Varsity brings you the best of the FringeFlickr: Laura Suarez

Circa ★★★★★

With the use of only their acrobatic skills, aerial circus equipment and animal costumes, the seven acrobats of Circa manage to blur the boundaries between human and animal, dream and reality and take the audience 'beyond'. This high energy show leaves audiences crying, laughing and simply astounded by the physical ability and creative imaginations of the troupe. There is something for everyone in this truly fantastic show.

Grimm - ★★★★

It may be from ‘The Other Place’, but Grimm is totally unmissable. It is a lesson to all performers on the importance of energy on stage; the atmosphere is just electric, with a small cast presenting an unusual twist on the classic Grimm’s tales. With a sparse set, limited props, and simple lighting - this production is a testament to its phenomenal performers.

Icarus Falling - ★★★★★

One man stands in the corner of a small room, a handful of feathers scattered around him - the audience has no idea what they are in for. Scott Wings presents the tale of Icarus, entwined with his own life story, alongside unbelievable physicality. The performer has an incredible ability to hold the attention of an entire room, with tears and laughter in almost equal measure. An utterly brilliant show.

Lieutenant of Inishmore - ★★★★★

One of the most extraordinary shows at the Fringe, with three performances a day, in one of the more remote locations at the festival. In a tiny venue, lined with plastic, the audience are led into a small room and presented with plastic ponchos to wear: an absolute necessity, it turns out. With Martin McDonagh's wonderful black humour, coupled with copious spatterings of blood, this production is well worth the money.

Red Bastard - ★★★★★

Provocative. Uncomfortable. Energetic. Heart-rending. This one man comedy forces you through a unexpected, tumultuous journey inducing both uproarious laughter and even some tears. Much like Marmite you will absolutely love this show or it will be the worst thing you have ever watched. 

Shitfaced Shakespeare - ★★★★★

“We’ve taken SIX classically trained actors and got one of them classically shit-faced”. With one of the leads off his face on half a bottle of gin, a couple of pints, a bottle of Disarono and some of Tesco’s finest rosé, a production of Two Gentlemen of Verona attempts to take place. With guest appearances from those on the front row, a confiscated sword, some musings on love, and very little of the script, you are guaranteed to be in stitches from start to finish.

The Bunker Trilogy: Macbeth - ★★★★★

One of the Fringe's stand-out shows. The actor playing Macbeth is exceptional, his delivery of Shakespeare's verse faultless, and the great physical trauma attributed to the character fills the confined space. The heat and discomfort of the bunker room break down barriers between cast and audience and makes this production engrossing to watch. 

Vindici - ★★★★

Vindici is not to be missed. Three actors utilise the immersive set up beautifully to transport the audience's imagination beyond the single room; the modern take on the iconic Revenger's Tragedy is compelling, and the actor playing Vindici is particularly captivating in the range and variety of movement he displays.