Andrew Doherty: Sad Gay Aids Play review – twice the satire from Gay Witch Sex Cult comic

Pleasance Dome, EdinburghStarting out with a deliciously bumptious persona, Doherty’s show trips itself up with a subplot about arts fundingGay Witch Sex Cult was quite the solo debut last year from Andrew Doherty, a folk-horror pastiche delivered in c…

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Dirty Work review – a jolly holiday with Mary Floppins

Underbelly Cowgate, EdinburghJessica Barton sets about cleaning up the domestic acts of the men in her audience with comically strict disciplineWe’ve all felt the urge to impose order on the mess of our lives, whether that mess is literal or emotional….

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Palestine: Peace de Resistance review – an absurdist response to an abominable situation

Pleasance Dome, EdinburghIn an impressive show, Sami Abu Wardeh delivers a collage of historical storytelling, jokes about colonialism and clowningWhen Sami Abu Wardeh performed his hit show Bedu at the fringe three years ago, his Palestinian heritage …

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She’s Behind You review – Christmas comes early to Edinburgh with panto songs, sweets and subversive spirit

Traverse theatre, EdinburghPanto dame Dorothy Blawna-Gale is sharp-tongued and lovable but the hilarity is underpinned by creator Johnny McKnight’s personal storyShe stands before us in a blue gingham frock, towering wig and a “hideous yet age-appropri…

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She’s Behind You review – Christmas comes early to Edinburgh with panto songs, sweets and subversive spirit

Traverse theatre, EdinburghPanto dame Dorothy Blawna-Gale is sharp-tongued and lovable but the hilarity is underpinned by creator Johnny McKnight’s personal storyShe stands before us in a blue gingham frock, towering wig and a “hideous yet age-appropri…

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Creepy Boys: Slugs review – howling existential rave through modern life’s mayhem

Summerhall, EdinburghIn its aim to avoid big topics – politics, gender, climate – the Canadian pair’s superb show attempts an escape from contemporary chaosIf the end of the world is a party, I want these two feral slugs to be our hosts. Fever-dreamed …

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Rosie O’Donnell: Common Knowledge review – sentimental sermon with a self-mocking edge

Orchard at the Gilded Balloon, EdinburghThe US star’s engaging set is largely an earnest love letter to her non-binary child and newly adopted home of IrelandA month ago, Donald Trump branded comedian Rosie O’Donnell a “threat to humanity” and threaten…

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Eat the Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates X) review – scorching comedy about class privilege

Pleasance Courtyard, EdinburghThis tremendous solo show by Jade Franks uses deep rage and deadpan wit to skewer the ruling classShe has glittery nail extensions and her hair scraped back. On a night out, she is all fluttering eyelashes and enormous gol…

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Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath review – uproarious tales of a midlife cataclysm

Monkey Barrel, EdinburghThe charismatic standup rails against middle age with inventive and sometimes lurid material about the perimenopauseDesiree Burch is 46. For most comedians, this is the time to deliver your mildly grumpy show about middle age: t…

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Alan Davies: Think Ahead review – comedian addresses his childhood abuse in return to stage

Orchard at Gilded Balloon, EdinburghPerforming standup after a decade away, Davies rawly discusses his abuse by his father and delivers big laughs with other materialIt’s been 10 years since Alan Davies’s last standup show, since when, he says, he has …

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