We love show tunes at ThreeWeeks - well, some of us more than others really, but I think we're all pretty excited that the George Square Theatre has been transformed this year into a venue specialising in musical theatre. Here are some shots from their press launch on Monday, taking in, from top left to right bottom, 'Big Brother: The Musical', 'Departure Lounge', 'Only The Brave' (two pictures), 'Zanna Don't' and 'Sa-Choom'. Photos: James Robertson. More info at www.festivals.ed.ac.uk

WHERE'S THE WIG?
And you thought no one being able to print any tickets was a crisis - not at all, time for some real Fringe crises now. First up, a hairpiece being used in a production of 'Scaramouche' at the Assembly Rooms has been stolen. Not much of a drama you may say, but the wig in question, originally used by Pete Postlethwaite, is reportedly valued at five hundred quid. A handful of free tickets are being offered to anyone who can engineer its safe return. The show's producer and director, Guy Masteron, told BBC Scotland: "There are three key elements to a clown's persona - their wig, their nose and their shoes. Take any of those elements away and you destroy them".

C SHOWS AFFECTED BY CRASHING SKYLIGHT
Fringe venue type dramas now, and a young girl was hurt yesterday when glass fell from the ceiling of the top floor venue of the main C venue on Chambers Street - she was watching a performance of the 'Little Mermaid' at the time. According to reports, the show was halted after a sky light in the ceiling fell, so the girl could be treated by first aiders. She was later taken to the Royal Hospital For Sick Children. Edinburgh University, who own the building, have reportedly been investigating the dodgy sky light which meant the venue was out of use for some of today. But, from what we hear, repairs have been done and the venue is back in operation.

IRON BELLY SHOWS AFFECTED BY THAT PESKY RAIN
Slightly less dramatic this one, though another one involving faulty Fringe roofs - I'd keep looking up if I was you. This time it was one of the Underbelly venues - the Iron Belly - where a leaky roof and the weekend's rainfall resulted in one very damp stage and a somewhat soaked lighting desk - neither particularly popular with Mr Health and Mr Safety. The venue was temporarily closed while Underbelly staff attended to the roof and found another desk, but only a handful of performances were affected. The leak has gone now, though when the rain falls (as it will today) it can be heard tap-tapping on the tarpualin covering. That said, given that the play our man saw in there during a recent downpour was set in a very rainy Newry, Ireland - and is called 'Lough/Rain' - I guess that could just be called a very special effect.

C'LEB WATCHING
And finally, what of the c'lebs who are performing at the Fringe this year? Well, we hear Michael Barrymore (appearing in 'Surviving Spike') is very taken with the giant Connect 4 game at Assembly, and that former Bond girl Britt Ekland, who's appearing in 'Britt On Britt', also at the Assembly Rooms, has been seen trying the backwards running fitness fad which is apparently in fashion. With her dog. Big news people, and you read it here first.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today... Dave Bloustein

1. What is your 2008 show all about? Roughly, it's about Africa, religion and the charity industry. Specifically, it's about an hour. 2. Why should we come and see it? Because it's free, it's your best hope of feeling morally superior about global inequality without doing anything about it and because every night you don't, I will personally maim a puppy. 3. If your show was an Olympic sport, what would it be and why? Solo Synchronised Swimming: it's funny to watch, yet surprisingly few people know about it. 4. What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival? It's my very first Festival, I'm going it alone and have no idea what to expect.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
Find me and we'll navigate it together. And if we get lost in the streets of Edinburgh, we can rub up against each other for warmth.

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
From what I've heard, take a flare and a year's worth of canned goods and water.

8. Describe your show in three words.
Save the puppies.

Dave Bloustein, Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 31 Jul – 9 Aug, 7.10pm (8.10pm), free, fpp44.

More reviews for you! Some, though not all, of these also appeared in edition 04 of the printed ThreeWeeks Daily or the Week 1 edition of the weekly edition. Remember only a selection of our reviews appear in the printed Daily and Weekly, they all appear here in the eDaily. Enjoy...

Speedy links: Children's Shows - Comedy - Dance - Events - Musicals & Opera - Theatre

ThreeWeeks Ratings Explained
1/5: Bad
2/5: Mediocre
3/5: Good
4/5: Very good
5/5: Excellent

CHILDREN'S SHOWS

Bubble-Ology: Magic, Art And Science
The Amazing Bubble Man
Watching the Bubble Man wave his wand over an unfazed tot wearing only a nappy, it occurred to me just how random this show actually is. However, the questionable science, and the lack of the promised magic and art of the show's title is somewhat redeemed by the giant bubble wand and the audience participation, which ensures spontaneity, humour and excitement. Highlights included a rather tall German man being encased in a giant bubble, an oxymoronic square bubble and the shower of edible bubbles which, according to little Toby in row three, tasted of toilet cleaner. I would have loved to have given four stars to the audience. Unfortunately, comic gems of a similar calibre cannot be guaranteed in every show.
C too, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, (not 12) 1.10pm (1.55pm), prices vary, fpp11.
tw rating 3/5
[rsj]

The Gruffalo
Tall Stories
Tall Stories present an admirable performance of the well known children's picture book 'The Gruffalo' and this show will leave children wanting to take the furry creature home with them. The three man cast are professional and full of energy throughout, although singing in the musical numbers lacks projection and skill at times. Director Olivia Jacobs has handled the play well, and the choreography is slick, creative and exciting. However, the running time of the piece is slightly too long with the three year olds (who the show is aimed at) becoming restless towards the end. This interactive show is all about joining in, which the kids will love, but unfortunately for the parents, it does verge on pantomime.
C too, 31 July - 25th Aug (not 12), 2.10pm (3.05pm), prices vary, fpp 13.
tw rating 3/5
[kc]

Pat & Mat!
Divbadlo Neslysim
This supposedly funny comedy show will make you laugh and cry for all the wrong reasons. It's advertised as lasting an hour, and I think you'll find yourself sighing with relief when you realise that it actually only lasts half that time. Performed entirely through mime, this show isn't one that grabs attention, particularly for the under ten year-olds who the show is aimed at. The pace is slow and lacks energy as Pat and Mat try to solve their trivial problems, including asking the audience for advice as to what they should pack in their rucksacks. A life-sized stage car is an impressive addition to the show, but forcing children to come on stage and sit in it just isn't.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 July - 17 Aug, 10.30am (11.30am), prices vary, fpp 17.
tw rating 1/5
[kc]

The Man Who Planted Trees
Puppet State Theatre Company
In the audience are oodles of excitable children, bobbing around like a sea of colourful buoys and they seem to anticipate that this is going to be good. And it is, enchantingly so. Two unassuming men in waistcoats and chinos tell the fictional story of a man who dedicated his years to planting thousands of trees. But the show-stealer is 'Dog', a scruffy-looking canine puppet with shiny black button eyes. He brings the story to life and delivers little snippets of dog-wisdom: "bees pollinate and that helps trees, and they make honey and that helps toast". I was utterly charmed by this tender tale of humanity and nature, despite getting sprayed with water and wafted with smelly lavender. Perfectly poignant puppetry.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 2 - 24 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 3.00pm (3.55pm), £7.50 (£5.00), fpp 16.
tw rating 4/5
[afd]

COMEDY

Rhod Gilbert & the Award-Winning Mince Pie
Rhod Gilbert
Bawdy one liners barked by this rough-around-the-edges Welshman rendered us mere mortals in the audience utterly useless with laughter. Rhod Gilbert describes with painstaking clarity his journey to the edge of reality, beyond it, and back to the fictional Welsh town of Llanbobl as prompted by a mince pie, all the while keeping a rowdy audience eating out of the palm of his hand. I forgot to breathe a few times amidst the hilarity of his return to real life and the very hasty exit which ensues. Every joke flowed and climaxed with the grace exclusive to a born comedian, and significantly, the original mince pie remains intact, or should I say Bramley apple pie...
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug, 8.00pm (9.00pm), prices vary, fpp 91.
tw rating 5/5
[km]

Danny Robins - Dannyfest
Danny Robins
Do you like festivals? Sure you do, you're at one! That's the premise behind Danny Robins' 'Dannyfest'. Robins begins by explaining that there will soon be so many festivals in the UK, everyone will have their own personal festival. This is his, complete with crowd surfing, goths, a dance tent and rapper Doc Brown. Robins is an extremely likable comedian, but crucially appears lacking in confidence, which is surprising. He came into his own in his interaction with Doc Brown, flourishing when he had someone to bounce off. Much like the unlikely success of Jay-Z at Glastonbury, Doc Brown is probably the most unpredictable comic talent to emerge at this year's Fringe. And the absolutely hilarious 'Festival Health and Safety' rap alone makes Dannyfest worth the ticket.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13), 6.00pm, £11.00-£12.00 (£9.50-£10.50), fpp 44
tw rating 3/5
[je]

Felix Dexter - Not Just Another White Guy Lost In The Shuffle
Felix Dexter
There's something very charming about Felix Dexter, and he certainly had the female audience members of a certain age both swooning and shrieking with wild abandon. Unfortunately, some of his stand up routine is pedestrian and over-familiar (indeed, I thought I recognised one or two jokes from other performers' routines), and at times the show threatens to become a bit stale. Fortunately, most of the hour makes use of Dexter's prodigious skill as a comic actor; his range of different characters and accents is impressive, and consistently hilarious. If he were to focus exclusively on this, and trim the fat from his less successful patter, this would be an outstanding show. As it is, Dexter's show is good, but not great.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13), 8.20pm (9.20pm), prices vary, fpp 49.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

Generation Divide
Richard Rycroft and Cal Saville
This show is like a muddled up, back-to-front, version of 'Grumpy Old Men'. It's the work of two stand-up comedians who focus on age and the characteristics of both young and old. Inevitably, there's some age-bashing, which at times proved awkwardly funny, as when the show's Richard Rycroft claimed to be supportive of young people, but then hypocritically and nostalgically went on to reminisce that things were better when he was young. The improvised moments were quite funny, but I fear that these might not work so well with a larger audience. Overall it was quite good. It isn't split-your-sides funny, but it will make you smile with its pertinent observations.
C cubed, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 3.15pm (4.15pm), prices vary, fpp 54.
tw rating 3/5
[fa]

Phil Ellis - 'Why I Bathe In Ajax' - Free
Phil Ellis/Laughing Horse Free Festival
Looking at pictures of your own family might just about be interesting, but can someone else's be funny? Stand-up Phil Ellis thinks so, and his show explores his frankly bonkers family tree as he tries to discover the root of his OCD. It's amusingly accompanied by a slide-show of grainy snaps featuring sports days, Blackpool, and dodgy seventies moustaches. The comedian's family provides him with plenty of material: he directs his casually cutting humour at anything from his aunt getting strangled by a tramp to his father's foster-care trauma. Ellis is a likeable figure, and this show is reminiscent of listening to a mate - albeit your funniest mate - just talking about their family. But like that experience, it is also free.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 31 Jul - 9 Aug, 3.05pm (3.45pm), free, fpp 86.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Richard Crawford Presents Dick Biscuit Private Eye And Special Guests.
Crawford, Hardesty, Needle.
If you've ever had a conversation with your brain then you'll like this show. Get through the introduction, which adds nothing and has some jokes which are somewhat distasteful, and you will discover inventive and original comedy. Using images which have been drawn in 'Paint' on the comedian's computer as an aid, we join Dick Biscuit on a rare day when he has a crime to solve. It contains elements of realism in assessing the relationship we have with our mind, and yet it's funny and witty, the brain having a very dry sense of humour which makes for some of the best lines. Featuring a set of incredible cheekbones and a great story-telling technique, this is a youthful and funny comic piece.
Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, times vary, £6.50 (£5.00), fpp 91.
tw rating 3/5
[fa]

Arnold Brown Presents Happiness: The Search Continues
Stand Comedy Club
If I were trying to find happiness, I would not find it here. Simply put, his style is dated, perhaps more suited to an old style working man's club type environment rather than the (hopefully) slightly more cutting edge Fringe. I certainly think that most of his jokes would be better received by older ears. There is nothing much wrong with the ideas themselves - the Messiah on Big Brother, dolphin breakfasts and Amy Winehouse knitting in rehab - but rarely are they concluded satisfactorily; every gag is missing that killer blow which would render the audience in stitches. Instead, the crowd was left with little more than a weak smile. With slow delivery and a lacklustre edge, he may be contented, but I must look elsewhere.
The Stand Comedy Club III & IV, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 3.00pm (4.00pm), prices vary, fpp 28.
tw rating 2/5
[rh]

Footlights - Devils
Cambridge Footlights
The Fringe Programme boasts that this is the 125th anniversary of the Cambridge Footlights. I doubt I saw the original line-up, but this sketch comedy group certainly seemed to know the rules of the game, so I'm not surprised that there's a tradition behind them. It was a slick effort, delivered with energy; highlights included a grieving daughter bursting into song, competitive parents at a sports day and a record-breaking number of horse puns. But there's more to comedy than the classic throw-away ending line. There is funny material here, but none that's absolutely hilarious. The group could do with breaking away from the formulaic, and using more imagination. Chances are they'll see many more anniversaries if they do.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 13), 3.10pm (4.10pm), prices vary, fpp 50.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

The Free Three
The Free Three/Laughing Horse Free Festival
With the eager, grinning, wide-eyed mania of Andrew Wallace, the ice-cold dead-pannery of Julian Deane and the 100mph character ramblings of Imran Yusuf, 'The Free Three' make a satisfyingly diverse cocktail of style and substance. Subject matter ranges from the absurd and surreal to the very political, and the laughs are strong and steady. Each comic is not without their flaws, though; Wallace is prone to overkill in parts, Deane's set loses direction on occasion and Yusuf's terrorist material and race jokes sometimes feel tired and done-to-death. Nevertheless there are three bright comics here, and plenty to please a wide palette of tastes - a bit like Neapolitan ice-cream, really.
Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde, 2 - 24 Aug (not 13, 20), 5.40pm (6.40pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 51.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

In The Mouth - Free
Laughing Horse Free Festival
There's a sense of potential about 'In The Mouth'. When they hit the spot, they almost convey the impression that they are a polished and lively sketch troupe, but some of their sketches are a little muddled and lack direction, spoiling the overall effect. A satirical spoof stand-up set and a gentlemanly take on a "your Mum" exchange are good value, and there are nice ideas in a sketch about a teetotaler and a wheat intolerant couple dining at the Last Supper, but depressed puppet and best man's speech skits seem a little lost. There's a need for a bit more flexibility, but on the whole 'In The Mouth' do just about enough to keep their audience entertained, but they could really do with a bit more bite.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 15), 12.00pm (12.40pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 61.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Nick Mohammed Is A Character Comedian
Nick Mohammed entertained his audience at breakneck speed, flitting through a series of acutely well-observed character sketches. Avoiding obvious clichés and successfully venturing into the surreal, his material was challenging yet still hilarious. Even at this frantic pace, Mohammed still managed to respond to his audience with exceptional wit and fluency. The energy was electric, at times creating an atmosphere of nervous tension and although the final sketch dragged on a little too long, I feel as though this is something that will be rectified with time. Nick Mohammed is an exceptional talent, but with plenty more to give. In choosing not to play it safe, he should be commended.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 7.10pm (8.10pm), prices vary, fpp 81.
tw rating 4/5
[kk]

Pear-Shaped Afternoons
Brian and Krysstal/PBH's Free Fringe
This kind of thing is always going to be a bit hit and miss, and to be honest, this was largely a miss. 'Pear-Shaped Afternoons' is an opportunity for comedians such as Henry Ginsberg, Liz Bentley and Claire Benjamin to plug their own shows by performing excerpts. So if you like what you see here, you can go and see their full show. I didn't; so I won't, for the simple reason that the majority of the material here just wasn't funny. There are always exceptions, though, and these gems came from John Cooper, who read hilarious passages from his diary, and the quirky Owen Niblock with his wonderfully geeky comedy. I'd say avoid 'Pear-Shaped Afternoons', just go and see John Cooper and Owen Niblock instead, but I guess I wouldn't have been able to recommend those two, if I hadn't seen this show in the first place.
The White Horse, 2 - 23 Aug (not 10), 4.00pm (5.30pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 86.
tw rating 2/5
[rg]

Alcock Improv
Alcock Players
Fringe-goers who are well used to improve shows might get a sense of deja-vu watching the Alcock Players, but for those new to the concept, this show will be a great way to get your first taste of the genre. 'Alcock Improv' showcases genuine, if still raw, comic talent from these young Cambridge players, even if they are treading familiar improv territory. Five wickedly enthusiastic actors race through totally unrehearsed games with bags of audience participation and an almost obscene amount of cross-gendering. Improv in this vein is always in danger of feeling just a bit too much like a glorified pre-show warm-up, but it's none the worse for that. The performers are endearingly earnest and extremely likeable, and the compere is ever so sweet - watch out Footlights, you've got competition.
C soco, 30 Jul - 12 Aug, 12.15pm, £8.50 (£7.50) fpp 23.
tw rating 3/5
[je]

Pegabovine: Polite Club
Pegabovine
The Truthinator, a contraption consisting of a triangle and a cowbell, is one of many aspects of this show that are funny and innovative. Another is the invention of Wainwright, a nineteenth century character sporting a top hat and writing about his attempts to bring civility to the world by digging a tunnel to 'the Indies' ('Is it digging or dagging?' he muses). Our host Davis Wateracre presents a warm and fuzzy show rather than an uproariously hilarious one, but that doesn't matter, not least because his witty song lyrics are accompanied by much tuneful strumming of the guitar, and he involves the audience in a charming and - obviously - polite manner. He is hugely likeable, even he does swear a couple of times.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), prices vary, fpp 86.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

Pete Firman - FlimFlam
Underbelly Productions By Arrangement With Objective Talent Management
I know this show is good because I spent the evening going slowly insane with the frustration of being out of Pete Firman's magical loop. From the stomach churning 'maggots up the nose and out of the eye' number to the somewhat death defying 'nail in the face trick', Firman delights and disgusts in equal measure. The thing that makes him different from some other magic acts out there is that between extracting oohs and ahhs, he uses his unique and endearing combination of natural charm and real comedic talent to win the audience over. And just like that, the gap that late great Tommy Cooper left in our lives has been well and truly filled.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 7.25pm (8.20pm), prices vary, fpp 86.
tw rating 4/5
[mb]

Rob Deering Boobs 2008
Avalon Promotions
The publicity image is as disturbing as it is intriguing, with Rob Deering leering out, breasts heaving at the seams of a skimpy bikini. Thankfully the comedian has not had drastic surgery, but he has supposedly themed his new show on the nature of being both a feminist and a tits man. In actual fact there's nothing quite as challenging as that in the act, and a good thing too. Deering is so disarmingly charming, with his big grin and (relatively) clean material, that there's never any question of sexual conventions being re-written. Instead the show is a witty evening with hilarious musical numbers involving deft footwork mixing, re-written classics and a gregarious atmosphere that would make a grumpy tortoise smile.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 - 24 Aug (not 20), 8.20pm (9.20pm), £10.50 (£9.50), fpp 92.
tw rating 4/5
[rd]

Roy Walker - Goodbye, Mr Chips
Roy Walker seems like something of a comedy dinosaur blinking at the bright lights of extinction - times have changed and everyone's moved on - or have they? The softly-spoken star of 'Catchphrase' leaves me wondering: there's a sizeable crowd here, all lapping up the simple and often recognisable one-liners delivered at snail's pace, and murmuring sympathetically at the recurring theme of not understanding modern day things. It's like comedy Valium. Only the 'Catchphrase' finale quickens my pulse to something like a normal rate, but then, this show isn't meant for me, it's meant for fans of Roy Walker and, if for you the Fringe is just a buzz of noisy young people moving too fast, it might appeal to you too.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 16), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 93.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

The Secret Fantasies Of Alice Pobbs, Aged 35 1/4
Lippy Lyrics
Alice Pobbs is a middling receptionist who takes time out to imagine what her life would be like as an assortment of female characters, from office tart to WI Tory lady. The show isn't bad, more shockingly offensive due to its overriding message, which, seemingly, is that women should expect nothing more from life than being content with their shitty lot. Anna Pelly's singing voice is adequate but, tellingly, the more challenging songs are pre-recorded, and the horribly clichéd characters are handled with all the deftness and subtlety of a mastectomy. If she had chosen any other social group than white women to satirise in such a humourless and derivative fashion, Anna Pelly would have been taken out onto the Grassmarket and lynched.
Sweet Grassmarket, 1 - 10 Aug, 1.00pm (1.55pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 94.
tw rating 1/5
[rd]

Stephen K Amos - Weekend Chat Show
This variety night was alternately funny and boring. Amos's quick wit and dirty mind kept me laughing, even with all the Australian slurs, whilst interviews with Felix Dexter and Tim Vine left me thinking "get on with it". Drags Aloud kick-started the show with a good dollop of glam but the gem of the night was music trio Axes Of Awesomeness. Their rehashed pop song finale made me cringe, laugh and smile. Glam, wit and a relaxed atmosphere result in a thoroughly entertaining evening. If the stifling heat in the venue is not fixed, however, performers and audience members alike should be given icy poles to lick.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, dates vary, 11.30pm (12.30am), £12.50 (£10.50), fpp 99.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

Will & Greg - A Sketch Show
A Comedy Unit Production
Unlike the gay US sitcom of a similar name, this is original and clever comedy from a daring double act. The sketches range from the very simple (counting to ten) to the twisted (ugly kids auditions), most given wings by the pair's excellent comic timing and good duo dynamic. The material feels fresh, and they take risks, which is to be applauded, but among the many hits are some misses; the ending, for instance, could be a lot stronger. The pair are naturals at interaction with the audience, and their close proximity allows for plenty of this. Having bonded with the audience, they are able to turn simple acts like unwrapping a Tunnock's tea cake into much laughter. A good example of why TV is no match for live comedy.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 6, 13), 3.30pm (4.30pm), prices vary, fpp109.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

The Return Of The Free Mousketeers - Free!
Electric Mouse Comedy/Laughing Horse Free Festival
Down in the basement of a wonderfully creepy bar, three comedians will try and keep you entertained, sadly not in mouse costumes. Henry Ginsberg's self-deprecating humour had us laughing from the go, pretty good for a man who has been likened to "the fat guy from Lost". Sadly, the same cannot be said for our second offering, Richard King, who read off a sheet of paper and seemed confused as how to order a gig in a coherent fashion, some jokes being desperately obscene rather than funny. Tommy Mack, the final comedian made up for the failings of Richard, though I got the sense nerves had kicked in for the first gig. Maybe they should go for the mouse costumes.
Laughing Horse @ Jekyll and Hyde, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 4.25pm (5.25pm), free, fpp 90.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]

Ivan Brackenbury's Hospital Radio Christmas Show
Ivan had us in stitches before the show had even begun, which in my opinion rendered him instantly worthy of praise, especially considering his highly ironic claim that he doesn't "do comedy". His show derides and ridicules volunteer radio, via the medium of the title character's hospital programme, the idea behind his show being that even if you're at death's door, Ivan will cheer you up. Or any door for that matter, or maybe a bed, a sofa, or even general flooring. Expect to be creased up with laughter, because his well thought-out and shocking jokes cause explosive laughter. Ivan is propa' bonkers - which basically means that he is a very clever man masquerading as an idiot.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 4.45pm (5.45pm), prices vary, fpp 62.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

Paul Tonkinson - The Anti Mid-Life Crisis
Paul Tonkinson attracts a northern crowd, which was very well established by the time he'd got through the whole 'where are you from' opening gambit. The audience banter was witty and sharp, the execution of the script good, but some of the laughs seemed to be missing. Paul relied heavily on facial expressions, and unfortunately he only seemed to have one, really, which was a cross between a nodding dog and that head from 'Art Attack'. But that face described everything: the audience, his son, his father, himself, fellatio. This was clever and well timed, but something was definitely missing from Paul's show; if only it had been his catch-all facial expression.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 8.15pm (9.15pm), prices vary, fpp 86.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]

The Angry Puppy
Stand Comedy Club With The Comedy Unit
We've all been there: you've tapped it, you've run it under the tap, but you just can't get the ruddy jam jar open. Let 'The Angry Puppy', an inconsistently brilliant sketch show, helps you deal with that pent up rage as it takes a clever, bitchy, oestrogen-fuelled look at life's everyday annoyances. Particularly excellent is the Chav-tastic Glaswegian bus stop gossip, which transported me back to the good old days when I didn't live in Edinburgh. In a world where Tampax and own-brand tampons are made in the same factories, Matsui is a crap make, and Rihanna and Jay-Z are classy artists, 'The Angry Puppy' unscrews the lid off life's little delusions.
The Stand Comedy Club III & IV, 1 - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 1.30pm (2.30pm), prices vary, fpp 27.
tw rating 4/5
[rsj]

Bad Dog Variety
Dog-Eared Collective
What to say about the 'Bad Dog Variety' comedy show? It was, well, bad. It was one whole hour of bad jokes, uninspired costumes and cringe-worthy sketches, each being a desperate attempt to earn cheap laughs from the audience. Unsurprisingly, few obliged. The stunts, purposefully bad, merely added to the mess as the players tried hard to be outrageous and zany, but were instead embarrassing and certainly not funny. And then they had the temerity to make fun of Ronnie Corbett. At least he's known for his comic talents. I don't think they quite realised just how true their jokes about getting a bad review would turn out to be. Now that is funny.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 14), 12.15pm (1.15pm), prices vary, fpp 30.
tw rating 1/5
[lp]

Comedy Bank
PBH's Free Fringe
There are a lot of complaints about the ever-increasing price of shows at the Fringe, and it's true that taking a gamble on an unknown name seems less like fun when the cost is always getting higher. Unfortunately, many of the free shows in pubs rely on the audience being drunk, and so may not be a waste of money but a waste of your time. Not this one. I was lucky enough to see Rosie Wilby, David Meech and Simon Lilley's stand-up routines in a light, airy room, as opposed to the dingy venues that many pubs offer, and the comedians were funny, light-hearted and vulgar without being offensive. The bill rotates, so I can't guarantee that all the acts will be of this standard, but I'd still venture to say that this is the perfect way to spend a 'free' hour on George Street.
The Standing Order, 2 - 23 Aug, 1.30pm (2.30pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 39.
tw rating 4/5
[gm]

Dan Willis: Ferris Bueller's Way Of ...
"Don't worry, it's not all about the movie," Dan Willis assures us. And he's right, it's not. It's not really about anything in particular, apart from him. He cites Ferris Bueller as his hero and tells us why, using clips from the film as visual aids. There are the requisite jokes about lesbians and women in general, which he tells to an audience made up almost entirely of women, and which produce a few laughs. But I found myself smiling more than laughing, which is perhaps not a good sign for stand-up. He does have a later show, he tells us, which is just jokes, no fiddling around with DVDs. I imagine this might be more successful. I hope so.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 4.40pm (5.40pm), free, fpp 44.
tw rating 2/5
[ah]

Deborah Frances-White's 'How To Get Almost Anyone To Want To Sleep With You' - The Advanced Class'
Jeremy Meadow for Something for the Weekend Ltd
Perhaps the most surprising thing about 'How To Get Almost Anyone...' is that it does - within reason - just about what it says on the tin. Amongst cagey moments of audience participation and off-the-cuff quipping are some intriguing nuggets of romantic insight. From teaching men how to hail a cab properly to the simple effectiveness of wearing a hat to a party, it's an enjoyable hour for men and women, singles and couples alike. Frances-White is frank, sincere and witty, raunchy without being crude whilst her audience interaction is inquisitive, without prying. It's just a shame the latter parts of the show had to be rushed as I sensed that, given the time, she could have kept the room's attention for hours.
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 2.30pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 45.
tw rating 4/5
[th]

Johnny Candon: One Careless Lady Owner
Stand Comedy Club
What a lovely way to spend an hour: in the company of a man who has the instant appeal of a puppy in a window. Johnny Candon draws his material from his own experience of adoption along with a few touching childhood stories and just enough funny lines to keep the show going. Sticking to the script, however, is not his highest priority, and his real skill lies in bringing together an audience and creating a friendly atmosphere. This show won't have you rolling with laughter, but by the end you won't want to abandon your host (a second time), you'll want to go home with him, meet his wife and baby son, have tea and talk about old times.
The Stand Comedy Club II, 1 - 24 Aug (not 11), 12.15pm (1.15pm), £7.00 (£6.00), fpp 66.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Jollie: John And Ollie Stuck Together
Birch and Biddle
These instantly likable boys have a bag of tricks to tempt us. They serve up a mixture of Blackadder-style storytelling (including the tale of Doctor Odysseus Mortimer, who has a dubious underground laboratory, and a nephew and a butler, both also called Mortimer) and silly songs such as 'I'm Not Sponsoring You!'. If you don't know the difference between a simile and a metaphor, Jollie will set you straight... eventually. The highlight is the constant competitive banter between the pair, as they exchange jibes and bicker over what to perform, arguing about whether to do a song about Ollie being fat (he isn't) which John eventually realises might be classed as bullying. But don't worry, they're good friends really. A jollie good time had by all.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 2.35pm (3.35pm), prices vary, fpp 66.
tw rating 4/5
[lr]

The Pros From Dover
Pros From Dover
Read the section for The Pros in the Fringe programme and it'll get you laughing. The situations created in each small sketch of this show were cleverly arranged and stunningly performed, from the robber and his victim ending up in bed together, to 'Star Wars' in German during a driving test (which has to be seen to be believed). However, although each section was intelligent, the acting brilliant, the essence of some of the sketches just wasn't quite funny enough. Occasionally a sketch would go on too long, or just miss the mark in getting its laugh from the audience. Don't expect to be rolling in the aisles, but go if you want an hour's light amusement.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), prices vary, fpp 89.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]

Richard Sandling And Stuart Goldsmith In 'Kiosk Of Champions'
Richard Sandling and Stuart Goldsmith/PBH Free Fringe
Stuart Goldsmith apparently works as a warm-up act for ITV's 'Loose Women' for his day job. I'm hazarding a guess that this show is nothing like the sort of thing he does there, and that can only be a good thing. The two comedians present a series of sketches, on subjects ranging from Catholic choirboys to how to annoy a comedian in a restaurant, and their styles complement each other well. The timing can be patchy, but on the whole the material is hilarious and drew raucous laughter from the audience. A great find on the Free Fringe, and a real bargain, so you can't really begrudge them handing round the hat at the end.
The Canon's Gait, 2 - 24 Aug (not 12), 5.00pm (6.00pm), free, fpp 91.
tw rating 4/5
[je]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Damned Beautiful
Helix Dance
This had the potential to be a really wonderful piece of dance because choreography, performance, score and visuals worked together seamlessly towards a compelling conclusion. Unfortunately the show was slow to engage interest, and the often wonderful spectacle of two performers performing in unison together was marred by the different timings employed. The waltz performed was beautiful, flawless and fluid, however, as the two men guided each other around, accompanied by the decadent sounds of clapping and laughter as the story of 'Dorian Gray' unfolded further. Movement was both evocative of the period (smoking cigarettes in a languid manner, as one does) and reflected the turn of narrative, as degeneracy and debauchery finally took hold towards the inevitable conclusion.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 2.40pm (3.15pm), prices vary, fpp 113.
tw rating 3/5
[bw]

Face In The Crowd
Kudos
This slick and fast-paced show will give you a snapshot of everyday life for millions of Londoners. Whilst we may pity those living the rat-race dream, this feeling will be ironic for many audience members as they watch these reflections of their own lives. Innovative choreography depicts scenes in the office, Starbucks and the nightclub, plus there's always that one slightly strange character on the Tube holding a stuffed teddy bear. The cast present a polished performance, which would perhaps appear more realistic with actors of more varied age and ethnicity. A world of consumerism and materialism is starkly portrayed as the shows goes full-circle to the morning after the night before. A little like all our lives, really.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 11.45am (12.30pm), prices vary, fpp 115.
tw rating 3/5
[bw]

Meli Melo II
Chicos Mambo
How can you not enjoy a show that's camper than Dolly Parton in Vegas? Meli Melo II is truly a dance melee, a celebration of all things glitzy and flirtatious. The fact that the dancers are four strapping Frenchmen makes it all the more hilarious. This is Disney meets Bollywood, Las Vegas and Swan Lake. The group perform an eclectic mix of dance styles, from serious ballet - albeit tongue-in-cheek - to ridiculous gymnastics, with some synchronised swimming thrown in. The costumes are fabulous, and at times extremely revealing, with members of the audience snorting with laughter at dancers in their skintight apparel. Great frivolous fun for all the family, and the perfect way to start off your evening.
Universal Arts Theatre, prices vary, times vary, fpp 118.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

The Vanishing Point
Carpetbag Brigade
I had no idea what to expect from this performance which promises a 'dreamlike physical poem'. Sitting on the grass, we were approached by creatures on stilts that were feline and birdlike in their movements. The costumes were indeed dreamlike: the performers resembled mythical woodland nymphs, with one non-stilted character apparently a human. The choreography, set to surreal, other-worldly music was imaginative, with some impressive balancing montages. In terms of plot however, nothing really seemed to happen, except that one of the creatures removed her stilts and appeared to be reborn as a human. It's an intriguing spectacle, but one that was almost completely unfathomable. If you like the weird and wonderful, I am sure you will enjoy this.
Sweet ECA, dates vary, prices vary, fpp 123.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

Three Ladies, Three Whores... And An Uninvited Guest
Collective 1.18
Physical theatre blended with touches of contemporary dance is the style delivered by the energetic Collective 1.18 in their performance of 'Three Ladies, Three Whores... And An Uninvited Guest.' Who the actual uninvited guest is, we have no idea, but let's assume it's the audience. The performance works well, as the ladies attempting to be real ladies let themselves go with a hitch of their skirts, in a whore-like fashion. It's a visually engaging piece, full of humour and replete with exaggerated facial expressions which complement the show superbly. It's rather short, lasting not much more than half an hour, and will not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who can appreciate it for what it is, these three girls do a good job.
The Space@The Thistle, 2 - 9 Aug (not 3), 3.05pm (3.45pm), £6.00, fpp 122.
tw rating 3/5
[kc]

Transgression
EHX
I'm lying spread-eagled in the middle of a skate ramp and John Auld, the UK's number one extreme unicyclist is jumping over my head. Welcome to Transgression, the most eye poppingly extreme show at the Fringe. Join skateboarders, break dancers, in-liners and BMXers in a showcase spectacular to rival anything else at this year's Festival. Set in a custom built skate park on the city's only beach, the performers jump, twist, flip and slide in a jaw dropping, high octane stunt-fest set to a body rocking soundtrack. This show has something for everyone. I don't care if you don't even know what a bike is, see this show. If you've already seen it, see it again, as it's criminally excellent in every way.
C soco Urban Garden, 1 - 25 Aug, 9.30pm (10.15pm), prices vary, fpp 123.
tw rating 5/5
[nb]

EVENTS

Nitekirk
Nicodemus Community
A nightclub, but not as you know it. This is a cool, quiet, relaxing place to spend an evening. Open until after midnight, Greyfriars plays host to singing, poetry and prayer for the ears and art installations for the eyes. There are different events each night and several of the art installations are interactive, including a cross to nail your frustrations to, so they'll grow over the week. It's all quite therapeutic; I made a white crane for peace whilst sipping warm apple juice. Nitekirk also provides the perfect opportunity to view Kumoki's Angels; powerful, almost raunchy, heavenly creatures in oils, on display throughout the kirk, proving like the Sistine Chapel, that gay artists and churches are a match made in Heaven.
Greyfriars Kirk, 2 - 8 Aug , 8.00pm (12.30am), free non-ticketed, fpp128.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

Plague! The Musical
Bubonic Productions
The question is: "why come to Edinburgh during August?" If the answer is "to be entertained", you could certainly do worse than seeing 'Plague! The Musical'. The central premise involves mutated rats bringing about the plague in London in a roundabout way by poisoning the water, but plot takes a back seat in favour of choruses of funky dancing druids and an undertaker's training montage, amongst other things. True, this is not finely polished musical theatre - there are no particularly strong voices, and the dance routines are simply enough to keep the eye interested. On the other hand, the songs are definitely catchy, and are performed with such gusto that it would be quite a challenge not to enjoy the experience.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 9.30pm (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 176.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Tony Of Arabia
White Rose Theatre
The actors may not resemble the world leaders they're playing but they make up for it with crisp singing and consistent foreign accents. Tony Blair's Englishness shines through as we run through musical numbers about his special relationship with George Bush, power battles with Cherie, and a struggling Gordon Brown as Prime Minister. This musical is clever, full of puns, and worth the ticket for the satirical song 'Kicking Ass For Jesus' and the onstage band doesn't miss a note either. To our loss, the performers underplay the humour embedded in the well written dialogue and songs. With more theatricality they could have had me foot-tapping and laughing even harder.
Pleasance Dome, 31 Jul - 25 Aug dates vary, 5.30pm (6.35pm), prices vary, fpp 179.
tw rating 4/5
[zl]

Songs For A New World
Rubber Duck Theatre
Walking into the theatre, I found that the set for this show looked promisingly simple: a number of boxes surrounding a table. Unfortunately the actors performed around this set using a very limited area of the stage, occasionally standing on the table if it seemed like extra emphasis was needed. In a musical about lots of different characters, the actors found it hard to capture a lot of them, so sometimes it felt like they were just singing a song to you without any motivation. There were some funny moments, and the harmonies were really good, but a lot of the time it felt like the performers had forgotten what they were doing this for, making the musical lose its spark.
C too, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), prices vary, fpp 178.
tw rating 2/5
[rs]

Hippos In The Shower
Theatre Knights Belfast
A musical amble through a hippy taxi-driver's realisation that he should follow his dreams, this piece is too long, and desperately needs a plot. The surreal nature of the premise does not excuse its lack of narrative, and Geoff Gatt's script seems to only loosely link together the show's many songs, which vary between fun ensemble numbers and very tedious duets. On the upside, the musicians underpinning the production gave a high quality performance, and special mention must be made of Adrian Cooke as Vance, who gave a strong, professional performance, leaving me feeling as though he must have wandered in from another musical and decided to help out.
Musical Theatre@George Square, 31 Jul -10 Aug, 2.00pm (3:15pm), prices vary, fpp 173.
tw rating 2/5
[dk]

Only The Brave
Daniel Sparrow And Patrick Gracey
This new musical premiering at this year's Fringe has a strong professional cast, so instantly the music sounds impressive, and the story is carried effectively. Based on WW2 and inspired by real-life, 'Only the Brave' takes you on an emotional journey and will move you in spine-tingling ways, even if a love story involving a nurse and soldier threatens to be pretty naff. The high budget set is striking and unusual, as is the powerful live orchestra, but the volume of the music sometimes drowns crucial lines in the narrative. With a cast starring Keith Jack (BBC's 'Any Dream Will Do') and Niamh Perry (BBC's 'I'd Do Anything'); it's no surprise that this show is already selling out.
Musical Theatre@George Square, 31 July - 25 Aug (not 5, 11), 6.15pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 175.
tw rating 4/5
[kc]

THEATRE

Black Stuff
Shams
This show started well, with an old Mexican man leading us on to the dark stage with a candle. It also ended well, with the old Mexican man giving us a stark warning about the future fuel crisis. Unfortunately almost everything in between was bad, and I found myself drifting off at least a couple of times. Is it farce? Is it comedy? Is it meant to be giving a serious message about a life without oil? I couldn't tell you. What I perceived was a Mexican petrol attendant who more than once resembled Mr Bean, and a manically hyperactive woman and her nondescript fossil fanatic husband darting about the stage haphazardly. Cracks in the newly married couple's relationship start to show...zzzzzz.
Pleasance Courtyard, dates vary, prices vary, fpp 187.
tw rating 2/5
[ah]

Cousins Rivals Queens - Part 1: Elizabeth
Regina Satires
"It would have been easier had I been a man" said Queen Elizabeth I, and in this case she actually was a man, as performer Robert Inston donned the customary white make up and orange wig. I hadn't seen much performance history before so can't profess to be an expert, but this didn't give a good history lesson. First and foremost, it wasn't a believable acting performance. It just never really took off, possibly because characterisation got lost amid the historical details which made this a confused and hesitant lecture. The rambling monologue didn't flow easily and seemed partly improvised which led to awkward pauses. I had no idea where it was going, and I'm not sure Inston did either.
The Space @ The Thistle (V36), dates vary, 6.05pm (6.55pm), £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 193.
tw rating 1/5
[lr]

Dad's Money
Boss Hogg
Looking for a light-hearted afternoon amusement? 'Dad's Money' could well be it. Tom and Joe are two brothers trapped in a cellar, desperately trying to find their dead father's cash. When the cellar floods and the trapdoor locks them in, they are forced to confront their issues. The performance was well done and the jokes were witty, made even more so by the brilliant rural accents. Particularly funny was the name-calling between the middle-aged brothers, my favourite insult being 'Div!', a word I haven't heard since 1998. It's unlikely that this play will have you in stitches, but it's enjoyable and easy watching. Not really groundbreaking, but a good way to fill an empty afternoon.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 1.40pm (2.40pm), prices vary, fpp 194.
tw rating 3/5
[rg]

Dark Grumblings
BIG WOW In Association With Richard Jordan Productions Ltd
One night, one tower block, two incompetent security guards, and a hard-core horror channel taking over TV; the absorbing and faintly chaotic story that unravels from these elements is huge fun. Comic chameleons Tim Lynskey and Matt Rutter hold forth evocatively as they switch characters at an alarming rate. Despite an unashamedly large helping of physical comedy, the play also provides tension and suspense. Perhaps some of the 'straighter' horror scenes are a little prolonged, but awash with murky dry ice and sinister sound effects, Dark Grumblings pitches its satirical stance on society's consumption of the horror film with panache. Imagine a dafter and up-tempo Shaun Of The Dead; this show pairs life at its most mundane with fantastical horror scenarios.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 2.40pm (3.50pm), prices vary, fpp 194.
tw rating 4/5
[dp]

The Darkling Plain
Bloody Lovely Productions
This is simultaneously a hilarious satire, pastiche and homage to Noel Coward's war-time movies, mostly consisting of a series of funny observations and jokes playing on the repressed lives of 1940s Britons, and the terribly, terribly British need to maintain a stiff upper lip throughout. This is genuinely one of the funniest plays I've ever seen, with the interesting twist that the war forming the backdrop is not World War 2, but The War Against Terror. The dash of contemporary political satire this brings with it is great, and leaves the audience wanting more; if the balance of the show were shifted slightly to give it a bit more of a satirical edge, this would be an absolute masterpiece.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 13), 12.30pm (1.20pm), prices vary, fpp 194.
tw rating 4/5
[al]

Happy Savages
More Matter Productions
From the first moments of this play I knew that I was going to be entertained. Ryan Craig's script is full of fast-paced, witty dialogue that manages to sound natural and conversational whilst crackling with subtext, and the opening exchange between Ben & Lisa was captivating. All four actors were superb in this tale of couples struggling to find, define and hold onto happiness. Hannah Nicholson's Lisa was performed with wit and style, while Lucy Evans' Rachel was sexy, sassy, and vulnerable in equal measure. James Russell was endearing as the hapless Joe, but it was James Anderson who was particularly outstanding as Ben, giving a performance that was both funny and touching, and showed a deep connection with the text.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 13), 4.40pm (5:50pm), prices vary, fpp 203.
tw rating 4/5
[dk]

Histrionics
Plenty of slapstick bumbling and tomfoolery, a few ditties and even a ghostly dame in this pantomime/farce which sees us transported back to 18th century London, where we encounter actor and playwright Wolfio and a rabble of mildly demented coffeehouse companions, as they dispose of Wolfio's mother's corpse. Enter the beautiful Furtive and all hell breaks loose. James Butler's script takes a quirky and mildly bizarre approach to exploring histrionic personality disorders, through a host of attention craving characters. There are laughs to be had, and, although I found it excessively silly, that might be your bag. The free coffee is a bonus!
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 11.40am (12.40pm), prices vary, fpp 204.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

The Kentucky Cycle - Part 1
Pepperdine University Malibu
Perhaps a little heavy for its 11.20am slot, 'Part 1' of the American civil war epic is a story of greed and feuding families in the dawn of America. Sat onstage, the entire cast, 31 members strong, watch on as generation after generation lose their good intentions in pursuit of cursed land. Frankly, it is Schenkkan's solid writing which shines through, but it is testament to the cast that nothing was lost with the production - the company make a good attempt to bring the atmosphere of revolution into an Edinburgh theatre, with wonderful live music being particularly noteworthy. 'The Kentucky Cycle' is a good, solid show worth seeing but just lacks the pizzazz to make it something spectacular.
C, 31 Jul - 8 Aug (odd dates only), 11.20am (1.50pm), prices vary, fpp 209.
tw rating 3/5
[rh]

Krapp's Last Tape By Samuel Beckett
Richard Jordan Productions
Silence is an incredibly powerful tool in the theatre; it can lose an audience or intensify a performance. This play starts in silence, and the majority of the spoken word is heard through Krapp's recording made years earlier. A one man, one act play may sound daunting, and Beckett is not known for his laughs, but the performance of Peter Dineen as Krapp is tremendous. His words are compelling and his silence mesmerising, a believable character who at the same time is an enigma. This quality of acting, twinned with an atmospheric set and lighting, give an intimate feel to this glimpse of a life. A serious play, which captivated the audience from start to finish.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 3.55pm (5.45pm) prices vary, fpp 210.
tw rating 4/5
[gm]

The Ladyboys of Bangkok
Urban Circus Ltd
This unique Devils And Angels extravaganza celebrates the Ladyboys' 10th anniversary tour with heaps of their renowned bombastic style and glamour: welcome to the one of the best shows in town, ladies and gentlemen, featuring striking feathers, bawdy disco, and slick cabaret panache. And trust me, you will never look at members of the opposite sex in the same way again, be you man or woman. The Ladyboys are masters of illusion, who playfully manipulate reality to transform the mundane into something incredibly beautiful, with plenty of surprises in store. Awe-inspiring costumes, an awesomely choreographed set, and flawless makeup will keep you teetering on the edge of your seat. Or on your feet, dancing. In fact, crack open the champagne now, hurray for the Ladyboys!
Meadows Theatre Big Tops, 2 Aug - 30 Aug, 7.00pm (9.15pm), prices vary, fpp 210
tw rating 5/5
[km]

Out Of Your Knowledge
Menagerie
It is a shame when after an hour of watching solid acting and useful direction, you leave feeling ambivalent to the content of the play. Steve Water's play struggled to maintain my interest in poet John Clare's 90 mile walk from Epping Forest to Northborough in 1841, as actor Patrick Morris, relived his own retracing of this journey, drawing contrast between Clare's leafy world and today's urbanised world. The message here is about gentrification, and it is annoyingly hammered home, whilst no solution is offered. Morris is talented though, taking on the physicality and accents of local people he met well, his energy redeeming much of the dull content. Perhaps a documentary would have wider appeal.
Pleasance Courtyard, 1 - 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 2.00pm, prices vary, fpp 221.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

P.I.E
Moonhag
This is a devised satire on detective novels, performed by two actresses playing a range of roles from dastardly villains to swooning heroines, often in the same scene. P.I.E (or Private Investigators Extrordinaire) centres on Hatchet and Velvet, a talented female crime-fighting duo. A lot of the jokes did fall flat, unfortunately, but there's something intrinsically likable about the two performers, who are never afraid to make a fool of themselves and joke at their own expense. Ultimately though, there are a lot of people doing this sort of thing at the Fringe, and generally doing it better. The plot's a bit long winded too, but there's some great physical comedy and madcap role swapping which is what makes this particular production worth a look.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul- 24 Aug (not 11), 3.25pm (4.25pm), £5.00-£8.50 (£6.00-£7.00), fpp 223
tw rating 3/5
[je]

The Shadow
Feast Theatre
It's a shame when a concept with potential doesn't quite deliver. Theoretically, the idea of a wayward shadow influencing the life of an aloof poet sounds like an exciting one, and upon entering Baby Belly, one feels as though this production may just be the menacing story the Fringe Programme promises. It isn't. Three girls hold the tricky piece together well, but can't do anything about the dullness of the script. The verse does lend the show a comedic air, but ultimately the gags and the tale don't seem to mesh well with one another, though again, the performers timings are excellent. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that they are very good at what they do. It's just what they do isn't very good.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 13), 12.10pm (12.55pm), prices vary, fpp 230.
tw rating 2/5
[lk]

Wheels of Life
SHARMANKA Kinetic Theatre
Forgotten industrial and domestic machinery has been reclaimed to create this unnerving and beautiful 'mechanical ballet.' More vibrant folk dance than ballet, the world Eduard Berdsudsky's moving sculptures generate is one of enslavement and community. Carved wooden grotesques set in motion structures ingeniously assembled from Singer sewing machines, gramophones, cogs and spokes. In a brilliant conceit the audience is issued with binoculars and voyeuristically we spy on these animal and human creatures chained to their cyclical tasks. Being in control of our own long shots and close-ups gives this all too brief half hour show dream-like perspectives. The final image is nightmarish, however: a tiny skeleton illuminated by a red glow rotates a wheel - a wheel of life.
Theatre Workshop, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 241.
tw rating 5/5
[dp]

There's Something In The Fridge That Wants To Kill Me!
Dinner For One
This isn't really a one-woman show, because Isabelle Gregson wrestles onstage with multiple personalities. Initially this was irksome, as she began by frantically overacting each persona. However, she soon found her stride, telling the story of a young woman's struggle with self-image, from a childhood of over-eating and over-demanding parents, to her constant battle with weight as an adult. This well-written monologue has a light and comic touch, while conveying an inner conflict that's easy to empathise with. Gregson is a supremely confident performer, switching roles and costumes with ease (even pulling off a topless dance in a banana skirt), but she really shines in the production's darker moments. An entertaining take on a serious theme.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11 Aug), 12.00pm (12.50pm), prices vary, fpp 236.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

The Space Between My Head And My Body
Gin In The Tea Theatre Company
Unfortunately, the great performances delivered by all four of the talented actors in this production can't save this incoherent mess of a play from crashing and burning, leaving behind a twisted wreck of confused plot and wafer-thin characterisation. Taking the form of a series of encounters on and around airline flights, the seven characters are so poorly drawn as to be virtually interchangeable, and we learn so little about them it is hard to care about their fates. The disjointed, non-linear scenes were presumably intended to somehow represent the fragmentation of modern identity; instead they simply come across as lazy, poorly scripted and a cheap attempt to dress up a mediocre, meaningless play in some post-modern trappings and call it 'thought-provoking'.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 2.20pm (3.10pm), prices vary, fpp 232.
tw rating 2/5
[al]

The Time Step
LMP and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd in Association with Blind Summit
In a world of tutus and candy floss, mother and daughter Sid and Ginger have a very tenuous grip on reality. Ginger's main concern is finally mastering a dance step while Sid is determined her grandchild should win a local pageant at all costs. Plot aside, this is primarily a play about relationships, but these relationships are unusually odd or stunted. Sometimes poignant, sometimes utterly bizarre, this show moves along enjoyably, largely due to the committed performances of the strong cast, and the use of a life-sized puppet is interesting, and ultimately quite successful. Overall, however, the script fails to capture us, making this a diverting excursion to a pink-cloudcuckoo land, rather than a powerful one.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13, 20, 24), 6.00pm (7.10pm), prices vary, fpp 237.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

War Of The Worlds
Pip Utton Theatre Co
As far as it went, this musical, one-man adaptation of 'War Of The Worlds' was good. Utton is an accomplished storyteller who engages well with the audience and the songs added something a little different to the whole experience, even if they were slightly on the cheesy side. Meanwhile, the background music also worked well in increasing the tension. However, I'm not sure if this particular story is suited to being performed by one man, and personally think it would be far more exciting performed by a larger cast. But if this is the sort of thing that appeals to you, then I am sure you will like it. Unfortunately it just did not rock my world.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), prices vary, fpp 241.
tw rating 3/5
[lp]

Stefan Golaszewski Speaks About A Girl He Once Loved
Stefan Golaszewski
A suitcase full of "yes!" For the quickest hour of your life, Stefan Golaszewski stages a show-and-tell using his own broken-heart, and produces a gutsy masterpiece that lulls audience members into a state of self-reflection. The Joe-average genius doesn't expect much from life, but can't believe his luck when Betty, who "looks like the girls from magazines" gives him her number. Golaszewski's poetic metaphors reach out, grab your chin and make you nod in agreement. This script is a sexy clown hanging by his neck from the Louvre, and a Michelin star sandwich made by a clammy handed teenage-boy. Go and reaffirm your love for one-man plays by seeing this gut-wrenching and hilarious work of art.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 July - 25 Aug (not 11), 3.15pm (4.15pm), prices vary, fpp 233.
tw rating 5/5
[kb]

Reasonable Doubt
Guy Masterson - TTI In Association With Tamarama Rock Surfers AUS
In a glitzy hotel room, ex-jurors Mitchell and Susan re-unite two years after a murder trial to confront each other about their illicit affair and the paths their lives have since taken. 'Reasonable Doubt' is meant to be a play about unveiling the truth and finding out what is really going on beneath the surface, and so the audience is subjected to an hour of the repeatedly distorted lies of two entirely unsympathetic characters. Their constant changing of events and sledgehammer revelations are uninteresting and tedious because there's nothing but antipathy for the pair. The performances range from competent to shaky, meaning that the real doubt at question here was over whether the actors have a grip on the piece or not.
Assembly @ George Street, 1 - 25 Aug (not 11), 10.45am (12.00pm), £12.00 (£11.00), fpp 225.
tw rating 2/5
[rd]

The Search For Sunshine
Platform
This shone out from the run of the mill. In a silky waistcoat and pyjamas, Death accompanies his puppets on an accordion as they grapple with loneliness, fear and thoughts of suicide. Intelligent silences and meticulously observed character detail punctuated this punchy and chilling piece. A showcase of strong acting talent, especially with the performance of the deadpan, softly spoken and curiously tactile reaper played by Ed Caruana, who was almost Tim Burton-esque. Victoria Glass, as the nervously depressed Dawn, touched something beautiful and terrible at the core of desperation. This is a highly original production featuring a confident sprinkling of ingredients, from dance to stand-up style musings on mortality. The cast's hand in devising the play was evident as they effortlessly owned their material.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 12.00pm (1.00pm), prices vary, fpp 229.
tw rating 5/5
[lr]

Absolution
Guy Masterson in Association With OON Productions UK
'Absolution' is a brilliant and delicate piece of drama, and to call it a black comedy seems to belittle its achievements. The one man show, featuring the fantastic Owen O'Neill, is dark and funny, but without ever descending into farce. Set within Petey's room, our protagonist recounts, in disturbing detail, the gruesome murder of several members of the Roman Catholic church following their involvement in cases of child abuse. Importantly, such a bleak and topical subject matter is presented with mature restraint that might otherwise be ignored in less tasteful Fringe shows. Petey is engaging, and his slightly manic character prolongs our interest, brilliantly sowing the seeds of doubt about our convictions and morality. A first-rate performance, glitz free, and enjoyable.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 6.05pm (7.15pm), prices vary, fpp 180.
tw rating 4/5
[rh]

Itsoseng
Richard Jordan Productions Ltd And Pleasance In Association With The Baxter Theatre Centre, University Of Cape Town
Itsoseng is an energetically delivered one-man show describing life in a South African township, from the hope of the 1994 'revolution' to the subsequent seething disillusionment. Written and performed by Omphile Molusi, it covers political uprisings, small-town politics and the politics of relationships when love comes at a price. A delightfully playful presence on stage, Molusi skips, sings and dances, every phrase illustrated with an expressive gesture, maintaining a sense of buoyancy in this potentially harrowing production. Yet while Molusi was a striking physical presence, his recounting of issues from the past rather than being in the moment of drama kept the emotional punch at arm's length. Nevertheless, this was a invigorating performance which covered a lot of ground.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 6.50pm (8.10pm), prices vary, fpp 208.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Involution
Mokita Productions
Blazing a trail for exciting new writing at the Fringe, Mokita Productions perform a deliciously exciting but profoundly moving portrayal of life in the London of the future. Involution explores questions of religion, genetics and human anguish, with stirring performances that leave the audience hanging on every word, and with important questions to mull over in the pub afterwards. Involution shows us a world dependent on genetic coding, a world not a million years away from our own, which is the most terrifying and poignant message of the play. The plot was strong, the scenes were slick, there were beautifully crafted monologues, and some great comic moments, too. The members of this young company have fire in their bellies, and are joy to witness.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 18), 12.00pm (1.15pm), prices vary, fpp 208.
tw rating 5/5
[je]

Lough/Rain
Real Circumstance With York Theatre Royal In Association With Escalator East To Edinburgh
'Lough/Rain' is a poignant reminder that the happiness gained through love will not always last forever, and Real Circumstance deliver this story in a truly moving way. Beautifully staged, this performance will give you spine-tingles from start to finish. The cause of central character Michael's debilitating accident is not entirely clear and like the play itself it becomes difficult to follow, but effectively adds to the portrayal of his struggle with memory loss. The repeated sound of crashing waves are representative of the haunting memories of the boat that Michael says should never have been there, and they create a sense of serenity through which love continues, but it also adds to the tragedy.
Underbelly, 31 July - 24 Aug, 1.00pm (2.00pm), prices vary, fpp 212.
tw rating 4/5
[kc]

Lost Soul Music
White Rose Theatre for Belt Up (Nothing to See/Hear)
When a piece of musical theatre is based on one individual, they have to be extremely talented to pull it off, and unluckily for White Rose Theatre, their protagonist fails to surpass mediocrity. The show I saw was one of five pieces performed on rotation. Although the storyline of a boy selling his soul for a singing voice is promising, the pace is extremely slow, making it painful viewing. Lost Soul Music is a static, one-dimensional show. The songs are full of cheesy couplets, and the script is packed with cheap, uninspiring puns. With very little action, a predictable plot and a cringe-worthy impression of a Lithuanian singing teacher, this piece has nothing to offer its audience.
C Central, dates vary, 10.00pm (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 212.
tw rating 1/5
[kk]

Diary Of A Nobody
Cabaret Direct
Perhaps it's the moustache, but there is a distinct pinch of the Basil Fawltys about Cabaret Direct's take on Charles Pooter. The atmosphere remains appropriately stiff and stuffy throughout this George Grossmith adaptation, though the jokes feel rather dated as a result. Better comic moments come from the subtle nuances in the strong, classy portrayal of Pooter, whilst the multitude of characters taken on by Mrs Pooter are well defined if not always convincing - a dodgy American accent crashing the multiple personality party. The set is a little scruffy, but the cabaret piano and singing provide a polished, if not entirely valuable, distraction. Fans of the novel and newcomers alike should be satisfied with this economical, if not daring, adaptation.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 1.40pm (3.20pm), prices vary, fpp 195.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Global Warming is Gay
Off Message Theatre Company
Ever on a whim considered the difference between a 'vanilla green' and a 'freaky green', even if not in the context of this phraseology and in a much vaguer way? Either way, the financially bankrupting carbon rat race is scathingly addressed in Iain Heggie's new comedy, which deals with public perceptions concerning the controversial issue of global warming. He has all the ingredients to do so, including a bumbling hypocrite of a green politician, a loaded couple desperate to fulfil delusions of green grandeur, and a salesman masquerading under the guise of 'green'. However, a conclusion was left unclear, which may be reflected by a shortened Fringe version. Nevertheless, expect laughs aplenty amidst a sea of 'bio-degradable trees' and 'freaky greens'.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 7.35pm (8.50pm), prices vary, fpp 201.
tw rating 3/5
[km]

The Real Inspector Hound
Cambridge University ADC
CUADC have had a strong track record at the Fringe in recent years, and this year's offering, 'Inspector Hound', finds itself in more than capable hands. Several strong comic performances tentpole the production; the romantic exchanges between Cynthia and Simon are rib-tickling, both performers fully exploiting the comic potential of their height difference, whilst Moon and Birdboot are rendered superbly as a double act. A few more laughs could have been squeezed out of Stoppard's script and the first Inspector Hound is a little too brash, but one or two original gags from CUADC are welcome additions. A slick and assured effort, it manages to feel polished whilst simultaneously being full of promise. Hearty chuckles throughout.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 4.50pm (5.50pm), prices vary, fpp 225.
tw rating 4/5
[th]

The Root Of -1
Hartshorn Hook Productions In Association With Angels And Virgins Theatre Company
There's a disappointing tinge to Adam Somerset's small play about loss and mathematics. Despite some at times impressively agile writing, it all ends up really rather stilted and sparse, and ultimately fails to engage. The three-hander does a good job of piecing together its disparate perspectives and characters , though at times you do feel a little as if it's talking down to you, and there's always a sense of unexplored depth. None of the performers ever really convince, and the play's emotional 'climax' left a lot to be desired. At times, however, the performance gained real pace - bouncing around the rhythm of the deliberately disjointed script with verve - and you got a glimpse, I think, of what was intended.
C soco, 30 Jul - 14 Aug, 11.00am (12.00pm), prices vary, fpp 227.
tw rating 3/5
[rj]

Shakespeare For Breakfast
C Theatre
Shakespeare, like alcohol, is best avoided before breakfast, at least in polite circles. A relief, then, that 'Shakespeare For Breakfast' avoids the heartache and dramatics which might otherwise disturb your morning coffee. Instead, a series of 'sketches', mostly character exploration exercises, are loosely threaded into a plot in which Camp Shakespeare, where the Bard's characters reside, is disturbed by a jealous and safety obsessed Malvolio. Romeo and Macbeth are juxtaposed in contemporary pursuits - from parlour games to 'The Apprentice' - interspersed with iambic pentameter. Lack of depth doesn't matter, you'll be fine with even the briefest smattering of knowledge, and you'll appreciate the jovial tone. In short, it may not be to everyone's taste but the free coffee and croissants might be.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 4), 10.00am (10.50am), prices vary, fpp 230.
tw rating 3/5
[rh]

Shakespeare Shorts Or What's In A Name?
Action To The Word
If Hamlet, Lady Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet all went to a party together... this probably isn't what would have happened. 'Shakespeare Shorts' links excerpts from six or seven of the Bard's collection to produce a mishmash of 'best bits'. The results are sexy, slick and energetically performed, but you can't help but wonder what the point is, especially if your knowledge of Shakespeare's greats is less than intimate. Exploring but never really concluding, these chunks of Shakespeare's prose are beautifully directed albeit tenuously strung together, and are supported by a fantastic soundtrack and some nicely choreographed physical work. Perhaps this is Shakespeare for the iPod generation then - but only if that generation have recently downloaded a podcast of The Complete Works.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 12.25pm (1.25pm), prices vary, fpp 230.
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

Mong Yeon (A Love In Dream)
Modl Theatre
Here is what the Fringe is all about. This engrossing piece of Korean physical theatre takes its cue from Korean tradition and a recently unearthed four-hundred-year-old true story, weaving a bold and exciting performance with verve. The play tells its story in a deceptively simple fashion, with visually lyrical sketches forming an intense emotional narrative that leads you from hysterics to despair to hope, transcending the language and traditions it references. It rests on this confident fusion of new and old, using traditional Korean instruments and modern western ones to articulate a story that is universal. An opportunity to see something thrilling, and a little like uncovering a four-hundred-year-old letter of love.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 1.55pm (2.55pm), prices vary, fpp 217.
tw rating 5/5
[rj]

The Elephant Man
Proteus Theatre Company
Why go and see 'The Elephant Man'? Because it's thought-provoking, provides a remarkable insight into the life of the Victorian celebrity, and there's a trapeze. And a melon. Saul Jaffé gives an inspired performance in this one-man show, switching seamlessly between the characters of Joseph Merrick, his 'freak show' employer, and the doctor who becomes fascinated by him. Assumed to be an imbecile, Merrick shows wit as he tells his surgeon that if he wants him as a specimen, he will need a rather large jar. Despite the humour, the play challenges us to think about our own attitudes to body image, and how this is still relevant in today's society. This is not just entertaining, but enlightening.
C soco, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11 or 18), 4.45pm (6.05pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 5/5
[rg]

The Exquisite Corpse
True/Fiction Theatre
5, 13, 2, 12, 1... they may just look like ordinary numbers, but in this cleverly conceived show, the audience determine the order of scenes and ultimately the show performed. With a six million to one chance of the sequence being repeated, chances are your experience will be a unique one, resulting in a fast-paced and unpredictable play. Theatre, visuals and a dynamic score blend together seamlessly to produce a high-quality professional production that matches the skilled actors on stage. The separate scenes leave you longing for a complete story as you link what you see and hear into a jigsaw puzzle of sadness and humour linked by common themes of love, loneliness, violence and hope. Innovative and compelling.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 6.40pm (7.40pm), prices vary, fpp 199
tw rating 4/5
[bw]

Strippers and Gentleman
[SEL] Live With Rose Lewenstein
It is very rarely that a show with elements as contrasting as strippers and gentlemen successfully come together to make something great. In this case it became something mind-blowing. Set in a sleazy strip-joint lit by flickering neon, the underwear clad temptations toy with the souls of men, whilst desperately trying to keep theirs intact. Through dance, mime and spot-on dialogue the faultless cast explore ideas of contemporary sexuality, self-respect and morality. Set to a thumping high-octane soundtrack, this perfectly intense promenade performance will have you questioning your own ideals from the word go. Impeccably directed, involving and revealing, this must be one of the secret gems of this year's Fringe.
C soco, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 10.55pm (11.45pm), prices vary, fpp 234.
tw rating 5/5
[nb]

The Man I Cure
Fat Content
It's great to see three capable actors who are continually engaging to watch. They sing, dance, and act their way through a fairytale-like story about two repressed sanatorium nurses and an injured man. These hostile nurses gave me a glass of milk, and I didn't drink it, but the milk was used later - hilariously - as water substitute, and as rubbing anaesthetic. This show is undeniably odd, but in a good way; there is an absurd budgie story, a poetic fable about capturing Death, and some dancing in underwear. The script is chaotic and leads to an unresolved, abrupt ending that needs to be reworked to feel complete. Anyone who does enjoy engaging off-the-wall theatre however, should see this show.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 28 Aug (not 18), 11.45am (12.45pm), prices vary, fpp 214.
tw rating 4/5
[zl]

Jumping the Shark
See Ya Later Productions
'Jumping the Shark' is apparently showbiz lingo for a movie plot that veers from the sublime to the ridiculous. Steve, the central character in this wickedly funny series of sketches, 'jumps the shark' by being pretty unlucky in his own life. A hapless individual, he is pursued and abused by, amongst others, a sadomasochistic neighbourhood-watch, a horny farmer's daughter and a perverted talking goose. On the whole the show has a rough feel to it; the seven actors need a few more shows' practice to make things a bit slicker, and some definitely have more comic talent than others, but it's definitely worth a look for fans of silly sketches and fast gags in the style of 'The Mighty Boosh'.
C cubed, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 4.15pm (5.15pm), £6.50 - £8.50 (£5.50 - £7.50), fpp 209.
tw rating 3/5
[je]

Uncle Vanya
This Bridge Theatre
Set in Russia, Chekov's story looks at love, boredom and life and is performed here by young, talented actors who understandably give the Russian accents a miss. Some characters are weak, but the actress playing Vanya's mother stood out by truly capturing the essence of the old lady. It's a wordy play that combines both humour and sadness in delightful quantities, and in this particular production, the set is simple but effective, scene changes were well rehearsed, and the songs are both haunting and magical. Sadly, it's let down by some awkward loitering as the actors don't seem to know whether or not they are in character when they are not on stage.
C cubed, 31 Jul - 16 Aug (even days only), 12.00pm (1.45pm), prices vary, fpp 239.
tw rating 3/5
[fa]

Reviewer details are online at www.threeweeks.co.uk