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Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Tim Biglowe: Grease Monkey, Gang Bang, Emma Sidi is Sue Gray, Chloe Petts: How You See Me How You Don’t, Nina Gilligan: Goldfish, and Finlay Christie: I Deserve This

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Tim Biglowe: Grease Monkey, PBH’s Free Fringe at Whistlebinkies.

3-stars

What’s the proper name for a sell-out show that’s free? A free-out? That was the case for our performance of Tim Bigelow’s new show Grease Monkey. Trying to define his inner “bloke”, he tells us all about being brought up in Wimbourne, moving to London, and then finding his inner PartyBoy in Berlin. But now he’s a mature married man, he has to find a proper job and what could be more blokey than working as a mechanic? But is he the ideal fit for the role? You’ll have to see his show to find out! Tim Bigelow has an enormously welcoming and inclusive style, with lots of terrific material and a fluid, confident delivery. The show is pitched perfectly to the – out of necessity – intimate audience set-up. And it has a very clever and engaging finale which is just about as blokey as you can get. A name to watch out for in the future!

Gang Bang, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

A Mafiosa family escape from America and end up in Blackpool – it’s an easy mistake. But when Godfather Don Lambrini croaks, he passes on the boss mantle to the unlikely Al, much to the fury of his heir apparent. But Al is a blunderer more than a murderer, and mayhem ensues. It’s a ridiculous idea and the script is full of ridiculous humour; a mixture of surreal, slapstick and the downright silly. There are lots of amusing characterisations and humour derived from the show’s deliberately unlikely locations. The play could be trimmed down a little, and does begin to run out of steam towards the end, but I found the performers and the laughs very endearing, and, frankly, I loved it.

Emma Sidi is Sue Gray, Pleasance Courtyard.

Not sure I knew quite what to expect from this hour of character comedy but Emma Sidi’s caracterizacion (Spanish – it will make sense if you see it) of Sue Gray is creative genius. I’m not going to tell you more about her portrayal because the surprise is very much part of the appeal of the show. We learn about Sue’s previous posts in the Civil Service, the ministers she likes, the ministers she doesn’t; what she really thinks about Sir Keir Starmer and what happens at the office water cooler. There is some audience participation, brilliantly set up and which adds an inspirational level of comedy. Exactly what the Fringe is all about – I laughed from start to finish!

Chloe Petts: How You See Me How You Don’t, Pleasance Courtyard.

4-stars

It must be miserable to be trolled online simply for being who you are and what you look like; and that was an experience that Chloe Petts unexpectedly found herself facing. But she has turned that experience into a great new show, which encompasses her appearances on Sky Sports News, her schooldays with best friend Britney and the pitfalls and pleasures of using the Clarks foot measuring appliance. She has a superbly confident and likeable style and delivers her sharp and pinpoint accurate comic observations with immaculate timing and star quality. A must-see!

Nina Gilligan: Goldfish, Just the Tonic Nucleus.

3-stars

Nina Gilligan’s new show Goldfish is, as always, full of hilarious observations about life from the viewpoint of a menopausal woman, including the sexual apartheid practised by GPs, fancying men under 30, and still being subjected to a mental mother. But there’s also a serious side to the show, with her health issues and an account of a sexual assault at a Corporate Event. So there’s a sweet and sour aspect to this show; although one’s main memory at the end of it is a live goldfish singing on stage with backing bubbles. Laughter contrasted with the unwelcome advances of a sexual predator.

Finlay Christie: I Deserve This, Monkey Barrel Comedy 4.

4-stars

Fast becoming one of our biggest rising stars in comedy, Finlay Christie’s new hour of comedy celebrates being a young cis white male, whilst always poking fun at himself, at his privilege, both in education and money, and his woeful attempts to write rap as a 16-year-old. Exuding confidence, but in a likeable way rather than a Boris Johnson way, he has that marvellous ability to lead an audience down the exact garden path that he chooses, and can hold our attention even through silence – which is always the sign of a tremendous comedian. It takes a very skilful comic to present a sequence explaining mansplaining without infuriating the women in the audience – and he gets away with it beautifully. Great crowd work, superbly self-deprecating and, above all, extremely funny.

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Dissociation, Fifty Minutes to Save the NHS, Rebels and Patriots, Martin Rowson: Shred the Front Page, Run, and Randy Feltface

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Dissociation, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.
4-stars

Reuben Wade’s Dissociation is a powerful and intriguing play that separates the two aspects of an individual with dissociative identity disorder. Rod is perplexed by the presence of his other half, Todd, until Todd starts showing him the way to lead a more fulfilling and successful life. Deliberately ambiguous, it messes not only with the concept of time, but also with your head, as you try to fathom exactly what is going on here. It’s the kind of play that leaves you thinking for hours afterwards. Superbly acted by Christopher Patrick Mullen, Keith Conallen, Heather Michele Lawler and Kimberly Fairbanks. Well worth catching if a production comes your way!

Fifty Minutes to Save the NHS, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

4-stars

50 Minutes to Save the NHS? It can be done, if you allow Dr Phil Hammond and Dr Clare Gerada to take control of policies. In an extremely funny rattle through all the problems that beset our beloved health service, they highlight the ridiculous underspends and mis-spends, the obvious ways in which prevention is better than cure, and how the Clangers can provide the key to a happy and healthy life. Packed with fascinating insights and – despite the seriousness of the subject – frequently hysterically funny, this is a must-see for everyone.

Rebels and Patriots, Pleasance Courtyard.

3-stars

Floating Shed Theatre – a British/Palestinian/Israeli acting company – have created a bleak and hard-hitting play based on the lives of those teenagers who are conscripted into the Israeli Defence Force. Each of the four characters in the play face the horrors of war in different ways, and it shows the potentially disastrous effect on both their physical and mental health. Nadav Burstein, the writer, was conscripted into the IDF, and the events of the play stem from his own experiences and those of his colleagues. There’s so much to say about the IDF, and this play goes part of the way to tell those stories. Very emotional and effective, well acted and with some very harrowing moments.

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

4-stars

Armed with just his shredder and a projection screen, cartoonist Martin Rowson takes us on a journey through all the newspapers and magazines with whom he has worked; more than you can shake a stick at, in fact, and most of whom he left by being given the sack. Fortunately, there’s always a new publication to try his hand at. Entertainingly illustrated with both his own work and some of history’s cartoon trailblazers, Martin’s reminiscences are funny, astonishing and sometimes just simply bizarre. A tremendous raconteur, and not afraid to tell it like it is!

Run, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

3-stars

What starts as a charming and touching story of first love and sexual awakening turns sour as a young man is chased after using Grindr, beaten up and ends up in A&E. Taylor Moore gives an excellent, word-perfect performance in a tale that’s both touching and terrifying. The text was occasionally a little difficult to follow, and I felt only sporadically comes to life, sometimes being a little – dare I say it – dull. But Mr Moore makes the very best of the text he is given!

Randy Feltface, Assembly Rooms.
4-stars

There aren’t many puppets – spoiler alert: he is a puppet – that can command the massive stage of the Assembly Rooms Music Hall venue, but Randy Feltface is one such specimen. What you might get if you cross Australian cultural attache Sir Les Patterson with Zippy from Rainbow, Mr Feltface is a hilarious and endearing creation, who has mastered the combined arts of puppet crowd work and satire. He wrung every conceivable comic possibility out of the idea of “First Banana”, and the huge audience hung on his every word.

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 11th August 2024

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A comedy-heavy day today, but what is on the slab?

Here’s the schedule for August 11th.

11:15 –  Tim Biglowe: Grease Monkey, PBH’s Free Fringe at Whistlebinkies. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Begin your festival morning with Tim’s new, high-energy stand up show. Starting married life living on a canal boat, this laidback hippy panics – and takes a job as a mechanic. All to be viewed as a “proper married bloke”. Can this calamitous captain become a grease monkey? Or will his in-laws’ dubious scheme offer him a way out of the rat race? ‘Assured the audience they were in a for decent night’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A rare breed indeed. Great jokes among well-crafted stories’ (Indie Comedy Review).”

Starting the day with a completely lucky punt. I have no idea what to expect with Mr Biglowe but I like the sound of his set! With only 15 seats in the venue, I hope we can get in!

12:55 –  Gang Bang, Pleasance Courtyard.

“In 1945, when Sicilians were pouring onto boats for America, one man by the name of Don Lambrini accidentally boarded an all-inclusive Thomas Cook cruise to Blackpool, England. A mob comedy from the writer of Ringer, Out To Lunch, Goons, Frog’s Legs and Boondocks. ‘A name to look out for’ (Scotsman). ‘Quality new writing’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A delight’ **** (VoiceMag.uk). ***** (EdFringeReview.com).”

The premise of this play sounds completely hilarious and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Mafia fare amongst the bright lights and subtle pleasures of Blackpool. Let’s hope the writing and performance live up to the idea!

16:15 – Emma Sidi Is Sue Gray, Pleasance Courtyard.

“Character comedian Emma Sidi is back at the Edinburgh Fringe. And now she’s Sue Gray. But who is Sue Gray? Well, she’s [REDACTED]. As seen on Starstruck, Ghosts and Pls Like. ‘Bonkers originality… A-grade stuff, invigoratingly fresh’ **** (Telegraph). ‘You will absolutely love it!’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Top-class character comedy from a comedian at the top of her game’ ****½ (ToDoList.org.uk). ‘A comic of considerable skill… a notch above many of her peers’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A show so good I wish I could binge watch it on TV’ **** (ThreeWeeks). **** (Skinny).”

As soon as I saw this listing I knew it was a must-see! Emma Sidi is new to me but the idea of an exposé on Sue Gray is comic genius.

19:00 – Chloe Petts: How You See Me, How You Don’t, Pleasance Courtyard.

“After two smash-hit, sell-out runs, Chloe Petts returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new show… and this time she’s getting personal. Between her newly found trolls, oldly found school bullies, and an excellent relationship with her food tech teacher, Chloe Petts brings her trademark laddishness to tell you who she really is, all whilst her Head Girl badge glistens upon her chest. ‘Clearly a rising star whose name will soon be in lights’ **** (Evening Standard). ‘One of the most compelling young comics’ **** (Guardian). **** (Metro).”

Chloe Petts is one of those comedians on whom you can always rely to get exactly the right tone and content and I’m sure this will be a great show.

20:40 – Nina Gilligan: Goldfish, Just the Tonic Nucleus.

“Join multi award-winner Nina Gilligan for her hilarious hour of stand-up, Goldfish. Memory loss, health anxiety, goldfish-related trauma. Things you need to remember and the thing you can’t forget. As heard on BBC Radio 4 and voted Best Club Comedian (Chortle.co.uk), Nina is described as a ‘bolshier Mrs Merton’ (Skinny) and known as ‘a vivacious, life embracing performer, with a cheeky, ready wit’ (Scotsman).”

We saw Nina Gilligan for the first time at the Fringe two years ago and she was a complete hoot throughout. The description of her as a bolshier Mrs Merton is spot on.

22:40 – Finlay Christie: I Deserve This, Monkey Barrel Comedy.

“Money, followers, religiously forbidden relationships. Does Finlay Christie deserve everything he gets? At 19, he became the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition. His sketches and stand-up have been viewed over 200 million times on YouTube, his debut Edinburgh show OK Zoomer was nominated for NextUp’s Best Show award. TV includes 8 Out of 10 Cats and Stand Up Sketch Show. ‘Outstanding… he will be taking the comedy world by storm, catch him now while you can’ (One4Review.co.uk). ‘The voice of his generation’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

Here’s hoping we’re not all joked out by the time we get to see Finlay Christie’s new show because he’s a fantastic young comedian with a huge future ahead of him. I’m expecting we’ll end the evening on a high!

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

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 9th August 2024

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

Here’s the schedule for August 9th.

11:30 – no one is coming to save us, Pleasance Courtyard. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“Maddy is worried that no one is having fun at her party. Her sister Lily is worried that the world is falling apart. As this group of friends gather on a mountaintop, watching the sunset, a wildfire sparks in the forest below. They drink beer and talk nonsense while the flames race toward them. From award winners Pepperdine Scotland and playwright Lewis Hetherington, this world premiere is about young people finding fragile hope in the face of an overwhelming environmental threat, carrying the flickering flame of belief that things might yet be alright.”

A serious play to start the day – and there’s no more serious subject than the future of the planet. Exploring this issue through theatre is a constructive way to kick start discussion. I’ll be fascinated to see from which angle this play approaches the subject.

15:40 – Duck, Pleasance Courtyard.

“It’s the summer of 2005, England prepares to win the Ashes and Ismail (Smiley to his friends), a British Indian schoolboy, is about to become the youngest ever player in his elite public school’s First XI cricket team. He sets his sights on immortality, breaking the school batting record and getting his name into Wisden. But things are about to heat up. From award-winning playwright maatin, Duck is about adolescence, the pressures of sporting competition and finding your identity in an environment that doesn’t cater for difference. Recipient of the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund 2024.”

You don’t often get plays based on a cricketing theme, so this promises to be something a little unusual. Sporting ambition and fitting in are things that many of us can recognise in ourselves, so hopefully this will be an entertaining and enlightening piece of writing.

17:20 – FUFC, TheSpace on the Mile.

“FUFC is a heartfelt, poignant and semi-autobiographical play exploring a world upended by the shocking news of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Set on a muddy football pitch under a hungover council sky, FUFC captures a heartwarming moment of genuine connection between two old friends. This touching play reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the bonds of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit can bring hope. This intimate theatrical experience speaks to the challenges, hopes and camaraderie that unite us all.”

And now another sports themed play, this time football. I think we can make a stab at what the letters in the title stand for! I’m hoping for an emotionally charged piece of theatre that’s not afraid to be brave where it comes to dealing with cancer diagnosis.

19:35 – Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers, TheSpace @ Surgeons Hall.

“Thot. Noun, informal. Definition: a person who has had many sexual encounters – the exact opposite from the kind of nerdy gaymer Ajahnis is. But after attending a rave and attempting his first death drop… he literally dies. When he awakens at the gates of Gay Heaven, a mighty, flighty and unabashedly white-y God reveals that Ajahnis does not have enough ‘Homo Points’ to enter. So through a series of sketches, the little twink relives the gayest age, 22, to prove that he belongs. Witness the HOMO, or suffer the FOMO.”

I’ll be honest, gentle reader; I’d never come across the word thot before (but Urban Dictionary confirms the definition above), but the main reason I plumped for this production was because the phrase “witness the HOMO or suffer the FOMO” made me laugh out loud. Let’s hope it’s a good sign for the rest of the show!

21:00 – Dan Tiernan: Stomp, Monkey Barrel Comedy.

“2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and ‘Mancunian wild-man’ (Guardian) returns with show two, following a totally sold-out debut last year. ‘A potent, original fount of gags’ **** (Scotsman). Former BBC New Comedy Awards winner and English Comedian of the Year winner. ‘A furious yet friendly, thrilling ride’ **** (Telegraph). ‘A powerhouse performance backed by solid writing’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). As seen on BBC’s QI and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. ‘A stand-up set for stardom’ **** (List). ‘Furiously fun’ (Guardian).”

Dan Tiernan has rapidly made his mark on the comedy world with his hilarious, in-your-face style that I’m sure will keep the audience on the edge of its collective seat for a surprising and exhilarating hour of entertainment!

23:00 – It’s OK, I Still Think You’re Great, TheSpace @ Symposium Hall.

“It’s Tibby’s 25th birthday and she is throwing a big party: after years, her friends from uni are coming together — and they are all doing better than her. It’s OK, I Still Think You’re Great is a sparkling three-hander about friendship, friendship breakups, breakup breakups, drama, drama kids, queerness, being an immigrant, rejection and William Shakespeare. Also, about the emotional roller-coaster of being in your mid-twenties and having no clue about pretty much anything ever.”

I’m expecting this to be one of those postgraduate productions where young people work out all their angst about the future – and if it’s done with a lightness of touch and well-written humour, there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be a terrific way to end the night.

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

Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Reviews – Jess, Fan/Girl, Come Dine With Me: The Musical, Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations! and Adam Flood: Back of the Spoon

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Jess, TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.

3-stars

We often forget that those who work very long hours in the NHS with highly responsible jobs make huge sacrifices in order to perform their miracles. Take Jess, for instance. She’s a cardiothoracic surgeon – much to the enormous pride of her mum. She’s good at her job and she’s motivated and devoted to helping people and saving lives. But when endless late night urgent operations mean she can’t go home to enjoy the delicious meal that her partner has worked hard to provide; or when she works so hard that she doesn’t notice her mother’s declining health, you know something is just not right. Stephanie Perry gives a moving, heartfelt portrayal of Jess, juggling the needs of the NHS with her own relationships and desires. A simple story effectively told.

FAN/GIRL, Summerhall.

3-stars

Bryony has always loved football. Fortunately, they didn’t mind you wearing team shirts at primary school, so whilst her friend Martha sported an Arsenal shirt, Bryony stayed a little more non-committal with an England strip. Stephen’s frankly rubbish at football, but that doesn’t stop the two of them from being Best Friends. But when primary gives way to secondary, girls’ football is not an option and new bestie Elle encourages her to use make-up to become more feminine and to conform with the sexual stereotypes that are so influential, even at that very young age. What is a Fan/Girl to do when all around her are the trappings of fashionable girlhood but all she wants to do is pray to her hero Eric Cantona? Bryony Byrne’s Fan/Girl is an unpredictable, inventive plunge into 1990s schooldays, with the audience invited to join in with soccer matches, application of cosmetics and “becoming” several cultural heroes of the time: it was my honour to be granted the non-speaking role of H from Steps (as well as the Gascoignesque water squirter and match commentator!) Lots of fun and games but also making some serious statements about how girls are channelled in one direction rather than giving them the freedom to make their own choices.

Come Dine With Me: The Musical, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

We all know the format for Come Dine With Me the TV show – four diametrically opposed chefs “entertain” the others during a culinary soiree, followed by a grumbling session when they say how awful the others’ cooking is, and begrudgingly offer a subsequent score out of ten. If everyone’s nice to each other it’s no more than pap TV. If, however, there’s a bit of resentment, jealousy or – dare I say it – sabotage, up go the viewing figures and another series gets commissioned. Come Dine With Me The Musical takes this very idea, as our boisterous and ambitious producer, Mary, accompanies the team of Roy (camera) and Teddy (sound) to the backwater village of Little Stonking, to record the efforts of pretentious Barbara whose meals are all in French, vegan Ernest, pork pie king Duncan and Janey – who just happened to know Teddy at school. When the courses start to take a taste for the worst, is sabotage on hand, and if so, who is to blame? Aaron King and Sam Norman’s musical is full of entertaining tunes, and some terrific performances, notably from Harry Chander as Teddy, Kim Ismay as the hilariously affected Barbara, and Danielle Coombe as Mary. Nothing too challenging, just a feelgood musical with lots of humour – and a happy ending!

Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations!, Underbelly Bristo Square.

4-stars

You certainly get great value for money from a Rhys Nicholson gig; from the moment they come on stage, they barely take a breath, with their wonderfully funny observations from the best way to scare a straight man to how you get your revenge on your relatives when their kids jump on your bed at 5am on Christmas Morning. A very slick and shrewd operator, the hour flies by with apparent effortless ease – but I expect it takes a lot of skill and planning to deliver a set this smoothly. Very funny indeed – highly recommended.

Adam Flood: Back of the Spoon, Monkey Barrel Comedy at The Tron.

3-stars

Adam Flood’s new show is entitled Back of the Spoon because when you look at the back of a spoon it gives you a distorted image of reality. I had expected it to be similar to Back of the Net as in scoring a goal, but seen in terms of cutlery – what do I know? Recently single again, he’s still living in the same place – but, of course, it now feels different. The other major element of the show is his father, who has recently been revealed to be a secret serial Trip Advisor reviewer, where everything gets five stars; must be a contented chap. Adam Flood is a naturally funny guy, with a confident delivery and a very likeable stage persona. For me, in this show, his material was a little lacking, and it didn’t have quite the same laugh-a-minute quality as before. But he can’t hide his quick wit and attention to detail which comes to the fore with his excellent crowd work, ensuring you have a good time.

 

The Edinburgh Fringe All Month Long – 7th August 2024

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

Here’s the schedule for August 7th

10:25 – Jess, TheSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

“They say loneliness is the leprosy of the modern day. A poignant, meaningful and honest insight into the life of a woman experiencing loss and heartbreak. Meet Jess – she’s a cardiothoracic surgeon, her mum calls her a “career woman”, her boss is a bully, her girlfriends left her and all Jess wants to do is f*cking change her life. ‘From the very beginning, Jess is a production that is unafraid to engage with the uncomfortable’ ***** (Upper-Circle.com).”

Most early(ish) morning plays in Edinburgh are meaty and serious, and this one sounds no exception. Imagine being as successful as being a cardiothoracic surgeon, and yet you’re still subjected to having a bully for a boss? No wonder the NHS is in turmoil. Eyes down for some no-nonsense, hard-hitting drama.

12:10 – Fan/Girl, Summerhall.

“Sparked by a conversation with a childhood friend that unearthed a long-forgotten obsession with football, Bryony wondered why all the girls she knew stopped playing football in their teens. It’s 1998: Geri Halliwell is leaving the Spice Girls, David Beckham is wearing a sarong, and somewhere in England a 10-year-old Bryony is pretending to be Eric Cantona. An absurd and tongue-in-cheek ride through British adolescence set against a backdrop of 90s football and pop. Directed by Fringe First winner Ben Target and packed to the brim with playful audience interaction, 90s bangers, clown comedy and drag.”

Ben Target’s Lorenzo was one of the Fringe highlights from last year, and I can imagine him injecting quirky life into this entertaining-sounding play, where football meets pop and every youngster has their soccer hero. I’m expecting this to be a thoroughly enjoyable production!

14:20 – Come Dine With Me: The Musical, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“Take a bunch of tuneful strangers. Mix in a dollop of behind-the-scenes skulduggery, a Sound Man playing detective, a sprinkling of star-crossed love, and plenty of juicy arpeggios. Marinade, cook for 60 minutes… and serve hot. The result is a mouth-watering fusion dish, combining the beloved TV show and a sumptuous original score to form Come Dine With Me: The Musical – a winning recipe that will delight even the pickiest palate! (Warning: May Contain Spice.)”

Something of a risk with this choice, as five years ago Come Dine with Mr Shakespeare was one of the worst shows of that year’s Fringe. Still, five years is a long time and hope springs eternal. Actually, turning TV’s Come Dine with Me into a musical sounds like a winning formula. Fingers crossed.

20:25 – Rhys Nicholson: Huge Big Party Congratulations!, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

“On this, the year of our Lord 2024, it’s a brand-new, hour-long, stand-up comedy concert from your ol’ pal Rhys Nicholson. Only a coward wouldn’t attend. Winner: Most Outstanding Show, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2022. As seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Roast Battle UK, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Taskmaster Australia and Netflix. ‘Skilful, elegant and perfectly crafted stand up’ ***** (Scotsman). ‘This is a genuinely great stand-up comedian at work… awe-inspiring to watch’ ***** (Time Out).”

Rhys Nicholson has a very good reputation, but to my great surprise, we’ve only seen him once, as a guest performer in a 2015 Spank! show – ah, how we miss Spank. That was nine years ago – and Mr Nicholson has come along way since then. I’m sure this will be a great show.

22:05 – Adam Flood: Back of the Spoon, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron).

“The wonky and worried award-winning comedy of the Stoke-on-Trent urchin returns after last year’s successful debut. The Times – Top 3 Rising Stars of the Fringe. Holding a spoon up to society and himself, expect high-energy stand-up, laced with real voice notes. ‘Despicably multi talented’ (Ivo Graham). ‘Extremely funny, with a superb lightness of touch’ ***** (TheRealChrisparkle.com). ‘Highly highly recommended’ **** (Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of The Fringe). As Seen On ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show. Top Picks of the Fringe (British Comedy Guide). Winner: Bath New Comedian of the Year 2022.”

Oh look – another quote from me! We saw Adam Flood for the first time last year and were extremely impressed, as you can see. His crowd work is second to none and I know we’re in for a brilliant hour.

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

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!