Robot helpers and flying houses: Edinburgh fringe tips for families

From wacky versions of The ABC Song to Quentin Blake’s eccentric Mrs Armitage, these five shows offer fun for young audiencesUnderbelly until 31 August Continue reading…

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Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour review – fringe gem leaves you ecstatic

Summerhall, EdinburghConnor Dariol, AKA Australian clown Conk, does exactly what he claims – and with such skill and relentless pep we are helpless to resistWhen I saw the title to the Australian clown Conk’s show Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over …

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Lara Ricote: Inkling review – this fizzy standup’s smart new set is her best yet

Monkey Barrel Comedy, EdinburghA show about maturing and learning to listen to life’s signals doesn’t stint on tomfoolery and has some great gagsWhat a rich and enjoyable show this is from Lara Ricote, a leap forwards from her already-excellent first t…

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Sam Eley Is Basil Crumbwick review – cantankerous cult hit brings laugh after laugh

Monkey Barrel, EdinburghThere are shades of Vic and Bob as well as Frank Sidebottom when this embittered git with bloodshot eyes holds courtEvery room in Edinburgh has its ghosts, and its particular character. This one is all about the late-night cult …

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Sam Eley Is Basil Crumbwick review – cantankerous cult hit brings laugh after laugh

Monkey Barrel, EdinburghThere are shades of Vic and Bob as well as Frank Sidebottom when this embittered git with bloodshot eyes holds courtEvery room in Edinburgh has its ghosts, and its particular character. This one is all about the late-night cult …

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I Made You a Mixtape review – frothy fringe fun as dorm mates party like it’s 1999

TheSpace Triplex, EdinburghNine college students fall out and make up as they dance to punk-pop and alt-rock in this lively showThis is such a festival show: uncategorisable, buzzing, slightly chaotic and unlike anything else. As director Christie Lee …

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Abby Govindan: Pushing 30 review – playful comic makes the case for marriage as a side quest

Pleasance Courtyard, EdinburghGovindan’s debut takes aim at patriarchal stereotypes with pranks, PowerPoint and easygoing storytellingIn south Asian culture, marriage continues to be paramount, with women still largely bearing the brunt of this societa…

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Jonno: Here Comes Mr Funny review – Sheeps comic leaves flock for revelatory solo

Monkey Barrel, EdinburghThe Saturday Night Live UK writer, who is one-third of the sketch troupe Sheeps, balances sincerity and shtick in a show with big laughsThere are reasons to take up standup, and then there’s Daran “Jonno” Johnson launching this …

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The Last Drop review – everything is rotten in this dark domestic comedy

Zoo Playground, EdinburghDante Passarelli’s play, part of the São Paulo Showcase, is an atmospheric hour borrowing themes from HamletThis year’s fringe variously puts Hamlet in the Big Brother house with Lady Macbeth, makes him “Prince of Sweden” in an…

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Charlene Kaye: Diversity Shredder review – killer riffs slay toxic music industry

Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh This is a fun and feverish journey, with well-crafted comedy and screaming guitar, through the star’s career so farIn an industry that claims to be inclusive, it’s so easy to feel tokenised. For musician and comedian Ch…

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