Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews Part 3

Alone, Chat Sh*t, Get Hit, Clean Slate, Dear Annie, I Hate You, Girl Pop!, Honest Fraud, Just to Be Close to You, Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret, Sàng Tsáu, Scatter: A Horror Play, Seltzer Boy, Soul to Soul, Soul to Soul, Strangewife, Yes, We’re Related

My time at the fringe has come to an end. It has been an incredible experience, and I cannot believe the caliber of shows I have seen. A little tip for artists: don’t just hand someone a flier, talk to them, even if it is just for two minutes. Take an interest in who they are, and they will take an interest in your show. I had an artist sit down with me and chat for over five minutes, even after I told her I could not make the show. And if she is back at the fringe next year, I will be sure to move her show to the top of my list— connection matters.  

On to my last set of reviews.

MUST SEE

Alone at Assembly Box

Brilliant! This show had me breathless. Some of the best acting I have seen in a long time. Feminist art that connects to the multi-faceted human condition of living and dying. Do not miss this show.

Alone could easily be a two-act play running on the West End or Broadway.

Chat Sh*t, Get Hit at Summerhall

A powerhouse performance. I’ve never wanted to bark so badly in my entire life. This spoken word piece exploring feminine rage gripped me to the core. A stunning piece of theatre.

Clean Slate at Summerhall

Extraordinary! The audience interaction was like nothing I have ever seen. Marshall took us on a journey of falling in love, only to realize the relationship was nothing like we thought. When you see this show, do yourself a favor and sit in the front row.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Dear Annie, I Hate You at the Pleasance Courtyard

Entrancing from beginning to end. I waited over a year to see this show, and it did not disappoint. Ipema’s story reminds us of the value of life and those we care about. And just how hard living can be, but it is oh so worth it.

I saw this show after the storm, which caused some technical issues. Needless to say, the show held its own without the fancy tech, and that, my friends, is the mark of a remarkable piece of theatre.

Honest Fraud at Underbelly Bristo Square

This Brazilian duo is magnificent magicians. Jaw-dropping feats of honest fraud. Clever audience participation. I’m still trying to figure out how they did it all. Great for adults and families.

Just to Be Close to You at Hoots Comedy Potterrow Yurt

Impressive clowning. Poter’s ability to connect with an audience and get them invested in the outcome of the show is nothing short of extraordinary.

Go cozy up in the yurt and get close.  

Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret at Assembly George Square

This musical review is a bonding experience for the whole family. Monski and her team put melodic twists on classics like the Wheels on the Bus and sing some of Mum and Dad’s favorite tunes like Blackbird. Bring your wee ones and enjoy an hour of fun together.  

Sole to Soul at theSpaceUK at Niddry St.

A masterful piece of feminist art. This show transports you to the past when foot binding was an achievement of beauty, to the modern-day consumption of the material. The use of flashlights and silence in the opening was brilliant. If you love dance or feminist work, go see this show!

Yes, We’re Related at Underbelly Cowgate

A quippy and raw look at family dynamics amid crisis. Exceptional writing. The acting is nuanced and deep. Lots of laughs steeped in suffering. And I just loved Mike- sorry, Mark.  

RECOMMEND

Sàng Tsáu at theSpaceUK at Niddry St.

An entrancing 30-minute dance show. Spectacular dancers who move with precision and grace. If you love dance, do not miss this show.

Scatter: A Horror Play at Underbelly Cowgate

Down for a good scare? Go see Scatter. A haunting tale that had everyone gasping for breath. Superb acting, and just the right balance of storytelling and jump scares.

 

OTHER EXCITING SHOWS TO CONSIDER

Girl Pop! At Gilded Balloon Patter House

Bop and Pop your way down memory lane in this parody of all things girl band. Catchy tunes and sequins for days. Strong vocals from each individual performer. You’ll leave the theatre with a smile on your face.

Seltzer Boy at Paradise

A rare and moving look into the male experience of body image and the longing to be skinny. Anyone who has ever struggled with their body will connect with this show.  

*A special shout-out to the hilarious ranking of Seltzers. You are correct, Waterloo is the best- so we can still be friends.

Strangewife and Assembly Rooms

A quirky tale with startling twists and turns. The conceptual design choice to set the stage for an actor, complete with a taped-off prop table, acting cubes, and self-tape recorders, was genius.