Comedy

After two successful comedy playlets The Grandees – down from three members to a double-act – return to Edinburgh this year with a sketch show, and it's their best hour yet – bizarre, ridiculous, not a lot of it makes much sense, but a whole heap of fun. The audience is invited to delve deep in the ‘Book of Pricks’, encountering along the way a perverted pig, a pair of bears that do not like dancing and a wonderfully camp oak-obsessed Sherlock Holmes, amongst others. Both incredibly talented performers, Marny Godden and Tom Turner have no need to rely on extensive props or extravagant costumes; they allow their relaxed chemistry and brilliantly off the wall dialogue to shine. Their eccentric characters and offbeat sketches won’t be to everyone’s taste, but those that can embrace their unique style will surely be in for a treat.

'The Grandees ' is at the Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe, 21.05.

A departure from the gruesome illusions this pair are renowned for, Scottish magical-duo Barry and Stuart’s latest offering is a triumph of astonishing illusions, inventive technology, and unexpected frights. B&S attempt to contact the dead, showcasing the various methods used by mediums or, to give them their full title: fake mediums. Without revealing too much detail of a show that should by all means remain a surprise, the talented pair have produced an hour that features the perfect mix of silly, mocking gags and a truly creepy atmosphere. Laughing whilst being genuinely scared is a near impossible feat, but these two extraordinary warlocks somehow manage to maintain that exact feeling throughout, with night vision video aids adding to the mood as the encounters get spookier. Their finest show to date, ‘98% Séance’ is a true celebration of unique misdirection and imaginative magic unlike anything else at the Fringe.

'Barry and Stuart– 98% Séance' is at the Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe, 22.20.

When stand-ups join forces, no matter how good they might be flying solo, the results are often the case of egos being showcased more than talent. This is far from the case in Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker’s combined effort ‘The Golden Lizard’ which mixes a fast-paced action-adventure story and ludicrous science-based sketches with magnificent results. The two comics tell the story of Roy, a professional alphabetiser at Reading Library who embarks on a quest to find Floyd Vernon; author, editor and publisher of the titular book. The script is crammed full of wonderfully silly jokes, with some really sharp one-liners, and the two performers slip seamlessly into each other’s roles, making for a slick, inventive solution to playing multiple characters. A charming show with a delightfully ridiculous story, playful banter and fine performances from these two gifted comics.

'Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker: The Golden Lizard ' is at the Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe, 16.45.