Our critics’ guide to what’s hot so far…

CABARET & VARIETY Yana Alana – Between The Cracks JJJJ

Assembly Checkpoint (Venue 322)

“Alana combines the meta-theatrical showmanship of Meow Meow with the defiantly grotesque self-assurance of Divine and the cartoonish mischief of a Smurf.”

BEN WALTERS

THEATRE Electrolyte Pleasance Dome (Venue 23) JJJJJ

“An immediate standing ovation met Olivia Sweeney’s towering, exhausting performance in a story told in rap rhymes and song … The score goes from blasts of sound to lyrical sweetness.”

TIM CORNWELL

Velvet

JJJJ

Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) “As the skilfully structured writing slowly scratches and then vigorously scrubs away superficial surfaces, what lies beneath is something more sinister.” SALLY STOTT

COMEDY Grant Busé: The Birds And The Beats JJJJJ

Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14)

“Educational, informative and entertaining, The Birds and the Beats is positively Reithian. Except the BBC’S first director general never did what Busé does with a mic at the end of the show.” MARTIN GRAY

Alistair Barrie: The International JJJJJ

Liquid Room Annexe/warehouse (Venue 276)

“If you have been bored senseless listening to virtuesignalling streaks of woke… come and listen to a proper, professional comedy communicator and find out what you could have laughed at.” KATE COPSTICK

DANCE My Land JJJJJ

Assembly Roxy (Venue 139)

“A circus show of profound beauty from Recirquel Company … Each act maintains the electric atmosphere and adds to the drama in unexpected ways.” KELLY APTER

MUSIC

Pussy Riot: Riot Days JJJJ

Summerhall (Venue 26)

“Anyone tempted to take their freedom for granted will find this angry, vital performance the best reminder that there are many places in the world where personal choices are also political.” SUSAN MANSFIELD