I return with five more insiders’ picks for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. All five I’ve seen, reviewed, and subsequently raved about to my chums. No two are alike, but each is an accomplished performer with a unique approach to showbiz. I suspect this is the first time this particular permutation of Fringe performers has ever come into being – it may also be the last. That’s right, this is a once-in-a-lifetime recommendation article – you’re welcome.
Olaf Falafel
Olaf makes stupid shows. Sometimes he’s concerned with bird safety, other times he just wants to throw cheese at books. Whatever he has in store for Edinburgh this year, it will be no less barmy, joyous, and delightful. The secret is that his work isn’t the least stupid – it’s just well-honed, joyfully conceived family-friendly comedy.
I didn’t see Olaf when I was a kid – probably because I’m only 2 years younger, and I doubt his career had taken off yet. However, had time worked out differently, I know my micro-munchkin previous form would have been a big fan.
You get two chances a day to catch Olaf with Laughing Horse this year, and contrary to opinions, you can’t have too much of a good thing…at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Details HereRobin Morgan
Robin Morgan is only doing a short run this year, so to make up for it, he’s doing too many shows. Consequently, he’s going to be late for one of them every single time. So when I tell you that Robin is one of the more witty, charming and self-possessed comedians on offer, you’ll just have to believe me.
That said, if you do pop into his panel-type 2025 endeavour, ‘Robin Morgan and Friends’, give him a cheer if he does arrive no more than 10 minutes late. If you don’t, please watch out for a tall blonde man racing from Monkey Barrel to the Counting Hous between 13:05 and 13:10.
Robin is another stalwart of the Free Fringe who was a permanent fixture in my and Mrs QR’s diary before I foresook sleep and free will (to become a critic). Robin’s superbly accomplished brand of whimsical sarcasm has made him a familiar voice on Radio 4 and the host of BBC panel show ‘What Just Happened’.
If the BBC were still making a new gameshow about the National Lottery every year, Robin would definitely have got one of them. Go see what the nation missed out on.
Details HereSoness: Bigger in Japan
Now for something a little different….is something I could say about each of these entries. However, I do expect ‘Ooohs’ when I tell you that Soness Stevens was the English voice of Hello Kitty until very recently …Those amongst you who game (video rather than board) may also find her voice very familiar.
How she graduated from homeless beginnings in the USA to life as a Tokyo-based voice-over artist, TEDx coach, and comedian is interesting in itself.
However, when told by someone with so much energy, talent, and carefully developed craft, the result is pretty special. Soness may be a work in progress when it comes to stand-up, but the same creative instincts and ability to graft that made her big in Japan are swiftly making her a name on the comedy circuit.
Go if you simply want to like someone immensely really really quickly. Oh, and Soness is bringing a new show with her to Edinburgh this year: Anime-Zing!, where she and invited guests with a penchant for voice acting will dub, game, and compete for your viewing pleasure.
Details HereSooz Kempner is Ugly
Sooz Kempner is a tip-top singer and musical theatre performer, who made it big on Twitter before Elmo trashed the algorithm in favour of right-wing sh*t-stirrers. However, back in the glory days, users were able to delve deeply into tremendous anecdotes from Sooz’s professional history, whether hilariously ill-fated foreign tours as Christina Aguilera, or jaw-droppingly awful gigs for Masonic lodges.
Fortunately, you can still catch Sooz on the stand-up circuit, complete with a singularly excellent sense of humour and an enduring fondness for the TV, computer games and culture of her youth. This year, she’s turning her attentions to “beauty, ageing, trolling and Barbra Streisand” via Big Break and Noel’s House Party.
Expect zinger punchlines, dry delivery, strong opinions, and a welcome helping of nostalgia.
Details HereHasta La Vista… Bibby!
Dave Bibby is a madman in the best possible way. It’s amazing how much energy he can jam into a show without it flying off the rails. Back in 2019, he got me on stage to play Wendy (yeah, from Peter Pan), complete with a red negligee. Suffice it to say, it was a hoot. Expect songs, sketches, and whatever else Dave can throw at you whilst he tries to escape the show and go ‘Back to the Future’.
If he gets the audience involved – and he will – just sit back and enjoy – or, better still, dive in. Last year, he recreated Jurassic Park on stage as a one-man show to universal acclaim. So expect this master of carefully crafted chaotic adventure to take you for a memorable, wild and hilarious ride.
Details HereAnd that’s the last pick I’m going to give you in Part 2! If you missed Part 1, you can find it here! If you’ve already read it, and you think I’ve missed someone or something invaluable on the Free Fringe horizon, then comment below and let us all know!
By
