Calvinball (Ipdip Theatre)
The young attendees are split into rhubarb or custard teams, and are given red or yellow ribbon wristbands accordingly. They then set off into the Botanic Gardens for a game of, er, Calvinball. The only trouble is, the rules are missing. And so our three enthusiastic hosts - one referee and two team captains - are required to make it up as they go along, entirely in the spirit of the Calvin and Hobbes original. What ensues is sort of a Mornington Crescent of ball games, with toddling participation and yellow cards requiring offenders to sing the "sorry song" (which the FA should totally look into). Silliness, fun and a wonderful setting - it's literally hard to lose at Calvinball.
Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Bruce Blacklaw]

Children Are Stinky (Circus Trick Tease)
Everything in Assembly gardens is pumping - the loud 90s dance soundtrack, the energy of the acrobatic Australian performers "Jason and Kylie" and, er, the subject matter (in the passing wind sense). From scatalogical beginnings, a list of the shortcomings of children is crossed off one by one, thanks to the efforts of the young audience members. Their invitations to the stage punctuate a breathless 45 minutes of genuinely impressive acrobatic stunts, hula-hooping (also impressive), slapstick and silliness, which the audience and the performers both seem to enjoy hugely. Turns out (spoiler alert!) we're all a bit stinky sometimes, which is probably about as profound a truth as anything else you'll hear this Fringe. So go on: embrace the stink.
Assembly George Square Gardens, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Bruce Blacklaw]

COMEDY

Me And Robin Hood (Hoipolloi & Royal Court in association with Theatre Royal)
Shôn Dale-Jones becomes the radical figure that the modern age lacks in this thought-provoking performance in support of Street Child United. Weaving a cunning web of his own playful and, at times, emotionally raw stories with the well-known tale of Robin Hood, Dale-Jones proves to be a gifted storyteller with a palpably important story. The show blends fiction and reality to challenge the most dangerous fictional creation of all: money, and all the inequalities it brings with it. This is not just another pretty Fringe tale however: Robin Hood has arrived in Edinburgh, and he's imploring us to get out of our comfy seats and rob the bank - who's in?
Pleasance Dome, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Stephanie Stapleton]

DANCE & PHYSICAL THEATRE

Batacchio (Cirk La Putyka)
'Batacchio' twists circus as you know it and uses music, humour and creativity to build a performance that brought delight and amazement to its audience. There's much that struck me about Cirk La Putyka's contemporary circus show, but the sheer fluidity of their movements is especially pleasing, with their skillful precision making the complex finale appear surprisingly delicate. From clowning, puppetry and magic to seesaws and aerial silks, much is packed in yet every move and gesture is beautifully choreographed; it all has its place in the show. The use of the space and even the lighting feel meticulously considered. Silly at times and breathtaking at others, this show is well worth catching on its short run in Edinburgh.
ZOO Southside, until 12 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Daisy Malt]

MUSIC

Arbikie Pipers Game Of Drones (Arbikie Pipers)
An upmarket, cabaret-style taster menu of Scottish musical culture with no cheese! The historical Scottish 'Game of Thrones' theme linking the traditional pipe melodies was described by a narrator and included guest spots from other artists - I enjoyed the musicianship and jokes of accordionist Sandy Brechin. The sweetness of the Scottish small pipes was moving but the highlight was Pipe Major Cammie Ritchie's Pibroch - a technically rigorous style seldom heard outside of piping competitions. Drummer Andrew Johnston entertained with his tricky snare solo 'Drum Fanfare'; a Scot myself, I loved the complex, well-defined syncopation of the snare drum but wasn't so sure about pipes with bongo accompaniment. This is a good show for visitors - authentic and interesting.
Merchant's Hall, until 23 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Louise Rodgers]

THEATRE

Brutal Cessation (Michelle Barnette Productions Limited)
A powerful piece of new writing, 'Brutal Cessation' explores how emotional games and rituals can consume a relationship and obscure people from reality, the performance following a couple and their conversations at home, as their relationship becomes increasing symbiotic. The set is markedly minimal, established by just a few domestic props, which leaves the audience's focus on the intricate exchanges between the two characters. The script is elegant yet expressive, conveying complex characters through simple language and the use of a youthful vernacular. The script is complemented by two very accomplished performances and high quality direction, though an extravagant concluding sequence breaks with the performance's simple elegance. Overall this is a dark, thrilling drama.
Assembly George Square Theatre, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [James Napleton]

Cognitions (SpeakUp Theatre)
The story of a mother with bipolar disorder and her daughter's attempts to get her the help and support she needs, which explores the small, everyday ways that mental illness can affect relationships and families. The two leads are supported by three other actors who create physical manifestations of the intrusive thoughts that inhabit the mother's mind - at times tender, at others terrifying - in a highly stylised manner, giving this piece an inventive, visually appealing feel. The acting from the young cast is terrific throughout, particularly Charli Corrigan as the mother, whose nuanced, taut delivery feels almost disturbingly authentic. Despite an unsatisfactorily tidy ending, this is a competent production, shedding a valuable light on the issues surrounding mental health.
Greenside @ Infirmary Street, until 19 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Gemma Scott]

Overshare (Pieces Of Us Theatre Company)
Is sharing too much information a problem? What about not enough? And how will your loved ones react when they know the truth? That's the basic premise of 'Overshare', where, through a series of short scenes, we see a family torn apart by a secret kept hidden for years, while their friends are only too happy to overshare about bodily functions in revolting detail. There are some interesting themes explored here, but unfortunately the writing feels underdeveloped, the 'secret' implausible, and the whole lacking in tension. The actors seem uncomfortable on stage, and appear to be reciting lines by rote without actually listening to one another. Pieces of Us have shared something that should perhaps have been kept secret a little while longer.
theSpace on North Bridge, until 19 Aug.
tw rating 2/5 | [Gemma Scott]

I Am Faransis W. (sadsongskomplex:fi / From Start To Finnish)
This performance offers an intriguing exploration of the divides in modern western society through an experimental and dystopian lens. The play is formed of several splintered narratives: a man taking part in a game show; the hardships of a woman called Maria, and the journey of two refugees. Clearly interlinked, these stories draw together the modern divisions of terrorism, poverty and nationhood, however the play fails to establish a sufficient commentary on these issues. A more impressive feature is their projector screen, flashing with visual motifs and evocative symbolism, which enhances the storytelling. 'I Am Faransis W.' asks deep and challenging questions of western society and recent international developments, but it fails to offer any sort of answer.
Summerhall, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [James Napleton]

Morale Is High (Since We Gave Up Hope) (Powder Keg)
This wild performance is a menagerie of jokes, political polemic, live music and Mancunians and, while scruffy, the show offers irrepressible fun. The central theme is essentially a political one and, through various time travelling hijinks, the two performers describe the growing social and political issues in Britain. Overall the show feels cluttered and unfocused, but this is remedied by the spirited chemistry between the two performers: it's this energetic and comic double act routine that propels the show forward. Other highlights include a funny 'The Great Dictator' style lampooning of Michael Gove (Prime Minister in 2020) and a powerful, poignant story about automation destroying working class jobs. 'Morale Is High' offers a mixed bag, but an entertaining one.
Northern Stage @ Summerhall, until 20 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [James Napleton]