The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – NSFW, 25th August 2017

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For our first show on Friday – and it’s actually on in a respectable morning slot – it’s the alarmingly entitled NSFW at Upper Thrust @ theSpace on Niddry St at 11:25 on Friday 25th. This is how the blurb describes it: “’The articles are shit. No offence, Charlotte. But no one buys our publication principally for the literature. I think it’s important to recognise that.’ Lad’s mag Doghouse is in trouble: after a topless image of an underage girl is featured, her furious father threatens to bring down the magazine. Fired from Doghouse for making this mistake, Sam interviews for a job at women’s fashion weekly Electra but quickly discovers unsettling parallels between the two, forcing him to choose between compromising his values and yet another unpaid internship he cannot afford. Not I Theatre present a dark satire on media.”

Lucy Kirkwood’s play first hit the stage in 2012, so I’m presuming it’s well tried and tested – in fact, I’ve just seen some reviews of the original production and it sounds extremely good. The performers are Alexander Lopez, Joe Callanan, Laura Pieters, Matt Aldridge, Chris Alldridge and Grace Arnold. Check back around 1 pm to see if we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

A really clever, sharply written play, beautifully performed throughout, which makes you think about magazine journalism, and not in a positive way. I particularly liked how the woman working for the men’s magazine had to abase herself to survive, and then the man in the woman’s magazine is confronted with the same issues. Very funny too. A great way to start your fringe day!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – This Is Not Culturally Significant, 24th August 2017

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For our last show of the day, we’re continuing with the potentially shocking stuff, with This Is Not Culturally Significant at the Auditorium @ Gilded Balloon at the Museum at 23:45 on Thursday 24th. And here’s the blurb: “A brutally intense, darkly comic one-man show that unveils the compulsive and eccentric nature of humanity. This thunderous, high-energy piece of theatre is performed entirely nude and combines dark clowning and deeply grotesque bouffon to create sharp political comment on contemporary society. This is a show for thrill-seekers. It is uncomfortable to watch and mesmeric, leaving audiences’ emotions balancing on a knife edge. From a mendacious Spiritualist Lecturer to a despondent American porn star on the brink of her retirement, over 10 characters take the audience on a journey from emotional despair to helpless laughter.”

A friend saw this in London a few months ago and really enjoyed it, so I booked on the strength of his recommendation. It sounds like it will be very funny as well as very challenging, and apparently Adam Scott-Rowley gives a true tour de force! Check back around 1 am (or maybe tomorrow morning!) to see how we got on. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Well there’s no doubting it’s a tour de force, Adam Scott-Rowley gives a performance of amazing commitment and total engagement. It was a little like watching a naked Mr Bean at his most flummoxing. The characterisation is excellent, and the interweaving stories do progress. It was a little repetitive at times and occasionally I slightly lost interest. But that’s experimental theatre for you, and it was a fascinating experience.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Sweatshop, 24th August 2017

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And now, as they used to say, it’s time for something completely different. It’s Sweatshop at Palais du Variete @ Assembly George Square Gardens at 22:00 on Thursday 24th. Here’s the blurb: “Briefs Factory present a late-night extravaganza, Sweatshop, hosted by the impeccably coiffed master crooner Mikelangelo. Grab yourself a knock-off drink and clock into the Sweatshop. Experience the production line of cabaret, circus and party tricks manufactured in difficult and dangerous working conditions before your eyes, featuring the Briefs Factory workers. This is a sweaty, uncompromising performance, brought to you by the team that brought you Briefs and Hot Brown Honey. Violate your senses. Dance it out.”

I’m expecting “extreme”. Extreme comedy, extreme circus, extreme burlesque. Apart from that, your guess is as good as mine. I’ve seen some of Mikelangelo’s videos on Youtube, and I confess I’m a little worried. Check back around 11.30 pm to see if my concerns were justified. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Some of the audience reviews for this show were negative and said this was tasteless. I can only say, they didn’t get the joke. I thought this was a brilliant array of acts, including the gorgeous Lada Redstar who brought politics into burlesque in a way I had not expected. There was also a hilarious hoop act to the soundtrack of Popcorn  – and there’s a good reason for that – the chicken demolishing Gingzilla and the unforgettable Betty Grumble. She’s not called International Sex Clown for nothing, and she displays a lack of inhibition that’s second to none!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Abigoliah Schamaun: Namaste, Bitches, 24th August 2017

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And now it’s time for yet another favourite performer – fresh from last night’s Spank! (You love it!) it’s Abigoliah Schamaun with her show Namaste, Bitches at Belly Laugh @ Underbelly, Cowgate at 19:40 on Thursday 24th. Let’s take a look at the blurb: “What’s the point in pursuing enlightenment when you could just put your feet up and knock back a bourbon? And what passes for happiness these days? Abigoliah is a certified Bikram Yoga instructor; she’s run marathons and Tough Mudders, participated in Crossfit competitions… Why would she bother when you’re just as likely to find those sweet endorphins at the bottom of a pint glass? She dissects mankind’s relationship with wellness and happiness; a show for anyone who’s paused on a treadmill or over a shot glass and wondered ‘wait… what am I doing?’ ***** (ArtsAwardVoice.com).”

I love Abigoliah, she’s feisty and funny and fearless and all the other F words! I’m really looking forward to seeing her do her one-woman show because I bet it will be three parts goofy to one part sheer intelligence – or will that be the other way round? Check back around 9 pm to see how much we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

A really great show from Abigoliah, mixing together so many threads and creating a delightfully surprising finale that will satisfy her childhood dreams. Very funny, but also rather moving, it invites you to analyse your own definitions of happiness and enlightenment, and appreciate how others see those hard to attain things. All that, yet it’s refreshing and bubbly and laugh out loud. We loved it. You should go see it!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Kev’s Komedy Kitchen – The Second Cumin, 24th August 2017

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Time for what I am sure will be another comic highlight of the week, it’s the return of Kev’s Komedy Kitchen – The Second Cumin at Just the Cask Room @ Just the Tonic at The Mash House at 15:40 on Thursday 24th. Here’s the blurb: “’A masterpiece of performance and comedy’ (NottsComedyReview.wordpress.com). More culinary television show shenanigans from the hapless but award-winning Kevin Dewsbury and put upon producer Will Hutchby. Can Kevin finally get his career on track and exorcise the demons of the past? It’s just a cooking show after all! Plus we may get to find out what has been going on in the world of unlikely Italian chef Michelli Newelli! ‘An underground hit!’ (HuffingtonPost.co.uk).”

We saw the original Kev’s Komedy Kitchen twice; once at Edinburgh last year, then again at the Leicester Comedy Festival in February because it was so more-ish. I can’t wait to see what horrendous things will be going on again in Kevin’s Kookery world, and whether Will will keep his temper under control this time. Check back around 5 pm to see how much fun it was. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Another beautifully crafted dollop of Kookery magic from Kev’s kitchen; this year he’s risen again (like a soufflé) after a much needed rehab, I mean retreat, and is flogging his inspirational Kevjuice to anyone who’ll listen to his daft jingle. Will is still trying to hold it together whilst accidentally promoting Kev’s main komedy rivals. A lovely parody of the TV cookery show genre, this one has a delightfully surprise ending that you definitely won’t see coming. Only a few days left to catch this show  – what are you waiting for?!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Black Mountain, 24th August 2017

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After a lot of comedy it’s about time we saw something substantial and meaty and I think this will fill the bill! It’s Paines Plough’s production of Black Mountain, at Roundabout @ Roundabout @ Summerhall, at 13:25 on Thursday 24th. Here’s the blurb: “Rebecca and Paul are running away. Away from memories and mistakes. They’re trying to save their relationship. They need time and space. An isolated house in the country is the perfect place to work things out. But you can’t run forever. Especially when you’re being followed. Black Mountain is a tense psychological thriller about betrayal and forgiveness by Fringe First winner and recipient of the prestigious Harold Pinter Commission, Brad Birch.”

This sounds like it should be very eerie and suspenseful as well as serious and substantial! It stars Hasan Dixon, Katie Elin-Salt, and Sally Messham. Check back around 3 pm to see if we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

My word but that was suspenseful! All credit to the fourth member of the cast, the lighting technician, for adding such an eerie and often scary atmosphere. A beautifully written and constructed play that sends shivers up your spine and has a brilliant, dramatic climax that could be interpreted in so many ways. Absolutely top performances and riveting drama.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Joby Mageean and Edy Hurst: Dead Nice Boys, 24th August 2017

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After a full evening of comedy, we’re starting off the new day with – more comedy! A free show from a couple of guys who look funny on paper, at least! They’re Joby Mageean and Edy Hurst: Dead Nice Boys, at Upstairs Bar @ Laughing Horse @ Southside Social, at 12:00 noon on Thursday 24th. Let’s take a look at the blurb: “Edy Hurst and Joby Mageean are great friends and great comedians. This year they’re putting both to the test by sharing an hour at the Edinburgh Fringe. Joby Mageean is Leicester Square Act of the Year and Chortle’s Comedian to Watch 2017. ‘Actual proper gags… and charisma to spare. He should go far’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Hilarious gags and brilliantly written songs’ (ThreeWeeks). Edy Hurst is winner of Tickled Pig and has appeared on BBC Radio Lancashire. ‘A manic ball of comedy energy’ (Gigglebeats.co.uk). ‘Joyous comic to behold’ (ManchesterWire.co.uk).”

Always a risk when you take a punt on new comedy, but here’s hoping for a good show. Check back around 1.15 pm to see how much we laughed. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Not for nothing are they called the Dead Nice Boys – and they’re not even dead. Really enjoyed the show; Joby has brilliantly funny material and a very winning personality that we both found very engaging. Edy has some delightfully stupid comedy songs and a great new way of performing James Bond themes. Definitely two guys to watch and I hope we get to see them again soon!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Spank! 23rd August 2017

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Now it’s time for our second visit to the show that we think about all year round. It’s Spank! hosted by the irrepressibly brilliant Abigoliah Schamaun and the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Wednesday 23rd. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 14th year with sexy hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. With the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival!”

This will be the first time we’ve seen a Spank on a Wednesday night, but it always gets a great crowd no matter which night you go. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Thursday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Tonight’s Spank  (you love it) was hosted by regular James, and from Monday night, Eleanor. Eight excellent acts included Sister Mary Macarthur doing songs from the shows, Ross and Josh interviewing a T-Rex, Archie Maddocks doing some brilliant material, Robin Boot, whom we had seen earlier in the year in Northampton, giving is his musical comedy, and the very funny Mark Nelson whom some of the audience didn’t like at all. But I did!!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Khaled Khalafalla: Loose, 23rd August 2017

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In some rather unfortunate programming, we’re now deep into an evening of comedy and nothing else. Next up we have someone I haven’t heard of before but they come with great reviews, and that’s Khaled Khalafalla: Loose, at Balcony @ Gilded Balloon Teviot, at 22:15 on Wednesday 23rd. Here’s the blurb: “Dubbed the next ‘huge mainstream star’ by respected newspaper The Age, Khaled Khalafalla has performed to royalty in the Middle East, for troops in Afghanistan and at the invitation-only New York Comedy Festival. He’s toured with Jim Jefferies, playing arenas of tens of thousands of people. He’s divisive, cheeky and Loose. With compelling looks and intelligent social commentary, Khaled’s undeniable charisma earned him a spot on several end of year lists as a star set to explode in 2017. ‘Among a sea of comedians that flood the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Khaled Khalafalla stands out’ (Herald Sun).”

Don’t know what to expect – I think it’s unlikely that his humour will be a continuation of the Irish charm we’ve just seen, so looking forward to seeing what he has to offer! Check back around 11.30 pm to see if we found him funny. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Khaled is a very engaging guy who was very surprised to see so many people had come to see his show – there were about twenty of us. Added to that he recognised an old mate, Greg, and told the (slightly lengthy) story of how they’d met. As a result he was giggling to himself throughout the whole show, which could have been annoying if he didn’t come across as such a goddam nice guy. Lots of entertaining material stemming from his general uselessness in the family unit. If he is a star of the future, this was a very enjoyable early twinkle. Keep a watch out!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Foil, Arms and Hog: Oink, 23rd August 2017

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Time for another highlight of the week. We saw these guys in Edinburgh last year with their Doomdah show and they were just sensational. They’re Foil, Arms and Hog: Oink, at Udderbelly @ Underbelly, George Square, at 20:45 on Wednesday 23rd. Here’s the blurb: “Irish comedy, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato, potato… you racist. Ireland’s top comedy trio. Sold out edfringe 2009-2016. Over fifty million hits on YouTube. Fringe favourites Foil, Arms and Hog present their brand new show, Oink. ***** (Irish Times). **** (Times). ***** (Irish Examiner). ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). ‘Very funny’ (Rowan Atkinson). ‘An effervescent hour of fast-paced gags, fizzing with energy, invention and great lines’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Quite simply, a sensation’ (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).”

Last year I got roped into so many sketches with them, because we sat in the front row. I have to say, I loved every minute of it! Check back around 10 pm to see if I got into trouble again. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Well I managed to sit far enough away to be safe, but there wasn’t quite as much audience participation this year as last… Still extremely funny and inventive and performed with enormous aplomb and joy. You have to see these guys, they are so very very funny!