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The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 6th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 6th

10:45 – Bailey Swilley: Gimme a Sign! Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“In this vulnerable yet irreverent debut, Bailey Swilley shares how she got through the darkest time in her life – the death of her father – with the help of family, pop culture and an obsession with looking for signs from ghosts. Come for the sweet stuff, stay for the weird facts about celebs!”

So here’s an up and coming comedian of whom I know very little – but if you can’t take a risky punt at Edinburgh, where can you? Family, grief and ghosts? That basically covers everything that life has to offer. I’m quite partial to believing in ghosts myself, so I hope to find someone who’s also prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt!

12:30 – Common Is As Common Does: A Memoir, ZOO Southside.

“Fringe favourites 21Common return for a dance spectacular, mashing karaoke carnage and feats of physical endurance with chucking-out time at the Grand Ole Oprey. Using tropes of Western movies, it explores how poverty and violence shape a man. This is a deep and dirty dive into a family circle that more often resembles a ring of fire. Part saloon (there’s crooner country classics), speakeasy (brush/scuffing danceathons) and bare-knuckle boxing ring (it’s going to kick off`), join us in our Wild West sitting room with the ones who spit. Part of MadeInScotlandShowcase.com”

That’s a very full description of a Fringe show! Essentially I’m expecting a rather immersive dance show that blurs the boundaries between other art forms – and with a bit of Yee-ha! thrown in! It’ll be fascinating to see exactly what it’s all about.

14:15 – Rob Auton: The Eyes Open and Shut Show, Assembly Roxy.

“This is a show about eyes when they are open and eyes when they are shut. With this show I wanted to explore what I could do to myself and others with language when eyes are open and shut. After writing ten shows on specific themes, I wanted to think about what makes me open my eyes and what makes me shut them. ‘A genuine original’ (Guardian). ‘The mother freaking greatest’ (James Acaster). ‘Very hilarious’ (David Shrigley). ‘A genius’ (Bridget Christie). ‘Makes laughter out of wonder. We need him’ (Scotsman).”

In all the world of stand-up comedy, Rob Auton has carefully carved out a unique space for himself; a cross between guffawingly hilarious observational comedy and gentle philosophical whimsy. I can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for us this time!

18:25 – Pillock, Assembly Rooms.

“Pillock has ADHD. His brain works faster than his bowel when he’s had a Babybel. And he’s lactose intolerant. He’s trying to keep his head above water, but he’s drowning in loneliness, hook-up culture and medical role plays. He feels stagnant and it’s going to take more than a yoga class to help. But, when he meets Eugene everything changes. His shot at the sort of love people write poems about. But will he be Mr Right, Mr Right Now or even Mr Wrong? Pillock wants to trust his gut, but his can’t even handle a Muller Corner.”

This sounds like one of those quirky Fringe shows that will either be a sensational new find or something that everyone should have left alone! I’m erring on the Sensational New Find side, and trust that it will be well-written and classily performed comedy.

20:10 – Robin Grainger: Refurb, The Stand Comedy Club 2.

“As seen on The One Show (BBC One), BBC News, BBC Scotland. As heard on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Scotland, Heart, Forth One. Featured in The Telegraph, The Scotsman, Metro, British Comedy Guide, Chortle. ‘It’s dope… it says a lot about what your future will be… as a comedian, you have no choice but to shine’ (Kevin Hart). ‘You can’t fake this level of likability. A magic hour of comedy’ ***** (TheRealChrisparkle.com). ‘An excellent way to spend an hour’ ****½ (One4Review.co.uk). ‘He’s a brilliant stand-up… he effortlessly blends poignancy in with the laughs’ **** (List).”

Oh look – a quote from me! We saw Robin Grainger for the first time last year and I absolutely stand by my five stars for that show, and I can’t wait to see what he’s been brewing up for this year.

22:10 – A Play by John, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.

“How is it possible: we all watch this, we all agree, we all shake our heads, yet we all get up tomorrow morning and do it all over again? Matteo and Reggie, fuelled by John’s suggestion, build their own coffins. This new writing unfolds as they grapple with existence, hope and fate. We invite audiences to think about why we’re here and what it all really means, wrapped up in a simple act…”

This play is described as being like a cross between Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Pinter’s Dumb Waiter, both of whom sound fine by me. Surreal and absurd; if the writing and performances are both top quality, this should be sensational!

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 5th August 2024

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What’s on the slab for today? Seven shows – a busy day!

Here’s the schedule for August 5th

9:20 – A Fire Ignites, TheSpace @ Surgeons Hall.  From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“A Fire Ignites tells the story of a brave teenage girl, Parisa, in modern-day Iran who sets her hijab on fire in public. Attacked by the morality police for her rebellion, she desires nothing more than to free her country from oppression. Her best friend, who shelters her, is exhausted from fighting and lives in fear. She and Parisa are opposites, as Parisa still believes that human beings are good despite all she has endured. Parisa’s mother fears for her daughter’s life, and conflict emerges. This story is inspired by the brave young women in Iran today.”

A serious play to start the day. One hears about the extraordinary protests in Iran from women who set fire to their hijab and the penalties they face, and one can only imagine how terrifying it must be and how brave they are. I’m hoping this will be a powerful and moving play and performance.

11:35 – Malion, TheSpace @ Surgeons Hall.

“A feminist retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea myth. Malion, a sculptor, is presenting his work to his male friends, a statue of the most beautiful woman in creation. He rejoices in his achievement over drinks with some male friends. However, the conversation cannot move away from sexual fantasy and lust for the statue. Meanwhile, brought to life by Aphrodite’s kiss, Galatea awakens. Galatea seeks the love of her creator but he is changing, falling in line with his comrades and forgetting his pure vision of love. Will Malion see Galatea, or fall into the ranks of masculine identity?”

Perhaps a slightly unusual choice of play, but my curiosity was piqued by its premise! Athens meets Edinburgh – but who wins? Have very little idea of what to expect, but I hope it’s good!

13:20 – The Last Laugh, Assembly George Square Studios.

“The Last Laugh sees three legendary comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sitting in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny. Written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and starring Edinburgh Fringe-legend Bob Golding as Morecambe, Damian Williams as Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, The Last Laugh is warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant. Not to be missed.”

I’m a great admirer of these three comic actors; we’ve seen Simon Cartwright’s impersonation of Bob Monkhouse before and it is truly uncanny, whereas Bob Golding is a mainstay of the pantos at the Royal and Derngate, Northampton, and there wouldn’t be a Sheffield panto without the master Dame, Damian Williams! I think this is going to turn out to be a big Fringe Highlight!

15:10 – A Jaffa Cake Musical, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Time to decide once and for all… cake or biscuit? Inspired by the 1991 tribunal which determined the true identity of a Jaffa Cake, multi-award winning Gigglemug Theatre (Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, Timpson: The Musical) present a brand-new family-friendly musical comedy that takes the biscuit (or cake…?). Praise for previous productions: ‘Incredible!’ (Bear Grylls); ‘Laugh-a-minute silliness’ (Daily Express); ‘Winning songs’ (Guardian); ‘Blistering wit’ ***** (TheatreWeekly.com); ‘Simply brilliant’ ***** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk); ‘An utter masterpiece’ ***** (BoxOfficeRadio.co.uk); ‘A comedic triumph’ ***** (WestEndEvenings.co.uk); ‘Absolute bangers’ **** (Stage); ‘Genius’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

Many years ago I used to work for Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise and I remember the constant arguments about whether a Jaffa Cake was a cake (food for VAT purposes) or a biscuit (confectionary) and they could never define it precisely enough so as to definitely apply the tax or have it zero-rated! For that reason alone I was fascinated by the idea of this show – and I do hope there will be some samples so that the audience can help decide whether it is… or isn’t!

18:20 – To Watch a Man Eat, Greenside @ George Street.

“Firefighter Micky and investment banker Andrew are choked by their respective blue and white collars. Micky puts the ‘man’ in manual, content with trifle for breakfast and all things analogue. He’s perplexed by people like Andrew, permanently in competition to keep his bum on his desk chair the longest, all in pursuit of the lifestyle his partner Melissa thirsts for. A wolf in a frilly apron, she lives to serve Andrew dinner and watch him tear it apart. In a world where ambition and personal values continuously butt heads, who will let themselves starve?”

This play is produced by the same team behind last year’s show Pressure Cooker which I really enjoyed, and that alone convinced me that it was worth giving this play a try! The class war examined at the dining table? Sounds excellent!

20:20 – Colin Hoult: Colin, Pleasance Courtyard.

“The acclaimed comedian and 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns with a stand-up show about family, fatherhood, and a formative childhood experience with a Ouija board and a gorilla. As seen in Afterlife (Netflix), Avoidance (BBC), Ghosts (BBC), This Time With Alan Partridge (BBC), and judging the 2023 BBC New Comedy Awards. ‘Terrific… you will laugh yourself silly throughout’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Genius… one of the funniest comedy shows I’ve seen’ ***** (Times). ‘Superb’ ***** (TheArtsDesk.com). ‘Hilarious’ **** (Scotsman). **** (Independent). **** (Guardian). **** (Evening Standard).”

I was so sad last year when Colin Hoult finally killed off his hilarious comedy alter ego Anna Mann; but Mr H is such a funny guy that I know he’s going to have something equally hysterical up his sleeve for his new show all about himself. Early last year we saw a Work in Progress session with Mr H which I expect he has now developed up into this show – and I, for one, can’t wait to see it.

22:20 – The Shadow Boxer, TheSpace @ Niddy St.

“Portsmouth’s most promising featherweight boxer races towards his ultimate goal – competing in the 1968 Olympic Games and proving himself as a true champion. But can anyone control how their story will be told in an uncertain future?”

I don’t know why, but boxing frequently crops up in Fringe plays and it’s always a fascinating subject to include in theatre. Maybe it’s the balance between essentially physical violence but it has to be played within a framework of gentlemanly rules. I’ll be fascinated to see where this play fits in the scheme of boxing dramas.

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 4th August 2024

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What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 4th.

11:00 – Ascension, Bedlam Theatre. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Dan Hazelwood adapts the haunting diary entries of 18th century sailor Leendert Hasenbosch for the stage. Marooned on Ascension Island for the crime of sodomy, Lee must tame the island’s unforgiving terrain, along with the demons that followed him ashore. As the odds of his survival steadily decline, he struggles to find a balance between his faith and his romantic desires, all the while spiralling into recklessness and desperation. Using Lee’s diary as a guide, Ascension tells a heart-rending story of queer identity from centuries ago that can be felt just as keenly today.”

It sounds like we’re starting the day with another powerful play, based on the real life events of Hasenbosch’s life. A story of survival, it should be a gripping tale and an exciting first production.

12:45 – Love’s a Beach, Pleasance Courtyard.

“What happens six months after your five minutes of fame? Cyrus and Ben are the first gay winners of TV’s biggest reality show. They’re 22, have thousands of followers, but now spend most of their days making sponsored content about dog food, and fronting campaigns about adult incontinence. When they’re offered an influencing deal in Dubai, the couple must decide how far they’ll go to cling to celebrity… and at what cost. A smash-hit satire by multi award-winning comedy writers for Netflix and BBC Television. ‘Fantastic play… had me howling with laughter’ (BroadwayWorld.com), from BAFTA-winning Unusual Productions.”

This satire sounds like it’s slightly beyound belief – but only slightly; you can imagine how when ordinary people are tempted to act their lives in an extraordinary way, it  just becomes a question of when to say no. I’m sure this play will be a lot of fun as well as asking some searching and difficult questions.

14:25 – Stuffed, Pleasance Courtyard.

“This is a show about food banks. This is not a show about food. This is about the bad stuff. This is an emergency. This is a clowning show. Multi award winners Ugly Bucket (Untapped Award 2022) present a blazing inferno of physicality, clown, original music, and transformative personal testimony. Stuffed is a roaring call to action amidst the wreckage of a desecrated system. ‘As enraging as it is brilliant. A tour-de-force performance that deserves the nation’s attention’ ***** (OpeningNights.co.uk). ‘You could hear a pin drop in the furthest corner of the room’ ***** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk).”

The growth of food banks over the last ten years or so is both a success story (from one aspect) and the tale of outright failure (from another). I don’t know how Ugly Bucket are going to tackle this subject, but I’m sure it will be exciting, memorable and probably rather uncomfortable too.

17:30 – Our Little Secret: The 23andMe Musical, Gilded Balloon Patter House.

“Winner: Best of Fringe Toronto 2023! What does a 31-year-old theatre kid do when a DNA test reveals that his biological parents aren’t quite who he thought they were? Write a musical, of course! In this hilarious, moving and true story, Noam Tomaschoff grapples with questions of family, identity and just how many brothers and sisters he really has. Blending comedy, drama and addictive music, Noam takes the audience on an unforgettable journey, ending with a message of optimism that will make you hold your family just a little bit tighter.”

I’ve always thought this current trend for taking DNA tests would have a sting in its tale – it’s all very well having one’s suspicions or hopes confirmed, but if you get a result you were not expecting – and certainly not hoping for – then you’ve opened the drawbridge to a lot of heartache. If this is done well it has the potential to be one of the highlights of this year’s Fringe.

19:40 – The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, Summerhall.

“Two best mates. One HUGE party. Luton pinned by austerity. An evening of noughties bangers and shots of shitty gin mixed with the chaos of violence. A night to remember! Winners of the 2022 Untapped Award, Chalk Line presents The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return. Packed with swagger, it hurls at a rapid pace with linguistic vigour and unfolds in real time. It’s a tapestry of violence and joy parading through Luton. ‘This is theatre birthed out of exasperation’ **** (Time Out, for Blanket Ban).”

I’m expecting this play to provide a tough insight into inner city life, exposing the highs and lows of peoples’ real lived experiences. A challenging watch no doubt, but hopefully a rewarding one too.

21:20 – Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again, Underbelly Bristo Square.

“Daliso performed his first show Feed This Black Man in the 2000s. The jokes were mediocre and the big finale involved eating a sandwich on stage. Twenty years on, he’s done the Royal Variety Performance, written and performed four series of Citizen of Nowhere on BBC Radio 4, been a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, and toured nationwide and abroad. So, Feed This Black Man Again is a do-over, as the now widely-loved comic revisits the themes of that ancient debut show with the considerably enhanced comic talents that two decades’ experience brings you.”

Daliso Chaponda is a very safe pair of hands and I’m sure his latest show will be a total hoot throughout!

Check back later to see how we enjoyed these shows!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 3rd August 2024

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Another day of Edinburgh bliss – what’s in store for us today?

Here’s the schedule for August 3rd.

12:25 – Catafalque, Summerhall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Fern doesn’t get invited to dinner parties anymore. They used to love her tales of the macabre. But now? The mask is slipping. Written by Amy Conway and directed by Beth Morton, Catafalque is a one woman eulogy to death through the lens of a civil celebrant. How do we grieve the ungrievable? How do you speak of death when no-one wants to look? A show about love, loss and a lifetime of secrets. Join Fern as she navigates the complexities of a grieving family and learns to tell the truth when it repels the bravest of us.”

A busy civil celebrant during the times of Covid must have seen more of death than they could possibly have expected or wished; and this fascinating-sounding play has been written from personal experience. I expect it to raise a lot of difficult but intriguing questions; I don’t suppose it will be an easy watch but it’s a very important subject.

14:20 – Janie Dee’s Beautiful World Cabaret, Pleasance Dome.

“All the world’s a stage, let’s protect it. Multi Olivier Award-winning West End star Janie Dee (National Theatre’s The Motive and the Cue and Follies; Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends) confronts the climate crisis, and celebrates our beautiful world, through song and spoken word. Unusual and inspiring guests join this green twist on classic cabaret, asking how we can each make a difference in the fight for our planet. Playful, radical, informative, and ultimately hopeful. ‘Is there a more enchanting actress on the British stage than Janie Dee?’ (Times). ‘Passionately green… hilarious… pure class’ (MusicalTheatreReview.com).”

Janie Dee is one of our favourite performers and we have seen her in many productions over the years, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how she tackles the important topic of the future of the planet – really, there shouldn’t be a bigger subject anywhere! It will be fascinating to discover the choice of music and how she performs the songs to best highlight this terrifying plight in which we find ourselves.

15:55 – Karen, Underbelly, Cowgate.

“We open on Protagonist’s 30th birthday at the Alton Towers, where her life takes an unexpected turn. Mid-Calippo, she’s unceremoniously dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Joe. Things go from bad to worse when Joe then starts dating her office arch-nemesis: Karen. Protagonist must now navigate a powder keg of heartbreak and identity crisis which explodes in the ultimate office showdown. Seamlessly breaking the fourth wall, Protagonist will whisk you through a chaos-filled narrative that has been described as Fleabag meets The Office with Cameron-West as ‘the female Peep Show’ (TheNerdParty.com).”

I love how the description simply calls the main character “Protagonist”! Karen has become a rather dismissive term for a certain type of woman, much to the disservice of all the decent Karens in the world! I’m looking forward to finding out how Protagonist deals with this particular example of Karenhood!

18:20 – Kavin Jay: Unsolicited Advice, Hoots @ The Apex.

“The virtuoso ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee and British Comedy Award winner presents an unparalleled, unscripted new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp. ‘Richly entertaining, joyfully funny chaos’ **** (Guardian). ‘It’s genius… gut-bustingly funny’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Laughs will definitely ensue’ (New York Times). ‘Outstanding! High-level comedy craftsmanship’ **** (Times).”

Kavin Jay is a new name to me but he describes himself as grumpy yet charming, and I can identify with that! I’ve seen some online videos and he looks pretty good so I’m optimistic of a great show.

21:45 – Heckling Masterclass, With Diploma, Laughing Horse at Bar 50.

“Heckling Masterclass, With Diploma. Become the best heckler you can be with this 50-minute course! Legendary stand-up comedian Ben Clover leads the world’s only official heckling seminar, covering all aspects of the noble art – How to heckle, when to heckle, if to heckle, how to heckle better, dealing with comedians’ stock retorts – it’s all covered. This interactive, multimedia course will show you the secrets of the world’s top hecklers, and you get a certificate at the end. (NB not a show where you can heckle, a course about heckling, with practical and theory test.)”

Ben Clover is one of my favourite Fringe comedians, and every year he comes back with a show in which he refuses to include his own name! I’m sure his heckling masterclass will be a delight – and I hope there aren’t too many audience heckles to get in the way!

23:15 – SILENCE! The Musical – The Unauthorised Parody of The Silence of the Lambs, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“SILENCE! The Musical is the unauthorised musical parody of the Academy Award-winning film The Silence of the Lambs. As rookie FBI agent Clarice matches wits with the brilliant but insane Dr Hannibal Lecter to catch the serial killer known only as Buffalo Bill, a chorus of singing lambs breaks out into show tunes about the most horrific of subjects. Complete with singing serial killers, songs with unprintable titles and a chorus of lambs, SILENCE! the Musical comes charging at you with gleefully unstoppable bad taste.”

This sounds like a terrific idea and if it’s carried off well sounds as though this could be one of this year’s picks of the Fringe. It’s been over twenty years since I last saw The Silence of the Lambs but it’s one of those films that lingers on in the mind and I can’t wait to see what they do with it!

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

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”!