts: An interview with safety anarchist Don Parman - Clown Marcel Cole on creating Charlie Chaplin
Australian performer Marcel Cole talks to Kate Saffin about discovering Charlie Chaplin and how that led to him finding a different outlet for his early training as a dancer. He describes the painstaking work in developing the show, audience reactions and his plans for life after Edinburgh. Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin is a… Read more: Clown Marcel Cole on creating Charlie Chaplin - The Lolita Apologies on Bringing Feminist Theatre to Edinburgh
The Lolita Apologies is a two-person play in which a young woman confronts a rotating cast of men about their complicity in perpetuating the mistold story of Lolita. Danielle Solof talks with the team to unpack their experience bringing feminist theatre to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and if the festival itself is, in its own… Read more: The Lolita Apologies on Bringing Feminist Theatre to Edinburgh - Edinburgh Book Fringe focus: Lighthouse Bookshop on the ALT book fringe programme
In this interview, Mairi Oliver from Lighthouse Bookshop on West Nicholson Street talks to Erin Williamson about creating and curating the free Book Fringe (from Lighthouse, Argonaut and Typewronger bookshops) and what it’s like to be a year-round Edinburgh bookshop and event space operating in the centre of the Fringe in August. Lighthouse book events… Read more: Edinburgh Book Fringe focus: Lighthouse Bookshop on the ALT book fringe programme - Prague Fringe at Edfringe: Director Steve Gove celebrates 30 years at Edinburgh and the joys of Prague
Prague Fringe is an annual independent theatre festival held in Prague, Czech Republic, founded by Steve Gove. Originally from Scotland, Gove moved to Prague in the late 1990s and launched the festival inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe. Prague Fringe presents performances in English and other languages, with its 2025 edition running from May 26 to May… Read more: Prague Fringe at Edfringe: Director Steve Gove celebrates 30 years at Edinburgh and the joys of Prague - Edfringe Solo Storytelling Focus: Ghosts that still roam the earth and the aftermath of profound loss
Gimme a Sign! is a solo storytelling comedy performed by Bailey Swilley at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. Running from August 1 to 23 (excluding August 10 and 17), the show is staged at the Fern Studio, Greenside, George Street, starting daily at 15:05 with a duration of about one hour. The show blends humor with personal… Read more: Edfringe Solo Storytelling Focus: Ghosts that still roam the earth and the aftermath of profound loss - Mitch Benn shares how Tom Lehrer’s songs have inspired him
As part of exploring the three shows featuring the songs of Tom Lehrer at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, Kate Saffin hears from Mitch Benn about discovering Lehrer’s songs as a teenager, and the influence they had on his journey to becoming a well known comedy and satirical song writer. He talks about developing the show… Read more: Mitch Benn shares how Tom Lehrer’s songs have inspired him - Edfringe Theatre Focus: Love Letters and an evolving fringe show: Samantha Streit on Letters to Joan
Letters to Joan is a theatre show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 that tells a story spanning decades through discovered love letters. Set partly in 1956 Brooklyn, it follows an aspiring playwright whose letters to her boyfriend reveal desire and ambition. Decades later, her granddaughter, also a writer, uncovers these letters and explores the love story… Read more: Edfringe Theatre Focus: Love Letters and an evolving fringe show: Samantha Streit on Letters to Joan - Environmental Theatre Maker Tom Bailey talks with Jo Tomalin about Mechanimal and Wild Thing!
About Wild Thing! “A gloriously stupid show of bad animal impressions and a wildly playful nature safari. How do you do an Uglyface Scorpionfish? What’s a Darth Vader Giant Pill Millipede? Tom and Xavi create a wickedly feral duet between body, sound and species in this nature documentary on steroids. Herald Angel award-winning Mechanimal returns… Read more: Environmental Theatre Maker Tom Bailey talks with Jo Tomalin about Mechanimal and Wild Thing! - Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: First Week at Fringe – A Thousand Little Moments
I landed in Edinburgh with my director and jumped straight into a press event—no time to breathe, just straight into Fringe life. I saw our flyers for the first time, met fellow artists, and found myself explaining Letters to Joan to someone who had never heard of it. I kept telling the story – about… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: First Week at Fringe – A Thousand Little Moments - Edfringe Focus: OCD shows at the Fringe: Two show makers share their views and experiences
In this mini-panel conversation Bibi Couceiro and Tana Sirois talked to Paul Levy about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) at the Fringe, reflected in their personal journeys and their shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tana brings Untethered and Bibi brings 123. Shit. That’s my OCD. We covered a lot of ground, ranging beyond the shows themselves… Read more: Edfringe Focus: OCD shows at the Fringe: Two show makers share their views and experiences - 10 Things You Can Take Home From An Edinburgh Fringe Run
As week one shows leave and new shows arrive, let’s look at the things you might be taking home from the world’s largest arts festival. Money Debt Reviews Fidget toys scavenged from Fringe Central’s Health and Wellness 10 million flyers New artist friends A taste for Gregg’s Strong ankles (from walking 30,000 steps a day… Read more: 10 Things You Can Take Home From An Edinburgh Fringe Run - Solo Show Focus: From Sidelines to Centerstage – Sophia Wolbrom on Can’t Find My Way Home
Sophia Wolbrom has come to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the last nine years, but this is the first year she’s bringing her own work and putting herself on stage. In this conversation we talk about her transition from support to lead, and how others looking to take the leap can put themselves in the… Read more: Solo Show Focus: From Sidelines to Centerstage – Sophia Wolbrom on Can’t Find My Way Home - From Prison to Performance: Sam Rowe on a unique Edinburgh Fringe show
Insiders is a theatre show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 presented by Bethany Christian Trust’s Creative Expressions programme. The play offers insight into life inside prison and the challenges faced by inmates. It centers on three men: Danny, who struggles with anger and loneliness; Craig, who finds strength in his new faith; and Richard, a middle-class… Read more: From Prison to Performance: Sam Rowe on a unique Edinburgh Fringe show - Edfringe Focus: Silent Rocco’s Untold Stories and an exploration of modern mime
Untold Stories – Modern Mime Tales is a 45-minute solo mime show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. Silent Rocco performs without words, transforming the stage into a dreamlike space where emotions and stories come alive through physical expression alone. The show uses no props or set, relying entirely on Rocco’s precise and emotive mime to create… Read more: Edfringe Focus: Silent Rocco’s Untold Stories and an exploration of modern mime - The only shadow puppetry show at the Fringe? Harley Brook Walker on Not My Grandmother’s Daughter
Harley Brooke Walker presents Not My Grandmother’s Daughter at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. This solo show runs from July 30 to August 24 at the Gilded Balloon, Appleton Tower (Eve venue), with performances around 60 minutes. The piece blends storytelling, shadow puppetry, sound, and papier-mâché, exploring the intergenerational relationship between a young woman, her mother, and her grandmother.… Read more: The only shadow puppetry show at the Fringe? Harley Brook Walker on Not My Grandmother’s Daughter - Life Stories: Frances Mercanti-Anthony on Edfringe solo show Frances Floats
Frances Floats is a one-person theatre piece written and performed by Frances Mercanti-Anthony, a Broadway actor, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. The story follows her move from suburban New Jersey to a small coastal town in Maine after falling in love at 40 with a man from the area. It traces her shift from city… Read more: Life Stories: Frances Mercanti-Anthony on Edfringe solo show Frances Floats - Jerzy Zon director of Poland’s Teatro KTO and Karolina Bondaronek talk to Jo Tomalin about Peregrinus at Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Peregrinus is an intriguing and impactful mask theatre piece that addresses what happens when we are told what to do and when to do it. Jerzy Zon, Co-founder and director of KTO Theatre from Poland and director of Peregrinus together with company actor Karolina Bondaronek talk with Jo Tomalin about the poem the piece is… Read more: Jerzy Zon director of Poland’s Teatro KTO and Karolina Bondaronek talk to Jo Tomalin about Peregrinus at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 - Solo Show Focus: Bringing a Refreshed Show Back for a Second Run- Sharon Em on I Know A Guy
In 2024, comedian/storyteller Sharon Em’s one hour piece I Know a Guy was listed as a “Hidden Gem” by FringeReview. In this interview we catch up and find out what it’s like bringing a revised work back to Edinburgh for a second run. This interview was conducted by Danielle Solof. - Solo Show Focus: Unpacking History and Current Affairs with Sandra Laub of Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes Up to a Nightmare
How does one write and perform a solo piece about one of the most fiery topics in global affairs? In this interview I sit down with Sandra Laub, writer and performer of Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes Up to a Nightmare, to learn more about her process and what it’s like holding the… Read more: Solo Show Focus: Unpacking History and Current Affairs with Sandra Laub of Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes Up to a Nightmare - Liz Carr talks to Kate Saffin about her career spanning stand up, TV, film and theatre
Liz Carr is now best known as a television, film and theatre actor; however back in 2005 she was a stand up comediain and one of the line up in the first Abnormally Funny People. Tempted back to Edinburgh for just three nights as part of the celebration of 20 years of AFP, and wearing… Read more: Liz Carr talks to Kate Saffin about her career spanning stand up, TV, film and theatre - Abnormally Funny People celebrate 20 years since their first show at the Fringe
Abnormally Funny People (AFP on the tee shirts and baseball caps) promises stand-up, stories and sketches, Improvisation and music with famous people and brilliant emerging talent. Disability comedy at its best. They are celebrating 20 years since AFP was created and first brought a show to the Fringe. Kate Saffin got to sit down with… Read more: Abnormally Funny People celebrate 20 years since their first show at the Fringe - Edfringe Solo show focus: Telling your own story: Briyah Paley on Psych Ward Pyjamas
Psych Ward Pyjamas is a solo show by writer and performer Briyah Paley. Paul Levy chatted to Briyah about this eclectic work and very personal the story that drives it. They also discuss the experimental spirit at the core of it. Psych Ward Pyjamas is a theatre show performed at The Speakeasy, Royal Scots Club during… Read more: Edfringe Solo show focus: Telling your own story: Briyah Paley on Psych Ward Pyjamas - Solo show focus: Sam Blythe on playing Hamlet in a very personal Edfringe show
Actor Sam Blythe is in two shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. In this interview with Paul Levy, he talks primarily about his solo show, a very personal version of Hamlet. Sam talks about how the show developed and also briefly refers to his performance in Animal Farm. Sam Blythe: Method in My Madness (A… Read more: Solo show focus: Sam Blythe on playing Hamlet in a very personal Edfringe show - Clare Simpson’s Political Show Choices for the Edinburgh Fringe
With the world in a particularly volatile state and politics in flux, political theatre makers don’t have a shortage of material to choose from. From geopolitics and conflicts around the globe, to the existential threat of climate change, to the personal politics of gender, abortion, sexual abuse, and LGBTQIA issues, political theatre is well represented… Read more: Clare Simpson’s Political Show Choices for the Edinburgh Fringe - Art at the Fringe! Painter Benet Haughton talks to Jo Tomalin about his Pop-up Gallery at Edfringe 2025
Fringe festivals often offer other arts events and exhibitions in the town among the multitude of shows and performances. At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 there are official categories for exhibitions and events where you will find Ceramics at the Shore, Krua Thai Cookery School, Tipping Point: Artist Responses to AI and many more! Artist… Read more: Art at the Fringe! Painter Benet Haughton talks to Jo Tomalin about his Pop-up Gallery at Edfringe 2025 - Edfringe Theatre Focus: Writer and actor Kaya Bucholc on Mary’s Daughters
Mary’s Daughters is a feminist ghost story performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025. It tells the story of three women: Mary Wollstonecraft, an 18th-century intellectual and mother of feminism; her daughter Fanny Imlay, who is mostly forgotten; and her daughter Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. The play presents their lives, writings, and the effects of their histories. The… Read more: Edfringe Theatre Focus: Writer and actor Kaya Bucholc on Mary’s Daughters - Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: From New York to Edinburgh
Letters to Joan has been my baby for the past three years. Since January, preparing to bring it to the Edinburgh Fringe has consumed my life, every second, every morsel of my time and energy poured into it. Though I moved to London about a year ago, the story began in New York. This July,… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan: From New York to Edinburgh - Edfringe Solo Theatre Focus: Trish Lyons and Marshall Cordell on Buzz
FringeReview’s Kate Saffin describes Hidden Gem show Buzz as “a tale of survival told with gentle humour, introspection, and clarity.” Buzz is a solo performance created and performed by Trish Lyons at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The work is described as a stand-up tragedy, blending dark humor and poetic storytelling to depict episodes from… Read more: Edfringe Solo Theatre Focus: Trish Lyons and Marshall Cordell on Buzz - From Wall Street to Edfringe: An interview with solo performer Quaz Degraft
In the Black is Quaz Degraft’s solo theatre show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Here is the lowdown from the Fringe programme: “Every wolf starts as a cub… some just have to claw their way up. In The Black is a gripping, dark comedy solo play about an ambitious Black accountant fighting for a seat… Read more: From Wall Street to Edfringe: An interview with solo performer Quaz Degraft - Edfringe Music Focus Around the World on a Piano with Hermane
“Dutch composer/pianist Hermane composes beautiful songs with intricate harmonies. Before settling in Andalusia, he spent thirty years in Latin America, USA, Asia and Africa, soaking up the traditional music of each country. A meticulous composer, his goal is to create virtuoso pieces, endowed with a fragility that moves the listener – so different from the… Read more: Edfringe Music Focus Around the World on a Piano with Hermane - Coco Cottam (writer) and Lydia Free (director) of Lovelock Productions talk about their take on creating a modern retelling of a true 18th century crime
Coco Cottam (writer) and Lydia Free (director) of Lovelock Productions talk to Kate Saffin about how they came to meet, work they have created and then, in more detail, their current show BLANDY. They describe the play as a historical dark comedy about the first fetishized murderer in history, Mary Blandy, who gave her father… Read more: Coco Cottam (writer) and Lydia Free (director) of Lovelock Productions talk about their take on creating a modern retelling of a true 18th century crime - Edfringe Interview: Actor George Miller talking about Some Masterchef Sh*t
Joanna Matthews asks George Miller one of the actors from Some Masterchef Sh*t about this dark queer comedy which is at Greenside Venues. It’s a two hander written by Liam HIgh and played by George and his co-star Harry Freeman. In this interview George explains it’s a play about consent and a little bit of… Read more: Edfringe Interview: Actor George Miller talking about Some Masterchef Sh*t - Caspar Phillipson talks about developing Late Night Lehrer and his first Fringe
Caspar Phillipson is a talented Danish musician who discovered Tom Lehrer during lockdown – although he was already well known in Denmark – began to play with Lehrers songs and realised how relevant and resonant they remain, despite being written in the late 1950s. In this interview he talks to Kate Saffin about that journey,… Read more: Caspar Phillipson talks about developing Late Night Lehrer and his first Fringe - Writer/performer Jasmine Thien talking about her show I Dream in Colour
Joanna Matthews talks to Jasmine Thien writer/performer about her semi-autobiographical show I Dream in Colour. Jasmine is visually impaired and talks here about creating a show, and the barriers she has faced as a women of Asian heritage and a disabled person. She also shares her experiences of changing from Cambridge law graduate to acting,… Read more: Writer/performer Jasmine Thien talking about her show I Dream in Colour - Physical Theatre at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Jo Tomalin’s thoughts…Physical theatre is an exciting and evolving theatre genre that focuses more on physicality than words – although words as well as gestures, physical characterization or stylisation of movement in part of all of a show can be seen in productions around the world. Theatre makers of today often create their own form of physical theatre expression and are sometimes influenced… Read more: Physical Theatre at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Jo Tomalin’s thoughts…
- Guest Blog: Gwen Coburn asks: Why ‘Be Funnier’ is Just ‘Smile More’ with a Microphone
Guest blogger, Gwen Coburn shares her latest EdFringe reflections… There’s this moment in my show when the jokes stop working. Like, completely stop. The audience shifts in their seats, the laughter dies down, and suddenly we’re all just sitting there with something much heavier—trauma, violence, the messy reality of what it means to speak up… Read more: Guest Blog: Gwen Coburn asks: Why ‘Be Funnier’ is Just ‘Smile More’ with a Microphone - Edfringe Theatre Focus: Writer and actor Ian Tucker-Bell on the Outstanding rated Locusts
Locusts is a play staged at the Edinburgh Fringe that focuses on the lived experience of gay conversion therapy within the context of an evangelical church. The drama follows Stephen, who is confronted by the reappearance of Pete, a former church leader with a complicated shared past. Stephen’s current partner Jeff is unaware of this… Read more: Edfringe Theatre Focus: Writer and actor Ian Tucker-Bell on the Outstanding rated Locusts - Edfringe Interview: Kylie Westerbeck and David Calvitto on I See You Watching
Blind Faith Theatre’s I See You Watching is “a provocative, darkly playful exploration of control, performance and rebellion. It is written by John Clancy and the script evolved out of a collaborative devising process. “On a bare stage, a woman ( played by Kylie Westerbeck) fights for survival while navigating the relentless demands of a… Read more: Edfringe Interview: Kylie Westerbeck and David Calvitto on I See You Watching - Is there a quintessential international joke? Edfringe stand-up comedy with Mike Blaha
Playing at Greenside, we are invited to “Join Mike on his global travels in search of the world’s best joke. On the way, have a good laugh with him as he avoids getting murdered in Sarajevo, gets mocked by a monkey in Bali, and gets mugged on the Paris metro – all in the name… Read more: Is there a quintessential international joke? Edfringe stand-up comedy with Mike Blaha - Solo Theatre on Identity: Cyrus Deboo on There’s Something Seriously Wrong With Cyrus
This solo play is billed thus: “A heartfelt and uplifting one-man show about an Indian-Persian gay man navigating the complexities of his identity. Born to immigrant parents, Cyrus takes audiences on an intimate journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through dynamic multi media and the celebration of Madonna and Taylor Swift’s music, he finds his authentic… Read more: Solo Theatre on Identity: Cyrus Deboo on There’s Something Seriously Wrong With Cyrus - Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Living on the Moon: In Conversation with Molly McFadden
Molly McFadden is a theatre artist and performer known for her solo show “Living on the Moon” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. She holds an MFA from Florida State University and has a background in theatre and cabaret performance in New York City and regional Equity theatres across the US. Her work often blends… Read more: Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Living on the Moon: In Conversation with Molly McFadden - Edfringe House of Oz Focus: An Interview with Madelaine Nunn about Flick
Flick is a solo theatrical work presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, within the House of Oz program. The show runs from 31 July to 25 August at Summerhall in the Red Lecture Theatre, with performances at 16:45 lasting about 60 minutes, excluding 11 and 18 August. It is written and performed by Madelaine… Read more: Edfringe House of Oz Focus: An Interview with Madelaine Nunn about Flick - Edfringe Youth Theatre Focus: Get Thee to this Audio File!
Alex Norcott, Drama Teacher at Denny High School near Falkirk, has gathered a cast drawn from Denny and other local High Schools to take to the Fringe. His play, Get Thee to a Nursery was performed last year over 4 days, but this year, having developed it further, he is back with a new cast, double… Read more: Edfringe Youth Theatre Focus: Get Thee to this Audio File! - Who is reviewing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
In this regularly updated list, we share all of the sources we can find for show and event reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe… If you would like your web site, social media account or publication to be added to this list, mail us at GubbinsATfringereview.co.uk Print Newspaper Financial Times (Paywall) The Guardian The Herald The… Read more: Who is reviewing at the Edinburgh Fringe? - Edfringe Comedy Focus: Comedian, Nick Cheng on Project Comedy
Nick Cheng is a Comedian, Project Comedy Ambassador and Spitfire Comedy Booker. In this interview he talks about two shows at the Fringe that really showcase the important work that Project Comedy is all about. In this interview, Nick talks about this initiative and the two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Project Comedy is… Read more: Edfringe Comedy Focus: Comedian, Nick Cheng on Project Comedy - In Conversation With Lucy Watson of ‘Level Up!’
In the new comedy musical Level Up!, three friends are accidentally uploaded into a video game, each of them prioritizing different objectives in order to survive. We asked writer Lucy Watson about this exciting new work. How are your Fringe preparations going? What are you most looking forward to about this year’s festival?We’ve entered that… Read more: In Conversation With Lucy Watson of ‘Level Up!’ - Drag Queen Writer Eddie Jen talks about creating a first show at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 with Jo Tomalin
Theatrical storyteller Eddie Jen from San Francisco talks with Jo Tomalin about creating a first ever show and performing it at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Passionate about writing, Jen creates, writes and performs Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World playing at Just the Tonic at The Caves, August 1-24, 2025. “After… Read more: Drag Queen Writer Eddie Jen talks about creating a first show at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 with Jo Tomalin - Efringe Interview: Meeting the co-writer and performer of Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA
Performer Bex Wall co-wrote new theatre piece Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA with Asante Gregory. She chatted to Paul Levy about how the show came into being. Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA is a solo performance. The focus is on Bex, a woman in her… Read more: Efringe Interview: Meeting the co-writer and performer of Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA - New Writing Edfringe Interview: Rob Thompson on Piano Smashers
Rob Thompson talks about Piano Smashers which plays at theSpaceUk. Fresh from an award-winning run at Brighton Fringe 225, Piano Smashers is “a new play by Rupert Page and Rob Thompson in which a mother bequeaths a precious piano to her children in her will, insisting they keep it. They do not want it because… Read more: New Writing Edfringe Interview: Rob Thompson on Piano Smashers - Podcast Interview: A Work-In-Progress show at the Edinburgh Fringe
Danielle Solof is back at the Fringe with a work-in-progress solo show Freedom Camp, after success with The Balls of Philadelphia in 2024. “Danielle is breaking up with the United States. In this darkly funny solo show, Danielle explores fairness, fallout and finding yourself on the wrong side of the American Dream. After leaving a… Read more: Podcast Interview: A Work-In-Progress show at the Edinburgh Fringe - WATCH: Good wishes from FringeReview for a satisfying and successful Edinburgh Fringe
In this short video, Paul Levy from FringeReview wishes you all an enjoyable and fulfilling Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Whether you are a performer or a punter, the FringeReview team hope you make the most of every moment here at the world’s largest arts festival… To get the most out of the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, go… Read more: WATCH: Good wishes from FringeReview for a satisfying and successful Edinburgh Fringe - Richard’s FringeView – 25
Preparation ! Sitting in my back garden, in the soft light of the early evening, I contemplate August in Edinburgh, asking myself how will I cope? This year will be a very different experience as I am nursing a broken collarbone which has been set with a metal plate – I’m absolutely forbidden from letting… Read more: Richard’s FringeView – 25 - Paul T. Davies previews LGBTQ+ shows to look out for at the Edinburgh Fringe
Fringe festivals have always provided space for diversity to be heard, and Edinburgh has been no exception. Whilst it feels there are less LGBTQ+ productions this year, there is a strong section representing all aspects of the Progress flag. This is a personal selection, by no means definitive, but might highlight and point towards other… Read more: Paul T. Davies previews LGBTQ+ shows to look out for at the Edinburgh Fringe - Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Epstein Theatre Saturday 26th July
A night to remember for everyone!!! As founder of ‘Laugh For Life Comedy’ I was proud of all my participants from the course; Frank, Carmel, jeff, Andrea, Sue, Robbie, Ruth and Marie. They all smashed it out of the park. Thanks to my MC Matt who ran the sell out show at the amazing Epstein… Read more: Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Epstein Theatre Saturday 26th July - Guest Blog: Gwen Coburn: The Tiny Details That Make a Fringe Show Special
The Tiny Details That Make a Fringe Show Special (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Craft Store) A week before my Edinburgh Fringe debut, I’m sitting on my kitchen floor at 10 PM, holding a tiny drill I never thought I’d own, trying to perfect miniature eyeball earrings. This is either… Read more: Guest Blog: Gwen Coburn: The Tiny Details That Make a Fringe Show Special - WATCH: An audience guide to seeing shows on a budget at the Edinburgh Fringe
There are quite a few different ways to get to see shows at the end of the fringe when you are on the budget, from special offers to freebies. Attending shows at the Edinburgh Fringe with little money is extremely difficult due to high costs across the board. Tickets—even for smaller performances—aren’t cheap, and free… Read more: WATCH: An audience guide to seeing shows on a budget at the Edinburgh Fringe - Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith on enduring horror
One Man Poe: One Man Poe: The Black Cat and The Raven and One Man Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum are both stand-alone shows at the Fringe, so you can see either or both at Greenside this Fringe. One Man Poe is a solo theatrical production by Stephen Smith performing… Read more: Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith on enduring horror - Podcast: Should you allow reviewers in to your preview shows?
With shorter runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, the question of whether fringe show makers can offered to miss a day for a preview show with press nights happending later is commercially viable is an important one to consider. In this Podcast, FringeReview editor Paul Levy has sounded out fringe performers and producers and heard different… Read more: Podcast: Should you allow reviewers in to your preview shows? - Edinburgh Fringe interview: A very personal story rooted in comedy and theatre: Meeting James Barr
Comedy performer James Barr brings James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) to the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Paul Levy talked with James about the origin story around this important piece of story-theatre. James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) is a gritty serious-and-funny… Read more: Edinburgh Fringe interview: A very personal story rooted in comedy and theatre: Meeting James Barr - Health and Wellbeing Focus: Dealing with the pre-fringe panic, worries and the downer
As the Edinburgh Fringe approaches, many performers and creators find themselves grappling with a blend of excitement and anxiety often dubbed the “pre-Fringe panic.” This period I find a bit fascinating and rather strange, filled as it can be with last-minute preparations and high expectations, can lead to worries about readiness, reception, and self-doubt. Alongside… Read more: Health and Wellbeing Focus: Dealing with the pre-fringe panic, worries and the downer - Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Gwen Coburn on Comedy and Gender Violence
Sad Girl Songs is a musical comedy performed by Gwen Coburn at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. The show combines humor with personal storytelling to examine issues related to gender violence, trauma, and the lasting effects of abusive relationships. Drawing from Coburn’s own experience with an abusive affair involving her improv teacher, the narrative reveals the… Read more: Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Gwen Coburn on Comedy and Gender Violence - Edinburgh Fringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan – The Journey Begins
Two years ago, I opened a box that would change my life. Inside were hundreds of love letters my grandparents wrote to each other the summer they met in 1956 Brooklyn. In those letters, I discovered a version of my grandmother I’d never known — a young playwright fresh out of Columbia University’s MFA program,… Read more: Edinburgh Fringe Guest Blog: Letters to Joan – The Journey Begins - PODCAST: The state of the Edinburgh Fringe
Director of Sweet Venues and Sweet Productionsm J.D. Henshaw and FringeReview Editor reflect on Edfringe, past, present and future, its problematique and its possible virtues, in conversation at Durham Fringe Festival. Is small always beautiful? Does a festival the size of the Edinburgh Fringe become its unresolvable fatal flaw? Is unrestrained growth always toxic? Can… Read more: PODCAST: The state of the Edinburgh Fringe - Watch: FringeReview’s Edinburgh Fringe audience guide
Seeing Beyond the Familiar at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. FringeReview editor offers some tips and enjoying the freshest of the Fringe. The scale of the Edinburgh Fringe can obscure its most original work. Audiences often default to well-known names, familiar venues, or algorithm-fed listings. Yet much of the festival’s value lies elsewhere. To encounter fresh and… Read more: Watch: FringeReview’s Edinburgh Fringe audience guide - The build up continues 19.7.25
As the build up continues to next weeks Epstein Theatre showcase I was in conversation this week with one of my trustees from my CIC “ Laugh For Life Comedy’ about how he thought this showcase could go. Matt was going to co host the show with myself & introduce the 9 acts performing on… Read more: The build up continues 19.7.25 - Edfringe Focus: Bold Stories and Unfiltered Queerness: LGBTQ+ Theatre at theSpaceUK this Fringe
This Edinburgh Fringe, theSpaceUK presents a powerful range of LGBTQ+ theatre that is direct, imaginative and emotionally honest. These productions span science fiction, autobiographical monologue, satire, drag, poetry and puppetry. Together, they explore friendship, sexuality, resistance, gender, and memory. This is theatre made by and for queer voices, with nothing watered down. Fever Dreams, Sci… Read more: Edfringe Focus: Bold Stories and Unfiltered Queerness: LGBTQ+ Theatre at theSpaceUK this Fringe - My top 10 Scottish Shows (plus a few extra) at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025
As we get closer and closer to Edinburgh and you are thinking of a patriotic cause – and yer Scottish – or you are looking to sample some performance or twa that shows whit they Scots can dae, then here is a swatch – as we say in Scotland – of my recommendations… As with… Read more: My top 10 Scottish Shows (plus a few extra) at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 - My top 10 Youth shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 that is actualy 11…For me pure Youth Theatre is the one with no auditions and affordable fees or no fees at all. Targeted at bringing a democratic, eclectic and inclusive group together it uses that mix to be an artistic alternate to what Peter Brook called Dead Theatre – original and not a copy of what the adults… Read more: My top 10 Youth shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 that is actualy 11…
- On the road to Buxton 13.7.24 with the gang
Sunday 13th July 2025. Myself and the gang of 6 made our way on a very hot day to Buxton Fringe. A 7pm performance beckoned for 2 WIPs for the Edinburgh Fringe. First show was going to be ‘Behind the Laughter’ the gang of 6 were to perform (Jane, Robbie, Carmel, Victoria, Frank & Sue)… Read more: On the road to Buxton 13.7.24 with the gang - Guest Blog: Henry Churney – Buxton Review 18.7.25BEHIND THE LAUGHTER & LIFE LESSONS OF A GRANDFATHER – Laugh For Life Comedy Last Sunday 13th July The gang of six and myself went for a day trip to Buxton in the Peak District as part of the preparation for our stints at Edinburgh Fringe. below is the review for the two shows As we… Read more: Guest Blog: Henry Churney – Buxton Review 18.7.25
- Guest Blog: Henry Churney: The Build up continues 18.7.25
The road to Edinburgh continues for the gang and more from the comedy course. On Saturday 26th July the famous Epstein Theatre in Liverpool is hosting ‘Laugh For Life Comedy Showcase’ for the first time since the theatre has re opened. Supported by my good friend and comedian Matt Jones, he is hosting the eventing.… Read more: Guest Blog: Henry Churney: The Build up continues 18.7.25 - In Conversation with Amy Yeo of ‘Well Behaved Women’
After huge success at the 2023 Fringe with Crash and Burns, writer Amy Yeo returns to Gilded Balloon with Well Behaved Women, a play about three Victorian-era friends who ‘are not making history, but are making a bit of a mess of things’. This week, writer Amy Yeo expanded on the comedy’s themes of female… Read more: In Conversation with Amy Yeo of ‘Well Behaved Women’ - Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Crowdfunding
https://greenlit.com/project/laugh-life-comedy My project laugh For Life Comedy is trying to raise funds for more individuals to go to other Fringes around the country. We especially want to get more next year at Edinburgh. So we have launched a crowdfunding opportunity Please be a part of this STAND UP FOR MENTAL WELLBEING Every penny helps support… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Crowdfunding - Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Buxton and moreWith Edinburgh Fringe getting closer and if you live in the Buxton area then this show on Sunday Night at the Buxton Fringe at the amazing High Peaks Bookshop might be worth a look at. 2 WIP’s in one night Sunday 13th July. See poster for more details. tickets available https://www.tickettailor.com/events/laughforlifecomedycic/1645826 also if wanting tickets… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry Churney: Buxton and more
- Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry: A starting point
Hello. this is my first Edinburgh Fringe blog and I have so much to tell you! First I am a Liverpool (Scouse) Stand-Up Comedian , who now teaches stand -up comedy and I am bringing 2 shows to the fringe 18-23rd My solo show runs 18/19/22 & 23rd – more on this another day on… Read more: Edfringe Guest Blog: Henry: A starting point - PODCAST: Some practical wisdom about your set at the Fringe
At large fringe festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe, there is a necessary balance to be struck between having a full set and having a cut down “fringe festival” version. Shows have stumbled on preview and review nights because an over-elaborate or hard to handle set slowed down the get in and get out, often… Read more: PODCAST: Some practical wisdom about your set at the Fringe - PODCAST: Avoiding the horrors of a horrible Edinburgh Fringe
In this short podcast, FringeReview editor Paul Levy uses classic characters from the horror genre to explore different types of negative and toxic behaviour at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tongue-in-cheek yet not for the faint-hearted Paul suggests ways to pre-empt and protect against behaviours that can scupper your fringe experience, and even your show. - Taking your audio very seriously at the Fringe
“Time and again as a regular reviewer at Fringe Festivals and of fringe theatre, I have witnessed audio flakiness and even meltdown. It can ruin a show and a performance.” Paul Levy Whether it is a radio mic making crunsching noises, or even cutting out, or background music drowning out some important dialogue, whether floor… Read more: Taking your audio very seriously at the Fringe - Living the Open Space Principles at the Edinburgh Fringe
Open Space Technology, as a term, has a strange ring to it. It isn’t really a technology, but it is a way of doing things. First articulated by Harrison Owen, this is an approach to self-organising a social conversation about something that matters, and getting things done. The method forms the basis of one of… Read more: Living the Open Space Principles at the Edinburgh Fringe
