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Thursday 7 August 2025 brought a strong wave of comedy reviews across the Fringe. Here are the key picks and takeaways — with primary sources linked.

Reviews Published Today (7 Aug)

  • Joe Kent‑Walters – Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time) (Monkey Barrel / CabVol1)
    Garish, surreal and gloriously unhinged: Kent‑Walters resurrects nightclub ghoul Frankie to battle gentrification with audience‑driven chaos.
    → The Guardian review

  • Hot Mess (Pleasance Courtyard) — musical comedy/satire
    A smart climate‑romcom where Earth dates Humanity; witty songs meet sharp jokes without preachiness.
    → The Guardian review

  • Liam Tulley – Baldilocks (Just the Tonic @ The Mash House)
    Downbeat delivery and self‑deprecation power a no‑frills, low‑status hour about dating disasters and health scares.
    → Chortle review

  • Hasan Al‑Habib – Death to the West (Midlands) (Pleasance Courtyard)
    Don’t be fooled by the title: proud Brummie storytelling that leans into identity with warmth and bite.
    → Chortle review

  • Rosco McClelland – How Could Hell Be Any Worse? (Monkey Barrel)
    A big year for the Glasgow comic; kinetic presence and mordant observations keep the room on its toes.
    → Chortle review

Useful Round‑ups & Lists (7 Aug and surrounding)

  • Scotsman – Four‑star Fringe comedy you can still catch this weekend (published 7 Aug) — a handy booking list as demand spikes.
    → The Scotsman roundup

Themes Today

  • Anarchic character comedy is thriving (Frankie Monroe’s garish chaos).
  • Musical‑satirical crossovers are winning crowds (Hot Mess).
  • Earnest, identity‑driven hours from rising stand‑ups (Tulley, Al‑Habib) are landing with reviewers.

Quick Picks Tonight

If you want a three‑show snapshot: Frankie Monroe (wild character hour), Hot Mess (witty musical satire), and Rosco McClelland (magnetic livewire stand‑up).

If you’d like this split into separate “reviews only” and “what to book next” posts, say the word and I’ll generate them too.

Updated: