Tag Archives: chris sparkle

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Present and Correct, 24th August 2018

Posted on by

I’m afraid we have form for not making it in to this early morning show, Dead Duck Productions’ Present and Correct, at Mint Studio @ Greenside @ Infirmary Street, at 10:20, Friday 24th. Here is the blurb: “Present and Correct, the University of York’s superb sketch troupe are heading back to the Fringe with an all new smash show. Featuring writing and performances from the finest up and coming talent, this is one sketch show you won’t want to miss. Described as ‘seriously funny’ (EdFringeReview.com) and ‘punchy, relevant and entertaining’ (Nouse), this is the perfect way to start your Fringe day!”

We saw the Present and Correct team in 2016 and it was a very funny way to start the day; but we aimed to see them last year and simply couldn’t get up and out early enough. Fingers crossed for this year, as this is a fast moving and funny sketch show performed by a very likeable bunch of young people. Check back around 11.30am to see if we made it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

I’m afraid we didn’t make it. I set the alarm at the wrong time. My bad. Soz.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – 2 Girls, 1 Cup… of Comedy, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

To end the evening we have yet more comedy in the form of 2 Girls, 1 Cup… of Comedy at Just the Snifter Room @ Just the Tonic at The Mash House at 23:15 on Thursday 23rd. Here’s what the blurb has to say: “Award-winning comedian Samantha Baines (Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People) brings you a selection of the best comedians at the Fringe. A supersized cup of comedy with TV names as well as the very best new comedians and brilliant guest MCs. Join us for some late-night laughs! ‘The gift that keeps on giving’ (HuffingtonPost.co.uk). ‘Hilarious’ (BroadwayBaby.com).”

So this is going to be one of those unpredictable comedy shows with some guest comics and presenters and who knows who will turn up or what will happen. I’m not familiar with the work of Samantha Baines but I’ve seen a few minutes of her on Youtube and she seems very funny! Check back around 1am – or maybe tomorrow morning – to see how much fun it really was. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

What a terrific little find! This little comedic gem is hidden away in an airy upstairs room at the Mash House and works really well. Sam Baines is a hilarious and welcoming host, and our four acts were all brilliantly entertaining: the excellent Archie Maddocks, the soon to be deported (apparently) Emily Ferrier, the bright and cheeky Jake Howie, and the quirky (and amazing) magician Claire Lenahan. This will definitely become part of our future Edinburgh routine!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – James Loveridge, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

Next up is another of my favourite comedians, and someone else whom we’ve already seen a couple of times this week in Spank! and that’s James Loveridge at Just the Attic @ Just the Tonic at The Mash House at 21:00 on Thursday 23rd. Here’s what the blurb has to say: “Despite the world being on the brink of collapse, it’s fair to say James is the happiest he’s ever been. He’s just got engaged, his relationship with his cat has improved (subject to change), now all he has to do is not f*ck it up! Best Show nominee at Edinburgh Fringe 2016 (Amused Moose). ‘Undoubtedly the best free show that I have seen at the Fringe’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Animated and confident, with a fine sense of timing’ (Steve Bennett, Chortle.co.uk). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (Skinny). **** (ArtsAwardVoice.com). **** (EdFringeReview.com). **** (FringeBiscuit.co.uk).

That’s exactly the same blurb as last year! Oh well, if you’re onto a winning formula… That may be because he’s using some material from his last year show mixed in with some new stuff – it will be interesting to see how that works! I might as well describe him in exactly the same terms I did last year too: James has got a great stage presence and I’m looking forward to an hour of general silliness with the occasional stand back in amazement insight. Check back around 11pm to see how much fun it really was. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

James is one of those comedians in whom you can have complete confidence that they will be in total control of the show, and will enjoy doing it just as much as we enjoy watching it. Crammed full of material, and with a truly punchy delivery, we hear all about the preparations for his wedding later this year and about many of his fears and concerns did it to be a great day. An enormously fun hour with more laughs than you can shake a stick at.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Helen Lederer: I Might as Well Say It, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

Next up is someone who’s been around in the comedy scene, both stand up and acting for a number of years and whom I have always wanted to see perform live, and that’s Helen Lederer: I Might as Well Say It, at Jersey @ Underbelly Bristo Square, at 17:05 on Thursday 23rd. Let’s take a look at the blurb: “The Naked Video and Absolutely Fabulous star feels it’s time to spill, before she forgets and gets taken off the patches altogether. What went on in the Big Brother house? Can she be honest about stand-up comedy, being fat, wheezy and other secrets? Probably not. She might lie. ‘A miracle of comic compression and control’ (Times). ‘Divinely witty’ (Guardian). ‘Cleverly insane’ (Observer).”

I remember her from a 1985 (I think) sitcom called Happy Families and of course she was a brilliant contributor to the Naked Video series. Check back around 6.30 pm to see how much we laughed. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Helen Lederer gives us a humorous selection of recollections of her life and career; some of the material is a little hit and miss, and her delivery it’s frenetic, to say the least! There’s not a lot of comic thinking time for the audience to keep up with her. But it’s enjoyable and nicely nostalgic!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – My Mate Dave Died, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

After a double helping of comedy it’s about time we saw something substantial and meaty and I wonder if this will fill the bill! It’s Sheffield University Theatre Company’s production of My Mate Dave Died, at Forest Theatre @ Greenside @ Infirmary Street, at 13:45 on Thursday 23rd. Read the blurb: “When Dave dies and is sent back to the living, he is only visible to his best friend Jimmy. It soon becomes clear their reunion is more of a curse than a blessing. Together, Jimmy and Dave must discover how to break down the walls between the living and the dead so that Dave can pass over. This dark comedy explores friendship, love, life and death and what would happen if our loved ones never truly left us.”

Do you remember Randall and Hopkirk Deceased? I think there might be elements of that in this play. Sounds curious, challenging, and hopefully quite funny too. I’ve read some reviews from when it was performed at the university last year and they’re pretty sensational. Bodes well! Check back around 3 pm to see if we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Oh, Sheffield University Theatre Company, what are you trying to do to us? For the first 75% of that play you make us laugh with some memorable comic moments as part of an inventive ghost comedy. Then for the rest you reduced us both to tears with an incredibly moving resolution of the story. A perfect one-act play, which I hope can get performed for years to come. And top class performances throughout. Just wow!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Stupid Cupid, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

Ever wondered how Cupid would act if a) he was a she and b) she was still learning her craft? It’s time to find out with Liz McMullen’s show Stupid Cupid, at Clover @ Underbelly, Bristo Square, at 12:10 on Thursday 23rd. Here’s the blurb: “Ever feel confused about love? Where to find it and keep it? Do you think you touch yourself too often? Meet Cupid in training as she tests the waters with her flashy love skills: side effects may include feelings of lust, unwelcome singing and inaccurate nostalgia. If love is a drug, meet the dealer. ‘Liz McMullen is a bubbly and endearing performer who gives us her all in Stupid Cupid… Insightful and delightful’ (TwoCentsTwoPence.com, Vancouver).”

This sounds like it should be light, frothy and played simply for laughs! Check back around 1.30 pm to see if we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

This Cupid is not so stupid after all! A funny and heart warning little play where Cupid passes the tests and learns about what love really is. Great audience involvement, and terrific eye contact during “The Look of Love”, I’ll say no more! Very enjoyable and beautifully performed.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – A Comedy Brunch 2, 23rd August 2018

Posted on by

Traditionally for the first show on a Fringe Thursday we take in a couple of stand-ups who are new to us – and this year is no exception! The show is called A Comedy Brunch 2, at Just Up The Stairs @ Just the Tonic at the Caves, at 10:45 on Thursday 23rd. Let’s take a look at the blurb: “Breakfast of champions? Brunch of runner-ups. After a delightful 2017, Neil Harris and Julie Grady Thomas return with a new set of jokes, stories and observations to help you start your day right. Cerebral and articulate with elegant punchlines, Neil is a computer programmer turned stand-up who finished runner-up in Hilarity Bites New Comedian 2017. ‘Hilarious nerd routine nailed down’ (ToonAdvisor.com). With cool, crafted and captivating anecdotes, Julie, an American comedian and writer, has been featured in Elle UK, and was runner-up in Mr Shindig’s New Act 2016. ‘Intelligent, thought-provoking and effortlessly engaging’ (Vladimir McTavish).”

I don’t know about you, but a show starting before 11am – even midweek – at the Edinburgh Fringe feels more like breakfast time than brunch. Hopefully we’ll be up and awake to find out. By the way, I’ve no idea what happened to Comedy Brunch 1. Check back around 12 noon to see if we got up early enough. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Alas, gentle reader, I went to bed at 3:40am last night so this show is a bridge too far. Hope you had a great time without us, Comedy Brunchers!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Spank! 22nd August 2018

Posted on by

Now it’s time for our second visit to the show that we think about all year round. It’s Spank! hosted by the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge and an equally amazingly wonderful host – not sure who she’ll be quite yet – at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Wednesday 22nd. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 15th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

Spank on a Wednesday night? Why not! 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.

Another day, another Spank. We didn’t get there quite as early as I’d hoped so we had to sit threw rows back (normally I’m a very front row person for this show!) James’s co-host this time was the very funny Evan Desmarais, and the guests were: Danny O’Brien (brilliant as always), Adrian Minkowicz, Lolly Jones as Theresa May, and winding up the first half, Keith Johnson, who obviously hadn’t been told that a Brit audience, even a well-lubricated one, doesn’t know how to react to plentiful use of the N word, unless they’ve been schooled first. After the interval, the excellent Clara Cupcakes, Steve Hofstetter and Fin Taylor, who always creates a rumpus, and a brilliant one at that. There were two naked promos, a guy from Inferno and a girl from a children’s show. A great night as always!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Yummy, 22nd August 2018

Posted on by

Next is a show that’s had great reviews down under, and I’m sure will be a breath of fresh air. It’s Yummy, at Central @ Assembly Roxy, at 21:40 on Wednesday 22nd. Here’s the blurb: “Yummy, the Melbourne powerhouse of drag, dance, circus, and music, has been serving smash-hit events in numerous festivals across Australia and beyond. Yummy is the winner of Best Production and Best Ensemble (Cabaret) at the 2018 Greenroom Awards and Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe Weekly Awards 2018. This critically acclaimed show is directed by James Welsby and features an all-star cast: Karen From Finance, Valerie Hex, Jandruze, Zelia Rose, Hannie Helsden and Benjamin Hancock. Described as ‘a must-see’ ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide, 2018), Yummy is an absurd, fascinating, and outrageous experience.”

By the sound of it, this isn’t going to be full of shy and retiring types – I predict a riot! Check back around 11pm to see how much we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Yummy is a sensationally colourful and vibrant show, with terrific performers and a huge sense of fun. I particularly enjoyed the girl with the hula hoops! My only criticism is that after a while it becomes just a little samey, I’d have loved a few more comedy numbers or speciality acts. Nevertheless, highly enjoyable!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – To Have Done with the Judgement of God, 22nd August 2018

Posted on by

Here’s another performance that I think will be thought-provoking and disturbing – at least I hope so. It’s Fear No Colours’ production of To Have Done with the Judgement of God, at the Main House @ C Venues, C Too, at 20:15 on Wednesday 22nd. Here’s the blurb: “How many pounds of flesh does it take to feed a god? Something is stirring, pulsing, preparing to hatch. In the image of the gods, humans are bred in infinite numbers to feed their ambition, while feeding off an earth that can no longer support them. In the wastelands between, bodies crawl across the ground in a savage howl from birth to decay. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Antonin Artaud’s death and his invaluable contribution to modern performance practice, Fear No Colours present a new physical adaptation of his final, staggering work.”

If anyone can tackle this kind of theatrical challenge, Fear No Colours can! I’m hoping to be confronted with all sorts of shocks and surprises – and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. The performers are: Harry Pearce, Kristupas Liubinas, Tingting Liu, Andrew Davies, Rhiannon Bird and Findlay Duff. Check back around 9.30pm to see our reaction. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

What I really admire about Fear No Colours is that they throw their heart and soul into everything they do. This incredibly intense and difficult piece of writing is brought to life in a most imaginative and daring way. There are sequences of highly physical theatre that take your breath away. Intriguing and a tough watch, but thrilling too. Highly recommended!