Introductions: A Musical Romcom about Political Differences, Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge, Edinburgh Fringe 2026

By Ollie Wilson

This superb musical tackles the challenging subject of people adjusting their politics to fit in with their partner's worldview. 

Dylan, adeptly played by Ross Jamieson, tells a pack of porky pies to woo and keep attractive and politically correct Paige (Abbie Lois). It goes swimmingly at first but soon he has to practise mental gymnastics to keep other figures, such as her traditionist father Roger happy. 

Roger is one of four characters played by versatile actor Edan Glennie who also puts in sterling performances as Freddie, who is Paige's co-worker; Mick, who is Dylan's friend, and Milo, one of their trendy neighbours when Paige's work forces them to relocate to the dreaded London.

Danielle Claire OHare also multi-roles skillfully as Mia, Paige's right-on best friend; Paige's grandmother, beautifully done, and Skyler, another annoying Londoner, 

Overall, the play, written, directed and composed by Martin Green, was excellent, with scenes that cracked along, catchy songs and sharp dance routines. Ultimately, Dylan's web of deceit becomes too much for him and he admits to Paige that he is a Tory-voting, politically incorrect bloke with no interest in feminism, ending theie relationship. They both learn something - and become more tolerant of the views of others. Hurray for that!

Star Rating: *****

Sophie Sconcia: Mother Superior, Hoots @ Nicholson Square, Edinburgh Fringe 2026

 By Ollie Wilson

Sophie Sconcia presented a fun and fairly silly lunchtime show that was a joy to behold.

After the audience had been ably warmed up by gay comic Jack Henry, she walked on stage, looking a million dollars in a nun's head-dress, black skirt and fishnet stockings! A very sexy sister!

Her 'order' - that of Saint George Michael - relies on song lyrics and advertising slogans rather than the traditional liturgy of the Holy Mass.  And Sconcia has some great material about relationships, men admitting they are bad at sex, and how to get a new car in exchange for a blowjob.

It was an very enjoyable hour that whizzed past - and the audience thorough enjoyed it.

Star Rating: ****

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper, Gilded Balloon Patter House, Edinburgh Fringe 2026

 By Ollie Wilson

Actor Daniel Taylor does a decent job at telling much of the story of the great comedy magician Tommy Cooper - in a comprehensive show which is rich in classic gags and failed magic tricks.

It is clear he has put a lot of work into this show, with large number of props. tons of comedy material and good costumes. He even looks quite like a young Tommy Cooper.

However, the sound seems a bit loud towards the start of the show, drowning out some of the lines, and, although he is undoubtedly, an accomplished performer, Taylor does not entirely capture the genius of Tommy Cooper on stage.

But there is much to like in this production: a lovely song at the end, some brilliant blasts from the past in terms of jokes and a very likeable and talented performer.

Star Rating: ****

Andrew White: What a Life, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh Fringe 2026

 By Ollie Wilson

What a marvellous hour of cutting-edge, largely death-related comedy this is - from a highly accomplished stand-up.

I laughed like a drain at Andrew White's routines about living with his parents, looking older than his 26 years of age, Jonathan the Jester and his mother's demise.

White is enormously affable and an excellent gag writer. The material about celebrants was terrific - I have come across so very many crap ones, they are more than ripe for ridicule. 

And, like myself, he has a love for pursuing 'The Man' in wars of attrition over minor misfortunes. That's the spirit, lad! 

In a tough Fringe for pulling audiences, the room was packed - and you could see why. White was outstanding from start to finish. Lovely job!

Star rating: *****

Madeleine Brettingham: Legend, Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh Fringe 2026

 By Ollie Wilson

You don't see many stand-up shows with real balls, taking the piss out of men and women, embracing stereotypes before debunking them, and not giving an eff about political correctness. This is one such rarity.

Madeleine Brettingham uses her background of being brought up by an alcoholic single dad in not-so-sunny Bournemouth to expose the ludicrousness of 'man the legend'. With an exceptionally tightly written script, delivered in a machine-gun rat-tat-tat fashion, and a bit of a put-on ladette accent, her scathing lines rarely missed their mark. 'Women had tits, men had a van,' she said, reflecting on different times. And the showjumper clitoris joke was a killer!  

From geezers - 'half-man, half-crab' - to the Artful Dodger to serial killers, she combined wit with physicality and her imposing height with an ability to out-geezer geezers, out-bollocks blokes - and lampoon car-crash 'legends'. 

And, yeah, why shouldn't a woman behave just as crudely as a man, and be awarded popular 'legend' status for doing so? What geezers can do, birds can do better! 

The finale was a triumphant treat! And, overall, it is a beautiful piece of writing, poetic at times, without letting the facts get in the way of a great story. Yet at times it was also brutally honest. Brettingham, a Cambridge graduate, uses stock stereotypes as skilfully as Al Murray, an Oxford University graduate, did more than 25 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe as the Pub Landlord to expose the absurdity of so much of the human condition. 

The inspired greatness of this show is beyond a shadow of doubt.

Star rating: *****