edaily for Monday, 14-Aug-2006
ThreeWeeks eDaily - on the inside – 14th August 2006
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ThreeWeeks eDaily - on the inside – 14 August 2006
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FESTIVAL RAMBLINGS
You lucky, lucky people. I reckon most of you reading these ramblings will be going to bed tonight. Of course, you may be reading this tomorrow morning, in which case you probably went to bed last night. You may even be the sort of person who gets to go to bed every night. Every night of the Festival. I’ll tell you who’s not going to bed tonight, though. And I speak not of the ThreeWeeks management team (although they, most certainly, will not be going to bed tonight). I speak of that lovely Mark Watson, who began his thirty six hour marathon gig earlier today. Come to think of it, his audience might not be going to bed, either, if they stick it out for the whole thing. We’ve already run a review of the show, in the 15 Aug edition of the ThreeWeeks Daily. So it’ll be out there, on the stands, late tonight and early tomorrow morning whilst the show is still going on. Crazy.
So that’s Mark Watson and his amazing feat of endurance. The feat of endurance to be undertaken by the ThreeWeeks management team this evening won’t be quite so entertaining, but it will, make no mistake, be a bit of a feat, and will result in the Week 2 issue of ThreeWeeks, which is shaping up to be a corker. Actually, Chris and I were discussing it on the radio show earlier, and decided that next year, we might call it a show, and get people to come and watch us putting the editions to press. There might be some moments of boredom, but the bit where I sit with a red pen and lots of paper and make endless proofing corrections is a real wheeze. As is that bit where Chris ‘rests his eyes’ for five minutes before getting on with the next page. We think the crowds would come a-flocking.
Now, what was it I meant to mention today? Some good news and some bad news. The good news (very good news) is that Stewart Lee is going to do a last minute, one-off stand-up show at the UdderBELLY on Thursday night. It’ll be his only stand-up gig of the Festival, so don’t miss out – 15 Aug, 9.35pm, £11.00 (£10.00).
And on to the sad news; Graham Fellows has been forced to cancel the whole of the rest of the run of ‘Dave Tordoff's Neighbours from Hull’ due to ill health. Don’t worry if you’ve already got tickets – you’ll get a full refund from the Pleasance box office when you return your them. It’s still sad though, even though you will get your money back, because it’s never nice when people get ill. So get well soon.
There was probably something else I meant to mention today. In fact, I’m pretty much one hundred percent sure of it. I’m also one hundred percent sure I really can’t remember what it was. If I promised anyone I would mention something, and I haven’t, please forgive me. I am ever so tired. Oh, I’ve just remembered what it was, and I hadn’t promised anything to anyone – I had to tell you the reason why the last couple of days, no review count has appeared at the top of the reviews section of the eDaily. This, of course, was because our Global Head Of Counting, Bob, has had Fringe Flu the last day or two, which is sad.
Here’s what I do know. We had a lovely radio show today, despite having two sets of guests fewer than anticipated (Fringe Flu – too much hanging out with Bob). The ones we did have were corkers, though. Yes, corkers. Erin Parks, star of ‘Bonnie In Brighton’ (Roman Eagle Lodge, 3.45pm), which got a great review in ThreeWeeks, and Claudia Christian and George Calil, who are doing a show called ‘Killing Time’ (C, 8.15pm), which also got a great review in ThreeWeeks. They were all witty and entertaining guests. Which is lovely. Tomorrow on the show, Lick & Chew, Lloyd from The Comedy Zone and We Are Klang. Which is also lovely. Looking forward to it. Although I may be very sleepy by 11am tomorrow morning. Look out for us, sporting shadows. Under our eyes.
caro@threeweeks.co.uk
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THREEWEEKS CLASSIFIEDS
Avalon Promotions in association with PlayStation Portable presents
EDINBURGH'S BEST COMEDY AT THE PLEASANCE COURTYARD
- The Runaway Lovers - 4.45pm
- Penny Spubb's Prawn Free - 5.10pm
- Simon Brodkin: Everyone But Himself - 5.55pm
- Colin and Fergus: Rutherford Lodge - 6.20pm
- Mark Olver: Happy Accidentally - 8.25pm
- Russell Howard: Wandering - 8.35pm
- We Are Klang: KlangBang - 8.40pm
- The Comedy Zone - 10.45pm
- Ray Peacock: Out of Character - 11.00pm
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CULTURE STARTS WITH C
Culture starts with C. In our fifteenth year C venues presents over 180 productions. The acclaimed C4kids programme starts the day before segueing into productions to suit all tastes. Then we dim the lights for the decadent delights of The Establishment, Edinburgh's definitive late night arts collective. It's a festival all of its own.
http://www.CtheFestival.com - Box Office Hotline 0870 701 5105
--
ADVERTISE YOUR SHOWS OR VENUES HERE FOR JUST £20 A DAY
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DAY 1 AT THE BOOK FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has begun!
Chances are if you’re reading this you were well aware of that. But what you might not know is that as of now Three Weeks has a mini team scuttling round Charlotte Square like mice in a bookshop gnawing at various literatures. Plus to make the first day complete the sun actually came out! The lawn at the book festival was promptly taken over by prams, couples, people eating ice cream and general summery things. Bad luck for us book reporters who still haven’t quite shaken off commitments to the Fringe. Thus my visit was fleeting.
I did however have enough time to discover the press pod and yes, it is as good as its name. I believe it’s called a Mongolian tent and it’s the most calming little press office I ever did visit, a humble retreat for international reporters, esteemed intellectuals, and me, to take a moment and abuse the free coffee. But pods aside - the entire venue looks good not to mention the fantastic line up coming its way. From what I’ve seen the Book Festival is off to a fantastic start. Let’s just pray for more sunshine.
THREEWEEKS QUICK QUIZ: TONY LAW
tw: What is the one thing you'd recommend Fringe first timers to do during their time in Edinburgh?
tl: Join a brass band.
tw: What's your best Edinburgh Festival memory?
tl: Winning 'Best Trombone Newcomer' in the 'Brass Band Jack Off', as it was known. Memories.
tw: What's your worst Edinburgh Festival memory?
tl: Losing the 'Trombone Dance-off', where you dance seductively with a trombone. It's like Salsa. I lost it to that little Silduski kid - man, he was a jerk! He had 24 cats. Memories.
tw: What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival?
tl: Getting the chance to herd buffalo (bison) onto Arthur's Seat while riding a top notch racehorse called 'Hurricane Run'. Also, to learn grammar and that.
tw: In 30 words why should we come and see your show?
tl: If you like time travel, jokes without endings, talking about dogs, bogus facts, and a few cloudy observations, then you will love this show. Also, if you like ice cream, you’ll love this show- though it doesn't feature in it.
Tony Law is performing Tony Law – The Dog of Time.
Gilded Ballon Teviot, 2 – 28 Aug (not 15), 7:30pm (8:30pm), prices vary, fpp 75.
THREEWEEKS QUICK QUIZ: TIM KEY
tw: What is the one thing you'd recommend Fringe first timers do during their time in Edinburgh?
tk: Ensure your diet consists primarily of pepper steak pies from pie maker and Redbull.
tw: What's your best Edinburgh Festival memory?
tk: Seeing gangly Welsh comedian Mark Watson proposing to Emily Howes at the end of his 24 hour show. A powerful moment and a cute publicity stunt.
tw: What's your worst Edinburgh Festival memory?
tk: Making a girl cry on Arthur's Seat by putting her in danger.
tw: What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival?
tk: Training for The Great North Run and simultaneously living the depraved life of a terrible drunk.
tw: In 30 words (no more now) why should we come and see your show?
tk: You don't have to. But if you like watching sprightly young comedians doing something impressive in a very hot room whilst wearing fashionable shirts and pumps, Cowards tick a lot of boxes.
Tim Key is performing in Cowards
Pleasance Courtyard, 2 – 28 (not 8, 15), 4:30pm (5:30pm), prices vary, fpp 28. published: Aug-2006
THREEWEEKS FESTIVAL NEWS ROUND UP
The amazing thing about these festivals is the sheer stunning number of events. Just when you think you have a grip on this insanity, news of some more spectacular events land on your doorstep. The Book Festival opened on Saturday, and will carry on till the end of the month. Get yourself a programme. And read the daily ramblings and reviews from our book correspondents. Anyway, that entire festival stands as a joyful two fingers to those who claim we are dumbing down – it has already sold over two-thirds of its tickets, up from about half at this time last year. That’s 150,000 tickets already sold, fact fans! Success on this scale has to be the result of something really special. A combination of cheap tickets, interesting speakers and an amazing, varied programme means that this’ll be a festival to remember. "This is shaping up to be the most successful book festival we have had. The public response to the programme has been extraordinary and very heartening," said Catherine Lockerbie, festival director.
Another great pull of the Book Festival is how it has not just reflected moves in the publishing industry but indeed is pushing itself into the debates of wider society. Themes of nationalism, human rights, colonialism and terrorism are being discussed openly at a number of talks, such as an event with Moazzam Begg, a former inmate of the Guantanamo Bay gulag and one with a survivor from the July Bombings last year. Sometimes, sadly, events this contemporary can be their undoing: three writers booked for the festival have been unable to leave Beirut amid the conflict in the Lebanon. They are the British journalist Robert Fisk, the US correspondent and author Jon Lee Anderson and Joumana Haddad, an award-winning Lebanese poet. It’s far from the worst thing to come out the conflict, but it does bring it home to you, doesn’t it?
In Film Festival news (which started today) a great deal has been going on. One thing caught our eye: is Jamie Douglas’ five short films (or “Epics for the YouTube Generation”, as he likes to call them) about various aspects of relationships – the chase, that heady attraction, the deep joy of true love, and that old chestnut, the man-woman-pixie ménages a trois. Great stuff. The Guardian said that it was “so exciting,” and they know loads. If anyone has any more news – pixie related or not – drop us a line.
news@threeweeks.co.uk
THREEWEEKS REVIEWS
Shows seen so far: 754
Reviews published so far: 449
ratings
1/5: A really bad show - don't go and see it
2/5: A poor example of this show's genre
3/5: A good example of this show's genre
4/5: A very good example of this show's genre
5/5: A brilliant show - go and see it
CHILDREN’S SHOWS
Be A Star In A Juggling Show!
Comedy On The Square
Confronted with three middle aged men and a suitcase full of oddly shaped balls, I couldn’t help wonder whether Comedy On The Square’s definition of ‘star’ differed from mine. Their all-American cheesy style and dubious sense of humour could perhaps have been forgiven if overshadowed by exciting juggling tricks, but unfortunately, the balls seemed to land on the floor far more than actually in their hands. The audience was invited to take the stage and soon I was chasing three balls around the theatre, feeling like the fat girl in P.E, until I noticed that everyone had the same look on their faces. It was not without its charm, and though it was more of an experience than a show, there was never a dull moment.
The Zoo, 140 The Pleasance, 4 – 19 Aug, 4:00pm, £5.00, fpp 8.
tw rating 2/5 [cd]
Mr Boom
If you’ve ever wondered how you’ve managed to get yourself two grannies, four great-grannies and eight great-great-grannies (as I’m sure you have), Mr Boom kindly explains this phenomenon in that often boring ten minutes before the act begins. He’s been doing this show for over 20 years, and it doesn’t look like much has changed in that time. But the show doesn’t want for innovation - it’s an old-school show for preschoolers, gentle and surprisingly educational without being patronising, and “mildly entertaining”, as the man himself says, for the adults. Take a child to see him, listen to songs about “…your Daddy’s Dad’s Mammy…” and let the little ones enjoy singing, dancing and swimming on the floor.
The Spiegel Garden, 7 – 20 Aug (not 11-14), 11:00am (12:00pm), £6.00, fpp 12.
tw rating 3/5 [vp]
Whoopee! Laugh Out Loud With Scotty & Lulu
Scotty & Lulu
Much like the majority of their audience, Scotty and Lulu are not inclined to stay still for long, as their infectious, gaudy mayhem moves from one song or sketch to the next. Their tunes are unlikely to win plaudits for complexity, but that’s not the point - the kids are dancing in the aisles and the adults are behaving in a manner one fears is not entirely respectable. Nor are the sketches particularly demanding, but they are lively and inventive enough to keep the kids thrilled, and adults amused, with their blend of pirates and magic suitcases. Along with some excellent support from kids of the Twenty-First Century Dance Group, Scotty and Lulu provide much appreciated, superior entertainment for young kids.
George Square Theatre, 4 -7, 9 – 14 Aug, 2.45pm (3.45pm), £7.50 (£5.50) (£22.00f)
tw rating 4/5 [mc]
COMEDY
4 Poofs and a Piano - Strictly Neurotic
4 Poofs and a Piano
If cabaret tunes and cock jokes sounds like your kind of entertainment, then this is the show for you. Now, I’m no fan of the camp school-of-comedy myself, and was apprehensive about attending this show, but despite its innumerable cringe-worthy gags it’s difficult not to get swept along by the performance. The songs are often funny, well written and presented; one of the more memorable numbers being the poignant tale of a lonely NTL subscriber who wants to ‘stick it up’ the NTL man’s bum. And despite being rather heavy on the toilet humour, this is a fun, camp cabaret that’s likely to be enjoyed by many.
Pleasance Courtyard, 2-27 Aug (not 8, 15), 6:00pm (7:00pm), £12.50 (£11.00), fpp35.
tw rating 3/5 [gds]
Mark Watson: I’m Worried That I’m Starting To Hate Almost Everyone In The World
Goldman King & CKP by arrangement with Karushi management
I haven't seen a better stand up at the festival yet. Without being surreal or madcap, Watson has created an incredibly innovative style of delivery. The audience instantly warm to the onstage persona he has created - the lovable and earnest Welshman - and they stay in the palm of his hand until he leaves the stage. A considerable portion of his time was spent getting distracted from his set in order to organise a coordinated welcome for an audience member who had left to go to the toilet. It is often dangerous territory when a comedian goes off script, but Watson makes this part of the show being as funny as the prepared set. He sells out every day for a reason. Go and book. Now.
Pleasance Courtyard, 6 – 28 Aug 9not 15, 16 Aug), 9:45pm (10:45om), prices vary, fpp 54.
tw rating 5/5 [bp]
The Receptionists
Trippplicate
This surreal office comedy works gutsy performances into a very silly plot. Tina (Katie Lyons) and Sally (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm) are the two receptionists on a mission to save their company from imminent destruction. They leave reception for the first time on an odyssey which includes Cher, an evil PA, the screwball CEO, an eye sandwich, a dying photocopier, lift breakdown, crisps, psycho music, terrorism and a hungry lion in the marketing department. The characters are superbly drawn and played with a great deal of oomph. The story’s tongue-in-cheek moral acknowledges its silliness, yet the show remains a series of brilliant sketches married by an overhead projector. You may not gasp when the culprit is unmasked, but this is excellent fun.
Pleasance Courtyard, 6-28 (not 15) Aug, 5:20pm (6:20pm), prices vary, fpp 64.
tw rating 3/5 [cs]
The Rise and Fall of Deon Vonniget
Io Theatre Company
A man dressed in black and white miming along to a curious soundtrack is not the most auspicious start to any comedy experience, but Deon Vonniget’s life story might just be an exception to this rule. For starters, James Lark can play ‘Für Elise’ upside down, and that has to be worth something, but then there are also the fantastical stories of Vonniget’s life and times - from prog rock, to Beethoven and Andrew Lloyd Webber. He’s a ridiculous creation, and the whole show is slightly surreal as confession, power point, and novelty music combine to tell his story. While it can’t be denied it’s a little bit twisted and a little bit idiotic, it’s more than a little but funny too.
Sweet ECA, 3 – 27 Aug (not 14), 5:40pm (6:45pm), £7.50 (£6.50), fpp 65.
tw rating 3/5 [vp]
Shamwagon
Penny Dreadfuls
This group of whip-smart performers have a great deal of fun with long-form improvisation, in which a word or two from the audience is enough to send them off into an elaborate series of loosely connected scenes. The young comedians riff off each other with ease, and they are also quite adept at accents, moving swiftly from Scottish to posh London to working-class New Yorker. The only quibble is that the group failed to tie up their vaguely related scenes into the fever-pitch finale that is a hallmark of the best long-form. However, as the show is different every night, they have plenty more chances to wrap their wackiness up in a bow before the festival ends.
Pleasance Courtyard, 2 - 28 Aug, 11:00pm (11:55pm), prices vary, fpp 68.
tw rating 4/5 [sk]
About As Funny As It Gets Free At Lunchtime
Tom Clutterbuck, Karl Edrik and Abi Roberts
These three really are as funny as it gets at lunchtime. The line-up includes: Karl Edrik - the Gordon Ramsay look-alike ex-convict; Tom Clutterbuck - the Jesus look-alike who’s quite nifty with an accordion, and Abi Roberts - master impersonator with an awful lot of hair. Each act differs broadly, though they all unite in a hilarious song. The audience loved the confession of home truths and personal horror stories - from offensive men in white transit vans to one night stands – it would seem that life’s traumas affect everyone – but particularly these guys. The venue is great; as one of them commented, it does resemble a second hand furniture store room, but it was a very comfy basement hideaway for a lunchtime laugh.
Laughing Horse @ Lindsay’s, 6 - 18 Aug, 1:15pm (2:15pm), free, fpp 16.
tw rating 4/5 [fc]
All In The Timing
Ham Yard Tourists
Somewhere off the beaten track of the Fringe, you can occasionally stumble across an undiscovered, if unpolished, gem, and in Kevin Bishop and Kevin Stayner’s ‘All In the Timing’, we have one of this year’s. With a gift for snappy delivery of daft, witty writing, incorporating both gleeful banter and bone crunching slapstick, they inspire any number of deeply satisfying gut laughs. It may be rough around the edges, but even when material fades a little towards the end they continue to amuse, making it difficult to tire of their company. The discerning comedy audience would do well to take a risk here, and fight the gaudy, disingenuous lure of some across Edinburgh whose publicity budget far outweighs their talent.
ClubWEST @ Edinburgh Theosophical Society, 6 – 26 Aug, 5.00pm (6.00pm), £8.00 (£6.00).
tw rating 4/5 [mc]
The Black Sheep
The Black Sheep- Festival Highlights
Silly, daft, childish, and yet still very funny - for a while. The humour in this production does fade a little with repetition – a bit like one of those jokes your drunken uncle’s told you every time he has come round for that tricky annual family meal. To be honest, you can’t help but feel these two men are probably better suited to impro, because whenever they roamed away from the scripted areas of songs, magic and general silliness, they would come up with some of their best moments. That said, there is a sort of infectious energy that catches the audience and keeps them ready and searching for more from these two comedians.
Pleasance Dome, 6 - 19 Aug, 5:30pm (6:30pm), prices vary, fpp 22
tw rating 3/5 [ml]
CANCER -Let’s talk Bollocks
Mac STAR
It takes a courageous man to have lost a bollock and be able to poke fun at his own misfortune. Mac Star does exactly that as he tells his story of an uphill struggle against testicular cancer with a mixture of blatant humour and serious truths. If you’ve been affected yourself by the horrors of cancer, you’ll need to keep a good sense of humour intact, as he does waver between comedy and tragedy. However, there is no doubt this guy has a great comedic talent, as his ability to go off at random tangents and engage his audience produces more than enough laughs to make up for those lost moments when you’re not quite sure how to feel.
Arcade Bar, Aug 3-28 (not 14), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 26.
tw rating 4/5 [mdw]
Confessions of a Paralysed Porn Star
MMP Presents Sarah-Louise Young
This Sarah-Louise Young isn't actually a porn star, that's another Sarah-Louise Young. You can find her on Google. She isn't paralysed either; the title is just to draw you in…and it does, doesn't it? Instead of talking about porn or blowjobs, Sarah-Louise would like to talk about herself and her non-porn star life. Even though it is not orgasm-inducingly original, the result is a funny, witty, mixture of humoristic monologue and a tiny bit of audience participation, catchy songs and a memorable little red dress. Sarah-Louise may not have giant boobs, but she has a great voice and effortlessly sets the audience to her hand. The only thing she has to work on is spontaneity - her interaction with Michael, the piano player, would seem to be very clearly rehearsed, and it shows.
C Central, 4 – 28 Aug (not 14, 21), 8:40pm (9:35pm), £8.50 (£7.50), fpp 28.
tw rating 3/5 [kvo]
Ed Byrne - Standing Up and Falling Down
Ed Byrne
Go and see this show. Yes, the tickets are expensive, but you won’t regret it. Honestly.
Stop reading this now and go to the box office. Go on. Ok, so you want to know why? Ed
Byrne is practically flawless: he knows his audience without having to pick on them, his
show is well-written without seeming overly-scripted, his timing is spot on and he never
takes himself too seriously. An hour spent in his company will be an hour with a grin
slapped across your face, completely oblivious to the world outside the Pleasance Dome.
Plus you’ll get to see one of the best stage entrances you may ever see this Festival.
Right, now go and buy that ticket!
Pleasance Courtyard, 6 – 27 Aug (not 14), 9:50pm (10:50pm), £14.50 (£13.00), fpp 32
tw rating 5/5 [jf]
DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE
Painters
Next on Theatre
Energetic acrobatics, stunts and clownery, rhythmic dancing and song are all part of the daily routine for these three young painters. This is a light-hearted comedy about finding love, fun and friendship beyond the boring drudgeries of everyday working life. With just a ladder, a paint brush, a bin and some scaffolding, the three men perform physical feats that are both impressive and inventive despite their barren surroundings; imagine alter egos of the Chuckle Brothers - younger, fitter, funnier, more coordinated - and you’re almost there. On the downside, the jokes do run a bit thin in places, and don’t produce the kind of all-round laughter they seem to be aiming for. Nevertheless, ‘Painters’ is undeniably charming, heart-warming and entertaining physical theatre.
Smirnoff Underbelly, 6 - 27 Aug (not 14), 6:25pm (7:25pm), prices vary, fpp 85.
tw rating 3/5 [gb]
Resonance
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company
How do you create a piece of theatre about the discord and agony of a disintegrating relationship, without creating a discordant, agonising and dreary production? 'Resonance' can't quite avoid this pitfall: two dancers act out the mutual destructiveness of a relationship in freefall, wistfully accompanied by a man playing guitar and singing melancholy love songs. And that's about the sum of it. I waited for some gem of insight or plot development, but this is essentially a brief and fairly static piece, the slow-motion sequences representative of the overall pace; like U2, these guys are 'stuck in a moment' of relationship hell, and for forty minutes you can share their mutual irritation - or alternatively go and have a nice time somewhere else. I'd recommend the latter.
Aurora Nova @ St Stephen's, 4 – 28 Aug (not 15, 22), 6:30pm (7:10pm), prices vary, fpp 85.
tw rating 1/5 [ecmb]
EVENTS
Painters
Next on Theatre
Energetic acrobatics, stunts and clownery, rhythmic dancing and song are all part of the daily routine for these three young painters. This is a light-hearted comedy about finding love, fun and friendship beyond the boring drudgeries of everyday working life. With just a ladder, a paint brush, a bin and some scaffolding, the three men perform physical feats that are both impressive and inventive despite their barren surroundings; imagine alter egos of the Chuckle Brothers - younger, fitter, funnier, more coordinated - and you’re almost there. On the downside, the jokes do run a bit thin in places, and don’t produce the kind of all-round laughter they seem to be aiming for. Nevertheless, ‘Painters’ is undeniably charming, heart-warming and entertaining physical theatre.
Smirnoff Underbelly, 6 - 27 Aug (not 14), 6:25pm (7:25pm), prices vary, fpp 85.
tw rating 3/5 [gb]
Resonance
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company
How do you create a piece of theatre about the discord and agony of a disintegrating relationship, without creating a discordant, agonising and dreary production? 'Resonance' can't quite avoid this pitfall: two dancers act out the mutual destructiveness of a relationship in freefall, wistfully accompanied by a man playing guitar and singing melancholy love songs. And that's about the sum of it. I waited for some gem of insight or plot development, but this is essentially a brief and fairly static piece, the slow-motion sequences representative of the overall pace; like U2, these guys are 'stuck in a moment' of relationship hell, and for forty minutes you can share their mutual irritation - or alternatively go and have a nice time somewhere else. I'd recommend the latter.
Aurora Nova @ St Stephen's, 4 – 28 Aug (not 15, 22), 6:30pm (7:10pm), prices vary, fpp 85.
tw rating 1/5 [ecmb]
MUSIC
Comedy Through the Rye
Sophie Ramsay
This short concert consisted of well-known Scottish folk songs by Robert Burns, Lady Nairn and Sir Walter Scott. “In memory of Adam Duncan, who would have sang with me” was on the bottom of the programme notes. Gulp. And Sophie’s absent French violinist was still on the train from Paris. Could all this explain her small, vulnerable voice? This authentic young singer was a “work in progress”; her voice was in tune, pretty and pleasing and showed flashes of the outstanding folk singer she has the potential to become. It was a simple, well-mannered, slightly solemn performance. She introduced each song with the historical background, making this event a good introduction to Scottish song.
Rocket@Demarco Roxy Art House, 7 –26 Aug (not 13, 20), 2:45pm (3:15pm) £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 110.
tw rating 3/5 [lr]
Nomad
DNA Strings
World Music would be an understatement. These guys seem to have blood ties to half the planet. From Bongos to fiddles and electric guitars to wooden necklace type things, we left feeling we'd been to warm places with organic entertainment. Whichever apparatus they used, Nomad made them sing. So strikingly evocative were some of the melodies, I didn't realise no actual voice was present until half way through. Nomad evoked the sunset over the Serengeti, Irish jigs, the sounds of Arabia. The frequent changing of musical roots was well blended and rhythmically inviting (enough to dance). You must go and explore these guys quickly, before they get bored staying in one spot.
St Bride's Acoustic Music Centre, 7 – 15 Aug, times vary, £8.00, (£6.00) fpp 125.
tw rating 4/5 [kr]
Soweto Gospel Choir
Clifford Hocking, David Vigo & Andrew Kay
Deep in the urban jungle of Soweto must be a well loved church. Gospel favourites were taken from South Africa's scarred past, Sutu and Zulu cultures and, predictably, from Africa's postcard movie, The Lion King. Dressed in gospel robes but appearing more like an army of kites, these 20 or so Sowetonians praised the lord, land and each other with all they had. In contrast to the mainly western, sedate audience, these foreign songs and dances display profound, shared connections between man and nature and the spiritual world. Only when you witness Gospel music up close, that you can conceive of its power, and how soulfully uplifting it is – it certainly lifted the crowd for a standing ovation. A necessary experience.
Queens Hall, 7 - 28 Aug 6:30pm, (7.30pm), prices vary, ffp132.
tw rating 4/5 [kr]
MUSICALS AND OPERA
Hey Diddle Diddle?
National Student Theatre
A dark look at children’s loss of interest in the world of make believe, this clever new musical will touch even the hardest heart. Michael Bruce’s Sondheim-esque score is superb, with dark discordant ensemble numbers and melancholy solos. Bruce accompanies the performers skilfully, whilst the use of dynamics and subtlety in the score is admirably reflected by the cast, and there are particularly strong solos from Aimee Berwick (Spoon), Thomas Latham (Dish), and Matthew Tanner as the Cow. The costumes and set are used to great effect, especially in the chorus members’ outfits, which are accompanied by fabulous hats! This cast are described as ‘the professionals of the future’, and judging by yesterday’s performance the future is very bright indeed.
Augustine’s, 7 - 28 Aug (not 14 or 21), 10.50pm (11.50pm), £7.50 (£6.00), fpp 138.
tw rating 4/5 [dk]
Love Me, Dorothy
Flip Theatre
It's basically an R-rated version of a children's show, with the odd musical number, over the top evil characters, and cued audience participation. A down and dirty version of 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Love Me, Dorothy' tells the tale of a young boy coming out of the closet in a resort amok with nymphomaniac rulers from Fiji, slave boys and blow-up dolls. The real gem comes in form of the often-drunk and drugged Patti, who might be the nicest drag queen you've ever met. Cajoling the crowd with her charm, she gets us all to boo/hiss/cheer at her whim and will, and readily admits that the play is "Brecht, layers, depths, not". Still, good fun for those heavily intoxicated or into crude humour.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 6 – 28 Aug (not 13, 20), 10:00pm, prices vary, fpp 139.
tw rating 3/5 [tt]
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!
D.P. Productions
“God has put man and woman on this earth to go out and find each other, love each other, and then spend their entire life trying to change one another”. An inspired look at the art of dating, love, marriage, sex and having children, this musical is well-performed, funny and at times touching; the couple at the movies with the man crying his eyes out at a tear-jerker is especially comical. It is amazing how many different types of people two men and two women can play, and how many locations a simple bench can become. Praise, as well, for the musicians, who manage to sound like an entire orchestra while consisting of only a piano and violin.
Greenside, 7 – 26 Aug (not 13, 20), times and prices vary, fpp 139.
tw rating 4/5 [kvo]
Playing With Myself
D2M2 Productions
Now, don’t let the title put you off (or turn you on, depending on the type of person you are), this show certainly isn’t what you expect. Not the porn show that I was dreading, instead it’s almost a one woman musical (apart from the bloke on the keyboard who has a few lines to say) which is actually rather good. Well-acted, well-sung and some very quick costume changes meant that even those who were probably just there for the cheap thrills enjoyed themselves (though perhaps not in the way they were expecting). Definitely not to be missed, you won’t be disappointed. Shall I finish on a crude joke? Nah, best leave it eh?
Greyfriars Kirk House, 8 - 19 Aug (not 14), 9:00pm (10:10pm), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 140.
tw rating 4/5 [sw]
THEATRE
Anyway…
Dandylion
Anyway… is a show with a difference. Instead of the actresses all being stick-thin and straight-laced, these ladies look normal, and are witty to boot. And, funnily enough, it works. An enjoyable show which is slightly let down by the ending (I didn’t realise it had finished until everyone started applauding), it also tickles the funny bone, with Lisa Borland in particular stealing the show (and not just because of the sombrero). This show is worth going to see just to see how “red lorry yellow lorry” can be used whilst in bed with a man, and to see what secrets friends will keep from each other. A great piece of lightweight fun.
Greyfriars Kirk House, 7 - 28 Aug (not 14,21), 6:55pm (7:35pm), £6.50 (£5.50), fpp 146.
tw rating 3/5 [sw]
Carbon Fever
Tax Deductible Theatre Company
For the sake of balance I tried desperately to come up with something negative about this show – but failed miserably! It is simply a fantastic piece – brilliant new writing, cleverly staged, and superbly performed by the excellent cast. Trapped in an off-licence, old friends Will (Captain Chris Snelson) and Gray (Reverend Lewis Ironside) try to come to terms with Armageddon - and just as isolation starts to drive them mad, Sigmund (John Fricker) appears to push them over the edge. There is some fantastic physical comedy, particularly from Ironside and Fricker, and the script is full of one-liners and malapropisms, all sharp, witty, and expertly delivered. Sell your granny to buy a ticket for Carbon Fever – miss it at your peril!
The Zoo, 4 -28 Aug (not 21), 11.10pm (11.55pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 153.
tw rating 5/5 [dk]
Devil’s Advocate
Mercury Theatre Company/Escalator East to Edinburgh
West equals good. Enemies of the west equal bad, right? Devil’s advocate is a portrayal of Panamanian dictator, General Noriega but slowly pushes the balance to make a comment on the bullying international tactics of the US towards Latin America, leaving the Vatican in the middle, playing both a spiritual role and a seedy political one; an advocate to two devils. The outstanding performance of Ignatius Anthony would justify a visit alone as he shows Noriega’s change back into the lost and scared boy he was, before the US employed him. In making sensitive parallels to today’s proximate political climate, this show forces the audience to re-evaluate international foreign policy from an interesting viewpoint.
Assembly @ George Street, 5-27 Aug (not 14, 21), 12:10pm (1:40pm), £11.50-£10.00
(£9.50-£8.00), fpp160.
tw rating 4/5 [mpw]
Diamond Johnny Ray
Theatre Boutique
From the first scene this doesn’t turn out as you would expect, which is refreshing, considering I thought it would be a theatrical comment on the recent war in Iraq. It is actually a tale of family life, growing up and, well, wearing drag. The protagonist coaxes us through tales of his childhood as he struggles to live up to the standards set by his non-existent father. Inviting and warm, the wonderful performance of Johnny Ray has the audience mesmerised for the 45-minute monologue, as we see the personal struggle against identity coming out on top in this heart-warming tale. While it is by no means ground breaking, an exceptional performance distinguishes this straightforward piece of theatre.
Roman Eagle Lodge, 9-27 Aug (odd), 6.00pm (6.45pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 188.
tw rating 4/5 [mpw]
Dysfunction
Niles North Theatre
“Aren’t we all just a little bit crazy?” asks the strap-line of this eccentric piece of physical theatre. But the reason why the collection of slightly strange, yet ever so familiar white-faced figures dancing, bouncing and limping through this show is such a pleasure to watch is not because they demonstrate how raving mad the most mundane of us really are. It is rather the insight into what connects the weirdo, yuppie and granny when all have the same essential desire of companionship, interaction and understanding. What sounds like an overly cheesy message in words however, is here beautifully translated into the more fun language of movement, using caricatured characters, flashy costumes and gripping rhythms. They combine to make this a beautifully crafted picture book of all-too familiar absurdities.
Blueside, Aug 7 – 12 (not 8, 11), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 162.
tw rating 4/5 [ls]
Find Me
Scaffraj Theatre Company
‘Find Me’, performed by a youth group from the Oxgangs area, is complex, challenging and extremely moving. We witness the fate of Verity, a girl with mental health problems up to the age of 20, when she is committed to Broadmoor mental hospital. What makes the story extremely touching is the fact that we are not only faced with intelligently staged glimpses into the mind of a teenager labelled “criminally insane”, but also with the struggles of Verity’s family, torn between love for her and despair about her suffering. We are moved to ask: Why isn’t there any help available for the family when they don’t cope? The impressive consideration of the problems faced on all sides makes this a highly thought-provoking show.
Diverse Attractions, Aug 7 -12, 5:15pm (6:45pm), £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 166.
tw rating 3/5[ls]
Floating
Hoipolloi & Hugh Hughes/ Escalator East to Edinburgh
The Isle of Anglesey sheers from its mooring to reach mainland Wales, and embarks on a fantastical odyssey borne on the currents of imagination, a quality that this production has in spades. Although the theatre set-up is a traditional one, with the audience facing the stage, the two actors’ use of the space is anything but. Costume and set changes, and lighting and visual cues are all openly undertaken onstage, while the actors regularly break to pass items and artifacts from the story they are weaving to the audience for inspection. This, in conjunction with the Welsh charm of Mr. Hughes and his co-actor, Sioned Rowlands, means it fosters trust, intimacy and, somewhat inevitably, laughter. Unfortunately, the ending is a little flat, but by that point it doesn’t matter much.
Pleasance Courtyard, 5 - 28 (not 7,14), 5:30pm (6:40pm), prices vary, fpp 167.
tw rating 4/5 [brh]
Clinically Famous
Haverstock & Gold
So you really want to be famous? Watch out, it might become an addiction. Soap star Beverly has checked into The Priory because she suffers from an agitated depression. She’s doing much better now, thanks. All actors over-identify with their soap-characters, but when you change from the series darling to the hate-mailed bitch, your private life is influenced as well. While she delivers her witty monologue about the up and down sides of fame, identity and addiction, interspersed with hilarious soap-acting, Bev (Natalie Haverstock) keeps the audience captivated from start to finish. She’s a recognisable, sympathetic character with a good story to tell, and she tells it very well indeed. Highly entertaining.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2 – 28 Aug, 5:45pm (6:35pm), Prices vary, fpp 157.
tw rating 4/5 [kvo]
Dark Lantern
Red Card Theatre
Engaging and powerful story-telling from this one-man act: Lorenzo hears the voices of survivors of the Holocaust and is moved to tell all their stories, but in this struggle he realises that he has to confront his own story. Slipping effortlessly between the different roles and making good use of the space in the cosy cavern, the sole actor is charismatic and captivating, delving into the individual and personal stories of those who went through the harrowing crime. If you want a break from the mad rush of the Royal Mile, take a wander down to this charming and unpretentious café-theatre venue nestled in a peaceful neighbourhood, and surrender yourself to the magic of a good story.
Calton Theatre Café Bar, 7 – 26 Aug (not 13, 20, 21), 6:30pm, £7.50 (£6.00), fpp 158.
tw rating 3/5 [tt]
Esme Tales
Exeter University Theatre Company
Sprinkling magic on a set of stories that aren’t fairytales but aren’t quite reality either, ‘Esme Tales’ chronicles a host of peculiar character in this cosy mix between period drama and a folk tale. At times telling a family history, but frequently branching off into curiously engaging side stories. These include the woman obsessed with collecting second names through marriage and the average man, desperate to be exceptional. Every character is well cast whilst an original score perfectly sets the tone. Describing a play as pleasant isn’t usually a great compliment yet there’s a safe soothing quality to this that’s very enjoyable. Looking closer you’ll realise there’s nothing supernatural going on; rather they’ve woven their own enchanting version of reality.
C central, 4 - 28 Aug, 12:45pm (2:00pm), £7.50 (£6.50), fpp 163.
tw rating 4/5 [rp]
Gizmo Love
ATC
Ralph, a meek dreamer with limited social skills and a tenuous grasp of reality, assembles a bricolage of items that reflect his life as it was and as he wants it to be. Prominent among this collection is a screenplay. He sends the whole lot to Hollywood, hoping that the medium of film will unite the fragments and imbue his life with meaning. Seizing on its potential, the industry sends stooges - first a writer and then two thugs - to oversee revisions and make the work more “genuine”. As their roles wax, Ralph’s wanes until the project has a life and a momentum of its own. Brilliantly written, acted, and produced, sort of ‘Get Shorty’ meets ‘Frankenstein’. A must see.
Assembly @ George St., 6 - 28 Aug (not 14), 12:15pm (1:25pm) prices vary, fpp 170.
tw rating 5/5 [brh]
The House of Bernarda Alba:
Dang Nabbit Theatre Collective
‘Bernarda Alba’ is perhaps the finest example of the magical 1930s Spanish Modernism of which Lorca was chief proponent. But this production was perhaps its most bitty and disjointed performance yet. The tragic characters, imprisoned by Lorca’s oppressive currents of inevitability and by widow dictator Bernarda, were given perhaps their most lifeless outing. Though leading lady Bernarda was a redemptive presence with some wonderful acting, sadly she seems somewhat in a league of her own. The poor enunciation of some of her supporters meant that many a line went unheard. There is potential in this cast and there is infinite potential in Lorca, but in this production it goes by untapped.
Quaker meeting house, 7 – 12 Aug, 16:30 (17:50), £5.00 (£3.50), fpp 173.
tw rating 2/5 [kla]
The Irish Curse
28 Productions
Does size matter? These men certainly think so; they’re members of a support group for the phallically challenged. This sensitively well-written and well performed play explores the courage it takes for men to open up to each other in the testosterone-fuelled world. These men are all consumed with shame over their shortcomings, but here their paranoia is explored with tact, frankness and even comedy. ‘The Irish Curse’ is alternately endearing and embarrassing, which makes it both affecting viewing, and brilliantly amusing. With absorbing, nay, enthralling performances from all five men, the tension mounted splendidly until the play’s eventual emotional explosion prompted shivers down my spine. Splendid.
Underbelly’s Cowbarn, 3 – 28 Aug (not 22), 16:40pm (18:10pm), prices vary, fpp 176.
tw rating 4/5 [kla]
Iron Brew
Roar Productions (UK) Ltd
Two old friends talk feverishly on a hospital roof in Vancouver - one with terminal cancer, one in the prime of health – and experience a manic mixture of emotions as they try to make sense out of the imperceptible. All the stuff of a good play is there – the parallels between the two friends’ different lives, the symbolic significances, poignant regrets, ironies and latent humour, but somehow 'Iron Brew' just doesn't really work, doesn't really feel natural, and for a play that is supposed to be about facing reality, this is unfortunate. The script is too often contrived and the acting, although passionate and affecting in places, seems to deflate at the very moments it's supposed to reach its heights.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 6-28 Aug, 1:00pm (1:45pm), prices vary, fpp176.
tw rating 2/5 [gb]
Much Ado About Nothing
Challoner Theatre
The sheer familiarity of Shakespeare seems to make people think that the only way to captivate audiences is to add extras. This production added songs and free ice-cream, but Ben & Jerry’s didn’t swing it. Friar Francis bellows beautifully, but his baritone is not sufficient to carry the whole cast. There’s nothing bad about their performances per se, and some of the more experienced actors (ahem, Leonato) were glorious. But the production seemed too rushed to remain enjoyable for the performers, and the omission of Dogberry’s band of incompetents denied the audience any comic relief. The direction was overly sexual for Shakespeare, and the threesome dynamic of the villains was just bizarre. Some fine performances, but a pity about the direction.
Augustine’s Studio, 6 – 28 Aug, 13:15 (14:25), £7.00 (£5.50), fpp 190.
tw rating 2/5 [kla]
Stars
Nutshell
Two young couples spend a night enjoying some hallucinogenic drugs, leading to a tragic
Conclusion. This happens at the top of the play, with the rest of the script being a sort-of soap opera for the emo set, with grief and philosophising over life and death mixed in with sex, pregnancy, and plans for backpacking through Cambodia. The play was adapted from an award-winning German version, which perhaps suggests that the clunky language here is due to awkward translation. All the actors are attractive recent graduates who adopt a melodramatic acting style that would be better suited to television than to theatre. The set and sound design are both lovely. It’s just unfortunate that they dress a piece that lacks any particular meaning.
Traverse Theatre, 2 - 27 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), times vary, prices vary, fpp 205.
tw rating 2/5 [sk]
Killers Unleashed: Arisel Piarst
Z Theatre Company
I can’t help feeling that Z are out of their depth with this show. It’s only 45 minutes long, yet they try to pack in various complex themes which start to confuse the audience. Is it about rape? Innocence? Guilt? Police brutality? Homophobia? Is the rapist coincidentally the same actor that plays the boyfriend…? What are you trying to do and say with this chaotic script? The frustratingly clichéd chorus ruin this piece with woeful acting all round, and a sense that none of this means anything to the actors doesn’t help their cause. Richard Davenport’s performance is the only light in this gaping black hole - this beast should never have been unleashed.
Venue 45, 7-18 Aug (not 13), 7.00pm (7.45pm), £5.00 (£3.50), fpp 180.
tw rating 2/5 [mpw]
Frog Man
Meanwhile Theatre
The last thing I expected to witness, as I sat in a community centre way off the map, was a cracking new slice of surrealist theatre. Part domestic drama, part childhood flashback, part sub-aquatic dream-world, ‘Frogman’ explores the misfortunes of Adrian Dunfor and the lives of his playground bullies as they recover from that fateful afternoon by the river. Essentially, this is wonderfully sardonic pitch-black comedy. Witty one-liners abound throughout, and the performers’ fluid juxtapositions of comedy with stark melancholy left me breathless. The projection device made glorious and innovative use of the space, and had me mesmerised for much of the show. The flyer says they’re on the brink of massive success, and I sincerely hope they make it. Well worth the schlep.
Calton Theatre CaféBar, 7 – 26 Aug (not 13, 20-21), 13:45 (14:30), £7.50 (£6.00), fpp 169.
tw rating 4/5 [kla]
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