Fringe day 2

The first full day of Fringe previews, and a busy day it was too.

Spent an hour or so on the Royal Mile enjoying the atmosphere and taking photos before E arrived. These are The Railway Children I believe.

We commenced proceedings with a stand up show we'd blagged free tickets for - Sex and Hugs and Forward Rolls. It was entertaining enough, three guys doing short acts, hints of cleverness in there but not quite on the money. (2*)

Next, Mould and Arrowsmith in 3D - an act we had enjoyed last year and therefore paid to see this time. Lovely lovely people are Mould and Arrowsmith - you'd like them to be your friend and come to the pub with you and maybe date your sister. They are also wonderfully geeky and reference geeky pop culture, and the show genuinely does have 3D elements which require you to wear the two coloured glasses. Oh yeah and Steve Mould is just beautiful (look at this) - it is worth the money to look at him for the hour. E got a badge at the end that said 'I am the new Dr Who'. We were very pleased all round. (4*)

Third came Wit Tank who did some decent sketches. We got freebies last year and intended to pay this time, but were lucky enough to get freebies again. They are clearly funny but very young and not especially slick yet so we've decided to keep an eye on them and are glad they are back again this year. (3.5*)

Fourthly, Idiots of Ants: The red button is a great sketch show, nominated for the Perier (or whatever its called) last year and very well deserved. We've seen them over three year and they've gone from great to even better. Very funny show show, very slick, nicely observed comedy, likeable guys. Very highly recommend as a reliable show to suit just about anyone (even you mum probably) (4.5*)