Harriet Richardson's debut hour-long comedy show Creep has received a five-star review at the Edinburgh Fringe, with two other newcomers, Ele McKenzie and Imogen Andrews, earning three stars and two and a half stars respectively. The reviews are based on performances on 23 August 2026.
Harriet Richardson: Creep
Richardson's show, performed at Pleasance Courtyard, has sold out its entire run in the opening days of the festival, leading to extra performances being added. The performance artist's first step into comedy has captured attention, with the show's narrative involving a former Taskmaster contestant who slides into her DMs, and a dalliance on celebrity dating app Raya bringing other famous bachelors into the story.
The show also includes elements from Richardson's previous viral sensations, including having 100 virtual dates in a day and getting a tattoo of all of her sexual partners' mothers' names. An array of characters, including a private investigator, a reverend, and an ex's mum, add lightness and warmth beyond the moments of self-analysis and toxic lust. An eight-night run at the Soho Theatre is already announced for 27 November to 5 December.
Ele McKenzie: Bringing It All Back Home
McKenzie, who starred in the BBC sitcom Funboys and honed her live act at London venues like MOTH Club, presents her awkwardly unashamed, stay-at-home-masturbating outsider persona. However, over a whole hour, the show slightly under-delivers, with the reviewer noting that you want some engrossing to go with the plain gross. A story of a fantasy relationship with Bob Dylan shows her writing ability, but the show would benefit from going down more curious avenues.
Imogen Andrews: The Unlikeable Worms
Andrews is funny and capable on stage, unflustered and adept at ad libbing when the room's reaction isn't as intended. However, her show at Pleasance Dome doesn't quite successfully transfer from online reel to live act. Some sketches run on a little longer than desired, and while some choices are predictable, there is more range, including a glimpse of musical comedy. The interstitial videos played during costume changes were the strongest sketches.
