Author: Brett Herriot

***** (5 stars)

“Heart Shattering!”

The critically acclaimed hit of the 2025 Fringe Festival written by Liam Lambie returns for the 2026 festival ahead of a Scottish Theatre tour in the autumn of this year which will see the full production staged in venues across the central belt.

For this second fringe season it’s the abridged 50-minute version that returns to the Space on the mile and it’s lost none of its power, comedy or its urgent message to its audience that when it comes to knife crime there are never any winners, only losers.

Set in 1990’s Glasgow Suburb of Govan where Gang culture runs rife, the play is deeply biographical and clever representation of a generation just behind the current one where loyalty and respect are earned through dedication and trust of your friends.

The first half of the play is an observational comedy triumph going beyond the tracksuits, trainers and baseball caps to reveal even perceived “Neds” have hopes and dreams and all have different reasons for joining the gang they share. Yes, the language is near the knuckle but the laugher flows. The transition to the second half where the drama takes over, leading to a heart shattering conclusion, is a gift of excellent writing and stellar performances from the entire cast.

There is not a weak link in this tightly knit company who clearly believe passionately in not only the show, but what it stands for. When we were young is a sobering, emotional and powerful reminder that in the nearly three decades that have passed since the plays setting the tragedy of knife crime continues to pervade our society, are we learning the lesson? Appears we aren’t as long as young people continue to pick up a Knife. When we were young are transcending the art form in order to educate and this five-star production has what it takes to succeed and you cant help leaving the intimate venue wanting to see the full production. Wonderful stuff indeed.

When We Were Young, Space 2, At the Space on the Mile, Venue 39, Runs Until 29th August for more information go to: When We Were Young | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

***** (5 stars)

“Fabulously Filthy”

Remarkably after a 17 year absence the world’s most renown Homosexual Julian Clary makes his triumphant return to the Fringe Festival with his brand new show “Fully Dilated” taking to the stage of the music hall at the Assembly Rooms George Street and he delivers a fabulously filthy hour of comedy that see’s the master of smut try out new material and reprise some favorites alongside a poignant moment or two that proves that no one does it better than Mr. Clary!

With nothing more than his trusty Microphone and stage manager Bertha at his side and a life time of adventures and anecdotes under his belt, Julian is opening himself to his audiences to talk all things, life, death and everything in-between in a blistering hour of comedy that’s peppered with not only audience interactions but also moments of pathos driven reflection.

We hark back to the days of Sticky moments and Fanny the wonder dog whose impression of the Late Queen mother had to be seen to be believed along with more recent adventures that has seen Julian become queen of the London palladium pantomimes alongside his dear friend Nigel Havers.

What makes Fully Dilated extra special is Clary also speaks openly of loves lost to the Aids pandemic of the 1980’s and the many friends he has lost along the way during his 40 plus year career. Most poignantly Julian discusses the late and legendary Paul O’Grady to great audience acclaim.

Fully Dilated is a chance for Julian to harness new material but also reaffirm his crown as the master of stand up that while a cannon of smut it’s also deeply funny! Long may Julian Clary remain the icon of comedy!

Julian Clary Fully Dilated, The Music Hall at Assembly Rooms Venue Runs Until 23^rd August for more information go to: Julian Clary: Fully Dilated | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

*** (3 stars)

“A Musical with real Potential”

Daf Hughes written “Girlz” debuted at the 2025 Fringe Festival having been developed via workshops in 2023 and 2024 and now an updated but still abridged version of the show comes to the 2026 Festival playing at the Gilded Balloon Doonstairs on Chambers Street.

It’s only fair to say that on the day of review there were major technical issues with the house opening nearly 15 minutes late followed by two show stops, which meant the show finally went up with a 30-minute delay. That being said, the stellar cast and production team proved that no matter what the show must go on and my word did they triumph.

Girlz tells the story of a 5-piece girl band (think Spice Girls crossed with All Saints) put together by a Simon Cowell knock off Dan Cashman but there is a cost to be paid for the price of Fame facing up to addiction and relationships tested to the limits and rather refreshingly this musical looks at the human side more than the glitter of fame. Performances are excellent across the board with Meggie Hughes leading the company in style as “Nicky” as really her journey the story revolves around.

While the storyline may have a moment or two of predictability at its heart there is human and beautiful story at play. The abridgment of the show means that the story does feel rushed, however it’s a musical with real Potential and does leave you wanting to see the full 100-minute version of the show.

Girlz provides an entertaining 65 minutes of musical fun with great direction from Katy Weir and sharp Chorography from Simone Mistry-Palmer lets hope the technical issues are smooth out as the show beds into its run and may the Girlz pack the audiences in Doonstairs at the Patterhouse!

Girlz, The Fringe, Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House Runs Until 30th August for more information go to: GIRLZ | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

**** (4 stars)

“Gripping, taught and emotionally powerful”

One of the most common vernaculars we use after a tragedy occurs is do we ever truly know what’s going on behind closed doors? We all try to be good family members and neighbours, but would we intervene in someone else’s life when its needed most? Could we make difference in someone else’s journey if for a moment we can step up when it really counts? That’s the questions that’s asked of us as an audience by Corey Muizelaar autobiographical play Behind Closed Doors currently running at the Hill Street venue for this year festival.

Muizelaar not only writes but performs the piece in the role of Jude opposite Ben Robert Cunningham as Charlie in a play that’s gripping, taught and emotionally powerful in equal measure. Both Cunningham and Muizelaar turn in truth laden performances that are soaked in conviction, truth and compassion in equal measure.

Performing in an afternoon slot, this play tackles adult issues of addiction and abuse with a sense of truth and a reality that can’t be ignored equally there is deep sense of compassion that shines through both the writing, performances and Jason Marc-Williams taught and flowing direction.

The play features a 16 strong play list of songs that have shaped Judes life and often these provided the cover for the scene transitions with a couple of them being a little clunky and over long.

Behind closed doors shines a light into an often-overlooked subject of same sex relationship abuse but does so with conviction and compassion at its heart. With stellar performances from two gifted actors and writing that truly wears its heart on it sleeves that make this play of one the “Must- See’s” of this year’s festival.

Behind Closed Doors, Alba Theatre at Braw Venues, Venue 41 Runs Until 30th August for more information go to: Behind Closed Doors | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

**** (4 stars)

“Ultimately Shattering!”

One of the greatest artists of the 20^th century Francis Bacon was many things to many people but his well-documented relationship with petty criminal George Dyer continues to fascinate more than 55 years since Dyer’s death in 1971.

Buggers, written by Alistair Hall (Who performs as Francis Bacon), directed by Alice Wordsworth and featuring Peter Clements as Gorge Dyer is an hour long exploration of a relationship that imbued passion, sadomasochism alongside struggles with alcohol, drugs and mental health in a play that merges physical movement and taunt dialog to deliver a production that is Ultimately Shattering.

Performed in the intimate space of the “Upstairs” at the Pleasance Courtyard in an early lunch time slot, this makes for a heavy-going watch, but also a blisteringly satisfying one too. Both Hall and Clements turn in career defying performance with exquisite skill and grace. There is total believability in both characters.

Although the space is intimate it adds a deep sense of impending doom to the overall piece although nothing is left off guard or unsaid and yes there are scenes of sexual and violent nature, but this can’t be hidden away from.

Alice Wandsworth direction is rich and flowing and never holds back in delivering the truth, but it’s a truth without judgement or precondition and that allows this talented duo to capture the audience with ease and ensures they remain wrapped for the entire performance.

While there were some niggles with sound and light that are intentional it does start to Jar a little but that aside this a truly capturing hour of drama that’s a worthy addition to any festival goers diary.

Buggers, Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard Venue 33, Runs Until 30th August for more information go to: Buggers | Edinburgh Festival Fringe