Mark McAuley’s "Diary of a Mad Man" is a multimedia theatre piece reflecting on the rise of the far-right and social media's impact. While the political messaging sometimes overshadows the narrative, McAuley delivers an engaging performance with striking multimedia elements, provoking intense emotions despite a lack of nuanced insights.
Tag: Fringe 2026
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Man or Bear – Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
"Man Or Bear," created by Katie Hurley and Sarah Hehir, explores the impacts of male violence on women’s lives, particularly through the lens of single motherhood. Strong performances, particularly by Amaia Naima Aguinaga, elevate the poignant narrative.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Gearóid Farrelly: No Pressure – Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios
Farrelly delivers a great high-energy performance this year, full of punch lines and current issues which will have you continually laughing out loud—this is one to watch and worth a look. Catch him before the run ends at this Fringe festival at Studio 5 Assembly Festival, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: ROOMIES – Jersey at Underbelly, Bristo Square
ROOMIES remains an accomplished, impressively grounded showcase for Stephens' talents. Striking a delicate balance between sardonic Hollywood satire and raw human vulnerability, it delivers an authentic, surprisingly hopeful look at connection when rock bottom is reached and a damning indictment on America’s commercialisation of mental health, and healthcare.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Jonathan Oldfield: Exquisite Corpse – Below at Pleasance Courtyard
Jonathon Oldfield's debut show 'Exquisite Corpse' at the Fringe is an hour of absurd character comedy, featuring a mix of his eccentric characters and audience-inspired creations. With rapid pacing and engaging physical gags, the performance delights, although the concept could be further developed. Overall, it's a fun, chaotic experience showcasing Oldfield's comedic talent.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Flamenc Oh!! – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms
Flamenc Oh!! is a dynamic collaboration by Yllana and Sadler’s Wells that fuses traditional flamenco with absurd comedy and pop sensibilities. The engaging performance explores generational clashes, showcasing exceptional talent and celebrating heritage while inviting audience participation, despite its somewhat episodic structure.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Glob – McEwan Hall at Underbelly, Bristo Square
Les Foutoukours' performance "Glob" at the Edinburgh Fringe offers a mesmerizing experience through physical theatre, showcasing two whimsical creatures in a dreamlike exploration of friendship. Its technical mastery, audience responsiveness, and gentle storytelling create a joyful, captivating atmosphere for all ages.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Nesting – Old Lab at Summerhall
Peter McCormick’s Nesting is wonderfully metaphorical whilst holding true to the most touching elements of its subject matter. From the off, Billy Mack’s Francis is absolutely endearing; whether lip-syncing to booming music or crying through the most resonant moments with his daughter, he has the audience wholly invested
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Little Animals – The Lyceum Studio
In "Little Animals," Paul Ready delivers a poignant monologue exploring environmental indifference during a memorial for a climate activist. Directed by Caroline Steinbeis, it skillfully blurs audience boundaries, fostering introspection.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 Review: Gareth Mutch Means Well – Stand 1 at The Stand Comedy Club
Gareth Mutch captivates the crowd at The Stand Comedy Club with self-deprecating humor and social commentary. He shares personal anecdotes, engages the audience, and humorously explores embarrassing moments, leaving them with memorable life lessons and laughter.
