HOLLY SPILLAR’s one-woman loop pedal comedy Hole (★★★★★) at Underbelly, Bristo Square, delivers a powerful performance that intertwines hilarity and empowerment. 

At the core of this zany alternative comedy lies an unapologetic exploration of vaginismus, a condition often shrouded in shame and silence.

Through Spillar’s brilliant storytelling and masterful use of humour, Hole manages to break the barriers surrounding this intimate subject and provides a refreshingly honest perspective through live music, and stories of NHS-gifted dildos.

The link between Spillar’s empowering performance and the encroaching threat to public healthcare becomes poignant.

The show’s celebration of women’s health and the need for open dialogue around intimate issues mirrors the broader call to protect and preserve public healthcare systems like the NHS.

It reminds us of the importance of collective action in safeguarding social institutions that prioritise the wellbeing of all citizens, regardless of their economic status.

Hole is a remarkable comedy that masterfully tackles the subject of vaginismus with buckets of wit and zany affability.

High Steaks (★★★★) at Summerhall is a daring and thought-provoking performance. It delves into the realm of body image, self-acceptance, and societal expectations with a unique blend of performance art and comedy clowning.

The show boldly confronts the issues of labia-shaming and cosmetic surgery, particularly labiaplasty, through an engaging narrative that captivates both the senses and the mind.

Eloina’s gripping performance, which involves hanging and butchering beef steaks from her labia, might initially shock, but it serves as a powerful metaphor for the invasive pressures women face to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. 

Seamlessly interwoven with Eloina’s own journey are live conversations with her mother and recorded interviews with women, forming a poignant mosaic of experiences and perspectives.

Sad-vents (★★★) also at Underbelly, Bristo Square, presents a bold fusion of technology and emotion in its exploration of mental health, heartbreak and trauma within the digital realm.

The integration of live-streaming, projections and music creates a visually striking experience that mirrors the essence of our interconnected lives.

The show aims to capture the highs and lows of existence in the age of social media, but becomes a little too sporadic and confused.

While the tech-heavy approach adds novelty, it occasionally overwhelms the narrative, making it challenging to fully engage with the characters’ emotional arcs, especially in a venue where sightlines aren’t the greatest.

There are, however, moments of sharp wit and introspection, but the balance between hilarity and poignancy could be more finely tuned. 

James Rowland’s Piece of Work (★★★★) also at Summerhall, is a profoundly moving and captivating theatre performance that marks a pivotal moment in Rowlands storytelling journey.

Having spent years touring his critically acclaimed shows, James’s life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a life-altering letter upon returning home.

What follows is a spellbinding quest for personal identity, belonging and friendship.

James’s narrative prowess shines brilliantly in Piece of Work, weaving a tapestry of unpretentious emotion and humour that resonates throughout.

Seamlessly merging story, comedy and maps, the performance immerses the spectators in a journey of self-discovery, human connection and the power of the unexpected to reshape our lives.

Laura Murphy’s A Spectacle of Herself (★★★★★), also at Summerhall, ingeniously weaves a plethora of forms (autobiography, lip-sync, video and aerial rope) to create a spellbinding theatrical hour. 

The production pushes boundaries to create the spectacle, of which the show is named: a unique narrative tapestry that captures the essence of personal journey and artistic exploration. 

The seamless integration of these diverse elements not only showcases the production’s versatility but also adds layers of depth and emotion to the storytelling. 

A Spectacle of Herself is a testament to the transformative power of theatre, offering audiences a captivating glimpse into the interplay between self-discovery, artistic expression and queer rage.

Hole and Sad-vent runs until August 28; Piece of Work runs until August 27; A Spectacle of Herself and High Steaks run ended; info: tickets.edfringe.com.