David Pollock

A Scotsman critics’ round-up assesses six Edinburgh Fringe shows. To Be Frank earns strong praise for Michael Hockey’s non-verbal physical comedy and inventive Frankenstein riff, while Sublimation offers a tense, darkly funny examination of integrity and financial pressure. @Jenna is commended for its depiction of queer self-discovery but marked down for explaining its themes too directly. How Not to Make It In America develops from a familiar actor’s-struggle story into a darker post-9/11 cautionary tale. I Am Going To Reveal Something Personal About Myself satirizes contracts, bureaucracy and audience participation, and 00:45:00 uses a live clinical-trial countdown and audience voting to refresh the trapped-in-a-room thriller.

Five Scotsman critics review six Edinburgh Fringe theatre productions. The Late Utopians and You and Me (and Whoever Comes Next) are the strongest offerings, praised for their thoughtful treatment of community, care, disability and contemporary social concerns. Charles Dickens: The Hanged Man’s Bride delivers an atmospheric but predictable ghost story, while The Wetness transforms an unusual water-themed performance into an unexpectedly intimate experience. Disciples of Anatomy benefits from strong performances and atmosphere but suffers from stereotypes, an underdeveloped plot and an abrupt twist. Kona Morris’s autobiographical How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58°C offers an enthusiastic account of life in Alaska, emphasizing resilience, community and cultural adjustment.

Kool and the Gang delivered an energetic, four-star performance at North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea, despite being largely composed of members who joined after the group’s classic era. Founding bassist Robert ‘Kool’ Bell remains the key link to the band’s origins, while singer Shawn McQuiller and the ensemble’s horn and rhythm sections helped reproduce the group’s funk sound. The set focused entirely on well-known hits including “Fresh,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Get Down On It” and “Celebration,” ending the festival appearance on an exuberant note.

Luke Combs overcame his relatively limited UK chart presence to deliver a well-received two-night performance at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield. The review praises his deep, emotionally resonant voice, personal country songs and successful rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” while noting that the show expanded into a more flamboyant, stadium-ready production with flame jets, anthemic hits, singalongs and guest appearances by Scottish rugby players Zander and Matt Fagerson.

Snow Patrol delivered a hit-filled performance at Edinburgh Castle, highlighting their long-standing ties to Scotland. Gary Lightbody emphasized the band’s history in Dundee and Glasgow while guiding a crowd that sang along to major songs including Run, Chasing Cars, and Take Back the City. The set mixed classic anthems with a new track debuted in Scotland, creating a celebratory homecoming atmosphere.