Pleasance Courtyard

Edinburgh

https://www.pleasance.co.uk/
22 - 28 August 2023
Public - The Musical
Catchy original musical with an important message about the current LGBTQ+ climate
Reviewed here

14 - 20 August 2023
Rhys James: Spilt Milk
With such a high ratio of laughs per minute, there will be no crying over this 'Spilt Milk' – unless it's tears of laughter
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2023
Buff
Sweet comedic play meanders at times but works for its audience
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2023
Casting The Runes
Atmospheric ghost story melds stylish imagery and powerhouse performances
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2023
Clown Sex
Clown Sex sometimes leans too heavily on disturbing content to be a winner, but has plenty to offer those with a more twisted sense of humour.
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2023
Matty Hutson: Don't Hold Back
A slightly disjointed hour by talented songwriter comedian, punctuated with some genuinely great songs
Reviewed here

18 - 28 August 2022
Twisted Tales
Accomplished, morbid storytelling from 'Owdyado theatre
Reviewed here

9 - 29 August 2022
Classic!
A fun, frenetic race through classic books that you've never had time to read
Reviewed here

8 - 29 August 2022
Eh Up, Me Old Flowers!
Illuminating biography puts the contradictions of UK's first primetime black comic under the microscope
Reviewed here

8 - 29 August 2022
Fiji
A smart, funny, and bizarrely touching piece of theatre that is complete triumph
Reviewed here

5 - 29 August 2022
Boris The Third
A lively tribute to a farcical time in politics
Reviewed here

5 - 28 August 2022
Opal Fruits
Cross-generational struggle on a London council estate told through puckish humour and UK Garage
Reviewed here

5 - 28 August 2022
Rajiv Karia: Gallivant
Karia takes to the stage with confidence and charisma but neither can save a mishmash of a script
Reviewed here

5 - 29 August 2022
The Magic Of Jim
Half-hour show packs in impressive illusions, and genuine life lessons too
Reviewed here

4 - 28 August 2022
SNORT
Silly, hilarious, great chemistry – improv at its best that will make you *snort* with laughter
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Alison Spittle: Wet
Clever writing backed by an endearing stage presence in a show you grin and nod along to
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Alphonse
A charming exploration of childhood imagination
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Angela Barnes: Hot Mess
A funny yet moving show that serves as a tribute to a talented friend
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Badass
Mills is a good writer, and despite a few stumbles the quality of her material is plain to see
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Bella Hull: Babycakes
Debut hour shows talent but is hampered by its presentation
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Ben Hart: Wonder
Wonderfully awe-inspiring magic from Fringe regular
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Block'd Off
The energy and sincerity is impressive
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Brennan Reece: Crowded
Takes audience interaction to a whole new level to great effect
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Conrad Koch: White Noise
A funny and engaging show that tackles racism with the help of an abrasive puppet pal
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Daddy Issues
An unflinching portrayal of trauma, sex work, and imperfect feminism that shows great promise
Reviewed here

3 - 15 August 2022
Deaf Ears
Author, therapist and child of Deaf parents tells of lesson learned.
Reviewed here

3 - 25 August 2022
Irvine Welsh's Porno
Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie make a funny, sweary return to the stage
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Jayde Adams: Men, I Can Save You
Free your thoughts and emotions to be guided by the Saviour–Jedi through humour, self-help speechifying, interpretive dance, and stirring vulnerability
Reviewed at Pleasance Cabaret Bar

3 - 28 August 2022
Let's Talk About Philip
Cleverly-told tale of family tragedy warns us not to hide from painful truths
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Lily Phillips: Smut
She brings a ferocity to her most-involved routines which almost dares us to be offended
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Made in India/Britain
Laugh out loud funny show about trying to find your people
Reviewed here

3 - 15 August 2022
Patti Harrison
Disjointed approach slightly sours one of those, 'I was there' events
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Pauline
Personal and powerful exploration of a troubled family history
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Pip Utton as Dylan
A final bow for rock's great enigma, and for the Fringe's great solo performer
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Sara Barron: Hard Feelings
Another cracking hour of standup from Barron, though not for the faint-hearted
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Sophie Duker: Hag
A lesbian cruise, a Ghanian vulture, and a grandma reminiscent of Don Corleone feature in the cleverly written, hilarious story of how Sophie Duker became a hag
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Svengali
Fascinating depiction of the powerplay between the sexes
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Tarot: Cautionary Tales
With acts like Tarot on the scene, sketch comedy will never die
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
The Unicorn
An powerful and unflinching exploration of sexuality and addiction
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Trash Salad
Exuberant and uncompromising burlesque clowning with a curiously sweet core
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2022
Ultimatum
Incisive two-hander is minimalist in approach yet complex in execution
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Vir Das: Wanted
Powerful storytelling meets hoot-worthy humour in this brilliantly crafted show about loving your country even if it doesn't always love you back
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2022
Will Duggan: Iceberg
Entertaining hour from an intelligent and self-deprecating comic
Reviewed here

24 - 29 August 2021
Skank
Saucy stand up provides food for thought
Reviewed here

17 - 22 August 2021
Skank
Saucy stand up provides food for thought
Reviewed here

7 - 13 August 2021
Bacon
Assured performance that evokes the tortured talent of painter Francis Bacon
Reviewed here

7 - 8 August 2021
Roald Dahl's The Twits
John Kirk's take on Roald Dahl's story makes up for a lack of invention with a playful, interactive performance
Reviewed here

20 - 24 August 2019
Rose Matafeo: Horndog
Exuberant, hyperactive standup that's a breathless delight.
Reviewed here

14 - 25 August 2019
Einstein
Pip Utton returns with well-executed solo show about the greatest physicist of last century
Reviewed here

12 - 25 August 2019
Jordan Brookes: I've Got Nothing
Accomplished 'hipster Nosferatu' shambles his way through a masterfully messy hour of stand-up
Reviewed here

7 - 26 August 2019
Drowning
Fascinating adaptation of the angels of death in Austria
Reviewed here

5 - 25 August 2019
Lucy McCormick: Post Popular
An unpredictable and transgressive history lesson delivered with confidence and charm
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
An audience of delighted youngsters actually enjoying Shakespeare’s words
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Algorithms
Moving and brilliantly comical exploration of modern relationships
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Beach Body Ready
Vibrant show with plenty of fun and laughter but with a serious message too
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Bible John
Ambitious production addresses the current widespread obsession with true crime
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Blodeuwedd Untold
A tour de force of beauty and Welsh Mythology
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Boar
Lewis Doherty returns to the Fringe with another stunning, thrilling hour of theatre
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Bobby & Amy
A riveting piece of theatre featuring two phenomenal performances
Reviewed here

31 July - 17 August 2019
Boulder
Half a String brings an inspiring, hopeful and masterful performance
Reviewed here

31 July - 18 August 2019
Brave Macbeth
Fun and farcical retelling of the Scottish play perfectly pitched at youngsters
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Don't Be Terrible
A fascinating play that needs work but has a strong idea and cast at its core
Reviewed here

31 July - 12 August 2019
Einstein
Pip Utton returns with well-executed solo show about the greatest physicist of last century
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Electrolyte
A breathless, exhilarating and heart-breaking piece of theatre
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Endless Second
A narratively complex look at rape within a relationship in the post-#MeToo era
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
FATTY FAT FAT
Poignant, provocative piece of theatre on self-acceptance and societal stigmas
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
I'll Take You To Mrs Cole!
A first class production that is beguiling and magical, teaching us not to demonise what we don’t know or understand
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Ivo Graham: The Game of Life
A Fringe veteran takes the audience on a quick-witted and hilarious journey through becoming a father
Reviewed at Pleasance Dome

31 July - 25 August 2019
John Robins: Hot Shame
Crafted original storytelling explores the everyday anxieties and neuroticism of this millennial man
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Ladybones
Thought-provoking and delicate exploration of OCD
Reviewed here

31 July - 17 August 2019
Lucy Porter: Be Prepared
Would adult life goals be more achievable if badges were handed out? Lucy Porter ponders this and more in her latest show
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Marcel Lucont: No. Dix
French caricature continues to charm those he despises
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Moonbird
A beautiful piece of children’s theatre that embraces inclusivity to deaf audiences
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Murder On The Dancefloor
A strong start gives way to an overwrought and muddled narrative
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Nigel Ng: Culture Shocked
An solidly entertaining show from a self-assured natural performer that has the potential to be even more
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Tarot
An hour of madness awaits with this informal sketch show
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
The Incident Room
An empathetic look into the investigation that caught The Yorkshire Ripper
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
The Rebirth of Meadow Rain
Fantastic solo show about domestic abuse and the strength of friendships
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
The War of the Worlds
Inventive, thought-provoking and thoroughly modern take on a classic tale
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
The Wild Unfeeling World
Eccentric but inspiring tale of resilience has almost nothing to do with Moby Dick
Reviewed here

31 July - 25 August 2019
Vikki Stone: Song Bird
Escapist joyous musical comedy with explosive laughs and moments of profundity
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Yuriko Kotani: Somosomo
A superb show that leaves the audience feeling inspired and hopeful
Reviewed here

26 October 2018
Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert
"Sadness with a semi" shtick conceals genius of exciting new work and witty rapport charms audience
Reviewed here

18 - 27 August 2018
Moon
A comedy double act that entertains with an array of anarchic sketches
Reviewed here

15 - 26 August 2018
UNCONDITIONAL
An example of great story-telling and how energy can bring an unconventional narrative to life.
Reviewed here

15 - 27 August 2018
WHITE
Race is more than a black and white issue for Koko Brown
Reviewed here

10 - 26 August 2018
Let's Inherit The Earth
Punchy powerful reminder that more's needed if we want our children to inherit the earth
Reviewed here

6 - 26 August 2018
Jordan Brookes: Bleed
Slippery, infuriating and elusive comedy defies categorisation.
Reviewed here

5 - 13 August 2018
UNCONDITIONAL
An example of great story-telling and how energy can bring an unconventional narrative to life.
Reviewed here

5 - 27 August 2018
WEIRD
A fascinating and emotional ride through one person’s experience, offering a fully realised portrayal of OCD.
Reviewed here

3 - 26 August 2018
Catherine Bohart: Immaculate
Unique anecdotes and thoughtful reflections make for a memorable hour of comedy.
Reviewed here

3 - 27 August 2018
Elise
Elise will leave you eager to find out more about its neglected heroine
Reviewed here

3 - 26 August 2018
Natalie Palamides: Nate
Last year's Best Newcomer makes a thought-provoking and triumphant return to the Fringe
Reviewed here

3 - 27 August 2018
Sirens
Devised fantasy spreads itself too thin and never takes flight
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2018
Fronting
Tender play examining the modern-day implications of a HIV diagnosis
Reviewed here

2 - 26 August 2018
Sindhu Vee: Sandhog
Witty and hilarious observations on marriage, parenthood and ageing parents from Best Newcomer nominee, Vee.
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Alex Edelman: Just For Us
Superb standup about bigotry, white privilege and the desire to fit in at any cost.
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Anuvab Pal: Empire
Mild-mannered exploration of British colonialism is consistent but falls short of hilarious.
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Brexit
Timely political satire sadly lacks bite
Reviewed here

1 - 27 August 2018
Build A Rocket
Teen pregnancy tale is nothing revelatory as a story, but solo performance is superbly executed
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Darren Harriott: Visceral
Impressively-handled combination of jokes and anecdotes handle serious issues in an entertaining manner
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Ed Night: An Aesthetic
A tense, uncomfortable hour with an allegation to make. You won't remember it for the laughs
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Emma Sidi: Faces of Grace
Maestro of off-kilter character creations brings five new faces to the table.
Reviewed here

1 - 27 August 2018
Finding Fassbender
Woman accidentally finds life's meaning while trying to reunite a famous actor with a letter
Reviewed here

1 - 27 August 2018
No Kids
Physical theatre with panache - and Madonna on the side
Reviewed here

1 - 27 August 2018
Polaris
Quirky, bizarre and hilarious - sci-fi comedy Polaris is a joy
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Sarah Keyworth: Dark Horse
A hilarious and thought-provoking hour of comedy on gender, sexuality and identity.
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
The Half
Macabre tale of squabbling showbiz duo with sinister undertones
Reviewed here

1 - 26 August 2018
Wilde Creatures
These tall stories are how storytelling should be done
Reviewed here

21 - 27 August 2017
Plan B for Utopia
This first full-length work from Joan Clevillé Dance is a real joy to watch.
Reviewed at Festival Theatre

10 - 27 August 2017
Tape Face
A bizarre, enrapturing mix of mime and audience participation.
Reviewed here

9 - 27 August 2017
Tom Ballard: Problematic
Socially conscious, wicked humour from Australia's favourite baby-faced comic
Reviewed here

5 - 27 August 2017
Ed Gamble: Mammoth
A master at audience interaction and laughter from start to finish.
Reviewed here

5 - 27 August 2017
Twayna Mayne: Black Girl
Good premise, but lack of structure and comic timing let it down.
Reviewed here

4 - 27 August 2017
Angela Barnes: Fortitude
Straight-talking comedian has an unusual obsession and a sharp-wit.
Reviewed here

4 - 27 August 2017
Colin Cloud: Dare
Slick professionalism balanced with mind-trickery and charisma serves up a perfect show.
Reviewed here

4 - 27 August 2017
Sisters: White Noise
This dark comedy show won't disappoint but isn't without its flaws
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2017
A Heart at Sea
Utterly charming telling of a simple tale.
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2017
John Hastings: Audacity
The clever and the callow come together in an infectious hour of stand-up.
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2017
NewsRevue 2017
High-volume, medium-quality critique of 2017 thus far.
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2017
Next Best Thing
A couple of oddball characters try to show us the ropes.
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2017
Digs
Impressive devised flatmate sketches which show big potential.
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2017
Giants: For an Hour
Top-notch sketch comedy that the audience devours
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2017
Last Clown on Earth
Overly abstract performance from Fringe legends.
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2017
Offside
An inspiring story of women’s football, past and present.
Reviewed at Traverse Theatre

2 - 27 August 2017
Perfectly Imperfect Women
Biographical wonder tale explores what drives us to want to live perfect lives.
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2017
Phil Wang - Kinabalu
Wang is as placidly controversial and nerdily winsome as ever.
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2017
Rachel Jackson: Bunny Boiler
Funny and insightful one-woman show unafraid to cover the darker aspects of relationships.
Reviewed here

2 - 27 August 2017
Red Bastard - Lie With Me
An alternative view of the rules of engagement with regards to love.
Reviewed here

2 - 28 August 2017
Skin
Fuses urban and contemporary dance to explore one boy's journey through gender transitioning
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Eurobeat
Hi-energy parody of Eurovision is a real mixed crowd-pleaser: no Brexit needed
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
Jonathan Pie Live
The blatant truth in an honest stage monologue from spoof reporter
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
Pete Firman: TriX
Old style charm and delivery, with impeccable modern comic wit
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
Rhys James: Forgives
Fantastically funny, thought provoking, with a dash of filth; one of the best comedians at the Fringe performs his best show yet.
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Scary Shit
Talented performers but unnecessary vulgarity takes away from what could have been a great show.
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Swivelhead
He used to fly typhoons, now he is a drone pilot, soon he will become an owl.
Reviewed here

24 - 29 August 2016
Dracula
A fresh take on Bram Stoker's classic tale
Reviewed here

18 - 24 August 2016
Beardyman: One Album per Hour
A supremely talented individual creates every kind of music imaginable in front of your eyes.
Reviewed here

6 - 29 August 2016
Strange Face
A photographic adventure around Britain with a lost Nick Drake recording
Reviewed here

5 - 20 August 2016
Alice Unhinged
No shortage of young talent on show as Alice is put firmly into the modern day.
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
A Tale of Two Cities
New life is breathed into an old story with bold direction and superb acting.
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Darktales
A gloriously macabre piece slithering beneath the sea of comedy.
Reviewed here

3 - 26 August 2016
Iain Stirling: Onwards!
Few flaws in this laughter fest for millenials but it is not what those who watched him on CBBC might expect...
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
James Acaster: Reset
Sublime observational stand-up with a big theme bubbling under mundane details.
Reviewed here

3 - 28 August 2016
Mark Watson: I'm Not Here
Watson's brand of reliably self-deprecating comedy brings plenty of laughs
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Sleeping Trees: Sci-Fi?
An energetic theatrical comedy that uses all the tropes of the sci-fi genre.
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
Teatro Delusio
This wordless piece of theatre wonderfully weaves together mystique, drama and poignancy.
Reviewed here

3 - 29 August 2016
We Live by the Sea
An engaging, inventive, and informative show about autism and friendship.
Reviewed here

1 - 27 August 2018
Freeman
Strictly Arts Theatre Company are fully deserving of their standing ovation for this most powerful of plays.
Reviewed here

31 July - 26 August 2019
Wireless Operator
A gripping and unflinching exploration of the mental and emotional cost of war
Reviewed here

8 March 2017 - Invalid Date
Whalebone
Physical theatre and puppetry combine to present an important message
Reviewed here

Invalid Date
Meeting at 33
An up close and personal Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Reviewed here