One4Review

The Big Fat Whisky Quiz 5****

one4review — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:50:59 +0000

Experience a whisky tasting with a social, high-energy twist. A group of strangers descended into the depths of Mother Superior in Leith, emerging two hours later filled with laughter, good cheer and a surprising amount of new whisky knowledge.

The event centres around tables of four competing in a whisky-themed pub quiz, with each break bringing a tasting of one of three spectacular whiskies. With an array of prizes on offer, ranging from restaurant vouchers to premium whisky bottles, there is plenty to play for, but the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious. It’s competitive without ever becoming intimidating, and the emphasis is firmly on having a good time.

This is the perfect experience for those who prefer the comfort of a traditional pub over the formality of a private members’ club. While there is certainly a time and place for exclusivity, this event is designed for those moments when you want to keep things relaxed, informal and fun. It manages to make whisky feel accessible rather than stuffy.

The hosts are a pair of local whisky experts and landlords, both clearly eager to share their passion for whisky. They possess a wealth of knowledge but never make you feel inadequate for not knowing it already. No prior whisky experience is required, and the balance between education, entertainment and competition is just right.

I had a fantastic time. I met some genuinely interesting people and learned a great deal about both the whisky-making process and Scottish culture, all while sampling premium whiskies I otherwise probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to try.

I would particularly recommend this to anyone attending alone. I joined a group of three strangers and within minutes it felt like we’d arrived together. The quiz provides an instant social connection, and the questions are accessible enough to give complete beginners a genuine chance of winning. It really is a level playing field, which makes the whole experience considerably more enjoyable.

This is a wonderful addition to the Fringe: informative without being stuffy, competitive without being intimidating and, above all, enormous fun. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or someone who wouldn’t know a dram from a dramatised history lesson, there’s something here for you.

I hope to see The Big Fat Whisky Quiz return every year, and perhaps inspire similar events throughout Edinburgh. Five stars, and an easy recommendation.
*****
Reviewed by Mike
19.30 to 21.00
Until 30th Aug

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Adam Smith: The Currency of Thought – Documentary Film Screening + Guided Panmure House Tour 5*****

one4review — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:50:43 +0000

This event caught me completely by surprise. Having studied Adam Smith during my university years, I suspected that a refresher on his philosophy would be enjoyable, but I never anticipated it would be quite so profound and impactful. It was also something of a revelation to discover Panmure House itself. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t realised it existed, despite having probably walked past it hundreds of times like countless other visitors and residents.

When I think of Adam Smith, my mind immediately goes to Kirkcaldy, the USA and, primarily, The Wealth of Nations. While I’ve encountered his other works over the years, my engagement with them was largely superficial, mostly plucking convenient quotes for essays rather than properly engaging with the ideas behind them. It seems that is a common trap we fall into with historical thinkers: reducing an entire philosophy to a handful of memorable lines and, in doing so, quite literally missing the point.

The documentary provided an excellent opportunity to reconsider Smith beyond the familiar caricature of the economist behind The Wealth of Nations. Combined with the guided tour of Panmure House, it brought both the man and his ideas into a much more tangible context. Seeing the environment in which he lived and worked added something that simply reading his books never could.

The staff and the location are enchanting, providing the perfect setting for a delightful afternoon spent respectfully exploring the home and mind of a great man. There is something particularly satisfying about being able to connect the intellectual history of Edinburgh with an actual place, rather than encountering it solely through books and lectures.

And there is clearly so much more to Adam Smith than most of us were taught: his life, his work, his philosophy, his Edinburgh residence and his profound impact on Scotland and the modern world. This experience reminded me just how easy it is to think we know a historical figure when, in reality, we know only the version that has survived in textbooks and quotations.

I came away feeling that I had not simply refreshed my knowledge of Adam Smith, but genuinely reconsidered him. That is quite an achievement for an afternoon event, and one I wasn’t expecting when I arrived.

I wholeheartedly urge anyone with even a passing interest in Scottish history, economics or philosophy to visit Panmure House whenever you have the chance. It is a fascinating piece of Edinburgh’s history hiding in plain sight, and this event provides an excellent way to discover it.

I truly hope ‘The Currency of Thought’ becomes an annual event. I would happily return, this time bringing friends and family along so that I can share the experience with them.

Five stars for an unexpectedly enlightening and genuinely memorable afternoon.
*****
Reviewed by Mike

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Rhino Conservation Erotic Novel: Daniel Trengove and Gabriel Madden 4****

one4review — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:50:13 +0000

Part Flight of the Conchords, TikTok, and cathode ray wet dream, Daienl Trengove and Gabriel Madden take us into the wonderfully bonkers world of Rhino Conservation Erotic Novel.

The premise is typical late night Fringe fare. Two men have decided that, through erotica, video, and screenwork, they can save the rhino population. It’s top-drawer madness, and Sugarman and Trengove have gone for a lovely lo-fi approach, with a vibe of retro Windows 95 graphics. It’s roughly 50% comedy, 50% on-screen silliness, with the sheer enthusiasm of our leads carrying it along nicely.

There’s also some great audience work, particularly a section on how to make your partner hotter, which becomes considerably more entertaining when an audience member gets dragged into the experiment. Many of the individual ideas could absolutely demolish an Instagram Reel, and they’re stitched together beautifully into a laugh-out-loud Fringe hour. Mostly, they pull it off, helped by the secret sauce and chemistry between Trengove and Madden. They make a great comedic tag team, with an absolute refusal to behave sensibly or work within our own space-time continuum.

It’s ridiculous, inventive and completely joyous. A show made of pure enlightenment and colour.
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Hoot 6 at Hoots @ The Apex : 6 – 30 Aug 23:00
23.00 to 24.00
Until 30th August

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John Tothill: This Must Be Heaven 4****

one4review — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:49:50 +0000

Tothill wears a green velour ish crossover top that only he could pull off. Explaining that the top was tax deductible if it was part of his act, he shows his cleverness and savviness to this Edinburgh crowd.
The hidden delights of visiting the Margate Crab Museum is an early highlight, with enthusiasm so sincere it makes it sound like he’s found the hanging gardens of Babylon. A cruise ship booking with an older clientele demographic absolutely slays too, but it’s the introduction of a nineteenth century character and a food based life hack as a thread is pure genius.
Theatre etiquette, medical injuries and the sheer stupidity of going beyond to make a show delivered with all of his usual wordsmithery and view askew.
It’s not always conventional, which is exactly where the fun is mined. Tothill on this form has proved again to be one of the best on the circuit for this type of relatable, intelligent silliness, and has turned it up a notch, producing yet another show with plenty of observed nonsense to entertain all.
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard
Until 30 Aug
21:30 to 22.30

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2 Guys 3 Drams: The Ultimate Experience Live Blues and Whisky 2**

one4review — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:49:35 +0000

Reviewing this show was a challenge. It featured two performers engaging in decent conversation while playing blues music and guiding the audience through a tasting of three, which ultimately became four drinks. Unfortunately, the organisers committed the ‘ultimate’ blunder: they hosted a whisky tasting in Edinburgh, yet served three whiskeys and only one whisky.

Presenting whiskey from China, America and Ireland at a Scottish whisky event was, frankly, mind-boggling in the worst way. It is akin to hosting a Champagne tasting in Paris and serving cava and prosecco instead. I appreciate that this may sound pedantic, but if you’re advertising a whisky experience in Edinburgh, I think it’s reasonable to expect Scotch whisky to feature prominently. To a whisky enthusiast, it borders on heresy.

Setting the drink debacle aside, the blues performance was entertaining, engaging and well-executed. The performers were clearly talented, and there was a relaxed atmosphere that made the hour pass pleasantly enough. However, can it really be considered the ‘ultimate’ blues experience? Honestly, no. There are far superior blues events available, and given that this followed the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival by only a month, such a bold claim is difficult to justify. There are also better blues events at the Fringe itself.

The whisky tasting also fell short for me. The drinks were served in wide plastic tumblers, making it nearly impossible to properly nose the spirits. There was no water provided to adjust the drinks or any discussion of how dilution affects a whisky’s profile, both fairly fundamental parts of a proper tasting experience.

The tasting notes themselves became a rather tedious back-and-forth between the audience and hosts, with participants seemingly trying to outdo one another with predictable clichés such as “vanilla with hints of orange peel”. Compared with some of the other tasting experiences available during the Fringe, it simply didn’t match up.

Ultimately, was it a great blues session? No, it was just okay.

Was it a great whisky tasting? No, it certainly wasn’t.

Was it a decent way to spend an hour? Yes. Decent music and drink, what’s not to like?

Would I go again? No, probably not.

There is definitely a good concept here, and with better drink selection, appropriate glassware and a more structured tasting element, I could see this becoming a much stronger experience. For now, though, two stars feels about right.
**
Reviewed by Mike
The Space Triplex
20.15 to 21.00

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Tattoo Dave : Tat’s Life 4****

one4review — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:47:25 +0000

Glasgow-based Tattoo Dave brings his unique brand of inked mirth to the Fringe with his first full hour, Tat’s Life.

Dave, as all good comics do, brings us into his id the right way, with tales from the swimming baths that are completely delightful, almost BBC Scotland sitcom-style. Of course, he also mines his own adventures in the tattooverse, with sizing and bizarre requests all getting an airing. Nothing seems off limits when it comes to finding the funny.

His travels abroad also get a decent airing, particularly the joys of learning the lingo and his experiences in France. It’s the kind of stuff that Dave manages to turn into something relatable, calling out absurdity in elitism and snobbery with gusto and cutting barbs.

More interesting, though, is the section on how his own views have made him something of a target for the right-wing shiterati, particularly online. Dave doesn’t shy away from it, but the politics doesn’t overwhelm the comedy. He keeps the whole thing moving along, which is one of the show’s real strengths. He controls the crowd beautifully and knows exactly when the push and pull of audience interaction should end.

Dave already has something of a cult following in Scotland. On the evidence of Tat’s Life, expect that following to grow. An excellent, well-managed and thought-out hour from a performer who knows what he wants to say, isn’t pandering to the masses and is the type of everyman we need on the comedy scene.
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Hoot 2 at Hoots @ The Apex
17 – 31 Aug
20:10-21.00

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Dragon – Yehyo Dance Company 4****

one4review — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:05:45 +0000

This captivating performance artfully blends traditional Chinese dance and music with modern influences, re-imagining the ancient legend of the Chinese dragon through the lens of innovative technology. The result is a beautifully choreographed piece that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary.

Delivered by a small yet immensely talented troupe of young dancers currently touring globally, the performance demonstrates an impressive level of precision and discipline. Every movement feels deliberate, with the choreography allowing the dancers to tell the story through their bodies rather than relying heavily on dialogue or explanation. There is something particularly compelling about watching such a small ensemble create a sense of scale and drama through movement alone.

The transitions between musical pieces and dance routines are seamless, with one sequence flowing naturally into the next. The overall effect is haunting and atmospheric, at times feeling almost dreamlike. The combination of traditional elements with modern technology gives the production a distinctive visual identity, creating a fascinating meeting point between ancient mythology and contemporary performance art.

My only real disappointment was the brevity of the show and the relatively small size of the ensemble. In some ways, this is actually a testament to how effective the performers are, because I found myself wishing there was more. The ideas on display here feel considerably bigger than the production currently has the resources to realise.

I would love to see this vision developed on a much grander scale, with a larger ensemble, a bigger stage and a production budget capable of matching the ambition of the concept. Given the quality of what is already being achieved with relatively limited resources, I can only imagine what this troupe could accomplish with the opportunity to really let their creativity loose.

For now, I’m awarding four stars, but with the distinct feeling that a five-star evolution is already on the horizon. I would be very interested to see this production again in a few years and discover just how far this young troupe has taken it.
****
Reviewed by Mike

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One Hour of Insane Magic – Insane Productions 4****

one4review — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:15:09 +0000

To start, this show is clearly designed for a broad family audience, offering plenty of wholesome fun without ever becoming dull for the adults in the room. It is light, energetic and packed with consistently impressive magic tricks and illusions. There is a real sense of playfulness throughout the performance, making it an easy show to recommend for families looking for something entertaining that everyone can enjoy together.

While a few moments didn’t quite land for me or felt slightly disjointed, these were minor issues in what was otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable performance. The trio of accomplished magicians each brings their own personality and style to the stage, creating plenty of variety and ensuring that the hour never feels repetitive. Seeing three different approaches to magic in a single show is one of its biggest strengths.

The performers have clearly developed a good understanding of how to engage a Fringe audience, balancing the magic itself with plenty of energy and audience interaction. There is a lovely sense of fun running through the whole production, and you get the impression that the performers are enjoying themselves almost as much as the audience.

They have become something of a Fringe staple and, having originated here, it is wonderful to see them still thriving amidst the sea of other shows competing for attention. The Fringe can be an unforgiving place for performers, with thousands of productions vying for an audience, so returning year after year is an achievement in itself. It feels particularly fitting that a show born at the Fringe has managed to establish such a lasting presence here.

My personal highlight of the afternoon was the laser illusion featuring all three magicians. It was a fantastic way to showcase their collective skills and provided a suitably spectacular way to end the show on a high note. You really have to see it to appreciate it, because words struggle to do it justice. Think funky, elongated lightsabers combined with great music, lighting effects and three magicians seemingly doing the impossible together.

Another personal favourite was given a special spotlight: the classic sawing-the-assistant-in-half illusion. It may be one of the oldest tricks in the magician’s book, but there is a reason it has endured, and this version is executed masterfully. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with giving a classic illusion the attention it deserves, particularly when it is performed this well.

Overall, One Hour of Insane Magic is easily one of the better magic shows I’ve seen at the Fringe and a must-see if you’re a fan of the genre. The variety provided by three distinct performers is a real bonus, while the combination of impressive illusions, humour and family-friendly entertainment makes this an accessible show for just about everyone.

There are a couple of rough edges that prevent it quite reaching five stars for me, but there is plenty here to enjoy. These three performers have great potential, and given their growing Fringe reputation, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

I’ll certainly be back next year to see what they’ve got up their sleeves.
****
Reviewed by Mike
Various Times
Gilded Balloon Teviot Debating Hall

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Suitcase Show – 5*****

one4review — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:33 +0000

You can tell a lot about a person from the contents of their suitcase. It’s essentially a tiny, travelling version of their own home, containing all the things they need to live. Suitcases tell stories. At least, that’s the premise for Trick of the Light Theatre’s Suitcase Show.

Starring and written by Ralph McCubbin Howell, Suitcase show is a delightfully dark and comic collection of poetic short stories which Howell brings to life with carefully crafted miniature sets and props contained within a selection of suitcases. Framed as an inspection at an airport by a disinterested but pernickety customs official (played by Hannah Smith who also directs), the show covers everything from a shadow puppet play about a deposed dictator trying to flee his country, to a pair of (literal) hand puppets arguing about getting access to a swanky first-class lounge. And as Howell’s unnamed traveller opens each new case things get slowly darker and more sinister until the audience is forced to ask why he’s carrying these stories with him and where did he find them.

There’s a lot to admire about how skilfully this show has been put together. The performance from both on stage and the writing are fantastic and Howell is clearly a masterful storyteller. What stands out most, though, are the visuals. In particular the light and shadows are used to create truly breathtaking effects with the limited props on stage, from torches to miniature projectors. The smallness of the stories in the suitcases creates a wonderfully intimate atmosphere though I did wonder how good the view from the back of the theatre might be at times.

I should also note that, while the stories have their serious points and there is a spooky atmosphere, that doesn’t mean that the overall show isn’t also very funny and, somewhat contradictorily, light-hearted. Howell is a captivating and entertaining storyteller and his natural humour and witty jokes make sure that even in the darkness things never get too bleak or pretentious.

An immaculately made and produced show that, appropriately, is perfectly sized and I believe will travel very well.

*****
reviewed by Tom
Assembly Roxy

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Remember, Remember! – WIT? Theatre Company and Pleasance 4.5****

one4review — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:16 +0000

Possibly one of the most famous failures in the world, the Gunpowder Plot is one of those historical events never far from the cultural zeitgeist and, therefore, does feel a little overdue a musical adaptation. And Remember, Remember! is exactly that. Not one of those boring accurate historical musicals, though, but a much more fun – and funny – delightfully inaccurate one.

The show opens with narration from the honey-toned Sir Stephen Fry (who, presumably, owed someone in the production a favour) who assures us that everyone in the 1600s was called Stuart, hence why it was known as the Stuart era. And this very much sets the tone for the level of historical realism we can expect from the story. Our protagonist is the actual mastermind behind the treasonous plot, Robert Catesby, who is portrayed as a bumbling underachiever who is quickly overshadowed by the arrival of the much more charismatic (and memorable) Guy Fawkes. As part of the ongoing conspiracy, Robert is sent to spy directly on James I of England (James VI of Scotland) a mission that may lead to some unpredicted emotional complications when he realises that maybe he has more in common with the king than he first thought.

The songs themselves come thick and fast and are surprisingly good – to the degree that I can still hum them several days after seeing the show, something I can’t say for any of the other musicals I’ve seen this year.

The four-strong cast of Kluane Saunders, Ross Tomlinson, Lucy Buncombe and Tom O’Kelly do a great job as the various characters. My favourites were Tomlinson’s camp and unhinged King James and Buncombe’s swaggering Guy Fawkes but everyone is pulling their weight here. The jokes range from the silly to the daft with a slight stop at the truly disgusting with one particular gag about a gout-ridden foot that made me recoil with giggling horror. The show is also overtly camp and queer in a fun panto-esque way.

I will say that the show feels expensive. Not in the props and staging which are all your standard “use your imagination” Fringe fare but something in the quality of the performances on stage and the music production just has that little tinge of real quality. The company feels like a group ready to move from the stage to the screen (or, y’know, the radio) and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear they’ve done just that by this time next year.

Low on explosions, but big on laughs, this is a show sure to make your (bonfire) night.

****1/2
Reviewed by Tom
17.15 to 18.15
Pleasance Queendome
Until 30th August

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