Category Archives: Edinburgh Fringe

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – What the F*ck Happened to Love and Hope, Phil Henderson: Space Cowboy, Ben Miller: Volcano, Annaliesa Rose Sings the Peter Allen Songbook, Werewolf, Pali and Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow, and 4 girls the first letter e

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What the F*ck Happened to Love and Hope, TheSpace on The Mile.

4-stars

Faye and Nina are trying to play it cool at school, both of them fancying Harry – but it’s clear that Harry prefers Faye to Nina, so Nina’s brave attempt to ask him out is fruitless. Still, she can (just about) forgive her for stealing her not-yet boyfriend and have a giggle at sexting and dickpics instead. But a real night out on the town gets disastrously out of hand for both of them. Powerfully written and performed, the play highlights the vulnerability of young women and girls when boys and young men don’t care about the consequences of their own actions. Rape can take many forms, but – no excuses – rape is always rape. Excellent performances from Heidi Steel and Olivis McGeachy, who also wrote the play. A painful watch, but an important one.

Phil Henderson: Space Cowboy, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.
4-stars

Do you know what a white cowboy hat signifies? I didn’t, but I do now, thanks to Phil Henderson’s Space Cowboy show. To be fair, there’s not a lot of actual cowboy content, but Mr H does have a huge amount of extremely funny and original material, exploring sexuality, politics, prejudice, and what it was that really appealed to him about his late cat. Phil Henderson has a terrifically unhurried yet confident style; his material flows naturally and often brings us back to his love of wordplay – which is superbly judged (not too much, not too little). A very likeable persona on stage with some first-rate punchlines and observations – many of which take you by surprise as being unexpectedly challenging. A great show that deserves a bigger audience!

Ben Miller: Volcano, Just the Tonic at the Caves.

4-stars

Ben Miller (not THE Ben Miller – as he points out in the show) takes us through an illustrated journey of his time as Artist-in-Residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. As well as facts about volcanoes, Mr Miller also includes topics such as the dumb questions that people ask Volcano Park Rangers, the poverty of Pompeiians, and when does magma become lava. Who says the Fringe isn’t educational? Ben Miller has a charming, wry, laconic delivery and the show is full of very funny lines and observations as well as… well… more stuff about volcanoes. An unexpectedly entertaining and undoubtedly unique show!

Annaliesa Rose sings the Peter Allen Songbook, Speakeasy at the Royal Scots Club.

4-stars

Here’s a show that does exactly what it says on the tin. As Annaliese Rose points out early in her set, it’s a huge surprise to most Australians that the British have absolutely no idea who Peter Allen was. However, as Mrs Chrisparkle was brought up down under, Peter Allen is no stranger to our household, and the show is a delightful reminder of some of his amazing songs. They wanted to bring some of his less well-known numbers to the Fringe, and there are certainly a few songs in the set that were new to us; but you’ll enjoy hearing old favourites like I Still Call Australia Home, Tenterfield Saddler and Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage. However, in their quest to bring his more obscure songs to our attention they omit I Go to Rio, which really ought to be a sackable offence! Annaliese Rose has a great jazz voice and is accompanied by her musical director Daryl Wallis on the keyboard. A charming and nostalgic afternoon’s show.

Werewolf, Summerhall.

Welcome to the containing room; a room that is your safe haven. Enter the room and sit on a seat with a card on it. The information on the card is for your eyes only, and for you to act on it, when the time is right. Before long, it becomes clear that two wardens are patrolling and looking after the people in the room. They’re there for our safety, right? A third warden arrives late. Suspicious? Perhaps. And we’re there for seven days – unless the werewolves get us first. Part immersive theatre, part role-play, part improvisation; these all combine to make a thrilling and scary hour where you’re confronted with questions of trust, conspiracy theories and a spot of lycanthropy. New Zealand’s Binge Culture cast guide us all through this spooky and alarming set-up, with bags of uncomfortable and awkward laughter and sudden unexpectedly missing audience members. Stella Reid, Hannah Kelly and Joel Baxendale are brilliant as our helpful wardens, and this is a hugely entertaining and totally unique theatrical experience.

Pali and Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow, Assembly George Square Studios.

3-stars

Love, respect and generational differences are highlighted in this rather charming and emotional little show about an uncle and nephew DJ team, bringing a bit of Bhangra and Bollywood to the wedding parties of Southall. Older Uncle Pali has his problems, with an imminent divorce, fertility problems (a big no-no to confess when it’s the man who is “to blame”) and an unlikely and illogical fear of his audience and clients. The younger Jay has no fears and few boundaries but he’s too lazy to wash his own clothes and gets videoed throwing up outside a gig after drinking too much – such behaviour is not good for business and is not what the nice folk of Southall are willing to put up with. Cleverly put together with two likeable performances from Tez Ilyas as Pali and Viraj Juneja as Jay (who also wrote the play); my only criticism of the show is that it probably could lose a quarter of an hour and be a little punchier as a result. But it’s an entertaining look at the Southall showbiz scene and a heartwarming portrayal of a family dynamic.

4 girls the first letter e, Greenside at George Street.

I was at a severe disadvantage watching and appreciating this show. Firstly, I have no experience of gaming online against live opponents (things have moved on since I started playing Tetris and Mah-Jongg); and I’d never heard of the Slenderman or the event when two girls stabbed their friend on his instruction. As a result, I watched this play in total bafflement as to what was going on; I appreciated that the four girls were playing a game and that the goal was trying to please The King, but that was as far as it went; in fact, at one stage, I wondered if it was a religious allegory. It was only in conversation on the way home that – I think – I understood part of it; that The King is a paedophile who uses “the game” to entrap vulnerable children. Sadly, I think I’m forty years too old to appreciate this play. I’m afraid I also found it rather boring. That said, I can now see that it’s a clever way of telling its story. But more than that, I am not qualified to comment!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 24th August 2024

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Only 5 shows today – let’s take a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 24th.

11:55 – Someone Has To Be Counting, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Someone has been keeping a record. Every day, for 20 years. It’s all in her notebooks: hours worked, money spent, cigarettes smoked; 38 categories that serve as a record of how each of her days has been spent. Why did she start? What kept her returning to them? Phoebe Benson directs this experimental one-woman play that explores a person’s attempt to grapple with the incessant flow of time through daily rituals and habits. Starring Lisa Vetta, this play is inspired by the real notebooks of Dalia: aunt of artist and playwright Vytautas Bikauskas.”

This sounds like a very appealing and intriguing play. As someone who is known to have an army of spreadsheets at my disposal, keeping a record all sorts of different elements of my life, I really understand that urge to diarise to the limit. Hopefully it will give me an insight into myself!

13:30 – Joby Mageean – Titty Icarus, PBH’s Free Fringe – Whistlebinkies.

“Sometimes you wish your life was carefree, like a duck on a duck slide. Then you notice the food suspended just out of reach. Each duck strives to grab what seems achievable before they inevitably fall and the cycle continues. Then you realise you are a duck on a duck slide. Joby Mageean is doing a comedy performance. It is very important that you come. He is really cool and has well-written and thought-provoking material. ‘A comedian willing to embrace his own uncoolness… happy to lean into a dad joke’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

Joby Mageean is only doing one performance at the Fringe this year – and this is it! Always one of my favourite comedians, I look forward to seeing him jostling with ducks (if the above description is anything to go by!)

15:15 – Di(n)e, theSpace on the Mile.

“A man has decided to take his own life and finds himself in a state of limbo between life and death. Here he meets dead family, loved ones and a former enemy, each with something to say about his choice. With only an hour before his body dies, his soul must decide between life and death.”

Reading that description, I can’t see that there will be many laughs in this play. But hopefully, if it’s written with a lightness of touch there will be; if it’s written with appropriate mature gravity laughs won’t be required. Fingers crossed either way.

18:00 – Weather Girl, Summerhall.

“Smile while it burns. Stacey is a California weather girl. An oversexed and underpaid harbinger of our dying planet. But today, her regular routine of wildfires, prosecco and teeth whitening descends into a scorched earth catastrophe, before she discovers something that will save us all. A dizzying rampage into the soul of American strangeness. The award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer bring you a blistering dark comedy about wrecking the places we love. From Lucille Lortel Award-nominated Brian Watkins, creator of the hit Amazon series Outer Range, and Drama Desk-nominated director Tyne Rafaeli.”

This play takes on quite a sizeable topic! I’m hoping for a good mix of comedy and hard-hitting drama; let’s see.

19:35 – The Bookies, Summerhall.

“Kit Bromovsky Productions present The Bookies. Two Edinburgh bookies feel the pressure of signing customers up for online betting accounts, signing their own jobs away in the process. They come up with a plan to fight back. But a mountaineer from Mount Everest gets in their way. ‘Fast and witty production’ **** (Scotsman). **** (TheWeeReview.co.uk). ‘Sharp, cynical comedy’ (Stage). ‘Riotously funny play… well worth attending for a fun night out’ (Skinny).”

Moving business online inevitably reduces levels of employment, so this is an important and relevant subject for today. Not sure how the mountaineer will get involved!

Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Josh Makinda is Probably Fine, The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, and Thank You So Much For Coming

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Josh Makinda is Probably Fine, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.

3-stars

Only seven people turned up to see Josh Makinda is Probably Fine at Just The Tonic at The Mash House; nevertheless Mr M gave us a very entertaining show, albeit probably a little different from the act he normally delivers. He’s a very funny guy indeed, with a delightful ear for the mischievous and the surreal, constantly wandering up comical garden paths to explore whatever comedy nuggets might be hiding. His material includes the pitfalls of his previous job protecting vulnerable children, exploring his venue for glory holes, and his experience of US healthcare. He sets up an excellent connection with the audience and cuts a warm and appealing persona on stage. He fully deserves a much larger audience – sometimes at the Fringe it’s worth taking a risk on someone you’ve never heard of – you might just strike gold.

The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

John White was born in Musselburgh in 1937 and died aged 27 in 1964 from a lightning strike; a freak accident – he was sheltering under a tree from a thunderstorm at the time. He was also an international football player for Scotland, and a player for Alloa Athletic, Falkirk, and most significantly, Tottenham Hotspur. Martin Murphy’s tightly written and nimbly structured play calls for a powerful and versatile performance from Cal Newman. He plays John White, both in the early days of his career and at the time of his death, and John’s son Rob White, as a brave eight-year-old fondly keeping souvenirs of his father in a trunk, and as a mature adult with a family of his own. The play jumps around the time periods somewhat, but Newman’s performance always nails the characterisations and accents perfectly. Though sad, the play is never maudlin, and is a fitting tribute to a sporting hero cut down in his prime, and the son who wants to celebrate and cherish his memory.

Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Laughing Horse at the Hanover Tap.

3-stars

Mark Row dishes out the background stories and classroom anecdotes that make up life as a schoolteacher. His subject is Drama, which, as we all know, is merely about pretending to be a tree; but Mr Row has an alternative method of looking at that particular cliché. He is an imposing yet friendly figure on stage – in fact, you can exactly imagine what he would be like as a schoolteacher; the authoritative voice, the ability to control a group of people (not in a bad way), and the truly positive wish for his schoolkids to develop into the best people they can possibly be. It’s a very enjoyable and entertaining hour; perhaps I expected his material to be a little edgier and push the boundaries a bit more. I did, however, learn about the code teachers use when they’re writing reports, when they can’t be as truthful as they would like to be – you’ll be rooting out all your old reports to decode them and discover exactly what your teachers thought of you! Engaging, funny, likeable, and very recognisable.

Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, Assembly Rooms.

4-stars

Now and again a show comes along that stops you in your tracks because its content is so personal and so painful; but it’s the kind of content that just needs to be told. When someone is the victim of so terrible a crime as rape, it’s not for anyone else to tell that person how they should deal with it. Kelly Bachman has turned her own experiences into Patron Saint, a show that puts rape centre stage, looks at it straight in the eyes, gives it no hiding place, and makes it the butt of its own joke. Her ability to turn this awful crime on its head is not only a way of coping with it, but also of ridiculing it, even demystifying it. Ms Bachman has a superb comic timing and a terrific ability to mine comedy from what one would normally think of as – at the very least – an extremely unfunny subject. I can only suggest you see it yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Thank You So Much For Coming, Underbelly Cowgate.

3-stars

Cynthia is known for her great parties, and we are invited! It all starts promisingly as we are offered hors d’oeuvres (not that After Eights are really hors d’oeuvres, but that doesn’t matter) and guests find out about each other, and Cynthia even helps a couple of people swap phone numbers. Margaritas are served – although they’re represented by a couple of Barbie Dolls – a member of the audience answers the phone, and it looks like some of the guests are not going to turn up. Donatella Versace is a no-show; Bernie Sanders also disappoints. And then things start getting very messy, apeshit surrealist and 100% bizarre. A good reason for choosing shows at the Fringe is that you’re unlikely to see anything like it anywhere else – and I can confirm you are absolutely not likely to see anything like Thank You So Much For Coming anywhere else. Alex Kern plays Cynthia with true clowning panache; there are elements of absurd theatre, Beckett, even Dada. If you hate this kind of performance, you’d give it one star; if you love this kind of performance it’s a five star. My reaction is in the middle.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 23rd August 2024

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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!

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform you that her Husband is Dead, September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, All the Fraudulent Horse Girls, Stuart Laws has to be Joking?, Best in Class, and Josh Jones: Put a Sock in it

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The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform You that her Husband is Dead, Paradise in Augustines.

Well one thing is clear – the Duke of Buckingham’s death is a blessing for his bankrupt and money-grabbing wider family. The Duchess will, of course, benefit from his death; but there is a caveat – she must marry a titled person within seven days. If not, the money goes to his social-climbing upstart of a mate, and that’s hardly the way to deal with old money. Ruckus Theatre Company’s Duchess of Buckingham Regrets… has a fun premise and the audience is intrigued to find out how the story resolves itself. Sadly, however, despite a lot of effort and hard work in evidence, the play is neither well-written nor well-acted, apart from a couple of exceptions. Saisha Maynard delivers the best performance as the no-nonsense Kate, and there’s good support from Saraswathi Sukumara as Celia and Niamh Smith as Harry. An engaging story, but it’s not for me.

September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, C Arts C Venues C Aquila.

4-stars

The overthrow of Chile’s Allende government in 1973 was a pivotal moment in the history of the 20th century. The American-backed Pinochet’s forces wiped out the democratically elected socialist government for purely political motives. But what were Allende’s own personal motives? Was he, in fact, a Marxist ideologist who sought power for the purest of reasons – to further his political beliefs and establish a Marxist Utopia, or was he in it, like so many other politicians, for his simply own power and influence? And did he ignore the poverty of his people because it got in the way of his plans? Luigi Laraia’s intense, thought-provoking play raises the questions of motivation and personal responsibility, and provokes you into wanting to research the history of this period for yourself. Dan Owen is superb as Allende, his clear, resonant voice expressing the power and charisma of the man; and Richard Tanenbaum’s Agent D – his conscience, perhaps? – is brilliant at never letting Allende get away with avoiding his difficult questions and suggestions. A fantastic production, a fascinating play and two excellent performances.

All The Fraudulent Horse Girls, Pleasance Dome.

4-stars

I can remember horse girls from school. To be honest, most of the girls I knew were horse girls. It would not remotely surprise me to discover that they had a sixth sense and could telepathically connect with their counterparts all over the world, as if participants in some big equine conspiracy theory. Audrey has that ability. It’s so refined that she can spot fake horse girls a mile off. No wonder they don’t want to be her friend. To call Brooklyn Rep’s All the Fraudulent Horse Girls a flight of fantasy is to underestimate the concept of fantasy. From Audrey’s uncontrolled obsession about horses, to her dreaming about Cormac McCarthy’s book All the Pretty Horses, to Audrey’s over-the-top final speech, this is a pot-pourri of unpredictable horsey mayhem which somehow gels together to become a delightfully positive homage to overcoming childhood anxieties, paving the way to becoming a fulfilled responsible adult who then goes and blows an enormous fortune on bringing a show to the Edinburgh Fringe. Tremendous performances by Cazaleon, Beth Graham and Alice Morgan-Richards, the show is accompanied by evocative live music and a whole load of horseplay. Simply irresistible!

Stuart Laws Has to be Joking?, Monkey Barrel Comedy at The Hive 2.

4-stars

At the start of the show, Stuart Laws uses a set of question cards – the kind that stimulate a conversation when on a first date – to break the ice with the audience. In the past he’s always expected relationships to have a cut-off point when the two people no longer have much left to keep them going. As a result, he has some great material about being long-term single but now in a steady relationship with a serial cheater, the five (or more) reasons for going to the toilet, and a boast that he has been to all seven continents… but has he?? A very engaging and likeable performer, he puts the audience at ease, and even though there is some audience participation it’s never stressful or alarming, always kindly. If you go to bed early, don’t mention it (that’ll make sense if you see his show). A nicely structured and extremely funny set, but, knowing what he’s like with relationships, expect yourself to get dumped at the end.

Best in Class, Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters.

4-stars

Sian Davies’ Best in Class project is an inspired way of enabling working-class comedians to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, with all its hidden (and not-so-hidden) hurdles and costs. For our show we had Tasha Cluskey as our host, and what a brilliant host she is. Larger than life and twice as loud, the pride of Romford has an ebullient stage presence who gets to know everyone in the first couple of rows and does an amazing job of putting us at ease, but not without a little merciless teasing first. Our first act was Maxine Wade, a riotously funny comedian, all leopard-skin and blue hair, who delivered her excellent material with punchy confidence and a knowing look. Apparently she’s a nurse in her day job; cue lots of laughs about which plugs she’d be pulling out given the right circumstances. And our other comedian was Sam Ayinde, an imposing guy from Nigeria, but with an even more imposing mum by the sound of it. He also has a strong presence and voice which he uses to tell his string of entertaining anecdotes – although I confess I’m way too old to understand some of his references! Nevertheless, this was a cracking compilation show, creating more laughter than is decent at 7pm on a wet Wednesday.

Josh Jones: Put a Sock in it, Monkey Barrel Comedy at The Tron.

A masterclass in comedy from someone who’s way too young to be a master in anything! Josh’s funny, warm and confiding nature gives us an insight into his life at home in Manchester again after two years in London – some very enjoyable therapy got him out of his depression and now he’s back where he’s happy. Topics up for consideration included the romanticism of grave-sharing, the safety levels of his grandparents still driving, whether it’s better to be Northern or gay (a poisoned chalice question if ever there was one) and the benefits of having your O.B.E. bestowed on you by Queen Camilla. Josh’s style is irresistibly engaging, full of heart and sincerity; one of those comedians whose words you believe implicitly, even if it’s just delivered as part of a funny line. One of the best comedians out there!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 22nd August 2024

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More adventure awaits us, let’s have a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 22nd.

12:00 – Josh Makinda Is Probably Fine, Just the Tonic at The Mash House. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Josh Makinda is bringing his debut solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe! Australian, Kenyan-ethnicity, but NYC-based, Josh has been wowing audiences the world over with his unique brand of sharp wit, whip-smart ad-libs and colossal tales of life, wonder and unwellness. You are next! Come and laugh until your tummy hurts; his already does (IBS)! ‘…Josh Makinda had the audience in his palm… I laughed for a solid fifty minutes, you probably will too.’ (IsolatedNation.com). ‘Josh Makinda is a rarity… it’s comedy of the first order’ (The West Australian).”

We start the day with some comedy from a land down under. I’ve not heard of Josh Makinda before but he arrives with lots of complimentary notices, so I have good hopes of some comedy gold.

13:25 – The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s, however, in July 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. From humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh, through to football fame and his tragic death, the play shares John’s cheeky humour. It also follows the story of his son Rob White, who was just five months old when his dad died. Having premiered at Spurs Stadium, this follows on from the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch.”

I have never heard about the story of John White, but hopefully this play will provide a good insight into his achievements and be a fitting honour.

18:15 – Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Laughing Horse @ The Hanover Tap.

“After 18 years as a teacher, Mark Row has had enough of the endless carousel of uninspiring lessons, inane questions and kids with attitudes that stink worse than their PE kits. So now he’s seeking a new life on stage, but will the glamorous world of stand-up comedy really prove to be much better? Mark Row returns to Edinburgh with tales from the classroom for anyone who has ever been a teacher, been to school, or who just likes laughing at children. An outstanding lesson in how entertain!”

On a number of times over the past few years we have so nearly seen Mark Row perform, but for some reason he has always missed out in the final reel. No excuses this time, so I hope he lives up to his reputation!

19:45 – Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, Assembly Rooms.

“Patron Saint is an hour of stand-up about spirituality, sexuality, virality and why anyone is funny. More specifically, it’s an hour of stand-up by Kelly Bachman, a comedian and rape survivor who found herself with sudden notoriety after encountering serial predator Harvey Weinstein at a comedy show in New York. Kelly was then asked to talk to CNN, The Guardian and a documentary called Hysterical on FX/Hulu, too. Years later, Kelly still hears one recurring question: ‘Are you a comedian because of trauma?’ Patron Saint aims to answer that question.”

This subject matter for this comedy hour couldn’t be more relevant and contemporary. I haven’t come across Ms Bachman before but with any luck this should be hard-hitting top quality comedy.

22:15 – Thank You So Much for Coming, Underbelly, Cowgate.

“You are cordially invited… Cynthia, the ultimate party host, is in the midst of throwing her most fabulous party ever! A hilarious, immersive one-woman character clown show that explores loneliness, femininity, and the pressure to be seen. Playful, absurd and unhinged, Cynthia wrestles with desire and disgust at the prospect of being loved and known in a world filled with ubiquitous, yet too often empty, encounters. A delightful descent into pure madness! Awards: Best Immersive (TVO Awards), Best of Broadwater (Hollywood Fringe). ‘A beautifully surreal show with an extraordinary performance’ (Noho Arts).”

I’m up for helping Cynthia enjoy her fabulous late night party, although I have a feeling she might unravel before our eyes. I’m hoping it’s not too surreal because that might get a little tiresome. Fingers crossed it’s pitched perfectly!

Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Ambiguous Proposition, An Act of Grace, It’s a Mystery, The Imitator, Richard Cobb: Running Joke, and Garry Starr: Classic Penguins

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Ambiguous Proposition, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

3-stars

Margaret is a well-established employment tribunal judge. She loves her job and she’s heard it all; she knows the tricks of the trade, the delaying tactics, the games that lawyers play. Bradley, her son, finally gets a job – not the best, but it’s a start; and he seems to be getting on well with one of his colleagues, Chloe. But when Chloe alleges sexual harassment against him at work, this has a knock-on effect on Margaret’s position too; resulting in Margaret having the double battle to protect both her son and her own job. An intriguing and engrossing story that plays on our imagination, as we never actually meet Bradley or Chloe, so it’s impossible for the audience to conclude who is telling the truth. Smartly performed by Hilary Cordery; a deliberately inconclusive ending is a little frustrating but emphasises that the play is about the wider side effects of such allegations rather than the outcome of the case. I’m not sure the repeated use of the F word adds much to the play or helps our understanding of the character, and the assumptions of guilt in the story seem a little one-sided. But it firmly holds one’s attention and is a very meaty start to one’s Fringe day.

An Act of Grace, TheSpace at Niddry Street.

4-stars

A lawyer and a financial services adviser are invited to meet Grace at her grand apartment. The two men knew each other at school and are still knowledgeable about each other’s careers. Grace tells them that she is in need of their services; but then she has a double bombshell to drop – and no one’s life will be the same again! Ottawa Little Theatre bring john Muggleton’s An Act of Grace to the Edinburgh Fringe and it’s a playful, twisty-turny show about devious people who aren’t necessarily what they seem to be. A classic comedy thriller with no ulterior motive than to entertain and surprise its audience. Great fun, elegantly staged, and very well acted.

It’s a Mystery, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

4-stars

Tim Benzie delivers an interactive and lively comedy lecture on the art of writing and appreciating a good whodunit, taking Agatha Christie as his template classic detective fiction writer, but bringing many other authors and works into the equation. He also has a murder mystery of his own for us to solve, and there’s a helpful dollop of Cluedo in there as well. Light-hearted, constantly surprising, but also full of fascinating facts and recommendations, Mr B also draws conclusions as to why he is so personally attracted to the genre. A terrific entertainment if you’re a whodunit buff, and, let’s face it, who isn’t? Highly recommended!

The Imitator, Assembly Rooms.

3-stars

Julian Fontalvo takes to the stage to tell the story of his life and how he got to where he is today, from Colombia via New York and Madrid to Edinburgh. He has an extraordinary gift of imitating famous singers – hence the name of his show – not only in their voice, but also in their mannerisms and performance styles; and The Imitator showcases this gift through a selection of dozens of songs and singers, linked by his own narrative. Superb lighting and a strong sound system really helped give the music impact; and the crowd went wild.

Richard Cobb: Running Joke, Laughing Horse at the Raging Bull.

3-stars

Following on from his Couples’ Massage show, Richard Cobb is back from honeymoon, with all the trappings of marriage now that he and his wife have a dog, and full of his experience of running the Edinburgh Marathon. No stranger to fear, he’s skydived and lived to tell the tale, so the Marathon? Gotta be a cinch – he’d probably nail it in under four hours. Along the way he has some engaging stories about putting off the training until the time is right, and his unofficial rivalry with a blind runner dressed as a dog. Mr Cobb is most at home when recounting memories immersed in angst and guilt, and this show is crammed with such material; it even has the statutory 40-minute-in sad bit. Don’t expect a brash and showbizzy presentation, it’s more like listening to a well-trusted old mate letting you into his secrets. Subtle and wry, this is a finely structured hour of comedy, constantly entertaining and heartwarming.

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, Pleasance Courtyard.

A Garry Starr show is never just a show. It’s a concept, it’s an event; it’s an exploration of absurdity and trust between performer and audience. In Classic Penguins, Garry takes a shelf full of Penguin paperbacks and acts out a scene that you might just possibly associate with each book title. Just two things to note: the connection between the title and what Mr Starr does (usually assisted by members of the audience) might be very loose indeed. And he’ll be wearing next to nothing; by the end of the hour, all he’s got on is his Elizabethan ruff – he is a thespian of the highest calibre, after all. Even if you’ve seen Garry Starr before, nothing can prepare you for the total batshit craziness of this show. To give you any more clues as to what takes place would be to diminish it for future audiences. No one has commitment to his clowning and physical comedy like Garry Starr. Fearless, frenetic and fabulous!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 21st August 2024

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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!

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – When Vincent Met John, Crime and Punishment, Michael Porter: Love and Brain Damage, Galahad Takes a Bath, 1 Moment in Time, and I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have

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When Vincent Met John, TheSpace at Niddry Street.

4-stars

An imaginary meeting between Vincent van Gogh and John Lennon, when both are at a crisis point in their lives and careers, leads to a fascinating debate about the nature, value and definition of art. Lennon, of course, has the advantage of knowing who van Gogh is (or was) but van Gogh, obviously ignorant of Lennon, cannot comprehend how someone like him could have what might be considered to be artistic ability. Today, we would consider both to be among the finest exponents of their art in their own time; but is one better than the other, or do different eras simply favour different styles? Can one person influence another and help them to see a useful way forward, or are they condemned to continue, blinkered, along their own, private path? Murray Andrews and Nick Wilkes deliver intense, convincing performances – they are exactly how we remember Lennon and imagine how van Gogh would sound and behave; and Mr Wilkes’ eloquent text is crammed with thoughtful and thought-provoking ideas and observations that make you continue to think about it long after it’s over.

Crime and Punishment, TheSpace on The Mile.
4-stars

Talking Shadows bring their adaptation of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment as a smartly condensed 45-minute play, featuring a talented ensemble of young actors. The tormented Raskolnikov stalks the stage while the rest of the cast ominously sit side by side at the back of the stage, watching, waiting, and reciting in unison (which they perform with chilling accuracy), providing voices in Raskolnikov’s head and adding to his nightmare. The relatively large cast adapt to the small acting space, without compromising on the fluidity and foreboding of their movement. A gripping retelling of this dark story with some excellent performances!

Michael Porter: Love and Brain Damage, Just the Tonic Nucleus.

4-stars

Michael Porter’s new show, Love and Brain Damage, gets its unusual name from an unusual event in Michael’s own childhood. As a boy, a freak car accident left him with a frontal lobe brain injury which actually caused him to die three times before miraculously being nursed back to life over six weeks. Unsurprisingly, this has had a profound effect on him; on his voice, on his emotions, on his ability to communicate, and on his confidence. His comic delivery has an unrestrained, powerful quality, full of attack, and combined with his (self-confessed) aggressive Northern Ireland accent, let’s just say that nobody sleeps when Michael Porter is talking! Much of this show is about how that incident has affected him, but there’s also loads of great material about relocating to Scotland, his tough upbringing, and the joys of living in a town called… err… Muff. Full of energy and sincerity, the innate kindness and vulnerability that lurks under his gruff exterior shines through and makes for a rewarding, educational and, indeed, very funny hour.

Galahad Takes a Bath, Zoo Southside.

From Thomas Malory, through Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Lerner and Loewe and Monty Python, the Court of King Arthur has inspired literature, music and humour. The latest take on Camelot is Juggler’s Mistake’s Galahad Takes a Bath, starring Forest Malley as the eponymous knight, fresh in from a day’s knighting, and in desperate need of a bath – after all, it’s vital to maintain the clean purity that’s his brand – but first, he’ll take some questions, press conference style. Yes, he has a slightly unorthodox relationship with Lancelot, and no, he can’t give any further updates on the progress to find the Grail, other than what’s already been officially released. But when you dig down into Galahad the man, can anyone truly be that pure and untainted? Written with punchy spark by Jojo Jones, the play’s honesty and sincerity paint a picture of a wonderfully modern and recognisable Galahad, both brilliantly funny and surprisingly tragic. A hilarious, unpredictable, epoch-bending show, with a superb performance by Forest Malley, who invests Galahad with an unexpected, but completely believable personality. One of the best performances in this year’s Fringe.

1 Moment in Time, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

Sean Alexander, the Confusionist, asks us to consider one moment in time, and it’s a theme he weaves into the whole hour, including some truly extraordinary tricks and feats. Without giving any games away, there’s a trick that involves us all doing an elaborate sum on the calculators on our phones that has an amazing end result; there are other amazing tricks that involve a wedding ring and a message in a balloon, and my favourite, a deceptively simple trick which involves the synchronicity of two packs of cards shuffled separately. Mr Alexander presents the show with warmth, heart, and a sensitivity for the emotions that the show releases, and you’ll come away from it with a sense of awe and bafflement. Astounding!

I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have, TheSpace on The Mile.

3-stars

Family secrets, eh? Every family has them; most don’t let them get quite this out of hand. Estranged from their father, and with their mother dead, three brothers grow up together as best they can under the care of the oldest, Harrison. Middle brother Will suffers badly from the effects of being abused by his father; and youngest brother Sean wants to know more about this father that no one ever talks about. After all, he’s sixteen now, and needs to understand his own identity. Vince, the father, is a complete monster of a man, and they’re all better off without him. But when Sean’s curiosity gets the better of him, he starts a chain of events that they would all come to regret. Paul-James Green’s ambitious play tells a fascinating and engrossing story that keeps the audience locked in and engaged throughout, although, to be fair, there are a couple of aspects to the plot that lack credibility. There’s a particularly strong performance by Gary Simpson as Vince – a genuinely threatening and evil presence on stage, and there is also some extremely impressive stage combat – especially involving Mr Simpson and Richard Michell as Will. If you’re looking for a happy ending – look no further! It’s not exactly a pleasant play, but it does expose a few family home truths.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 20th August 2024

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It’s another busy day so let’s take a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 20th.

9:55 – Ambiguous Proposition, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“A controversial sexual harassment allegation pushes Margaret to the edge of reason. How far can she go to protect her son? How far can she go to protect herself? How far can they bend the truth? Ambiguous Proposition explores the nature of harassment in the workplace through the lens of a mother of a son accused, ultimately questioning whether a man can survive an allegation of sexual harassment in the years post #MeToo. Created by two employment lawyers, this piece of provocative new writing delves into the searing reality of equality at work. Performed by Hilary Cordery.”

Another meaty play to start the day, and the whole area of sexual harrassment in the workplace is a nightmare, to the victim, the accused, the onlookers, and those responsible for dealing with it. Here we see it through the family of the accused, and I think this has the potential to be a very powerful piece.

12:05 – An Act of Grace, theSpace @ Niddry St.

“Grace, a wealthy and mysterious woman, invites an ex-golf pro turned financial advisor and a lawyer with sordid secrets to her country home to discuss her estate and update her will. What could go wrong? Everything… quickly. Once there, the two men are thrust into a game of survival that, if lost, will destroy their lives. From the Canadian producers that brought you the 2022 Carol Tambor Award-winning production of Burn, this contemporary thriller by the same playwright has enough twists and turns to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

I’m choosing to see this play purely on the strength of that description. It sounds very exciting! Let’s hope it is.

13:40 – It’s a Mystery! theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“Tim Benzie, the acclaimed creator and host of Solve Along A Murder She Wrote, returns to the Fringe with his hilarious and moving one-man show: a deep dive into the enduring appeal of whodunnits, from Poirot to Fletcher and beyond. The audience are summoned to the drawing room as Detective Tim examines the clues that first drew him to the genre. Take a journey from Cluedo to Christie to solve the mystery of why everyone is a little bit Columbo (or should be). ‘A killer of a show’ ***** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk).”

Doesn’t everyone love a whodunnit? I certainly do, with my book favourites being Christie, P D James and – way back in my past – Ngaio Marsh who now seems very out of favour. I’m expecting this to be a very endearing and possibly nostalgic look at the genre.

16:00 – The Imitator, Assembly Rooms.

“Winner: Best International Show, United Solo Festival, New York. Music and songs are the key elements that trigger Julian’s memories, and set him off on a journey back to his childhood in South America where he discovers his passion for music and his gift for imitating voices. From there, he faces struggles in New York and Europe as he pursues his dream of becoming an artist. Singer/actor Julian Fontalvo portrays different characters that play a part in his story and imitates 70 artists such as Sting, Bob Marley, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner.”

A cross between a play and a performance vehicle for a musical impersonator? I’ve no idea, but I’m looking forward to finding out.

18:30 – Richard Cobb: Running Joke, Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull.

“Following a host of sell-out shows and hot on the heels of last year’s debut, Couple’s Massage, Scottish comedian and writer Richard Cobb returns to the track with a brand-new hour filled with more guilt-tripped and incredibly stressful anecdotes. The honeymoon is over and the running shoes are on. But can he really win the Edinburgh Marathon? ‘I’ve been going to the Fringe for 25 years or so and genuinely this is the most impressive full debut I’ve seen from a stand up’ (Audience review). ‘He has an easy affable charm’ (Lancaster Guardian).”

We saw Richard Cobb’s Couple’s Massage last year and I thought he showed great promise, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he has up his sleeves for us this year. If the show is about him entering the Edinburgh Marathon then it’s the perfect title!

20:30 – Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Literature! Literature! It might not rhyme with anything but it’s still very important. Garry Starr is back and he’s hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written. In an hour. Mostly naked (but with flippers). Comic wunderkind Starr takes us on a literary adventure through the world’s most iconic works of fiction. From The Little Prince to Moby Dick and everything in between, nothing is safe from being lampooned with the utmost nincompoopery. Directed by Cal McCrystal and Georgia Murphy. ‘From clownish chaos to feats of comic genius’ **** (Guardian).”

One of the things I will always be grateful to the Edinburgh Fringe for is discovering the manic hilarity of Garry Starr. He never fails to have us in hysterics, and I’m sure this year will be no different.

Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!