Dave Cross

1 minute read

Monday 18 August 2025—with just under a week to go, the Edinburgh Fringe comedy scene remained at full strength, with critics filing fresh reviews and audiences still packing out the big names.

Reviews of the Day

  • Jacqueline Novak – Get On Your Knees (Again)
    Novak’s intellectual yet intimate show about sexuality and language returned in a revised version and was hailed for its mix of wit, candour, and originality.
    → The Guardian review

  • Dan Tiernan – All In
    Tiernan’s autobiographical set—addressing dyspraxia, sexuality, and working‑class life—earned strong praise for raw honesty wrapped in sharp punchlines.
    → Chortle review

Ongoing Highlights

  • The Times roundup again spotlighted Novak and Tiernan, while still boosting Michelle Wolf, Bridget Christie, and Tim Key as consistent top draws.
    → The Times best comedy

  • Guardian/Vogue previews continued to promote breakout talents such as Elouise Eftos and Lorna Rose Treen, highlighting the strength of character‑driven comedy in 2025.
    → Guardian/Vogue feature

  • Best jokes coverage carried on, with Olaf Falafel, Adele Cliff, and Johnny Pelham still among the names repeated in roundups of the funniest gags.
    → The Times jokes feature

Takeaway for Day 18

  • Jacqueline Novak confirms herself as one of the most original comic voices on the international stage.
  • Dan Tiernan continues his rise with a personal, powerhouse show.
  • Festival momentum is undimmed: audiences are still chasing both the big‑ticket comics and the smaller, daring discoveries.

In summary: Day Eighteen reaffirmed that the Fringe’s comedy engine keeps roaring into its final week, balancing sharp political edges, confessional honesty, and inventive stagecraft.

Updated: