Ashley Davies

Oh God.

Yes! How long did you have it?

I’m on my sixth bout of Covid - right in the middle of my busiest time of the year. Everything hurts, Three hours of sleep, then 15 minutes of work, repeated.

Tim Key: Running up Salisbury Crags is the highlight of every summer The writer, comedian and Ballad of Wallis Island actor on his first audition, Columbo and the train from St Petersburg to Moscow

Tim Key: Running up Salisbury Crags is the highlight of every summer

See Tim at @pleasance.co.uk and @edbookfest.bsky.social this month.

www.thetimes.com/article/4559...

Release your potential

Tickets still available for Jim Moir at Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick on Sunday 10 Aug.
I spoke to him about birds, art and teabags.

www.fringebythesea.com/jim-moir/

Worried about our local pufflings today.

Gutted for Fringe by the Sea tomorrow

Oh no, that’s awful

Some fun stuff to do in Scotland this/next week - not all of it in Edinburgh, wouldyabelieve.

In today’s Times Scotland.

The huge

The National Library of Scotland is an oasis of tranquility at this time of year. Top Tip: their storage lockers are roomy & only cost £1. You can't leave stuff overnight, but they're secure enough to allow a few pints @ The Bow Bar in Victoria St (while on a research break 😏). #EdinburghFringe

Shedinburgh, Edinburgh’s newest festival venue (outside Edinburgh College of Art), is lovely.

Second from the right has strong “Jesus Christ, Rory, you said amputate the LEFT leg” energy.

I’ve seen people on their phones in about four shows so far this Fringe. Last night a woman was on hers in the front row in full view of the act. So rude.

Hahaa

Many years ago I was the letters editor on a newspaper, and received this one for publication.

Clever promo for Jackie!!! at @gildedballoon.bsky.social

I’ve just seen a woman requesting sage to burn with urgency of a paramedic. The Fringe has begun.

Our comedy picks at Edinburgh Fringe this year Thousands of comedy shows are at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Our expert critics pick the best acts, from established stars to rising newcomers

Some big names - and acts you really should know - doing comedy at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe

www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

What Fringe shows to see if you love dance, physical theatre and circus From rave culture to Shakespeare, the 2025 Fringe explores the body’s expressive power – we pick 11 shows that showcase acrobatics, dance and physical theatre

Into dance, physical theatre and circus? I've picked some highlights for this year's Fringe.

www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

Theatre shows you need to catch at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe From Elton John’s libel battle to a darkly comic take on Elon Musk, the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe offers a range of theatrical experiences — here’s our pick

A few of my theatre tips for this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe

www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

Musicals, magic and cabaret lighting up the Edinburgh Fringe From rock’n’roll royalty to online dating disasters, the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe offers a dazzling array of entertainment

*Some* of my musicals, magic and cabaret recommendations for this year's Fringe.

www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

Mike McShane: ‘What keeps me coming to the Fringe? Lorne sausage’ The American comedian on the ‘marvel of breakfast architecture’, finding out he has Native American heritage and his new Edinburgh show

"Laughter is the best medicine — especially if you’re injecting it into the veins of your enemy."

Here's Mike McShane, who you can see in The Spy Who Went to Rehab at @pleasance.co.uk Dome this Fringe.

www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

When Billy Connolly met Alasdair Gray: a tale of friendship and demons Discover the untold story of two Scottish icons as playwright Alan Bissett brings their lives, struggles, and surprising similarities to the stage in a captivating new play

Alan Bissett's new play imagines what happened when Billy Connolly met Alasdair Gray at the launch of the latter's seminal novel, Lanark. I spoke to Alan about why these two figures are so important to him.
When Billy Met Alasdair's at @scotstorycentre.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...

The local farmer has been, to quote my son, “flinging poo around” but the flies still believe something more alluringly disgusting can be found in our home. This does not reflect well on us.

Is that … a tester?

I’ve never inserted an intravenous cannula in a war zone but I *have* put a soggy straw in a Capri-Sun on a horrible bus while my children were being unreasonable.

If you buy The Times Scotland today you’ll find loads of Fringe recommendations - comedy, theatre, kids, cabaret, dance and more.

Sharon Wanjohi – In the House Empty wellness trends during trying economic times make for comedy gold, Sharon Wanjohi tells Ashley Davies

A Fringe comedy debut I’m really looking forward to - Sharon Wanjohi.

www.thetimes.com/article/bbf3...

Tom Rosenthal: Maybe I’m having a neurotic meltdown The sitcom star’s new Fringe show is loosely based around things that people have called him, from actor and nepo baby to Jewish and autistic

As a fan of Arctic Monkeys, Tom Rosenthal knows what it’s like being known for a certain thing but wanting to take other creative avenues. I spoke to him ahead of his Fringe show, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am.

www.thetimes.com/article/6a9b...