#Review by Lou of Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick @Jmdwrites @morgandick_author @VikingBooksUK #FavouriteDaughter

Favourite Daughter
By Morgan Dick

Life, it can be challenging, whether you’re a therapist by profession or not. Favourite Daughter weaves plausible characters with wit and issues. Having watched (perhaps discovered it quite late), In Treatment, this book intrigued me and feels very real with a rather different take on family drama. Find out more in the blurb and the rest of my thoughts in the review.

Blurb

‘He left you some money.’

Mickey felt her mouth drop open. The first half of that sentence had rung clear and true. The second half had not. Her father was one to take, not give.

After he left them for his new family, Mickey resolved never to think of her father again. She’s fine without him; yes, she drinks, but only sometimes and, really, she can’t not.

But with only $181 to her name, she’s not above attending some mandated therapy to access her inheritance. She’ll kneel at the Kleenex alter and soon be bingeing Bridgerton with a bottle of Russian Standard, five million dollars richer.

Arlo has more issues than most of her clients. Being a therapist has not prepared her for grief. She adored her father – his laughter, his charm, the smell of his cologne. She thought he adored her, too, but now he’s given his inheritance to a daughter no one knows, and Arlo is at a loss.

Two sisters are unknowingly thrown together for the first time.

It’s crazy, it’s unethical.

It’s perfect.

Review

Meet Mickey, she’s resolved never to talk to her father again. Harsh? Maybe a little, but when you read her story, you can totally see why she’s taken this stance when you know the choice he’s decided to take. The further unfortunate thing is the impact of her decision hasn’t gone without its own consequences. Mickey chooses a combination of alcohol, Bridgerton and lots of Kleenex tissues. It’s quite the combo binge, enough perhaps for anyone to wonder if she had shares in them all.

Who is really interesting is Arlo, the therapist who is enlisted, but doesn’t know she’s stepping into the unethical territory because she doesn’t know who her new client really is. Arlo also shows that therapists are perhaps not super-human and they have their own issues in life. Arlo certainly has them in spades.

Favourite Daughter is an immersive family situation with an array of emotions to get caught up in.

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*please note I’m not affiliated with any company.

#Review of The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O’Sullivan #SuzanneOSullivan @HodderBooks #Health #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #Diagnosis

The Age of Diagnosis
By Suzanne O’Sullivan

Review written by Louise Cannon

The Age of Diagnosis is a fascinating read on autism, ADHD, Huntingtons, Lyme Disease and more… Find out more in the blurb and my thoughts in my review below and more about the author, Suzanne O’Sullivan who is very qualified to speak about what is in the content of this book, she herself sounds an interesting person, so her bio is worth a read…

Blurb

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK
A BEST BOOK OF 2025 IN THE TIMES, GUARDIAN, LONDON STANDARD, NEW STATESMAN AND IRISH TIMES

‘Covers so many topics that have been troubling me but I hadn’t been able to resolve myself – as a parent and a clinician. An absolutely absorbing read’ – CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN

‘A brilliant study of the dangers of overdiagnosis’ – GUARDIAN

‘Compassionate and bracingly independent thinking’ – THE TIMES

From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good?
The boundaries between sickness and health are being redrawn.

Mental health categories are shifting and expanding all the time, radically altering what we consider to be ‘normal’.

Genetic tests can now detect pathologies decades before people experience symptoms, and sometimes before they’re even born.

And increased health screening draws more and more people into believing they are unwell.

An accurate diagnosis can bring greater understanding and of course improved treatment. But many diagnoses aren’t as definitive as we think. And in some cases they risk turning healthy people into patients.

Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health.

*As heard on Good Morning Britain, Sky News, Radio 4 Today and more.*

Review

Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan has written a fascinatingly balanced book that’s been incredibly well-researched to the point where she has gained real people’s permission to tell their stories of diagnosis, the impact that’s had on their lives, both negative and positive.

The book could have been dry, but its not, its very readable and also, rather importantly, easy to understand. It’s written with a mix of factual evidence and anecdotes from the people she interviewed in a clear, concise manner. At no point do you feel too bogged down with anything.

This is a book that is such a fascinating read and from someone who has all the relevant expertise and you really feel like you’re picking up information from someone highly knowledgeable from the work she does. She certainly puts a different perspective on things.

About the author

I am a London based neurologist who cares deeply about reducing the stigma of psychosomatic disorders and normalising the reality of the mind-body connection and the havoc it can wreak. I campaign for healthcare improvements and long to see time spent with medical professionals better resourced to improve diagnosis and patient satisfaction. Technology is great – but people make people feel better.

I was born in Dublin but am now London based as a specialist at the National Hospital for neurology and Neurosurgery. I longed to be a writer since I was a child but didn’t actually start writing until I hit my forties and decided I had to realise the dream or give it up. So I realised it! My first book, It’s All in your Head was inspired by how difficult it had been to watch my patients struggle with serious psychosomatic disability with each feeling they were alone. Knowing this was a difficult subject, I was really touched by how the book was received and was honoured to be awarded the Wellcome Book Prize for it. I have since written Brainstorm that teaches people about the brain through stories of people with epilepsy and The Sleeping Beauties about mass psychogenic illness.

Stories are powerful. I have been honoured to have been told many thousands of stories over my lifetime, first as a doctor and now as a writer. I continue to work as a full time doctor and continue to try to effect change through the stories I’m told. My latest obsession is with medical overdiagnosis which has seen me write the Age of Diagnosis which tells the brave and nuanced stories of some incredible people who have both benefitted from and struggled through all that modern diagnosis has to offer.

#Review by Lou of Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain @Heidi_Swain @BookMinxSJV @TeamBATC #TeamBATC @simonschusterUK #Summer #SummerRead #BestSummerEver

Best Summer Ever
By Heidi Swain

Review written by Louise Cannon

Heidi Swain is celebrating 10 years being a published author, please join me in congratulating her in what is no mean feat. She’s published stand-alone books and 2 series over the years. She writes books that are primarily published for the summer and Christmas, each are feel-good, uplifting and pure escapism, whilst also tackling the challenges of individuals and society of the day.

Her latest is Best Summer Ever. I am incredibly surprised and proud that I have been quoted. Today, I am also very pleased to be returning to the community of Wynmouth on the blog tour.
Find out more in the blurb and my review below…

Blurb

Summer is in full swing when Daisy drives back into Wynmouth in her almost-clapped-out car, having left both her most recent job and the man her parents thought she was going to marry. Coming home could be just what she needs to move her life on.

At Wynbrook Manor, things are in disarray. Owner Algy isn’t getting any younger, and Daisy’s mum Janet, housekeeper at the manor, spends her days running around after him, while Daisy’s dad Robin, the gardener, has been let down by the person he had lined up to take care of the new cut-flower garden.

As Daisy tries to find her place at Wynbrook and in the village, she’s drawn to summer visitor Josh. But when he turns out to be not the person he appears to be, will the spark between them fizzle out? And with it, the chances of this turning into the best summer ever?

Review

Wynmouth is a community of people who I like very much to return to time and time again. There are always new people and new things to discover about it.

The opening lines instantly make you think of warm, summery days. Heidi Swain has a knack of placing you right there at the scene and making you feel everything. Whether you’ve had a great week or a week you’re pleased to see the end of, this book helps to ease the mind and take you to the warm, balmy carefree days of summer.

Daisy is looking to change her life and has returned to Wynmouth in the hope that this will help her to do so. There’s a realism in the carving out of the character Daisy that is relatable and other readers I am sure will find, either all or elements of relatability too. She’s never quite found her place in life, no matter what she does or how much she tries, whether its in employment or relationships. You get a sense of how challenging for the soul, life can be. Even at home, when she returns to Wynbrook Manor, she doesn’t slip in as she had hoped because there are many stressful factors occurring within her parents lives. It gives a real baseline of how trying to change life circumstances isn’t always as easy as you’d imagine.
Fortunately for Daisy, things do slowly turn around and you see her develop a sense of place and see old friends. It warms the heart as life begins to even out somewhat, until there’s more trouble. She meets Josh and there’s a spark, but there’s so much to find out about him that makes you wonder if things could go any further with this visitor because not all is what it seems, deep under the surface. It makes you wonder how it can be the best summer ever. You’ll need to read the book to find out.
The twists and turns of life appear compellingly well-written and immersive in Best Summer Ever.

Best Summer Ever lightens the heart with the warmth of sun, community and romance.

#Review By Lou of From Bucket List to Best Self by Shane O’Brien @ZooloosBT #ShaneOBrien #Bucketlist #BlogTour #BestSelf #BestLife #Selfhelp #Journey #Travel #NonFiction

From Bucket List to Best Self
By Shane O’Brien

Review written by Louise Cannon

I like a bucket list. I’ve been creating a bucket list before I even knew that’s what it was called from the age of 15, some 20 odd years ago. The list, which used to be 3 lists, have contained the impossible, one which I had potential opportunity of and now kicking myself as will never have it again, I don’t think and some the seemingly impossible, but somehow has miraculously happened and some the achievable or the maybe one day I’ll get there. It’s evolved over the years as some things have been ticked off, some revisited as opportunity as risen and some just knocked off and replaced with something else.
So, a book about bucket lists was up my street, although is quite different from what I was expecting, but it’s still a good book and such a worthwhile read. The fun thing is everyone’s list is different and this is a type of list that I wouldn’t think of at all.

Blurb

From Bucket List to Best Self

Happiness, fulfilment and contentment are not a destination, they’re a journey.

Age has no relevance in this book, except for the fact that I personally completed my original bucket list before the age of thirty.

I am not some hot-shot world adventurer who has travelled to over forty countries. I am a person who knows what he enjoys. I am not an influencer who takes photos for Instagram, but someone who wants to look back on his memories when he’s old and grey.

I conquered some fears, gained self-confidence and learned to rely on myself. I discovered how to accept adversity and overcome it. I travelled the world and had some amazing times.

It’s not about focusing on the end goal but enjoying the personal journey.

The bucket list never ends.

It doesn’t matter when you start, only that you have started it; and that you’re fully intentional about your personal journey.

Review

Bucket List to Best Self isn’t quite like your, perhaps more traditional bucket lists of where you want to visit, what you want to see and experience, perhaps, who you’d like to meet, what you’d like to eat that isn’t in your everyday consumption. This is about self-improvement, but not in some blaze way, although he is within the psychology profession, but that just adds interest.
It, interestingly pulls you into really concentrating on Maslow’s theory, which was interesting, perhaps because I studied this as part of a wider course that wasn’t psychology as a whole, but even so, he talks about self-actualisation, really getting to know yourself. Self-actualisation is at the top of a triangle, illustrated in the book, with basic needs at the base of the triangle. It covers everything a human-being needs to survive and thrive. The triangle and the way the book seems to centre around it does sharpen your senses and makes you focus on you for a bit to see if you’re needs are being met in each segment that’s mentioned.

What excited me was a part about resisting conformity. I just love this, perhaps because I’ve been doing this all my life, from such a young age, resisting total conformity and choosing not to be a “sheep” as the saying goes, not that I am totally perfect at this.

The other interesting part tackles, rather bravely, one of life’s biggest questions, about “life purpose”, such a big topic, which is looked at a bit, as well as creating a focus on the journey, not the goal, which flips things on its head a bit as possibly lots of people focus on the goal.

It covers some adventure as well as the what you need to know about creating a bucket list and for self-improvement, also mentioning finances for the places you may like to visit too.

There are sections in the book where you can write things down that have pointers to create focus and the sorts of values and things you may like to achieve. It’s a very well laid out book.

All in all, it’s a fascinating book and is a very different take on the bucket list. One which people may find some useful life hacks from and more…

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/bucketlistbestself-zbt

About the Author

Shane O’Brien is four-time All-Ireland champion in two different sports, has a Masters in psychology, ten years experience in youth work. He is a property investor, entrepreneur, and avid traveller. He has been to nearly forty counties before the age of thirty. From Bucket List to Best Self is a captivating exploration of personal growth drawing on Shane’s academic background in psychology and his diverse life experiences. Through a blend of research, personal anecdotes, and travel adventures, Shane offers readers a fresh and inspiring take on how to transform their lives and achieve their full potential.

Shane’s ability to seamlessly weave together his academic knowledge with real-world experiences sets From Bucket List to Best Self apart as a truly unique and valuable contribution to the self-help genre. His passion for personal development and his engaging writing style makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shane.obrien

Website: https://shaneobrienbooks.com/

#Review by Lou of The Last Weekend by Hannah Begbie @hannahbegbie @harperfiction @harpercollinsuk @RandomTTours #Blogtour

The Last Weekend
By Hannah Begbie

Review written by Louise Cannon

It’s the weekend and where better to start it with a brand new book called The Last Weekend. It’s a good one for book clubs or just chilling out with after a busy week.
Today, I am on the final stop on the Random T. Tours blog tour with a review.

Blurb

Four women

Annie has brought her three best friends and their families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic – sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter.

One shocking secret

But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret – and an earth-shattering favour to ask of one of her friends.

A life-changing decision

As the idyllic weekend goes sour – arguments, grudges and a boat trip that goes awry – Annie must make her devastating decision – and change everyone’s lives, forever.

Review

Annie really wants the weekend get together to happen, even more than her friends whom she wants to join, but they all unite and go on their adventure to Dorset.

You get a real feel for the characters and their ups and downs, including disappointments career-wise and in ambitions as well as ageing parents. They have each other though and that’s what matters…. perhaps?
Not all goes swimmingly and tensions rise to the surface as this holiday doesn’t go quite as smoothly nor as idyllically as Annie had imagined.

The complexities of the relationships and challenges of being in such close proximity that become increasingly present creates some twists, making it compelling reading. It’s an interesting exploration of friendships and how they relate to each other and are in their personal lives.

Annie’s news really shakes things up and creates a desire to know how it ends and what, if anything is intact.

#EdFringe News – 100’s of shows available to book now! @EdFringe @assemblyfest @ThePleasance @theSpaceUK @TheFreeFringe @gildedballoon @lhcomedy @FollowTheCow @JTTedinburgh #Comedy #Theatre #Drama #Music #Cabaret #Dance #Musicals #Circus

Written by Edinburgh Fringe Media Team

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place from 01 – 25 August 2025. More information about the programme and tickets can be found at edfringe.com.

The first batch of shows that will be staged at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe have been announced, and over 556 shows will be available to view and book on edfringe.com now!

The 556 shows span many genres, including cabaret and variety; children’s shows; comedy; dance, physical theatre and circus; music; musicals and opera; spoken word; and theatre. The shows announced today will take place across 100 venues. More shows will be revealed in the run-up to August.

In a continuing trend, this year more Fringe artists than ever have chosen to make their show available at this early stage, giving them longer to promote their show, grow their audiences and capitalise on all the opportunities available when taking part. It is the artists, companies and venues who come to the Fringe who take the risk in bringing work here every August. Fringe-makers all need help to mitigate these complexities, manage rising costs and make sure this August is the best it can be for residents, visitors and the thousands of arts industry and media that come to the city each Fringe for the world’s largest arts expo.

The Fringe Society continues to advocate and lobby for more support for the festival community – support such as affordable and available accommodation, to the continuation of the Keep it Fringe fund, and anyone in a position to support is encouraged to get in touch with the team.

With over 500 shows on sale from today, the Fringe Society also asks audiences from near and far to start booking tickets now, to take a chance on an emerging artist, to plan a visit to a venue you’re unfamiliar with, and to dive into the first batch of shows.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘It is always an exciting moment to see the first shows that will be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The 2025 Edinburgh Fringe feels more real than ever and being able to browse the first batch of shows adds another level of excitement. It’s incredible to see the range and themes of work as well as the talent and creativity that artists are bringing to the festival this year.

‘More artists than ever have chosen to put their shows on sale at this early stage, allowing more time to plan their trip to Edinburgh this August. The cost of putting on a Fringe show can be a barrier to attending and the Fringe Society is working to support artists in any way that we can, whether that’s sourcing artist accommodation, keeping registration fees affordable, seeking out funding opportunities, or simply providing advice to any artist that needs it. Our Artist Services team is on hand to offer support, so please do reach out to the team.’

Below is a small representative sample of shows available to book from today. The full list of shows released today can be found at edfringe.com.

Cabaret and variety

In 1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha (The Jazz Bar) Melissa Western and her musicians pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt and their ‘swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch’.

Returning this year is La Clique, being staged this year in The Famous Spiegeltent – which is returning to St Andrews Square, while Sexy Circus Sideshow 2.0 brings ‘alternative circus’ to ‘the dark arts of underground burlesque and cabaret’ at Assembly.

Alex Love: How to Win a Pub Quiz 2025 is ‘part stand-up, part actual pub quiz’ at The Stand Comedy Club.

At theSpaceUK, Dan Bastianelli: Identity is providing ‘a brand-new magic experience which uses sleight-of-hand, personal stories and honest deception’, while ‘rock’n’roll’s greatest magician’ Arron Jones is at PBH’s Free Fringe with #1 Greatest Hit Rock’n’Roll Magic Show.

Children’s shows

Join Baby Shark and the Mystery of the Sphinx (Gilded Balloon) at for ‘fin-tastic show packed with music, magic and mayhem’ or skip, clap and march together’ to traditional Scottish music at CeilidhKids at the Fringe (Laughing Horse).

‘Experience magical illustrations and amazing new music’ as you follow Milly’s Musical Adventure (Greenside). At School’s Out Comedy Club with Philip Simon (Le Monde), expect ‘children (and maybe even a few parents)’ to ‘take to the stage to share their favourite jokes’.

Among returning shows for children and their families are The Listies: Make Some Noise at Assembly and Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! at Pleasance.

Comedy

Dungeons & Dragons fans will want to join Tartan Tabletop: A Dungeons & Dragons Comedy (Gilded Balloon) for ‘improvised comedy at the roll of a dice’. At Laughing Horse, Chonk hosts a ‘body-positive buffet of comedians from across the Fringe’. Hasan Al-Habib, 2025 Keep it Fringe recipient, ‘was born to Iraqis that moved to Birmingham after deciding Baghdad wasn’t dangerous enough’ in Hasan Al-Habib: Death to West (Midlands) (Pleasance).

Join the ‘longest-running panelist from BBC Scotland’s Breaking the News’ Stuart Mitchell at Hoots or head to Planet Bar for Settle! for ‘a whirlwind of laughter, infectious tunes, and a good old-fashioned roasting’. At theSpaceUK, Chan Lok Tim ‘navigates life as a Hong Konger preparing to become a husband’ in Congratulations, Good for You – Cantonese Stand-Up Comedy.

At Scottish Comedy Festival, enjoy ‘dark, unfiltered and unapologetic takes on the topics most comedians are smart enough to avoid’ at Michael Shafar – Inappropriate. At The Royal Scots Club, Ian Wood relates anecdotes to show ‘being visually-impaired and a wheelchair user, one can get round most barriers in life’ in Living with Mitochondria Against All Odds.

Familiar faces at this year’s Fringe include Nish Kumar and Jason Byrne at Assembly, Andy Parsons, Chloe Petts, Deirdre O’Kane, Elf Lyons, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Marjolein Robertson and Rhys Darby at Pleasance, Paul Sinha and Richard Herring at The Stand, and Geoff Norcott and Ali Woods at Underbelly.

Representing Scotland’s comedy scene, Susie McCabe is at Assembly, while Connor Burns, Craig Hill and Daniel Sloss are at Just the Tonic and Robert Grainger is at The Stand.

Dance, physical theatre and circus

At Greenside, Tales From Your Queer Elder ‘blends movement and spoken word’ while ‘creating a powerful testament to living authentically while encouraging others to follow their dreams’.

Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths return to Assembly with Ten Thousand Hours, bringing ‘an ode to the countless hours of sweat and joy needed to achieve great things’.

Art of Andalucia brings a must-see flamenco spectacle to YOTEL Edinburgh, while at theSpaceUK, Sole to Soul ‘blends the physical language of traditional Chinese opera with the expressive symbolism of modern dance’.

Music

For an ‘evening of classics from the silver screen’, check out Tutti Orchestra: At the Movies at Canongate Kirk, or ‘experience the beauty of Italian and Neapolitan love songs’ at La Dolce Vita: A Celebration with Philip Contini (Valvona & Crolla).

MASSAOKE has two runs at Underbelly this year, 90s Live – ‘everything from rock to rave, girl power to grunge and Britpop to boybands’ – and Sing The Musicals – ‘Mamma Mia, Hamilton, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Mis, Jungle Book, We Will Rock You, Phantom, Mary Poppins and many more’.

Ali Affleck comes to the Fringe with five shows this year: she’s with her band The Vagabond Jacks playing Hot Roots Jazz, Highway Honky-Tonk, Rags and Blues at the Argyle Cellar Bar; paying tribute to Billie Holiday with Sophisticated Lady at The Jazz Bar; and revisiting both venues with Ali Affleck Presents: A Hot Time in the Old Town – Celebrating the Wild Trailblazers of Blues and Jazz; Ali Affleck and the Traveling Janes – Bringing Bold, Brassy Bedlam to Swing, Blues and Trad Folk/Roots Jazz; and Ali Affleck’s Queens of Swing.

Head over to Footstomping: Live Scottish Music (WHISKI Bar & Restaurant) for a ‘vibrant foot-stomping good time’ or listen to ‘up-and-coming young musicians’ at Marchmont Music (Marchmont St Giles Church).

Journey to Stolen Identity (Saint Stephen’s Theatre) explores ‘women’s rights through a blend of musical genres, starting with classical but evolving into jazz and rock’. At Edinburgh New Town Church, Andrii Kymach: Ukraine is a ‘new recital, Ukraine, specially devised for 2025’s Day of Ukraine Independence’.

There are a number of tribute acts across venues, including Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac and Celine Dion at theSpaceUK, Abba at Greyfriars Hall at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Joni Mitchell at Le Monde.

Musicals and opera

Check out Charles ii: Living Libido Loca at PBH’s Free Fringe for a ‘raunchy adult historical comedy centered around the life and libido of Charles ii’ or head to Rock of Ages at Paradise Green for ‘powerhouse vocals, epic guitar solos, and all your favorite 80s rock anthems’.

How to Win Against History is a ‘tragi-gorgeous comedy musical’ and ‘a true story about expectations, masculinity, privilege and failure on an epic scale’ at Underbelly.

At Greenside, the prince breaks free of the fairytale to ‘sing his very own songs and complain about what his life could be’ in To Be a Prince. At theSpaceUK, ‘ancient Silk Road meets the present, and centuries-old murals come alive’ in Dunhuang.

Updated for 2025 with new songs, I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical the ‘musical comedy revue revealing all about musicals and the people who love them’ is back at Gilded Balloon.

If you fancy a ‘murder-mystery comedy musical’, head to The Detective’s Demise at Just the Tonic for ‘showstopping songs and devilish twists’.

Spoken word

At The Stand, ‘elected MP for Islington North, former Labour leader, and Peace and Justice project founder’ Jeremy Corbyn is in conversation.

For ‘an amusing take on life, with the added hint of truth’, check out What Are You Laughing At? at theSpaceUK, while ‘Peter gives a stirring and passionate account of his great-grandmother’s hard-fought campaign for the right to vote over 100 years ago’ in Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette at the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre.

Theatre

Shakespeare for Breakfast is back at C Venues, offering a ‘sensational Shakespearience, perfect for hardened fans and blank-verse virgins alike’ while former Chelsea FC trainee Alfie Cain delivers a ‘raw and powerful solo performance … exposing the brutal reality of football’s unforgiving system’ in Dropped at Easter Road Stadium.

Timestamp at Dovecot Studios is a ‘performance duet of sonic verse, dance, and audience experience that challenges the expectations imposed upon us in society.’ A Period of Faith follows Faith’s ‘battle against Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in a moving and thought-provoking way’ at Hill Street Theatre.

Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not to Come (Underbelly) explores ‘messy realities, fantasies, sexpectations and navigating life and relationships as British Asian women’.

Experience the beauty of Italian literature and the terror of looming deadlines at Valvona & Crolla with No Shakespeare. At theSpaceUK, The Boy from Bantay takes us on Jeremy’s ‘heartwarming journey of growth and self-discovery’.

Miriam Margolyes is back this August with Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits, bringing ‘more characters, more Dickens and more fascinating stories about the man behind the classics’ to Pleasance. More familiar favourites returning this year are Trainspotting Live at Pleasance and Xhloe and Natasha with three shows at theSpaceUK – A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First, And Then the Rodeo Burned Down and What If They Ate the Baby?

Head to Robot Vacuum Fight Club (Outhouse Bar) to ‘form a team, select a knockoff Roomba, customise it, then pit it against a dozen rivals in a series of knockout competitions’, or check out Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life (Summerhall), an ‘inspirational true story … about overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions, and the healing power of the arts’.

You can find out more and book edfringe.com