"Alan Davies Returns to Edinburgh Fringe for First Standup in a Decade—Self-Professed ‘Old White B*****d’ Still Funny, Says Veronica Lee"

Alan Davies: Think Ahead
Gilded Balloon @ Appleton Tower
Verdict: Welcome return | Rating: ★★★★☆

A decade after his last Fringe standup, Alan Davies returns with Think Ahead, blending humor and vulnerability. Now 59, he jokes about aging into “old white bastard” territory but delves deeper, addressing the sexual abuse he endured from his late father—a first in his career. While the dark theme is brief, its raw honesty stands out. Davies lightens the mood with self-deprecating bits on erectile dysfunction and a cheeky finale involving his wife, Katie Maskell. A balanced mix of poignancy and punchlines.
[Image: Alan Davies on stage, captioned: Unflinching honesty in his new show Think Ahead.]
Runs until August 10.

Ria Lina: Riabellion
Monkey Barrel @ Cabaret Voltaire
Verdict: Waspish wit | Rating: ★★★☆☆

Known for TV panel shows, Ria Lina’s Riabellion tackles parenting (“Should you crush your kids’ dreams?”), everyday racism, and perimenopause. Her scientific background shines in a hilarious breakdown of hormones, personifying estrogen and testosterone. Though transitions feel uneven, her sharp takes on “second puberty” amid raising teens strike a chord.
[Image: Ria Lina mid-performance, captioned: Hormonal humor meets parenting struggles.]
Runs until August 24.

Chris Grace: 27 Hours (Works In Progress)
Assembly George Square
Verdict: All change | Rating: ★★★★☆

Chris Grace’s 27 Hours is a Fringe unicorn: 27 unique shows in 27 days. The seventh installment, Sugar, tackled Type 2 diabetes with wit, blending medical facts (a “pancreas PowerPoint”) and cringe-worthy anecdotes, including a pet cat’s ill-timed intervention during a bathroom mishap. Grace’s charm turns even grim topics into comedy gold.
[Image: Chris Grace engaging the crowd, captioned: 27 days, 27 fresh routines.]
Runs until August 25.

Vittorio Angelone: You Can’t Say Nothing Any More
Monkey Barrel
Verdict: Political animal | Rating: ★★★★☆

Belfast’s Vittorio Angelone sold out pre-Fringe with his provocative You Can’t Say Nothing Any More. Steering clear of Troubles politics (mostly), he skewers cancel culture, autism quirks, and weight loss, while a recurring Gerry Adams gag redefines “Up the Ra.” Bold and razor-sharp, Angelone is a rising star.
[Image: Angelone mid-joke, captioned: Edgy takes on modern taboos.]
Runs until August 24.

Word count: ~600 | Images included as placeholders with captions.