What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?
Here’s the schedule for August 21st.
10:25 – The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform You That Her Husband is Dead, Paradise in Augustines. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“August 1815. The Duke of Buckingham is dead – but the feelings on this are decidedly mixed. At the Buckingham estate, his widow Selina discovers she must remarry within seven days or lose everything. So, when the perfect candidate appears, she thinks the problem is solved. Only something much darker is happening. And as an unlikely affection emerges, nastier truths come to light. With her bankrupt family depending on her and a power-hungry social climber gunning for her title, Selina’s running out of time.”
I can’t quite work out if this is historical fact or fiction, but a grandiose title like that calls out for attention, and I felt obliged to give it!
13:00 – September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, C Arts C venues C Aquila.
“September 11, 1973. A US-backed coup led by General Augusto Pinochet will oust Chile’s democratically-elected president. Allende died by suicide in the palace that day. The play focuses on the final hours of Salvador Allende’s life. Pinochet is hell-bent on ousting Allende and eliminating his supporters. The chips are down and there is no time to spare. As Allende anxiously considers his options, he’s challenged by a mysterious man to play the final chess game of his life. A compelling, relentless and daring play, freely based on facts.”
As an activist young man (which I never really was) I supported the Chile Solidarity Campaign and I still find anything to do with Allende, Pinochet and the protests of the time fascinating. I’m not quite sure what to make of the phrase “freely based on facts”, but no doubt all will become clear!
14:50 – All the Fraudulent Horse Girls, Pleasance Dome.
“This feral equine fantasia follows 11-year-old Audrey who is telepathically linked to all the other horse-girls in the world. After an attempt to liberate a police horse goes haywire, we are thrust from suburban Sydney to harsh desert Mexico for an unrelenting equestrian odyssey. Michael Louis Kennedy’s colt-hit, music-filled saga of loser-on-loser violence arrives in Edinburgh after taking the East London queer performance scene by storm! ***** (LondonTheatre1.com). ‘One of the most entertaining, least conventional productions you will see’ (TheReviewsHub.com). ‘An absurd and affectionate pastiche about queerness and girlhood’ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). Offie nominated!”
Equus with a 21st century twist? It sounds like it barely has a toenail in the real world, but it should be entertaining nonetheless!
16:45 – Stuart Laws Has to Be Joking? Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive).
“Last year Stuart started telling the truth on stage and was diagnosed autistic: he got the best reviews he’s ever got and his show was a must-see. He’s back baby! And has to lean into it further. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s immaculately structured and it’s a chance to see a comedian at the top of his game. As heard on Off Menu and seen on BBC, Prime and 800 Pound Gorilla. **** ½ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (List). ‘You’ll struggle to find a comedian with a better jokes-per-minute rate’ **** (Fest).”
Stuart Laws is new to me, but comes highly recommended, so this is a hopefully lucky punt!
19:00 – Best in Class, Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters.
“Winner: Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize 2022. Best in Class is a crowdfunded, profit-sharing show that champions the rich talent of working-class comedians. Sponsored by waste grounds, knock-off trainers, spam, weed, the unions, crap schools, bunking off, failed MOTs, failed GCSEs, bus stops, pay-day loans, fierce mums, tired dads and empowerment. Featuring a mixed bill of the very best new comic voices, who just so happen to be from working-class backgrounds. ‘A great showcase of genuine talent **** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Wonderfully funny’ **** (BroadwayWorld.com).”
I admit it, I find the ethos behind Best in Class admirable and desirable; I’ve no idea who will be performing, but I’m hoping they’re good!
20:40 – Josh Jones: Put a Sock in It, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron).
“After two sell-out Fringe runs, this marvelous Manc is back with his best show yet. Since receiving a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Josh has embarked on two sell-out UK tours and has starred on TV shows such as The Jonathan Ross Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, As Yet Untitled and much more. ‘Supremely gifted comic who can turn the slightest of events into a crowd-pleasing routine’ **** (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk). ‘Rough edges and killer wind-ups prove this Mancunian comic is his prime’ **** (List).”
This will be the first time we have seen Josh Jones live and I’m expecting great things!
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!