Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 2

Cartoonopolis, Colours Run, Flick, Fly, You Fools, Graham & Steen, Kirsty Mann: Corpse (Work in Progress), Meg in the Magic Toy Shop, Pickled Republic, Skye: A Thriller, Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote, Troubled

I have been going hard and fast and seeing some tremendous shows.

I spent most of August 3 at Summerhall Arts. What the team has done to preserve this space is more than admirable. It is a year-round arts hub for Edinburgh and should be preserved for as many years as possible. The courtyard was a lovely place to mingle, and if you head towards the back, you can find the Pickering Courtyard tucked away, a little less crowded and very relaxing. For more on Summerhall Arts, listen to our Season 2 Episode 13 with Sam Gough, Chief Executive Officer. And then give to the Summerhall Arts Preservation Fund.

On to the reviews.

MUST-SEE SHOWS

Cartoonopolis at The Pleasance Dome

A touching, feel-good story in the hands of a phenomenal actor. Bray is a master of character work. Cartoonopolis is a love letter to his brother and family, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In a world that often feels like an uphill battle, I left the theatre full of hope.

Fly, You Fools at The Pleasance Courtyard

An homage to the fools who fly. A perfectly crafted show that makes you forget that what they have created is incredibly difficult. The riffs on the LOTR actors are like giant inside jokes with the entire audience. And of course, the Foley artist is magic!

(Sorry, not sorry, for quoting along the entire show)

Pickled Republic at Summerhall

I’ve never had a better time with vegetables. Cantir is a phenomenal clown. Everything from the costuming to the audience interaction is done with excellence. The audience waited breathless to see the pickle, and the pickle’s becoming is worth the ticket price.

Meg in the Magic Toy Shop at Gilded Balloon Patter House

If you have a little one, do not miss Meg in the Magic Toy Shop. The most beautiful part of this show is that Meg reminds us (big kids specifically) of the simple joy of play. Also, can someone please give Meg a TV show?

HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHOWS

Flick at Summerhall

A sublimely written piece about death and learning to live. Nunn is a tremendous actress who brings depth and humor that draws you in. By the end, she feels like a good friend. An “Egg-cellent” show that is well worth your time.

Graham & Steen at The Pleasance Courtyard

As an improv junkie, this duo has me addicted. They play off each other in the way you would expect good friends to do. Hitting every bit in the story with charm.

(Steen, I’m still waiting for my £100 for the blue eyes flattery)

Grahm and Steen and Friends and Fun and Late and Show at Monkey Barrel Comedy

I said I was addicted… and this show was a fix! Thanks for bringing your friends from across the globe together for a night of frivolity. If you are into improv- this cohort hits the spot. 

Skye: A Thriller at Summerhall

The technicality of this show is perfection, from the camera work to the character work. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was at the bottom of the mystery. Sadly, it will remain a mystery because an emergency ended the show early (everyone is well). If you love a good thriller, see this show.

RECOMMEND

Colours Run at Summerhall

A heart-wrenchingly beautiful story of two brothers who desperately want better for each other, but the past keeps them from moving forward. The twists at the end will gut you to the core. As someone not from Scotland, I enjoyed the cultural specificity. This show was high on my watch list, and should be on yours as well.  

Kirsty Mann: Corpse (Work in Progress) at Summerhall

An engaging storyteller with a spooky tale. Mann knows how to bring an audience along for the journey. When this piece is complete, run, don’t walk, to get your ticket. Actually, just go see it now.

For what it’s worth Kirsty, I believe. Also, call me if you ever need an exorcist- I know people.

Troubled at Summerhall

Welcomed with tea, biscuits, and a blanket cushion for my bum- could it get any better? Then Crothers opens the show by saying, “I see you,” and I felt it to my core. This beautifully woven tale has you rooting for Alice to the end. Troubled leaves you anything but, hope is here.

Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote at theSpaceUK Symposium

This show was a hoot and a half, so much fun! The audience interaction was pure delight. Thank you for taking me back to the days I snuggled on the couch with my parents to watch really bad murders.

3 SHOWS FEATURED ON THE PODCAST THAT YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS YEAR

A Letter to Lyndon B. Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First at theSpaceUK

Xhloe & Natasha, need I say more? Also, a beautiful clown show and a dang good story. They are also performing And Then the Rodeo Burned Down and What if They Ate the Baby? Get your tickets now, as many shows are selling out.

Delusions & Grandeur at Summerhall

Karen is a master cellist and a cheeky little clown. Her sandwich bit is to die for. And where else but the fringe can you hear a master cellist just meters away? Karen is also performing in Pandora's Boombox at Gilded Balloon.

Olivia Raine Atwood: Faking It! at Greenside

I’ve called her one of the funniest women in comedy. Olivia is an impeccable writer and physical performer. Olivia is also performing her new show Ooops! at Greenside.