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Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – I Am Your Tribute, Beryl Cook: A Private View, Please DON’T see our show, Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend, and Sitting Pretty with Kitty Cassis

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I Am Your Tribute, PBH’s Free Fringe at the Voodoo Rooms.

You can divide the world into two types of people; those who think tribute acts are cheap and steal the glory of the stars they mimic, or those who believe they honour their stars and pay tribute to their excellence. If you’re one of the latter, you’re going to love Sarah-Louise Young’s I Am Your Tribute. What are the reasons why a performer might go down this particular path of entertainment, and which plethora of stars do performers like Sarah-Louise choose to bring to life? All is answered in this enormously positive and joyful show, with plenty of good-hearted audience participation and, unlike Mamma Mia and The Bodyguard, you’re welcome to sing along too (at appropriate moments. When invited to do so. Don’t disrespect the turn!) There’s a thrilling moment where Julie Andrews has to Let it Go, plus there are wonderful tributes to Freddy Mercury, Kate Bush and many more. All put together by the hugely talented powerhouse that is Sarah-Louise Young. The kind of feelgood show that has you beaming from ear to ear, and a truly showbizzy start to the day!

Beryl Cook: A Private View, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

There was a time when Beryl Cook’s illustrations were everywhere. On greetings cards, posters, tea towels, mugs, you name it. Her style has always been instantly recognisable; big, jolly men and women, warts and all, getting caught off-guard having fun, frequently with a touch of naughtiness or even salaciousness. But what do we know of the woman herself? She lived a very private life and kept herself and her family out of the news headlines. Beryl Cook: A Private View is an excellent way of getting to know the woman behind those bold canvasses. Kara Wilson writes, narrates and paints her way through an appreciation of Beryl, a show created in association with Beryl’s son John, and it’s an enjoyable and highly inventive hour of both understanding the creative process behind those famous pictures and good old-fashioned nostalgia. Out of necessity, Ms Wilson has to have her back to the audience on and off throughout the performance to paint her picture; this does somewhat interrupt the flow of the show, but I can’t see how this could be avoided. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to see a picture painted over the course of an hour, and you will come out of this show wiser about Ms Cook and her work.

Please DON’T see our show, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.

3-stars

Welcome to the Zumba hour; well, it would be, but it’s easier to book a Fringe venue than negotiate with the local parish council. So, a quick change of programming is required, and after dismissing a suggestion of an improv show, the group decides to go back to their offering of five years ago, a loose parody of Love Actually, Duncan’s Big Affair. It destroyed friendships last time around, and it looks like it might do the same again now. I think that’s the gist of the show, but I’m not 100% certain if I’m honest! Not A Gym Productions’ Please DON’T see our show is full of comic ideas and a whole heap of physical comedy, some of which lands terrifically, and some of which never reaches the ground. Perhaps I’m a little old to get all the references; however, the performers are all very likeable, full of energy and commitment, and show tremendous potential; indeed, the actors playing Emma and Molly (Bethan and Robyn?) give very strong comic performances. Most important of all, the audience loved it!

Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend, Monkey Barrel Comedy 2.

4-stars

Milo Edwards’ new show takes on the class system in the UK and specifically concentrates on his grandmother Peg, and her influence in his upbringing; her proficiency on the Bowls green and her appreciation of the art of Spite – which is clearly what keeps her going into her very old age! Milo Edwards is a fantastic joke teller, and the hour is crammed with superb material, including reflections on the Falklands War, how to spot a posh person, and the perils of temporary tattoos on the backside. Fresh, funny and full of drive, Mr Edwards is a terrific comic presence and we didn’t stop laughing all the way through!

Sitting Pretty with Kitty Cassis, PBH’s Free Fringe at the Street.

3-stars

Come, if you dare, into Kitty Cassis’ salon – the most exclusive hairdressing salon in the North West, where she also doubles up as a hair transplant surgeon, earlobe reader and she’s a devil with the fillers. Everyone’s a valued client as Kitty shares her career highlights and professional rivalries – whatever you do, don’t go to Brenda’s Brows or she’ll kill you. A fun, inclusive and hilariously good-natured show, Kitty Cassis is the comedy creation of Aimee Cooper, and she presents an hour of chatty gossip, musical interludes and bleaching. Throw yourself into it and you’ll get the most out of it – I came out with a hair transplant! What the Free Fringe is all about!

 

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 19th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 19th.

9:50 – When Vincent Met John, theSpace @ Niddry St. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Vincent died in 1890, John died in 1980, both of gunshot wounds to the chest. But imagine what might have happened had the two greatest artists of their time met? Five years before their deaths, both men went through profound change. Van Gogh renounced religious ambition, began to paint, and, despite arguments with antagonist Paul Gaugin, created his life’s masterworks. Lennon renounced sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, began five years seclusion and, despite arguments with antagonist Paul McCartney, created a son and his last album. This play takes place at their exact moment of crisis and decision.”

An early start for a play that confronts us with a fascinating comparison – Van Gogh v. Lennon. I’ve no idea where it’s going to take us, but I’m fascinated to find out.

11:35 – Crime and Punishment, theSpace on the Mile.

“In the sweltering heat of a Saint Petersburg summer, impoverished student Raskolnikov wrestles with the thoughts of the good he could do were he able to lay hands on the wealth of an unscrupulous old woman. Dostoyevsky’s seminal masterpiece of psychological torment sees Raskolnikov unravel as his guilt and conscience collide with the reality of his murderous dreams. Praise for writer/director Rebecca Vines’ previous works: ‘Chilling… brilliant… powerful’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A cut above’ **** (TheWeeReview.co.uk). ‘Power and strength’ **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info).”

Somehow I managed to read Crime and Punishment when I was 17 and I have absolutely no idea how I managed it because I certainly couldn’t now. But I love the idea of squeezing Raskolnikov’s story into forty minutes, and if this is done well it could be brilliant.

13:50 – Michael Porter – Love and Brain Damage, Just the Tonic Nucleus.

“Michael sheds light on the everyday challenges of his condition, from the struggles of memory loss and impulse control to the comical mishaps that ensue when navigating social interactions. Whether it’s forgetting where he parked his car (he doesn’t drive) or unintentionally blurting out inappropriate remarks, Michael’s adventures are sure to leave audiences in stitches. From finding himself on the wrong path surrounded by the wrong people, to facing the harsh realities of death and prison, Michael’s journey is one of resilience, growth, strength and, ultimately, love.”

For a comedy show, this sounds like it could be quite a challenging experience. I’m looking forward to hearing Michael talk about his life and adventures.

16:00 – Galahad Takes a Bath, Zoo Southside.

“’I got very little, little to no media training, so… Sorry!’ Sir Galahad the Pure, Knight of the Round Table, son of Lancelot the Brave, is taking a bath. Even the chosen one needs a break sometimes, okay? But long soaks in the bath can lead to painful questions, and the cleaner Galahad gets, the dirtier he becomes. In this darkly comedic show about sex, jobs, and the Holy Grail, by the time Galahad gets out, he might not want to be so Pure anymore.”

This sounds like a delightfully ridiculous set-up. It was the pure nonsense of it that appealed. I’m expecting Galahad to use the hour as a free therapy session. Let’s see how it turns out!

18:00 – 1 Moment in Time, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“In his brand new, thought-provoking show, magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander reflects on the defining moments in time that shape each and every one of us. With jaw dropping magic throughout, each instance intertwined with powerful metaphors and storytelling, this show is unlike anything else. Discover your moments in time all over again… ‘You are incredible, I will have you attend the palace’ (HRH Princess Michael of Kent). ‘Incredibly talented’ (Stephen Mulhern). ‘I love magic that tells a story and I really like you’ (Simon Cowell).”

I’ve seen a little of Sean Alexander’s work online and it looks very impressive, so I’m hoping for a breathtaking fifty minutes of amazement.

20:15 – I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have…, theSpace on the Mile.

“16 year-old Sean Parker has never known his Dad and wants to change that. His brothers are unenthusiastic about his plans… Undeterred and egged on by his best friend, Sean successfully makes contact with and meets with his Dad… but at what cost? This reunion carries risks and potential danger that may affect all their lives resulting in them never being the same again…”

Those moments in one’s life when one makes a big decision – there’s no going back after it. That’s what I’m expecting here, a strong and powerful examination of the reunion to end all reunions.

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, The Grim, With All My Fondest Love, and The Dreamer – Live

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Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

3-stars

Nina Rose Carlin seeks the path to Hollywood stardom by following a list of six simple rules guaranteed to see you make it big in Tinseltown; unfortunately, none of them seem to work. From not knowing which Los Angeles airport to land in, to selling her soul to an AI version of herself, surely there must be a way for Nina to become a star and avoid the existential dread that (apparently) all actors face! Nina Rose Carlin commands the stage with a blend of Hollywood pizzazz and out-of-place smalltown girl failure, looking every inch a star and with an amazing voice to boot. In fact, the song interludes are the best part of the show; reflective, tuneful, and heartfelt. Some of the humour doesn’t quite land, mainly because of the use of American references that most British audiences simply wouldn’t recognise. I’d love to see her do something more – I reckon she could nail Sondheim.

The Grim, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

The body of the late Jackie “Guillotine” Gallagher is next on the slab at the undertakers to be measured for his coffin; but this simple task involves a little more of a challenge than those undertakers, Rob and Shaun, were expecting. The “Grim” of the title is an Irish folklore apparition that takes the form of a huge black dog with red glowing eyes; see one, and you’ll be dead before long. Part ghost story, part comedy thriller, this terrific new play by Edmund Morris involves voices, revenge and a bit of blood too. Very well acted on a tiny, odd-shaped stage, it’s full of surprises – just remember to share your sweeties next time.

With All My Fondest Love, Greenside @ George Street.

4-stars

In the attic are boxes and boxes of old love letters, diaries, train tickets, photographs, records, and even cricket trophies; all the detritus of lives gone by. Noah Wild traces the early days of his grandparents’ first meetings, their letters to each other, and their hopes and dreams for a happy future together. Their letters are signed With All My Fondest Love. But relationships don’t always go the way we hope, and every good thing has to end at some point. But not before the birth of Neil, Noah’s father; or else Noah wouldn’t have come into this world! Noah, too, is still suffering from a relationship breakdown, being ghosted by his ex, and drawing parallels between his failed relationship and the gradually disintegrating relationship of his grandparents. None of this will be possible one hundred years on, where love letters are mere texts and train tickets are pdf’s. Elegantly and emotionally written, and full of recognisable Oxford references if you know that city well, Mr Wild delivers a powerful and heartfelt performance filled with all those tiny elements that go to make up the early days of a relationship. It tugs at all your emotions, and reminds us of someone we knew and loved.

The Dreamer – Live, Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows.

4-stars

No gimmicks, no sideshows; James Phelan starts his Dreamer show off straight away with a couple of extraordinary tricks, that involve predicting cards selected from a pack by different people from the audience, and piecing together various numbers chosen by random audience members to make a potentially very profitable sequence (I’ll say no more). As the show progresses, he involves the whole crowd in an experiment to see how well their imagination works (I’ll tell you now, mine was fairly rotten) and from that, he chooses a few audience members on whom he can practise a very special kind of mind control (again, I’ll say no more). James Phelan’s tricks defy all sense of logic and reason and leave you totally spellbound. I haven’t a clue as to how he did any of it – I just watched, agog, and in awe.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 18th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 18th.

12:05 – I Am Your Tribute, PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“An interactive choose-your-own-adventure cabaret! Love them or hate them, tribute acts are here to stay. But they are not all the same… Join your sparkling host, Sarah-Louise Young, as she invites you to help her create the ultimate tribute to an act of your choosing! Along the way she’ll teach you the tricks of the trade, share her greatest hits and uncover the occasionally darker side of living in someone’s else’s shadow. Expect music, wigs and wonderment from the performer and co-creator of An Evening Without Kate Bush and Julie Madly Deeply.”

It’s always a delight to see Sarah-Louise Young, she’s been the mainstay at the touring Burlesque Show many times, and her Evening Without Kate Bush is a thing of definite beauty. Personally, I really love a Tribute Act, they can sometimes be better than the real thing!

14:05 – Beryl Cook: A Private View, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Beryl Cook’s joyful and comic paintings are known and loved throughout the world but little is known of the very private person behind them. In her fifth play on a painter, Kara Wilson has worked with the artist’s family to shed light on this intriguing figure. This play offers a rare glimpse into Beryl’s private thoughts as the audience witnesses her complete one of her bold and playful paintings.”

Who doesn’t love Beryl Cook’s paintings, with their cheeky insights into real lives full of character. But indeed, I know nothing of the painter herself, so this will be a fascinating glimpse into someone who’s brightened up all our lives at some point.

15:45 – please DON’T see our show, Just the Tonic at The Mash House.

“After a group of Zumba-lovers discover that it’s easier to book a Fringe venue than it is to hire out a rehearsal space in their local parish rooms, drastic measures must be taken. But when paying audience members turn up and the group are forced to provide them with a performance quick, all they have to offer is the disgraced, friendship-destroying production they performed at the Fringe five years prior. As the friends reprise their show, can their friendship survive the inevitable fallout triggered by the final performance of Duncan’s Big Affair?”

I love the premise of this play, and if it’s smartly written and entertainingly performed, this must be a winner.

17:45 – Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend, Monkey Barrel Comedy.

“Milo is sick of it all. Disgusted with the state of things. No, thank you. Everything is getting worse. In 2023 he got a temporary tattoo on his arse. Award-winning comedian Milo Edwards returns to the fringe with a show about class, Britain, common decency and cum… and other revolting things that are best not talked about. ‘Edwards has quietly become one of the UK’s smartest, most vital stand-ups’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Near perfect’ ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Milo Edwards’ comedy is a little like marmalade’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). Best Show nominee Leicester Comedy Festival (2023 and 2024).”

We’ve not seen Milo Edwards before, so if he’s like marmalade, it could get a bit sticky but at least it’s not Marmite. Hoping for a good laugh!

19:45 – Sitting Pretty With Kitty, PBH’s Free Fringe @ Bannermans.

“Sitting Pretty is a camp, fun-filled, happy-hearted show with northern powerhouse, beautician, astrologist, therapist and cabaret performer, Kitty Cassis. There are tales from the salon, hilarious parody songs and the opportunity to experience a full emotional MOT. Straddling cabaret and comedy, Kitty finds nostalgic solutions to modern-day problems with a clown-inspired twist. Kitty is the ultimate party guest. ‘A vision in leopard print… glimpses of early Caroline Aherne…’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

I’ve seen a little of Kitty’s work online and she comes across as a complete hoot. I reckon this will be a very funny way to end the day.

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Lost Girl, A Montage of Monet, Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet, Sam See: And I Can’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore, Shower Chair and Notice Box

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Lost Girl, Underbelly George Square.

The story of Birdy, a young Manchester woman of Arab-Jewish heritage, searching for her own identity as she grows up. When she discovers a photograph of her grandfather when he was a child, with a girl by his side, she finds out he had a twin sister who was kidnapped. Grandfather is unhappy at having this memory brought into the open. Whilst working as an archivist, she discovers the same photograph had been donated to the archive ten years earlier. But by whom? And is there more to discover about her family past? Written and performed by Amy Lever, the play examines a fascinating family dilemma, as Birdy blunders from one misjudgement to another in an attempt to make sense of her life and to come to terms with the past. For me, the piece was overperformed and could have benefited from more light and shade in the vocal characterisations and narrative approach. As a writer, however, Ms Lever shows great promise.

A Montage of Monet, Greenside at George Street.

4-stars

We all know about Monet’s waterlilies, and that he was the poster boy of the impressionist movement, but did you know that, in his youth, he was a great cartoonist, and when he was stationed in Algiers on National Service, he drew pictures of which he was immensely proud, but none of them has survived, sadly. And what do we know about his private life? Stephen Smith lifts the lid on Monet the Man in A Montage of Monet, Joan Greening’s wonderfully written dramatisation of his life and loves. As an old man, Monet is cantankerous, dependent on his daughter-in-law Blanche to look after him – which he resents. But looking back over his life, he recalls the professional jealousies, the painters he liked – he would only like someone if he knew he was a better painter than them – the places that inspired him, the women, the models; and also his constantly evolving styles of painting. Stephen Smith gives a superb performance as Monet, self-opinionated, grumpy, but hugely charismatic. A very satisfying show on many levels; and it’s educational as well as telling a great story!

Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet (Angus Baskerville), TheSpace on The Mile.

4-stars

Angus Baskerville presents an hour of very impressive magic that he performs alongside recounting his own personal experiences of autism and ADHD, how they affected him at school, and how his aptitude for magic has changed his life. He involves the entire audience in some of his tricks, many of which reveal his excellent skills as a mentalist. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling the show for future audiences by giving you a run-down on what tricks he did, but there are a few tricks here that simply blow your mind. Presented with lively enthusiasm and a cheery friendliness, this is a perfect afternoon fix of magic for all the family.

Sam See: And I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, Laughing Horse at the Counting House.

4-stars

Sam See’s new show, And I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, is an account of how he decided to uproot from Singapore where he had lived for 30 years and start a new life in the UK. He explores the reasons why he felt he needed to leave, why he chose the UK over anywhere else, and what his hopes are for his new life in Britain. His is a fascinating story, both hilarious and sad; and his hugely likeable stage presence has us all rooting for him from the very beginning. A sparky, effervescent and dapper chap, Sam sets a tone of affable inclusivity, very much at odds with the homophobic experiences he had as a stand-up comic in Singapore. Only time will tell if he’s made the right move, but this most entertaining hour of comedy is a delightful mix of funny stories and personal confession.

Shower Chair, Greenside at George Street.

4-stars

When Ben Fallaci breaks his ankle and gets stuck in a geriatric shower chair, it’s about as low an ebb as his life can get; but from there, the only way is up. Shunned by male friends at school, Ben comforts himself by surrounding himself with girl pals, which influences all aspects of his social life. This is a masterfully told hour of one man’s development from childhood, a journey of self-discovery, best friends, toxic mates, and the abandonment of his greatest enemy. Very believable, frank, open and brave; but also very funny, positive and life-affirming.

Notice Box, Greenside at George Street.

4-stars

Sometimes when I see a show featuring someone described as a TikTok influencer or a viral sensation my heart sinks as I will almost certainly not know who the person is (while the rest of the audience are ecstatic fans), and the material will be aimed at someone at least forty years younger than me. But there are exceptions to every rule; and Simon Hennessy’s Notice Box is ideal for everyone who has a smartphone, with clever, quirky and hilarious takes on every aspect of phone dependency. From the carefree early days of social media, through the inability to use dating apps with dignity, to the embarrassment of having to share one’s Spotify Unwrapped list, this show is crammed with fantastic sketches and songs – with amusing visual accompaniments! Mr Hennessy has a very funny, hugely self-deprecating stage persona, and, although we were indeed forty years older than everyone else and probably the only people not to have heard of him, we absolutely loved his show. Way better than it has any right to be!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 17th August 2024

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Only 4 shows today!

Here’s the schedule for August 17th.

11:35 – Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“She’s an LA actress. Of course she knows her rising moon sign. Of course she can arrange dry-cleaning for a studio executive’s offspring in her sleep. Of course she takes her coffee with a splash of oat milk, and a heaping spoonful of existential dread. With live music, unhinged characters, and a bit of pixie dust (read: Ozempic) Seeking Representation is a one-woman show meets cabaret with a subversive sucker punch. From five-star Hollywood Fringe Festival award-winner and certified LA actress herself, Nina Rose Carlin!”

I confess I know nothing about Nina Rose Carlin but there was something about this description that piqued my curiosity!

13:15 – The Grim, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“London, 1964. Shaun and Robert are trying to get through another shift as undertakers in the East End, but on the day they’re due to fit deceased murderer, Jackie Gallagher, for his coffin and with strange happenings afoot, all is not as it seems… Following the success of his ‘holler-out-loud funny’ (TheSmuReviews.co.uk) Fringe debut You’re Dead, Mate, award-winning playwright Edmund Morris is back with his latest, darkest comedy: The Grim.”

You’re Dead, Mate was one of the most intriguing and entertaining plays of last year’s Fringe, so I was keen to see what Edmund Morris has come up with for this year! This play sounds like it could have an element of Joe Orton to it – looking forward to finding out.

15:05 – With All My Fondest Love, Greenside @ George Street.

“How well can you know your own family? A grandson discovers the hidden secrets behind his grandparents’ ordinary yet curious marriage. Using real-life letters and diaries, Noah Wild struggles to fill in the blanks in his own family history, from burnt letters to unspoken loss. Struggling with his own heartbreak, he follows love through entwined past generations to reflect on how to live in the present. A true story discovered and retold, this moving new monologue explores how love and grief change across a lifetime. ‘Beautiful… a wonderful piece of theatre’ (WildRoseAndPearls.com).”

I have often wondered how, in this digital age, future generations will be able to look back and discover the secrets of the past; you can’t help but think finding old emails and texts won’t have the same allure. Noah Wild’s personal story sounds fascinating and if this is done well it could be a superb piece of theatre.

17:15 – The Dreamer – Live, Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows.

“’Magic is in his bones. Disbelief, flabbergasted, stunned’ ***** (Herald). It’s time to believe in magic… Award-winning magician James Phelan, infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, returns with this ground-breaking new magic show. Touching on his parents’ 12 year struggle with IVF, The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible. With magic unparalleled elsewhere at Fringe, this show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. ‘One to watch in the world of magic’ **** (The List)”

With magic running through his veins – Paul Daniels was his uncle – I’m sure this will be a stunner of a show. Here’s hoping!

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Joe Wells: Daddy Autism, Lessons on Revolution, Trawled – When Adventure Becomes Survival, One Man Poe: The Black Cat and The Raven, Pete Heat: Bogus, and Ryan Cullen: Cullen in the Name Of!

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Joe Wells – Daddy Autism, PBH’s Free Fringe at the Banshee Labyrinth.

4-stars

Always a must-see on a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe, Joe Wells is back with Daddy Autism, a show inspired by both the fact that he and his wife are expecting their first baby, and that this has caused Joe to think more about his relationship with his own father, who seems to be on a one-way ticket to death. But this is in no way a morbid show! There’s some very recognisable comedy about what a nightmare a trip to the tip can be, and Joe’s dad has a very positive conclusion about the right way to deal with a situation when you don’t know the rules. A finely structured set with some first-rate callbacks; there are even a few glimpses of Joe’s old penchant for political comedy.

Lessons on Revolution, Summerhall.

4-stars

Revolutions don’t come along quite as often as buses, but arguably they are cyclical; primarily because the reasons for revolution never really go away. Sam Rees and Gabriele Uboldi meet as students who share a flat in London. They also have come up with Lessons in Revolution, an examination of the student protests in 1968, which started at the London School of Economics, and that unrest spread all around the world. There’s also a parallel account of Sam and Gab’s own situation, living in an HMO whose licence has been withdrawn because it’s not fit for habitation and is a fire hazard. Cleverly structured as a lecture rather than a play, this is an engagingly presented, entertainingly interactive production that gives us the facts behind those LSE protests and allows us to consider them and draw our own conclusions.

Trawled – When Adventure Becomes Survival, TheSpace at Venue 45.

3-stars

On a whim, Eoin Ryan signed up to work on a trawler in the Coral Sea, off Australia; having spent a lot of money enjoying the Aussie craic on a visit down under, he needed cash to fulfil his dream of flying to Peru and visiting Machu Picchu. Without any experience, but with the ability to bluff his way through an interview procedure, he ends up catching prawns on the high seas with Stu, Tom and Peter – who turn into the fishermen colleagues from hell. Tough work, bullying, the threat of violence and physical injury take him to the extremes of endurance; but he survives. Presenting his story as a one-man play, Mr Ryan expresses the sheer pain and exhaustion of his work and daily existence, and the frustrations of being imprisoned against his will. A gripping story told from personal experience; my only criticism would be that perhaps those feelings of peril, fear and agony could have been conveyed even more powerfully and viscerally.

One Man Poe: The Black Cat and The Raven, Greenside at Riddles Court.

4-stars

Stephen Smith brings his One Man Poe to the Fringe with two one-hour shows, each telling two of Poe’s most famous and eerie works. At the show we saw, he gave us his dramatization of The Black Cat and The Raven, both rivetingly performed in the darkness of Riddle’s Court Clover Studio. The Black Cat takes us into the world of an alcoholic who cannot control his anger and resentment when under the influence of drink; the family black cat bears the brunt of his villainy, but when his fury gets completely out of hand – can a cat take revenge? The Raven is one of Poe’s most famous poems, where a lover is confronted by a terrible truth: Quoth the raven, nevermore. Mr Smith commands our attention throughout and brings both life and terror to these portentous tales. Totally engrossing and unmissable, and a brilliant way of keeping Poe’s legacy alive for a new generation.

Pete Heat: Bogus, Pleasance Dome.

We all know that magic isn’t really magic… but Pete Heat makes it as near perfectly magical as possible in his new show, Bogus. A series of extraordinary tricks, using playing cards, smartphones, word games, star signs, and a cuddly toy; surely there isn’t such a thing as genuine mind reading, but if there is, then Mr H is the master of it. All presented with terrific humour by the tallest man in magic, his feats simply defy logic and understanding. Impossible to describe – you just have to see it!

Ryan Cullen: Cullen in the Name Of!, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

Ryan Cullen wastes no time trying to butter us up with some moderately nuanced jokes to start the gig; he goes straight for the jugular with topics that lesser comedians simply wouldn’t dare to consider. Delivered with amazing attack and confidence, I don’t think there’s a subject that Mr C wouldn’t touch – and, because his material is extremely funny, he gets away with it. Not for the easily offended; in fact, ideal for anyone who likes to get offended! This was our first exposure to Mr Cullen but certainly won’t be our last. Rapid, daredevilish comedy with superb and unexpectedly friendly crowd work. I loved it!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 16th August 2024

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What’s on the slab today?

Here’s the schedule for August 16th.

11:50 – Lost Girl, Underbelly, George Square. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Birdy is 19. She’s too old to beat boys up in the playground or skip maths. But she wishes she wasn’t. Until, by chance, she unearths a family secret. One that’s been buried since 1930s Cairo. One that her grandfather would rather stay hidden. But for Birdy this might be her chance to right the wrongs of the past, and prove maybe she isn’t so useless after all? From award-winning playwright Amy Lever, Lost Girl is an exploration into Jewish-Arab heritage, the expectations of womanhood and family.”

Starting the day with what sounds like a serious and thought-provoking play; they say the sins of the fathers are visited upon the sons but no doubt it happens to the daughters too. Hoping for a well-written piece with some strong acting.

14:00 – A Montage of Monet, Greenside @ George Street.

“Monet’s paintings are world famous. We all know his water lilies, but how much do we know of the man? This new play explores his life and loves: his two marriages, the devastating death of his first wife, followed by the erratic behaviour of his lover and the desperation prompting his suicide attempt. We become privy to his thoughts on fellow impressionists and how he coped with his failing eyesight, which tormented him. It could have stopped him painting… or did it? This one-man montage of his life will be performed by award-winning actor Stephen Smith.”

Having seen Stephen Smith’s One Man Poe yesterday, he’s back with an insight into Monet; and I must say I’m looking forward to this a good deal as I don’t know much about Monet the Man.

15:50 – Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet, theSpace on the Mile.

“Mind-reading and unbelievable trickery abound in this exploration of how autism and magic make anything possible, with rising star Angus Baskerville. Angus was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 15, and his school years were a struggle. But, learning and performing magic has turned his life around and his first solo show at the Fringe delves into that journey. You’ll be asking yourself ‘how did he do that?!’ at every turn in this family-friendly show that brings the superpowers of neurodiversity to life.”

I’m all for getting to see young people in the early stages of their careers and I’m really looking forward to seeing Angus’ particular slant on magic in this show. Does neurodiversity equal superpowers? We’ll find out!

17:45 – Sam See: And I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House.

“In December 2023, Sam See left his home country of Singapore and moved to London because clearly, now’s the best time. Why would anyone choose to leave the warm beauty of Asia and come to the damp and the cold of the UK? Find out about his world of propaganda movies, speculative fiction and Exception Promise, all in this hour of stand-up that’s not as long as the title of this show. ***** (OnTheMic.co.uk). **** (Fest). **** (TheAge.com.au).”

Sam See is a new name to me, but I’m intrigued by his back story and no doubt there’ll be some entertaining comparisons between luscious Singapore and the chilly UK!

20:50 – Shower Chair, Greenside @ George Street.

“Writer and comedian Ben Fallaci strips down and gets vulnerable while recounting how he lands broken and stuck in a geriatric shower chair. With irreverence and self-deprecation, Fallaci adds humour to a tale about a toxic friendship, slippery events, and a broken ankle. Where better to come clean than in the shower?”

An unusual premise for a play, but you can see how being stuck in a shower chair could be a metaphor for where you are in life. Hoping for some good writing and performing!

22:10 – Notice Box, Greenside @ George Street.

“Musical sketch comedian Simon Hennessy has over 360k followers and 30 million likes on social media, where viral characters like Remy and Adam from Bumble filmed on his smartphone have made him an internet sensation. Since going viral he has sold out venues across the UK and Ireland, but he remains chronically online. Be honest, so are you. Watch him perform his hour of songs, sketches, and stand-up all about the tantalising and terrifying world of the notice boxes in each of our pockets, then immediately return to the safety of your phones.”

Simon Hennessy is another new name to me and I confess I haven’t caught any of his online content, so this is hopefully a lucky punt. We are all heavily reliant on our notice boxes and I’m sure there’ll be lessons for us all in this hour!

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Dummy in Diaspora, The Book of Mountains and Seas, Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss, Leni’s Last Lament, Ghost Light, and MILF and the Mistress

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Dummy in Diaspora, Zoo Playground.

3-stars

Essa tells the story of his young life in America, his early understanding that he is gay, his first sexual encounters, his family life and other formative experiences. Esho Rasho, who also wrote the play, has an excellent stage presence and fully inhabits the character and gives a sensitive and powerful performance.

P.S. The performance we saw was ruined by engaging a stage photographer who, having moved some audience members out of their original seats so that she had a clear view of the stage, snapped away throughout the whole show so that it was impossible to concentrate. So when Essa was talking emotionally about his mother’s breast cancer, and even the death of the family cat, the noisy interruptions prevented the flow of emotion to reach the audience from the stage. I understand the desire to have production photos to promote the show for future audiences, but it is so disrespectful to the audience actually present.

The Book of Mountains and Seas, Pleasance Courtyard.

Archie and Andrew were going to get married, until, still young, Archie died a hero’s death saving others. Andrew is slowly getting over it, but his father, Raymond, is obsessed by Archie’s old Yelp account, the only thing that wasn’t deleted from Archie’s phone, where he reviewed 179 restaurants in New York. A fascinating and creative look at dealing with grief, it also raises very important issues about the social media presence of someone who has died, respect for their privacy after death, and continued relationships between the living who have no choice but to move on. This beautifully written and performed play touches the heart but is also full of laughter. Moving and inventive, yet still incredibly funny.

Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss, Just the Tonic at the Caves.

Welcome to the ceremony where Nerrine Skinner will finally have the presence of Liz Truss exorcised from her body and brain. It’s a very amusing idea, and Ms Skinner does a terrific Liz Truss impersonation – her takes on Angela Rayner and Nadine Dorries are pretty good too. Plenty of audience participation if you’re sitting towards the front, so be warned! Sadly, although there is a lot of content here, most of it provokes the occasional wry chuckle rather than wholehearted laughter. I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did, but many of the comic ideas just peter out without achieving much.

Leni’s Last Lament, Assembly Rooms.

4-stars

If there are two cultural icons whom we still associate with Nazi Germany, all these years later, they are Marlene Dietrich and Leni Riefenstahl. Falling in Love Again kicks off this extraordinary and provocative piece of theatre, which places Riefenstahl under the spotlight, taking us through her immensely successful and skilful career, and trying to come to a conclusion as to what extent she was culpable of what today we would call enabling or inciting Nazism. Jodi Markel gives a strong performance as Leni, showing her part in making Nazism palatable to the ordinary people of 1930s Germany, and requiring us to make an instant choice as to whether we don a Nazi armband – purely for the purposes of the show, naturally. The play confronts us with the reality of the growth of the Far Right today, and observing the reactions of one’s fellow theatregoers is a vital aspect of the production as a whole. Uncomfortable and challenging; but what is theatre for, if it doesn’t sometimes make us squirm in our seats?

Ghost Light, TheSpace at Niddry Street.

4-stars

From the pen of Ian Tucker-Bell comes Ghost Light, a new Orange Works production, an atmospheric and thoroughly spooky ghost story set in Victorian London. Henry Webster joins the London Ghost Club seeking inspiration to write a ghost story of his own. There he meets Edward Price, who lives in the boarding bouse of the widowed Mia Sands. Webster also takes a room there, where he is astonished to discover the ghosts of two children who seem to be lost and scared of the dark. But who are these children, what is the secret of the locked door, and what part does resident John Henning also play in the ghosts of the household? Eerily staged in almost complete darkness save for a few lamps – or ghost lights – the tension kicks in within the first few seconds and doesn’t let up until all the secrets are revealed. Thrillingly acted by Philip Holden, Nick Blessley, Bizz Portlock, Pierse Stevens and Ian Tucker-Bell himself, this is a strong, old-fashioned ghost story in the finest Victorian tradition; and it’s just as well that it’s not on too late at night, or no one would get any sleep!

MILF and the Mistress, The Space at Niddry Street.

Just an ordinary suburban housewife, Ali lives with her wife, two sons, and various assorted pets. Successful (enough) at work, successful (enough) in her relationship, she’s as happy with her homelife as she might ever expect to be. Except that – if she were to take the time to analyse it – she’s just a bit bored, a bit unfulfilled; a bit too vanilla where she might just possibly be mint choc chip at the very least. With no desire to jeopardise her marriage, or be unfaithful, she just fancies a bit of BDSM. The prospect rather terrifies her, but with safe words at the ready, is there any harm in it? Jennifer Vuletic gives a sensational performance, full of vulnerability, daring, irony and a huge amount of humour in Jane Montgomery Griffiths’ hilarious yet moving one-woman play. It captivates you from the moment Jennifer Vuletic walks on stage and you remain hanging on her every word until the very end. Fantastic!

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – if I live until I be a man, F**king Legend, For The Love of Spam, Yes We’re Related, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, American Two in One Comics, and Tales From a British Country Pub

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If I Live Until I Be a Man, TheSpace on The Mile.

4-stars

The historical event that we all know of as The Princes in the Tower is one of history’s more tragic yet strangely intriguing episodes. It’s hard to imagine how two brothers aged 9 and 12 could cope with being locked away for several weeks, completely ignorant of what’s happening in the world outside. Fortunately, they can trust that Uncle Richard will look after them until the time is right. Deliberately anachronistic, the production also recognises the fate of children throughout the world in war-torn zones. Rae Bell and Sophie Falvey play the two princes through a series of children’s games, sibling rivalry and the delusion that one of them, Edward, would eventually become king. It’s an excellent mixture of claustrophobic playtime and an uncertain future, performed with a child-like sense of fun and fear – it’s a clever, inventive idea that works very well.

F**king Legend, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

I’m not giving away any spoilers when I describe this as a show about a cis white straight man, written by a cis white straight man, performed by a cis white straight man. After all, that’s how Olly Hawes introduces his own show. It’s a dramatic monologue in two separate parts, delivered with fourth wall-breaking irony throughout. The first part takes us on a stag weekend that gets out of hand, and the second – I must confess I didn’t entirely understand the second, but I sense that’s the intention, as a metaphor for the destruction of the planet through climate change. The message, as I see it, is that the only people who are going to put it right are the f**king legends amongst us. An extremely innovative show, performed with unpredictable vigour, which leaves you with much to ponder about afterwards.

For The Love of Spam, Pleasance Courtyard.

I think if you were to ask most Brits what they know about Guam they’d look at you with the blankest of blank faces. Sierra Sevilla tells us so much about her home island, including its to-and-fro occupation by Japan and the United States, its languages, its culture and climate – and its love of Spam. Nothing to do with emails, the Guamanians would be lost without Spam, especially when the typhoons extinguish all the power; it’s their go-to comfort food. If this sounds like a bizarre basis for a show, you’re probably right; but Sierra presents her background, her life experiences, and primarily her LOVE OF SPAM so endearingly and positively that this is a pure delight and the surprise hit of the Fringe so far. And you’ll be desperate for a taste of Spam afterwards!

Yes We’re Related, Greenside at Riddle’s Court.

4-stars

Bereavement can hit different people in different ways, as Purple Doors Productions’ Yes We’re Related shows with a mixture of the surreal and the silly. It’s one year since Sara and Saskia’s mother died, and there’s to be a party (yes really) to mark the occasion. Sara, Saskia and Mark (Saskia’s fiancé) haven’t seen each other since the funeral, but it’s clear that Sara hasn’t coped well. She’s living in a tent and keeps a captive squirrel, Gerald, at home, believing it to be the spirit of her late mother. Things can only get better, they say; but boy do things get messy first. Creatively written by Florence Lace-Evans, and with three excellent performances from Ms Lace-Evans, Eleanor Griffiths and Jack Huckin, this is a quirky, fun and unpredictable look at one way of handling grief.

Mary Mary Quite Contrary, TheSpace on The Mile.

3-stars

A curate’s egg if ever there was one! Mary Whitehouse stalked the media sniffing out filth wherever she smelled it – and frequently when it wasn’t even there. In reality, she was a deeply religious, reserved woman who enjoyed something of a power fetish; in Francis Yorke’s imaginary rewriting of the Mary Whitehouse story, that wasn’t the only fetish to which she was partial. After a run-in with the DG of the Beeb, Mary is challenged to edit a documentary about Swingers, and what she witnesses and experiences has – shall we say – a very major effect on her life. I’m sure Mr Whitehouse would have been grateful. This isn’t a perfect production by any means, but, boy, can Mr Yorke write a showstopping tune! The show is full of truly engaging, funny and melodic songs, which do what a good musical should do – either drive the narrative forward or fill in our understanding of the characters. There’s one song in particular that’s gloriously sung about the challenges and sadnesses faced by a trans character and it’s stunningly beautiful. The story is a sheer flight of fantasy that’s as far from reality as it’s possible to be; and some of the scenes are clunky and underperformed. But I really loved the songs!

American Two in One Comics, Laughing Horse at the West Port Oracle.

Winging their way from New York and New Jersey come Chris Warren and Mark Henely to form a double-bill of American comedians for a late night show. Linked by the common factor that they both have gay dads – although that doesn’t play much part in the proceedings – they’re two likeable guys who bring good-hearted warmth to a chilly Edinburgh evening. Chris has a more structured set, with a series of separate stories and jokes, including the pleasures and perils of converting to Judaism at the age of 28. Mark has a more free-flowing style where comic ideas merge together over the course of his set; he takes on board the audience’s reservations (if they have any) about America, and we accompany him on a journey through a series of dating escapades. I felt that the small venue and audience limited the guys from showing us the full extent of their acts, but it’s a fun, friendly and cool way to spend a comedy hour.

Tales From a British Country Pub, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

4-stars

Armed with just his guitar and the occasional backing track, Chris Sainton-Clark takes us on a musical journey to his local country pub in Norfolk to meet the typical customers whom we can all recognise from any pub. Lotharios, losers, smart-arses and therapists, they’re all there, as Chris treats us to a dozen or so superb comedy songs that he delivers with verbal dexterity and a real feel for traditional folk music. This is a much funnier show than you might imagine, and the audience were frequently howling with laughter. Terrifically inventive comedy mixed with superb musicality – a brilliant way to end the day.