What we have seen
At the Pleasance preview show on Saturday we saw Tape Face celebrating two decades since his launch at the Fringe, (without so much as a smile) so yes do go and see him. He remains one of the funniest acts you will see in Edinburgh – without saying one word. This act is only here until 10 August – we are finding that shorter runs are now becoming the new norm. Book tickets here if you can.
Pleasance Opening Gala, 2 August 2025 © 2025 Martin McAdam
But for innovation and comedy we recommend Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material. It would be easy to say his act is full of sh*t – but it really is a lot of material about pigeons that you may never have thought of before…from his novel, comedy standpoint.
“Hello friend. Open your mind, take out what’s inside and wish it well on its future endeavours. You’re going to need the space for this one. I’m talking life, love, loss, finding your way and pigeons… quite a lot about pigeons actually… it’s pretty pigeon-heavy to be honest. So please join me for an hour of joyfully absurd, charmingly awkward stand-up. As seen on Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC Two), writer for Have I Got News For You (BBC One) and James Acaster’s Springleaf podcast, and tour support for Russell Howard.”
Pleasance Opening Gala, 2 August 2025 © 2025 Martin McAdam
This was a perfect Saturday morning at Pleasance – with sunshine outside and laughter and talent aplenty inside the Grand.
Read more about the acts we saw – and the details of Anthony Alderson’s homage to the bubble here.
Today’s top tip
This new local business guide (sponsored by Fiona Ventre of local business Piemaker) will answer your many Fringe and festival related questions – such as where to eat after a show.
Where can I eat?
Click here to access it – or pick up a copy at the Fringe shop on the High Street.
CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Tony Lankester seals the deal with Fiona Venter owner of Piemaker while Super Scott juggles the hot pies…
Who did we meet?
Caroline Rhea played Aunt Hilda in Sabrina the Teenage Witch – and she is here in Edinburgh – but only for a short run at Gilded Balloon which finishes on MONDAY EVENING. But after her show you get to hang out with her, she takes the selfies (she wants to make sure she looks good) and she hands out bracelets like Taylor Swift.
She is hilariously funny and clever with it, interacting with the audience like the pro she is (but yes dressed like another kind of pro at times in costumes bought in her sleep).
Go see her before she leaves town – probably with the Texan couple she met on the plane on the way over from the US and who were then forced to come to her show on Saturday night…
Caroline Rhea
What is on this week?
On Friday 8 August Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh takes place from 7.30-10.30pm
Tickets from £24
A spokesperson for the National Museum of Scotland said: “The sell out museum ceilidh makes its festival debut. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. Set in the museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – our caller will guide you through the steps on the night. Between dances enjoy drinks, food, activities and explore a selection of the museum galleries at night. ”
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh
Roadworks in Marchmont
SP Energy Networks is set to start an extensive programme of works to modernise the electricity network in the Marchmont area of Edinburgh.
Beginning on 4 August, the network operator will start work to boost both the low voltage and high voltage network in the area – laying over 250m of new low voltage cables, installing a new high voltage substation and removing 2 old, buried transformers.
The works will ensure the network can keep up with the growing electricity demand within the region as residents adopt low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps as well as improving the quality and continuity of electricity supplied locally.
Due to the nature of these works, there will be an increase in SP Energy Networks’ activity in the Marchmont area alongside rolling traffic management and parking restrictions from the beginning of August until the end of September. This will include the closure of Marchmont road southbound from the 4 August until mid-September.
A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “We’re about to embark on an extensive programme to boost the electricity network here in Marchmont.
“Electricity demand is set to double by 2050, and these works will ensure that our network will continue to provide a resilient and reliable service to the community whilst meeting their growing electricity needs as more people make the switch to electric vehicles and heating.
“We have worked closely with the local authority to plan these works to minimise disruption where possible and we would like to thank residents and road users for their patience as we carry out these vital improvements.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
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