Tag Archives: fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 26th August 2024

Posted on by

After today’s shows, that’s it for our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 experience. Let’s take a look at the last batch of shows.

Here’s the schedule for August 26th.

11:40 – Moscow Love Story, Pleasance Courtyard. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Moscow 2001. Echoes of Soviet Russia linger and young Putin is flirting with the West, when two rebellious souls lose themselves in a vodka-fuelled romance. Bringing audio diaries made on an old Walkman to life, Moscow Love Story is an untamed exploration of love and memory, paralleling personal boundaries with geopolitics in a world on the brink of transformation. Developed with support of Alma Alter Theatre Laboratory, Bulgaria and Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. ‘Jenkins weaves a substantial, ambitious play of ideas’ **** (Telegraph, for First Person Shooter).”

And a fascinating sounding play to start our last day, I’ve always found ex-Soviet or Iron Curtain countries exciting to visit, and I’m hoping this play can give some of that vibe together with an exploration of that “vodka-fuelled romance.”

14:00 – Black Velvet, Bedlam Theatre.

“’You know, I never liked flowers for graves. They’re just this morbid reflection of death, as if this place needs any more of that…’ When Llew arrives at the graveyard with flowers for his mum, the last thing he expects to find is a feisty, possibly feral girl hijacking his night. Llew can’t stand her cynicism and Aoife thinks he’s an eejit, but the two are apparently stuck with each other, with nothing in common but grief. As heart-warming as it is heart-wrenching, a new dark comedy about time moving forward when it feels like everything should stop.”

A graveside is an interesting location for a relationship to develop; if this is well-written and well-acted it should be highly entertaining and insightful.

15:50 – The Scot and the Showgirl, Pleasance Dome.

“Starring Tony Award-winner Frances Ruffelle and West End leading man Norman Bowman. The Scot and The Showgirl is a true(ish) wee musical thingamajig about a perfectly imperfect relationship that began 28 years ago at Edinburgh Waverly train station. She, a Broadway icon and Edinburgh Fringe survivor. He, a shy Scottish musical theatre lover. Together, with their crackin’ band, they celebrate their quirky romance in a touchingly funny song cycle – from Brigadoon to Broadway and from Scotland to Sondheim via Costello, Bacharach, The Proclaimers and more. Expect love, laughter and tartan. World Premiere.”

Some mid-afternoon cabaret, Frances Ruffelle is always an amazing performer and it will be interesting to hear their interpretations of show tunes and Scottish pop. Yay to Bacharach and Sondheim – not so yay to the Proclaimers (unless it’s Letter to America!)

17:55 – Tom Greaves: FUDGEY, Assembly Roxy.

“A brutally funny dark comedy about boarding school. Through the character of Fudgey: your quintessential, tone-deaf man in a suit (you know, the “harmless” type… until you find them running the country), award-winning, Gaulier-trained Tom Greaves explores the complexities of his own privilege in this mind-bending, tour-de-force debut. As Fudgey’s reality hits breaking point, Greaves embodies a carousel of personalities and puppets in an anarchic and virtuosic performance, ultimately facing Fudgey’s past to find his own (Tom’s) future. Strap in for a thrilling ride of laughter, tears and transformation. ‘Funny, clever, and disturbing’ **** (TheatreAndArtReviews.com). **** (MervsPOTFringe.com).”

We all know how disastrous some of those “harmless” types can be! Here’s hoping indeed for a tour de force to end our Edinburgh experience for this year.

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Someone Has to be Counting, Joby Mageean: Titty Icarus, Di(n)e, Weather Girl and The Bookies

Posted on by

Someone has got to be Counting, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

3-stars

Based on a true story, Someone Has Got to be Counting painstakingly follows a laboriously annotated life where every aspect of one’s day is counted and written down (in a coded shorthand) in an exercise book. As someone who uses Excel probably more than I should, at first I could see the appeal of doing something like this; but it doesn’t take long for the downsides of this lifestyle choice to become apparent. What particularly comes over is how the obsession completely imprisons the person doing the counting. They are never free from their grid of numbers, crosses, dashes and squiggles; miss a day, or do it in the morning not the evening (or vice versa) and it completely blows their mind. Lisa Vetta gives a compelling and meticulous performance, and the production is enhanced by a superb soundtrack by Lai Power that truly adds to the nightmarish pressure of the obsession.

Joby Mageean: Titty Icarus, PBH’s Free Fringe at Whistlebinkies.

4-stars

Joby Mageean is back at the Fringe after five years with a one-off work in progress show, Titty Icarus, in preparation for a proper Fringe Blitz next year. Joby has a wonderfully relaxed, communicative and warm-hearted style and tells his stories with terrific fluidity and naturalness. He has some great new ideas here for a show, including how easy it was to become a father, some unusual parenting awards, and how skinny dipping is easier for two. There are also some more serious – and completely unpredictable – observations about his mum. When the show is fully worked up for next year I’m sure it will be a winner; in any event, Joby is just one of those comedians you never tire of listening to, as those comedy nuggets keep on coming.

Di(n)e, TheSpace on The Mile.

4-stars

Slumped on the floor, Noah wakes up to discover his old girlfriend knocking at his door. Then his brother; then his father. They all bring food. Sounds cosy, doesn’t it? Just one thing, however; his girlfriend, brother and father are all dead. So is Noah too? Awkward introductions and reconciliations follow; as does the arrival of a takeaway delivery guy. But who orders a takeaway if they mean to kill themself? Connor Rock’s Di(n)e is an unexpectedly heartwarming and positive play that examines love and relationships, regrets and hope; and Invisible Strings’ engrossing and entertaining production is smartly acted and mines all the humour present in this unusual and provocative situation. Very enjoyable!

Weather Girl, Summerhall.

Stacey reports live from a Californian wildfire; it’s hot enough for her make-up to run, but it could have been worse – she could have been living in the household where everyone died because they assumed it was all a government hoax. Back in the studio, she’s a professional who can skip from pointing out 102 degrees in Bakersfield to introducing the cookery segment – so much so that her bosses promote her to a new job based in Phoenix. Phoenix! The driest place in the country! An awful date with a man whose name she can’t remember, her secret stash of prosecco rumbled, and a night on the town with her homeless mother all contribute to a nightmare scenario where the temperatures just get hotter, but life somehow has to go on. Brian Watkins’ gripping yet hilarious play treads the balance of looking climate change head on whilst recognising all those excuses to pretend it doesn’t exist. A stunning performance by Julia McDermott holds our attention from the first to the last moment, spanning every conceivable emotion under the (incredibly hot) sun. Very effective lighting and staging help bring this important story to life. You’ll be tingling all over from both the pleasure of the performance and the pain of its message.

The Bookies, Summerhall.

If Joe Orton was Scottish and currently writing for the Edinburgh Fringe, I reckon he’d come up with The Bookies, the hilarious story of Pat, an aggressive bookmakers’ shop manager, his compliant assistant John, his ruthless area manager Michelle, and ex-mountaineer client Harry, who’s addicted to the roulette machine. Pat is expecting Michelle to give him the employee of the year award (together with its all-important £5000 prize) – instead she has other, less beneficial plans for him. But Michelle has also let things slide, including not instructing the shop safe to be repaired. With everyone feeling hard done by, thoughts turn to revenge and theft. But by whom, and will they get away with it? Alongside the humorous plot and strong characterisations, the play also demonstrates how work-placed banter can easily trip into bullying and racism. Brilliant acting, a hilarious and inventive script and some no-holds-barred comic stage combat; I loved every minute of it.

 

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 25th August 2024

Posted on by

More adventure awaits us, let’s have a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 25th.

11:45 – Seconds to Midnight, Pleasance Courtyard. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“What would you want to say to your best friend if the world was about to end? Exploring queer friendship, platonic love and nuclear anxiety, Seconds to Midnight asks what happens in a world with no consequences. Diving into the parallels between beginnings and endings, we follow Jo and Eddie through the first seven minutes of their friendship and the final seven hours of the world. Praise for previous work: ‘A brilliant addition to the queer theatre landscape’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘Tender and original’ **** (Skinny).”

So what would you do if you knew the world was going to end in seven hours? One of those impossible questions, but maybe this play will provide an answer. An intriguing scenario – it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

13:20 – 100% My Type on Paper, C Arts C Venues C Alto.

“Sammy and Clyde are on their first date. It’s cute. It’s awkward. It’s bad jokes and forced laughter. Sweaty hands and wondering who gets the next round. It’s ‘I really want to kiss her’ and ‘I hope he doesn’t try to kiss me’. It’s excruciating, but that’s a first date, right? As Sammy and Clyde get to know each other again, and again, their reality slowly falls to pieces. Missed jokes become hilarious one-liners. Awkward silences become witty repartee. The customers become an audience. Everyone starts watching – and Sammy and Clyde? They become disposable.”

A relatively late addition to our schedule because I just thought this play sounded terrific fun; something of the Truman Show to it, perhaps? Who knows, it will be great to find out!

15:00 – Sameer Katz: Whether Conditions, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House.

“Sameer’s gotten to the age where everyone who says they love him seem to want something in return. Money, babies, his unending devotion! What happened to unconditional love? A Cambridge PhD dropout, Sameer uses his keen observational talent to poke fun at family, friendship and relationships. Sameer has performed across the UK, America and the world. ‘A laugh-packed way to spend an hour’ (Scotsman). ‘A Seinfeld-Lite line in relatable observational comedy’ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (Deadline.com). Two jokes featured in the Times as part of (a guy called) Dave Top 10 Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2021.”

Many a time I’ve intended to see Sameer Katz live – and every time it hasn’t happened! Let’s hope we finally make it this year.

17:25 – Dr Dolittle Kills a Man (and Reads Extracts From His New Book), Underbelly, Cowgate

“You’ve seen him on Countryfile, Blue Peter and that episode of Springwatch that the BBC have tried to scrub (scrub!) from the internet. Now, join Dr John Dolittle, PhD (yours truly and the very same), as he thrills with an animal adventure from yesteryear – before the fame, before the fortune, before they took away his OBE. So come on, let’s laugh, buy his new book afterwards, and dare-I-say-it-yes-I-do have a really great time! Starring Aidan Pittman: ‘Sheer talent… a guaranteed hilarious performance’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

I have a feeling this is not going to be Dr Dolittle as we have known and loved him for decades! I’m looking forward to seeing Aidan Pittman’s interpretation!

19:00 – Lorraine Hoodless: DINK (Double Income No Kids), PBH’s Free Fringe @ The Southsider.

“Lorraine has found a new box to put herself in. DINK life is an alternative way of living. Fantastic, free-wheeling and fun, according to Instagram and TikTok anyway… With freedom to do whatever you want with your life, apart from procreate, finding meaning and purpose can lead to a rollercoaster of adventures and massive indecision. Lorraine has yet to embrace this lifestyle. A humorous look at life choices, love and labels. ‘Thoroughly deserves to be seen’ (One4Review.co.uk). Wildcard semi-finalist: Amused Moose New Comedian Award 2020. Semi-finalist: British Comedian of the Year 2021.”

Lorraine Hoodless is another new name to me but I am excited by the prospect of this show, being a pair of Dinks ourselves, I reckon there will be much to recognise!

20:55 – LITTLE DEATHS, Summerhall.

“’This is just the start. Of Everything. Of Us.’ It’s the late 90s. Charlie and Debs have perfected their Wannabe routine. They’re drenched in Impulse Blue. And they’re each other’s everything. But as the world pulls them in different directions, their friendship begins to strain. It dies. Again and again and again. If a female friendship dies many deaths, how many can they survive? Spanning 25 years and the countless lifetimes of one friendship, this new romcom explores the heartbreak of platonic love. Written by Amy Powell Yeates. Directed by Claire O’Reilly.”

How friendship endures across the decades; a fascinating subject to examine in a play. I’m sure this will be both hard-hitting and entertaining.

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 24th August 2024

Posted on by

Only 5 shows today – let’s take a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 24th.

11:55 – Someone Has To Be Counting, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Someone has been keeping a record. Every day, for 20 years. It’s all in her notebooks: hours worked, money spent, cigarettes smoked; 38 categories that serve as a record of how each of her days has been spent. Why did she start? What kept her returning to them? Phoebe Benson directs this experimental one-woman play that explores a person’s attempt to grapple with the incessant flow of time through daily rituals and habits. Starring Lisa Vetta, this play is inspired by the real notebooks of Dalia: aunt of artist and playwright Vytautas Bikauskas.”

This sounds like a very appealing and intriguing play. As someone who is known to have an army of spreadsheets at my disposal, keeping a record all sorts of different elements of my life, I really understand that urge to diarise to the limit. Hopefully it will give me an insight into myself!

13:30 – Joby Mageean – Titty Icarus, PBH’s Free Fringe – Whistlebinkies.

“Sometimes you wish your life was carefree, like a duck on a duck slide. Then you notice the food suspended just out of reach. Each duck strives to grab what seems achievable before they inevitably fall and the cycle continues. Then you realise you are a duck on a duck slide. Joby Mageean is doing a comedy performance. It is very important that you come. He is really cool and has well-written and thought-provoking material. ‘A comedian willing to embrace his own uncoolness… happy to lean into a dad joke’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

Joby Mageean is only doing one performance at the Fringe this year – and this is it! Always one of my favourite comedians, I look forward to seeing him jostling with ducks (if the above description is anything to go by!)

15:15 – Di(n)e, theSpace on the Mile.

“A man has decided to take his own life and finds himself in a state of limbo between life and death. Here he meets dead family, loved ones and a former enemy, each with something to say about his choice. With only an hour before his body dies, his soul must decide between life and death.”

Reading that description, I can’t see that there will be many laughs in this play. But hopefully, if it’s written with a lightness of touch there will be; if it’s written with appropriate mature gravity laughs won’t be required. Fingers crossed either way.

18:00 – Weather Girl, Summerhall.

“Smile while it burns. Stacey is a California weather girl. An oversexed and underpaid harbinger of our dying planet. But today, her regular routine of wildfires, prosecco and teeth whitening descends into a scorched earth catastrophe, before she discovers something that will save us all. A dizzying rampage into the soul of American strangeness. The award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer bring you a blistering dark comedy about wrecking the places we love. From Lucille Lortel Award-nominated Brian Watkins, creator of the hit Amazon series Outer Range, and Drama Desk-nominated director Tyne Rafaeli.”

This play takes on quite a sizeable topic! I’m hoping for a good mix of comedy and hard-hitting drama; let’s see.

19:35 – The Bookies, Summerhall.

“Kit Bromovsky Productions present The Bookies. Two Edinburgh bookies feel the pressure of signing customers up for online betting accounts, signing their own jobs away in the process. They come up with a plan to fight back. But a mountaineer from Mount Everest gets in their way. ‘Fast and witty production’ **** (Scotsman). **** (TheWeeReview.co.uk). ‘Sharp, cynical comedy’ (Stage). ‘Riotously funny play… well worth attending for a fun night out’ (Skinny).”

Moving business online inevitably reduces levels of employment, so this is an important and relevant subject for today. Not sure how the mountaineer will get involved!

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Josh Makinda is Probably Fine, The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, and Thank You So Much For Coming

Posted on by

Josh Makinda is Probably Fine, Just the Tonic at the Mash House.

3-stars

Only seven people turned up to see Josh Makinda is Probably Fine at Just The Tonic at The Mash House; nevertheless Mr M gave us a very entertaining show, albeit probably a little different from the act he normally delivers. He’s a very funny guy indeed, with a delightful ear for the mischievous and the surreal, constantly wandering up comical garden paths to explore whatever comedy nuggets might be hiding. His material includes the pitfalls of his previous job protecting vulnerable children, exploring his venue for glory holes, and his experience of US healthcare. He sets up an excellent connection with the audience and cuts a warm and appealing persona on stage. He fully deserves a much larger audience – sometimes at the Fringe it’s worth taking a risk on someone you’ve never heard of – you might just strike gold.

The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

John White was born in Musselburgh in 1937 and died aged 27 in 1964 from a lightning strike; a freak accident – he was sheltering under a tree from a thunderstorm at the time. He was also an international football player for Scotland, and a player for Alloa Athletic, Falkirk, and most significantly, Tottenham Hotspur. Martin Murphy’s tightly written and nimbly structured play calls for a powerful and versatile performance from Cal Newman. He plays John White, both in the early days of his career and at the time of his death, and John’s son Rob White, as a brave eight-year-old fondly keeping souvenirs of his father in a trunk, and as a mature adult with a family of his own. The play jumps around the time periods somewhat, but Newman’s performance always nails the characterisations and accents perfectly. Though sad, the play is never maudlin, and is a fitting tribute to a sporting hero cut down in his prime, and the son who wants to celebrate and cherish his memory.

Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Laughing Horse at the Hanover Tap.

3-stars

Mark Row dishes out the background stories and classroom anecdotes that make up life as a schoolteacher. His subject is Drama, which, as we all know, is merely about pretending to be a tree; but Mr Row has an alternative method of looking at that particular cliché. He is an imposing yet friendly figure on stage – in fact, you can exactly imagine what he would be like as a schoolteacher; the authoritative voice, the ability to control a group of people (not in a bad way), and the truly positive wish for his schoolkids to develop into the best people they can possibly be. It’s a very enjoyable and entertaining hour; perhaps I expected his material to be a little edgier and push the boundaries a bit more. I did, however, learn about the code teachers use when they’re writing reports, when they can’t be as truthful as they would like to be – you’ll be rooting out all your old reports to decode them and discover exactly what your teachers thought of you! Engaging, funny, likeable, and very recognisable.

Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, Assembly Rooms.

4-stars

Now and again a show comes along that stops you in your tracks because its content is so personal and so painful; but it’s the kind of content that just needs to be told. When someone is the victim of so terrible a crime as rape, it’s not for anyone else to tell that person how they should deal with it. Kelly Bachman has turned her own experiences into Patron Saint, a show that puts rape centre stage, looks at it straight in the eyes, gives it no hiding place, and makes it the butt of its own joke. Her ability to turn this awful crime on its head is not only a way of coping with it, but also of ridiculing it, even demystifying it. Ms Bachman has a superb comic timing and a terrific ability to mine comedy from what one would normally think of as – at the very least – an extremely unfunny subject. I can only suggest you see it yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Thank You So Much For Coming, Underbelly Cowgate.

3-stars

Cynthia is known for her great parties, and we are invited! It all starts promisingly as we are offered hors d’oeuvres (not that After Eights are really hors d’oeuvres, but that doesn’t matter) and guests find out about each other, and Cynthia even helps a couple of people swap phone numbers. Margaritas are served – although they’re represented by a couple of Barbie Dolls – a member of the audience answers the phone, and it looks like some of the guests are not going to turn up. Donatella Versace is a no-show; Bernie Sanders also disappoints. And then things start getting very messy, apeshit surrealist and 100% bizarre. A good reason for choosing shows at the Fringe is that you’re unlikely to see anything like it anywhere else – and I can confirm you are absolutely not likely to see anything like Thank You So Much For Coming anywhere else. Alex Kern plays Cynthia with true clowning panache; there are elements of absurd theatre, Beckett, even Dada. If you hate this kind of performance, you’d give it one star; if you love this kind of performance it’s a five star. My reaction is in the middle.

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform you that her Husband is Dead, September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, All the Fraudulent Horse Girls, Stuart Laws has to be Joking?, Best in Class, and Josh Jones: Put a Sock in it

Posted on by

The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform You that her Husband is Dead, Paradise in Augustines.

Well one thing is clear – the Duke of Buckingham’s death is a blessing for his bankrupt and money-grabbing wider family. The Duchess will, of course, benefit from his death; but there is a caveat – she must marry a titled person within seven days. If not, the money goes to his social-climbing upstart of a mate, and that’s hardly the way to deal with old money. Ruckus Theatre Company’s Duchess of Buckingham Regrets… has a fun premise and the audience is intrigued to find out how the story resolves itself. Sadly, however, despite a lot of effort and hard work in evidence, the play is neither well-written nor well-acted, apart from a couple of exceptions. Saisha Maynard delivers the best performance as the no-nonsense Kate, and there’s good support from Saraswathi Sukumara as Celia and Niamh Smith as Harry. An engaging story, but it’s not for me.

September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, C Arts C Venues C Aquila.

4-stars

The overthrow of Chile’s Allende government in 1973 was a pivotal moment in the history of the 20th century. The American-backed Pinochet’s forces wiped out the democratically elected socialist government for purely political motives. But what were Allende’s own personal motives? Was he, in fact, a Marxist ideologist who sought power for the purest of reasons – to further his political beliefs and establish a Marxist Utopia, or was he in it, like so many other politicians, for his simply own power and influence? And did he ignore the poverty of his people because it got in the way of his plans? Luigi Laraia’s intense, thought-provoking play raises the questions of motivation and personal responsibility, and provokes you into wanting to research the history of this period for yourself. Dan Owen is superb as Allende, his clear, resonant voice expressing the power and charisma of the man; and Richard Tanenbaum’s Agent D – his conscience, perhaps? – is brilliant at never letting Allende get away with avoiding his difficult questions and suggestions. A fantastic production, a fascinating play and two excellent performances.

All The Fraudulent Horse Girls, Pleasance Dome.

4-stars

I can remember horse girls from school. To be honest, most of the girls I knew were horse girls. It would not remotely surprise me to discover that they had a sixth sense and could telepathically connect with their counterparts all over the world, as if participants in some big equine conspiracy theory. Audrey has that ability. It’s so refined that she can spot fake horse girls a mile off. No wonder they don’t want to be her friend. To call Brooklyn Rep’s All the Fraudulent Horse Girls a flight of fantasy is to underestimate the concept of fantasy. From Audrey’s uncontrolled obsession about horses, to her dreaming about Cormac McCarthy’s book All the Pretty Horses, to Audrey’s over-the-top final speech, this is a pot-pourri of unpredictable horsey mayhem which somehow gels together to become a delightfully positive homage to overcoming childhood anxieties, paving the way to becoming a fulfilled responsible adult who then goes and blows an enormous fortune on bringing a show to the Edinburgh Fringe. Tremendous performances by Cazaleon, Beth Graham and Alice Morgan-Richards, the show is accompanied by evocative live music and a whole load of horseplay. Simply irresistible!

Stuart Laws Has to be Joking?, Monkey Barrel Comedy at The Hive 2.

4-stars

At the start of the show, Stuart Laws uses a set of question cards – the kind that stimulate a conversation when on a first date – to break the ice with the audience. In the past he’s always expected relationships to have a cut-off point when the two people no longer have much left to keep them going. As a result, he has some great material about being long-term single but now in a steady relationship with a serial cheater, the five (or more) reasons for going to the toilet, and a boast that he has been to all seven continents… but has he?? A very engaging and likeable performer, he puts the audience at ease, and even though there is some audience participation it’s never stressful or alarming, always kindly. If you go to bed early, don’t mention it (that’ll make sense if you see his show). A nicely structured and extremely funny set, but, knowing what he’s like with relationships, expect yourself to get dumped at the end.

Best in Class, Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters.

4-stars

Sian Davies’ Best in Class project is an inspired way of enabling working-class comedians to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe, with all its hidden (and not-so-hidden) hurdles and costs. For our show we had Tasha Cluskey as our host, and what a brilliant host she is. Larger than life and twice as loud, the pride of Romford has an ebullient stage presence who gets to know everyone in the first couple of rows and does an amazing job of putting us at ease, but not without a little merciless teasing first. Our first act was Maxine Wade, a riotously funny comedian, all leopard-skin and blue hair, who delivered her excellent material with punchy confidence and a knowing look. Apparently she’s a nurse in her day job; cue lots of laughs about which plugs she’d be pulling out given the right circumstances. And our other comedian was Sam Ayinde, an imposing guy from Nigeria, but with an even more imposing mum by the sound of it. He also has a strong presence and voice which he uses to tell his string of entertaining anecdotes – although I confess I’m way too old to understand some of his references! Nevertheless, this was a cracking compilation show, creating more laughter than is decent at 7pm on a wet Wednesday.

Josh Jones: Put a Sock in it, Monkey Barrel Comedy at The Tron.

A masterclass in comedy from someone who’s way too young to be a master in anything! Josh’s funny, warm and confiding nature gives us an insight into his life at home in Manchester again after two years in London – some very enjoyable therapy got him out of his depression and now he’s back where he’s happy. Topics up for consideration included the romanticism of grave-sharing, the safety levels of his grandparents still driving, whether it’s better to be Northern or gay (a poisoned chalice question if ever there was one) and the benefits of having your O.B.E. bestowed on you by Queen Camilla. Josh’s style is irresistibly engaging, full of heart and sincerity; one of those comedians whose words you believe implicitly, even if it’s just delivered as part of a funny line. One of the best comedians out there!

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 22nd August 2024

Posted on by

More adventure awaits us, let’s have a look.

Here’s the schedule for August 22nd.

12:00 – Josh Makinda Is Probably Fine, Just the Tonic at The Mash House. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Josh Makinda is bringing his debut solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe! Australian, Kenyan-ethnicity, but NYC-based, Josh has been wowing audiences the world over with his unique brand of sharp wit, whip-smart ad-libs and colossal tales of life, wonder and unwellness. You are next! Come and laugh until your tummy hurts; his already does (IBS)! ‘…Josh Makinda had the audience in his palm… I laughed for a solid fifty minutes, you probably will too.’ (IsolatedNation.com). ‘Josh Makinda is a rarity… it’s comedy of the first order’ (The West Australian).”

We start the day with some comedy from a land down under. I’ve not heard of Josh Makinda before but he arrives with lots of complimentary notices, so I have good hopes of some comedy gold.

13:25 – The Ghost of White Hart Lane, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s, however, in July 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. From humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh, through to football fame and his tragic death, the play shares John’s cheeky humour. It also follows the story of his son Rob White, who was just five months old when his dad died. Having premiered at Spurs Stadium, this follows on from the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch.”

I have never heard about the story of John White, but hopefully this play will provide a good insight into his achievements and be a fitting honour.

18:15 – Mark Row: A* in the Making – Revision Lesson, Laughing Horse @ The Hanover Tap.

“After 18 years as a teacher, Mark Row has had enough of the endless carousel of uninspiring lessons, inane questions and kids with attitudes that stink worse than their PE kits. So now he’s seeking a new life on stage, but will the glamorous world of stand-up comedy really prove to be much better? Mark Row returns to Edinburgh with tales from the classroom for anyone who has ever been a teacher, been to school, or who just likes laughing at children. An outstanding lesson in how entertain!”

On a number of times over the past few years we have so nearly seen Mark Row perform, but for some reason he has always missed out in the final reel. No excuses this time, so I hope he lives up to his reputation!

19:45 – Kelly Bachman: Patron Saint, Assembly Rooms.

“Patron Saint is an hour of stand-up about spirituality, sexuality, virality and why anyone is funny. More specifically, it’s an hour of stand-up by Kelly Bachman, a comedian and rape survivor who found herself with sudden notoriety after encountering serial predator Harvey Weinstein at a comedy show in New York. Kelly was then asked to talk to CNN, The Guardian and a documentary called Hysterical on FX/Hulu, too. Years later, Kelly still hears one recurring question: ‘Are you a comedian because of trauma?’ Patron Saint aims to answer that question.”

This subject matter for this comedy hour couldn’t be more relevant and contemporary. I haven’t come across Ms Bachman before but with any luck this should be hard-hitting top quality comedy.

22:15 – Thank You So Much for Coming, Underbelly, Cowgate.

“You are cordially invited… Cynthia, the ultimate party host, is in the midst of throwing her most fabulous party ever! A hilarious, immersive one-woman character clown show that explores loneliness, femininity, and the pressure to be seen. Playful, absurd and unhinged, Cynthia wrestles with desire and disgust at the prospect of being loved and known in a world filled with ubiquitous, yet too often empty, encounters. A delightful descent into pure madness! Awards: Best Immersive (TVO Awards), Best of Broadwater (Hollywood Fringe). ‘A beautifully surreal show with an extraordinary performance’ (Noho Arts).”

I’m up for helping Cynthia enjoy her fabulous late night party, although I have a feeling she might unravel before our eyes. I’m hoping it’s not too surreal because that might get a little tiresome. Fingers crossed it’s pitched perfectly!

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 21st August 2024

Posted on by

What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?

Here’s the schedule for August 21st.

10:25 – The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform You That Her Husband is Dead, Paradise in Augustines. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“August 1815. The Duke of Buckingham is dead – but the feelings on this are decidedly mixed. At the Buckingham estate, his widow Selina discovers she must remarry within seven days or lose everything. So, when the perfect candidate appears, she thinks the problem is solved. Only something much darker is happening. And as an unlikely affection emerges, nastier truths come to light. With her bankrupt family depending on her and a power-hungry social climber gunning for her title, Selina’s running out of time.”

I can’t quite work out if this is historical fact or fiction, but a grandiose title like that calls out for attention, and I felt obliged to give it!

13:00 – September 11, 1973: The Day Salvador Allende Died, C Arts C venues C Aquila.

“September 11, 1973. A US-backed coup led by General Augusto Pinochet will oust Chile’s democratically-elected president. Allende died by suicide in the palace that day. The play focuses on the final hours of Salvador Allende’s life. Pinochet is hell-bent on ousting Allende and eliminating his supporters. The chips are down and there is no time to spare. As Allende anxiously considers his options, he’s challenged by a mysterious man to play the final chess game of his life. A compelling, relentless and daring play, freely based on facts.”

As an activist young man (which I never really was) I supported the Chile Solidarity Campaign and I still find anything to do with Allende, Pinochet and the protests of the time fascinating. I’m not quite sure what to make of the phrase “freely based on facts”, but no doubt all will become clear!

14:50 – All the Fraudulent Horse Girls, Pleasance Dome.

“This feral equine fantasia follows 11-year-old Audrey who is telepathically linked to all the other horse-girls in the world. After an attempt to liberate a police horse goes haywire, we are thrust from suburban Sydney to harsh desert Mexico for an unrelenting equestrian odyssey. Michael Louis Kennedy’s colt-hit, music-filled saga of loser-on-loser violence arrives in Edinburgh after taking the East London queer performance scene by storm! ***** (LondonTheatre1.com). ‘One of the most entertaining, least conventional productions you will see’ (TheReviewsHub.com). ‘An absurd and affectionate pastiche about queerness and girlhood’ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). Offie nominated!”

Equus with a 21st century twist? It sounds like it barely has a toenail in the real world, but it should be entertaining nonetheless!

16:45 – Stuart Laws Has to Be Joking?  Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive).

“Last year Stuart started telling the truth on stage and was diagnosed autistic: he got the best reviews he’s ever got and his show was a must-see. He’s back baby! And has to lean into it further. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s immaculately structured and it’s a chance to see a comedian at the top of his game. As heard on Off Menu and seen on BBC, Prime and 800 Pound Gorilla. **** ½ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (List). ‘You’ll struggle to find a comedian with a better jokes-per-minute rate’ **** (Fest).”

Stuart Laws is new to me, but comes highly recommended, so this is a hopefully lucky punt!

19:00 – Best in Class, Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters.

“Winner: Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize 2022. Best in Class is a crowdfunded, profit-sharing show that champions the rich talent of working-class comedians. Sponsored by waste grounds, knock-off trainers, spam, weed, the unions, crap schools, bunking off, failed MOTs, failed GCSEs, bus stops, pay-day loans, fierce mums, tired dads and empowerment. Featuring a mixed bill of the very best new comic voices, who just so happen to be from working-class backgrounds. ‘A great showcase of genuine talent **** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Wonderfully funny’ **** (BroadwayWorld.com).”

I admit it, I find the ethos behind Best in Class admirable and desirable; I’ve no idea who will be performing, but I’m hoping they’re good!

20:40 – Josh Jones: Put a Sock in It, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron).

“After two sell-out Fringe runs, this marvelous Manc is back with his best show yet. Since receiving a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Josh has embarked on two sell-out UK tours and has starred on TV shows such as The Jonathan Ross Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, As Yet Untitled and much more. ‘Supremely gifted comic who can turn the slightest of events into a crowd-pleasing routine’ **** (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk). ‘Rough edges and killer wind-ups prove this Mancunian comic is his prime’ **** (List).”

This will be the first time we have seen Josh Jones live and I’m expecting great things!

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – When Vincent Met John, Crime and Punishment, Michael Porter: Love and Brain Damage, Galahad Takes a Bath, 1 Moment in Time, and I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have

Posted on by

When Vincent Met John, TheSpace at Niddry Street.

4-stars

An imaginary meeting between Vincent van Gogh and John Lennon, when both are at a crisis point in their lives and careers, leads to a fascinating debate about the nature, value and definition of art. Lennon, of course, has the advantage of knowing who van Gogh is (or was) but van Gogh, obviously ignorant of Lennon, cannot comprehend how someone like him could have what might be considered to be artistic ability. Today, we would consider both to be among the finest exponents of their art in their own time; but is one better than the other, or do different eras simply favour different styles? Can one person influence another and help them to see a useful way forward, or are they condemned to continue, blinkered, along their own, private path? Murray Andrews and Nick Wilkes deliver intense, convincing performances – they are exactly how we remember Lennon and imagine how van Gogh would sound and behave; and Mr Wilkes’ eloquent text is crammed with thoughtful and thought-provoking ideas and observations that make you continue to think about it long after it’s over.

Crime and Punishment, TheSpace on The Mile.
4-stars

Talking Shadows bring their adaptation of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment as a smartly condensed 45-minute play, featuring a talented ensemble of young actors. The tormented Raskolnikov stalks the stage while the rest of the cast ominously sit side by side at the back of the stage, watching, waiting, and reciting in unison (which they perform with chilling accuracy), providing voices in Raskolnikov’s head and adding to his nightmare. The relatively large cast adapt to the small acting space, without compromising on the fluidity and foreboding of their movement. A gripping retelling of this dark story with some excellent performances!

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

4-stars

Michael Porter’s new show, Love and Brain Damage, gets its unusual name from an unusual event in Michael’s own childhood. As a boy, a freak car accident left him with a frontal lobe brain injury which actually caused him to die three times before miraculously being nursed back to life over six weeks. Unsurprisingly, this has had a profound effect on him; on his voice, on his emotions, on his ability to communicate, and on his confidence. His comic delivery has an unrestrained, powerful quality, full of attack, and combined with his (self-confessed) aggressive Northern Ireland accent, let’s just say that nobody sleeps when Michael Porter is talking! Much of this show is about how that incident has affected him, but there’s also loads of great material about relocating to Scotland, his tough upbringing, and the joys of living in a town called… err… Muff. Full of energy and sincerity, the innate kindness and vulnerability that lurks under his gruff exterior shines through and makes for a rewarding, educational and, indeed, very funny hour.

Galahad Takes a Bath, Zoo Southside.

From Thomas Malory, through Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Lerner and Loewe and Monty Python, the Court of King Arthur has inspired literature, music and humour. The latest take on Camelot is Juggler’s Mistake’s Galahad Takes a Bath, starring Forest Malley as the eponymous knight, fresh in from a day’s knighting, and in desperate need of a bath – after all, it’s vital to maintain the clean purity that’s his brand – but first, he’ll take some questions, press conference style. Yes, he has a slightly unorthodox relationship with Lancelot, and no, he can’t give any further updates on the progress to find the Grail, other than what’s already been officially released. But when you dig down into Galahad the man, can anyone truly be that pure and untainted? Written with punchy spark by Jojo Jones, the play’s honesty and sincerity paint a picture of a wonderfully modern and recognisable Galahad, both brilliantly funny and surprisingly tragic. A hilarious, unpredictable, epoch-bending show, with a superb performance by Forest Malley, who invests Galahad with an unexpected, but completely believable personality. One of the best performances in this year’s Fringe.

1 Moment in Time, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

Sean Alexander, the Confusionist, asks us to consider one moment in time, and it’s a theme he weaves into the whole hour, including some truly extraordinary tricks and feats. Without giving any games away, there’s a trick that involves us all doing an elaborate sum on the calculators on our phones that has an amazing end result; there are other amazing tricks that involve a wedding ring and a message in a balloon, and my favourite, a deceptively simple trick which involves the synchronicity of two packs of cards shuffled separately. Mr Alexander presents the show with warmth, heart, and a sensitivity for the emotions that the show releases, and you’ll come away from it with a sense of awe and bafflement. Astounding!

I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have, TheSpace on The Mile.

3-stars

Family secrets, eh? Every family has them; most don’t let them get quite this out of hand. Estranged from their father, and with their mother dead, three brothers grow up together as best they can under the care of the oldest, Harrison. Middle brother Will suffers badly from the effects of being abused by his father; and youngest brother Sean wants to know more about this father that no one ever talks about. After all, he’s sixteen now, and needs to understand his own identity. Vince, the father, is a complete monster of a man, and they’re all better off without him. But when Sean’s curiosity gets the better of him, he starts a chain of events that they would all come to regret. Paul-James Green’s ambitious play tells a fascinating and engrossing story that keeps the audience locked in and engaged throughout, although, to be fair, there are a couple of aspects to the plot that lack credibility. There’s a particularly strong performance by Gary Simpson as Vince – a genuinely threatening and evil presence on stage, and there is also some extremely impressive stage combat – especially involving Mr Simpson and Richard Michell as Will. If you’re looking for a happy ending – look no further! It’s not exactly a pleasant play, but it does expose a few family home truths.

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

Posted on by

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

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

Beryl Cook: A Private View, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

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

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

3-stars

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

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

4-stars

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

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

3-stars

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