Monthly Archives: August 2019

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – I Lost My Virginity to Chopin’s Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, 19th August 2019

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Next up is a triumph of marketing – I’ve booked this purely on the strength of its brilliant title. It’s Paper Mug Theatre’s I Lost My Virginity to Chopin’s Nocturne in B-Flat Minor at Bunker Two @ Pleasance Courtyard, at 15:00 on Monday 19th. Read the blurb: “’I’m not going to gamble the happiness I have with you for a chance at happiness with someone else – what’s the point?’ Ollie and Laura have been together for three years, and are one pack of reduced M&S olives away from killing each other. But with an engagement ring hidden in an en-route takeaway, Ollie has the task of stopping Laura from walking out altogether. I Lost My Virginity to Chopin’s Nocturne in B-Flat Minor tackles the fear of loneliness and dependency to the point of destruction.”

I have a sense that this will be one of those plays whose hilarious title belies the sadness of its content. Check back around 4.15pm to see whether we’re laughing or crying. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

The clever backwards construction of this play brings its savagery to the forefront. Brilliantly acted, a script packed with memorable moments that make the audience gasp and cringe audibly throughout, and a superb examination of what happens when two totally incompatible people love each other. Superb and agonising! A must-see if you’re in Edinburgh!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Noir Hamlet, 19th August 2019

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After yesterday’s Shakespeare for Breakfast, the Bard again comes up for a little leg-pullling, with Yasplz LLC’s Noir Hamlet at the Upper Theatre @ theSpace @ Niddry St, at 13:15 on Monday 19th. Here’s the blurb: “Passion, jealousy, and murder never got so many laughs! John Minigan’s new and wild reimagining of the Shakespeare classic has more twists than a gallows necktie. Hamlet is a wise-cracking private eye, his pal Horatio is now a complicated gal Friday named Rae Chio and the rotten state of Denmark is transformed into the City of Angels circa 1949. Mix equal parts of the Bard, Bogart and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and shake vigorously. Boston Globe Critics’ Pick! Edge Media’s Best of Boston Theatre 2018!”

If this is done well, it could be great. If not… well let’s hope we don’t have to worry about that. Check back when it’s finished at around 2.30 pm to see what we thought of it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Absolutely first class! Sharply written, brilliantly performed, and incredibly funny, with the most farcical adaptation of a multiple death ending! We really enjoyed it and can’t recommend it too strongly!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – 3’s Comedy – Adam Knox, Luka Muller and Peter Jones, 19th August 2019

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For our first show on Monday – and hoping we get up in time for it – this might be just the right way to start the day. It’s 3’s Comedy – Adam Knox, Luka Muller and Peter Jones at Hollywood @ Laughing Horse @ City Cafe, at 11:35 on Monday 19th. Here’s their blurb: “3’s Comedy brings together Adam Knox, Luka Muller and Peter Jones, three of the rising stars of Australian comedy for a whole new hour of hilarious stand-up. As seen on the TV, as heard on radio and as bumped into on public transport on the way to gigs all across the world. Knox, Muller and Jones are guaranteed to make you laugh.”

I don’t know any of these chaps so this is a bit of a punt but, who knows, there might be comedy gold mined here! Check back around 1pm to see how much we laughed. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

And first failure of the day… arrived with 20 minutes to spare but it was already full. Get here early for this one!

Instead, we’re going to see Bollywood and Birmingham to Berlin and Brexit, at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50, with Dharmander Singh. Here’s hoping for a good one!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Magic Faraway Cabaret, 18th August 2019

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Our last show for Sunday is our first toe-dip this Fringe into the world of burlesque and variety, and that’s Mister Meredith’s Magic Faraway Cabaret, at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms at 22:30 on Sunday 18th. Here’s the official blurb: “Always packed, this ‘fab lil’ cabaret party’ (Time Out) returns for its sixth year. Magic, variety, burlesque and sideshow acts are gift wrapped by Mister Meredith in a world of fun and games. This night really is like no other at the Fringe; the boundaries of innocence and worldliness collide, featuring top names and fresh new acts in The Voodoo Rooms’ unique buzzing speakeasy atmosphere. ‘An amazing compère’ (BurlesqueBibleMag.com). ‘A subversive compère who takes pride in getting the city boys a little hot under the collar’ (Telegraph). ‘One of the greatest cabaret performers of his generation’ (ScotsGay.co.uk).”

We’ve already met Mister Meredith yesterday for his Singalonga Pub Quiz night – so it will be interesting to see him in a different light tonight! Check back around midnight to find out what happened. By then the first preview blog for tomorrow should be available to read too.

No Burlesque in tonight’s line up but very enjoyable nonetheless. Irish comedian Gráinne Maguire did a brilliant set about being Irish in London and explains hilariously why the Ryanair experience is what it is; then we had the President of the United States (no really) as he is in Trump’s Fake TV show; the fantastic Viggo from Zach and Viggo fame who had us on stage including me lying down whilst others mourned my passing; belly dancer Shantisha, and ending up with magician Elliot Bibby. A wonderful line up in a comfortable, fun environment. Great way to end the evening!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – For Only an Hour, 18th August 2019

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First show of this year’s fringe that might be classed as dance – although it also comes under cabaret – For Only an Hour, at Dance Base, Studio 3, at 19:35 on Sunday 18th. Here’s the blurb: “‘Sanger is one of the most versatile artists on the British stage, as this performance amply demonstrates’ (Dance Europe, 2018). Danced to a hilarious medley of Angela Lansbury, Delia Smith and Bette Midler this one-man romp is a pseudo-glamorous jaunt through pop culture, queer art, childhood dreams and life-changing surgery. It may be entertaining, but it demands a punishing vulnerability of the performer with surprises at every turn. Supported by haunting music by Donna McKevitt, glittering queer garments by Andrew Walker, mentoring by Wendy Houstoun and a unique improvised lighting design by Jen Wren.”

The title, apparently, is taken from Jacques Brel’s Jackie – so that’s already got me even more intrigued. I’ve enjoyed Wendy Houstoun’s work with DV8 in the past so it will be interesting to see her influence on Mr Sanger. I’m expecting this to be pretty funny in parts, although no doubt mixed with lots of pathos. Check back when it’s finished shortly before 9pm to see what we thought of it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

You can really see the influence of Houstoun’s work in this extremely entertaining, occasionally unsettling piece, performed with terrific aplomb and fluency by Phil Sanger, who, apart from anything else has a really beautiful voice; I loved his version of Jacky – Tacky – and his can-can is amazing! Very enjoyable!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – The Red, 18th August 2019

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And now for a play which touches our heart, at least a little. It’s Corduroy Productions and Something for the Weekend’s The Red, at Pleasance Dome, King Dome, at 16:00 on Sunday 18th. This is what it says on the website: “Benedict’s dad loved wine. He loved collecting it, drinking it and sharing it with friends and family was an act of love. Benedict was a teenage alcoholic. He’s been sober now for 25 years. On the day of his father’s funeral, Benedict receives an unsettling final bequest: a bottle of exceptionally fine red wine. Will he drink one final toast to his father? Originally commissioned for BBC Radio 4, Marcus Brigstocke writes and directs this bittersweet drama of family and addiction, based on his own recovery. BBC Audio Drama Award winner 2018 for Best Single Drama.”

I’m very fond of Marcus Brigstocke as both a stand-up comic and comedy/musical actor, and I’m really interested to see how he explores his own addiction in this play; we’re quite partial to the odd Red too. And White. Check back after 5.15 pm to see how it moved us. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

A very cleverly written, neatly plotted, deceptively simple play that explores the nature of addiction and the risks of permanent temptation. Beautifully acted by real life father and son Bruce and Sam Alexander. A terrific little play, highly recommended.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Bi-Cycle, 18th August 2019

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In a change of plan, as the show we were going to see in this slot had received a swathe of rotten reviews – and life is short – so this comic play sounded like a great alternative. It’s Let It Go Productions’ Bi-Cycle, at Underbelly, George Square – The Wee Coo at 14:40 on Sunday 18th. Here’s the official blurb: “Whether you’re a die-hard in the gym or an after-work spin class hack. If you’ve ever felt confused about your identity, not enough or attempted to find your soul through fitness to no avail! Come ride with Bi-Cycle, and find it! Enter the shiny boutique spin studio and be taken on a ride by the chiselled and imperfect instructor, whose damaged and motivated soul will, hopefully, guide you, hopefully, back to yours. A spin on self-worth, sexuality and spin class. ‘I actually feel more alive after watching that!’ (StageWhispers.com.au).”

We’ve recently started doing Spin classes (at our age too) so I’m hoping for some recognisable moments of humour! Check back around 4.00pm to find out what we thought. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Sammy gives us a fantastic workout both physical and emotional with his amazing spin (geddit?) on sexual self-discovery. Hilarious and heartwarming and brilliantly performed. Well worth seeing!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Lobster, 18th August 2019

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Next we have quite an intriguing sounding play, Loquitur Theatre’s production of Lobster, at Underbelly Bristo Square, Buttercup at 12:00 noon on Sunday 19th. This is how the blurb describes it: “In 30 years, the cultural change in courtship has been enormous. Today, overwhelmed by technology, are we losing sight of what human connection truly is…? Based entirely on real-life experiences, this hilarious, romping, multimedia exposé of modern dating scrutinises the deeper, brutal side of love and life, challenging our preconceptions of women and dating, sex and autonomy. From dreadful dates to exciting encounters, Tinder swiping, sexting, dick pics, pressuring parents and supportive friends… why is Polly so desperate…? What lies behind her relentless campaign…? And what might any of us do when our world falls apart?”

I’ve learned recently that you can’t understand half of what’s on the Internet without full access to Urban Dictionary – and so now I know that a lobster is someone with whom you’re meant to spend the rest of your life. However, as we are both totally ignorant of the world of online dating, I’m sure this is still going to be an eye-opener! Let’s hope no one’s actually dating a real-life lobster, that would be weird. Check back around 1.00 pm to see what we thought. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

A beautifully constructed and wittily written one-woman show about the perils of online dating and the quest for the lobster. Gemma is a marvellous and funny performer and has created a tight and clever play. Highly recommended!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Shakespeare for Breakfast, 18th August 2019

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I thought I’d make our earliest start of the week on the first 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 Viva, at 10:00 on Sunday 18th. Here’s the official description: “The Bardic Breakfasters are back! C’s sensational Shakespearience returns, for its 28th 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 Romeo and Juliet. ‘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 fourth time we will be seeing this fantastic company give us their unique slant on the Big Bard. Last year it was Taming of the Shrew, the year before Macbeth, the year before that A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and this year it’s to be Romeo and Juliet. You just know it’s going to be ridiculously funny, as always. 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.

What can you say? The regular team pun the hell out of the Bard with their brilliant Montabrews v Cupulets Coffee Shop war. Unmissable as always, the best morning comedy you can get!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Funny for a Girl, 17th August 2019

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We don’t normally do more than four shows on our first day – which means our last show of the day is Funny for a Girl, at the Stand Comedy Club (Stand 1) at 22:00 on Saturday 17th. This is how it’s described on the website: “We’ve selected the funniest women we could find at the Fringe and brought them together for an evening of comedy you’ll never forget! ‘An amazing evening of the most hilarious women I’ve seen in a very long time. When BBC producers say they can’t find any funny women they obviously haven’t been looking hard enough’ (Evening Herald, Dublin). ‘A fascinating range of different comedic styles. Even Christopher Hitchens would find these women funny’ (GQ). ‘Our girls are clean and won’t rush you’ (Watford Gazette).”

The comedy brains behind this show is the brilliant Mary Bourke, whom we’ve seen many times before. Who knows who else will be on the bill, but I’m sure it’ll be a great laugh! Check back around 11.15pm to see my initial feedback as to how much we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog, for tomorrow morning’s first show, should be available to read too.

Brilliantly funny line up, with Mary Bourke on terrific form, introducing the feisty Mary O’Connell, streetwise comic/poet Sarah Callaghan, and hilarious comedy magician Mary Muden. Great atmosphere, dynamic range of performers, and a packed house enjoying terrific late night comedy. Definitely recommended!