Monthly Archives: August 2018

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue: Ham, 20th August 2018

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As soon as I saw that these guys were hitting Edinburgh I knew I had to book. It’s The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue: Ham at King Dome @ Pleasance Dome, at 20:30 on Monday 20th. Here’s the blurb: “The legendary terpsichorean twosome make their Edinburgh Fringe debut. If it is true that every story needs plot and narrative, it is fortunate indeed that this has both, which means if you’re looking for a tale, one that includes the story telling devices of plottery and narrativery, then this one could be just for you. There’ll be props and, oh yes, quite a lot of music and then of course there are the sandals, oh those sandals. ‘Absolutely hilarious’ (Viz). ‘Mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style’ (Guardian). ‘Spectacularly funny’ (Time Out).

We saw them at a Screaming Blue Murder show several years ago now and the memory of their uniquely hilarious act still lingers. All this and plot and narrative too! Can’t wait. Check back around 9.45pm to see whether it ticked all the boxes. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

How many musical moments can you cram into an hour of utter literal madness? We never stopped laughing. You have to see it to appreciate it. We’re still laughing about “that’s me in the corner” 🙂 more power to their ridiculous elbows!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Matt and Ollie Are… Dads! 20th August 2018

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This one was a change of plan, but I reckon still should be a good choice. It’s Of Mice Theatre’s Matt and Ollie Are… Dads! at Friesian @ Underbelly Bristo Square, at 18:35 on Monday 20th . This is what the blurb says: “Fringe debut from the award-winning Of Mice. After a stupid medieval dad makes a bargain with the devil, his descendants must pay a terrible price. Things go from dad to worse for writer/performers – and new fathers – Matt and Ollie in this kaleidoscopic gallop through the history of one awful family. ‘A sublime comedy duo’ ****½ (TheReviewsHub.com). ‘Performed with panache and irresistible warmth’ **** (FringeGuru.com). ‘I was in stitches – Matt and Ollie are a delight’ (English Waves Radio). ‘Utterly absurd and completely hilarious’ (TheOpenDoorSite.wordpress.com).”

This is our first exposure to Matt and Ollie, so I’m not entirely sure what to expect – but it looks like a mix of stand-up and comedy play – and with a fair degree of surrealism chucked in for good measure. Check back around 8pm to see what we thought of it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

It had a very small audience, which didn’t help the comedy vibe. There were a few good gags but I’m afraid it didn’t really work for us. The overall theme that fathers and sons antagonize each other restricted the material rather than enhanced it. Better luck next time guys!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Agatha is Missing! 20th August 2018

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Anyone who reads my blog regularly (thank you, faithful reader!) knows that I love my Agatha Christie and am currently re-reading all her works and writing them up for my blog. So I just had to see Fringe Management’s production of Agatha is Missing! at the Billiard Room @ Gilded Balloon Teviot, at 14:30 on Monday 20th. Let’s read the blurb: “Agatha Christie is missing and ace detective, Miss Clarissa Marbles, needs your help in solving the crime. Was it the cook, the husband, the secret admirer… or you? Everyone is a suspect in this fun-filled whodunnit. If you have a criminal record or any skeletons in your closet, she’ll find out. And of course, don’t hesitate to inform on your neighbours. The audience votes on the best solution to this rollicking whodunit and a lovely prize will be awarded to the winner! ‘A winning performance’ (New York Daily News). ‘Outstanding’ (Backstage.com).”

This sounds like it’s going to be a cross between that old off-Broadway hit, Something’s Afoot, and the Mystery of Edwin Drood, where, again, the audience had to vote on who killed Edwin. Ace detective Clarissa Marbles is played by Prudence Wright Holmes and I hope this will be a lot of fun. However, it seems to divide audiences – I’ve seen some audience reviews that don’t rate this show at all! So I’m a bit nervous of this one now. Check back after 4pm to see if booking it was a big mistake. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

One of those “only in Edinburgh” experiences. Quaint, eccentric, but thoroughly good fun. Like an Edwardian parlour game. Just remember one thing: Agatha Christie went missing in 1926, but didn’t die until 1976. It’s a clue!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Camels, 20th August 2018

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Next up is a punt on some new unknown comedy. It’s Camels at Friesian @ Underbelly, Bristo Square, at 13:00 on Monday 20th. Read the blurb: “Camels is a side-splittingly funny five-star sketch comedy, coming to Edinburgh after four sell-out runs in London. Written and performed by occasional best friends Patrick McPherson and Zac Peel, their show is ‘truly hilarious’ (Everything-Theatre.co.uk) and ‘so funny it feels like a work out… just great comedy’ (Savage). With a unique mix of observation and invention, the duo run you through slick, seamless sketches for a non-stop hour of entertainment. These ‘comedic talents that should be watched for the future’ (SpyInTheStalls.com) present their hysterical brand of witty and wonderful comedy. All you have to do is come.”

I’ve booked this at the last minute on the recommendation of a friend – so I hope they know what they’re talking about! Check back around 2.15pm to see whether we have to unfriend him. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Wow, I’d watch a DVD of that! A fantastic selection of daft sketches performed with great style and immaculate timing by two hilarious young comic actors. These guys are going places! Particularly loved the Judas sketch. Ace!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Sky Labyrinths, 20th August 2018

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Last year we only saw one dance show at Edinburgh; and weirdly, the same thing has happened this year. Not sure why that is, as I’m very fond of contemporary dance! Anyway this year’s chosen dance show is Alyona Ageeva Physical Theatre Posleslov’s production of Sky Labyrinths at Forest Theatre @ Greenside @ Infirmary Street, at 11:35 on Monday 20th. Here’s the blurb: “’I looked up in the skies. The Sky river changed its bed’ (Hattori Ransetsu). Once in a lifetime Sky Labyrinths open to everyone, but not everyone risks entering. These labyrinths are home to beauty and terror at the same time. They reveal the eternal secrets of the universe and pages of the books unwritten: there you can find your essence or get lost forever. It’s a road with no beginning or ending, a river of time carrying humans’ destiny. Those who come through these labyrinths will never be the same again.”

I’ve read reviews of other dance works by this company and they sound fascinating and expertly performed. Apart from that, I’m not sure what to expect! Check back when it’s finished at around 12.40pm to see what we thought of it. By then the nextpreview blog should be available to read too.

Sometimes, Fringe contemporary dance can be a little hit and miss. This, however, was superb. The strength, control and artistry of this company was amazing. A clever reinterpretation of the Adam and Eve story, including surprise appearance of God and a rainbow kilted violinist. Absolutely compelling.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Shakespeare for Breakfast, 20th August 2018

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I thought I’d make our earliest start of the week on the second morning whilst we were still not that tired – and it’s something we’re really looking forward to, Shakespeare for Breakfast, at C Venues – C on Chambers Street, at 10:00 on Monday 20th. Here’s the official description: “The Bardic Breakfasters are back! C’s sensational Shakespearience returns, for its 27th sell-out year, with free coffee and croissants! A pleasing plethora of pentameter, puns and pastry. Perfect for hardened fans of the Bard and blank verse virgins alike. This year they take on the classic Taming of the Shrew. ‘A bouncy and boisterous take on Willie’s work’ (List). ‘Well worth getting out of bed for’ (Independent). ‘No holds Bard (FringeGuru.com). ‘Irreverent humour… clever’ (Stage). ‘Side-splitting… glorious’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Full of fun’ (RemoteGoat.com). ‘Sizzling’ (Scottish Daily Express). Free coffee and croissants! Book early.”

This will be the third time we will be seeing this fantastic company give us their unique slant on the Big Bard. Last year it was Macbeth, the year before A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and this year it’s to be Taming of the Shrew. You just know it’s going to be ridiculously funny. And a free croissant. Check back shortly after 11am to see just how funny it was. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Absolutely brilliant as always. There aren’t enough shoe puns to shoo in (geddit!) We laughed for the entire hour. You must see this show!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Very Blue Peter, 19th August 2018

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For our last show on Sunday, here’s something that sounds like it will be late night fun, and also taking a pop at a British institution. It’s Eastlake Productions’ Very Blue Peter at the Billiard Room, Gilded Balloon Teviot, at 23:15 on Sunday 19th. Here’s his blurb: “1998. England are out of the World Cup. JK Rowling is still pretty skint. Richard Bacon has been framed. Or did it really happen? Or was it all just a cover-up of something much, much bigger? Get your badge on, here’s one we made earlier, welcome to the set of Very Blue Peter. A bonkers, immersive, party of a late-night show – bringing you back to your childhood whilst destroying the innocence of all of it.”

Who doesn’t love Blue Peter? I must say I was tempted in by this show because I am actually friends with one of the presenters from that era (I’m so influential, me) and I’m fascinated to see how they portray him! Not sure how to take the title; is it Very Blue Peter (as in So Graham Norton) or Very Blue Peter (as in extremely rude Peter)? We will find out! Check back around 12:30am to see how much we laughed. By then the first preview blog for Monday should be available to read too.

One of the performers said that their show had received both a one star and a five star review on the same performance. And I completely understand that! That said, there’s a lot to enjoy, and it’s vital to just throw yourself into it. There are some very clever gags, but also some considerable moments of deliberate chaos that could just perhaps have been pruned back a bit. I did enjoy it though, and the performers are all very likeable and talented. You’ll see a lot worse. And they didn’t attempt to portray any individual presenter!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Skin Deep, 19th August 2018

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Our next show is one that’s been around for a little while now, previously under the name of Boys in the Buff (oops), and that’s Skin Deep, produced by Lambco Productions, at the Nightclub, Gilded Balloon Teviot at 21:15 on Sunday 19th. Here’s the official blurb: “Too fat? Too thin? Never exercise? Gym crazy? Hate how you look in the nude? Then this revue is for you! Body image, dieting, plastic surgery, the gym, dating apps and the agony of trying to look good in a selfie. Diana and her boys sing, dance and joke their way through a celebration of (and for) every body. ‘With a firm belief that we are all gorgeous’ **** (Boyz Magazine). ‘A brilliant, funny, slick and clever show’ ***** (LastMinuteTheatreTickets.com). Direct from London Fringe runs (including the Kings Head Theatre, Islington) and a UK tour.”

Apparently they changed the name so as to appeal to as wide a range of audience members as possible, and I confess, I probably wouldn’t have booked for it under its original name. However, I understand the content has also been revised to make it less brash and more thought-provoking. I’ve read great reviews and I think I am confident that it will take its subject matter seriously and not just be an hour of, well, boys in the buff. Fingers crossed, anyway. The boys are played by Aaron Blackburn, Nick Brittain, Shaun Riddick and William Frazer, with Diane played by Shani Cantor. They have a performance where it’s clothing optional for the audience, on 21st August. Missing that by two days, phew! Check back around 10.30pm to find out what happened. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Extremely funny, terrifically performed and with its heart very much in the right place. The songs are also really good, with lyrics about not having the body beautiful that had me nodding my head in agreement. A show for anyone who has a body of their own. And I don’t think I have the right cast mentioned above, sorry about that!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – The Basement Tapes, 19th August 2018

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Time for another play, and this one describes itself as a thriller from New Zealand. It’s Zanetti Productions’ The Basement Tapes, at Former Womens Locker Room @ Summerhall, at 18:30 on Sunday 19th. Here’s the blurb: “Following her grandmother’s death, a girl faces the overwhelming task of clearing out the basement. She discovers a series of mysterious tapes with recordings made by her grandmother. As she hears these tapes for the first time, things start to unravel… Twin Peaks meets Serial in this award-winning New Zealand mystery, set and performed literally in a basement. Inspired by podcasts and Robert Lepage’s comment that radio is the most visual medium. ****1/2 (Age). ****1/2 (Sydney Morning Herald). ‘Totally engaging. A must-see production’ (Stuff.co.nz). ‘Eerie, thrilling and totally engrossing’ (TheatreView.org.nz).”

Performed by Stella Reid, this sounds very mysterious and intriguing. I’m expecting some spookiness and a few jumpy moments, and hopefully also a well-written and compelling story. It gets great reviews, after all. Check back when it’s finished at around 8.00pm to see what we thought of it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Well. That was very eerie; enjoyable in part, a few very funny moments, but also a rather slow and slightly confusing story. We decided in the end that it was probably a ghost story. But we may be wrong. Very well performed;) probably about half an hour’s material stretched out to an hour. Very slick production though.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Rory Bremner and Jan Ravens, 19th August 2018

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Time for some political satire mixed in with some deadly impersonations. Our next show is Rory Bremner and Jan Ravens, at Underbelly George Square (Udderbelly) at 15:30 on Sunday 19th. This is what it says on the website: “She’s Merkel to his Trump. He’s Boris to her Theresa. Two of Britain’s top impressionists come together on one bill, also featuring personalities from Farage to Lumley, Dianne Abbott to Fiona Bruce and the sublime to Jacob Rees Mogg. Over 30 characters for the price of two (three at weekends). A unique mix of impressions and satire from the stars of Bremner, Bird and Fortune and Dead Ringers.”

We saw Jan Ravens’ Edinburgh Difficult Woman show last year and it was brilliant – in fact it won last year’s Chrisparkle Award for Edinburgh Best of the Rest! Together with Rory Bremner you just know the pair are going to be so mischievous; this is going to be a real treat. This short run has been sold out for over a month. Check back after 4pm to see how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read

As I suspected, Rory and Jan proved themselves a dream team, with them mainly doing separate routines but coming together for a great satire on Brexit through the medium of Basil and Sybil Fawlty. A little of Jan’s material was repeated from last year, but it’s still great and both their impressionist skills are still second to none. A huge full house all had a brilliant time.