Edinburgh Eye

John Gibson The Likes Of Me Greenside Riddles Ct 10:30am (seen in preview) Surprisingly polished for an early debut preview, a compelling and punchline drenched show from someone who should emerge from under the radar this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @SandyFootwells

Been at previews. Let’s get some early reviews in.

Danny O’Brien Killa-Dan-Jaro The Beehive 1 5:15pm O’Brien brings charisma by the bucketload but don’t let that detract from the fact that he also knows his way around a joke too. Star quality with weight and heft behind it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 @ScotComFest

Ross Leslie Has The Chance To Do The Funniest Thing West Port Oracle 5pm In a unique venue we sit in aircraft chairs listening to a skilful classic storyteller in Leslie. He packs in punchlines and gives you an hour of rock solid laughs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @rosslesliecomic

Jake Donaldson Spectacle The Mash House Attic 6:40pm A honed show on one subject can be a delight and this exploration of Donaldson’s sight issues is just that. A fibrous hour with some unique touches that add sizzle to steak. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @DonaldsonComedy @Justthetonic

Lauren Stone Cool For Cats Stand 4 5.25pm Knowing, silly and packed with heart. Stone is uncategorisable and there is too little of that around. A real find. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 @lstone345 @StandComedyClub

Raymond Mearns @RaymondMearns Had a Stroke Of Luck Beehive 2 @ScotComFest 7pm Easy to see why Mearns is loved by fellow comedians, he gets weekend club sized laughs from the tale a tough time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sean Turner Pythonesque Comedy by a Dry Surreal Geordie Bloke who has ADHD Canon’s Gait 7pm Not for everyone but if you latch on and get on his wavelength you might find a new favourite. ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 @turnerthecomic @PBHFest

Joe Wells Daddy Autism Banshee Labyrinth Noon Wells is a big hearted and deft performer with a rare understated charisma. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @joewellscomic @B_Labyrinth

Elaine Robertson Delulu Stand 4 12.05pm Blistering run through every emotion in a show that is less a debut and more a statement of thrilling intent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @elainerobz @StandComedyClub

James Cook Anonymously Viral 32 Below Main Cellar 6:45pm The sort of reliable circuit act that shouldn’t be allowed to fly under the radar. Cook has well honed and valuable skills on display here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @jamesecook @lhcomedy

Deage Paxton Inappropriate Counting House Attic 10:30pm Paxton has added light to his pitch black palate and is all the better for it. Plays with the line before skilfully and happily jumping over it double footed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @DeagePaxton @lhcomedy @CountingHouseEd

Sam Adamson & Jon Hipkiss ..Free And Happening Right Now! Carbon 10:30pm Two acts who aren’t without promise but are stretching ten minute sets to a half hour each. They have every chance to do something interesting in the future but this is too much too soon. ⭐️⭐️ I/2

Chris Cross Not Playing With A Full Deck Voodoo Rooms Ballroom 10:30pm Cross can do all of the tricks you expect him to do and is no doubt a big hit at corporate parties. But the old hat ‘banter’, arrogance and contrived gimmickry of his persona make this a queasy watch. ⭐️

Thank you!

John Robertson The Human Hurricane Counting House Ballroom 8:20pm Improvised crowd work but this is not your average Tik Tok compere. Robertson is somehow both utterly unpredictable and the safest pair of hands at the same time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 @Robbotron

Best In Class Three Sisters - Maggie’s Chamber 7pm The most important of the compilation shows at the festival, Sian Davies has compiled line ups of working class comedians who wouldn’t otherwise be here and the line ups are stellar. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 @lhcomedy @morriseysquiff

Jo Caulfield Pearls Before Swine Stand 3 @StandComedyClub 7:10pm It’s time to start calling Jo Caulfield what she is. One of the best comedians these Isles have produced. We must not take her excellence for granted. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cal Halbert Calcaholic Beehive 2 8.15pm Powerful and surprisingly personal from Halbert, usually an impressionist, who reveals more of himself than expected in this bleak yet hopeful hour. No stone is unturned in both its honesty and quest for laughs from the gut. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️