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Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Alvin Liu: Rice, Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t For Me, Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game, and Cabaret of Filth

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Alvin Liu: Rice, Laughing Horse at the Counting House.

3-stars

A bright start to the day with forty-five minutes in the company of Alvin Liu, who delivers a fascinating series of comparisons between his new life in the UK and his childhood and upbringing in China. With entertaining curiosities about use of the English language, Alvin gently points out the delightful differences and surprise similarities between us. And just how do you tell your parents, who survived famine, that you’ve got mental health issues?! Rice is a strongly positive show with the main message being that although we’re all very different, we’re even more same-same. This is a Work in Progress in preparation for a fuller, more polished Edinburgh show next year, but even so it’s full of warmth and hilarious observations, and Alvin’s stage persona is charming and friendly, with a great connection to the audience. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t For Me, Gilded Balloon at the Museum.

Everyone (if you’re interested in UK politics, that is) knows that Mhairi Black was the youngest ever MP when she was elected to Parliament in 2015. What you may not know is that she is one helluva live wire out of politics as well as in it, and her first foray into the Edinburgh Fringe is a hilarious delight from start to finish. She admits she’s no stand-up comedian, although she’s funnier than many; and she undoubtedly is a brilliant storyteller who gives us a fascinating insight into the backstage life at the House of Commons and shows us what it’s really like on the inside. Instantly likeable and completely relatable, the hour flies by in an intriguing mix of laughter and parliamentary documentary. Give this woman a TV chat show this minute! And keep an eye out for returns, as the entire run of her show is currently sold out.

Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game, Assembly Rooms.

Our first ever exposure to what is clearly a highly popular quiz show, this is the perfect way to spend the first hour or so of your Fringe evening. Don’t bother sitting down, you’ll soon be up on your feet in the middle of the stage floor to answer questions. You do this by simply standing in either the red, green or yellow section of the floor. If you get the answer right, then you carry on to the next round, and so on until one person is the winner – they don’t call it an Elimination Quiz for nothing. And the prizes are well worth winning – from food and drink offers to – well, in fact, yours truly was the winner in one round and ended up with a voucher for a Whisky Tasting experience! Hosted by Goose himself (that’s Andrew Wildgoose), the show is enormous fun; the questions are a good range from the reasonably obvious to the distinctly challenging, and I can completely see how this can become a very addictive show to return to again and again – as there are different questions every night. Very good humoured and welcoming – and a good way to make new friends too! We loved it!

Cabaret of Filth, Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters.
4-stars

Cabaret of Filth is one of these late night, variety-cum-burlesque shows that the Fringe does so well. The featured acts change every night, but all I can say from the lineup we saw is that this production is one of the better examples of the genre. Hosted by the fabulous Kirsty Munro, we had a mixture of stand-up, burlesque and boylesque, all of which was of a very high, not to mention hysterically funny standard. Diva Delicious, Aaron Twitchen, Carlos Sandin and Anna Beros were the guest stars; among that lineup there was a speciality act that I don’t think I’ll ever quite be able to forget – I’ll say no more!! Very funny and a great vibe; an excellent way to end your Edinburgh day.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 2nd August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for 2nd August:

11:35 – Casting the Runes, Pleasance Courtyard. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Who is this who is coming… you are invited to the edge of your seat, on a journey to the darkest corners of the night… Expert on the so-called supernatural Edward Dunning is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr Karswell, Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare. Our advice? Don’t come alone… ‘…Horrifically captivating…’ ***** (Skinny). ‘…You’ll curse yourself if you miss it.’ ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘…An unreserved recommendation…’ ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ‘…A simply exquisite piece of theatre…’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘…Stylish, gripping… impeccably delivered…” ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

Sounds like a slightly scary way to start the day! The description of the show states this includes puppetry, which will either work freakishly well or might seem a bit silly – who knows? They’re very good reviews so I have high hopes.

13:15 – Glitch, Assembly George Square.

“10-year high school reunion. Lost dreams. Lost friends. Lost your shit when you reunited with the one. Things should have been better. But life seems to have encountered a glitch. Where do you go from here?”

We all know that moment in one’s life when everything seems to be sailing along perfectly well but then you encounter a glitch; and the key to success is how you deal with it! This play sounds very intriguing and it will be fascinating to find out just how the glitch is handled!

15:30 – Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Pleasance Courtyard.

“She’s the Goop-founding, Door-Sliding, Shakespeare-In-Loving, consciously-uncoupling Hollywood superstar. He’s a retired optometrist from Utah. In 2016, they went skiing. A story of love, betrayal and skiing – where you are the jury. After sell-out London runs, join harbingers of queer chaos Awkward Productions (Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story), original songs by Leland (RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Cher), with a special video appearance by Trixie Mattel (RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 winner), and the singing voices of Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), and Catherine Cohen (Edinburgh Comedy Award winner).”

Last year’s Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story was one of the highlights of the Fringe so I have high hopes that the same production team will give us another hilarious and completely disrespectful comedy in a similar vein!

19:00 – Arturo Brachetti: SOLO, Pleasance at EICC.

“Get ready to believe the unbelievable! Olivier Award-nominee and Italian quick-change legend Arturo Brachetti will take you on a magical journey this summer. This jam-packed visual feast sees the Guinness World Record-holder bring over 50 characters to life in front of your eyes; expect astonishing illusions, mind-boggling transformations, sand painting, shadow puppetry and more, against a kaleidoscope of lights and lasers. A bright spark of theatrical wonder to ignite your imagination and illuminate your Fringe! Suitable for all ages, from 5 to 105! **** (Times) **** (Evening Standard) ‘So speedy you gawp in wonder.’ **** (Daily Mail).”

Here’s a show that should be amazing! There’s no quick change artist like Arturo Brachetti and I’m expecting a visually stunning, laugh-a-second extravaganza which will push the audience’s credibility of how does he do it to the limit! Genuinely can’t wait to see this one!

21:30 – Tarot: Shuffle, Pleasance Courtyard.

“The best show of 2019 according to Chortle. The sixth-best show of 2022 according to the Guardian. Come watch us continue our slow descent into mediocrity. They (our parents, partners, children) say ‘sketch is dead’, but if it’s dead then where’s all our money going? A new show from the critically acclaimed, nightie-clad sketch zealots. ‘Bark-out-loud funny… the whole show is startlingly live’ **** (Guardian). ‘One of the balls-out funniest show of the Fringe’ ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Tarot will not give you nightmares, though you might wake laughing your head off’ **** (Evening Standard). **** (Telegraph).”

Welcome back to Tarot; at their best they are unbeatable – last time I saw them I thought they were a little stale, so I hope they’ve got some new material with which to freshen up! I’m sure there’ll be loads of laughs whatever.

23:00 – 1 Hour of Insane Magic, Gilded Ballon Patter House.

“After a sell-out sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023, Insane Magic are back even bigger and even more Insane! Witness some of the most incredible acts of magic from ‘three of the best magicians in the country’ (EdinburghLive.com). Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey return with everything from insane magic tricks and impossible illusions, to amazing acts of mind-reading, this is a show that’s ‘so insanely good’ (WorldMagicReview.com) it has to be seen to be believed!”

Late night magic is always a good way to send you off to bed with a befuddled and bemused brain – and I’m sure these three guys will give us a terrific and hilarious show.

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 1st August 2024

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Another day of Edinburgh Previews – what’s on the slab for today? Another six shows – here goes!

10:45 – Alvin Liu: Rice, Laughing House at the Counting House. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Transgressive, irreverent, yet adorable and heartfelt, with a touch of political satire. Rice (WIP) is a comedy about growing up in China and fighting repression with food. ‘Charm personified, definitely one to watch’ ***** (Morning Star). ‘What he has is potent in its imagery, authenticity, perverse logic, and volatility’ (Comedy.co.uk). Alvin was made in China, schooled by the English and influenced by Tupac. In 2022 he moved to London to pursue his dream of being a funny expat, sharing his ridiculous views on cultures and countries. ‘We can all find happiness with a bowl of rice’ (Confucius).”

We start the day with some Chinese comedy from someone who is a new name to me. The show is designated a Work in Progress (not a Wok in Progress, I’ll leave the jokes to Alvin). No idea what to expect – let’s hope for lots of laughs!

13:15 – Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t For Me, Gilded Balloon at the Museum.

“In 2015, at the age of 20, Mhairi Black became the youngest person ever elected to the House of Commons. Nearly 10 years on, she has announced she will stand down at the next election and looks forward to embracing her dark sense of humour. For £13 you could buy 491 teabags, 43 Freddos, six and a half lottery tickets, or one alcoholic beverage at the Edinburgh Fringe. Even better, for £13 you could buy a ticket to this first hand, behind the scenes, ruthlessly honest look at politics in 21st-century Britain.”

I remember very clearly when Mhairi Black first entered the House of Commons; she was a breath of fresh air and her no-nonsense, get-your-hands-dirty approach won her many admirers from all parts of the UK and members of all parties. It will be fascinating to hear her talk about her life and thoughts for the future.

16:10 – Liam Farrelly: Flipbook, The Stand Comedy Club 2.

“Well known for his excellent writing and storytelling ability Farrelly returns to Fringe with a new show which will be more personal and emotional than he’s ever been before. His rise from 17-year-old newcomer to now 24, the star of Live at the Apollo and Netflix, has been nothing short of impressive, and this new step in direction guarantees to follow in this pattern of success. Farrelly’s first Fringe show was met by great reviews and loving audiences; he now faces a difficult second album, but he promises to buck the trend and continue with the laughs.”

We saw Liam Farrelly at the Fringe last year where he was one half of a double-bill – and hugely funnier and more entertaining than the other half! I’m very much looking forward to seeing him deliver an hour of comedy by himself – very hopeful of an excellent show.

19:00 – Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game, Assembly Rooms.

“With bigger prizes and brand-new rounds, Scotland’s premiere quiz company triumphantly returns with the Elimination Game: Round Two! Through a series of make-or-break questions that pit you against your fellow audience members, test your knowledge – and your luck – to see if you will face elimination, or be crowned champion! A five-star reviewed hit in 2023, this unique blend of competition and camaraderie has something for everyone, from classic pub trivia to daft new game modes. There’s only one winner per round, will you claim your moment of glory?”

And now for something – as they used to say – completely different. I genuinely have no idea quite what this show will be like – one big pub quiz I guess! Well, I do like a pub quiz; but does it work as a Fringe show? We’ll find out!

20:55 –  House of Life, Underbelly Cowgate.

“House of Life is a place of worship with one goal: happiness for all, at any cost. One part sermon, one part purge, three parts party, this is a space to let it all out. Led by the glitter-clad RaveRend, House of Life provides a scientifically proven sense of togetherness and elevation at a time when people feel more disconnected than ever. Heal through music, joy and noise in an eight-step musical programme that is hailed as ‘one of the most joyful productions the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has to offer’ (BroadwayBaby.com). Get happy. Join the RAVEolution.”

This sounds like it could be a riot. I trust the glitter-clad RaveRend will be on good form as he cajoles a preview audience into a church service of hilarity. Fingers crossed!

22:15 –  Cabaret of Filth, Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters.

“Come inside the Cabaret of Filth and indulge in a night of pure debauchery, comedians, burlesque and drag in this comedy riot! Will contain nudity, filthy comedy, anti-establishment rebellion and all the good swear words. Come and join in the revelry you sexy ****s!”

One of those late(ish) night shows in Edinburgh where you expect the unexpected and I dare say it will either be superb or the opposite. Let’s hope for the former!

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 31st July 2024

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Last year, for the first time, we committed to doing Edinburgh for a full 28 days and nights, clocking up 145 shows in all, including a few days of previews before the Fringe started “officially”. It seemed a successful plan – so we’re doing it again this year! I hope I don’t simply conk out before the month is up.

Like last year, I’m going to write just one blog a day, previewing the shows we will see the next day, uploading it around 10 pm every evening, and then following up with updates as to how good each show was. I’ll update at least once a day, probably at the end of the evening – or I might update as each show finishes depending on whether I have the time and the space to sit down and collect my thoughts! If I don’t update until the following morning, please forgive me – it can be an exhausting few weeks!

Here’s the schedule for 31st July. These are all previews, so I will of course take that into account when I give my comments later:

10:50 –  Shellshocked – An Explosive New Play, Pleasance Courtyard.  From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“From the creative team behind the five-star, multi-award winning plays Jesus, Jane Mother and Me, and Heroin(e) for Breakfast. The horrors of war have broken young Wesley, but could the madness he encounters beyond it save or destroy a soldier’s shellshocked mind? A powerful new play from multi award-winning playwright Philip Stokes, recognised by the British Library as a culturally important playwright of the 21st century, and Olivier, Tony and Emmy award-winning producer Richard Jordan. Starring Jack Stokes (Winner, Adelaide Critics Circle Award 2023) and Lee Bainbridge – Heroin(e) For Breakfast: ***** (Sunday Telegraph).”

We were very impressed with this team’s Jesus Jane Mother and Me last year – which was also our first show of the Fringe for 2023, so it only seems appropriate to kick off with Shellshocked this year! I’m expecting great writing and great acting – here’s hoping!

12:35 –   Sell Me: I Am from North Korea, Pleasance Courtyard.

“On her 15th birthday, Jisun, a North Korean girl, decides to sell herself to an old man to buy medication for her dying mother. But after risking her life by crossing into China, she learns that her under-developed body is not-sellable. Will she survive as she struggles in a merciless foreign land, where her very existence is illegal? Performed at the U.S. Capitol Center, this powerful and fast-paced solo piece is inspired by the true stories of incredibly courageous female North Korean defectors. ‘Excellent… important’ (Henry Song, North Korean Human Rights Activist).”

This play sounds like it will be very serious and hard-hitting, and obviously has an important story to tell. We know so little about life in North Korea, so hopefully this will be informative as well as dramatic. I’m not sure I can say that I’m looking forward to it, but with any luck it will be memorable and stay in the mind for days afterwards.

14:30 –   Will Sebag-Montefiore: Will of the People, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“With over 62 millions views across his digital platforms, Will Sebag-Montefiore brings his sharp musical, comedic and satirical prowess to the tangible realm of the stage 27 days after a General Election. Will is an actor, writer and satirist who turns the news into sketches and songs and Will of the People is his debut solo show. Watch him struggle to keep up with the ever-changing news cycle as he tries to make the world a better place (for him).”

Will is a name new to me, but I saw some online videos of him doing his stuff and he had me instantly howling with laughter! With any luck his live comedy will be equally as hilarious.

16:40 –  Sooz Kempner: Class Of 2000, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“The award-winning, viral sensation returns to the Fringe with a follow-up to her sell-out Fringe 2023 hit. Join Sooz as she looks at class through the lens of doing her GCSEs in 2000 at a state comp… while knowing all about dressage. Politics, horses, EastEnders and the Millennium Bug. ‘Kempner has funny bones’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Brilliant’ (LA Times). ‘An unforgettable show… hits the nail on the head at every turn’ **** (Entertainment-Now.com).”

Sooz Kempner is always a name we look for whenever planning our Edinburgh Fringe; always a super-reliable comedian who I’m sure will give us another great show.

19:45 –  Amos Gill: Going Down Swinging, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“Award-winning comedian and international rising star Amos Gill is back at the Fringe with another boundary-pushing hour of hilarious, challenging and sometimes caustic stand-up. Smart, fearless and always bitingly funny, Amos has conquered Australia’s comedy scene,   challenging audiences to think and taking them to the edge. Nothing is off-limits for Amos. Expertly skewering absolutely everyone, he’s gained a legion of fans around the world touring with Jim Jefferies, including a sell-out crowd at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. ‘Amos is going down swinging’ **** (Scotsman). ‘An absolute hoot of a show!’ ***** (ScottishDailyExpress.co.uk).”

Amos Gill is another new name to me – so this is a bit of a lucky punt, but those quotable quotes from the Fringe website are very impressive – so fingers crossed!

21:30 –   Reginald D Hunter: Fluffy Fluffy Beavers, Assembly George Square Studios.

“For years, Reginald D Hunter has been misinterpreted as a controversial comedian because of his show titles despite his repeated objections that he is not a controversial comedian. He has penned Fluffy Fluffy Beavers with some hope to rehabilitate his persona by manifesting images of well-coiffed river creatures building dams of chocolate in rivers of candy, whilst continually delivering pressure inducing ideas to form diamonds of laughter. ‘Arguably the most accomplished act in the comedy section of your Fringe brochure’ (Scotsman). ‘Stand-up comedy’s coolest customer’ (Telegraph). ‘Comedy of a rare scope’ ***** (Times).”

Another always reliable name, I’m sure Reginald D Hunter will end our first day’s Fringing with a dangerously hilarious and daring show. Can’t wait!

Reviews to follow in the next few days!

Review – Gareth Mutch and Tom Stade, Comedy Crate Edinburgh Previews at the Museum, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 23rd June 2024

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With the inevitability of night following day and misadventure following Sunak, Edinburgh Previews come around again, as plucky comedians start girding their loins for the Greatest Show on Earth (well, the Greatest Show north of the border). A quick check of the Edinburgh Fringe website reveals over 1,350 comedy shows taking place there this summer, so it’s only right and proper that the Comedy Crate should bring some of them to our attention. And the first of these shows we were able to catch this year took place in the dignified surroundings of the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Gareth Mutch and Tom Stade shared a preview night last year, so they clearly go together like Cheese and Onion. First up was Gareth Mutch, with a preview of his Edinburgh show for this year, Modern Man. Not sure what you think of when you think of “modern man”, but I think of a man with a progressive outlook, a firm feminist and not afraid to show his feelings. Gareth has followed the advice of some expert who described it as someone who “struggles with modern life”. Not sure I quite believe that.

No matter. Gareth has a hugely engaging stage persona; he’s a big chap with a bit of a gruff exterior but within a few seconds of seeing his act you realise he’s a true softy inside. He has some excellent material where he beautifully demonstrates his Beta Male qualities, with his inability to fix a boiler – he can’t even come to terms with the fact he has an airing cupboard. He also has a brilliant routine where he challenges audience members to decide what’s best: falling in love or being married? If you’re concerned about offending your other half with your reply, he has a very funny test to help you decide the right answer.

A preview show is precisely that; as Gareth said in his introduction, there may hopefully be parts of the show where the comedy soars, and there will doubtless be parts where it falls flat on it’s a*se. He started a sequence which involved a very dubious reference to shall we say a difficult subject – and it was met with stony – nay, shocked – silence from the crowd. Wisely, he decided instantly to drop it. Because Gareth comes across as such a likeable guy, suddenly to confront us with a very challenging and tough-to-find-humour-in subject was like a slap in the face. But a Preview Show is a learning curve – that’s what it’s all about. There’s definitely plenty to look forward to in Modern Man, and Gareth’s stage confidence and delivery skills are a sheer delight to witness. He’s on at The Stand Comedy Club 2 at 18:50 every night from July 31 – Aug 25 except August 12th, and you can book tickets here.

After the interval we were treated to the whirlwind of comedy dynamite (yes, I know that’s a mixed metaphor) that is Tom Stade, with a Preview of his new Edinburgh show, Risky Business. An hour spent in the company of Tom Stade is a rollercoaster of a white knuckle ride, and you genuinely can’t guess in which direction he’ll go next. We started off in fairly familiar Stade territory with an assessment of the average ages of audience members, and how language can (does) mean different things to different age groups. He has some great material about how the prevalence of computers in the lives of the twenty-somethings and younger is so ingrown that it can lead to severe misunderstandings, and, if you’re as mischievous as Mr Stade, can become delightful weapons in the war of comedy.

I loved his observations about modern travel, and how travel agents are redundant if you know someone young enough to work their way around a computer; and how his perfect holiday must include a waterpark. Another observation that rang true is how there’s only one thing that Mr and Mrs Stade want to go when they go to bed – scroll. And he has a brilliant slant on that old favourite, Mr Potato Head. Trying to review or even encapsulate much of what passes in a Tom Stade set is an impossible task because all his nuggets – big or small – just wash over you and you simply can’t keep track of what he says. You only hope that he can! You always feel that there’s an element of danger in what might happen on stage when he’s on; it gives an intangible edge to the whole proceedings. Wonderfully funny as always; even though this show was still at the let’s chuck ideas in the air and see where they land stage, you just know his new Edinburgh show will be a winner. You can catch Tom at The Stand Comedy Club 1 at 20:15 every night from July 31 – Aug 25 except August 12th, and you can book tickets here.

Many more Edinburgh Previews to come: our next date is to see Scott Bennett and Sara Barron at the Lamplighter on July 8th.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 – It’s a Wrap!

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We arrived on 1st August and we left on the 29th. During that time we saw 145 shows, which was just six less than I had planned but was thirteen more than last year – so I’m very pleased with that number. According to the step count on the phone, we racked up about 184 miles of walking during the month – no wonder I didn’t put any weight on!

Here’s a quick reminder of the 4 and 5 star shows we saw, by star rating and in date order of when we saw them:

5 STARS:

Jesus Jane Mother and Me

In Loyal Company

Glenn Moore

Manbo

Ben Target – Lorenzo

Diana the Untold and Untrue Story

Birthmarked

An Interrogation

Public the Musical

Lovefool

Gertrude Lawrence: A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening

Sophie’s Surprise 29th

Yoga with Jillian

Nuclear Children

The Trials of Galileo

Nobody’s Talking About Jamie

The Quality of Mercy: Life and Times of Harold Shipman

Tarot (Work in Progress)

The Life Sporadic of Jess Wildgoose

I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical

Paved With Gold and Ashes

Why I Stuck a Flare up my Arse for England

Adam Flood Remoulded

Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes

The Rite of Spring/Common Ground[s] (EIF)

The Court

A Chorus Line

The Good Dad (A Love Story)

Lena

Sooz Kempner: Y2K Woman

Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt

Alvin Ailey Company (EIF)

Bacon

Chopped Liver and Unions

Robin Grainger: An Audient with Robin Grainger

Ahir Shah: Ends

Groomed

4 STARS:

Spin Cycles

Jon Culshaw: Impostor Syndrome

One Way Out

17 Minutes

Showgirls and Spies

Bill’s 44th

Alan Turing – A Musical Biography

Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground

Pear but Braver

Ay Up Hitler!

The Academy Trust

Bitter Lemons

Stuntman

Raising Kane

The Way Way Deep

Andrew Frank: Ecstatic Blasphemy

Wiesenthal

Giving the Gift of Offence with Martin Rowson

In Conversation with Jack Monroe

Olaf Falafel: Look What Fell out of my Head

Letter to Boddah

The Last Flapper

Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe (Ben Clover)

Perfect Pairing: A Wine Tasting Dancegustation

The Stall

Frank Sanazi’s Comedy Blitzkrieg

Long Long Long Live

Kevin Precious – The Reluctant Teacher

Joe Wells: King of the Autistics

Darren Walsh: 3rd Rock from the Pun

Mary Bourke – 200% Irish

Rob Auton: The Rob Auton Show

Marlon Solomon: How to be an Antisemite

Shenanigan’s Cabaret

Burning Down the Horse

Locusts

Do Rhinos Feel Their Horns?

OTMA

Pressure Cooker

Being Sophie Scholl

Dane Baptiste: Bapsquire

Appraisal

 

Congratulations to all these great shows. As to working out which of them are the absolute best – you’ll have to wait until the Chrisparkle Awards for 2023 are announced in January!

And thank you, gentle reader, for sticking with me throughout this busy month! My viewing/reading statistics have gone through the roof and are over twice the numbers who checked out my reviews at the 2022 Fringe – so thank you very much for that. Remember – reviews are only what one person thinks, they’re purely a personal reaction. And star ratings are even more unreliable!

Now it’s back to “ordinary” theatre reviewing – although theatre should never be “ordinary”!

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 Reviews (final day) – Appraisal, Groomed, Njambi McGrath: OutKast, William Thompson: The Hand You’re Dealt and 1984.

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Appraisal, Assembly George Square Studios.

It’s Nicky’s annual work appraisal, but the boss seems more interested in practising his golf swing than putting in the appropriate preparation. You can tell from her body language that she’s not comfortable with his managerial style, but she goes along with it. Before long it becomes apparent that both characters have their own agenda, but which one will end up holding all the cards? Tim Marriott plays the boss in his own play and it’s a nicely underplayed, quiet, slightly unsettling performance; and Angela Bull plays Nicky, barely able to contain her annoyance and disdain for her manager. It’s an enjoyable play, perhaps slightly unbelievable that an appraisal would actually develop in the way that it does, but I did like the way it exposed how a bad boss can gaslight his employees by denying almost everything he has said – it’s just like the current government! Also, a complete hats-off to Tim Marriott for carrying on whilst suffering from a nosebleed for the first half of the show; that must have been tremendously difficult to manage but he was a super trouper!

4-stars

Groomed, Pleasance Dome.

Patrick Sandford’s personal account of a childhood blighted by sexual abuse at the hands of his teacher; a blight that has never really gone away. It’s a very powerful and impressive piece of writing, and a very emotional performance; particularly memorable when he attempts to get into the mind of his own abuser and “justifies” his actions, as well as remembering himself as a boy wondering if it’s his own dirtiness that has somehow caused it. I had no idea that childhood sexual abuse is as prevalent as it is – he tells us it’s estimated that it happens to one in four children in Ireland, and in the UK one in three girls and one in six boys. What is particularly impressive is Mr Sandford’s drive to find a positive solution to the problem, to try to prevent paedophiles from committing their crimes by offering them non-judgemental, thoroughly professional counselling in an attempt to deter them from carrying out their sexual desires. There’s a helpful musical contribution from a saxophonist which both breaks up the tension and punctuates it, as well as revealing how Adolphe Sax also survived his childhood against all the odds. A memorable and important contribution to our understanding of paedophilia and the appalling scars it leaves.

Njambi McGrath: OutKast, Gilded Balloon Teviot.

Njambi McGrath was born in Kenya but now lives in London, and she takes us through the perils of colonisation and points out some humorous observations of what the British did to her homeland, whilst never losing sight of the seriousness of the issue. There’s some very good material here – and there’s also quite a lot to make a native Brit feel uncomfortable. She’s a strong storyteller with an excellent stage presence; perhaps the overall effect of the hour is that it’s a little too intense – there’s not a lot of light and shade, or an opportunity to take in and reflect on her observations before moving on to the next one. But it’s an entertaining show and I for one am not going to complain about white western privilege.

3-stars

William Thompson: The Hand You’re Dealt, Pleasance Courtyard.

William Thompson has cerebral palsy and this show deals with how the condition affects him and the extent to which it affected his upbringing. But it’s not a sorrowful story of having to survive the hand you’re dealt, it’s a positive meander through a Belfast childhood, his caring adopted mum, his belligerent dad and his rough and ready schooldays. He has a terrific attacking style and some excellent original material. The show needs a bit more of a final punch, but he’s a likeable lad and he connects really well with his audience. Lots to laugh at and to recognise!

3-stars

 

1984, Assembly Roxy.

The appropriately named Proletariat Productions’ 1984 takes Orwell’s novel and specifically concentrates on Winston Smith’s imprisonment and punishment at the hands of the self-styled Ministry of Love, including his treatment in his own Room 101. It certainly serves to disturb and terrify its audience with some ruthless stage-torture, although the excessive amount of the story that’s told on film – that you feel could be even better performed live on stage – outweighs the live action, so that it feels a rather lopsided and unbalanced presentation. The filmed content is also quite low quality (deliberately so, I feel) in order to add to the sense of detachment and unreality. So while it’s fairly successful at conveying some of Orwell’s message, it’s not that successful in providing that buzz that only a live theatrical event can create. Excellent live performances though – there’s no doubting the cast’s commitment to the production.

3-stars

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 Reviews – Ahir Shah: Ends (WIP), Dane Baptiste: Bapsquire, Sam Williams: Himbo (WIP), and Myra Dubois: Be Well.

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Ahir Shah: Ends (WIP), Monkey Barrel Comedy.

From Work in Progress to Edinburgh Award for Best Stand-up Comedy Show, this has been quite the few weeks for Ahir Shah! Always an assured performer, he has really taken it up several gears this year to present Ends, one of the most beautiful and emotional stand-up routines I’ve ever seen. An homage to his nanaji – maternal grandfather – who arrived in the UK in 1964, leaving behind his wife and three kids in order to work to raise enough money so that the family could join him – five years later. But it’s also a look at the differences between today and the 1960s, with hilarious stories including why he’s grateful for his Latin schooling and his dad’s reaction to Sunak becoming Prime Minister. Mr Shah’s comic delivery is fast and furious; I doubt any other comedian gets quite as many words into his hour as he does. His material is fully original and always comes from the heart. There’s a serious side to almost everything he says, but he never loses sight of the fact that the show should, above all, be very, very funny. This is about as good as it gets.

Dane Baptiste: Bapsquire, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive).

Dane Baptiste returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand new show, Bapsquire, his self-styled super-English alter ego designed to broaden his audience in these harsh austerity times, even if it means being somebody he isn’t. But the old Dane still comes through, more mature now he’s 41 and shortly to become a father, and still angry at injustice and prejudice. He’s resigned to performing in a venue that smells of bin juice and urine, because it’s all going very well in showbusiness. Unlike Ahir Shah whom we saw earlier, he’s much less forgiving of Rishi Sunak because the PM’s no friend to the performing arts and would have wanted him to retrain; and he’s also unforgiving of the racism he has encountered – why wouldn’t he be? As always, he has a surefire manner and supreme stage confidence, and it’s a show packed with laughs and original material. And whatever you do, don’t offer him any vegan cheese. A great show.

4-stars

Sam Williams: Himbo (WIP), Just the Tonic at the Caves.

Sam Williams’ Work in Progress show takes him from his middle-class upbringing in Maidenhead, through middle-class living in London, to visiting his parents in middle-class rural Wales. He’d be the first to say that he’s middle class, but his story also involves mummy issues, therapy, a psychic, dogging, masturbating in class, and having to come out as Christian. A slightly surreal last show of his Edinburgh run, as Mrs Chrisparkle and I formed two-thirds of his audience. But Sam was up for it and keen to give his best, and there’s a lot of entertaining material there, which just needs a little sharpening up – but that will come. An extremely likeable performer, with a confident stage presence, a perfect communicator’s voice, and an unexpected show finale!

3-stars

Myra DuBois: Be Well, Pleasance Dome.

Rotherham’s answer to Dame Edna, Myra Dubois hosts a get-together of people who need her help – and the nearer to the stage they are sitting, the more in need of help they are. In fact, she announces she’s giving up showbiz in order to work with her wellness guru to give a little love back to the world. All of the trademark elements of a Myra show are there – thinly veiled jealousy of her sister Rose, some no holds-barred interaction with the audience, and a couple of ghastly comedy songs. There’s no doubt that she’s a great comic creation, but this show falls apart with about fifteen minutes to go, when there doesn’t appear to be much material left to wrap it up. There was also some excruciating chat with one member of the audience where Myra asked him about the therapy he was undertaking – and he accidentally overshared why he was having it and she made the most inappropriate rejoinder – I hope the chap wasn’t offended! Started very well – tailed off significantly!

3-stars

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 28th August 2023

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And we come to our final day of the Fringe! What have got left in store to see today?

Here’s the schedule for 28th August:

11.35 – Appraisal, Assembly George Square Studios. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“An annual work review that goes horribly wrong. Jo needs to appraise Nicky. Nicky just wants to keep working. A power play of manipulation, subtext and subterfuge, ‘a tense relatable thriller’ (BohemianBritain.com), exploring explosive consequences arising out of a seemingly innocent conversation. Written by Tim Marriott (Watson: The Final Problem). Returning after sold-out seasons at Edinburgh Fringe 2022 and Adelaide Fringe 2023. ‘A convoluted maze with humorous, dramatic punch’ ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). ‘A terrific play, disturbingly realistic’ ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). ‘Intelligent and incisive… utterly captivating’ ***** (StageWhispers.com.au). ‘A classically structured two-hander that captures the unjustifiable’ **** (Scotsman).”

A last minute change of plan as our original choice of show has been cancelled due to sickness. Hopefully this will be good!

13.30 – Groomed, Pleasance Dome.

“How can a truth be told? How can a secret be spoken? Three true stories of survival. A schoolboy is kept back by his teacher, a Japanese soldier won’t surrender and an accident-prone young Belgian invents the saxophone. Fast, powerful, gripping storytelling with live saxophone music. ‘Astonishing… unmissable’ **** (Guardian). ‘Remarkable, brave, inquiring theatre’ **** (Financial Times). ‘One of the most moving pieces I have seen’ (Sandi Toksvig). Winner: three Outstanding Theatre Awards, Brighton Fringe. Finalist: Best Male Performer, Off West End Awards. Written and performed by Patrick Sandford. Directed by Nancy Meckler. Composer Simon Slater.”

This sounds like an unusual combination of themes, but let’s give it a go!

15.00 – Njambi McGrath: OutKast, Gilded Balloon Teviot.

“Njambi McGrath is an OutKast. Lured by British colonial PR, Njambi studied prose, poetry, Shakespeare and watched Downtown Abbey in preparation for arrival in the UK. Then she arrived in Staines. The rest is her-story. Product of British colonial kiln unable to fit in. Ridiculed for her accent at boarding school, kicked out of choir at 8 for ruining the harmonies, Njambi’s life should have been a failure. Not even her rejection in modelling for being black or being too short to be an air hostess could quash her enthusiasm. She’s living it large in Staines.”

I’ve never seen Njambi McGrath before, but I like the sound of her story – hope she’s funny!

17.30 – William Thompson: The Hand You’re Dealt, Pleasance Courtyard.

“William Thompson (BBC New Comedy Awards finalist 2021, as seen and heard on Dave, Channel 4 and BBC Scotland) is a rising star from Belfast. Growing up disabled on a Northern Irish council estate, where people aren’t known to be sympathetic, William struggled with living with his grandparents, relationships and stereotypes; trying his best to make the most out of the hand he was dealt. Co-host of The Mudblood Podcast, regular guest on Tea With Me, support for Shane Todd and Paddy McDonnell on tour, and has sold-out shows across the UK.”

A late substitution as the show I had originally booked to see cancelled this final day of the Fringe – yes, Luke Kempner, I’m looking at you! But it gives us an opportunity to see someone new and I’ve seen William Thompson on video and he seems excellent – so, fingers crossed!

18.55 – 1984, Assembly Roxy.

“A chilling new retelling of George Orwell’s seminal novel. Live action and filmed image combine to reimagine 1984 as a ghost story as the feverish recollections of Comrade 6079 Winston Smith play out after thinking a thought and falling in love. Winston lies alone in a cell in the Ministry of Love, arrested by the Party for thoughtcrime. Imprisoned for weeks, or months, his mind races with feverish recollections of the events leading up to his arrest. Thoughts of the Party, of Big Brother, of Julia, torture him. But the real torture is about to begin.”

I count myself a big Orwell fan although I don’t know 1984 as well as I should, so I shall be very interested to see this adaptation. And that’s an Edinburgh wrap!

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 Reviews – Chopped Liver and Unions, Alex Something is Missing Again, Lie Low, Robin Grainger: An Audient with Robin Grainger, and Eddy MacKenzie and Liam Farrelly: Little and Large.

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Chopped Liver and Unions, The Space on the Mile.

Blue Fire Theatre Company tell the story of Sara Wesker, an early twentieth century union activist, and more of a “bloody difficult woman” than Theresa May could ever aspire to be. She takes us through her experiences leading strikes in the clothing and fabric workshops of the East End, demanding equal rights and equal pay for women doing the same work as men. Her nephew Arnold Wesker was the famous playwright and Sarah Kahn in his play Chicken Soup with Barley is based on his aunt. J J Leppink’s play is beautifully written and structured, and features a fine performance from Lottie Walker as Sarah. Stirring stuff, and thoroughly entertainingly presented. It makes you want to find out more about what Sara Wesker achieved – and also to re-read The Wesker Trilogy to see a fictionalised version. Electrically exciting – and it keeps alive a story that should never be forgotten.

Alex Something Is Missing Again! PBH’s Free Fringe @ Pilgrim.

A mixture of magic and therapy from Alex Kouvatas, which includes a few very good tricks, and some clever sleight of hand. The title of the show makes, in my humble opinion, no sense at all! It’s presented in a very gentle, quiet style, and, whilst the show never really soared, there was plenty to be wowed by. The T-shirt trick is the best!

3-stars

Lie Low, Traverse Theatre.

A woman stands alone, bewildered, in her room. Then the wardrobe door opens and a man with a duck’s mask joins her for a Strictly Come Dancing style performance of 42nd Street. We laugh – because it’s a superb moment of theatrical surrealism. But I think it’s safe to say we’re in somebody’s fantasy world at this stage. The trouble is, Ciara Elizabeth Smyth’s play deliberately makes it impossible to tell where the fantasy stops and the reality begins – if, indeed, either of them ever do. Faye tells her doctor she cannot sleep. She says she was attacked a year earlier and sexually assaulted, and he advises her to try exposure therapy. Then her brother Naoise arrives, out of the blue, and she asks him if he will jump out of the wardrobe at her, dressed as a duck. Despite his protestations, he does this three times. But he has his own agenda – he has been accused of sexual misconduct at work and wants his sister to write a character reference for him. All of this – or none of this – or some of this – might be true. I found this ambiguity very tiresome. In my view it never really achieves anything more than a few cheap laughs over someone blackmailing another person to show them their genitals. I absolutely hated this play – but the 70 minutes is redeemed by two superlative performances from Charlotte McCurry and Thomas Finnegan.

Robin Grainger: An Audient with Robin Grainger, The Stand Comedy Club 2.

I’d never seen Robin Grainger before – but what a find! The title comes from his Edinburgh Fringe gig last year when one person showed up to his first night – Michael from Leicester, radio producer, gluten-intolerant, left-handed. The show refers to that formative experience of last year, but also takes in some brilliant, original material concerning his general awkwardness, his experiences at the gym, and the ins and outs of having to scatter the ashes of his late father. Robin Grainger has a very winning, honest style about him, and delivers his cracking gags with a mixture of sure-fired confidence and disarming charm. You can’t fake this level of likability. A magic hour of comedy.

Eddy MacKenzie and Liam Farrelly: Little and Large, The Stand Comedy Club 2.

You’ve heard of a game of two halves? If ever this applied to a comedy gig, this was the one. The show opened with Eddy MacKenzie, an enthusiastic, jocular, guffawing presence with a guitar, who promised some Beatles parodies (he did one) and then promised some other comedy songs (he did one, but it wasn’t funny). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a comedian come on stage so completely devoid of material – it was genuinely painful. Then halfway through we switched to Liam Farrelly, a Paisley lad with bags of attitude and brilliant stories, from taking his daughter to baby ballet to acquiring four guinea pigs – and I don’t think I’ve laughed so loudly at a routine as I did to that one for a very long time! A naturally gifted comedian who needs a full hour on his own. * for Eddy MacKenzie and ***** for Liam Farrelly equals:

3-stars