Edinburgh Improv Tales
★★★☆☆ Quixotic
theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Venue 43): Fri 1 – Sat 9 Aug 2025
Review by Katrina Dixon
Edinburgh Improv Tales is a playfully surrealist improvised series of short tales capturing the Jekyll & Hyde nature of Victorian Edinburgh, but without the horror, unless you count the pies made of rats, cheese and beans.
It can be difficult for live comedy improvisation to match the apparent high bar of TV improv, where the audience or presenter suggestions can spin into abstract, fast-paced storylines, often by big names. However, Edinburgh-based KinkyFish Improv collectively dream up a series of impish parodies from the barest of audience suggestions that are definitely worth 50 minutes of your time.
The cast of Edinburgh Improv Tales. Pic James Armandary.
As with all improv, each night is a totally new show. On the night Æ was in attendance, the audience asked for tales built around the setting of the Cowgate and being an energy engineer. These ingredients spiralled steadily into ever-more absurd set-ups, revelling in all the corners of 19th-century Auld Reekie, from thieves in the Old Town to lords and ladies in the New Town.
quixotic flights of imagination
The skits might not always work for those expecting serious Edinburgh or Victorian history, but the quixotic flights of imagination produce many engaging moments. The Cowgate as a setting inspired running gags about cow gates (or, memorably, “sheep portals”), escaped horses and get-rich-quick investment schemes. The suggestion of an energy engineer became an energy machine that everyone wants – but no one really knows how to work.
The cast of Edinburgh Improv Tales. Pic James Armandary.
Special props to Jon Carstairs for his energy and inventiveness throughout, and to Halyn Erickson, especially their offbeat turn as a confused Victorian Gregg’s employee. That said, there is chemistry and warmth between the whole six-strong ensemble which also includes Shona White, Poppy McLean, Calum Jarvie and Jonny Paul.
enthusiastic spoofs
Both the set and costuming are minimal but go a long way in fuelling the enthusiastic spoofs. A few narrative threads may fizzle out, but that’s one of the inevitable perils of improv and the cast always move on swiftly and confidently to the next skit.
For Fringe-goers wanting a nightcap of quirky, silly skits, this dose of distinctly alternative Victoriana might do the trick.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Amphitheatre), Hill Square, EH8 9DW (Venue 43).
Friday 1 – Saturday 9 August 2025.
Daily: 9.50pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
A scene from an Edinburgh Improv Tale. Pic James Armandary.
ENDS
