REVIEW: Well-Balanced Dads, Whisper Theatre, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

Stick-on moustaches, dad jokes galore and a camping trip involving an invisible car, unexpected acrobatics and signature dance moves – that’s what makes up Well-Balanced Dads, a family-friendly show that is incredibly wholesome, hilarious and tender.

What to do when the kids have gone off to college? What do our dads get up to when we’re not around? And… does anyone need a hug? We meet Dick and Dale, portrayed by Britt Anderson and Richie Schiraldi, two dads who feel a little lost with their old routine gone now that the kids have flown the nest, and seem to be searching for a new purpose. But whilst this show explores some deeper themes such as hypermasculinity and finding your inner child again, there is nothing melancholy or heavy-hearted about it. In fact, it might be the most wholesome show at this year’s fringe festival.

Dick and Dale each have their own personality but both have a kind and somewhat dorky energy about them. The stick-on moustaches may have something to do with it, but both characters reminded me of Ted Lasso (the character) and Well-Balanced Dads has a similarly feel-good vibe as the TV show with the same name.

However, instead of coaching football (soccer), Dick and Dale are off on a camping trip. When they get bored along the way, they pick up two hitchhikers – aka audience members – which in my case was one adult and one young boy. The following scene in which the characters played games with their new friends and got to know them better was equally wholesome and adorable, and they seemed to adapt everything perfectly for their young participant.

Once they’d parted ways with their new friends some genuinely impressive acrobatics took place on stage, but the fun and playful vibe of the show was maintained throughout. More audience participation brought games and dancing into the show and another dreamlike dance sequence involving more stunts followed.

Then came an unexpectedly tender scene in which both dads took a private moment to call their kids. Each phone call was very simple but immediately highlighted the individual ways in which the characters struggled with connection, how much they cared about their children but perhaps didn’t quite know how to express it. This brought a real tenderness to the show and added a deeper layer, highlighting the difficulty some men have with showing their emotions.

What I loved especially is that one of the dad’s had a non-binary child and was struggling to get their pronouns right; without making a fuss about it, queerness was brought into this family-friendly show and given a moment to breathe. Whilst I would love a whole other show exploring this specific dynamic, even having it mentioned felt very important.

Towards the end, Dick and Dale offered their help to the audience – be that in the form of a hug, a high-five, having something measured… there was still a playfulness in the air but some audience members seemed genuinely touched and got emotional. After that, though, we were invited to join the performers for a dance on stage and, in my case, every single audience member joined in which felt really special and like we all got to share a moment together. A couple more jokes rounded out what was a genuinely fun and moving hour presented by two incredibly skilled performers. Whether you are a dad, have a dad, want a dad or *insert your individual situation here* this show is bound to make you laugh and think, dance in your seat or onstage, and might even have you shed an unexpected tear.

Recommended Drink: A lemonade or a pint, depending on age and preference.

You can catch Well-Balanced Dads at Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street until August 30th at 16:30 (60 minutes). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.