Category Archives: Edinburgh Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Joe Wells: I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative, 21st August 2017

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After a late night, it’s a late start on Monday morning, I mean afternoon, with the latest show by Joe Wells, Joe Wells: I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative, at Sneaky Pete’s, at 12:05 on Monday 21st. Here’s his blurb: “Received opinion says that we become more right-wing as we get older. Joe Wells (support for Frankie Boyle and Alexei Sayle) is determined to grow up without selling out. Joe’s third solo stand-up hour after the critically acclaimed Night of The Living Tories and 10 Things I Hate About UKIP. ‘Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian’ (Guardian). ‘Recommended’ (Heat). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (Chortle.co.uk). Writer for Have I Got News For You (BBC One) and The Revolution Will Be Televised (BBC Three).”

We saw his 10 Things I Hate About UKIP last year which was a word-of-mouth hit and I wasn’t surprised. Mr Wells has a brilliant turn of phrase for political comedy and he often turns it back on his audience too, so left-wingers needn’t sit there all complacent either. If this is anything like last year it should be a brilliant show. Check back around 1.20pm to see how much we laughed. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Once again Joe Wells has constructed a brilliant piece of comedy that turns all preconceptions on their various heads. Some fantastic notions and observations that make the hour fly by. It’s like watching a master craftsman. Simply superb.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Club Sol Party, 20th August 2017

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We had Party Game this afternoon, and Abigail’s Party earlier on; for our final show today, it’s yet another party with Club Sol Party, at Maggie’s Chamber @ Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters at 00:15 on the night of Sunday 20th. Here’s the official blurb: “The best holiday of your life! Club Sol will transport you to sunny Spain for an evening of comedy cabaret that you will never forget! Your holiday reps, The Mauve Coats, will present to you a host of guest acts picked from the cream of the Fringe’s comic crop as they also deal with the ups and downs of running the Costa’s number one holiday resort. Part cabaret, part sketch comedy, part immersive experience. Prepare for the holiday of a life time as Club Sol brings to you the best night out at this year’s Fringe.”

As soon as I read this description I knew this show was for me. Hi de Hi meets Opportunity Knocks? I’m hoping for an uproariously funny framework presenting a typical late night Fringe revue show. Check back around 1.15am to find out what happened. By then the first preview blog for Monday should be available to read too.

I really enjoyed the trashy holiday vibe for this show. The reps take us through lots of silly games – i blew up a pink flamingo  – and gave my romantic advice for a chat up line for rep Trevor to get it on with Cynthia. Mentalist Ben Dali and comic Natalie Allison were the enjoyable guest artists. Excellent late night fun.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Abigail’s Party – Comedy Cabaret, 20th August 2017

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Back to the usual Fringe fare with some late-night comedy cabaret courtesy of Abigail and Dave with Abigail’s Party – Comedy Cabaret, at Underbelly Med Quad (Daisy) at 21:50 on Sunday 20th. This is what it says on the website: “Comedy Cabaret hosted by ‘supremely talented comic’ (Time Out) Abigail Burdess and her glamorous assistant Dave! Abigail wrote for the BAFTA-winning That Mitchell and Webb Look and Tracey Ullman’s Show! Dave can’t read! Abigail and Dave invite you to a fabulous comedy shindig of songs, characters and competitions. Jokes! Games! Exclamation marks! Let your inner party animal off the leash! With special guest stars – off the telly – every night! ‘Crazy fun’ (Sara Pascoe). ‘A shitload of fun’ (Robert Webb). ‘The best party I’ve been to in years’ (Lucy Porter).”

Abigail’s Party has been a regular event every month at the North London Tavern, Kilburn, and we went to see it in April. It is of course nothing to do with Mike Leigh’s famous play, but one of those uniquely Fringey comic shindigs where anything can happen. Dave (Abigail’s glamorous assistant) went to my school and owes me lunch. Check back around 11.15pm to see who were the guests and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

That was enormous fun. Abigail and Dave know how to throw a great party and they’ve got loads of funny material up their collective sleeves. Abigail’s Malania Trump is a work of comedy genius. Guest artiste was the hilarious Sindhu Vee, who had brilliant “Indian family routines” material. An excellent pot pourri of fringey fun. Highly recommended!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Edinburgh International Book Festival – Terrifying Dystopian Dramas, M. R. Carey and Joe Hill, 20th August 2017

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And now, a short break from the Edinburgh Fringe to take in something at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I know, we are intellectual, aren’t we? To be fair I probably wouldn’t have gone to see Terrifying Dystopian Dramas, M. R. Carey and Joe Hill, at the Garden Theatre, Charlotte Square Gardens, were it not for the fact that the aforementioned is my oldest and bestest mate – known as Lord Liverpool to frequent readers of this blog – and we’re spending a few days together up in Edinburgh whilst he and his family are in residence; so we’ll be seeing a number of shows with him and his entourage as the week progresses. This talk takes place at 17:45 on Sunday 20th. Here’s the official blurb: “DC and Marvel writer Mike Carey ditches his first name and uses his initials to indicate he’s back on novel-creating duty. The Boy on the Bridge follows up the monumentally successful The Girl With All the Gifts and sticks to similar post-apocalyptic territory, while Joe Hill continues his hugely popular mystery-thriller ways with The Fireman, which has a globe-threatening virus taking hold of America.”

I’ve read The Boy on the Bridge; it’s an excellent read and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about it and the kind of questions people will ask. I’m afraid I know nothing about his co-star, Joe Hill, but no doubt by the time the hour is up I will leave a much better informed kinda guy. The talk lasts an hour so check back around 7pm to see how erudite we all are. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Well that was a totally new experience and absolutely fascinating. Both Mike and Joe were on the receiving end of some challenging questions and I think everyone enjoyed the session. It was hosted by Russel D MacLean and he was ace!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Party Game, 20th August 2017

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Next up is one of those weird looking shows that always tempt you at Edinburgh, bluemouth inc and Necessary Angel Theatre Company’s production of Party Game, at Traverse at the Wee Red Bar at 14:00 on Sunday 20th. Here’s the blurb: “You are cordially invited to a surprise party. With the guidance of your host and help from the other guests, you get ready for the big surprise – but when it arrives, it’s clear no amount of planning can prepare you for what lies ahead. Accompanied by dance, theatre and music, no two audience experiences are the same in this heartrending exploration of loss and joyful celebration of life. By the creators of Dance Marathon, Party Game is an extraordinary immersive theatrical performance about embracing the unknown.”

Even though I’ve seen the promotional video on bluemouth inc’s website, I still haven’t got a clue what to expect! It looks like we all turn up for a party and unexpected things happen. The dance looks like it’s intriguing though, and my guess is that, if it’s immersive, you’re going to get out of it as much as you want to put in to it. Well, I’m usually game to go along with things! Check back around 4.15pm to see what actually happened. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Well that was… surreal. Plenty of good things – the music was superb, and the cast really worked hard to create a party vibe. If you wanted to participate, there were plenty of opportunities; if you didn’t that was no problem either. I liked the structure and the framework, and everything about the production – except the content itself. I found it a little boring to be honest, a little pretentious and it’s the kind of party I’d probably make my excuses and leave early. Despite the best efforts of the cast, it didn’t really do it for me.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Brothers, 20th August 2017

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After what was (hopefully) a riotous start to the day, we’re next off to see a play that seems to combine humour and heartache, 203 Theatre’s production of Brothers, at Underbelly Med Quad (Clover), at 12:10 on Sunday 20th. This is how the blurb describes it: “The winners of the Derek Award’s Best Overall Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 return with another fast-paced and thought-provoking production. With aspects of their five-star signature blend of music and physical-theatre, 203 tackle another poignant and topical subject – understanding and coping with mental health issues. Told through the lives of five university housemates, the show starts as a rip-roaring comedy before the students’ insecurities, anxieties and depression become all too apparent, leading to a preventable tragedy.”

As I have a number of friends with mental health issues, this subject interests me greatly. It sounds like it will be a fascinating but maybe also painful watch – but that’s what the Fringe is all about, relishing a theatrical challenge! Check back around 1:30pm to see what we thought. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Strong, powerful play with some superb performances and something of a surprise ending. It packs an emotional punch with its portrayal of Mental Health issues and tells a story that needs to be told. I really liked the way the guys did so much physical activity in such a confined space – great control.

And to cap it all, at the end they were presented with the award for best drama on the fringe! Well deserved!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Shakespeare for Breakfast, 20th August 2017

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I thought I’d make our earliest start of the week on the first morning whilst we were still not that tired – and it’s something we’re really looking forward to, Shakespeare for Breakfast, at C Venues – C on Chambers Street, at 10:00 on Sunday 20th. Here’s the official description: “The Bardic Breakfasters are back! C’s sensational Shakespearience returns for its 26th sell-out year, with free coffee and croissants! A pleasing plethora of pentameter, puns and pastry. Perfect for hardened Bard fans, blank verse virgins and those just after some quality fun over freshly-brewed coffee and freshly-baked croissants. ‘A bouncy and boisterous take on Willie’s work’ (List). ‘Well worth getting out of bed for’ (Independent). ‘No holds Bard’ (FringeGuru.com). ‘Irreverent humour… clever’ (Stage). ‘Side-splitting… glorious’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Full of fun’ (RemoteGoat.com). ‘Sizzling’ (Scottish Daily Express). Free coffee and croissants! Book early.”

Last year we saw them slaughter A Midsummer Night’s Dream and it was just sensational. Not sure which play is getting the croissant treatment this year but it’s bound to be hilarious. Check back shortly after 11am to see just how funny it was. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

What can I say, as brilliant as ever! This year it was Macbe… I mean Gary, it’s unlucky to say Macbeth, ah no….. Five such likeable and funny performers giving it everything, and a really funny parody of the Shakespeare Play set in the cut throat world of the allotments of Thistly Bottom. Absolutely loved it, and a sell out as usual. A must see!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Douglas Walker, Zuschauer, 19th August 2017

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Just four shows will be enough for our first day – which means our last show of the day is Douglas Walker: Zuschauer, at the Underbelly, George Square (The Wee Coo) at 22:40 on Saturday 19th. This is how it’s described on the website: “Can the audience change a show just by watching it? Douglas invites you to find out, by watching his latest concatenation of mind-searing comic absurdities. Then watching it again, but differently. Zuschauer is a very silly exploration of what an audience brings to a show. Not what they literally bring, although any spare crockery you don’t need would really help. There’s more to watching comedy than sitting in the dark; it’s a big responsibility. Who watches the watchers? ‘Too clever for its own good’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Bold and thought-provoking’ **** (List). Best Comedy Award Adelaide Fringe 2016.”

This sounds like it will deconstruct what makes a comedy stand-up experience, and judging from what I’ve read about Mr Walker’s previous fringe shows, I think this will turn the show on its head. Always love a challenge! And it’s always exciting to see someone new, and I’ve never heard of Mr Walker before, so I have high hopes. It’s all over by 11.40 pm, so check back shortly afterwards and see my initial feedback as to how much we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog, for tomorrow morning’s first show, should be available to read too.

Yes that was very nicely subversive! A series of sketches and songs, with a running story about someone receiving money by post out of the blue. It all weaves together smartly and I found it very funny. Some parts were thoroughly surreal! I enjoyed Mr Walker’s characterisations and the considerable variety of content that went into that show. Nice one!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Radio, 19th August 2017

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Our next play is Radio, produced by Sunscreen Productions at the studio at Paradise in Augustines at 21:05 on Saturday 19th. Here’s the description on the website: “You ate someone’s crisps? You shoplifted once? You cheated on your girlfriend? You killed your grandmother? What would the voice on the radio say if it started to spill your deepest, darkest secrets to your housemates… In this post-truth world of fake news, of contradictory narratives, of technology and Trump, seven students are poised on the cusp of entering into a world that doesn’t want them. But the voice on the radio has other ideas. A blisteringly dark, funny new play about the lies, loves, and dirt under everyone’s fingernails. ‘Dazzling’ ***** (OxfordStudent.com on Attempts On Her Life).”

It’s one of those almost sci-fi elements of modern life that there might be a ghost in the machine that might just be human enough to answer back, and I confess the thought of what your radio might have heard about your private life is a bit startling! Hopefully this will be funny, savage and thought-provoking. Check back after 10.15 pm to see what we thought of it, and by then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

I really enjoyed that play, mainly for the performances, which were mostly excellent. The characters were very convincingly portrayed, and very lively to boot. It wasn’t really sci-fi or supernatural, in fact the “radio” element was probably the least effective part. But it was a great depiction of a house full of students at each other’s throats. And it also asked significant questions about consent. Congratulations guys on a great show.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Dave Johns: I, Fillum Star, 19th August 2017

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Our first comedy show for the week is Dave Johns: I, Fillum Star, at the Pleasance Dome, (King Dome) at 19:00 on Saturday 19th. Here’s what it’s about: “What happens to a comedian when he’s plucked from obscurity by master film maker Ken Loach and cast in the title role of one of the most acclaimed and talked about British films of recent years? I, Daniel Blake became a beacon for social realism and, for Dave Johns, a rollercoaster ride of red carpet surrealism. From The Cannes Film Festival to the BAFTAs, he was there, wide-eyed. Now, he’s back doing the thing he loves best – making people laugh.”

For me, I Daniel Blake was one of the highlights of last year. I knew that Dave Johns was a comic but I had never watched one of his shows, so I am really excited to see what he’s like in the flesh. I’m sure his observations on the trappings of film life will be an eye-opener! It’s an hour long, so check back after 8.15 pm to see what it was like, and by then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

That was a very funny and delightfully honest account of how the fillum success has changed Dave’s life. He comes across as a really genuine and funny guy who can’t quite believe his luck, but is going to make the most of it anyway! A real pleasure.