One4Review

Nathan Cassidy — From The Ashes 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

one4review — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:26:57 +0000

Cassidy is back with his new show, and things have changed since last year. It’s Christmas past; he’s divorced and finds himself living in a basement, not so much a digital nomad but a dadless Basement Jaxx, as his kids aren’t around and he’s preparing to face it alone. The metaphoric ghosts of Christmas past are coming back on reflection, but he’s watching the English cricket team getting humped 3-0 during the Ashes. Is there hope? Is a comeback on the cards for England and our protagonist, and will it correspond to his own phoenix rising from the flames, or will it burn up and fade away? And will this somehow lead to getting to see his kids at the festive time?

In lesser hands it could be dour and a pity party, but this is great clever stuff from a man in his prime. By questioning aloud: is comedy really just for art’s sake? Is it quantifiable to his current situation, and is it still the brave platform for creatives that it once was, much like his current situation?

Having the cricket team analogy also works to his strengths, his bowl mates, if you like, through the narrative. His comedy peers like Jimmy Carr ribbing gently, playful and cutting at the right times. The reflection on his parents and grandparents is lovely, while the barbs involving yoga mums and Taylor Swift, and the mental scarring of traditional jazz, all hit true.

But it’s the deconstruction of music memories that evokes emotion, like a reality rom-com, that is hilarious in the final third and really stands out.

Overall, Cassidy plays the cards to his strengths, and he’s one of only a handful of acts over at the Fringe where the word auteur can apply. That DIY approach, self-funding, keeping his own voice and not compromising is proof that when the output is this good, no one can touch him.

This is his strongest show in years, with the right wave to ride, and more importantly, it’s all out bloody funny.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Steve H.
The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
Until 30th August
19.15 – 20.15

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Mike Wozniak: The Bench 5★★★★★

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:52:32 +0000

Mike Wozniak opens The Bench by making it absolutely clear that it is not our fault the show didn’t start on time.

Wozniak plays every upstanding, waffling, friendly, over-informed, village-council-attending middle-aged man you’ve ever known, holding court with excellence bar none and wit aplenty.

I want to make something clear: this show is a shaggy dog story, and I do not like shaggy dog stories.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Wozniak constructs one of the most accurately observed comic worlds I’ve ever seen. He builds a picture of village life with such extraordinary specificity that I’m genuinely not sure if it’s him or performance for the first part of the show.

It feels real, and he is really, incredibly funny.

There is something wonderfully drawn-out about his delivery he’s called us together because something has happened in the village and it needs discussing: :the local memorial bench.

Wozniak allows us to ask questions as the show progresses, letting us wander freely through this detailed colourful village.

Wozniak never seems remotely hurried. He simply draws us deeper and deeper into this village it genuinely feels like our job to solve it’s problem.

I found myself unable to identify a single flaw.

The Bench is surprising, hilarious and completely absorbing. Rather than simply telling us a story, Wozniak somehow makes us inhabitants of it.

A remarkable piece of comic world-building, had me thinking about moving to a small town.

A five-star show.

*****

Reviewed by Stephen “Sharpie” Sharp
Assembly Hall – Main Hall
Until 16th August
22.40 (1 hour)

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Boxticker – Becky Price 4****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:44:41 +0000

After a comedy hiatus of 11 years Becky Price returns for a short run at this year’s Fringe.
Her comedy career was going well, and then suddenly she vanished. Okay probably to do further study, she is an NHS nurse, or got married, now divorced or a few other boxes she ticked. She was persuaded by some friends to do her first Edinburgh show.
I know the audience I was part of were delighted she listened to them as she delivered an hour of excellently crafted material, punctuated laughter, often belly laughs, going through the initial six tick boxes on her whiteboard.
Her material pulls no punches, sexuality, sexual partners, acts, are graphically described in language that may offend a maiden aunt but the crowd lapped the stories up and then some. It was not all about sex, Daphne De Maurier’s book, the Gen Z relabelling ‘Karens’ as Jennifer or Rebeccas didn’t meet her approval the work she undertakes in her day job, also veganism, her ADHD are also talked about very candidly.
I also have to give the kudos for her delivering such a strong set when she announced at the end that the gentleman sitting on the front row was actually her father.
So Becky is back. Lets hope she stays back and fulfils the promise I amongst others noted all those years ago.
****
Reviewed by Geoff
Hoots at Apex Hoots 6
16.40 to 17.40
Until August 18th

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Hasan Al-Habib: Stuck in the Middle (East) With You 4★★★★

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:39:26 +0000

Hasan Al-Habib is television-ready. A clever, talented comedian with a PhD in oncology, he combines great timing, strong material and excellent callbacks with a great gift for wordplay. The eldest child in an Iraqi immigrant family in Birmingham, he mines deeply personal territory: family estrangement and escaping domestic violence. Yet despite the weight of the subject matter, we laugh enormously at the inventive way he communicates his story of deepseated family trauma.

His controlling aunt, doctor mother, father and extended family provide rich material, while Uber, Christmas, 9/11, FIFA, the mosque, Aldi and even Prince Harry and Meghan all get woven into his sharp observations. His agent apparently wanted the show to be relatable to white British people, so naturally it is about being a child of divorce.

Audience engagement is effortless, with so much laughter. “Ramadan – completed it mate” and “Cheers mate” are memorable highlights. Impressive, clever, warm, and genuinely funny.

****
Reviewed by HJ

Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs
Until 30th August (not 18th)
Various Times (1 Hour)

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Circa: Wolf 5*****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:27:06 +0000

Circa wolf is a show like no other. Tense and dramatic throughout you feel fully immersed in the experience and never want it to stop.

From the start the atmosphere is all encompassing: a mix of tense drum based music, fog and lights instantly makes you feel like something special is going to happen. Everything about the show is tense and dramatic in all the right ways.

Being impressed by acrobatics is something close to expected when you see a show like this but it reaches a new level when watching circa wolf. A new respect is created with every single twist and spin leaving you shocked and at the edge of your seat. But is not just about the pure physical element: something close to a story appears about power, jealousy and control. Each of the two only makes the other better

Every second is filled with wonder and the slight fear for the people but of course it has been practiced to perfection leaving nothing to luck or chance.

This is everything you want from a piece of circus: physical marvel, respect and a deeper meaning. Circa wolf is a meaningful addition to the fringe and to anyone’s weekend plans. A real standout show.

****
Reviewed by Nina
Underbellys Circus Hub on the Meadows
Until 29th August (not 12th 18th or 25th)
18.20 (1 hour)

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Pirates: You Wouldn’t Steal A Boat 4****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:15:21 +0000

Pirates: you wouldn’t steal a boat’ is like no other. A rather odd mix of friendship, pirates and references to a very famous actor. At points you will be on the floor laughing, at others you’re singing along to a rather operatic song.

Those seeking a serious show should keep well away. Silliness is embraced from the crew at every point leaving no minute left without a laugh and a smile.

The story of rather odd pirates on a rather odd mission would never be enough for the actors. Instead, a million and one random and hilarious ideas and plots must be added, from music to clever use of hats, everything is there.

The details are key. A small crew have been more than resourceful embracing everything that other small productions fight, making the show even better for it. At no moment are you left to sit and stop instead you’re fighting the next laugh at all points and feeling like you’re part of the ships crew.

‘Pirates: you wouldn’t steal a boat’ brings a lighthearted laugh to anyone. It’s one of a kind and a good time to all those who want to see something just a little more silly than normal.

****
Reviewed by Nina
Gilded Balloon – Paterhouse
Until 17th August (not 11th)
12.05 (1 hour)

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Leviathan x Asmodeus 4****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:01:04 +0000

A double bill of Scotland’s next bright young things, and first to take the stage is Saoirse O’Hooligan.
She gets off to a strong start, and it’s delightful, getting the crowd immediately with the barbed comments she’s had about looking like a Mormon housewife. It’s a wonderfully sharp opening.
A great section about Grindr maps, where her non-gay brother apparently only uses it for cartology reasons, is absolutely inspired, the kind of detail that makes you realise this is an emerging major talent on show.
The underlying thread of her grandfather, whether that be football or Irish roots, is a delight. Still, the actual strength comes when she goes off into an intellectual fantasy, exploding a premise almost like retro fan fiction, with shades of the classic Aristocrats joke in structure, as if crafted by pre-SNL Chevy Chase and Amy Schumer. Yes, folks, she is that good.
Intellectual, smart and completely relatable, she has a unique, singular style that her peers haven’t reached yet – one of the finds of the Fringe.
Next up is Layla Adam. With her Saudi Arabian-American background, she has a lot to mine for comedy, and she does so brilliantly. She explains that Asmodeus is the patron demon of the lost, and the parallels that play inside her life. No subject is too small. Her dating fantasy gay werewolf fan fiction is great, as is a brilliant piece about her boyfriend’s family hairstylist pressuring her to get communicable haircuts from the same limited stylist.
Adam is simmering and cooking up something delightful. There are some great one-liners too, with “Burka-holics” and the idea that men should be put into Dhab showing a mind in full throttle, and a stage presence to match.
Both these comedians are in their very early 20s and, comedy-wise, good enough to play with the cool kids.
Problem is, they’re developing so fast they’ve already surpassed expectations. Expect to see them both invited to the adults’ table very soon.

****
Reviewed by Steve H

Pizza Geeks Easter Road – Back room (venue 220)
8th -30th 21:30

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Patrick Monahan – I’m Not a Terrorist… I’m Freddie Mercury 4 ½ ****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:37:05 +0000

Patrick Monahan has been coming to the Fringe for well over 20 years, yet each show he does seems as fresh as a daisy, partly because he does have a tendency to get so involved with his crowd work, identifying people to call back to when required, something that he absolutely excels at.
As usual Monaghan bounds on stage smiling and welcoming everyone briefly warming people up, like they need it, and into the story of his early life. Born in Iran into an Irish/Iranian family, the family moved to Teeside, not without trauma, when he was 4 years old and acquired a nickname when he would have preferred a different one.
He briefly covers events that happened ‘explaining’ references to the younger element, playing with the audience, mining laughs, more than plenty throughout his hour. Oh and of course it wouldn’t be his Fringe show without a few of the audience up on stage dancing with him to the finale.
And did we get the complete show? Of course not. Did we care? Not a jot. Had we had an hour of fun, frivolity and entertainment? You betcha.
****1/2
Reviewed by Geoff
Gilded Balloon Patterhouse Dram
21.00 to 22.00
Until 31 August

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Lara Ricote — INKLING 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:21:51 +0000

Lara Ricote bursts onto the stage as a ball of frenetic energy and declares herself very quickly as someone who loves mystery and is comfortable with other people knowing something she doesn’t. She also believes that everyone she ever encounters must have an important message for her.

The conceit of the show INKLING centring around the three Delphic maxims is an effective way to establish this, as she talks through these prevailing messages which are also somewhat indecipherable, especially if her manic impression of the Oracle of Delphi is to be believed as historically accurate. Within this structure, Ricote animatedly weaves different events from her life into the show — two of the most significant threads being her major breakup last year and a rude encounter with a mumbling man in a London museum.

Taking full advantage of the Monkey Barrel stage, she darts back and forth between three microphones, instigates various lighting changes and shows off some physical comedy with a cup of water. Because of her frenzied and energetic performance, you’re already rushing to keep up with her from the very beginning of the show, worried that you’ll miss something. It becomes very clear that this is very cleverly by design.

Ricote is hard-of-hearing, at one point commenting that a lot of the time she’s probably only picking up on 65% of what is going on in any interaction. Her love of mystery is borne from her reality of constantly trying to fill the gaps and keep up with what she is missing. The very nature of INKLING as a show therefore invites the audience into Ricote’s world for such a singular comedy experience.

4 stars ****
Reviewed by Niamh
Monkey Barrel 3 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
Until 30th August excl. 17th
17.40 – 18.40

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Eryn Tett : Tasting Menu 4****

one4review — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:56:45 +0000

Welcome to the House of Eryn, our chef and waitress of cranium delights.

At first sight, you may wonder what exactly you’ve walked into, with Eryn dressed in slightly ill-fitting red chef’s overalls. Don’t expect any Ratatouille-meets-Disney vibes or Marx Brothers slapstick routine here. Our table is definitely on the quieter side of the id.

So what is this all about? There is actually no food on offer. This is a tasting menu of jokes, with your mind the silent critic, where only laughter counts as a rating.

The approach to this is soft, and a bit like turning on a radiator. You won’t notice what’s going on for a while, but make no mistake, Eryn is in complete control and soon enough you begin to feel the warmth itself.

So, like all good meals, we have a starter. Like one, the jokes aren’t filling our stomachs, but in the hands of Eryn, the joke, like food, is the fuel and she is the thrust that makes everything go down easily. Things are beginning to heat up, especially when she launches into the Maniac song from Flashdance. There is also no scattergun, quick-fire approach to the jokes here; it’s smooth and soothing, like a brain sorbet.

Then comes the main course, and the jokes start getting better as she attempts a classic comedy roast of the audience. Now she’s getting into her stride and winning the crowd over. And let’s give credit where credit is due. There aren’t many performers these days who would attempt a “yo mama” Beaver joke alone, where the full punchline involves the animal. The crowd are fully on board now, and Eryn knows exactly how far she can push it.

Next comes the final course, a glorious Eton Mess of proceedings that needs to be seen to be believed.

This show is an absolute angel delight. It feels like a retro 90s performance piece, as if Elf Lyons and Vic and Bob opened a restaurant of the mind. Where they would probably have stopped the sketch after five or ten minutes, in Eryn’s hands, it doesn’t need to be rushed, and it’s layered beautifully like a Viennetta Whirl.

Eryn commits to the bit completely and makes the 50 minutes a glorious collision of intelligence and stupidity. The only difference is you may not necessarily realise immediately whether it’s genius or what category it falls into until you get to the chippy on the way home.

Overall, this is a wonderful piece of comedy that you rarely see these days, delivered with such care and delight. The slow-burn approach works so well, and the key ingredient/secret sauce to proceedings is Eryn herself as your host, chef, brainiac maniac and everything in between.

Food for thought indeed. Mark this down as another Free Fringe gem.

****

Reviewed by Steve H

Garden Room at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50
6th – 30th

20:00 (50 mins)

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