Mark Nelson: A 2015 EdFringe Interview

By Susan Ford Mark Nelson is a very familiar name to anyone who follows the Scottish comedy circuit, and this year he brings his 5th solo show ‘Older Than Jesus’ to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As Mark embarks on another crazy August, I caught up with him to discuss his own show, and why he

Punchline recommends Mae Martin: Us

Words by Suzy Romer Mae Martin is an instant hit with the audience and creates an open, feel-good atmosphere right from the start. Her style of delivery is dreamy but her comedy is spot on. She talks to us about family dynamics, adolescent crushes and nights out. Sound familiar? WRONG, she is a complete original

Ian Smith: A 2015 EdFringe Interview

Ian Smith’s 2015 EdFringe show ‘Whereabouts’ is a fantastically funny hour of observational comedy at its best. With the festival now in full swing, I caught up with Ian to discuss what he’s been doing this year and how it’s contributed to the making of his new show. Hello Ian, how are you? Hello. I’m

Punchline recommends Marriage

Words by Suzy Romer Take a dream cast of sketch and comedy performers, a delightful play, a talented director (Russell Bolam) and what do you get? Marriage. Tom Parry’s fresh, energetic adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s 1842 play retains charmingly old-time language and references while maintaining the urgency and scepticism of questions which remain relevant today.

Punchline recommends Phil Jerrod: Neanderthal

Words by Suzy Romer Phil Jerrod presents a good solid set with some insights into life when you are least expecting them. He sets up an immediate, comfortable rapport with the audience and wastes no time before getting on to the good stuff. Starting with his beard and his country upbringing, he takes us on

Punchline Recommends BEASTS: Live DVD

Words by Suzy Romer Beasts by name and beasts by nature, these boys are THE FRINGE in a box. Goodness only knows how they have managed to take their silliness and mayhem up a level since last year. I went into this show with high expectations of rampant nonsense and was lulled into the false

Punchline Recommends Aisling Bea: Plan Bea

Words by Suzy Romer This is it. This is Aisling’s year. It’s hardly fair to judge anyone on the wet first night of the Fringe but she owned the audience as soon as they walked through the door. This “gurl” takes us from a back yard in Kildare with her little sister to the bright

Jenny Bede: A 2015 EdFringe Interview

Words by Susan Ford Jenny Bede is an actor, writer and comedian, whose comedy-musical parodies have received over 2 million views on YouTube.  Jenny’s 2015 show will definitely be something a bit different, combining music and comedy for more of a cabaret than just a gig. As the Festival heats up this week and previews

Carl Hutchinson: A 2015 EdFringe Interview

By Susan Ford It’s here! Fringe week is finally upon us, as a mass of fantastic comedians migrate North for three weeks of the Edinburgh Festival. I was lucky to catch up with Carl Hutchinson on his holidays, as he prepares for his fifth Fringe and new show ‘Learning the Ropes’. Hello Carl, how are

Punchline’s Top 10 Shows at the 2015 Fringe

Bridget Christie: A Book For Her Bridget presents a wake-up show in every sense of the term. Grab your coffee and start your day with one of the brightest talents on the Fringe. 11am at the Stand. Info and tickets here Nish Kumar: Long Word… Long Word… Blah Blah Blah… I’m so Clever Nish IS very