Dave Cross

1 minute read

By Day Four (Monday 4 August 2025), comedy at the Fringe had already produced a standout award‑winner, bold political satire, and musical mischief. Here’s a round‑up of reviews and highlights.

Reviews from Today

  • Jade Franks – Eat the Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates X) (Pleasance Courtyard)
    A politically charged solo show delivering razor‑sharp, deadpan humour rooted in lived experience—Franks skewers class privilege with wit and rage. Already a Fringe First winner, with extra performances selling out.
    → The Guardian review

  • Hot Mess (Pleasance Courtyard)
    Blending pop and satire with eco‑conscious commentary, Hot Mess shines as one of the most inventive musical comedies of the Fringe.
    → FT review

  • Ohio – The Bengsons (Summerhall)
    This “ecstatic grief concert” weaves comedy, music, and personal narrative into an emotionally resonant experience—hailed as quietly powerful and deeply moving.
    → The Times review

Spotlight Acts & Previews

  • Cat Cohen – Broad Strokes, a witty, recovery‑from‑stroke story blending music and stand‑up.
  • Jacqueline Novak, offering sharp observational stand‑up.
  • Steven Phillips‑Horst – The Last Mad Man, satirising worldview anxieties.
  • Footballers’ Wives: The Musical, camp, nostalgic, bigger‑than‑life.
    → Vogue preview

What to Watch This Week

  • Expect queues and social buzz to grow around Eat the Rich and Hot Mess.
  • Musical comedies and emotionally grounded performance continue to stand out.
  • Monday’s reviews and previews set the tone for ticket demand—book early!

In short: Day Four cemented the Fringe’s comedic flair—from Franks’s class satire to heartfelt musical satire and emotionally vivid storytelling. Comedy is thriving across genres this week.

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