Alan Davies is back at the Edinburgh Fringe, doing standup for the first time in ten years. And for a self-professed ‘old white b*****d’, he’s still pretty funny, says Veronica Lee

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Alan Davies (Gilded Balloon @ Appleton Tower)

Verdict: Welcome return

For a decade now, the team captain from QI has been absent from standup performances at the Fringe, but longtime admirers might discern a shift in the approach of Think Ahead.

Instead of focusing solely on the unavoidable progression of time, his concern extends to the realization that, at age 59, he may be perceived as fitting into the category often referred to as an “older white man.” Additionally, there’s a more ominous segment in the material that adds to his apprehension.

For the first time, Davies publicly discusses the sexual abuse he endured from his now deceased father while on stage.

It doesn’t form the biggest part of the show, but it’s noteworthy for its unflinching honesty.

In a change of direction, Davies delves into topics related to erectile dysfunction, but not without a touch of humor – he himself being the target. His wife, Katie Maskell, who is quite prominent throughout the show, provides the witty and humorous conclusion.

Think Ahead runs until August 10. 

 

Ria Lina (Money Barrel @ Cabaret Voltaire)

Verdict: Waspish wit

You may know Ria Lina and her waspish wit from various television panel shows. 

In the realm of Riabellion, she often ponders various perspectives on child-rearing (whether it’s necessary to shatter their aspirations as a harsh life lesson), encounters daily instances of racial prejudice, and reflects upon her personal journey.

Lina, who shares a home with her ex despite being divorced, is a mother of teenagers and is currently experiencing menopause, often humorously sharing her experiences of this ‘second adolescence’ coinciding with her children’s first.

As a trained scientist, she provides an insightful explanation of the differences between male and female hormones, characterizing each as having its own distinct ‘personality’.

It’s illuminating and entertaining, despite it not always segueing smoothly.

Riabellion runs until August 24 

 

Chris Grace (Assembly George Square)

Verdict: All change

In simpler terms, this show stands out distinctly, and even though the term “unique” is frequently used at the Fringe, in this instance, it truly applies.

Over the course of his 27-performance tour, American comedian and actor Chris Grace creates a unique show every single day for each performance in the series.

I attended performance seven titled “Sugar,” where the charmingly humorous artist named Grace shared her experiences with Type 2 diabetes, turning its background, symptoms, and treatment into laughable anecdotes.

Certain parts serve as valuable medical introductions, while others recount personal experiences and insights about his life with and strategies for coping (occasionally including instances where he struggles).

He’s equally truthful; there’s an amusingly awkward tale about an unfortunate incident with a bodily function, his sleep companion, and their overzealous house cat.

27 Hours (Works In Progress) runs until August 25. 

 

Vittorio Angelone (Monkey Barrel)

Verdict: Political animal

The comedian from Belfast with an edge, whose entire Edinburgh performance was sold out prior to the festival’s start, often enjoys testing limits.

This book, You Can’t Say Nothing Any More, tackles a variety of topics, including but not limited to: the challenges of cancel culture, feeling misinterpreted, personal experiences with autism, the popular game show House of Games hosted by Richard Osman, and the journey of weight loss.

He’s not someone raised during the period of conflict, he clarifies, implying that this production isn’t politically focused. However, there is a recurring joke about Gerry Adams, and a segment discussing how the phrase “Up the Ra” has evolved from an IRA slogan to a more neutral expression (some might argue otherwise).

This program is both insightful and thought-provoking, and that’s largely thanks to Angelone’s sharp wit and captivating stage presence. He’s definitely an artist worth keeping an eye on.

You Can’t Say Nothing Any More runs until August 24. 

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2025-08-08 22:18