Help! My girlfriend has dragged me to Edinburgh

Ben's review: ⭐  I commend this troop on trying to attach a storyline to some of the troops talents. But for me this just didn't work.   Slow and well more slow, there seems to be a very niche audience for this that I am not part of. Let's focus on the positive ... that goat was born for the stage. The girlfriend's review: ⭐ This piece is in the "Dance, physical theatre and circus" category but doesn't really meet that. There was a lot more talking than I expected and unfortunately their acting skills just weren't quite up to it. The script is very slow and could have been cut down significantly. The story didn't fully flow and it was hard to understand why Quasimodo wanted to help Esmeralda and why Phobeus was no longer dead. Esmeralda was one of the weaker cast members looking uncomfortable when she was on stage, her dance moves were also not very elegant. I was expecting fire and spectacle unfortunately I was bored, cold and wet.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  The first standing ovation of the fringe, they are all so fabulously talented and could tell you a story out of anything. The compère joins in too trying to catch out the act, which is my favourite part of improv. I would watch this again and again. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This troop are so slick and polished that you almost forget that it is improvised. The cast work together so well, joking together and trying to catch one another out. Having a compère for the show really helps to keep things on track and him being able to intervene really helps with the madness. If you are going to see one piece of improv at the Fringe, it should be this one!

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐  There's quite a moral story behind this and it is really well acted by this one man act. Questions are posed and I'd love to see an extra half hour audience feedback session after this because you could get some great ideas.   On the negative side there is quite a lot of black space between scenes, and the final cut is ever so slightly over played. But given what was available to him he has done a great job.  Ps. Making clothes out of recycled plastic is a real thing now and is being done fantastically well, the great work of that does not need to be subverted. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐ This is a really strong one-person show. Representing how people in authority don't always understand the problems they are tackling. The performance and script was strong. Unfortunately, they were several long pauses whilst the actor changed off stage. This takes you out of the action, it would help to fill the silence with music/voiceovers/vide

Ben's review: ⭐⭐  This is exactly like love island; you won't like it but you will keep watching. Hyperactive and completely self obsessed this musical is too like the tv series and will grate after the first few minutes of excitement. The actors can sense it too and you can see the energy draining from the performance. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ There were a few fun sketches but this piece needs further development. This trio worked best when using music to enhance the comedy. Unfortunately, a lot of the sketches just hadn't been pushed far enough.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐  When I heard this was gig theatre I was a little bit concerned. But this really blew me away, the act was clean, clear and fresh. The fairytale marries in perfectly with the story and the use of musical time was fantastic.   There's a couple of things to work on to push this to the next level, singing on the melody could be a little 'stronger' and the acting at the very beginning left the stage a touch bare... But was really really well used later in the performance. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really interesting way of telling the story combining rapping, spoken word poetry and music. I found the performers to be very engaging and created an exciting story on a fairly empty stage. It feels a little bit like you are in a pub, with dim smokey lighting and a technician/actor on stage.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Control, flow, desire. This small dance programme really delivered. Yes there are some problems with spacing and if you sit in the front row you might get hit by a cape but you won't care. This group have done a fantastic job and I was thoroughly impressed. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Really really clever. Quite a sensitive subject is well covered by the duo, who  slip seamlessly between characters. The staging, acting and professionalism marry together perfectly.  It's not as rude as the name suggests although I would definitely avoid showing this to your children. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This performance is incredibly slick. The piece moves at an excellent pace and is incredibly well acted by the two-person cast. I loved the simplicity of the staging (projections describing where they were). The subject sounds a bit daft but once you've stopped laughing you are brought back to reality to address different addictions in a truly powerful way.

Ben's review: ⭐  Not fun! This is set in such a large space and has been running for multiple years at the fringe that I was expecting great things. Unfortunately it didn't deliver, given a hard topic to begin with the cast floundered unable to find a storyline or harmony.   Maybe the cast need to focus less on pulling the spotlight and more on letting other cast members find their feet. A little practice will go a long way. The girlfriend's review: ⭐ I had such high hopes for this having heard the name many times. Unfortunately, the performers did not deliver. Our show (suggested and voted for by the audience) was based on the movie "Birdbox". In this performance, the plot was not cohesive, only one actor remembered that they were supposed to be wearing blindfolds and very little happened for 95% of the show. It was quickly and awkwardly wrapped up in the last few minutes. Although decent singers individually, the harmonies were awful and painful on

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐  Bear with this one, it starts quite slowly and if your unprepared (as this one theatre goer was) you might contemplate leaving. But the second half really picks up. Their is some fantastic artistry in this and you will be amazed. I do want to see more though... of the bubbles.   Outside of the bubbles the act is a lot more slapstick and over-acted and very insane The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐ This show is pure madness but weirdly hilarious. Some of the artistry with the bubbles is truly impressive. There are some truly strange burlesque style sequences but the end result leaves you a mixture of impressed, shocked and a little bit horrified.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  There  are  a spate of things appearing that follow the intentional mishap and this play utilises that comic appeal expertly. They are able to mix it with some fantastic acting and remarkable singing to create a thoroughly enjoyable performance. One that I would see again and again.  Note to the venue, there are too many people cramped into the space and it is quite comfortable having another person's head in my lap. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ With a cast made up of West End performers it was no surprise that this was a truly excellent show. They all had such incredible control over their voices with insane harmonies! For anyone with a passion for musicals, this is a much see. Following chronologically the order of a traditional show, this gives you a humorous behind the signs look of auditions, standby life through to super stardom.

Ben's review: The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ Perhaps it is because the material this show is based on (Love Island) is so ridiculous itself that this didn't feel like a parody but just a tame episode of Love Island... with songs. (I say this as someone that unfortunately watches Love Island). Where was the fighting, the bitching, partner-stealing and over-sexualized games. There is a lot to mock yet they did so little. Unfortunately I found myself a little bored at times.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐  Mimicking the conversational style of a chat show the show does get a good buy in from the audience. Does it go further than that, not too often. Putting a focus on the ridiculous rather than the remarkable; this show is a bit ... Well meh.  It will make you laugh... at times or force you to think of appropriate questions to ask the panel for the rest of the show. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ Hosted by Gráinne Maguire, 3 comedians discuss what they think are the most important news stories of the week. This show kept us out of the rain for an hour and was mildly amusing but isn't one I will be jumping to see again.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  This is exceptional... if you have seen game of thrones. If you haven't then you need to re-evaluate your life choices.   For such a serious tv show it is really refreshing how much of a contrast this performance is. There are some stage acts that I could only imagine working at the fringe, but thats where I am and I love it! The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is another of those shows that we see every year without fail. It is a must see for all Game of Thrones fans as the writers have perfected this. We get to see the highlights of all the seasons and laugh for 90% of the show just pausing to cry during my personal favourite song "Hold the door". The whole cast are incredible singers and comedy performers but special mention to the man playing Tyrion, Hodor and a few others. Despite being a larger man he dances with such elegance and his voice is hauntingly beautiful.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐  A professional performance with some of the best 90s music. I can't fault the acting some of the actors reach an amazing emotional level.  It did however hit some of the unfortunate glitches that are at the fringe... for the first section of the show the music is too strong , this was rectified in time. The thrust staging felt a little gimmicky and did more to hinder the audience than help. And my biggest bug bear... singing different words at the same time, I couldn't make out either set of lines and whilst not vital is annoying.  Having said all they it is an enjoyable evening. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ I was expecting a lot from this jukebox musical as it featured some West End performers and has Bill Kenwright Ltds name behind the production. It was a lot more slapstick than I expected but enjoyable nonetheless. I think the piece lacked emotional depth and the jukebox songs, whilst funny, didn't always progress the plot.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐  Thought provoking but not enjoyable. There is a strong message here about the societal attitude to mental illness and shows how far the world has come, but still has to go.  The troop have obviously brought this to edinburgh with a plan and have at times been let down by the space provided, it is impressive how much of the performance I couldn't see from the second row. There are good ideas and strange ideas and this performance sadly has both. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ Some interesting ideas here with a creative use of paint to show the scares left on patients. This piece has potential but I think needs further development to get to the true horror of bedlam. Unfortunately for me the Doctor was poorly cast, the actor lacked emotion in his performance and didn't bring the intimidation needed in this role.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  3 very different people forced together through affordable long, this os the future for us all. And whilst some of the things that happen may be truly shocking, we have our housemates there to help.  A great piece of physical theatre to start your day off, unlike any other physical theatre I've seen here the focus is not on showing off a well trimmed body but on giving the audience real life comedy and it is wonderful. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An excellent physical comedy piece showing three people living very different lives in apartments side by side. The set for this one is a masterpiece with so many creative bits to it. Make sure you stay after the bows for a little treat!

Ben's review: ⭐⭐  If you are going to play games keep a track of the score. I want a winner and a loser. This isn't time for the CBBies "everyone's a winner" line.  Besides that the space is terrible and the acting is weak. Improv is often best done in a competitive environment and this could have been brilliant. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ This is one of those improv shows made up of lots of games (feels a bit like an episode of "Whose Line is it Anyway"). Most of the games felt like they were ended a bit too quickly with no real purpose. There were some amusing moments but this wasn't the strongest improv troupe. Note: get there early for this venue "Guilded Balloon: Tollbooth Market" has flat seating and packs the rows in. Even 6ft2 Ben was struggling to see!

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐  What a great show, seamlessly transitioning between moments of comedy and a deeply emotional journey. I definitely count keep a straight face through the twists and turns of this story.   This is done in the true ed fringe style and works for 95 per cent of the time. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The script for this show was excellent and hilarious. Shout out to the cast member playing the "robot"as he was perfectly cast. The music does feel a little repetitive at times and, I'm not sure I'll be humming the songs after the show but, the acting was spot on and a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Ben's review: ⭐  Some of us have made really bad decisions. This is one such decision. It sheltered me for the rain for a good hour and whilst my clothes might have been grateful, my eyes and ears certainly were not.   If you are going to market your performance as a deep look into mental illness please do that, it is not a subject to be abused. The girlfriend's review: ⭐ This show completely missed the mark for me (and Ben was questioning why I picked this). The blurb promises to explore men's mental health and the stigma surrounding suicide. This was very briefly touched on towards the end of the show but definitely not going deep enough. The majority of the time we had two hysterical (occasionally high) characters who we didn't really care for. This script and songs were weak. The actors weren't good at acting or singing. The choice of an airsofa for the main set piece was a bad decision. I would give this one a miss!

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  This is far more than the posters advertise, there is a real art form amongst the high flying act. The variety of skills on show is so awe-inspiring and the burlesque feel to the show work so well together. There is nothing bad that I can say for such a skilled cast. Ps there is plenty of eye candy for the ladies as well. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sexy, sassy, acrobatics sums up this show for me. A great way to end an evening watching this talented cast effortlessly tight rope walk, trapeze and like dance whilst someone looking incredibly sexy. I'm still in awe of the person that did a tightrope walk in heels and the another for their backhandspring also in heels!

The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐ 13 acts with 3 minutes each in an attempt to market their shows. The line up changes every day. The show is snappy and kept well to time. There is just enough time for a taste of each performer. I wasn't particularly drawn to any of the shows but will definitely be giving the "Little Dickheads" a miss - what was that nonsense ?

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐  You don't really need me to review this. The essence of this show has not changed for the last 4 years. Despite this it is a fan favorite and will always be a full house.  Like watching your best friend stumble home drunk from a night out, Shit Faced Shakespeare will always get you to where you need to be and give you a story for tomorrow morning. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ We go every year (that is how I keep Ben coming to the fringe) as we find the format hilarious. This year we saw a drunk Macduff and our second bare man bum of the fringe. He spent a lot of time crawling on the stage and singing. I'm always impressed by the other cast members keep (relatively) straight faces and going with the changes to the script introduced by the drunk. Well worth a visit a

Ben's review: ⭐⭐  The performance is quite fitting to the venue. There were some very good ideas mixed into the show and these could be taken a lot further.   In fairness the stage is tiny and the room becomes incredibly hot very quickly, at which point the audience mind has wandered and the focus for both the audience and comedian is switched to surviving. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐ This routine felt like a work in progress rather than a finished production. Matt Duwell had some good ideas at times but the piece lacked flow for me (coming abruptly to the end) and I think some of his thoughts needed developing. Unfortunately for Matt this was in quite a cramped, warm room so he was rushing a little to keep us from heat exhaustion

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  This young cast have written a fantastic show that is utterly believable and sublimely ridiculous. They take you through am emotional rollercoaster with fantastic staging and enough mystery to keep the audience alive. Each member of the cast brings a new level of depth to the performance, and the only mild complaint is that the set might fall apart. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This piece was one of those dark comedies that had you moving quickly from laughter to tears of sadness. Great script, staging and performance from this small cast.

Ben's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Is this a Shakespearean tragedy I see before me? Err.. Well no not really, but it is a very funny update to the classic love story. The performance although not clean is very well covered by the brilliant cast and will have you in stitches, as soon as the audience have found a croissant.  Note for all those shy audience members like myself, don't sit in the front row. The girlfriend's review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My parents have been trying to get us to go for years, but we usually can't be bothered to wake up in time! This year was the year and it was worth the early start. This is not Romeo & Juliet as you know it. The plot is the same but the script has been completely rewritten. I was in hysterics from start to finish and even had my moment on stage as half of the "balcony". A couple of things went wrong (they lost a prop) but the cast handled this so well and added to the humour. Definitely going to add this to our list of annual