And just like that, the Edinburgh Fringe terminates once again. Cambridge talent soared, the audience laughed, and Varsity had opinions. Varsity also had a top five—here they are:

Real Mad World: original, daring and leaves the audience ruminating

5 stars

Varsity’s reviewer, Madeleine Anderson, enjoyed how “the production shifts between scenes of quiet domesticity and energised enragement”. This show focuses on the relationship between Laura and Lindsay, which is intensified by Lindsay’s insistence on trans-revolutionary action and Laura’s desire to carry and raise children. It draws upon ideas of love, sex and empathy and the barriers that complicate queer love.

Cicada’s Children: the moment you walk into the theatre you are complicit

4.5 stars

Tom Howlett expressed that this chilling tale about the revival of the cult of Cicada’s Children was “quite exceptional”. The cult’s respected leader, Stanley Cicada, has been arrested but one member remains keen to rejuvenate its power; all she needs is one unsuspecting idiot. It is dark, discomforting and original.

Horrible Herstories: a clever look at comedic women of the past

4 stars

Varsity’s reviewer, Sheamol Obeda, believes “every history supervisor needs to see [Horrible Herstories]“. It follows a group of ‘Phil’s’ as they tackle the mistruths that history has cemented about women. While it can’t promise historical accuracy, it’ll certainly provide enough fast-paced humour to leave you satisfied for the evening.

Girlboss: funny, flirty and one-hundred per cent Fringe-worthy

4 stars

Reviewing at the Fringe, Lotte Brundle thought Girlboss’ “dry delivery of witty one-liners was exceptional.” Girlboss is simultaneously a refreshing take on the struggles of womanhood and a guide for overcoming them. This production encourages women to run with the expectations society places on women and put their spin on them—something the writers did remarkably.

Life Before the Line: an astute commentary on growing up in politically charged times

4 stars

Life Before the Line was the winner of the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club, and was seen as its best by Anna Gardener when it “juxtapose[d] the mundane and shocking.” The play is framed by a terrorist alarm going off in a revision lesson and how it dramatically impacts the lives of its four main characters.