What’s on the slab for today?
Here’s the schedule for August 23rd.
10:00 – What the F*ck Happened to Love and Hope?, theSpace on the Mile. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“Teenager Nina and best friend Faye are tangled in the terrifying culture of spiking and assault in this powerful new work written by an 18-year-old. Nina is cheeky and bubbly, until a night out takes a horrific turn, leaving her to navigate the devastating aftermath. Confident, outspoken, Faye’s okay. Definitely. When Harry from school removes the condom midway through sex without her consent, she struggles for the first time to pretend she’s fine. Playing Nina is Olivia McGeachy (also writer) and playing Faye is Heidi Steel (star of Summerhall’s The Fish Bowl).”
A hard-hitting and contemporary play to start the day, with issues of consent and the ever-present risk of spiking examined in what I trust is a serious and mature piece of writing. Hopefully this will be very powerful.
11:30 – Phil Henderson: Space Cowboy, Just the Tonic at The Mash House.
“’Phil has extracted my loudest laugh of the Fringe’ (Scotsman). West End New Act of the Year (2022) and Telegraph Top Jokes of The Fringe nominee Phil Henderson returns with his debut solo stand-up comedy show. Space Cowboy: a journey through the cosmos exploring identity, cowboys, fatherhood, the appeal of Matthew McConaughey and more. A self-deprecating, left-field and occasionally dark analysis of life through the eyes of the pun-loving and slightly confused Phil Henderson. ‘Impressive across a slew of different comedy styles… Henderson pretty much nails them all.’ (Scotsman).”
Phil Henderson is a new name to me, but it sounds like he’s a name worth seeing. Hopefully his reviews speak for themselves!
13:05 – Ben Miller: Volcano, Just the Tonic at The Caves.
“What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist-in-residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the first stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part. Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies and more. And yes that photo is real. Ben has made people laugh in front of a burning lava lake, and he is not afraid of you.”
Reading that description, I think we’re all in for quite an experience. For me it was an irresistible combination of comedy and chaos, so fingers crossed Mr Miller is a funny guy!
15:00 – Annaliesa Rose Sings the Peter Allen Songbook, The Speakeasy at The Royal Scots Club.
“This show shines a new light on Peter Allen in his capacity as incredibly gifted composer/songwriter, while also showcasing Annaliesa Rose’s unique and diverse vocal expertise, with the fabulous musical director Daryl Wallis on keys. The repertoire includes a mix of well-known songs and hidden gems, in order to celebrate Peter Allen’s legacy as a composer.”
Mrs Chrisparkle was brought up on the music of Peter Allen and he really was a brilliant songwriter and performer. I can’t wait to hear the playlist that Annaliesa Rose has put together for this show!
18:15 – Werewolf, Summerhall.
“Surrender yourself to a comedy-thriller experience inspired by the classic game of deception. What feels like a game by daylight takes on new life when plunged into the night. Created by one of New Zealand’s most innovative theatre companies, Werewolf features chilling sound design and a unique immersive style; you can be a fly on the wall or take charge of the situation. However you decide to play it, you will become part of a community coming together to make it through the night. But what is hiding in the darkness that is making everyone so nervous?”
This sounds like a very intriguing proposal! Really not sure what to expect – but I guess that’s part of their scheming plan!
20:00 – Pali and Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow, Assembly George Square Studios.
“From Rifco Theatre, comes an immersive DJ bromance. Whoever said there’s too many actors in LA has never seen the number of DJs in Southall. Facing sabotage, Pali and Jay are on edge – using only their simple DJ set-up and the odd cup of chai, Pali and Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow will transport you through time, from Southall’s Biggest Deck-Off 1999 to now. Our uncle and nephew DJing duo must successfully navigate their latest gig to save the company, their future aspirations, and ultimately, their relationship.”
This sounds like a hoot, and with the added bonus of the cast including Tez Ilyas, I’m sure this will be a truly funny show.
21:55 – 4 girls the first letter e, Greenside @ George St
“In 2012, two girls stabbed their friend 19 times at Slenderman’s instruction. This play is loosely inspired by these real events. Evie and her friends are obsessed with the video-game world of The King. As reality and gameplay blurs, how far will they go to save themselves from each other? This show explores how we teach young girls to grow up and who we should really be afraid of. Its sold-out London reading was described by audiences as ‘truly gripping,’ ‘a beautiful balance of light and dark,’ and ‘as strong as (it was) understated.’”
I know very little of the video-game world, and The King means nothing to me; but it sounds like an intriguing and hard-hitting play so I hope it will be written and performed so that everyone can follow and appreciate it.
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!