Fringe Minge Reviews

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Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

“Gracie and the Start of the End of the World (Again)” is making waves at the Edinburgh Fringe with its unique blend of apocalyptic humor and marine biology. This solo show, written and performed by Zoe Bullock, offers incredible storytelling through the eyes of an unlikely protagonist, a horny jellyfish.

Yes, our main character is an immortal jellyfish named Gracie. She's on a quest for love that's as deep as the ocean, with a side of world-ending confession. It's a clever mix of rom-com meets eco-activism, all wrapped up in a pop culture-savvy package. I was here for all of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer references, ALL OF THEM.

The show tackles heavy themes like eco-crisis and nuclear apocalypse, but with a light touch that keeps the audience engaged. It's thought-provoking, asking us to consider how we can reconcile human creativity with the damage we've done to our planet.

Zoe Bullock brings Gracie to life with wit and charm. A Sheffield native now based in Glasgow, Bullock's background in acting and playwriting shines through in this performance. Her ability to blend humor with hard-hitting topics is impressive, making complex issues accessible and entertaining. You simply can't take your eyes off Bullock, and not just for the amazing jellyfish costume or the neon pink eyeliner. She delivers an amazing performance - she's definitely a talent to watch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5 Stars.  

A must-sea performance!

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

"Mother Nature" at the Fringe is exactly what you'd expect if Earth decided to give humanity a performance review - hilarious, brutal, and slightly unhinged.

Imagine if your planet had a midlife crisis and decided to become a rock star comedian. That's essentially what Bhama Roget has created here. It's a genre-defying spectacle that's part stand-up, part rock concert, and entirely bonkers.

Bhama Roget brings Mother Earth to life with a charisma that's somewhere between your cool aunt and that substitute teacher who let you watch movies in class. Her performance is a delightful trainwreck you can't look away from - much like our current environmental situation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars

Because what's a little environmental crisis without some entertainment?

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

"The Santa Ana" blows into the Fringe like a hot wind of existential dread, serving up a multimedia feast for your climate anxiety-addled brain.

Inspired by Joan Didion's essay (because nothing says "fun night out" like Didion's unrelenting prose if you’re like me), this show follows a cast of characters spiraling faster than California's air quality. It's like watching a psychological thriller directed by Al Gore.

What stands out? The ambitious use of live videography and electronic score, creating a sensory experience that's part arthouse film, part weather channel gone rogue. The salt lamp centerpiece is a nice touch - nothing says "impending doom" like a glowing hunk of Himalayan rock salt.

What’s good? The cast's ability to juggle multiple roles without giving you whiplash. They seamlessly transition from adulterous spouses to machete-wielding neighbors faster than someone can say "hoax."

While the climate change message isn't as in-your-face as a Category 5 hurricane, the show excels at capturing the mental health nosedive that comes with living on a planet that's essentially a giant sauna. It's like group therapy, but with better lighting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars

Because nothing says "entertainment" like eco-anxiety set to music!

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

"Oh, Calm Down" makes you experience the journey to an OCD diagnosis. This play offers a powerful look at mental health across two decades. What makes it special? It's educational while still being entertaining - a rare combo that keeps the audience hooked.

The dual timeline follows Lucy in 1999 and Claire in 2024. It shows how far we've come with mental health awareness, but also how we've still got a ways to go. The pacing is on point, knowing when to hit you in the feels and when to throw in some laughs.

Charlotte Anne-Tilley’s new writing demands your attention and holds it for an hour. And shoutout to Maddy Banks who gives a raw, authentic and powerful performance, and her acting chops add so much flavour to the play. Together, they capture the OCD struggle bus perfectly, making you laugh one minute and try to keep yourself from ugly crying the next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars 

Worth the second-hand anxiety.

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

Alright, let's dive into the glittering sandbox that is Liz Bains' "Dubai Dilemma". Liz Bains, the accidental expat extraordinaire, brings us a show that's shinier than a gold-plated Ferrari and more relatable than your aunt's Facebook posts. Who among us hasn't popped to the Middle East for a quick kitchen renovation and accidentally stayed for 17 years? No? Just Liz? Fair enough.

It's not all gold-leaf cappuccinos and pet cheetahs. Bains dives deep into the expat existential crisis we didn't know we needed to hear about. Should she stay in the land of eternal sunshine and tax-free income, or return to the drizzly embrace of Maidstone?

Bains' comedy is as sharp as the Burj Khalifa and as dry as the Arabian desert. She's performed everywhere from Saudi Arabia to Iraq, proving that laughter truly is a universal language.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars

Sometimes laughs come from a 17-year detour.

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

Asli Akbay's "Tomboy" is like a gender studies class from a supply teacher but with actual laughs and zero chance of falling asleep. This Turkish Cypriot serves up a hilarious feast of '80s nostalgia, gender-bending anecdotes, and enough self-deprecating humour to make even the most jaded Fringe-goer crack a smile.

"Tomboy" is a hilarious romp through the minefield of growing up gender-fluid in the '80s - back when we did not have the cool vocabulary and woke parents. 

From the moment Akbay bounds onto the stage, it's clear we're in for a wild ride. She regales us with tales of her tomboy youth, when skirts were her sworn enemy. What sets "Tomboy" apart is Akbay's fearless dive into her own past. She's conducting a live feminist reading of her life and it's as entertaining as her dick jokes. It's a rollercoaster of bold and hilarious relatable content delivered with the ease of a stand-up comedy veteran.

Fair warning: Akbay's frankness might make some blush. But if you can handle a bit of sass with your social commentary, "Tomboy" is the show for you. It's an hour of laughter that'll leave you with a stitch in your side and a new perspective on gender fluidity.

In a Fringe full of cookie-cutter comedy, Asli Akbay's "Tomboy" stands out like a sore thumb – in the best possible way. Catch it at Just the Tonic at The Caves, and prepare for a gender-bending journey that's as thought-provoking as it is hilarious.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars 

Because a millennial's take on gender nonconformity has been what’s missing in our lives.

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

I made the choice to attend the wild ride called "Art of Selling Out" by Emmy winner Jacki Thrapp, and it did not disappoint. She made me wear a hat and drink Shyte and I was here for it! 🎭🔥

A pyramid scheme parody but make it Fringe. Jacki's out here exposing the Fringe marketing, which has been called a scam, and it's lowkey genius. Plus, you get a free cocktail and a hat. What more does one need?

This show is all about that hustle culture. Jacki's serving up some serious manipulation and capitalism realness, teaching you how to sell out your show faster than you can say "audience reviews". It's educational, but in a sus way that'll have you questioning everything.

Jacki Thrapp is giving pretty chaos demon energy and the fact that it works is actually quite scary.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars - Delulu… in a great way!

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

Alright, darlings, buckle up for a wild ride through the twisted lanes of sisterly love and squirrel-based reincarnation! "Yes, We're Related" is the comedy you didn't know you needed, serving up family drama with a side of nutty (pun absolutely intended).

Florence Lace-Evans brings us Sara, a woman so deep in denial she's practically in Egypt. Her mom's dead? Nah, she's just furry and eating nuts in the garden now. It's fine. Everything's fine. From awkward party games (because nothing says "I miss Mom" like Charades) to secrets bigger than Sara's denial, this show keeps you on your toes. 

The all-female creative team deserves a standing ovation for crafting a show that's as touching as it is bonkers. 

Director Eliza Beth Stevens has corralled this nutty narrative into a tight 50 minutes that'll leave you gasping for breath between laughs. And the performances are amazing.

"Yes, We're Related" is a testament to the Fringe spirit - it's weird, it's wonderful, and it will just make you call your sister (or your local pest control, depending on your family dynamics).

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars - Who doesn't love a show that makes you reconsider your stance on squirrels?

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

 We dove into the spooky world of "The Red Room" – a ghost story that made us question our own bravery (and our life choices).

What made this play special? Well, for starters, it's a one-woman show that'll have you gripping your seat tighter than your gran clutches her purse at the supermarket. Beautifully adapted by the obviously talented Charlotte Ball. Along with Ellie Ball, our fearless performer, they turn this tiny stage into a haunted house that'll make you wish you'd brought an extra pair of undies.

Picture this: a skeptical narrator (probably the type who'd walk into a haunted house shouting "Boo!" at the ghosts) decides to spend the night in Lorraine Castle's infamous chamber. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end with a pillow fight and ghost selfies.

As for our performer, Ellie Ball is like a chameleon with a torch, shape-shifting between characters faster than you can say "Who ya gonna call?" She's got the energy of a caffeinated squirrel and the precision of a surgeon – if surgeons operated on your fear receptors, that is.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars) - It's intimate, intense, and ingenious.

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

Alright, Fringe freaks! Let's dive into the wacky world of "Lobster Bisque" – a show that'll make you question your sanity and your dinner choices.

It's like someone threw Oscar Wilde, Jim Henson, and a Victorian cookbook into a blender and hit puree. The result? A puppet-filled farce that's more twisted than your gran's knickers after a spin cycle.

Two actors, a bunch of puppets, and enough sexual tension to make a Jane Austen novel blush. There's a maid who accidentally poisons the guests (oopsie!), neighbors having a steamy affair, and more costume changes than The Eras Tour. Oh, and did I mention the titular lobster bisque that's literally to die for?

As for our performers, Witt Tarantino and Emma Creaner are like the Bonnie and Clyde of puppetry – if Bonnie and Clyde were into slapstick and Victorian-era shenanigans. They've got more chemistry than a meth lab and enough energy to power a small country.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars - Deadly, sexy, delicious.

Reviewed by Rebecca Cartwright

Alright, buckle up for Ege Öztokat's "Antidepressed" - a show that's about as subtle as a glitter bomb in a library, and twice as fun! Ege bursts onto the stage like a whirlwind of wit, sarcasm, and surprisingly catchy tunes about life's less glamorous moments. Her show is a rollercoaster ride through the mind of a young Turkish woman in Istanbul, and let me tell you, it's a trip worth taking.

She has a knack for turning life's lemons into a cocktail of dark humor and infectious melodies. Her take on dating men is like watching a nature documentary about particularly bewildering creatures - hilarious, terrifying, and oddly informative. But what really sets "Antidepressed" apart is Öztokat's fearless dive into the deep end of her psyche. She lays bare her struggles with a candor that's as refreshing as it is funny. It's like therapy, but with a ukulele and no co-pay.

Her lyrics are sharp enough to pop your comfort bubble, while her melodies are catchy enough to have you humming about existential dread for days. Öztokat's brand of alternative comedy is a breath of fresh air. She's not afraid to go there, wherever 'there' might be, and she'll drag you along for the ride whether you're ready or not. By the end of the show, you'll feel like you've been through a tour of Öztokat's mind - a place that's equal parts hilarious, terrifying, and oddly comforting.

"Antidepressed" is a testament to the power of turning pain into art, and Öztokat does it with a flair that's all her own. It's raw, it's real, and it's really freaking funny.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars - The best antidepressant in Edinburgh Fringe is Ege holding her ukulele.

Reviewed by Joanna Roberts

Ah, my darlings, it seems I'm not the only one who's been bewitched by this yogic extravaganza! Let me weave these additional accolades into our tapestry of praise for Kathryn Haywood's "YOGA & SEX... for women (over 40)" at Just the Tonic at The Mash House - Just the Attic, where the laughter flows as freely as the wine at 17:20.

What makes this show special, you ask? Well, it's a veritable smorgasbord of comedic delights, served with a side of Aussie charm that's sharper than a kangaroo's claws. It's not just for the ladies, gentlemen - you too can learn a thing or two about the mysterious world of women's yoga, circa 1960.

This laugh-a-minute romp through the dusty pages of vintage yoga tomes is more than just a giggle fest. It's a clever commentary on how far we've come, wrapped in a package so hilarious you'll hardly notice you're being educated. Haywood, our intrepid guide through this yogic wonderland, delivers punchlines faster than you can say "downward facing dog," all while contorting herself into positions that would make a pretzel jealous.

As for our star performer, Haywood is a force of nature, combining the energy of a sugar-high toddler with the wit of a seasoned comedian. Her facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission - they're so expressive, they practically deserve their own show. Under Dan Mersh's nuanced direction, Haywood creates a character so endearing, you'll want to invite her round for tea and crumpets after the show.

Now, brace yourselves, my dears - there's audience participation. But fear not! Haywood handles it with the finesse of a lion tamer, making even the most reluctant participants feel like stars. It's all part of the charm, really - where else can you get a workout for your funny bone and your flexibility all in one go?

So, whether you're a sprightly young thing or a seasoned veteran of life's many twists and turns, this show has something for everyone. It's a rollicking good time that'll leave you gasping for breath - from laughter, not exercise, thank heavens. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four stars for this uproarious adventure in flexibility and frivolity!

Reviewed by Joanna Roberts

Let's dive into this cauldron of controversy!

If "The Crucible" met "Drunk His

tory" and decided to set the record straight, this one-woman show would be it. This show turns the witch hunt narrative on its pointy hat, serving up a brew of humour and horror that'll have you cackling one minute and reaching for your torch and pitchfork the next (to fight the patriarchy, of course).

It's ye olde times, and being a woman with an opinion (or a cat, or a wart, or basically just existing) is enough to get you branded as a witch faster than you can say "eye of newt." This show explores the real witches – spoiler alert, they're just regular gals caught in a perfect storm of politics, religion, and good old-fashioned misogyny. It's part history lesson, part stand-up, and 100% likely to make you want to start a coven

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars - Enchanting!

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Reviewed by Joanna Roberts

Buckle up, buttercups! Let's dive into the sapphic time warp that is "Bachelor Girls"!

Well, it's not every day you get to see a bunch of lesbians turning a bomb shelter into the hottest underground (literally) queer club of the 1940s. It's like "The L Word" meets "Dad's Army", but with better fashion and more gin.

Four queer ladies are living their best lives in a bomb shelter during WWII, inventing drinking games that would make even Winston Churchill blush. 

They're falling in love faster than bombs are falling outside. But oh no! The war's ending, and men are coming back. Talk about a buzzkill, right?

These gals from Bristol DramSoc have more strengths than a Survivor all-stars season. They've got the comedic timing of a Swiss watch and the emotional depth of the Mariana Trench.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars. 

Bachelor Girls is the bomb.

Reviewed by Joanna Roberts

Let's dive into the ancient Babylonian shenanigans of "Nebuchadnezzar"!

Well, it's not every day you get to see Ancient Babylon reimagined as a rom-com with more historical inaccuracies than a drunk time traveler's diary. Isabelle Farah's show is like "The Crown" meets "Horrible Histories", but with 95.7% more creative license.

We've got kings, queens, sassy assistants, and peasants who are revolting (in more ways than one). Throw in some suspiciously modern references, and you've got yourself a historical circus that's about as accurate as a chocolate teapot.

Isabelle Farah has got the energy of a caffeinated squirrel and the comedic timing of a seasoned stand-up. She'll have you believing you're in Ancient Babylon one minute, and questioning your own sanity the next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) - Babylon's Got Talent: Isabelle Farah rewrites history.