What do a pussy loving granny, a swearing parrot and a sugar daddy have in common?
They all feature in the wonderful stories told by Erin McKinnie as part of her work in progress show, Deep Heat. She embodies all that is good in Scottish comedy with a flavour of a young Victoria Wood.
A blend of stand up, amazing singing and poetry, and I hear she can dance a step or two. This multi-talented Scottish lass weaves it all together to provide nonstop laughter that does not disappoint.
Erin disembarked from her cruise life direct to the Edinburgh fringe.
Greeted at the door by the enthusiastic comedian herself, you felt welcomed like a long-lost friend, into her comedy family.
It was hosted in a conference room with a stage set up, with a lone microphone and chair. This was supported with tech, supplied by, well, our bonnie host.
Did this reflect in the quality of the show? Absolutely not!
The drawbacks of performing a self-funded show on a budget, like a lot of comedians, was incorporated into the banter of the set.
With a smaller audience you might have expected a more sedate performance. On the contrary, we were treated to a hang on to your seats romp through Erin’s cruising exploits, her favourite elderly people and her Spanish language slip ups. There were loads more, but time slipped away in such an engaging fashion, it was forgiven.
We came in as an audience and left as friends, such was the warmth and engagement that Erin projected. Talent and confidence oozes from the lassie from Perthshire. No second of her set is wasted with dead space. Her preparation of her budget props only added to the charm.
From her lyrical treatment of a Sinatra classic, a resounding success with the audience and a poem about her days as an au pair in Spain, the material is flawless.
Were there any flaws? Yes, it wasn’t long enough.
This was advertised as a work in progress. Well, if it was, I’ll be first in line to watch a seasoned, tried and tested version of the show. That, I want to see.
You don’t need to board a cruise on the open seas to see this amazing show, just take a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe and grab a ticket, please!
Deep Heat leaves you with a warm glow in your soul.
Erin McKinnie-Deep Heat runs until the 25th August (except the 23rd) at Hoots@The Apex (Grassmarket.) Show starts at 1830.
Tickets available at www.edfringe.com or turn up for the show.
Reviewer: Ross Mackie
Reviewed: 10th August 2025
North West End UK Rating :
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