Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Comedy Round‑Up (Day Sixteen)
Saturday 16 August 2025—the Fringe’s busiest weekend brought waves of audiences and new reviews, with comedy leading the charge.
Reviews of the Day
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Tim Key – Poems of the Evening
Key’s surreal verse and deadpan interludes once again proved irresistible, earning critical acclaim for blending literary absurdism with warm silliness.
→ The Guardian review -
Liam Withnail – Chronic Boom
A candid yet hilarious account of living with Crohn’s disease, Withnail’s show was praised for mixing vulnerability with unflinching humour.
→ Chortle review
Ongoing Highlights
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The Times roundup spotlighted Withnail as a standout, while also keeping Michelle Wolf, Bridget Christie, and Jazz Emu high on its must‑see list.
→ The Times best comedy -
Guardian/Vogue picks continue to elevate fresh acts like Lorna Rose Treen and Elouise Eftos as breakout talents of the year.
→ Guardian/Vogue feature -
Best jokes lists keep names such as Olaf Falafel, Adele Cliff, and Johnny Pelham in circulation as reliable laugh‑generators.
→ The Times jokes feature
Takeaway for Day 16
- Tim Key’s poetry‑driven absurdism continues to define Fringe originality.
- Liam Withnail transforms personal struggle into cathartic laughter.
- Weekend energy amplifies both star power and the discovery of hidden gems.
In summary: Day Sixteen showed the Fringe’s power to turn the personal, the poetic, and the surreal into unforgettable comedy experiences.