Virtuoso
Edinburgh Festival
Created by Casey Filips
At Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, there were over 3,000 shows on throughout the month, ranging from musicals, circus, comedy pieces, improv shows and much more. On one Sunday night, I decided to watch a comedy clowning show entitled Virtuoso, performed by Australian comedian Casey Filips. As it turns out, it was one of the best shows I saw this summer.
Virtuoso follows Tobias Finlay-Fraser (played by Filips), a determined, serious actor, heralded as the ‘greatest actor of his generation’, as he auditions for a movie role. We, the audience, become the audition panel whom Tobias must impress in order to secure the role of his dreams. The concept itself is extremely entertaining, and Filips uses an array of comedic techniques to elevate the piece – physical comedy, audience interaction and improv to name but a few. The characterisation of Tobias Finlay-Fraser is also fantastic. Filips immediately commands the space as an up-tight actor, desperate to please and be successful, whilst exuding a warmth and charisma that is equally charming and hilarious. Whilst the show remains in the ‘audition room’, Filips has crafted a story that flows naturally, with an energy and commitment that keeps the audience interested and engaged for the hour.
Performed in ‘The Box at Assembly George Square’, Filips was limited in terms of set and space, however he made it work perfectly for the piece. A small, intimate venue, the audience have no choice but to be close to the action and Filips interacts with the audience, speaking directly to us, even getting some audience members up on the stage in thoroughly entertaining segments of the piece. Whilst the space may have been on the smaller side, Filips certainly did not think small when it came to props and costumes. Throughout the show there are costume changes, fun props brought on, and an array of hilarious videos played on a small screen in the corner.
Particular stand-outs included a collection of Tobias Finlay-Fraser’s headshots, a live filming of his audition piece in costume, and a brilliant use of tights to become a much-loved marine animal in a moment of pure genius, which I won’t spoil for you!
Comedy is a difficult genre; it will never appeal to everybody and it requires a lot from a performer, however for a show such as Virtuoso to shine so brightly at Edinburgh Fringe, proves it is a special piece of theatre. Casey Filips has created something unique and whole-heartedly hilarious, elevating the performance of clowning to new heights. I left Virtuoso with a huge smile on my face and an enormous appreciation for all the hours, work and determination that was put into this show.
Virtuoso was performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 in ‘The Box at Assembly George Square’ and will play at Soho Theatre Dean Street from 4th-6th September.
Reviewed by Lily Sitzia