Latest 7 magazine

Having expected simply a handful of DJs and a jiggle around on the wooden deck, we were pleasantly surprised when such an eclectic mix of musicians filled the stage in the beautiful Palure Spiegeltent. After a funky warm up by one of the Tru Thoughts DJs, a trumpet player, saxophonist, percussionist, MC and a delicious guitarist filled the stage for an engaging live set. A particularly stunning French vocalist stole the show with her sensational voice and reggae style. Tru Thoughts completed this funk-filled sandwich with a further DJ who had everyone up dancing, and conga-ing, around the room until the Parlure closed its doors. I could have stayed in there dancing around to Robert Louis for a lot longer than the Sunday opening hours allowed.
The Parlure, 17 May
4/5
Emma Stirling

The Seven Deadly Jokes – comics Hannah George and Ashley Frieze – is an hour-long comedic tour, touching on different joke forms and musical comedy. Some well-placed double entendres and a memorable song about a cat-bothering, promiscuous dog brought raucous laughter.
The show is free – a treat in the current climate – and, although there were a few stumbling blocks,  their partnership makes for an entertaining show.
The Quadrant, 18 May
3/5
Robert Head

Phenomenal Sam Bloom left audience members awestruck when she brought her passionate adaptation of A Cloud In Trousers, written by early 20th century Russian poet Mayakovski, to the Fringe. Dressed in a suit, she portrays Mayakovski’s despair as a jilted lover through his own words. She’s technically a very astute actress, and with her brilliant use of body language and impeccable timing she ‘became’ the poet. Infused with energy and humour, this moving piece explored the nature of the poet’s very existence and his failure to find happiness, but avoided being bereft of hope. A tour de force of this woman’s talent, it is without a doubt the best piece of theatre I’ve ever seen.
Komedia Studio Bar, 17 May
5/5
Marie Vagen

Rob Deering’s show has the most disturbing poster on the Fringe, and the title is a tad offputting (the show loosely centres around Deering’s inner feminist).  However, these things completely misrepresent this hour spent in the company of one of the most likeable comedians around. Despite initial technical difficulties, his connection with his audience is absolute. His material is not revelatory or profound, but is always funny.  As always, it is his songs and musical performances that steal the show, oh, and his own impressive [man] boobs.
Fletch at St Andrew’s, 15 May
4/5
Angela Barnes