What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?
Here’s the schedule for 4th August:
10.15 – When It Rains, Greenside @ Nicolson Square. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“From the writer of 2019’s acclaimed Butterflies (‘playwright to watch’ (FringeReview.co.uk)) and 2022’s I Can’t Hear You (Standing Ovation Award Nominee) comes a thrilling and humorous exploration of 21st-century masculinity. Written following extensive workshops with its young cast, When It Rains is a physical and fast-paced vision of a world where the youth are losing hope. With razor-sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and bold physicality, When It Rains speaks in an urgent new voice, one which demands to be heard.”
Bit of a punt in the dark on this one, but it sounds like an interesting set-up, and who can’t resist an early morning play? It’s a preview, so I will bear that in mind!
11.55 – Ben Target: LORENZO, Summerhall.
“Ben Target is a critically-acclaimed performance artist and multi-award-winning comedian (yawn), but in 2020 he gave this up to become the live-in carer for an irascible octogenarian prankster. A life-affirming story about death, conveyed through the popular mediums of storytelling, servitude to the audience and live carpentry, a combination not seen on the world stage since Nazareth (circa 30AD). Directed by Adam Brace. ‘Imagine there was no Ben Target. The world would unquestionably be a darker, less interesting place’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A beautiful, gentle, touching thing… spellbinding’ (Scotsman). ‘A true original and a legend in the making’ (Guardian).”
Still not entirely sure what to expect here, nor have I yet twigged why LORENZO is shouted at us in capitals – but no doubt all will be revealed. I do know that Ben Target has a reputation of taking a surreal approach – so I hope the show makes sense at least to some degree!
14.15 – 17 Minutes, Gilded Balloon Teviot.
“The play 17 Minutes explores the communal and residual effects of a shooting through Andy, a man who struggles with his own complicity in the tragedy, and who seeks meaning in the wake of the shooting.”
A short and sweet description, but not a sweet subject matter. The reviews are all from 2020 but they really intrigued me. A few years ago there was another Fringe play about a school shooting, Us/Them, and it was mesmerising – so I’m hoping for something equally powerful here.
16.30 – Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, Pleasance Dome.
“Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy – this unique celebration of the People’s Princess is as hilarious as it is tasteless. ‘Hilarious, joyful and ridiculous to the point of sublime’ (Deborah Frances-White, The Guilty Feminist – podcast). ‘The most unhinged piece of theatre in existence’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).”
The promotional video is hilarious, so I’m sure the rest of the show will be too. It’s Diana, Jim, but not as we know her. My guess is that neither Prince William nor Harry would enjoy this, but I’m not one of those esteemed gentlemen, so I’m ready to be overwhelmed!
19.15 – Horizon Showcase: Birthmarked, Assembly Rooms.
“A young Jehovah’s Witness comes to terms with his sexuality and finds his feet (and high heels…) in a world he once believed would be destroyed at Armageddon. Birthmarked is a new concept gig written and performed by Brook Tate and his grand ol’ band of pals. With original music likened to Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell, alongside a whale, a paintbrush and a pair of tap shoes, he hopes to shine a light on what it means to be marked… at birth. Written and composed by Brook Tate. Directed by Sally Cookson.”
There’s quite a lot to unpack there – but it sounds like a highly original piece of theatre, so I’m going in with no expectations and an open mind! I’m not sure I’ve seen a Horizon Showcase show before, so that adds to my curiosity.
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!