Only four shows today – a nice mix of drama and comedy!
Here’s the schedule for 22nd August:
12.35 – Lena, Assembly George Square. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“1974. 10-year-old singing sensation Lena Zavaroni rockets to stardom on Opportunity Knocks, ITV’s top talent show. 25 years later, we discover a very different Lena, one for whom the glory days are long gone. Exploring what had happened to her in the intervening years reveals a wholly contrasting story. Written by BAFTA and Olivier award-winner Tim Whitnall and directed by Paul Hendy, Lena, a compelling play with music, features a live band and five-strong cast, starring Erin Armstrong as Lena and Jon Culshaw as TV’s original Mr. Starmaker, Hughie Green.”
I remember what a big star Lena Zavaroni was in the early days – and how tragically her life developed. I think this could be quite a sad play, but I’m looking forward to it nonetheless.
15.10 – Sooz Kempner: Y2K Woman, Underbelly Bristo Square.
“The award-winning, viral sensation returns with a brand-new hour following her sell-out 2022 run. As the year 2000 approached, Sooz was about to turn 15 and the PlayStation 2 was about to launch… it was a new beginning for the world. But with the Millennium Bug, was the world also about to end!? Now, almost a quarter of a century later, things feel eerily similar… New millennium, video games, Alanis Morissette… a show for anyone who remembers the year 2000 or had big dreams as a kid. ‘Kempner has funny bones’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Brilliant’ (LA Times).”
I’d heard a lot about Sooz Kempner in the past until last year we saw her for the first time and she’s every bit as good as I’d hoped. Can’t wait for this!
17.30 – Walking Home, Gilded Balloon Teviot.
“It’s just another day in the office when news that a colleague has been sexually assaulted reaches the boardroom. Emotions run high, but deadlines need to be met. Walking Home is a devised performance exploring the politics and tensions within the issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders. Shedding a light on the community’s role in this conversation, it’s built on real experiences collected from people of diverse genders, nationalities and walks of life.”
Another play that tackles an important issue for our times, I hope it’s enlightening and bold. Should be good!
20.50 – Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt, Assembly George Square.
“A highly anticipated brand-new hour from comic legend Frank Skinner (‘King of stand-up’ (Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard)), following his sell-out hit Showbiz. ‘Frank Skinner has funny bones… even at the top of the comedy tree it’s rare to see his sort of fast-thinking but slow-talking instinctual wit…’ (Dominic Maxwell, Times). ‘Doing what he does best… the gags just keep on coming. Stand-up’s coming home’ (Mark Wareham, Mail on Sunday). ‘Skinner is warm, impeccable company and his way with a punchline is masterful… a delight.’ (Paul Fleckney, Guardian).”
Second time lucky for the return of Frank Skinner with the show that he was due to bring to the Edinburgh Fringe last year but couldn’t because of a family health issue. Hopefully now he’s back and on terrific form!
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!