More adventure awaits us, let’s have a look.
Here’s the schedule for August 7th
10:25 – Jess, TheSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“They say loneliness is the leprosy of the modern day. A poignant, meaningful and honest insight into the life of a woman experiencing loss and heartbreak. Meet Jess – she’s a cardiothoracic surgeon, her mum calls her a “career woman”, her boss is a bully, her girlfriends left her and all Jess wants to do is f*cking change her life. ‘From the very beginning, Jess is a production that is unafraid to engage with the uncomfortable’ ***** (Upper-Circle.com).”
Most early(ish) morning plays in Edinburgh are meaty and serious, and this one sounds no exception. Imagine being as successful as being a cardiothoracic surgeon, and yet you’re still subjected to having a bully for a boss? No wonder the NHS is in turmoil. Eyes down for some no-nonsense, hard-hitting drama.
12:10 – Fan/Girl, Summerhall.
“Sparked by a conversation with a childhood friend that unearthed a long-forgotten obsession with football, Bryony wondered why all the girls she knew stopped playing football in their teens. It’s 1998: Geri Halliwell is leaving the Spice Girls, David Beckham is wearing a sarong, and somewhere in England a 10-year-old Bryony is pretending to be Eric Cantona. An absurd and tongue-in-cheek ride through British adolescence set against a backdrop of 90s football and pop. Directed by Fringe First winner Ben Target and packed to the brim with playful audience interaction, 90s bangers, clown comedy and drag.”
Ben Target’s Lorenzo was one of the Fringe highlights from last year, and I can imagine him injecting quirky life into this entertaining-sounding play, where football meets pop and every youngster has their soccer hero. I’m expecting this to be a thoroughly enjoyable production!
14:20 – Come Dine With Me: The Musical, Underbelly, Bristo Square.
“Take a bunch of tuneful strangers. Mix in a dollop of behind-the-scenes skulduggery, a Sound Man playing detective, a sprinkling of star-crossed love, and plenty of juicy arpeggios. Marinade, cook for 60 minutes… and serve hot. The result is a mouth-watering fusion dish, combining the beloved TV show and a sumptuous original score to form Come Dine With Me: The Musical – a winning recipe that will delight even the pickiest palate! (Warning: May Contain Spice.)”
Something of a risk with this choice, as five years ago Come Dine with Mr Shakespeare was one of the worst shows of that year’s Fringe. Still, five years is a long time and hope springs eternal. Actually, turning TV’s Come Dine with Me into a musical sounds like a winning formula. Fingers crossed.
20:25 – Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations!, Underbelly, Bristo Square.
“On this, the year of our Lord 2024, it’s a brand-new, hour-long, stand-up comedy concert from your ol’ pal Rhys Nicholson. Only a coward wouldn’t attend. Winner: Most Outstanding Show, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2022. As seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Roast Battle UK, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Taskmaster Australia and Netflix. ‘Skilful, elegant and perfectly crafted stand up’ ***** (Scotsman). ‘This is a genuinely great stand-up comedian at work… awe-inspiring to watch’ ***** (Time Out).”
Rhys Nicholson has a very good reputation, but to my great surprise, we’ve only seen him once, as a guest performer in a 2015 Spank! show – ah, how we miss Spank. That was nine years ago – and Mr Nicholson has come along way since then. I’m sure this will be a great show.
22:05 – Adam Flood: Back of the Spoon, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron).
“The wonky and worried award-winning comedy of the Stoke-on-Trent urchin returns after last year’s successful debut. The Times – Top 3 Rising Stars of the Fringe. Holding a spoon up to society and himself, expect high-energy stand-up, laced with real voice notes. ‘Despicably multi talented’ (Ivo Graham). ‘Extremely funny, with a superb lightness of touch’ ***** (TheRealChrisparkle.com). ‘Highly highly recommended’ **** (Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of The Fringe). As Seen On ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show. Top Picks of the Fringe (British Comedy Guide). Winner: Bath New Comedian of the Year 2022.”
Oh look – another quote from me! We saw Adam Flood for the first time last year and were extremely impressed, as you can see. His crowd work is second to none and I know we’re in for a brilliant hour.
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!