We’ve curated two more Edinburgh Fringe reviews, all in the genre of theater.
Casino?
Casino? is a delightful romp.
It’s well-written, fast-paced, and farcical, with all the essential elements of engaging storytelling. The audience at the near-sold-out performance loved it, responding with a standing ovation from a largely twenty-something crowd.
The plot sits comfortably within a familiar casino trope. In most stories like this, you either get the slick “Ocean’s 11” heist or the desperate gambler’s last-chance miracle win. This one falls into one of those categories (no spoilers) but it’s set among a crew of Scottish waiters and waitresses at a Glasgow steakhouse. The place is overseen by a bullying, sleazy boss. After-hours partying, workplace tensions, and some ill-advised wagers quickly raise the stakes. There’s betrayal, transformation, and a satisfying resolution.
The show is peppered with heavy local slang and insider jokes that UK audiences will grasp instantly, though international visitors might struggle with the thick accents. Even so, its energy and charm shine through.
A fun night out at the Fringe. ★★★½
Do Astronauts Masturbate in Outer Space
Should win the best title award.
Staged in an intimate venue just off the Royal Mile, Do Astronauts Masturbate in Outer Space bursts with energy from both its performers and its tightly packed script. In just 55 minutes, the show delivers the density of what feels like an 80-page play, and it is sharp, quick, and brimming with ideas.
Part comedy, part dystopia, part love story, it’s a smart mashup that feels like The Handmaid’s Tale meets Animal Farm, with a dash of rom-com. Weird mix, right? But it works. At its core, it’s about an unplanned pregnancy and the fears, delights, and relationship pressures that come with it. Layered into this personal story is a biting political commentary that keeps the stakes high and the satire pointed.
The cast’s manic energy sometimes outpaces the small space, but the piece has the bones of something bigger. The material in this play could easily expand into a larger, more visually dynamic production.
Surprising, sharp, and full of potential. ★★★★
