Rollercoaster review – fizzy tricks and funky escapades from a master of juggling

Assembly Roxy, EdinburghWes Peden shows off his skills with hoops, pins and balls, while his humble pleasure in performance sweetens the stuntsIf juggling follows breaking to become an Olympic sport, Team USA would surely want Wes Peden on their squad….

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I Am the Boss review – squabbling siblings’ hijinks at Edinburgh fringe

Assembly George Square Gardens, EdinburghIn the Taiwan Season, a spirited trio deliver acrobatic antics – and their mischief spills into the audience‘Don’t try this at home,” children may be warned at some of the family circus shows on the fringe. But …

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Scottish theatre cancels Reginald D Hunter show over heckling of Israelis

East Renfrewshire venue cancels upcoming show after Fringe audience booed people who objected to Israel jokeA theatre has cancelled an upcoming show by the comedian Reginald D Hunter following reports that Israeli audience members were heckled during h…

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Sawdust Symphony review – a surreal circus where stagecraft meets woodcraft

Zoo Southside, EdinburghAcrobatics, juggling and carpentry are fixed together in a humorous and lightly unsettling production in the Made in Germany showcase Power drill? Check. Hammers? Present and correct. Chainsaw? Fully charged. But it’s best not t…

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Willy’s Candy Spectacular review – even the Sad Oompa Loompa can’t save this parody

Pleasance Dome, EdinburghThis unfunny spoof of Glasgow’s dismal Wonka-themed attraction is as short of ideas as the event that inspired itHow we laughed at Willy’s Chocolate Experience, a family attraction so bad it left children in tears. What nerve t…

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Burning Down the Horse review – entertaining ancient Greek antics

Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh This comedy puts the audience inside the giant wooden ruse, alongside a cast who add fizz to a show with real interest in the classical ageHere is an alternative take on ancient Greece that is not straight from the Trojan hors…

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Beyond the jokes: comedians switch to theatre at Edinburgh festival

Cancel culture, faltering fatherhood and the life of a tennis champ are dramatised as standups including Ivo Graham, Anna Morris and Adam Riches take a theatrical path this summerSam Kissajukian spent 10 years on the Australian standup circuit but incr…

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L’Addition review – superbly absurd comedy is waitering for Godot

Summerhall, EdinburghTim Etchells’ looping performance piece with Bert and Nasi replays a simple restaurant scene over and over with hilarious resultsLike a volley of Ken Dodd jokes or one of the more circular songs by Sparks, L’Addition tickles its au…

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The Sex Lives of Puppets review – kaleidoscope of carnality with no strings attached

Pleasance Courtyard, EdinburghBased on real interviews, these verbatim-style sketches are often candid and funny, with some emotional revelationsJeremy rubs his nipples and calls Meryl’s vagina “David Schwimmer”. She has dubbed his todger Roger – which…

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‘I can move my body how I want’: standup Stephanie Laing on conquering her fear of public dancing

She used to love cutting a rug – until she gave up drinking. Now, the comic has used dance to heal her wounded self-esteem – and explore the funny side of contemporary choreographyStephanie Laing admits she hasn’t been very kind to her body over the ye…

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