The Office Watch head honcho, Peter Deegan, isn’t just a Microsoft Office nerd for over 25 years. He’s been a theatre junkie for even longer and goes to the famous Edinburgh Festivals each year. And each year he’s asked for recommendations and tips so now here’s some short reviews of shows that he’s seen and liked, to help you choose from the thousands of shows available.
Check this page regularly, Peter will add shows as he sees them.
Get the most for less money (and hassle) at the Edinburgh Festivals
Youth in Flames
Youth in Flames is an electrifying solo piece by Mimi Martin that delivers a raw, pulsating journey through the turbulence of the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Boldly blending euphoric techno beats with intense storytelling, Martin’s portrayal of Millie—a fierce outsider carving out home amidst chaos—is nothing short of captivating.
The visceral sound design and visceral performance fuse into a rebellious, unforgettable theatrical experience that resonates long after the curtain falls. A vivid, evocative gem that’s a highlight of the 2025 Edinburgh Festivals.
by Dare Theatre at Zoo Playground (1–24 August, 7 pm)
Saria Callas
Saria Callas is a sexy, camp, pop-filled tragicomedy from Sara Amini that shines as a bold celebration of artistic and personal freedom. With striking multimedia storytelling—seamlessly merging music, striking visuals, and deeply felt recollections of growing up in Iran where women were forbidden to sing—crafts an intimate, electric journey from repression to self-actualization
Amini dominates the stage with charisma and nuance, her luminous singing voice imbuing every memory with both rebellious joy and hard‑earned tenderness. Childhood memories—Tehran school‑bus parties, secret recitals, and the aspirational “wannabe prayer‑caller”—merge with present tensions as she navigates motherhood and a child coming into their own identity.
ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States
Leigh Douglas delivers a energetic and hilarious solo performance as Chastity Quirke or ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States, whose fierce loyalty—and refusal to be outdone by “the icky democrats”—is both wildly entertaining and refreshingly sharp.
She cleverly exposes the contradictions of southern charm when femininity meets political fervor, especially as Chastity teeters on a shocking realization: she might just be a feminist after all. With razor-sharp wit, irreverent energy, and a perfectly balanced dose of absurdity, ROTUS is a comedy that punches up at politics and expectations alike, with a smile.
Stories from the Office of a Sex Dungeon
Get ready to buckle up for Stories from the Office of a Sex Dungeon — a hilarious, jaw-dropping hour with Katharyn Henson that dives deep into the bizarre, beautiful, and downright bonkers world of BDSM from behind the desk.
In the basement (of course) of West Nic Records in West Nicholson St, a short walk from the mayhem of Bristo and George Squares.
Part of the Free Fringe, leave a donation at the end of the show or buy an advance ticket from the Fringe web site
Tip: arrive early to guarantee a seat. This show can fill up the small room and I saw people turned away because the ‘dungeon’ was full.
Excel Comedy and Mathem-antics
A quirky mix of Excel tips and relentless punmanship, this show delivers laughs (and groans) in equal measure.
Excel MVP David Benaim brings both his expertise and eccentric humour to the stage, offering useful tricks alongside a torrent of puns, some crude.
Despite the cosy, cave-like venue, the show drew a full house, proving there’s a surprising appetite for spreadsheet-based comedy.
Expect a barrage of wordplay and some genuinely helpful Excel insights tucked among the puns.
A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God; Whoever Reads this First
Two boys yearning for masculinity in 1960s America an idolised time of summer camps, solemn oaths taken with a spit handshake, illicit communions and The Beatles on harmonicas. All enhanced by clever wordplay and subtle callbacks.
It’s a bit tiring to watch the powerful performances from two enthusiastic performers (Natasha Roland and Xhloe Rice) to say nothing of milage clocked up by a multifunctional truck tyre.
It seems like a jolly nostalgic romp to Mayberry but the layered and emotional impact creeps imperceptibly as the hour goes by.
Highly recommended. Edinburgh Fringe
Xhloe and Natasha have two other shows in the 2025 Fringe Festival.
Hold on to your Butts
Who needs Steven Spielberg and $63 million to make a dinosaur story when you have three talented people, a box of props and a black curtain?
Hold on to your Butts is the original Jurassic Park movie recreated before your eyes and at a breakneck pace. All the iconic scenes are there from a glass of water to a life-saving T-rex.
Sam Neill’s character is played just with a pair of Aviator sunglasses. The annoying boy is a backpack. Making fun of Jeff Goldblum … naturally. Watch out for the dancing DNA.
Keep an eye on the sound effects or Foley table on the side of the stage. Sounds that you might assume are prerecorded are done live right in front of you.
Anyone who remembers the original and best Jurassic Park movie will love Hold on to Your Butts. I wonder what someone who has never seen the film will make of it.
Hold on to your Butts is a Recent Cutbacks production, at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s at the dreaded Pleasance Courtyard, the Forth venue is far down the back, past the non-existent signage (ask the long-suffering staff instead).
If nothing else I learnt that it’s possible for a man to have more than one hole in his penis!
Mahler In
