Dave Cross

1 minute read

Day Six (Wednesday 6 August 2025) at the Edinburgh Fringe brought physical clowning, heartfelt storytelling, and witty one‑liners to the fore. Here’s what stood out:

Reviews from Today

  • Dirty Work (Underbelly Cowgate)
    Jessica Barton debuts as “Mary Floppins” in this physical clown show that pairs audience‑led chores with silent comedy and an undercurrent of emotional weight—charming, chaotic, and quietly affecting.
    → The Guardian review

  • Cat Cohen – Broad Strokes (Pleasance Courtyard)
    A triumphant, joyous return following a stroke—Cohen melds musicality and stand‑up to reflect on trauma with sharp humour and emotional clarity.
    → The Guardian review

  • She’s Behind You (Traverse / FT spotlight)
    Johnny McKnight delivers a wistful, lecture‑style celebration of pantomime’s evolution—from casual misogyny to modern inclusion, told with poignancy and cheeky charm.
    → FT review

Highlights & Trends to Watch

  • Outstanding Comedy to Book:
    The Times lists both veteran comedians (Tim Key, Michelle Wolf) and breakout character acts (Elouise Eftos, Rory Marshall), showing the breadth of today’s comedy programme.
    → The Times roundup

  • Fringe’s Sharpest Jokes:
    One‑liners are lighting up the festival—Olaf Falafel, Adele Cliff, Johnny Pelham, and Marc Jennings all get shout‑outs for their razor‑sharp wit.
    → The Times jokes list

What to Look Forward To This Evening

  • Watch for physical, participatory comedy like Dirty Work that blends performance with chaos and connection.
  • Personal narratives are resonating more than ever—Broad Strokes epitomises this trend with both emotional depth and humour.
  • Shows that blend history and nostalgia (like She’s Behind You) offer laughs alongside thoughtful critique.
  • Stand‑up and character theatre both remain strong—keep tickets ready for sharp one‑liners and inventive storytelling.

Updated: