Another day of Edinburgh Previews – what’s on the slab for today?
Here’s the schedule for 3rd August:
10.20 – The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show, The Space on North Bridge. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“Good morning, Edinburgh! Following the hiatus since our triumphant run in 2019, we’re thrilled to be back for our 15th year! Bringing you three brand-new, delicious, rotating “menus” of 10-15-minute comedies, eccentricities and mini-dramas – all served up with complimentary fresh coffee/tea, croissant and strawberries. The perfect way to start your day. Doors open by 10am so come and meet the team before they perform for you. ‘The tapas of the theatre scene’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘One of the most important shows you’ll see on the Fringe’ (Daily Record).”
This is their fifteenth year but it’s the first time we will have seen them – I’m hoping this will be a new morning show you can rely on, filling the gap left by the loss of the old-style Shakespeare for Breakfast (the new version is just awful!) According to their website we’ll be enjoying “Menu 2”.
12.20 – Spin Cycles, Pleasance Courtyard.
“Time to sweat out the sadness: Spin Cycles gives a cathartic look into why we search for something deeper when the inconceivable happens to us. After an earth-shattering year, can she spin herself out of a slump? What is it about cult exercise studios that give us a feeling of purpose and the sense that everything that was once upside down can be turned the right way up? She’s not in a cult… yet? Is she? Spin Cycles is a one person show about spinning, grief and everything in between. But mostly spinning, and grief.”
Mrs C and I are a pair of demons on the spin bikes at our local fitness centre and I confess that was the main reason I thought of seeing this show – there should be something relatable in it!
14.15 – One Way Out, Underbelly Cowgate.
“‘Can we determine our fate? Or is there only one way out?’ Theatre Peckham’s first resident company present this powerful drama exploring young British Caribbeans’ experiences of the Windrush crisis. Four friends stand on the cusp of adulthood, with ambitious goals ahead. As they take their first steps towards independence, a world-shattering event turns Devonte’s life upside down. Forced to make decisions that may destroy their brotherhood as they know it, the young men must decide to follow the paths laid out for them or step off to help their friend in sudden need.”
Experiences like Windrush can only inform us better for the future, so I hope this play takes difficult themes and creates something positive from the mess.
16.00 – Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome, Gilded Balloon Teviot.
“The star of BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers and BBC One’s The Impressions Show follows up his 2018 sell-out Fringe residency with a brand-new hour of comedy and music. Join Jon as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and beyond in his trademark style. ‘Culshaw delivers impressions of extraordinary variety and skill’ (Times). ‘Culshaw thrills audiences with his quick wit and wonderful impersonations’ (BroadwayWorld.com).”
Jon Culshaw always delivers an entertaining show, with terrific voices and excellent material – so I’m hoping for more of the same!
18.00 – Glenn Moore: Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me, Glenn I’m Sixty Moore, Pleasance Courtyard.
“’The best showcase of pure joke-writing skill on the Fringe’ **** (Guardian). Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, and one of the greatest joke-writers of his generation, Glenn brings one of the best-reviewed shows of 2022 back to Edinburgh for just 14 nights. Regular on Mock the Week (RIP), The Great American Joke-Off and The Stand-Up Sketch Show. As heard on News Quiz, Now Show and Absolute Radio. Proud owner of a Pointless Celebrities trophy and a House Of Games tankard. ***** (Chortle.co.uk, Mail on Sunday).”
Glenn Moore has been touring this show for quite a while now and I keep on missing it – so this year, I’m determined to catch it! This will be the first time we’ve seen Mr Moore, but I’ve heard great things.
19.50 – Laser Kiwi: Rise of the Olive, Assembly Roxy.
Join the world’s only surreal, sketch, award-winning circus troupe on a wild ride as they bring people closer together, one olive at a time. Expect bizarre ideas, high-level circus and a bloody good night out. Winners of the Overall Circus Award at FringeWorld 2023. Winners of Best Circus and Physical Theatre at Adelaide Fringe 2019. ‘Fall-down funny, absolutely top shelf’ ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide). ‘Hilarious and impressive in equal measure’ ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). ‘Unbridled fun and contagious laughter’ ***** (SeeDoEatReview.com).
We saw Laser Kiwi at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed them – even if they did get me up on stage to participate in their “Perfect Match” game. It’s circus, but it isn’t really circus. I’m sure they’ll be good fun this time around too.
21.40 – Manbo, Underbelly Cowgate
“Step aside Stallone! Sam Dugmore is locked and loaded as the greatest action hero of all time, unearthing his ruthless man skills to confront his worst nemesis… himself. A dead-sexy mission, filled with chaos, 80s singing, dancing and workout montages, explosions, evil Russians, suppressed raw male emotion and a dog called Fluffy. Extremely camp, extremely silly, extremely entertaining, extremely Manbo. Best Weekly Comedy Award, Adelaide Fringe 2021 and 2022. Best Newcomer, Sydney Comedy Festival 2021. Edinburgh Fringe Award winner, Adelaide Fringe 2022. ‘A physically challenging, extremely silly hour of pure, embodied entertainment’ **** (Scotsman).”
More fun from down under, I had this show on my long list to see last year but couldn’t quite fit it in, so it seemed churlish to miss out on Manbo a second time – not really sure what to expect, but I trust it will make us laugh.
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!