The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 24, 28th August 2022

A big day of comedy ahead in Edinburgh!

Here’s the schedule for 28th August:

12.05 – Possibly the Last Chance to See Susan Morrison, The Stand’s New Town Theatre. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

Susan Morrison“Susan Morrison is at an age and stage to get some funny stuff off her chest. Mid-life crisis? Nah. This definitely isn’t the middle of her life, but she’s still having a laugh. She survived the Cold War, shoulder pads and the Osmonds, but time marches on and it turns out the end might be sooner than expected, although she’s determined to breathe long enough to get her bloody pension. It’s been a funny old life and there’s a few things she’s learned along the way she’d like to pass on.”

This possibly will be the VERY last chance to see Susan Morrison as her show finishes today! It would be a shame not to see her before she gives up!

UPDATE: A show both funny and informative, as Susan takes us through some of us Edinburgh’s murkier history, early instances of swear words, and centuries-old sex clubs, before bringing the topics round to her own health and cancer diagnoses – but it’s never heavy, always light and funny. A very enjoyable Comedy hour! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

14.55 – Ada Campe: Too Little, Too Soon, The Stand’s New Town Theatre.

Ada Campe“Variety artiste Ada Campe decided to do some research into her family history during lockdown – and was delighted and intrigued by what she found! Join her for a show about wonderful women, surprising secrets and amphibian water ballets. ‘Very funny’ (Guardian). ‘Fabulous’ (ScotsGay.co.uk). ‘Genius’ (Sandi Toksvig). ‘Extravagantly mischievous’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A marvellous teller of tall tales’ (Scotsman). ‘Resembles an unhinged supervillain’ (DIVA). Winner: 2019 Good Egg Award, Stand Comedy Club. Winner: 2018 Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Show (NATYS). Winner: 2018 Leicester Square Theatre Old Comedian of the Year. www.adacampe.com

We’ve never seen Ada Campe before but she looks like she’s a right laugh – so hopefully this will be fun.

UPDATE: Mad as a box of frogs, and I think she’d accept that description wholeheartedly. To be fair, there wasn’t a lot of content; but what Ada does, she does very well. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

16.45 – Wanderlust Assembly George Square Gardens.

Wanderlust“Hosted by an over-the-top and flirtatious host, this show delivers a dazzling array of exciting and naughty dance cabaret entertainment with frolicsome performers indulging in mesmerizing song and dance, acro, contortion, fire, pole and aerial acts, plus shameless comedic sketches, fostering oodles of audience interaction with hilarious and cheeky moments. It’s mischievous, it’s naughty and utterly wild! With a killer soundtrack and loaded with comicality, wickedness, killer vocals, hypnotic acts, dashes of nudity, exhilarating dance and so much more… this cheeky dance cabaret will leave you breathless and howling with laughter!”

More comedy and variety to while away a Sunday afternoon!

UPDATE: The last week of this show was completely cancelled, so we had drinks with friends instead!

18.30 – Sindhu Vee: Alphabet, Pleasance Courtyard.

Sindhu Vee“A show about the hair we want, the friends we have and living the vast difference between virus and viral. Expect ‘outspoken, frank and funny stand-up’ (Evening Standard) from this Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee. As seen and heard on Live at the Apollo, QI, Have I Got News for You, Sandhog (Comedy Special) on Amazon Prime Video, Would I Lie To You?, Sex Education, BBC Radio 4’s Things My Mother Never Told Me (…About Lockdown) and The Guilty Feminist podcast. ‘Superior comedy… exceptionally funny’ **** (List).”

We’ve seen Sindhu Vee a couple of times and I love her acerbic style and great material. This should be excellent!

UPDATE: Sindhu Vee also cancelled the final performance of her show, so instead we went to see Basil Brush Unleashed and Uncut. Basil and Mr Martin were on terrific form, with a really funny show, with a great End of term feeling. There was also a very charming and moving tribute to the late Mr Derek. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

21.10 – Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann, Pleasance Courtyard.

Anna Mann“Anna Mann is back! The acclaimed actress, singer and welder (gotta have a back up) returns after five long years to tell the incredible story of her life in the arts in this, her final hour. Visceral, real and achingly brave, Colin Hoult (After Life, Netflix) presents a hilarious meditation on life, death and literally everything in between. You will leave screaming ‘f*** off I love it!’ ‘Funnier than almost all other shows at this year’s Fringe’ **** (Telegraph). ‘Deliciously funny’ **** (Times). **** (Scotsman). **** (Time Out).”

I only discovered Anna Mann for the first time last year and she’s an absolute scream, so I can’t believe Colin Hoult is going to kill her off! Let’s hope it’s just a title, and not the truth.

UPDATE: Perhaps this really is the death of Anna Mann? Whatever Colin Hoult gives her an amazing send-off in this brilliant retrospective of her lives, loves and careers. Turned out very emotional in the end! One of the best comedy shows ever. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

23.00 – Spank! You and Goodnight, Underbelly, Bristo Square.

Spank“Join the ‘best wild night out at the Fringe’ (Scotland on Sunday), Spank!, as they celebrate 20 years at The Fringe, and bow out disgracefully with this show-stopping one-night-only finale which promises to be a night to remember! With their favourite comedy and variety performers from over the years, keep an eye on @SpankComedy (Twitter) for the line-up. ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

So it was a no-brainer that we would have to book for the very last Spank of all, hopefully presented by arch-Spanker James Loveridge. I’m really sad that the era is ending, but this should be a great night.

UPDATE: The last ever Spank! was also the source of a lot of genuine emotion. We’ve loved this show over the past 8 years and it’s brought so much happiness to so many people. A wonderful last night final line up; brilliant acts who all made the night very special. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Edinburgh Fringe Full Monty (nearly) – Day 21, 25th August 2022

Lots of comedy arranged for Edinburgh today!

Here’s the schedule for 25th August:

12.00 – Joanna Neary: Wasp In A Cardigan, The Stand Comedy Club 2. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:

Joanna Neary“One-time Riot grrrl, witch, illustrator Joanna and her volatile alter egos explore life and love. Punchlines include fry-up, arsehole and Xmal Deutschland. ‘One of the most naturally funny stand-ups around’ (Stage). ‘Inherently funny’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Most striking is the contrast between the big-grinned, scatty sweetness she has when she’s being herself, and the surgical precision with which she skewers her characters’ foibles’ (Independent). Edinburgh Award Newcomer nominee. Best Actress, Brighton Fringe. Best Show nominee at Leicester Comedy Festival. Judith in BBC’s Ideal. Featured in Time Trumpet, Man Down, Wife On Earth Podcast. joneary.com”

Joanna Neary is a name new to us but I’ve heard good things, so fingers crossed this will be fun.

UPDATE: Quite a curious show. Nice, but niche, characterisations – including Celia Johnson, whom I saw in the west end 50 years ago but the vast percentage of modern comedy-watchers wouldn’t know from Adam. If you don’t know southern Cornish references, or don’t get the finer aspects of a Merthyr Tydfil accent, you’re left to admire, if not actually enjoy, much of the show. Great Kate Bush imitation – again, 40 years on; and some nice material but a lot of it doesn’t quite work and there was an embarrassing moment when she accused an audience member of being on their phone when in fact he was just holding hands with his girlfriend. This one didn’t quite do it for us. ⭐️⭐️

15.10 – Eh Up, Me Old Flowers! Pleasance Courtyard.

Charlie Williams“In the 1970s, the biggest comedy show on television was ITV’s The Comedians. It made Charlie Williams the first black comic to become a household name. Perhaps his material would nowadays be considered questionable. But perhaps if you’d lived his extraordinary life in a white man’s world – coal miner, professional footballer, cabaret singer, comedian – you’d have done the same. Now in retirement, Charlie faces an uncomfortable visit from a mysterious stranger who demands that he justify himself… By Chris England (An Evening with Gary Lineker) and starring Tony Marshall (Casualty, Life on Mars).”

I’m expecting this to be great. I remember Charlie Williams very fondly, always used to love his TV appearances – and actually saw him at the Palladium once. This will be a mixture of nostalgia and a bit of a challenge.

UPDATE: An excellent portrayal of Charlie Williams, by Tony Marshall; and the play itself is full of great storytelling, and ultimately is remarkably moving. You don’t have to remember Charlie Williams from the 70s, but it helps if you do! The play posed fascinating questions about whether Williams was complicit in spreading racism, or did he pave the way for the likes of Lenny Henry or Gary Wilmot? I was really surprised to find I had a tear in my eye at the end. Way better than you might possibly expect!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

18.10 – Emmanuel Sonubi: Emancipated, Underbelly Bristo Square.

Emmanuel Sonubi“Sonubi has only been on the comedy circuit for what feels like five minutes and he’s already garnering himself a reputation as the one to watch out for, having gone from open spot to closing BBC’s Live at the Apollo in an incredibly short space of time. He has also performed at many of the largest clubs and festivals across Europe. He made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK and was recently on The John Bishop Show for ITV1 and the Stand Up Sketch Show on ITV2. ‘The bloke has got funny bones’ (Romesh Ranganathan).”

We saw Emmanuel Sonubi at a Spank show a few years ago – I described him as intimidatingly funny. Let’s hope he’s got a great show for us this year!

UPDATE: Big-hearted Emmanuel gets great material out of the difference between his imposing appearance and his true personality – he’s a bit of a softie really! A very funny hour packed with thoroughly entertaining stuff about kids, his heart issues, and musical theatre! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

21.15 – Jesus L’Oreal: Nailed It! Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose.

Jesus L'Oreal“Halle-berry-lujah! Your sassy, dyslexic King of the shoes is heaven scent in a cloud of Febreze to tell you how he came to be the fabulous influencer that he is whilst setting the record straight about events of his life. Be it stories about being born in a barn surrounded by ass or simply tips to shift a stone doing Pontius Pilates, the ultimate lifestyle guru has a high-octane hour of song, dance and interactive Jehovah’s Fitness to help you flex those Pentecostal muscles all the way to the kingdom of Hosannadu. It’s sacre-licious!”

One of those delightfully tasteless shows that Edinburgh always throws up, I’m looking forward to sharing in the blasphemy for an hour or so!

UPDATE: Jesus L’Oreal fronts an hour of fitness, self-help and sermonising, whilst revelling in a very funny script jam-packed with song lyrics, for the fun of it. Plenty of audience participation, and he even turns water into wine. Nothing earth-shattering, but very good humoured; not for those of a serious religious persuasion though! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Spank! 21st August 2019

SpankNow it’s time for our second visit to the show that we think about all year round. It’s Spank! hosted by the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge and the also terrific Evan Desmarais – at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at 23:55 on Wednesday 21st. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 16th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

Spank on a Wednesday night? Why not! It always gets a great crowd no matter which night you go. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Thursday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Another brilliant Spank with a sold out audience loving every minute. We started with the inimitable Lolly Jones whom we saw last year and whose show we’re due to see tomorrow; then the intimidatingly funny Emmanuel Sonubi; the smart talking Georgie Morrell; the absolutely brilliant Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, whom we really need to see again; the very funny Gareth Waugh, and the amazing Tom Houghton whose act ended with the best series of callbacks I’ve ever encountered. The naked promo was from John and Veronica promoting their show which involved a little spanking (appropriately) and the whole thing was hosted by James and Evan on blistering form – their final co-hosting of this year. Who will host Friday’s show, which we’re also seeing…. only time will tell…

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2019 – Spank! 19th August 2019

SpankNow it’s time for the show that we look forward to the whole year round. It’s the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge and the totally fantastic Evan Desmarais presenting Spank! at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at 23:55 on Monday 19th. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 16th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

This will be our first of three visits this week, and to say we’re excited is to say a very considerable underestimate of how we’re feeling. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Tuesday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the first preview blog for Tuesday should be available to read too.

I can’t resist a Spank! An excellent night, with everyone on great form. James and Evan were the hosts with the most, introducing the always reliable The Establishment, the amazing James Phelan, the unique Lost Voice Guy, the sassy Sikisa, the hilarious Tony Cantwell, the smart Ginnia Cheng and the one and only Dulcé Sloan. Great audience input from young psychologist Dr Harrison and 20 year old student Toby who did the naked promo in aid of testicular cancer research. A brilliant night out!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Spank! 25th August 2018

SpankNow it’s time for our third and final visit to the show that’s one of our annual, must-see events. It’s the irrepressibly brilliant James Loveridge and an equally amazingly wonderful female host – not sure who she’ll be quite yet – presenting Spank! at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Saturday 25th. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 15th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

This is also going to be our final show of the Fringe for this year. Let’s hope they give us a great send off! I’m hoping that, even though this is the Saturday show, it will still be hosted by James; they don’t seem to be doing a Spanktacular show this year. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Sunday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. And thanks so much to everyone for reading, and I hope I gave you a feel for the spirit and excitement of the Fringe – and if you didn’t come this year, you must come in 2019!!

Final night in Edinburgh, final Spank. As enduring as Arthur’s seat, as constant as the morning star. Hosting was the new dream team of James Loveridge and Evan Desmarais, and our guests were Hot Mess, a musical misanthrope called Richard, Clara Cupcakes, the brilliant Tim Renkow, Tamsyn Kelly, Ro Campbell and the superb Lauren Pattison who threw a glass of beer over a punter who wouldn’t stop talking…. well she did warn him. The naked promo was a guy called James who simply did it so he could sing Happy birthday to Megan. Always an amazing night, still unbeatable entertainment!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Spank! 22nd August 2018

SpankNow it’s time for our second visit to the show that we think about all year round. It’s Spank! hosted by the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge and an equally amazingly wonderful host – not sure who she’ll be quite yet – at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Wednesday 22nd. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 15th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

Spank on a Wednesday night? Why not! It always gets a great crowd no matter which night you go. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Thursday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Another day, another Spank. We didn’t get there quite as early as I’d hoped so we had to sit threw rows back (normally I’m a very front row person for this show!) James’s co-host this time was the very funny Evan Desmarais, and the guests were: Danny O’Brien (brilliant as always), Adrian Minkowicz, Lolly Jones as Theresa May, and winding up the first half, Keith Johnson, who obviously hadn’t been told that a Brit audience, even a well-lubricated one, doesn’t know how to react to plentiful use of the N word, unless they’ve been schooled first. After the interval, the excellent Clara Cupcakes, Steve Hofstetter and Fin Taylor, who always creates a rumpus, and a brilliant one at that. There were two naked promos, a guy from Inferno and a girl from a children’s show. A great night as always!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2018 – Spank! 20th August 2018

SpankNow it’s time for the show that we look forward to the whole year round. It’s the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge and an equally amazingly wonderful female host – not sure who she’ll be quite yet – presenting Spank! at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Monday 20th. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 15th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). ‘It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous. Utterly and absolutely hilarious’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Everything you could hope for in a late-night comedy showcase… absolutely must-see show’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Atmosphere is electric… you just don’t quite know what is going to happen next… superb’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

This will be our first of three visits this week, and to say we’re excited is to say a very considerable underestimate of how we’re feeling. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Tuesday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the first preview blog for Tuesday should be available to read too.

As always an amazing, unpredictable night at Spank! Hosted by James and new co-host Kai Humphries, our guest artistes were Hot Mess, Josh James, Jacqueline Mifsud, and closing the first half Milo McCabe’s brilliant creation Troy Hawke. In the second half we had the pleasure of the company of burlesque performer Freda Love, newbie Sam Campbell and headliner Ivo Graham, whose set included a one-to-one mastermind with front row Steve about US State Capitalss and an educational talk from a lady in the audience about the Lotus Eaters. The naked promo was a couple of people who met during the interval and agreed that if no one else wanted to do it, they would. No other reason. An utterly bizarre, bonkers and brilliant Spank.

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Spank! 25th August 2017

Abigoliah SchaumaunNow it’s time for our third and final visit to the show that’s one of our annual, must-see events. It’s the irrepressibly brilliant Abigoliah Schamaun and the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge hosting Spank! at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Friday 25th. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 14th year with sexy hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. With the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival!”

James LoveridgeWe’re seeing Spank on the Friday night this year because last year’s Saturday show, although excellent, lost a little magic for us because it wasn’t hosted by James and Abigoliah; so I’m definitely hoping they’re still on Friday duty! Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Saturday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Tonight it was hosted by James and Tamar Broadbent and it was an absolute cracker. All the acts were on blistering form, but special mentions to Milo McCabe aka Troy Hawke, Lauren Patterson, Rosie Jones and a sensational climax (if you’ll pardon the expression) from Danny O’Brien. Just the best late night show ever!!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Spank! 23rd August 2017

SpankNow it’s time for our second visit to the show that we think about all year round. It’s Spank! hosted by the irrepressibly brilliant Abigoliah Schamaun and the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Wednesday 23rd. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 14th year with sexy hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. With the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival!”

James Loveridge againThis will be the first time we’ve seen a Spank on a Wednesday night, but it always gets a great crowd no matter which night you go. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Thursday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Tonight’s Spank  (you love it) was hosted by regular James, and from Monday night, Eleanor. Eight excellent acts included Sister Mary Macarthur doing songs from the shows, Ross and Josh interviewing a T-Rex, Archie Maddocks doing some brilliant material, Robin Boot, whom we had seen earlier in the year in Northampton, giving is his musical comedy, and the very funny Mark Nelson whom some of the audience didn’t like at all. But I did!!

The Edinburgh Fringe One-Weeker 2017 – Spank! 21st August 2017

SpankNow it’s time for the show that we look forward to the whole year round. It’s the irrepressibly brilliant Abigoliah Schamaun and the amazingly wonderful James Loveridge hosting Spank! at Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate, at midnight on the night of Monday 21st. Here’s the blurb: “Spank! returns for an incredible 14th year with sexy hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. With the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival!”

Abigoliah SchaumaunThis will be our first of three visits this week, and for this first one we hope to be accompanied by our friends Lord Liverpool and the Countess of Cockfosters and their entourage. Check back around 3am (or maybe early on Tuesday morning) to see who were the guests, who got naked and how much fun we had. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

So to my surprise the hosts were Danny O’Brien and Eleanor Conway – and they were great. We had an amazing nine acts, including The Establishment, Saskia Preston, Olaf Falafel, Danny McLaughlin and Sean Patton. The naked promo was by a doctor promoting the Anthony Nolan trust. We think we may have seen him before. All in all an amazing show, and we didn’t get back to the hotel till 3am.