What's happened
A group of Fringe acts from The Scotsman and The Guardian review new stand-up pieces by Joseph Morpurgo, Harriet Richardson, Harriet Richardson (again), Ayo Adenekan and Verona Verbakel. The pieces show inventive formats, personal narratives and bold confrontations with difficult topics, underscoring a year of inventive storytelling at the festival.
What's behind the headline?
Cutting through noise
- The Scotsman’s review of Morpurgo’s Highlander 70 treats the show as a patchwork of past and present, using found artefacts to build a nostalgic yet restless narrative. Morpurgo’s live delivery and multi-character shtick are presented as a strength that keeps the hour moving.
- The Guardian’s coverage of Adenekan emphasizes a fresh perspective but notes pacing and development gaps, suggesting potential with more polishing. The critic values his warmth and angles on identity, while pointing to places where material could deepen the emotional arc.
- Verona Verbakel’s OnlyFans for Therapy is framed as a bold foray into trauma storytelling through online life, with a Belgian programme context that supports its unconventional format. The show is praised for honesty and risk-taking, even as some audiences might find the approach unsettling.
- Frankie McNair’s Huge Ass Mindset is highlighted for fearless addressing of child sexual abuse with a healing through humor approach, signaling a strong, provocative voice in fringe theatre.
What this says about the festival
- The roster leans into personal truth, using innovative formats to explore identity, trauma and desire.
- Critics agree on courage and presence, while noting pacing and narrative cohesion vary across acts.
- The festival remains a launchpad for distinctive voices that blend performance art with stand-up.
How we got here
The Edinburgh Fringe continues with a slate of new shows from a mix of veteran performers and rising voices. Journalists have canvassed a range of acts across venues like Pleasance Courtyard and Monkey Barrel, highlighting both the humor and the harder, more personal material that marks this year’s festival.
Our analysis
The Scotsman reviews: Joseph Morpurgo: Highlander 70; Harriet Richardson: Creep. The Guardian reviews: Ayo Adenekan: Homeland Insecurity; Harriet Dyer: Easily Distra (truncated for summary). Verona Verbakel: OnlyFans for Therapy; Frankie McNair: Huge Ass Mindset. All pieces celebrate bold, personal storytelling at Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
Go deeper
- Which act surprised you most this year?
- Do you expect any of these performers to tour internationally soon?
- What themes dominate this year's fringe line-up?
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