SORRY
It is with great regret that we have to remove all recommendations for THE SPACE based shows this year due to a dispute with the management of THE SPACE. This does not affect other venues where we will continue to give you recommendations to the best shows available. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes and wish you all a happy fringe.
Edinburgh Festival and The Fringe
It's August once again, so Sam and I are venturing out across the border to our favourite place to be at this time of year, the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. Who should we meet but one of our old friends and a favourite of the Pleasance Fringe, Doctor Kaboom. I was enthralled by his show last year as it was about the science of pressure, and as I am a ball, that is the stuff that keeps me inflated! The good doctor does children's shows that are fun, while you learn important science facts without even realising. I can't wait to see what he can teach me and Sam this year!
Me and Doctor Kaboom!
The Tom Brace Magic Hour
After the informative and entertaining Dr Kaboom, we came across another interesting act, this time a magician called Tom who was performing his show at the Plesance Dome. As we watched Tom, I thought this could be the perfect show for me to join, as Tom was funny and very good at magic with much audience participation. Tom already had beach balls in his show but was very keen for me to join them, at one point, he tried to take me away from Sam, but Sam was not having it, he said a magician's apprentice does not pay enough, and as my manager, he would be getting 10% of very little. I would like to see Tom's show again, just to see if I can work out how he does it!
Me and the great Magician Tom Brace
The Pleasance Opening Gala
The Pleasance Opening Gala is a staple Fringe event showcasing the highlights of the shows that will appear on the Pleasance stages this year. It gives a taster of each show, so is a good place to discover the acts you may like.
The director of the Pleasance Trust, Anthony Alderson also takes this opportunity to give an overview of what important things are happening that affect the trust operations and the Fringe in general. This year Anthony gave a quite emotional speech mentioning the threats on the horizon to the Fringe and the increased need of organisations such as the Pleasance to continue to support the creative community.
Anthony & Me
Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe
At the Pleasance Courtyard
Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe is another staple of the Fringe and another chance to see snippets of several shows at once with the added advantage that Mervyn interviews the acts wearing his trademark pink suit, for a deeper dive into the ideas behind the shows.
Mervyn lends me his pink hat!
Fly, You Fools!
As Sam is a fan of The Lord Of The Rings books, he booked us to see a one-hour comedy enactment of it at the Pleasance Courtyard. The show was ingenious, just four people produced an epic play from the book, which was also very funny. Being only three, I have not read the book as yet, but could follow the show very easily. This has caused me to want to read more. I met the players outside the venue, and we had some pictures taken by Sam.
Me playing The Precious Ring!
The Fly You Fools Cast and me
Sasha Nezlobin: I'm Fine
As Sam has been following on YouTube all the bad things going on in the world at the moment, he decided that he would like to look at some of it from a different person's viewpoint, so we went to see Sasha Nezlobin, a Russian comedian, in his show explaining why he had to leave Russia, called "I'm Fine!". Sasha spoke to us before the show, explaining that he was nervous because he had not performed his show to an English-speaking audience before. Shasha needent of worried, however, as his delivery and comic timing were perfect. Sasha managed to keep the mood of the show light and really did give a different perspective on what happens when a country decides to go to war.
Sasha and Me in the Plesance Dome
China Crysis
As we had been shown the comedic side of war with Sasha, we thought that a more somber-toned show would balance us. As I was made in China, the next show was appropriate, "Youth in Flames" is an original true story written and performed by Mimi Martin. The show explains what happened when she and her friend were caught up in the Hong Kong protests against the Chinese government's rule. This one-woman show left me sad, but glad that I had seen it, as it portrayed the harsh reality of youthful protest.
War of the Worlds (On a budget)
As we had gone down the rabbit hole of war and conflict, we decided to return to some artists we had seen and loved in 2025, Tom and Becky, who this year were performing War of the Worlds (On a Budget). As expected, their genius talent for silly storytelling had not failed them. A guaranteed giggle is assured with these two seasoned performers. If you want an assured laugh, go see War of the Worlds at the Pleasance Upstairs this August 5th-15th.
Tom & Becky (War of the Worlds (On A Budget)) & Me
Mark Thomas
This year, Mark Thomas is celebrating 40 years as a stand-up comedian with a new show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Stand1, York Place, EH1 3EB. We were excited to see Mark again after last year, when he excelled in his one-man play at Summer Hall, “No Ordinary Criminal”. Mark, being famous for his satirical political commentary, did not disappoint, he tore into the whole political landscape and left no prisoners. My favourite sections were when Mark told tales of his mother's antics and how they were affecting him and his sisters' lives, as they are now her carers. I now understand where Mark inherited his funny bones from, and even his mum claims to be his muse. Go see Mark while you can, you won't regret seeing this genius comedian at the height of his comedic powers.
Mark and Me at Stand 1
Heart Beats Strong
We went to see "Heart Beats Strong" play at the Pleasance Bunker, for no other reason than we liked the title, and sometimes you just have to go with it. The show was a three-hander and started off with high energy, which continued throughout the performance. The story is about three lads' experiences of life and how they are intertwined, and is based on the three performers' own real-life situations. The biggest praise I can give this show is that the hour it was on went very quickly because of strong performances by each of the three young actors. If you want to see actors before they become very famous, go see these three stars of the future.
Ellie Ross: Mrs Gary Breath
While we were in Edinburgh we were invited to a wedding. The problem was neither the bride or the groom wanted to get married but they did want the huge amount of money the bride was offered to get married before her thirty fifth birthday. This was the premise of Ellie Ross’s new play that she has written and is performing at the Assembly Roxy: Snug Bar. We were fortunate that for one night only Ellie’s real mum and dad were in the audience and even appeared on stage briefly due to a wardrobe malfunction. This situation comedy is well worth a visit during the Fringe, especially if you don't want to get married. Runs until 31August.
Ellie with mum and dad
The shocking truth about the flat earth.
Sam told me there was a lot of misinformation these days, especially at the Edinburgh Fringe. He told me this because I asked him if the Earth was really flat, as was said on a poster I had seen, “The shocking truth about the flat earth”. Sam said the best thing to do is go see the play to find out if it was true. The play actually turned out to be a musical, and a very fine thing to behold. Sam said it was good enough to be on the West End, and I asked what that was? Sam said the West End in London is famous as the theatre area where all the best productions are shown. The musical covered all sorts of conspiracy theories and was very interesting, but I did not find out if I am actually a globe in shape or flat and round. Sam has since said that I can be flat, but only when he lets me down, but I don't ever remember him letting me down.
Cast & crew of the best musical in Edinburgh!
A ghost among the living
Sam said it would be good for me to have some classical education, and he had seen a flyer for the perfect show, “A Ghost Among the Living”. This was an adaptation of three of Edgar Allan Poe's works by the Box Tale Soup group of players. Box Tale Soup has a good reputation at the Fringe, and this adaptation only adds to that reputation. The addition of storytelling, brilliant acting, and puppeteering makes this show a must-see. Putting character into inanimate objects is what I am all about!
Me in the Soup!
Nick Helm's Down 'n' Dirty Weekend
Sam has always raved about Nick Helm and his anarchic style of comedy. When we managed to get tickets to one of his musical comedy gigs at the Pleasance Four, Sam could not have been happier. Sam says Nick is one of those rare multi-talented people who can sing, act (Uncle), while also being very funny. On the night, Nick did not disappoint, his costume was risky, as was his performance, immediately interacting with the audience, making them feel a part of the experience. The show was to celebrate the launch of his new album, “Down ‘n’ Dirty,” Which is in three parts: 1. Down 2. ‘n’ 3. Dirty. After the gig/party was over, Nick stood outside the venue to chat with his fans, so we were fortunate to talk with him and have a picture taken. By chance, Nick's parents had travelled up from London, so we managed to speak with them as well. As with many comics, Nick's off-stage persona is much gentler than on-stage. Nick advised us on some of his favourite acts to see at the Fringe, which was very welcome as there are so many to choose from. We also met a young comic who Nick had taken under his wing, who said he had helped her develop her act. Having met Nick's parents, I can see where he gets his generosity from. Nick is only performing three of these album gigs at Edinburgh this year, so if you can manage to obtain a ticket, you must go!
www.nick-helm.co.uk
Nick & Me after his Great Gig!
Nick's after show party party!!!
Garrett Millerick: We Tried it Your Way
As we asked other festival-goers who they had seen who were good at the Fringe, one act kept coming up: Garrett Millerick: We Tried It Your Way. We decided this had the popular vote, so we booked tickets. Garret seemed like a traditional stand-up comedian at first, but then he asked the audience to judge him against an AI comedian he had been training, and views were mixed. The act then went in a different direction altogether and proved to be one of the highlights of this year's Fringe for us.
Garrett Millerick & Me after his grueling show!
The Event
As Sam said that if I truly want to get back on the stage I should go and see “The Event” play that is being performed at the Pleasance Courtyard venue. The Event is a play within a play or a play about the play. It is an honest view about acting and the relationship between a play and it's audience, or a quick apprenticeship in theatre
Mick & Me in the back stage cafe after The Event
Rosie Jones: I Can't Tell What She's Saying
We were delighted that Rosie Jones was back at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar this year as we were unable to get tickets last year, so that was our first task this year. Rosie is a guaranteed laugh, and she was on top form describing her likes and dislikes both with equal Ferver. If you can get a ticket to see Rosie you have the golden ticket for fun and laughter.
Rob Kemp - Beatles juice - Hoots 2 Apex 23:10
FREE FRINGE
Nick Helm gave us some show recommendations, and one of these was Beatles Juice performed by Rob Kemp. The show was a homage to the Tim Burton film BeetleJuice with the story told to the music of The Beatles. On the face of it this sounds like it should not work but with the massive creative ability of Rob it is the perfect match. If you like the film, you will definitely love Rob's show.
Rob Kemp ( Beatles juice) & Me Bilal Zafar Rubicon - Underbelly 08:30pm Underbelly Bristo Square
Jersey
Another recommendation by Nick Helm was the standup comedian Bilal Zafar. We were glad Nick recommended Zafar to us as it became one of the most memorable standups of the Fringe. Zafar has been a professional comedian for many years it shows in his delivery. With many Edinburgh Fringes under his belt, this was a departure for Zafar as he explained his love for comedy had changed as he had accidentally become a teaching assistant which has become his new love. A true story with comic lines.
Bilal Zafar (Rubicon) & Me
Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show at The Pleasance Grand.
One of the popular yearly fixtures of the Fringe is Paul & Suki's Improv show, so we thought it was about time we went to see these masters of Improv at work. The show is a set format but different every time as the audience create the situations the cast have to recreate into fun stories. Each show also has different guests which mixes it up even more. If Suki and Paul have as much fun at home as they have on stage, they have the perfect marriage. A definite must see if you visit the Fringe.
Suki Me & Paul
Tiny Planet at King Dome in Pleasance Dome Aug 2026 12:25
I thought the show Tiny Planet could have a role for me as I am shaped like a tiny planet. That thought soon left my mind when I saw the shows actual tiny planet, it was beautifully made as were all the props and puppets. The skills of the puppeteers was outstanding using voice powered Foley and song. If you get a chance to see this production, it is a must see, and that goes for adults as well as children.
The beautiful Tiny Planet and puppeteers Emily Essery & Peter Morton
Pip Utton’s Farewell to Edinburgh Fringe
Pleasance Courtyard, The Green 12:15
It is truly sad to hear that Pip Utton is performing his last Edinburgh Fringe in 2026 after over thirty years of performing there. Pip has been a stalwart of the Fringe with his powerful one man shows such as Thatcher, Hitler, and most of Shakespeare's hits. This year he is going out with a bang with three shows, Bacon, Hunchback and the heart wrenching “Before I forget I love you”. Pip is an actor who plays with the audiences emotions creating whole worlds with a costume and a few props like a theatrical magician. Pip never disappointed an audience but he had upset many especially with Before I forget I love you, that deals with the greaf of losing someone slowly through dementia and then death. Pip is and always has been a must see actor, we are just hoping he does an Elton John and has many come back tours. Best wishes Pip from Zoe and Sam xx.
Pip as The Hunchback (I played the hunch :)
Pip & My last photo call :(
Dust
Bunker 1, The Pleasance Courtyard.
14:10 5-30th Aug
Dust is a masterpiece of play writing by Charlaina Thompson and is equally masterly performed by Craig McArdle. As Charlaina is an orphan, she decided to find out as much as she could about her family and in doing so found that one of her ancestors had been given a medal for rescuing coal miners. Her research gave her a true insight and connection to her family, which led her to writing this play with the help of Craig the actor, who also has a family history of coal mining. The rich family history of these two creative people has made this play unique in its authenticity and heart, the emotion is palpable as you are drawn in. A must see.
Craig, Charlaina. & Me
The Crimes of Pete
12:50 7-30th Aug
Beside in The Pleasance Courtyard.
This strangely comical play tells the tail of Pete, a writer living in a country where the dictator hates his work because of its poor quality and locks him up. The prison is full of good writers, which writers will survive and which will die?
The cast and producer of The Crimes Of Pete, oh & Me
Special Thanks
Sam and I would like to thank the Pleasance Team who have helped us find some great shows this year.
My people The Pleasance Team
Am I losing My Mind or just My Figure
ZooFestival.co.uk
12:45 7-30 Aug
This thought provoking play deals with the traumatic loss of an unplanned unborn child and the lack of being prepared for what life throws at you. Warning deals with loss and is not suitable for people who may be triggered by these subjects. This production is well thought out and expertly performed by Genevieve Labuschagne.
Genevieve & Me
GULP!
Assembly Roxy: Snug Bar
12:10 05-31st Aug
GULP, is an unusual comedy performance by American comedian Prith Khalsa. This very surreal comedian convinces his audience that he is having relationship problems and requires their advice, which they are happy to give. His love life then becomes very fruity!
Loganberry
By Tim Key
Beyond at The Pleasance Courtyard
25-30th Aug at 23:00
Sam has been a big Carey Mulligan fan ever since he saw her in An Education, her new film was called, The Ballard of Wallis Island, created and also staring Tim Key. As we loved the character Tim played in the film we were happy to get two tickets to his sell out show Loganberry. Tim's persona on stage could not be further from the one he played in the film, he is brash and confronts the audience, daring them to laugh when doing his standup routine. Tim has a unique act he had asides upon asides that lead the audience into side splitting laughter once they catch up with him. Tim has a magnetic show so you will be drawn in, see him while you can.
Now Tim is a film star he is afraid of the paparazzi so hides behind me.
One Joke
The show was expertly hosted by two funny people, Jonathan Oldfield and Lorna Rose Treen who I thought were three people. The show has rules, only one joke per comedian and if they attempted to tell more, the crowd would shout greedy comedian. As not all the comedians booked turned up, audience members were asked if they would like to perform and this gave me the chance to do my best to entertain and return to the stage. To my delight I was given the chance to perform my speciality act, crowd surfing, which was greatly received by the audience. Finally I was back on stage. The following comedians contributed to the show:
Dom McGovern
Harriet Richardson
Maia Tassalini
Lachlan Werner
Stuart Goldsmith
David Elms
Derek Mitchell
Olga Koch
Sarah Roberts
Rosalie Minnitt
Matt Tedford as Maggie Thatcher
John Luke Roberts
Lil Wenker
Joseph Moore
Ayo Adenekan
Ollie West
Rachel Porter
Kathy Maniura
John Tothill
Laurie Luxe
Marty Gleeson
Dan Wye
Molly-Rose Treves
Ted Milligan
Alex Franklin
Mark Silcox
Andy Barr
Tom Neenan
Ele McKenzie
Freddie Meredith
Kate Hammer
Krystal Evans
Sam Lake
Rob Preston
Jenny Gorelick
Cecily Hitchcock
Benjamin Partridge
Bi Curious George
Aisha Amanduri
Rory Marshall
John Norris
Lara Ricote
Demi Adejuyigbe
Benjamin Alborough as Terry Wogan
Phil Ellis
Rachel Baker
Chuck'n'Jeck
Em Humble
Hasan Al-Habib
Dee Allum
Jack Shep
Lorna Rose Treen
We thank them all for making it a truly rememberable night.
Lorna Rose Teen, Me & Jonathan Oldfield
Raumdeuter
Written and performed by Dee Allum
Upstairs, The Pleasance Courtyard
5-30th Aug at 16:10
Like myself Dee Allum is a self made persona, I was actually made in China but my persona is all of my making just like Dee. Starting life as male Dee has transformed herself into the person she wants to be and talks about this in her show. Determining your way in life is the most important thing you can do and Dee has achieved this literally reinventing herself. I hope I am just as successful at transforming myself from an ordinary beach ball into an international superstar.
Dee Allum & Me
The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much
Fourth in the Pleasance Courtyard
At 10:40
The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much, was a gas and really fast moving with much slapstick humour. The storyline was a mystery that played with time in a cinematic way. If you like Hitchcock films you will love this very energetic play.
Davina Bentley: Dancing While Old
Cellar at The Pleasance Courtyard.
At 17:30
Davina discussed her life and her thoughts on her diminishing beauty. Her decisions were not always wise. Should she have followed a career in the law instead of comedy?
Meet Mayor Max
Written and performed by Alex Robins
12:30 5-31 Aug at the Cellar, Pleasance Courtyard
Alex is a comic character actor who wrote this play on his real life experience of meeting a dog mayor in America. The play deals with the connection between religion money and politics in America. Alex has problems with pain and seeks the help of Max the dog Mayor who reportedly has healing powers.
Alex was only able to bring his play to the Edinburgh Fringe because of the help given to him by the Pleasance trust charity and partners who covered all his costs including advertising and venue, this is an example of the good works the connected charities do to help young creatives promote their careers.
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