What's pure joy? What's set the grapevine buzzing? It's the early hits of the Fringe
Will Quinn on the shows to catch before everyone discovers how good they are
Well, that’s Week One of the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe complete, and boy, have I been busy. I’m 42 shows deep in this year’s programme, some of them knockouts, others washouts. To save you from spending your hard-earned pennies on the latter, here’s my pick of what I’ve seen so far.
Stand-Up Comedy
Kicking things off with stand-up comedy, the heart of the Fringe, with shows popping up all over Edinburgh. Topping my list is Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy at Monkey Barrel 1, where the Scots-based comedian shines as both a comic and storyteller. Marking the 18th anniversary of his teenage escape to Edinburgh, his set is funny, moving, and uplifting - a must-see.
At Pleasance Courtyard’s larger stage, Voice of America by Kieran Hodgson delivers a witty, heartfelt tribute to the USA through sharp impersonations and personal stories. I’m among its many fans, and it might just have the Fringe’s funniest C.S. Lewis joke - niche, I know, but it should come with a health warning.
For something rawer but just as funny, head to Cabaret Voltaire for two rising stars. Ayo Adeneken (Black Mediocrity), a young, gifted, black, and queer Scots comedian, brings dry wit and magnetic charm that’ll soon land them bigger venues. In the same space, Jamie D’Souza’s Brownie - which has virtually nothing to do with his skin colour - offers playful tips on dodging capitalist work traps and a laugh-packed, graph-filled dive into his friends’ social and sex lives.
Character Comedy
Let’s sidestep just a smidge from stand-up to the wild world of character comedy, where performers dive into bonkers roles for your giggles. I’ve got four cracking picks - three I’ve laughed my socks off at, and one the critics’ grapevine is on fire with talk of.
Kicking off with Ted Milligan: United at Pleasance Bunker, a one-man mockumentary about the made-up Crubchester United that nearly had me rolling on the floor. Its caricatures are bang on, and the absurdity is gloriously over-the-top. I’m no football nut outside the big tournaments, but this daft love letter to the mad, bad and good sides of modern soccer hits the spot.
Next up, a proper curveball: Douglas Widick: Paperclip at Patter House. Here, comedian Douglas Widick channels Clippy, that much-loathed, and not-missed-at-all Microsoft Office assistant. I caught it opening night, and yeah, the tech was a bit wobbly, but the show’s ridiculous, nostalgic heart is what the Fringe is all about. It takes serious guts and talent to pull this off - you’ll remember this one long after the ‘perfect’ shows had faded from mind.
At the very end of Day Seven, I stumbled into Space Gravy by the absurdist trio Pat Rascal at Underbelly Cowgate, and blimey, what a hoot! It’s about a lad, called Yorkshire, dreaming of making Yorkshire (the county) win the race to Mars. The result? An hour of non-stop, gut-busting laughs with whip-smart writing, killer punchlines, and physical comedy so sharp even their faces are funny. Want pure joy? Pat Rascal’s your ticket.
Rounding it off, the critic grapevine’s buzzing like mad for Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) by Jade Franks at Pleasance Courtyard. It’s her Fringe debut, and I’ll catch it on the 10th, but word is it’s a razor-sharp comedy tearing into the myth of meritocracy, the sacrifices we make to get ahead and who pays the price. My colleagues in the reviewing trenches won’t shut up about it, so grab a ticket if you can!
Theatre
Ok, that’s enough of the silliness, well, almost. Let’s shift our attentions to all things theatre. Each of these is a solo-show - cast lists of two or more being rare in Fringe-land - but pack a real dramatic punch.
First up, Ordinary Decent Criminal at the Traverse, offering a bravura performance from Mark Thomas in Ed Edwards' powerful study of crime, punishment, society, and revolution. Gripping, darkly funny, and strangely uplifting, it was my first 5-star review of the season.
For something completely different, I strongly recommend a pilgrimage to Zoo Playground, where you’ll find Italian masters of tabletop theatre, Batisfera, in a darkened room telling the Tale of a Potato. Never again will you care as much for a tuber. This is deeply thoughtful, playful, and touching object theatre at its very, very best.
Back at Pleasance Courtyard (the weight of outstanding productions found there this year is off the charts), you can enjoy in a riveting lesson on the history of hysteria. The City for Incurable Women by theatre collective, Fish in a Dress, makes for a challenging, pacey, and riveting eye-opener, performed by a crackling Charlotte McBurney. One for those looking for a historical deep-dive with 21st century bite.
My final theatre pick blends classic charm with ambitious flair. DIVA, written and performed by mezzo-soprano Vivienne Powell at the Assembly Rooms, offers a fictional autobiography of operatic superstar Louisa McCrae. In my review, I wrote “...directed by Peter Blackburn, DIVA is a show few could pull off, even if they could write it quite so well.” Expect a heart-wrenching, yet thrilling experience to give you goosebumps. If you’ve ever watched a movie about a singer and lamented lip-syncing by the lead, this will make your musical dreams come true.
Musical Theatre
Next up, musical theatre! My top pick before the Fringe, Rock of Ages by BARE Productions at Paradise Green, absolutely delivered. This standout showcase for non-professional performers brings together a remarkably talented cast and band, delivering a show worthy of a national tour. If tickets are still available, don’t miss this vibrant, full-bodied love-letter to 80s Rock.
However, if it’s a professional at the height of their powers, catch Tony Award winner Laura Benanti in Nobody Cares at Underbelly Bristo Square. I saw it today, and it’s a 5-star triumph. With charisma, wit, and star power, Benanti shines in this hilarious and musically stunning tribute to recovering ingenues, mothers and divorcees. On top of her glorious voice, Laura’s deliciously wry sense of humour makes her a raconteuse par excellence. Look out for a cracking, original songbook co-written with Todd Almond, and prepare to be dazzled.
Family-Friendly
Finally, I’ve got three family-friendly shows perfect for all ages—you know, the shows you’d have to get up before lunch to see? First, The Caterpillar and the Blackbird at theSPACE at Surgeon’s Hall is a dazzling kids’ musical, created by Narradance duo, West End veteran Tom Dywer and international children’s author Kate O’Hearn. It’s the first time I’ve seen a full-scale jukebox musical for kids, and it blew me away with its wholesome, funny tale of friendship and adventure - catch it at midday!
For a calmer, more gently enchanting start to your day, head to the Assembly Roxy for Taiwanese S. Productions’ Whale, Where Are You Going? at 10:10am. Blending puppetry and physical theatre, it’s a magical, humorous story about imagination that grows grander by the minute. No energy drink needed - this show gives you wings!
My last pick is Pekku by Andy Manley at Zoo Southside, 11:00am daily. This quirky physical theatre piece, sprinkled with object magic, takes you on a delightfully wild camping adventure. I wrote in my review, “If I were in charge of marketing for Pekku, I would describe it as an enlightening psychological comedy thriller for children. If the name weren’t already copyrighted, I would also suggest changing it to ‘The Birds.’“
If this isn’t your ideal Fringe experience, nothing is. Go forth and book!
Will Quinn is Editor of the Quintessential Review