Category Archives: Edinburgh Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden – Old Masters

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After a rigorous dollop of Sarah Kane, I think we might be in need of a good laugh. Surely that’s guaranteed in an hour in the company of Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden. According to the blurb: “Expect comedy songs and gags galore from the well-loved duo, back at the Fringe to prove they’re still alive and old’s cool. Barry will have an aviary of new parrot jokes and Ronnie will be cleaning up after them. ‘Two of comedy’s most fabled masters’ (Festival Times). ‘I laughed incontinently’ (Guardian).

It definitely sounds as though they’re going to be trading on their age, but I’m sure there will be more to it than that. Anyway, with Mr Cryer at 80 and Mr Golden being of an unspecified age (according to Wikipedia – but late 60s I reckon), there’s heaps of life in the old dogs yet. I’ve admired Barry Cryer’s comic prowess for as long as I can remember – as a kid I loved both Jokers Wild on TV and Hello Cheeky on the radio – and this will be the first time I’ve seen him in real life, so I am really looking forward to it. It’s on at 16:15 at the Gilded Balloon Nightclub, so check back around 5.30 to see just how funny they were. You can also find out what’s next on our Fringe agenda for Tuesday.

Update:

Well that was fun! A nice blend of comedy songs and jokes to pack out the Gilded Balloon nightclub on a wet Tuesday afternoon. I particularly enjoyed the song “FIFA” to the tune of Fever, and the love song to Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Cryer is indeed a splendid 80! Good parrot and pub jokes too!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Cleansed

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Earlier this year we went to Sheffield and saw Blasted as part of their Sarah Kane season. It was the first time we had seen a Kane play – I had always wanted to – and I found it fascinating. It stimulated my interest in her work, so when I saw that Fear No Colours were performing two of Sarah Kane’s plays in Edinburgh this summer, I knew I had to book for both of them. So the first is Cleansed, at 13:00 at C Nova – Studio 1. Here’s the blurb: “Sarah Kane’s darkly passionate play turns the heart into a torture camp where losing love is a fate worse than death. And this love is the most violent thing in the world. Loss of love is the loss of self, and anything may be endured to avoid that. In a torture institution of the heart, the indestructibility of love creates a waking nightmare where not even death offers a way out. Explore the violence of love and love’s catastrophe in a language that pushes the boundaries of theatrical representation to the absolute extreme. Welcome to our sensible hell.”

Formed in 2015 by students and graduates from the University of Glasgow’s theatre department this will be Fear No Colours’ first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe, and I’m looking forward to seeing the same group of young actors perform both plays in daily repertoire. That must be a challenge! It’s a fairly shocking play to read so I will be interested to see how the shock on the page translates to the stage. Check back shortly after 2.15 to see our reactions, and also to discover what delights await us next!

Update:

Was that worth seeing or was that worth seeing! Amazingly mature and technically brilliant performances from this young cast. This is very physical theatre in a confined space but they work every available inch of it with huge invention and terrific control. Sarah Kane doesn’t give you much to work on regarding stage directions but I can’t imagine how this play could have been better staged. If you like a challenge in the theatre this is a must see. Congrats all round!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – The King of Monte Cristo

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If we’re awake early enough, Tuesday 18th August will start with a 11:05 visit to TheSpace on the Mile – Space 1 to see Watch This’ The King of Monte Cristo. Here’s how the blurb describes it: “An award-winning, narcissistic writer director duo are set to stage their fifth play together. But things go wrong when the writer turns up to the first rehearsal with a completely different script. Joining them (and complicating things) are their eclectic cast – a Hollywood superstar, an actor who thinks Harold Pinter is a brand of posh paint thinner, a soap opera star with an inferiority complex, and a shy, polite and baffled first-timer. The King of Monte Cristo is a fast-paced comedy about the trials of the creative process and the temptations of success.”

I like plays or songs that are about the creative process so I’m hoping this will have some interesting things to say about clashes of creative personalities. It should at least have some laugh-out-loud moments of theatrical absurdity! Watch This are the Drama Society of the University of Birmingham who appear (from what I can see) to concentrate on improvisational comedy. I have a feeling I might like this more than Mrs Chrisparkle, but time will tell! Check back sometime after noon and I’ll give you our instant reactions. And then you can also check out the next show we’re going to see!

Update:

Going to bed at 2:45am so seeing this play is on the critical list – I reckon it ain’t gonna happen!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Spank!

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One of the absolute highlights of our visit to Edinburgh last year was seeing Spank! on the Sunday night before we left to go home on the Monday. And ever since we decided to come back this year we’ve been looking forward to extra helpings of Spank, and our midnight show at Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer) tonight is only the first of three that we have booked for this anarchically wonderful comedy melange.

Here’s what the blurb has to say: “Spank returns for an incredible 12th year with sexy hosts, awesome comedians and inevitable gratuitous nudity. You love it! ‘This is what the festival should be about’ (List). ‘Legendary party night … get down there right away!’ (Time Out).” Last year’s brilliant host Lames Loveridge will be joined by Abigoliah Schamaun, who is new to us so I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve.

It’s going to finish at Whenever o’clock so check back much later on – or maybe tomorrow morning – to find out how much spanking took place. And you can also find out about our first show for Tuesday. Are we halfway through the week yet? Not quite!

Update:

Spank (we love it!) was as brilliant as ever! James and Abigoliah were the perfect hosts and the place was pretty much packed out for a Monday night. I ended up on stage twice: first time was because a younger guy two spaces along was spitting image of me 30 years ago, so he got us up to compare. The second time was to receive and chew a Mintie from the warm undergarments of Miss Penny Greenhalgh, who had previously been roller blading with another guy from the audience – you had to be there. Other amazing acts included Christopher reading from his World War novel, Danny O’Brien discussing the ins and outs of cunnilingus (as you do), Woman, Matt Reed and Janie Godley. Brilliant stuff.

And how could I forget the fantastic Billy, from The Big Breakfast, doing the naked promo! Good man!!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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For years I have faithfully watched the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on television, broadcast on the August Bank Holiday Monday around teatime but always much more atmospheric if you record it and watch it with a bottle of wine around 11pm when it’s not a school night.There was always something so respectful and reassuring about the late Tom Fleming’s commentary, and I really miss his voice.

So we are both really looking forward to seeing this at 9pm tonight, Monday 17th August. I booked our tickets way back in December when they first went on sale so I’m hoping I chose wisely – Row N of Section 9. I note that this performance of the Tattoo will be one where the TV cameras will be present, so that adds an extra frisson! The theme of this year’s Tattoo is “East Meets West”, and apparently we can expect “a spine-tingling presentation [that] will include pipers, drummers, singers and dancers as well as one of the world’s most sensational percussion groups, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps.”

Check back once it’s all over – not sure how long each show lasts to be honest, but I presume sometime after 11pm. And then you can see where we’ll end up for our late night show.

Update:

Such colour! Such sound! Such spectacle! A really enjoyable and skilful performance, even if the Top Secret guys from Switzerland dropped a drumstick or two. The TV makes it look smaller. Definitely something everyone should see at least once!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Keith Farnan: Anonymous

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After all that afternoon food abuse, I definitely think it’s time for some comedy. So at 18:00 we’re off to the Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer) to see Keith Farnan: Anonymous. Here’s what the promotional blurb has to say: “Liberty. Privacy. Comedy. Irish comedian Keith Farnan (Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow) tries to combine these three elements before the first two disappear. Every day, more of our personal data is either given away, acquired in the interest of national security, or sold to the highest bidder. But maybe we don’t really need our privacy, so let’s start by getting rid of curtains and go from there, shall we? ‘Artful, satirical … with a lightness of touch and a hefty helping of roguish Celtic charm’ (Sunday Times).”

We saw Mr Farnan at one of our regular Screaming Blue Murder nights in Northampton a couple of years ago and he was absolutely brilliant, so I have very high hopes of an hour full of intelligent observations flavoured with Irish whimsy. Lack of privacy is a real hot topic so I’m sure this is going to be full of highly relevant stuff. Check back when it’s all over – say shortly after 7pm and I’ll let you know! And then you can also read about our next, rather special, show this evening.

Update:

Well that was a great laugh, based on some interesting and alarming facts about Internet security, specifically how governments could do what they like with the information we and the likes of Google feed them. I must be looking older as Mr Farnan pointed out that I averaged up the age of the audience – not offended, honest. Great connection with the crowd, highly recommended!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Feast

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After a lunch break, I’m not entirely sure it’s good timing for us to go and see Feast, 15:55 at the Zoo – Sanctuary. You’ll understand why when you read the blurb: “A show about food. The evolution of humanity through the triptych of a daily routine: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Multi award-winning Clout Theatre return with their most ambitious project to date: a visual feast which traverses drastically different styles from primal movement to clown, to multimedia. This excessive, anarchic and wordless piece is peppered with absurdity, gourmandise and overtones of cannibalism. ‘Experts in the grotesque’ (Exeunt). ‘Ridiculous, hilarious, baffling and unnerving … a sheer pleasure’ **** (Scotsman). Developed with support from Battersea Arts Centre, Jackson’s Lane, Tiyatro Medresesi, The BikeShed Theatre and Arts Council England.”

Clout’s website has a video trailer for the show and I must admit it looks pretty grotesque. My favourite review quote was from Everything Theatre “Left me unable to look at a melon the same way again”. But I’m really fascinated to see this show to find out what it has to say about man’s relationship with food, the excesses, the exploitations, and the harm. As one who is partial to occasional overloading in the eating department, I’m hoping it will curb my appetite for later – but I’m also hoping it will be a visceral theatrical experience which will have a longer lasting impact. Let’s see! Check back some time after 5pm to see if we’re reaching for the Rennies, and also to see what show is next on our agenda.

Update:

Grotesque is a polite word for what that is. Elements of humour drowned out by sheer tastelessness, but, above all, thoroughly boring! What a shame. I wonder if he ever did extract that cherry tomato from his arse? Mrs C didn’t go for the simulated sex between a cucumber and a melon. I thought that was one of the better parts. Says everything you need to know. Pretentious twaddle!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Madman Marathon Man

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So next, we’ll be watching Tops and Tales’ Madman Marathon Man at 12:35 at TheSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall Theatre 3 on Monday 17th August – its first performance at Edinburgh. Here’s the blurb: “Matt has been losing his best friend Sam to sport for years. In order to save their friendship, he’s going to become the one thing that’s been driving a wedge between them – a modern sports star. His aim is simple – encapsulate everything that a modern star represents and take it to the extreme. Glory, pride, discrimination and tabloid disgrace multiplied by 10. How far will he go? Only one way to find out. ‘Hilarious and heartfelt’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Weird but wonderful’ **** (EdFringeReview.com).”

This sounds like a very intriguing little play. A satire on a society that idolises sports stars and worships everything about them, no matter how crass or stupid their behaviour. Mrs Chrisparkle and I are not big on the cult of celebrity, but are rather partial to armchair sport so I think this is going to suit us right down to the ground. Written by Matt Squance and performed by him and his friend Sam Tomlinson, I suspect this will be a subtle blend of fiction and reality – will be fascinating to see how well it works. Check back around 1.45 to see our instant reactions. And by then the next preview blog should be available.

Update:

A quirky little play, with two guys trying to out-do each other in the fitness stakes, in the quest to achieve super sports stardom – and I think it’s fair to say that might elude them! Some very funny moments, especially when Matt started to chat up Mrs C in his search for a suitable WAG; and I loved the creation of the sports star potion. The show gels together on the strength of the guys’ likability and I will never think of Jessica Ennis the same way again!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – Women of the Mourning Fields

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One of our favourite productions from last year’s all too brief visit to Edinburgh was Aulos Productions’ First Class, and on the strength of that show I was happy to book for this year’s Aulos offering, Women of the Mourning Fields. From the promotional blurb: “Slandered by history. Forgotten as women. Rome’s final curtain has fallen, yet three women still linger in the wings. Tainted by Emperor Nero’s legacy, Agrippina fights against the injustice of history. Forced onto the stage with Octavia and Poppaea, another unwelcome performance is imminent… But scripts can always be rewritten. From the writer of First Class (Best New Writing, Buxton Fringe 2014) comes a tale of intrigue, desire and ambition. What happens when you pry the real people from between the pages of history? What happens when the story of these women is finally told?”

To be honest, I don’t think I would have chosen this play were it not for the brilliance of First Class last year, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and I’m delighted to see that this play has also been nominated for an award at the Buxton Fringe. I’ve read a review that suggests the play might be hard to follow if you don’t have a good knowledge of the history of Rome… that slightly worries me. Still, I’m sure we’ll be fully alert for the challenge when we see this on Monday 17th August in the morning at 10:30 at the Paradise at the Vault. Please check back shortly after half-past eleven when I will be able to give our instant reactions to the play. And you will also find the preview for our next show.

Update:

What a fascinating and intricate play! Ideally you’d see it at least a couple of times to understand fully all its ins and outs, but it really holds your interest and asks loads of questions about rewriting history and the creative experience. And there are seven fantastic actors’ performances to appreciate! Highly recommended.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2015 – The Iraq Pack – Live from Das Vegas (or Dead)

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OK so our final show of the day might not be one of the most tasteful but if it works, it should be one of the funniest things ever: The Iraq Pack – Live from Das Vegas (or Dead). Here’s the blurb: “Back from their unsuccessful world tour, the singing dictators of dark cabaret have come to Edinburgh. The comedy war machine that is Frank Sanazi, Dean Stalin, Saddami Davis Jnr and Osama Bin Crosby, or the Four Crooners of the Apocalypse, as they are known, will unleash such extreme renditions as Strangers on My Flight, Arranged Marriage, Ain’t That a Shot in the Head, and Mein Way on an unsuspecting public. This show is not for the faint-hearted. ‘Brilliantly stupid, fantastically wrong and ridiculously funny’ (Scotsman).”

This cabaret from hell takes place at the Ballroom at the Voodoo Rooms at 23:05 and if it’s as slick as Frank Sanazi’s website it’s going to be a really clever parody of Rat Pack performances with a dictatorial twist. This show could test one’s ability to laugh further than one’s usual taste boundaries – I hope it does. Check back after midnight to see just how Reich-shattering it was. And I’ll also be previewing the first of tomorrow’s shows. Thanks again for following our progress today, if you’re in Edinburgh, I hope you’re having fun!

Update;

That’s definitely a contender for the most offensive show I’ve ever seen and that includes The Book of Mormon! Frank Sanazi and the team leave no pun untold with their witty rewritings of the Rat Pack classics. The fact that they can really sing in the style means that it genuinely works, and I thought Osama bin Crosby’s voice was superb. Dino Stalin was unavailable so in best Fringe tradition, someone stepped in to help – Christ himself, fresh from his Christ on a Bike show. Sickeningly un-PC, and brilliant.