Julian Clary returned to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival after a 17-year absence with a show that proved he has lost none of his trademark flamboyance at age 67. Performing at the Assembly Rooms, Clary’s new act—candidly described as not suitable for family audiences—mixed risqué humor with personal reflection, earning a generally positive reception.

Clary, who described himself as a “camp old mincer,” opened with boldly explicit material, setting a tone of unabashed comedy throughout the performance. He recounted highlights from his career, including early days performing alongside Fanny the Wonder Dog and moments that established him as a beloved figure in British entertainment. Among the anecdotes was a notorious live television incident involving a fabricated backstage encounter with a senior Conservative politician, a story that exemplifies his cheeky style.

Beyond the raunchy humor, Clary ventured into more poignant territory by recalling the loss of his partner Christopher to HIV/AIDS in 1991. The personal narrative was delivered with warmth and sensitivity, offering a moment of depth amid the playful irreverence. The show concluded on an upbeat note with Clary’s distinctive rendition of “My Way,” underscoring both his comedic and musical versatility.

Prior to a forthcoming tour announcement, audiences can see Clary in other theatrical roles, including his portrayal of Herod in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the London Palladium through September 5, and his upcoming appearance as the Fairy Godfather in "Cinderella" at the same venue later this year.

In contrast, American comedian Reginald D Hunter’s return to the Assembly Rooms drew a more divided response. His show “Something Wicked That Other Way Comes” aimed to address controversy around a prior anti-Israel joke that he said led to his cancellation at the 2024 Fringe. However, Hunter’s act was criticized for lacking clear context or engagement with the geopolitical complexities behind the original joke.

Reviewers noted that while Hunter’s talent for provocative comedy remains, his performance was uneven, often meandering away from a substantive response. Attempts to confront criticism fell short, with the show failing to deliver a cohesive or powerful rebuttal to detractors.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival continues through August 31, showcasing a broad array of performances from established and emerging artists alike.