Have I got a list of shows for today? I sure do!
Here’s the schedule for 12th August:
11.30 – Those Who Can’t Do, Laughing Horse @ The Brass Monkey. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“Ty juggles a double life between being a respectable teacher during the week, and a fun-loving party animal on the weekend. Hiding this from the students is hard. Anecdotes and jokes from Ty’s first few years as a teacher, and the lengths he must go to so that he can hide his personal life antics and budding comedy career from his students.”
Teacher turned stand up is not an uncommon career change! Look forward to seeing it.
13.30 – Santi and Naz, Pleasance Courtyard.
“Best friends Santi and Naz live in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim, they have little understanding of how religion will divide them. As the political situation in their country worsens and the threat of separation looms large on the horizon, they decide to take drastic action. Award-winning company The Thelmas explore queer love, identity and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever. Winner of the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund. Praise for Ladykiller (2018): ‘A smash hit’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Superb’ **** (Scotsman).”
As a lover of India, and fascinated by its recent history, I’m sure this will provide a fascinating perspective.
15.10 – Stark Bollock Naked, Assembly Roxy.
“Is the motherhood question bugging you too? An international smash hit about our reproductive shelflife and what (not) to do with those (ageing) eggs. Featuring stunning video mapping, comedy-infused storytelling and a live score of gynaecological instruments, stark bollock naked is a multimedia show with a real naked body and an honest conversation about reproduction, abortion and the biological clock. Game Ovar-ies. ‘Winningly hilarious and visually enthralling’ (FringeBiscuit.co.uk). ‘A satirical homage to eggs. Perfect comic timing’ (Luxembourg Times). VAULT Festival Pick of the Week (Lyn Gardner).”
A title like that doesn’t offer much of a hiding place, but it sounds like it’s going to make lots of serious points. We shall see!
17:35 – The Quality of Mercy: Concerning the Life and Crimes of Dr Harold Frederick Shipman, The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall.
“From his cell in the early hours of the morning, Dr Harold Shipman records a confessional tape as he prepares to end his life. Patiently fashioning a crude noose, he reflects on the choices, compulsions and fascinations that cemented his place as the most prolific serial killer in British history. Exhaustively researched, this multiple award-nominated drama interrogates society’s attitudes towards death, justice and compassion, and is written and performed by Edwin Flay, the grandson of Shipman victim Renee Lacey.”
This is one of those shows that only the Edinburgh Fringe can throw up every so often. The fact that it is performed by a relative of one of Shipman’s victims only adds to the closeness and intimacy of the experience. I expect this to be very hard-hitting indeed.
19.30 – Andrew Frank: Ecstatic Blasphemy, Hill Street Theatre.
“Named one of the Best Undiscovered Comedians in America by Thrillist Magazine, Seattle comedian Andrew Frank delivers a hilarious set about growing up as a pastor’s kid, finding queer joy beyond fundamentalist Christianity, and performing subversive stand-up for more than a decade in America’s Bible Belt. In an hour of rapid-fire jokes, Frank takes aim at the constructs and symbols of evangelical Christianity, re-contextualizing them through the lens of empathy, creativity, and scepticism. Provocative and fiercely vulnerable, Frank creates moments of collective healing and euphoria through the liberating power of laughter.”
I’ve not heard of Andrew Frank before – but he sounds a complete hoot!
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!