A comedy-heavy day today, but what is on the slab?
Here’s the schedule for August 11th.
11:15 – Tim Biglowe: Grease Monkey, PBH’s Free Fringe at Whistlebinkies. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“Begin your festival morning with Tim’s new, high-energy stand up show. Starting married life living on a canal boat, this laidback hippy panics – and takes a job as a mechanic. All to be viewed as a “proper married bloke”. Can this calamitous captain become a grease monkey? Or will his in-laws’ dubious scheme offer him a way out of the rat race? ‘Assured the audience they were in a for decent night’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A rare breed indeed. Great jokes among well-crafted stories’ (Indie Comedy Review).”
Starting the day with a completely lucky punt. I have no idea what to expect with Mr Biglowe but I like the sound of his set! With only 15 seats in the venue, I hope we can get in!
12:55 – Gang Bang, Pleasance Courtyard.
“In 1945, when Sicilians were pouring onto boats for America, one man by the name of Don Lambrini accidentally boarded an all-inclusive Thomas Cook cruise to Blackpool, England. A mob comedy from the writer of Ringer, Out To Lunch, Goons, Frog’s Legs and Boondocks. ‘A name to look out for’ (Scotsman). ‘Quality new writing’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A delight’ **** (VoiceMag.uk). ***** (EdFringeReview.com).”
The premise of this play sounds completely hilarious and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Mafia fare amongst the bright lights and subtle pleasures of Blackpool. Let’s hope the writing and performance live up to the idea!
16:15 – Emma Sidi Is Sue Gray, Pleasance Courtyard.
“Character comedian Emma Sidi is back at the Edinburgh Fringe. And now she’s Sue Gray. But who is Sue Gray? Well, she’s [REDACTED]. As seen on Starstruck, Ghosts and Pls Like. ‘Bonkers originality… A-grade stuff, invigoratingly fresh’ **** (Telegraph). ‘You will absolutely love it!’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Top-class character comedy from a comedian at the top of her game’ ****½ (ToDoList.org.uk). ‘A comic of considerable skill… a notch above many of her peers’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A show so good I wish I could binge watch it on TV’ **** (ThreeWeeks). **** (Skinny).”
As soon as I saw this listing I knew it was a must-see! Emma Sidi is new to me but the idea of an exposé on Sue Gray is comic genius.
19:00 – Chloe Petts: How You See Me, How You Don’t, Pleasance Courtyard.
“After two smash-hit, sell-out runs, Chloe Petts returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new show… and this time she’s getting personal. Between her newly found trolls, oldly found school bullies, and an excellent relationship with her food tech teacher, Chloe Petts brings her trademark laddishness to tell you who she really is, all whilst her Head Girl badge glistens upon her chest. ‘Clearly a rising star whose name will soon be in lights’ **** (Evening Standard). ‘One of the most compelling young comics’ **** (Guardian). **** (Metro).”
Chloe Petts is one of those comedians on whom you can always rely to get exactly the right tone and content and I’m sure this will be a great show.
20:40 – Nina Gilligan: Goldfish, Just the Tonic Nucleus.
“Join multi award-winner Nina Gilligan for her hilarious hour of stand-up, Goldfish. Memory loss, health anxiety, goldfish-related trauma. Things you need to remember and the thing you can’t forget. As heard on BBC Radio 4 and voted Best Club Comedian (Chortle.co.uk), Nina is described as a ‘bolshier Mrs Merton’ (Skinny) and known as ‘a vivacious, life embracing performer, with a cheeky, ready wit’ (Scotsman).”
We saw Nina Gilligan for the first time at the Fringe two years ago and she was a complete hoot throughout. The description of her as a bolshier Mrs Merton is spot on.
22:40 – Finlay Christie: I Deserve This, Monkey Barrel Comedy.
“Money, followers, religiously forbidden relationships. Does Finlay Christie deserve everything he gets? At 19, he became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition. His sketches and stand-up have been viewed over 200 million times on YouTube, his debut Edinburgh show OK Zoomer was nominated for NextUp’s Best Show award. TV includes 8 Out of 10 Cats and Stand Up Sketch Show. ‘Outstanding… he will be taking the comedy world by storm, catch him now while you can’ (One4Review.co.uk). ‘The voice of his generation’ (Chortle.co.uk).”
Here’s hoping we’re not all joked out by the time we get to see Finlay Christie’s new show because he’s a fantastic young comedian with a huge future ahead of him. I’m expecting we’ll end the evening on a high!
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!