Samantha Day (I’ve Started So I’ll Finish) – Edinburgh Banshee Labyrinth

Self-styled Heritage Hottie, self-confessed Recovering Accountant sits in a quiet, dark corner of (Scotland’s most haunted pub/venue – tell us another!) The Banshee Labyrinth and at least we know we’re in the right queue. Thirty minutes later we’re in the company of someone hilariously dark but nowhere near quiet. It’s an intimate venue, the Cinema Room, and proximity to a performer such as Day provokes the odd spot of discomfort, related anatomical details notwithstanding. But it’s so worth it. Reminiscences about ‘Dating Direct’ (was a thing in the late noughties, apparently), lies and false photos posted, one’s inability with age to suppress comments about others, self-effacing admissions regarding youth (‘I was like Harrods, everyone was queuing to get in’) pepper an hour where the timing is considered, each (punch)line landing perfectly without the faux-energy of a lot of today’s ‘Look, I’m mad, me!’ brigade. Indeed, the current generation of ADHD-diagnosed, truths-speaking would-be’s come in for a fair few barbs. Pity young co-venue resident Madison.

There was a theme. Well, two themes; clinging on to situations in life you probably shouldn’t, and… Mastermind. She even brought her own chair. There were questions and audience engagement but probably unnecessary as you don’t really want her to stop talking. Nowadays she spends a lot of time in the garden centre, regulating the present Mr Day with HRT applications on a control panel (his back). A previous beau failed to last after turning her brain into sticky toffee pudding and the short riff on networking (google translate = drinking) while at KPMG will live with us for a long time. It’s clear something like this doesn’t just ‘happen’, but Day makes it look as effortless as can be. With a few observations on confidence, insecurity and vulnerability, the choice of Sam Fender/Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ at the end struck an appropriately poignant note.

August 8th – 29^th (except 17& 24^th), PBH’s Free Fringe.

Reviewer: Roger Jacobs

Reviewed: 9th August 2026

North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: