• Home
  • About
  • Reviews
  • Contact

instafestreview

Instant reviews right away. Currently in Edinburgh for @edfringe @edintfest @edfilmfest @edartfest @edbookfest

Alison Jackson’s Faking Famous: You Can be a Cel Alison Jackson’s Faking Famous: You Can be a Celebrity Too

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars

Hilarious. Alison Jackson, famed for her photographs of celebrity lookalikes in compromising positions, now brings her unique vision to the stage. The result is a show that feels like organised chaos, as she scours the audience for Taylor Swifts and Kim Kardashians before transforming volunteers with makeovers and demonstrating how the right angle can turn anyone into a convincing double.

The highlight is undoubtedly her Donald Trump, a lookalike she searched years to find, complete with a £20,000 wig. From his mannerisms to his YMCA dance moves, it is genius. Alongside live antics, Jackson also shares clips of her past work, reminding us of her bold and satirical legacy.

This is less a conventional piece of theatre and more live performance done with incredible warmth and charisma. There’s even the chance to grab a selfie with your “favourite celebrity”.

It’s great, it might even be the "greatest" show you’ll see at this year’s Fringe.

Assembly Checkpoint until 23 August 2025 

#alisojackson #taylorswift #kimkardashian #trump #donaldtrump #edfringe #review
Henry McLeish & James Mitchell: Scottish Devolutio Henry McLeish & James Mitchell: Scottish Devolution – How’s It Going?

Former First Minister Henry McLeish and politics Professor James Mitchell offered a candid and thought-provoking assessment of Scottish devolution at a packed session chaired by veteran broadcaster Brian Taylor.

The event marked the launch of their new book, Unfinished Business, a title from Donald Dewar’s description of devolution following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

James Mitchell reflected on the current state of constitutional debate, noting that while he cannot prescribe the next steps toward an independence referendum, no one else is able to agree on this either. Mitchell also touched briefly on the trans rights debate, stressing the importance of consensus and the need to address difficult issues without dismissing public concerns. He warned that Scotland continues to grapple with “wicked problems,” often sidestepped in favour of performative politics.

Henry McLeish, one of the principal architects of devolution, expressed disappointment that Holyrood has not yet fulfilled its full potential. He emphasised that the Scottish Parliament was designed for consensual politics and advocated for electoral reform, including an end to first-past-the-post voting. Nonetheless, McLeish highlighted key achievements such as free personal care, education reforms, and land reform. Not all audience members agreed, with one interjection branding free personal care “rubbish.”

Brian Taylor chaired the discussion with characteristic warmth and humour, guiding a lively and engaging exchange on the future of Scottish governance.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025

#scottish #indpendence #referendum #bookfestival
Ally McCoist took to the stage at McEwan Hall, opt Ally McCoist took to the stage at McEwan Hall, opting to stand rather than sit: “I’m better on my feet,” he joked, setting the tone for an hour of lively storytelling.

The former Rangers striker and manager was promoting his new autobiography, Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army. He told a series of anecdotes from his playing and managerial career. Some were familiar but delivered with McCoist’s trademark humour. 

He spoke about Paul Gascoigne letting off Chinese fireworks and being arrested, shared his own antics - including drinking tequila on George Street before a Hearts vs Hibs derby and ending up dressed as Hearty Harry, the Tynecastle mascot.

There were moments of reflection too. McCoist spoke fondly of Walter Smith, describing the late manager’s fondness for empire biscuits at meetings. His admiration was clear. 

Not being selected for Scotland’s 1998 World Cup squad remains a sore point, and McCoist didn’t shy away from expressing his disappointment. Yet even this was wrapped in humour, as he looked back on a career filled with highs and lows. 

Audience questions were pre-submitted rather than taken live, a change from the usual format. The audience was still left wanting extra time. One commenting "he should just become a comedian." 

#edinburgh #edinburghbookfestival #football #allymcoist #gaza
Up ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars Thought provoking and fun Up
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars 
Thought provoking and fun. Up is a play about two strangers, Jayme and Jay, who meet on a flight that runs into serious trouble. Jayme thinks she’s always been unlucky, while Jay seems to have had nothing but good fortune. As the plane hits turbulence, they share stories about their lives, love, and how luck has shaped them. The show mixes drama with humor and uses small props like toy planes and action figures to tell the story in a creatively. 

The set is mor3 like a storage room than an airplane, with shelves, boxes, and desks. The actors use these objects to build scenes and explain ideas like how planes fly and how opposites can depend on each other. The performances are lively and the writing is clear, making the show easy to follow and fun to watch.
Up is thoughtful, entertaining, and leaves you thinking about how much luck really matters and can we change our luck by thinking positively. 

Until 24 August 2025

#edfringe #flight #visiblefictions #up #edinburgh #reviews
Matt Forde: Defying Calamity ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clever a Matt Forde: Defying Calamity
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clever and consistently funny. Matt Forde delivers a sharp hour of political comedy based on his own personal resilience and trademark impressions. Now in remission from cancer, he uses humour to tackle the toughest of subjects. 

His realer than life impressions of Keir Starmer and Donald Trump provide some of the biggest laughs. At one point, he asks which leader you’d rather have as your doctor: the downbeat Keir or the upbeat Trump, who insists, “I thought it was a Malteser.” The satire is right up to date, from Trump’s recent visit to Scotland to the letter for an unprecedented second state visit, Keir presented to him at the White House.

Forde’s range of impressions stretches impressively, from Angela Rayner through to the King. Nigel Farage proves the trickiest to capture, which only heightens his fear of a Reform government. The audience included some well-known faces, former Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw and ex-Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie. Neither of whom parties escaped the sting of his wit.

This is smart, political comedy delivered with confidence and with a truly special finish. Things probably don't get any better than this! 

#comedy #mattforde #edfringe #edinburgh #keirstarmer #donaldtrump #nigelafarage #labour reform
We Were Young ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rip roaringly funny, We Were Young
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rip roaringly funny, yet heartbreakingly sad. Set in Glasgow at the height of the 1990s gang wars, it follows a group of friends bound by postcode loyalty and pitched as enemies against those from neighbouring areas. Trapped in poverty and searching for a sense of purpose, they cling to their territory and fight rivals, while ignoring the wider world who may be to blame or could help solve their problems. 

The writing sparkles with razor-sharp wit, top-class banter and vivid descriptions. It is brilliantly coarse, vulgar, and unflinchingly real, with swearing and sex chat delivered with brilliant comic timing. Though set in the 1990s, its themes remain painfully relevant. Glasgow may no longer be the murder capital of Europe, but knife crime continues to cast a shadow.

Written by Liam Lambie, who also stars as the gang leader everyone looks to, the production takes us on an extraordinary journey. We roll with laughter, only to find ourselves in tears by the final moments. Geez A Break Productions is a Scottish theatre company that is exciting and is punching well above its weight. 

#review #space #gangs #crime #theatre #glasgow #edinburgh #edfringe #festival
GENDAI ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars Mesmerising. At GENDAI

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars 

Mesmerising. At just 15 minutes, this may be one of the shortest shows at the Festival, but not a second is wasted. The pace is tight, the rhythm relentless, and there is no chance it time to get bored! 

GENDAI is an extraordinary fusion of dance, music and light. Lasers are used not almost as musical instruments in, weaving with the beat and movement to form dazzling visuals. Every gesture, every pulse of light, is precisely timed, creating a hypnotic experience.

It is a rare chance to see this group of hugely talented Japanese artists perform live. The music is upbeat, the choreography precise, using innovative to create an exhilarating experience. 

Temple at WU until 24 August 2025

#edfringe #fringe #dance #review #laser #lights
Judy Murray: See You in Court Judy Murray served Judy Murray: See You in Court

Judy Murray served up insights and laughs at the Edinburgh Book Festival as she promoted her second novel, Game, Set & Murder, a whodunit set in a snobby English tennis club. Why England? “You don’t get posh tennis clubs in Scotland,” she quipped. And the lead character? Jeremy, because, as Judy cheekily noted, “you don’t get anyone called Jeremy in Scotland either.”

In conversation with Jenny Colgan and a lively audience, Judy answered more questions on tennis than the book. We learned that Andy Murray’s childhood bedtime favorite was Willy the Wimp, and that he and brother Jamie used to stage wrestling matches. Andy channeling The Rock, Jamie always Hulk Hogan. Judy’s projects always get the family seal of approval (or at least a reality check). When she asked her sons whether she should do Strictly Come Dancing, she hilariously told of Andy's reaction who also predicted she wouldn't exactly win! 

With a growing number of grandchildren, will Judy be coaching the next world number one? “No!” she laughed. 

 
#tennis #strictly #judymurray #edinburgh #bookfestival
Girlz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Catchy songs brilliantly deliv Girlz
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Catchy songs brilliantly delivered. Girlz is a new musical that follows the rise of a girl group under the control of a questionable manager who would not last long in the post-Me Too era. The story lays bare the pressures of fame, with a manager who hinders rather than helps, while the performers create the success he claims credit for. An outstanding cast sing and dance with remarkable skill, bringing depth to a narrative that balances energy with poignancy. Addiction, pregnancy and suicide are addressed, yet the production avoids slipping into bleakness. Instead, it finds inspiration and resilience. Alongside high-energy choreography and vocals, there are moments of striking simplicity, with acoustic numbers that add tenderness and intimacy. A heartfelt tribute to the resilience of women in music, Girlz proves that this is one band story that hits all the right notes.

Greenside until 23 August 2025

#musical #edfringe #review #edfringe #girlz #music
Raymond Mearns: Roast Master! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 st Raymond Mearns: Roast Master!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Cutting, sharp, and hilarious, Roast Master! is more of an improv show than a traditional stand-up set, with all the jokes drawn from the audience’s own words. Whether it’s their job, appearance, or something they casually mention. Sit in the front row if you’re keen to be roasted, but in reality, no one is safe! 

Raymond has a remarkable ability to find comedy in the most ordinary professions. Some of the best laughs came from three guys in the front row who worked in a bed shop, as well as a retired taxi driver, a farmer, and someone who tries to keep the trains running on time.

It’s a brilliant, fast-paced 50 minutes of spontaneous humour. Raymond Mearns doesn’t just raise the bar, he roasts it!

At the Beehive Inn until 25 August 2025

#review #comedy #brilliant #edfringe #edinburgh #festival
Single Malt Sessions ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars Great Single Malt Sessions

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars

Great whisky. The Holyrood Distillery is still fairly new having opened in 2019. The building, not far from the Pleasance is steeped in history. It was previously an old engine shed for the innocent railway which has long since closed.
The tour kicks off with a New Make elderflower cocktail, New Make is basically the whisky before it has been placed inside casks. There's then a little about the history of whisky before getting to see first hand where it is made. The tour finishes off with a tasting of Ambir, a sweet caramel whisky. There's then live music through in the bar - it was a really nice acoustic setup but unfortunately the noise of the bar drowned much of it out. Overall a great tour and nice chance to try a really good whisky.

#whisky #review #edfringe #edinburgh #distillery
#9
Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
Deadly funny! Frankie Monroe is back! Back in hell but this time it's not his working man's club but actual hell, which is probably about as hot as the Monkey Barrel! 

Frankie is one of the most lovable yet vile characters and is funnier than ever. He needs to find his way out of hell to save his working man's club from £7 IPA! 

This is brilliant character comedy, everything from the Yorkshire accent to his sudocrem covered white face, makes for an exceptionally funny show. 

The audience interaction is brilliant! His puppet, mucky little pup is hilarious at mimicking what audience members say and then developing a whole character for them. It's a really impressive return following last year's hit show. There's a very special feeling about this show and it's clear Joe is set to be immortalised as a comedy legend. 

Monkey Barrel until 24 August 2025

#review #funny #frankie #comedy #fringe #edinburgh #edfringe #joekentwalters #frankiemonroe
Ghost Light ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars Set in Drury La Ghost Light

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars

Set in Drury Lane’s most haunted theatre the story follows Izzy, a costume assistant who unwittingly conjures the ghosts of the past. 

The Pleasance Young company has an established reputation and this production does everything to enhance that further. It's a really talented ensemble cast, a brilliant music score and strong production. Hauntingly brilliant. 

Pleasance Courtyard until 10 August 2025

#ghost #theatre #review
A Jaffa Cake Musical ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars Bursti A Jaffa Cake Musical

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars

Bursting with flavour. In 1991 HMRC took the Jaffa Cake company to court claiming it was a biscuit and not a cake depsite a clue perhaps being in the name! Millions was at stake in unpaid taxes and the cost of a Jaffa Cake was set to rise forever! Only one lawyer can prevent it all. 

Brought to life in a toe-tapping, brilliantly bonkers courtroom drama written and starring Sam Cohrane as lawyer Kevin. The show revels in its own absurdity. The cast deliver pitch-perfect performances with infectious energy, and the staging is as vibrant as the concept itself. Watch out for the courtroom which becomes a giant Jaffa Cake. There's some really catchy music from the live on stage band with songs such as the Tax Man to Cake or Biscuit? Surreal, and an absolute delight. 

Pleasance Courtyard until 25th August 2025

@thegigglemug

#jaffa #jaffacakes #review #edfringe #pleasance #music #musical
Jason Byrne: Head in the Clouds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Jason Byrne: Head in the Clouds

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Hilarious.

The highlight of Jason’s show is his effortless audience interaction. Few comedians can make the simplest of conversations so consistently funny. A farmer provided fertile ground for Jason’s quick wit. Farmer Steve, very much a reluctant star, emerged as a highlight of the night. Their exchanges were so naturally entertaining that at times it felt the actual show was getting in the way of their brilliance. This year also features a magic trick, complete with all the surrounding mayhem. 

A  top-tier comedian, unmatched when it comes to off-the-cuff audience interactions. A harvest of brilliance! 

Assembly Hall until 24 August 2025

#assembly #edinburgh #festival #edfringe #comedy #funny #review #jasonbyrne
Oasis live at Murrayfield Stadium #live #oasis #e Oasis live at Murrayfield Stadium

#live #oasis #edinburgh #oasis25 #oaisisedinburgh #music #murrayfield #live
Make it Happen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars Make It Ha Make it Happen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Make It Happen tells the story of Fred Goodwin, the man who transformed RBS into the largest bank in the world, only to bring it to the brink of collapse, nearly toppling the global financial system in the process.

Edinburgh and Scotland lie at the heart of this gripping story: a Scottish Chancellor, a Scottish Prime Minister, and Fred Goodwin, a global CEO. It’s hard not to feel a slight sense of pride in the ambition and apparent success of an Edinburgh based bank not only acquiring the larger NatWest, but seemingly conquering the financial world.

Sandy Grierson delivers a chilling portrayal of Goodwin, capturing the quiet, corrosive arrogance of a man whose name is now synonymous with the banking crisis. In a hilarious scene of Fred having an affair, he asks his mistress to talk dirty to him and she proceeds to recite a number of financial projections. 

Brian Cox is commanding as the ghost of Adam Smith - incisive, and darkly humorous. The ensemble cast is exceptional, functioning as a kind of Greek chorus whose haunting harmonies elevate the drama. Andy Clark stands out with a compelling performance as Gordon Brown.

The story is told at pace with not a wasted second on stage thanks to James Graham's script and sharp direction from Andrew Panton.

There's a number of Edinburgh references from the wellknown bankers haunt Fingers Piano bar to the New Town being likened to heaven.

A spectacular, high yield production that more than balances the books!

At the Festival Theatre until 9th August 2025 

#briancox #rbs #natwest #review #theatre #edfringe #edinburgh #5stars #mustsee #financialservices #fredgoodwin
Edinburgh Art Festival Opens Across the City The Edinburgh Art Festival Opens Across the City

The Edinburgh Art Festival opens today, running until 24 August, with exhibitions and events taking place at venues throughout the city. This year’s programme features a wide range of contemporary visual art, including major solo presentations and site-specific installations.

As part of a new partnership with Outer Spaces, the festival introduces the EAF Pavilion at Leith Street, housed in the former Glenmorangie offices. The building has been repurposed to accommodate artist studios and will serve as a hub for festival activity.

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Linder Sterling - known for her pioneering feminist photography - presents a new exhibition that includes a live performance element. Sterling’s work continues to explore themes of identity, gender, and cultural iconography.

Elsewhere, the Stills Centre for Photography hosts the first Scottish presentation of Sian Davey’s work. The exhibition includes The Garden, a three-year project in which Davey transformed her own garden into a wildflower setting for a series of intimate portraits.

Other highlights from this year’s programme include:

A retrospective of John Bellany at the City Art Centre

New work by Wael Shawky at Talbot Rice Gallery

A joint exhibition by Louise Gibson and Megan Rudden at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
@edinburghartfest
@outerspaces.scot
@royalbotanicgardenedinburgh
@stillsedinburgh
@talbotricegallery
@edinburghsculptureworkshop
@lindersterling
@siandaveyphoto
@waelshawkyofficial

#EdinburghArtFestival #EAF2025 #ContemporaryArt #ScottishArt #ArtInEdinburgh #LinderSterling #SianDavey #WaelShawky #JohnBellany #LouiseGibson #MeganRudden #PhotographyExhibition #PerformanceArt #ArtStudios #FestivalSeason #VisualArt
Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England ⭐⭐ Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Sharp and unforgettable. 

It's the final of the 2020 Euros. Drink, coke and the euphoria of England reaching the final, lead Billy Kinley to celebrate by putting a flare up his bum.

Football brings the nation together, best friendships are formed but matcho culture makes it difficult to express true emotions. The 2020 pandemic and self isolating make social contact even more difficult. All football is cancelled. Billy and his best friend have to deal with their demons alone.  

Alex Hill (Billy) is incredible, raw emotion from laughter to tears are laid bare. 

A fringe highlight - firmly in the back of the net. 

Underbelly until 25th August 2025 
 
#england #euros #football #edinburgh #edfringe #underbelly #review
Mark Vigeant: The Best Man Show ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 st Mark Vigeant: The Best Man Show

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars 

Unpredictable, fast, funny chaos. Mark Vigeant (Paul) is the best man at a polyamorous ceremony. He is about to give his best man speech which quickly descends into chaos and sharp improv. The audience play every other wedding guest although this is very much a powerhouse performance from Mark. Say ‘I do’ to this show.

Assembly until 24 August 2025

@assemblyfest
@mark_vigeant  

#comedy #review #edfringe #edinburgh #wedding
Follow on Instagram
@instafestreview

Latest Reviews

Moulin Rouge

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars

Spectacular! Moulin Rouge dazzles at the Edinburgh Playhouse with a visually rich, high-energy production.

Read More
Latest Reviews

Top reviews

01

Moulin Rouge!

Spectacular! Moulin Rouge dazzles at the Edinburgh Playhouse with a visually rich, high-energy production.

The doner is a Turkish creation of meat, often lamb, but not necessarily so, that is

About Me
InstaFest Review

Reviewing live events

About More
All Categories
  • No categories
Subscribe & Follow
  • Instagram
Home
About
Contact
Contact Us
Recent Posts
Featured Posts
Search Here
Search for the best things to see!

InstaFest Review. All Rights Reserved.

  • Instagram
.