Saturday, December 21

Author: Saira Kunjuvalappil

Jason Byrne’s NO SHOW – Assembly Hall
Scotland

Jason Byrne’s NO SHOW – Assembly Hall

Jason Byrne’s "NO SHOW" is a masterclass in interactive comedy, and while he might not need a review—his reputation precedes him—here's a peek into the whirlwind of laughter he brings to the stage. From the moment Byrne steps into the spotlight, it’s clear that he’s a force of nature. His show is a brilliantly crafted blend of sharp wit, spontaneous interaction, and spot-on observations about life, especially when it comes to generational differences. The premise of "NO SHOW" is simple: an hour of non-stop hilarity where audience interaction is not just encouraged but is the heart of the experience. Sitting in the front row, you’re not just a spectator; you’re part of the show. This is where the magic—and mayhem—happens. When I attended, the front row was a mix of kids and adults...
Kanan Gill: What Is This? – Pleasance Courtyard
Scotland

Kanan Gill: What Is This? – Pleasance Courtyard

I went to watch Kanan Gill: What Is This? without expecting much, but by the end of the show, he had completely stolen the spotlight. It was absolutely hilarious from start to finish, leaving everyone in the audience roaring with laughter. The show was fully captioned, making it accessible to everyone, but it was Gill’s sharp wit and relatable humour that truly set the stage on fire. He touched on all aspects of life as we know it today, turning everyday situations into comedy gold. One of the standout bits was when he talked about the things we see on YouTube—especially those that highlight how imperfectly we live our lives, like common mistakes in breathing. The way he dissected such mundane topics had everyone in stitches. Another memorable segment was his hilarious take on th...
ARI: The Spirit of Korea – Assembly Hall
Scotland

ARI: The Spirit of Korea – Assembly Hall

I just experienced *ARI: Spirit of Korea*, and it was absolutely incredible! This show had everything—dance, music, acrobatics, theatre, and more. From the moment it started, I was completely captivated, and that feeling stayed with me until the very end. The show, brilliantly directed by Yoon Jung Hwan, tells the story of Arirang Pass, a mountain everyone dreams of conquering. Even though it’s a Korean production, the captions make it easy for everyone to follow the story. The 18 performers on stage were nothing short of amazing. Their energy was contagious, and they never lost momentum. Right from the start, they connected with the audience, even coming down from the stage to greet everyone, which made the whole experience feel very personal and engaging. Under Yoon Jung Hwan’s...
Vir Das: The Fool – Pleasance Dome
Scotland

Vir Das: The Fool – Pleasance Dome

Vir Das’s The Fool is a masterclass in comedy that brilliantly blends humour with sharp social commentary. As an Emmy Award winner for Best Comedy Series on Netflix, Vir Das sets high expectations—and more than delivers. From the moment he steps on stage, the energy is electric, with the audience erupting in laughter throughout his set. In The Fool, Das tackles topics like racism, religion, and social media, all with his signature wit and humour. One particularly hilarious bit involves him taking his nephew to an art exhibition. The punchline? The child is disappointed because the paintings don’t fit vertically on his phone. Das then launches into a side-splitting riff on how Instagram has made the world vertical, even joking that when he dies, he’ll die vertically so people can tak...
Suhani Shah: Spellbound 2.0: Underbelly Bristo Square
Scotland

Suhani Shah: Spellbound 2.0: Underbelly Bristo Square

Spellbound 2.0: Suhani Shah's Astonishing Mind-Reading Mastery What can I say about this show? Suhani Shah, the world’s most subscribed mentalist, delivers an experience that truly lives up to her reputation. Going into the show, I was sceptical about how anyone could possibly achieve what she does, but by the end, I was utterly convinced and utterly amazed. Spellbound 2.0 is not just a performance; it’s an interactive journey into the seemingly impossible. Suhani’s ability to guess what people are thinking, down to their exact thoughts and even their date of birth, left the audience in awe. The entire show is a testament to her incredible skill in mentalism, blending psychological insight with showmanship. One of the most astonishing aspects of the show was the level of audie...
Best Man – Underbelly Bristo Square
Scotland

Best Man – Underbelly Bristo Square

The Best Man, written by Mikey Fleming and Colman Hayes, and directed by Mikey Fleming, is a masterclass in comedic performance. Before attending, I knew little about the show, but it quickly proved to be a delightful surprise. The blend of acting and comedy was spot-on, and Colman Hayes, who performed solo, delivered a hilarious and engaging experience. The premise of the show is simple yet effective: Hayes plays a 30-year-old, single, and somewhat desperate best man, chosen for his best friend John's wedding to Rebecca. Hayes's character is clueless about what to say in his speech, leading to a series of side-splitting anecdotes and observations. His portrayal of a man grappling with the pressure of delivering a perfect best man speech was both relatable and uproarious. One of ...
100 Things You Are Overthinking – Alchemist, St James Quarter
Scotland

100 Things You Are Overthinking – Alchemist, St James Quarter

The show is a complete comedy experience that involves a lot of interaction with the audience. Francesco Kirchhoff and Ori Halevy did a great job making each performance unique. No two shows are the same because the topics depend on what the audience writes down about what they’re overthinking. The questions from the audience were really funny, like “Does my dog love me?” The answers were hilarious, and everyone was laughing out loud. Another question was “Will I ever be rich?” The response was light-hearted, saying life is already good and that overthinking isn’t necessary. One of the best moments was when someone asked how to find a boyfriend for their daughter. The funny advice was to install dating apps, create a fake profile for the daughter, and start swiping. Another great...
Depression vs Anxiety – Waverly Bar
Scotland

Depression vs Anxiety – Waverly Bar

Anxious & Hilarious: Performers with Anxiety and Depression Deliver Smash-Hit Comedy—This Is What Makes Fringe Festival So Special! I cannot believe that this show was done by people with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. No, it’s not what you’re thinking—it’s a complete comedy show, and an absolutely brilliant one at that! Moni Zhang, who led the show, was exceptionally funny, setting the tone for an afternoon of laughter that you wouldn’t expect from a group dealing with such heavy personal challenges. As the afternoon unfolded, a series of comedians took the stage, each sharing their own experiences with mental health in the most hilarious ways imaginable. What they say on stage is 100 percent true about their situations, but the way they say it leaves the audienc...
Complete works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
Scotland

Complete works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), performed by the talented trio from 3 Witty fools—Sam Milner, Barnaby, and Henry Williams—delivered a whirlwind of laughter and sheer entertainment. Based on the book with the same title, this show is a condensed and comedic take on all of Shakespeare’s plays, and the team did a fantastic job bringing it to life on stage. The show kicked off with a hilarious rendition of Romeo and Juliet, setting the tone for an evening filled with clever humour and lively performances. Juliet’s exaggerated reactions to Romeo’s declarations of love were side-splitting, and her over-the-top manner of ending her life was a highlight, leaving the audience roaring with laughter. The chemistry between the performers was undeniable, and their ability t...
Sushi Tap Show 2024 – Greenside @ George Street
Scotland

Sushi Tap Show 2024 – Greenside @ George Street

A Non-Stop Ride of Entertainment The Sushi Tap Show 2024 is an absolute entertainer, living up to its promise of being a non-stop ride of fun and excitement. From the moment the show began, it was clear that the audience was in for a treat. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the incredible tap dance performances, which were nothing short of mind-blowing. The precision, energy, and rhythm displayed by the dancers were awe-inspiring, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the sheer joy and enthusiasm that radiated from the stage. Poke and his team have done a phenomenal job of blending tap dance with comedy, creating a unique and engaging experience that had the entire audience laughing and clapping along. Poke’s interaction with the audience was particularly notewo...