Traverse theatre, EdinburghNat McCleary's play brings five women together through a Highland Games that does not always make them welcome Backhold wrestling, a folk sport that thrives in Sco…
The Studio, EdinburghGeoff Sobelle is firmly in control of this clever show full of tricks, but it doesn't really feed the soul A gigantic banqueting table dominates the room, with members o…
Traverse, EdinburghLaurie Motherwell's avoidance of cliche is commendable, but it does leave this tale of a get-rich-quick scheme with little sense of jeopardy Playwright Laurie Motherwell i…
After routines about orgies from the perspective of an 'awkward English twit', the comedian returns with an unironic and open account of carnal pleasure It is nearly midnight at a packed the…
A staggering number of self-inflicted deaths have happened at HMP Woodhill. Now, the testimonies of the deceased's loved ones have been turned into a shattering piece of theatre Matt Woodhea…
Pleasance Courtyard, EdinburghThe comedian rebrands as angry for her second show, but it's her likable comic persona that proves irresistible Not the least achievement of Chloe Petts' debut …
Underbelly Cowgate, EdinburghUS comedians Anne Gregory and Rebekka Johnson front a satire of girl bossing, with guest acts including the British pop star It's a bit of one thing and a bit of…
Performing at the Edinburgh festival is hugely stressful, but the things I learned there have been useful offstage too If the beginning of September still makes me think I need a new noteboo…
Pleasance @ EICC, EdinburghSouth African actors replay the brutal events of the US's formation as a catalogue of poverty, struggle, violence and pain We know the story. We have heard it told…
Traverse, EdinburghIsobel McArthur's gag-filled farce takes place in a bland modern hotel with a previous life as an opera house Early in Isobel McArthur's head-spinning new comedy, there is…
Assembly Hall, EdinburghIs the fringe veteran stretching himself? No, but his laconic style is deceptive: he's never less than beadily alert Might knob gags be defended on the basis of cultu…
Actor known for her roles in television comedies, the epic drama The Spoils of War and Coronation StreetAt one time in the mid-1970s, the actor Anita Carey, who has died of breast cancer age…
Pleasance Courtyard, EdinburghAfter moving to Glasgow, the Yorkshire standup dreams of reinventing himself as a Scotsman " but will faking an accent and ordering vegan haggis be enough? The …
Zoo Southside, EdinburghValentijn Dhaenens switches between 13 characters, with the help of technology, to tell a story of poverty and social injustice It is maverick, perhaps reckless, to a…
Lyceum theatre, EdinburghThe 2003 film forms the basis for this intriguing show about far-right tyranny but it is not a straightforward adaptation by any means A row of actors introduce them…
The Royal Shakespeare Company's former artistic director was a great theatrical leader whose legacy includes proving the history cycle is at the centre of our national story News of the deat…
Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh This cult novel adaptation follows one woman's journey toward self-determination, though it needs more work before it's a killer hit This musical comes with im…
Performers and producers say arts are being 'sanitised' amid more sensitive attitudes towards swearing and sexual politics An annual "poster war" has raged between rival promoters for as lon…
Roundabout @ Summerhall, EdinburghPlaywright Ed Edwards frames the story of a juvenile offender through the lens of colonialism In his 2018 play The Political History of Smack and Crack, Ed …
Minerva, Chichester; Garrick, LondonThe wit and sharpness of the 70s TV series about a pioneering all-female band is partially captured in a spirited stage adaptation. As for Simon Nye's new…
Royal Opera House, LondonThere's less gravity defying, more gravitas as the Cuban star makes a dazzling return to the Royal Opera House in a seamless show of crowd-pleasing highs When the cu…
Traverse, Edinburgh A mother is overwhelmed by postnatal depression, just as her musician partner gets a big break, in this heartfelt show drawn from life There is a tremendous amount of hea…
Traverse, Edinburgh A couple gradually face up to the emotional life choices they've made, in this compellingly acted, exquisitely written play by Eugene O'Brien It is a game we all play. …
Photographer Murdo MacLeod presents his view of the opening week's Edinburgh festival and fringe shows " from a show for one to a giant dinner party' See all our Edinburgh festival 2023 cove…
Summerhall, Edinburgh The Neutrinos present two very different shows in the same lounge-like space: Inhaus sits the audience in the middle of a pop gig, while Darkroom's quiet soundtrack dra…