Tag Archives: Edinburgh Fringe

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Reviews – Big Little Sister, Don’t Tell Dad About Diana, Odds Are, Ross Leslie: Now Is The Time, Max Fulham: Full of Ham, and Sauna Boy

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Big Little Sister, Zoo Playground.4-starsI’d never heard of the concept of the Glass Child; it’s when a child in a family is completely overlooked because they have a sibling with much greater needs, and who takes all the attention. Holly Gifford’s older brother Patrick has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities and, in this deeply personal account, she shares the multi-layered coping strategies that both child Holly and adult Holly adopted to deal with this situation. Cleverly structured and powerfully written, Big Little Sister is a welcome insight into living with disabilities when you yourself are not the disabled one. An excellent show that packs a punch. 4 stars.

Don’t Tell Dad About Diana, Underbelly Cowgate.Best friends Conor and Hannah have grown up together in Dublin, always promising to tell each other everything, and with one big thing in common – the People’s Princess, Diana. They adore her. They even have a shrine to her. Hannah has been designing dresses for Conor’s appearance as Diana in the Alternative Miss Ireland competition; he’s going to win it hands down. However, something unexpected scuppers their plans… A brilliantly funny examination of friendship and fandom, ambition and honesty, performed with great panache by Hannah Power and Conor Murray. Peppered with comical insights into Dublin life and several laugh out loud moments, this is just one of those rare crazy Fringe shows that simply works on every level. 5 stars.

Odds Are, Assembly Roxy.Smita Russell’s profoundly personal memoir of her own experience of suffering the grief of multiple miscarriages sounds like it could be a recipe for an hour of total sadness. But her brightly imaginative narrative engages us from the start as she approaches the subject from a surprisingly innovative angle; the scientific and mathematical probability that any particular sequence of events could happen. Smita is a superb storyteller who brings out the joy of her story just as much as its sorrow, and the hour in her company flies by. Whilst there are necessary trigger warnings about the show’s content, it could also make it easier for people to talk more freely about this common but still taboo subject. 5 stars.

Ross Leslie: Now Is The Time, Laughing Horse at West Port Oracle.3-stars<Ross Leslie cuts an avuncular figure on stage, with a relaxed, confident delivery and a set full of original material, such as the exposure of a big family secret, his elaborate plans to commit murder* and the ins and outs of sex robotry. Originally, the show was to have a unifying theme, but that has now merged into the rest of his material, much of which stems from his home life, to create a warm hour of funny domestic and familial observations. *I’m sure he doesn’t really intend to commit murder. 3 stars.

Max Fulham: Full of Ham, Pleasance Courtyard.Max Fulham breathes fresh life into the revered and ancient art of ventriloquism by pushing its boundaries beyond using just traditional puppets; he also has a talking tin box that opens up with his intrusive thoughts, an imaginary supermarket sales assistant and – as the title of his show suggests – a piece of ham. We also meet his first ever puppet, have an informal audience with Jesus, and yes – everyone’s favourite – Grandad makes an appearance, embarrassing everyone with his hilariously inappropriate behaviour. Max Fulham is an extremely funny man who invests his characters with endless wit, energy, and total unpredictability. He’s also a crackingly good ventriloquist! A tremendously fun show. 5 stars.

Sauna Boy, The Space at Surgeons’ Hall.4-starsIt’s never been my fortune to visit a gay sauna and I suspect I never will, so it’s fascinating to hear Dan Ireland-Reeves’ semi-autobiographical account of what life is really like behind those locked doors. As Dan takes us through his usual jobs of cleaner, receptionist and his masterplan to develop the business, we meet the boss – “Mother” – his colleagues, and his clients; those he likes and those he doesn’t. With funny and imaginative storytelling, Dan leads us through plenty of escapades that make us laugh, shudder and cringe, all with a skilful lightness of touch and marvellous comic timing. Probably not suited to Great Grandma, although she’s probably seen a thing or two in her day. Extremely entertaining and surprisingly informative too! 4 stars.

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 – 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 – 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 – 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!

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.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 13th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 13th.

10:00 – if I live until I be a man, theSpace on the Mile. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“1483: The young princes Edward and Richard are taken to the Tower of London by their uncle Richard in preparation for Edward’s coronation. By the end of the summer, Richard III is crowned and the boys are never seen again. A comedic, playfully anachronistic, unsettling exploration of childhood during perpetual war, this play traces the 15th century through modern America, imagining the princes’ final months as they fight, play, and await coronation or execution.”

The story of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most uncomfortable and tragic tales in English Royal history. The idea of taking this story and adapting it to a different situation sounds inventive and potentially fascinating! I look forward to seeing how this works.

12:20 – F**king Legend, Pleasance Courtyard.

“A show about socks and sex and loving someone even though they’re quite annoying, and buying tat on holiday, and fear of death, and cognitive dissonance, and whether or not it’s an issue that you’re watching the world burn and all you can do is try to find meaning in the dancing of the flames, and also is it even possible to be a good man? Olly returns to the Fringe with a one-man, rollercoaster show that cuts to the core of modern masculinity. ‘A performer sure to find greatness’ (AYoungerTheatre.com)”

I guess this will be about the nature of an ordinary hero; or, I could be completely mistaken! There’s only one way to find out.

14:10 – For the Love of Spam, Pleasance Courtyard.

“A comedic, multi-sensory, participatory one-woman show dedicated to two things: canned meat and colonialism. Find out how this (delicious) canned meat symbolises modern-day colonialism and threatens the very livelihood of a whole civilisation in these West vs East political games. Can this formerly Catholic, angry and God-fearing woman help educate (and feed) the masses, all while “liberating” her island? Performed by CHamoru/Filipina theatre maker Sierra Sevilla, originally from the island of Guam and passionate about shifting immigrant narratives. Recipient of the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund 2024.”

Another show which takes a concept and then applies it to a much wider scenario. I have no idea what the link between Spam and colonialism might be – looking forward to finding out!

20:15 – Mary Mary Quite Contrary, theSpace on the Mile.

“Born in Edwardian England, Mary Whitehouse was a religious moral campaigner and thorn in the side of the BBC in the 1960s and 70s during its modernisation from its formal and staid outlook when it began in 1923. The social and sexual revolution in the swinging 60s and 70s demanded greater freedoms for people who wanted pop music, fashion and consensual sexy fun. So how did Mary end up at a fetish party in a swingers club, and what happened? Brand-new spoof adult musical with a “happy ending”!”

I’ve always been fascinated by censorship and indeed spent a couple of years researching stage censorship as a postgraduate. There was a time when Mary Whitehouse, her ultra-traditional values, and her sanctimonious National Viewers and Listeners Association were everywhere in the media. Personally, I rather doubt that Mary did ever end up at a fetish party, but you have to admit it’s a funny idea. Let’s hope it works well!

22:00 – American Two in One Comics, Laughing Horse @ West Port Oracle.

“America is the land of the free, home of the brave and homeland of two of the freest, bravest men to ever live: Mark Henely and Chris Warren. These men have taken their stand-up comedy all over the USA and are now bringing their talents to Fringe!”

Two names brand new to me, but Chris’s have always got to stick together, so I’m happy to take a lucky punt on these two guys and hope their humour crosses the pond successfully!

23:35 – Tales from a British Country Pub, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“Join comedy musician Chris Sainton-Clark as he takes you through his troublesome and hilarious experiences of working in British pubs. Hear stories of compulsive liars, disruptive youths, clinical oversharers, fruit machine addicts and much more. Each of these songs has a satirical and scathing outlook at British pub culture that will leave you thinking, ‘I know that person’ or maybe… ‘I am that person’. Armed with just a guitar, a whole lot of sarcasm and many musical stories, Tales from a British Country Pub is sure to keep you entertained.”

And here’s another Chris who is new to me; having been brought up as a kid in a village pub the idea of this show was very appealing and I reckon this show will nudge a few memories of my childhood!

 

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 12th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 12th.

10:20 – i am george massey,   theSpace on the Mile. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“What does it mean to be English anymore?… Strawberries? Scones? Jerusalem?… What is England now? This is George’s story: powerful, shocking, radical. a story of childhood joy, passionate relationships, and how he slowly falls down the dark rabbit hole of radicalisation. Manchester born and bred, George tries to manage his loneliness and depression through his phone. A lifeboat that helps him to not feel alone. Social media can bring you to the surface, or it can take you deeper into the depths. An immersive monologue that treads the boundaries of dark comedy and tragedy.”

The rise of radicalisation, through subversive social media, is a fascinating subject and I hope that this meaty-looking play tackles the subject head on. I’m expecting this to be a very hard-hitting watch.

14:25 –  Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act, Assembly Rooms.

“Revealing the man behind the myth… exposing the great detective’s fears and weaknesses, the devastating consequences of the dramas of his formative years, and unexpectedly, his cutting sense of humour. It is 1916. Drawn from two years of Sussex retirement for the funeral of his friend, Dr Watson, Holmes returns to Baker Street to resolve The Last Act. A theatrical evening then unfolds, with 14 characters, all played by Nigel Miles-Thomas. Features cross-examinations and heated arguments between Holmes and Watson. Written by Conan Doyle expert David Stuart Davies and directed by award-winning Gareth Armstrong.”

Time for a spot of dignified, traditional theatre in the company of Nigel Miles-Thomas, and the character of Sherlock Holmes, who continues to intrigue and delight us more than a century after Conan Doyle wrote his famous exploits. I think this will be smart, satisfying and tremendously well done.

16:15 – Nettles, Greenside @ George Street.

“Alyona is in her mid-twenties and has no place to settle down. She is invited to stay at Giovanni’s Sloane Square house for a night… without his knowledge. Intrigued and excited by this rich man’s world, Alyona searches through his possessions, with some of his belongings bringing flashbacks of past experiences. Now, feeling vulnerable, Alyona lets you into parts of her identity, sexuality, and daydreaming fantasy world.”

This sounds like another hard-hitting play that should expose the reality of the vulnerability of young people in desperation. Hopefully it will be well-written and acted.

18:05 – Hardly Working, theSpace on the Mile.

“Trust, truth, and tequila. Could you date someone of the opposite class? Does class actually determine politics? What happens when the patriarchy walks into a bar? Hang on, this was meant to be funny… After a preview showcase at Bristol Old Vic in June, this new play by Jessie Millson follows a queer relationship blasted apart by politics and pranks. We are placed between worker and slacker, between filthy rich and stinking poor, between staying or going as the bar between Charity and Lois becomes a bigger and bigger boundary. Do you serve to live or live to serve?”

This play poses some interesting questions! Britain is still riddled with class issues, and they’re not going away soon. I’ve really enjoyed Jessie Millson’s writing in the past and hope this will be equally as entertaining!

20:00 – Nick Schuller: Still Dry White, Laughing Horse @ Eastside.

“Dry (adjective) – a subtle, ironic or matter-of-fact joke or sense of humour. If you like dry humour, see Nick Schuller at the Edinburgh Fringe. Dry (adjective) – an alcoholic beverage that is not sweet. Depending on how the show goes, Nick may drink a lot of still dry white.”

Nick Schuller arrives in Edinburgh from Australia, where he has been making quite a name for himself in comedy festivals. I’ve seen a couple of videos of his work and I’m expecting this to be extremely funny!

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

 

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – no one is coming to save us, Lads of the Flies, FUFC, Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers, Dan Tiernan: Stomp, Reginald D Hunter, and It’s OK I Still Think You’re Great

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no one is coming to save us, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

A group of friends gather together for an adventure in the forest – some know each other extremely well, some are on the sidelines of the group dynamic. They’re just ordinary young people with ordinary young people’s concerns, interests, and anxieties. Somewhere in the forest a moment of carelessness causes a small fire to take root… and it grows, and it grows. What at one point looks like a grey butterfly is revealed to be a piece of ash; and the fire has disastrous consequences for the group and for one particular individual. Pepperdine Scotland have produced this ambitious and highly relevant play by Lewis Hetherington that considers the problems of climate change and the lengths some people will go to in order to protest and do what they must do to save the planet. A cast of thirteen rise to the challenge of telling this wide-ranging story in a relatively small acting space. With so much content in the play, perhaps it spreads its story a little thin in places by trying to do too much; but its heart is very much in the right place and it’s an absorbing watch.

Lads of the Flies, The Space at Niddry Street.

4-stars

Four young rugby club guys (well, three and Peter) go off on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in the wilds of Scotland and get separated from the rest of their group. Lewis is the team captain and assumes the boss role; his best friend Kieran is his number two. Misogynist Baxter is also a force to be reckoned with. And there’s Peter. This clever play presented by Student Theatre at Glasgow isn’t an adaptation of Lord of the Flies but does cast a nod in its direction, as there are battles for supremacy between the four boys, and also a sexual relationship develops between two of them. To make the gender stereotyping and internalised homophobia even clearer, the guys are all played by female-presenting actors – which brings its own level of hilarity to the proceedings. Extremely funny and very telling, this is a surprise gem of a production.

FUFC, TheSpace on The Mile.

A bad day in goal is one thing; a bad result from the cancer specialist is another. FUFC centres on a 53-year-old man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he talks about with his old mate. The most important message to take home from the production is that if you’re male, and over 50, get a PSA test. As a piece of theatre, I must confess it has a number of deficiencies; but that’s not really the point.

 

Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

4-stars

I’ve seen many a stand-up comedian, and plenty of sketch groups; but I don’t think I’ve ever come across a solo sketch show before. Thots and Prayers – the meaning is explained right at the beginning if you’re in any doubt – starts with Ajahnis sent to Gay Heaven but his entry is not guaranteed unless he can earn enough Homo Points to be admitted. God’s sense of humour is revealed when He requires Ajahnis to earn those extra points during a series of sketches, where he might increase – or accidentally decrease – his allocation of points. Many of the sketches are very funny indeed; a few don’t entirely land, primarily due to the largely British audience not recognising some of his references. Ajahnis is a naturally very funny person and exudes charisma and confidence. Very entertaining!

Dan Tiernan: Stomp, Monkey Barrel Comedy 1.

4-stars

An hour in the company of Dan Tiernan is always explosively unpredictable. In his new show he takes on the challenges of Danger Can, the perils of Leeds Festival and ends up with a sensational magic trick. With loads of bright and inventive new material and a multiplicity of callbacks, Dan is on terrific form. You can expect a show crammed with laughter and fearless crowd work. Just don’t put your feet on his stage or talk during his act – it really isn’t worth it!

 

Reginald D Hunter: Fluffy Fluffy Beavers, Assembly George Square Studios.

4-stars

Few comedians have the pure physical and vocal authority that Reginald D Hunter has on the stage. In this new show he gives us a few insights into how the lockdowns of a couple of years ago affected him, as well as a series of marvellous comic observations told in his inimitable style – and in a way that no one else simply can. Although he teases us with the possibility that we may be offended by what he says – it’s all done with heart and a great feel for the power of language. To be fair – Kardashians had better watch out. And why the title Fluffy Fluffy Beavers? If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.

It’s OK I Still Think You’re Great, TheSpace at Symposium Hall.

3-stars

A domestic comedy/drama amongst some twentysomethings, Cambridge University’s Heart of Hearts Productions’ It’s OK, I Still Think You’re Great is, rather like the old Jona Lewie song, set in the kitchen at a party. Gin and Tibby used to share the flat but Gin moved out and Anika moved in. Now Gin is back to celebrate Tibby’s 25th. Initial resentments subside, and the play follows the three characters over a busy day and night, with friendships re-established, relationships ended and ambitions realised. To be fair, not much actually happens in this play – most of the action is offstage – but it nicely portrays the desires and anxieties of a group of young women who, in the words of the Fun Boy Three, are Having all the Fun.

 

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 10th August 2024

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It’s still all go, let’s have a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 10th.

11:25 – Dissociation, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Dual personalities meet but don’t recognize each other. Are they natural enemies in a fight to the death, or is love a possibility? Brilliant ambiguity leaves the audience with a lot to think about. ‘What an amazing ride from start to finish. Everything about this play was totally relatable and thought provoking. Almost like an outer body experience. Just the right amount of comedy/drama.’ Mark Heany.”

Yet another meaty play to start a Fringe day. It sounds like a thought-provoking experience, so we thought we’d take a lucky punt and hope for the best.

13:10 – Phil Hammond and Dame Clare Gerada: Fifty Minutes to Save the NHS, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“Two doctors devise, with your help, a revolutionary health manifesto. Does the NHS need saving, funding or fixing? Will a change of government make much difference? Why can’t we be like Sweden or Singapore? Is ‘Health For All’ an aspiration or a joke? Why are NHS staff so angry and knackered? Do we live too long or not long enough? Where can I buy some end-of-life drugs? Laugh, shout, argue, vote, save the NHS. Seriously subversive. The perfect election wind down. All profits to Doctors in Distress charity.”

We’ve seen Dr Phil a number of times and he never fails to present an intelligent and witty sideways slant at the NHS in all its glory. It will also be interesting to hear his views about how a new government might change things. We’ll see!

15:00 – Rebels and Patriots, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not an Arab eyes? Israeli-Palestinian co-creation following four friends and how mandatory conscription to the IDF affects them. One wants to get out, one’s a pilot, one was never drafted, one’s torn inside. A raw multilingual, physical portrayal that exposes the consequences army life has on the mental-health of the teenagers enlisted. It explores themes like protest against war, self-harm and what it means to be Israeli and peace-pursuing; the critical voice for coexistence under the pressures of politically motivated violence. Who’s a rebel? Who’s a patriot?”

This play couldn’t be more timely; and if it’s bold but fair in its approach, it could be one of those productions that stays with you a long time.

16:55 – Martin Rowson: Shred the Front Page, The Stand Comedy Club 5 & 6.

“Multi-award winning cartoonist, writer, performer and poet Martin Rowson will work his way through the day’s papers while he outlines his hilarious and often acrimonious relationship with the dozens of daily and Sunday newspapers, magazines and publications he’s worked for (and mostly been sacked from). Almost everyone except The Sun. Only because they never asked. With the aid of a shredding machine, extremely strong language, unsettling images and brutal assessments of the people who own, edit and gob off incessantly in our “fearless mainstream media”.”

Full disclosure – Martin is an old school friend (both an old friend and an old school) and when we saw his show last year I gave him four stars because it was excellent but I wanted to keep him on his toes. Let’s see if he earns that extra star this year.

19:55 – Run, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“Set over an unforgettable summer and encompassing all of space and time, Run explores what it means to love, to lose and grow from a boy into a man. As a young man’s night unfolds and falls into chaos – some of it real, some of it not – Yonni pulls us into his world. A world filled with school riots, first loves, beached whales, sunshine, cinema, sex, rebellion and political demonstrations. First produced at VAULT 2016, No Frills return with their highly acclaimed production, now starring Taylor Moore (Blood Brothers, Romeo and Juliet, Mary Poppins, Cinderella).”

This sounds like a thoroughly entertaining play about growing up; something we’ve all done (to a greater or lesser extent) so there should be something here for everyone to recognise.

22:00 – Randy Feltface: First Banana, Assembly Rooms.

“The first banana appeared on earth 10,000 years ago. Randy Feltface believes humanity has been in a downward spiral since. The only logical solution is a brand-new comedy show from a felt-faced comedian with an axe to grind. As seen on Netflix and NBC, Randy has spent the past 19 years winning awards and garnering critical praise while amassing a huge, devoted following across the globe. Randy has written and performed a dozen comedy shows, released seven comedy specials, played to sold-out crowds around the world and been nominated for Best Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe.”

Mr Feltface is new to me but he comes highly recommended. This is an additional performance as his earlier Saturday show sold out pretty quickly. I’m expecting raucous hilarity.

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