Now this isn't just a comedy festival, we know that, but you have to admit there's a bloomin lot of it about. And here are some of our favourites, snapped by Team ThreeWeeks over the last few days. From top left to bottom right (photographer credits in brackets) - Glenn Wool (KG), Rhod Gilbert (KG), Tim Vine (JR), Stephen K Amos (KG), Andrew Clover (JR), Isabel Fay (MG).

BOX OFFICE PROBLEMS CAUSE CHILDREN TO CRY
That some Fringe shows had been oversold as a result of all the problems over there at the Fringe Society box office is old news, but the story got a new spin today after it materialised thirty children had been turned away from an oversold kids' show. Will no one think about the children? Still, getting all excited about seeing something fab and then finding out you're not allowed in when you get there is a good lesson for life me thinks, and the Fringe is meant to be a little bit educational.

The oversold show in question was 'The Gruffalo' at C Too. According to the Evening News, some of the children were in tears when they found out too many tickets had been sold for the show, while 39 year old IT manager David Wallace, who, I should stress, wasn't himself in tears, told the tabloid: "I'm absolutely furious. It is unforgivable to leave so many children of that age in tears. Those kids should have been entertained. People had come from all over Scotland to see this show". Serious stuff indeed, though I think if the tearful children were told to forgive that too would be a good life lesson.

Asked about the debacle, Fringe Society boss Jon Morgan told the paper: "We're working with C Venues to find out why today's performance was oversold. We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused". The Gruffalo, himself, was unavailalbe for comment.

HAS ANYONE TAMPERED WITH THAT BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS MADAME?
Tip for the day people. If you finish your show covered in fake blood, wash it off before you go through airport security.

This advice comes courtesy of Isabel Fay (pictured just up above, you may remember) who had to make an impromptu trip back down South straight after her show last week. Fay told ThreeWeeks: "Last weekend I had to hot foot it back to London for one night only, for an acting job that was worth the honk, but it meant literally sprinting off stage on Friday and legging it to the airport. My usual state of dress at the finale is just a swimsuit and high heels, and I am absolutely dripping in fake blood. I have to say this fake blood is revolting, something akin to bile-bitter custard, and it's bloody hard to clean off too. The end of the show always sees me in the portaloos scrubbing my hands like Lady Macbeth on acid".

She continues: "But no time on the Friday. Instead I hopped in a cab, and arrived at the airport just in time to skip through security, when... there seems to be a problem. Why is the burly security lady scrutinsing my passport so? Why is the burlier searcher lady bearing down on me? Immediately whisked and frisked several times over, both sides, my bags searched and shoes shaken, I realised they had all been too polite to say 'why have you got the blood all over your hands madam - are you a butcher/gynecologist/murderer?' but not too polite to stick a bomb scanner between my legs".

A RANDOM STORY ABOUT PEGS
Aireborne Theatre, who are performing 'Jumping And Other Thoughts' at the Underbelly this year, are inviting people to send in old clothes pegs to hang on their 'washing line of thoughts'. But before you all rush to da Belly with your pegs, note this proviso: the peg needs to be accomanied by a note of paper describing a life defining moment. That's a defining moment from your life, not the peg's. Though that would do too I suppose.

Apparently Aireborne have been inviting pegs to be sent in for the 'line of thoughts' for an while and have received them from all over, including one from Cape Town bearing the note "the day I left my wife". But people keep nicking said pegs, hence the need for new ones. So get sending them in to the Underbelly. Or, if you're life is really devoid of defining moments, you could just keep an eye out for one of the missing pegs and bring that back instead.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today... the team from Delete The Banjax

1. What is your 2008 show all about? Eliminating all illness and disease from the world – it's quite worthy. In a comedy telethon fund-raiser type way we're gonna raise £100 million at a free show, thereby curing every single disease. That's it. Simple really. Shouldn't be hard. Free show to raise £100 million. 2. Why should we come and see it? Because nobody likes getting Athlete's Foot – and we're gonna stamp it right out – using nothing but funny. 3. If your show was an olympic sport, what would it be and why? Javelin – cos it sounds a bit like a venereal disease.

5. What are you least looking forward to about this year's Festival?
Losing our virginity – we've heard it hurts.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
Ignore people with flyers and see our show everyday (not 14th though, cos it's our day of rest: we're quite religious).

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
Come and see our show obviously cos we'll save your life – 13.55 at White Horse.

8. Describe your show in three words
Heal The World.

Your Money Or Your Life, Delete The Banax/PBH's Free Fringe, The White Horse, 2 - 23 Aug (not 14), 1.55pm (2.40pm), free, fpp111.

Even more reviews for you! Some, though not all, of these also appeared in edition 05 of the printed ThreeWeeks Daily. 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 - Music - Musicals & Opera - Theatre - Visual Art

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

CHILDREN'S SHOWS

The Echo Chamber
Suspend your disbelief: the tour guide has actually been replaced by a re-enactment of a ghost story set in one of the many caves under Edinburgh, and there are two flickering lightbulbs between you and pant-wetting darkness. The ghost story in question features an array of cloaks, potions, magic artifacts, several blackouts and a climax straight out of Poe. It is charismatically carried by Ben Smith who plays a loveable mountebank father ineptly supporting two kids and their cold-as-death stepmother. It's classic fairytale fare, although few spots in the dialogue give it away as a child-friendly show; if anything, the adult audience members (me included) were more entranced than the children. Great storytelling, bringing the kids, optional.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 10.45am (11.45am), prices vary, fpp 17.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Jabberwocky
Grapple Theatre Company
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!" Oh, the words of Lewis Carroll are prophetic! Without the spontaneous outbursts of the bairns I would have consigned this piece to the sin-bin of theatrical awfulness. Lacklustre performances, and ill-conceived cultural references of yesteryear (what five year old is familiar with the Blind Date theme tune) renders the 'Jabberwocky' merely weak Panto. Despite cake, and a premise that in theory should work, I was increasingly distracted by restless children and the sleepy parents that had brought them. I wonder what Freddy Mercury would have to say about Bohemian Rhapsody being murdered, with the lyrics "Jabberwocky! Jabberwocky! Jabberwocky!" Needless to say I was left begging - "Let me go oh oh oh!"
C cubed, 3 - 8 Aug, 2.30pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 14.
tw rating 2/5
[rsj]

The Mozart Question
Assembly and SCAMP
Secrets are lies by another name: that's the moral of this story about a boy who steals his father's old violin and secretly gets lessons. He doesn't know that, for his father, the beauty of music has been perverted by the fact that he was forced to play during his time at a concentration camp. Gradually, the secrets come out, and with typical child-like emotion, and we flit from happiness to heartbreak - and back again - in the skip of a beat. It's an intense story permeated with live violin, and it was not the kind of show to hold every child's attention. Plus, its moral message probably left a fair few worried that their innocent little secrets were now big horrible lies. Poor souls.
Assembly Rooms, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 12.15pm (1.15pm), prices vary, fpp 16.
tw rating 3/5
[afd]

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
Feather-Headed Operations
This musical tale of Charlie Brown and the gang is as sweet and colourful as a bag of dolly mixtures. The cast are bubbly and tuneful as we follow the hapless Charlie Brown through a day with his chums, and the trials and tribulations that arise. Sally and Linus are suitably adorable, and Snoopy is sardonic, at one point seen reading a magazine and drinking a Starbucks coffee on the roof of his dog house, much to the audience's delight. Even if the kids sometimes didn't get the more grown-up nuances, they laughed away happily. This is cheerful primary-coloured fun with a funny storyline and great singing that children of all ages, and their parents too, will enjoy. Delightful.
Sweet ECA, 1 - 10 Aug, 1.00pm (2.10pm), £7.50 (£6.50) (£5.00 C) fpp19.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

Pirates!
Grapple Theatre Company
It doesn't take much to get children excited about pirates, but somehow this show utterly fails to. I was hopeful at the beginning, as the play is performed in the round, allowing for lots of audience interaction, and the pirates were offering the children face-painted pirate beards. However, once the story began the large cast, although spirited, completely lost their audience and the children were bored and restless. They somewhat redeemed themselves by the rare moments of panto that did involve and entertain the children, who enjoyed the two amusing pirate jokes and dance. Hannah Lawrence, Harriet Doughty and Hannah Vasey stood out and gave strong performances. Nevertheless, a little boy stole the show for me with his heckle: 'silly pirates'!
C cubed, dates vary, prices vary, fpp 17.
tw rating 2/5
[da]

Sketchy!
Practical Magic Theatre Company
Comedy sketch shows aimed at children are a growing market just now, with the BBC's 'Sorry, I've Got No Head' getting big-name comedy writers in on the act. So too does 'Sketchy!' - a children's sketch show from The Practical Magic Theatre Company - as star and writer Gillian McLean has written for TV's 'The Karen Dunbar Show'. While this show doesn't quite live up to that pedigree, it is good fun, with jokes peppered throughout that will appeal to both children and any parents roped in to accompanying them. Some of the physical humour seemed a little too broad even for the younger children though, with the excessive gurning in particular feeling too forced to be funny.
Underbelly, 2 Aug - 9 Aug, 10.45am (11.30am), prices vary, fpp 18.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

We All Fall Down
En Masse Theatre
This children's show is a definite score for the adults too - think Tim Burton's wonderfully gothic 'The Nightmare before Christmas' meets Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp'. Understandably a tall order, but brilliant acting makes this a doddle for the performers to convey. They sing, dance, and mime their way through a terrifyingly hilarious trip all the way to Hell and back, ensuring that their audience gasps with delight. In spite of a rather sinister black-death theme, the pace is consistently upbeat and comedic, with an impressive blend of adult and child-themed humour. In fact, this bizarre theme must make for one of the most original kid's shows this year, and a must for fearless families seeking good old fashioned fun.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 4.15pm (5.30pm), prices vary, fpp19.
tw 4/5
[km]

COMEDY

Craig Campbell
Underbelly Productions By Arrangement With Avalon Productions
Unbelievable. For the majority of the show a chainsaw and shovel sit on stage yet at no point does Craig Campbell do the honourable thing and put either of us out of our misery. This one man play about a crazy violent prisoner telling his story of how he ended up in jail after working at a funfair isn't big, and certainly isn't clever. There's little development, intrigue or depth. It would be better if it was consistently funny, and there are, in fact, a few brief moments of comedy - mostly when Campbell slips into more of a stand-up routine, his usual medium of choice - but the bulk of the show is boring and awkward. Still, gotta love his taste in music.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 9.50pm (10.50pm), £11.50 (£10.50), fpp 42.
tw rating 2/5
[rd]

Eco-Friendly Jihad
Abie Philbin Bowman
Abie Bowman claims that the title of the show is not meant to be controversial, which is a lie, and also the major problem with what is otherwise a good comedy show. His tentative but honest approach to both the environmental and global issues he addresses makes sure that he is endeared to the majority of the crowd, and indeed it is difficult not to agree, laugh along and feel guilty about personal inaction. But he should hold back less and plunge the knife in further. Not only does Bowman get better laughs when he's being more controversial, he also makes you think more. As it is, the dips between laughs are too long and the acid too diluted.
Underbelly, 31 - 24 Aug (not 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19), 3.55pm (4.55pm), £9.50 (£8.50), fpp 47.
tw rating 3/5
[rd]

Greg Fleet - Secrets and Lies
Gilded Balloon Productions
Some of my friends make me laugh so much I think they should do stand-up - especially when I remember certain 'comics' I've seen in my time. So when Greg Fleet began his show with personal stories intermingled with shockingly random interjections and a running commentary on his own efforts, I thought I was on to a winner; his brand of funny was familiar and welcome.
I was in for a disappointment. Once he got past his embarrassing encounter with Stephen Fry and his stories got longer and less credulous, the benefits of a tighter, more structured approach became clear. I remembered my friends are only funny in small doses; it takes something more to sustain laughter for an hour.
Gilded Balloon, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 9.30pm (10.30pm), prices vary, fpp 56.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

Jimeoin On Ice
Geffer Notice Productions & MZA
Jimeoin is fiendishly observant; to him the world of subtle gesture is revealed in all its microcosmic glory, and to watch him simply pulling faces and mimicking people in familiar situations is a wonderful thing. Don't get the wrong idea, he's not a mime - far from it - he's a stand-up, but one whose facial expressions have the power of hundreds of words, while his words frequently tend towards a mumbled gobbledegook. There are some regular jokes as well, but this is essentially an hour of an affable rubber-faced man holding up a comic mirror to human interaction. The show as it stands needs a little polishing, but if you haven't seen Jimeoin before, you should. You're guaranteed some great entertainment.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1 - 25 Aug (not 10 or 18), times vary, prices vary, fpp 65.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Karl Spain: Life Is Sweet
Stand Comedy Club/Lisa Richards Agency/Chambers Management
A personal tale of coping with diabetes is unlikely fodder for a stand-up, but Karl Spain's set proves to be a refreshing one with this unusual choice of topic. Commendably honest when talking about the matter, Spain punctuates his subject with a few chuckle-worthy pub-orientated anecdotes to create a nice, chatty atmosphere. His show suffers from his small bouts of self-analysis at times, and there was something that felt a little tired about the set, but there are enough big laughs here (if not quite enough little ones) to ensure an enjoyable hour. It's a testament to Spain that he manages to weave an interesting and tickling routine from what could easily be sore material in another comic's hands.
The Stand Comedy Club II, 1 - 24 Aug (not 11), 2.40pm (3.40pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 68.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Midnight Hour
Steve Young
Sleeping is one of my favourite past-times. So when I have to go and see a free comedy show at midnight I hope it's going to be really good. Unfortunately I left this show feeling rather disappointed, not least because 'The Midnight Hour' only lasted 30 minutes. As our American comedian told us about cultural differences and made light of the fact that he isn't the most svelte of people, I felt some of the jokes were inappropriate and unnecessary. He just didn't seem to know what to do with such a small audience (I formed one quarter of the gang) and I just hope he will appear to be funnier with a larger, drunker, audience.
Laughing Horse at Jekyll and Hyde, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 9, 17), 11.55pm (12.50pm), free, fpp 79.
tw rating 2/5
[fa]

Stephen K Amos - Find The Funny
Stephen K Amos
The funnies, of course, weren't hard to find. Amos delivered a confident and assured set, even being ballsy enough to challenge the audience to state how many laughs they expected for their money. All targets set were easily surpassed, although many of Amos's jokes - particularly some race-orientated and American gags - traversed a very well-trodden path. Audience interaction was lively, although some of the banter did boil down to Amos inserting his tongue into his lower lip and making funny noises, and his grumpy-old-man grumblings seemed incongruous with the brighter, sillier parts of his set. Amos finished with a positive message rather than a punch-line, though the intended effect of this wasn't entirely clear. Good fun nonetheless.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13), 9.40pm (10.40pm), prices vary, fpp 99.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

The Steve Awesome Comedy Show
Mt3 (One Vision) Ltd
TV's Charlie Brooker would be proud of Scottish young buck Steve. The awesome thing about his show is that he never stops, just carps on unfalteringly, reeling off his many Points Of View (just like Anne), without so much as a cue from his male and female sidekicks: two zombie-clad dancers, two guest singers and a brain-box protégé whose accent, much as one tries, is very hard to decipher. The concept is tacky, whacky and a tad excessive - the set boasts no less than two plasma TVs for studio effect - but somehow, it works. There are certainly worse ways than this to spend an evening.
The Space @ Venue 45, 31 Jul - 9 Aug (not 3), 9.00pm (9.45pm), £6.00, fpp 99.
tw rating 3/5
[kb]

The Duck That Died For No Reason
Frankly, Robert Productions & SUDS Theatre Company
I wouldn't watch this show again if it were glazed in honey! Well come on, if the crazed-eyed writer (wannabe-fuhrer) thinks he has the right to swallow a bootleg copy of Blackadder Goes Forth and vomit out what's advertised as a 'sketch' show, surely I can misquote that TV show as well. Lousy accents, childish repetition of my favourite swear words and constipated line delivery make this an exhausting piece. Funny though, in that one of the girls seems to know it's not that great, goes off-piste and decides to upstage the others with better accents and better gags. If you like the word 'fuck', which I do, you'll hate this show. If you like comedy...Yeah, if you like comedy, you'll hate this show.
C Soco, 30 July - 25 Aug, 6.25pm (7.25pm), (prices vary), fpp 47.
tw rating 1/5
[kb]

Lunchtime Laughs - Free
Richard Rycroft & Cal Saville
From the friendly opening by avuncular Harold-from-Neighbours-alike Rycroft, it's clear that this isn't going to be the slickest show in the Festival. The rough edges are easily made up for, however, by the warmth of Rycroft and his colleague, the posh (voiced) Saville. The pair enthusiastically analyse their own work and convey the impression that they are thrilled just to have an audience. In a festival where some jaded comics deliver mediocre, over-familiar routines and charge a fortune for a ticket, genuine grassroots comedy is precious and should be nurtured; perhaps acts like this are the solution to surviving the credit crunch in Edinburgh. Go on: brave the road works to bask in free comedy sunshine in Leith.
Laughing Horse @ Meridian, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 12.50pm (1.50pm), free, fpp 75.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

Abando'Man: A Hip Hop Comedy
Rob Broderick
If you've ever wanted someone to write a folk hip-hopera about your life, now's your chance. Be prepared to participate as Rob Broderick chats charmingly to his audience, and then uses the juiciest bits to improvise a rap with a folk music soundtrack. While his rhymes may falter occasionally, his quick wit spits out fantastical, funny tales that veer off in all sorts of imaginative and surprising directions. And there are psychedelic hand-puppets to finish. With a tiny audience of just three people, the performance I saw was clearly even more bizarre and intimate than usual, yet Broderick still had bags of confidence that proved infectious. With a deservedly larger crowd, this free show could be a winner.
Laughing Horse @ The Argyle, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 18), 5.50pm (6.50pm), free, fpp 20.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Beautiful People (Don`t Travel Economy)
Cattle Class Box Office & Robert Yule
I feel that I need to issue a warning here - if you are shy and retiring or of a particularly delicate disposition, it's probably best for you to avoid Robert Yule's hour of complete madness, otherwise roll up, roll up! It's a given that upon entering the theatre, you will be harassed. Whether you're freakishly tall or have a Cyclops-esque eye in the centre of your forehead, you can safely leave your hang-ups at the door because Miss Alexis Van Airbust, just one of Yule's alter egos, will invent your very own new persona, whilst sucking you into her whirlwind of comedic sleaze. There will be simultaneous laughter and disgust, a giant arse and drag queen bitchiness, but best of all, there will be crisps and wine. What can I say? I'm anyone's for a glass of Jacob's Creek Chardonnay 1994. Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 10), 8.00pm, £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 31.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

Best Of Scottish Comedy
Stand Comedy Club
From my English perspective Scottish comedy seems to be much like the accent; either gentle and lilting or totally incomprehensible. Due to the brilliant compère that was Susan Calman, the majority of the evening fell into the first category. She was sweet, hilarious, and engaged with the audience as opposed to picking on them. Over the course of two hours there were three acts and two intervals, making 'Best Of' feel more like an evening out than just a show. It wasn't exclusively for the Scots, of course, but given the theme, I do think it helps to actually be familiar with Scotland, and not just visiting. In any case, it was great fun, with only the jokes about 'River City' going totally over my head.
The Stand Comedy Club, 1 - 24 Aug, 9.30pm (11.20pm) £10.00 (£8.00) fpp 32.
tw rating 4/5
[gm]

Danielle Ward in Glorious Technicolor
Avalon Promotions
Danielle Ward is a brilliant black sheep in this daring comedy show. Expect dark jokes about politicians, the Queen and strippers, and only read on if you aren't easily offended by jokes pertaining to conservatism in general. With shocking effect, this lewd lady says things that most of us would not dare to, to the delight of her audience. The laughter began shyly, but wholehearted belly laughs followed, as Ward's dark disposition brought new depths to the art of observational comedy. I left the show feeling relieved that such a female has had as many embarrassing hiccups as the rest of us. Plus, she looks pretty damn good in those heels.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 15), 10.45pm (11.45pm), prices vary, fpp43.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

The Bare Necessities
Lucy Porter
I really like Lucy Porter. Her energy and optimism are endless and it is impossible not to have your mood lifted by this show, in which the comedienne lets her audience in on just what she considers to be life's essentials. The idea for the show was conceived before the credit crunch, but is hardly a government message encouraging saving, more a heart-warming and incredibly funny look at what really matters. It is a joy to see a themed stand-up routine that works so well, from its structure and intelligence to its downright hilarity. What is more, Lucy seems utterly genuine; her stories apparently actually happened and are not made up just for a punch-line, making her all the more endearing and likeable.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13 Aug), 7.40pm (8.40pm) prices vary, fpp 74.
tw rating 5/5
[gm]

Lunch With The Hamiltons? Just Desserts!
Richard Jordan Productions Ltd and Pleasance
My friends tease me for the face I pull in photographs when I have had a few drinks. It is not so much a smile as a grimace. Completely sober watching Lunch With The Hamiltons, this grimace was fixed to my face, a rectangle of teeth. I was initially surprised when I laughed at their obviously scripted jokes, but it soon descended into that forced jolly type of fun that you are made to have at family gatherings. But I was the black sheep of the audience, as over 80% of the audience had seen the Hamilton's show previously, and had returned for more. The pair seem to have quite a following, but this was not for me. Although, Christine's attempt to break-dance almost made it worth it.
Pleasance Dome, 2 - 25 Aug (not 19), 1.00pm (2.00pm) prices vary, fpp 75.
tw rating 1/5
[gm]

Mark Allen's Pet Project
Good Sense Of Humour
Mark Allen took time out from talking to his cat to deliver his lecture on the bizarre relationships we have with animals. Full of enthusiasm, Allen's observational humour lampoons the likes of ridiculous pet outfits and whipped egg soufflé cat-food (it really exists, apparently), and went down very well. But he also likes doing "a bit of research", so in preparation for the show he infiltrated a convention of 'furries': people who identify so strongly with animals they dress up in giant furry suits. Listening to Allen reflecting on this, er, special experience (and yes, he got dressed up too) was very funny indeed. This is lovely lunchtime comedy that will leave you with a fuzzy - or should that be furry? - afterglow.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 23 Aug, 1.35pm (2.35pm), prices vary, fpp 76.
tw rating 4/5
[hw]

1000 Years Of German Humour
Henning Wehn & Otto Kuhnle
It's silly, it's German, it's incredibly humorous. Henning Wehn's dry wit is spectacular, and Otto Kuhnle's slightly off the wall, musical interludes are impressive, if nothing more than elaborate japes. In this performance the pair explore traditions in German humour and storytelling, but it's not really about this, more the English perception of stereotypical German humour, and they play with this idea terrifically. The resulting concoction is fast paced, stupid comedy dressed up in lederhosen. If sausage based slapstick is appealing, you will love it; if not, go anyway, because it's bloody brilliant. Oh, and they do mention the war, but I think they get away with it.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 6.40pm (7.40pm), prices vary, fpp 84.
tw rating 4/5
[rh]

Sammy J In The Forest Of Dreams
Sammy J and Heath McIvor
Swearing puppets are not big, and they are certainly not clever. But damn, they are funny. And pleasingly, here, the jokes are as strong as the language. Unhappy with his life in a rut and pissed off with the magical ideologies force-fed to him by Walt Disney, Sammy J enters a mysterious portal in his kitchen cupboard and discovers the Forest of Dreams. As one would expect in a magic forest, Sammy embarks on a quest of resolution, friendship and sexually harassed squirrels. This is a truly unique show, superbly combining elements of musical, comedy and puppetry traditions to create an offensive adventure that will make you care more about an inanimate object than you ever thought possible.
Underbelly, Jul 31 - 24 Aug (not 11 Aug), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 94.
tw rating 4/5
[tm]

Phil Kay - Greatest Hits
Gilded Balloon Productions
It's hard to say whether I've just seen Phil Kay's greatest hits or not - supposedly this show is filled with his most popular routines, but a script is clearly one of those tools Phil has never found a use for, and I suspect that most of the material that made it to the stage was unplanned. One routine about a Chinese massage went absolutely nowhere, but received the same laughs as a perfectly delivered punchline, and that's roughly the shape of the show. It's as though there are an infinite number of monkeys in Phil Kay's head churning out amazingly colourful rubbish with gems of genius - it doesn't make for a finely crafted hour of entertainment, but who cares? He's funny.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 11 Aug, 6.4pm (7.45pm), prices vary, fpp 87.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Graeme Thomas - Who Do I Complain To?
Stand Comedy Club
Graeme Thomas has a lot of clever material crammed into this enjoyable show, in which demonstrates that he is a man who operates only in fast gear. His material is delivered so quickly that you miss the start of the next joke because you're still laughing from the previous one. Some jokes don't work, but you get the impression that at least he's road-testing instead of recycling. I was strangely comfortable in his audience too: Thomas is not the sort of comedian who will single you out and make you squirm. He is a normal guy, complaining about everyday things like food labels, offices, and getting fit. If his performance improves a little, and if his show becomes less crammed, he may become very popular.
The Stand Comedy Club, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 31, 11), 4.40pm, prices vary, fpp 55.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Flamenco For Lunch
Ricardo Garcia's Flamenco Flow
Flamenco isn't everyone's cup of sangria, and I certainly didn't think it was mine, so I was pleasantly surprised when 'Flamenco For Lunch' delivered a terrifically enjoyable performance. Infused with typical Latino passion, the guitar playing of Ricardo Garcia soared at blistering speed and with impeccable technique. The solo dancer bristled with the joyous rhythms banged out using her feet and her castanets, dancing like an amphetamine-fused Duracell bunny. Through audience participation, stylistic explanations, and the company's pure love of what they do, you get an informative, energy-fuelled show that draws you in and refuses to let go. A powerfully infectious show that will leave you breathless and clamouring for more.
The Bongo Club, dates vary, 1.30pm (2.30pm), £9.00 (£7.00), fpp 115.
tw rating 4/5
[nb]

Sa-Choom
Dobecom
Movement is freedom. Follow your heart and all your dreams can come true. That's what the singers and dancers of Sa-Choom urge us to believe, and for an hour and fifteen minutes you really do. Combining jaw-dropping displays of rampant physicality with a Bubblegum soundtrack, they lock the whole thing together with some wildly exuberant characterisation. These Koreans really know how to entertain. It's so stylised at times it feels like Manga drew the Shaolin Monks and sent them Break-dancing with the Powerpuff Girls. The only thing Sa-Choom is lacking is any kind of discernible plot but to be honest, it's such a fulfilling visual delight it really doesn't matter. This is a heart stopping and exhilarating slice of the Orient.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 1.45pm (3.00pm), prices vary, fpp 120.
tw rating 4/5
[nb]

EVENTS

Rebus - Hidden Edinburgh
Rebustours
Awakening hungover, I made my way across the city to join the Rebus tour at the Royal Oak, one of the detective's favoured watering holes. Burly, bearded Colin Brown was our Moses leading us through the sea of Festival-goers, reading to the followers from the books of Rankin. This epic tour, to the base of the Crags, across the Meadows, through the University and back, went well beyond the Rankin-related, taking in history from the massacre of Flodden to the atrocities of Sixties town planning. The novelist's intimate knowledge of the city and referencing of it in the novels allows for evocative site-specific readings, though thankfully, Colin didn't go as far as to throw himself off Salisbury Crags while reading about the suicide that begins 'Dead Souls'.
The Royal oak, 3-25 Aug, 1.00pm (3.00pm), £10.00 (£9.00), fpp130.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

MUSIC

Elena Duran - Mexico Of My Heart
Festival Highlights - Anthony Field Associates & London Artists
If I learnt one thing from this performance it was that 'La Bamba' was not designed to be played on a flute. As deft and accurate as Elena Duran's flamboyant fluting was, some songs were less suited than others to their arrangements. Luis Zepeda is flawless on piano, and it is a shame that Duran's over-amplified flute occasionally crowded him out. Their rapport is nevertheless near-perfect, and there are fleeting moments of brilliance where they intertwine beautifully. Clips of Mexican films, however, were a perplexing distraction, as there seemed to be little empathy between the music and the screen. There's plenty here for fans of the Mexican tenors, Mexican cinema or Duran herself, but as a neutral I was left somewhat bemused.
Universal Arts Theatre, 1 - 25 Aug (not 13), 11.30am (12.45pm), prices vary, fpp 147.
tw rating 2/5
[th]

Longview
The Edge Festival
Firstly, a word for the support act, 'Cryoverbillionaires.' Powerful, energetic music, 'Colours' is a great song - hope to hear more of them in the future. By all accounts, I should be a Longview fan; I'm a bushy haired Mancunian, they're an emotional indie band from Manchester: a match made in heaven? I'm afraid not. It was just alright. Cabaret Voltaire is a great venue and made for an intimate atmosphere, and the crowd seemed pleased to see the band, but the music, best described as moderate, middle-of-the-road indie rock, was predictable to say the least. They play a couple of new songs off their forthcoming album and a few off the 2003 album 'Mercury.' Hardly ground-breaking stuff.
Cabaret Voltaire, 3 Aug, 7.00pm (10.30pm), £7.50, fpp 156.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

East Side Story
The NewVic Ensemble
Prepare to cringe as the Batz take on the Hawkz in a reinvention of Bernstein's classic musical, set in East London. This show is cheesy and eclectic - watch out for the random body percussion and the ridiculous 'Thriller' sequence. The first half was full of energy: crotch grabbing, dance fighting and heated gang dialogue in slang. In the second half, I was alienated by out-of-place bursting into song. Using 'West Side Story' to comment on the violence, crime and racism in East London is a great idea that has been poorly implemented and NewVic have created a show that is beyond their ability, despite some promising young talent.
C, 3 - 9 Aug, 11.15am (12.05am), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw 2/5
[zl]

The Riot Showgrrrls Club
Dworkin
As I clutched my complementary wine and labia cake, I wondered how this was going to work; showgirls singing songs about feminism? Surely not? But this unusual piece of campaigning by radical feminists Kate Kerrow and Rebecca Mordan (aka Madame Magdalene and Mistress Lilith) pretty much pulled it off. 'Moulin Rouge' met Angela Carter as the pair mixed cheeky cabaret and electropop songs with a serious examination of the abuse and degradation behind the porn and lad mag industries, probing their subject matter with sincerity, and a willingness to consider other perspectives. It was hard to fully relax into enjoying their silky voices with such hard hitting messages behind them, but overall, like the wine, it went down well.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 10.15pm (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 177.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

Greyfriars Twisted Tales
The Bridewell Theatre Company In Association With City Of The Dead Walking Tours Presents The Martians
The Martians have landed, and we should listen to what they have to say. Or rather sing, as this returning Edinburgh band and some helpers turn their talented hands to the grisly stories of the famous Greyfriars cemetery. It turns out that Bobby the dog had some dirty habits. Consistently funny and with quality song writing, this fast-paced madness was pure entertainment. With minimal props, two guitars and a keyboard, the cast proved themselves to be masters of storytelling in song. This is an anti-musical for the masses; religion and Hitler don't escape mention, and there's some ingenious borrowing from a certain 'Mary Poppins'. I cried with laughter. Twice. It's about time Nessie got her own song.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 2 - 25 Aug (not 5, 11, 18), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 172.
tw rating 5/5
[lr]

THEATRE

Bongo Club Cabaret
Squeaky Board Theatre
With Luke Wright bouncing up and down super enthusiastically on stage in front of a tiny audience, I thought the Bongo Club Cabaret wasn't looking good. My fears were confirmed when Bunny Galore stepped on to the stage with his/her dry drag act and a bizarre selection of songs, 'Wonderwall' and 'Doe, A Deer'. Thankfully though, things did pick up. Among other things, we had an entertaining hula hooper, a dance group called 2Faced pulling out some great break dancing, and an original act, Miss Leggy P, and her puppet co-star. All this was interspersed with Luke Wright's clever, zany poetry. To enjoy this show I'd say you'd definitely have to be 'up for it', meaning that a couple of beers might help, but given that there's a changing line up, another time you might not need it.
The Bongo Club, 3 - 24 Aug, 10.00pm (11.30pm), £8.00 (£7.00) fpp 187.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

Bouncy Castle Dracula
The Strolling Theatricals
I really felt like bouncin'. My shoes were off and I was giving this a more positive reaction than it really warranted, laughing and clapping along with the inebriated audience. Yet, like a disappointing one-night-stand, rules of reciprocation were rudely ignored and the erect towers were speedily deflated before yours truly was allowed to have some fun. Otherwise, it was enjoyable watching actors, blood and inflatable props fly in all directions, and the script was entertaining even if it did sink its teeth into a neck of a lot of puns. Count Dracula was rather upstaged by the boisterous Van Helsing, mental Renfield and a very yummy Harker, though. I felt like bouncin', bouncin'. Why'd you break it down when I was in the mood?
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 10, 17), 12.00pm (1.15pm), prices vary, fpp 187.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

Bully
Richard Fry
If you can imagine a cross between Shakespeare's poetry and The Mighty Boosh's story telling style, then you might be somewhere close to the style in which this incredibly sad and moving story is told. To start with, you might not notice that the story is told in rhymes, but when you do realise, it adds extra charm to the show. The verse brilliantly conveys this story of growing up with domestic violence, homosexuality and grief, and with humour thrown into the mix, it is possible to be on the verge of tears one moment and then laughing the next. Let Richard Fry take you in and you will feel the tears rolling down your cheeks within no time.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 12.00pm (1.00pm), prices vary, fpp 189.
tw rating 5/5
[fa]

Call Me If You Feel Too Happy
Reduced Circumstances
Skilled actress Sophie Pelham sensitively narrates one young woman's experience of Bipolar affective disorder in this effortlessly communicative piece whose tone is for the most part comic and light; we get more insight into the 'too happy' times than the reverse, and humour nearly always undercuts grimmer moments. All this renders our vicarious experience of the condition a little too palatable. Yet well explored is the woman's sense of diminishing selfhood and personality that results from her medication - Lithium, Prozac, whatever it might be. Given that just one person's psyche is the central focus, the script should perhaps delve a little deeper into the depressive episodes; had these been more explored the show's power might have been more profound.
Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 3.50pm (4.40pm), prices vary, fpp 190.
tw rating 3/5
[dp]

Dirt
Dreck Productions
Deeply moving, intelligent and thought-provoking, nobody should miss this brilliant production, the story of one Iraqi immigrant who shares his experience of life in the 'civilised' Western world. His name is Sad, and he has a few hard truths he would like us all to hear. His emotive monologue brings the audience face-to-face with the very ugly nature of racism and the way immigrants are treated in our country, forcing us to really think about the things he is saying, things we normally like to pretend don't actually happen. He describes the sad and gritty reality of what his life is and what our country has become, a truly eye-opening experience.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 17 Aug, 12.15pm (1.25pm), prices vary, fpp 195.
tw rating 4/5
[lp]

Ecstasy
Easy Tiger Productions
Scottish voices tell stories about Scottish drug culture and relationships in an old Scottish cellar; who would have thought of it at Festival time? A brave, engaging cast have done justice to Irvine Welsh's 'Ecstasy'. Jack Morrow as Lloyd is commanding as we follow his rollercoaster relationship with MDMA and eventual encounter with dissatisfied housewife Heather. There are believable sex scenes, drug highs, and some emotional moments throughout, whilst the heavy themes are lightened by vulgarity and a soup-demanding granny. This is smutty, powerful theatre that just works as a whole package, the direction allowing Lloyd and Heather to remain the focus amongst fluorescent lighting, club beats, and background dancing. Just go see 'Ecstasy' before popping another.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 12 Aug, 1.05pm (2.20pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 5/5
[zl]

The Last Yak
Pangolin's Teatime
Yaks and Tigers and Bears...oh my! Spectacular puppets and splendid puppetry, blended with sensitive acting make this show an unforgettable experience. From the quirky shadow-puppetry at the beginning through to the skilful manipulation of a child-sized marionette, this show is seamless. A melancholic exploration of the loss of innocence, 'The Last Yak' has echoes of the Jungle Book, but includes both the animal and human experiences. It is the tale of a feral child, Dharla, who is discovered by siblings Lucinda and Raymond, who gradually introduce her to the civilised world - drawing her away from the animals that raised her. This show is ideal for families, or for anyone who is still in touch with their inner child.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul-25 Aug (not 14), 3.50pm (4:50pm), prices vary, fpp 211.
tw rating 4/5
[dk]

Lynn Ferguson - The Plan
Gilded Balloon Productions
Smart, funny, and full of pathos, 'The Plan' is incredibly watchable theatre. A bored Grim Reaper decides to share some stories of recent fatalities with the audience, some encounters being short and comic, others developing slowly throughout the piece. Each of these characters are well defined, particularly that of Genevieve the Dentist, and the writing is very strong - pithy, intelligent and accessible. Lynn Ferguson is outstanding, showing both her comic ability and acting prowess, and excellent use is made of radio voice-overs to punctuate the shifts between stories, reminding the audience of the ever-present character of Death that anchors the production. Entertaining and engaging throughout, my only disappointment was that the hour seemed to be over too soon.
Guilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 5.30pm (6:30pm), prices vary, fpp 213.
tw rating 4/5
[dk]

Motherland
Live Theatre
'Motherland' charts the journeys of several North East women who openly discuss their indirect experiences via their loved ones of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. They discuss their horrifying journeys with heart warming candour, provoking many tear jerking moments. However, the script can at times seem convoluted and didactic, as though it's attempting to force an emotional response in the same way that an animal charity might use a picture of an abused puppy picture to shock. Having said that, the performance does bring to light issues that need addressing, and praise is due to the ladies for emphasising the inconsistencies prevalent in the policies of both the government and the army.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 7.05pm (8.30pm) , prices vary, fpp 217.
tw rating: 3/5
[km]

New Electric Ballroom
Druid
Storming into what will surely be Enda Walsh's latest hugely successful year at the Fringe, 'New Electric Ballroom' is a heart-wrenching tale of teenage loss, loneliness and the crippling fear of risking your heart in order to feel truly alive. Three sisters reminisce about the New Electric Ballroom, and the night it forever crippled their ability to love, and uniformly superb performances are given by this cast of four. The play tugs you by the guts and by the heartstrings in a frenzied neon pink dance through the past, then screeches to sudden, tragic halt in the present. The stories are deliciously intertwined and Walsh's words are pure poetry. You cannot fail to leave drained and yet strangely, wonderfully exhilarated.
Traverse Theatre, 30 Jul - 24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 218.
tw rating 5/5
[je]

Red Peter
Simian Features
This remarkably compelling performance, adapted from Kafka's short story, tells the tale of one chimpanzee's journey from apehood to humanity. It takes the form of a series of reflections from the music-hall starring simian, who relates his early life in the wild, his captivity, and the training that completed his transformation into a man. The audience cannot help but be mesmerised by the quality of the acting and the tragedy of the events on-stage. Unfortunately, those moments of the script which seek to direct the moral challenges back at the audience misfire; the world has moved on since the story was written, and the message - along with the sub-vaudevillian trappings - now feels outdated, and unsubtle.
Sweet ECA, 31 Jul - 9 Aug, 2.40pm (3.30pm), £7.50 (£6.50), fpp 226.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

The Positive Hour
Braindead Theatre Company
Women have problems. This is the issue explored by four different women through April de Angelis' play as they undergo the strains of relationships, sexuality, careers and prostitution. The stresses and paranoia of the characters involved are demonstrated and moments of exasperated shouting, nervous panic and obsession are the norm. Equally, however, the audience is presented with a darker, humorous edge which provides a welcome relief to the emotional concerns of the play. The youthfulness of the cast was often apparent, which made some characters less believable, but this was balanced by a comic sharpness that lightened dragging moments. The play delves into sensitive subject matter but could benefit from more imagination and creativity in conveying the themes.
C soco, 30 Jul- 9 Aug, 7.15pm (8.25pm), prices vary, fpp 224.
tw rating 3/5
[am]

Apollo/Dionysus - Part I: Wine/Water + Part II: Order/Chaos + Part III Life/Death Thedead
If you like physical theatre, naked men and free wine then you might just like this. This play certainly isn't for the faint hearted, surprisingly not because of the nudity the audience witnesses, but simply because it is too long. A slick cast perform an adaptation of classic Greek Mythological stories whilst provokingly exploring the relationship between Apollo and Dionysus, which at times is engaging but at others confusing. Unfortunately, the cast raise many questions, which annoyingly all seem to begin with "Why?" but rarely give any answers. The music is dreadful, and even though the cast do well with so many lines, their delivery becomes monotonous and dull.
C, Chambers Street, 3 - 25 |Aug, 12.30am (2.00am), prices vary, fpp 183.
tw rating 2/5
[ad]

The Picture Of Dorian Gray
Lincoln School Of Performing Arts Theatre Company and University of Central Lancashire
I was apprehensive before seeing this adaptation of Wilde's much-quoted classic. Would the young company do the words justice? To my surprise, the performers do not rely too heavily on the strength of Wilde's turn of phrase, integrating unusual lighting and props into their adaptation, such as hand held torches and empty picture frames. The all-female cast also adds an extra dimension to the text's sexist proclamations; lines such as, "women appreciate cruelty...they remain slaves looking for their masters", are cleverly turned on their head. However, they are often let down by the crude narration, which is scattered throughout the dialogue, and the show did lack coherence. However, this take on an old favourite is still full of original ideas.
C Soco 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 8.45pm (9.35pm), prices vary, fpp 223
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Abbas Tactus
Splintered Glass Productions
Arguably a political broadcast for the Conservative party in all but name, this play about absent and abusive fathers was often just a heavy-handed tribute to family values. Between the numerous clunky blackouts, the scenes, as scanty as the girls' paedophile-baiting skirts, spelt out the play's dull messages. It was a pity because the acting was good, especially the pushy father and football-playing son. The narrative, though, was subsumed by the school-anti-bullying-video tone and the tedious, uninspired direction, whilst accompanying an attempted suicide with chanting provided a particular low. However, on the bright side, it's a gift for David Cameron and perverts with a fetish for women dressed as little girls.
C soco, 30 Jul-12 Aug, 1.30pm (2.40pm), prices vary, fpp180.
tw rating: 2/5
[se]

King Lear: The Pantomime
Gresham's
The kids from Gresham's School have a lot to be proud of: they've carried a 'unique' interpretation of 'King Lear' to the standard of an older, professional outfit. Sadly for them, it's the writing that lets the show down. King Lear is retiring and has decided to divide his kingdom according to an "X Factor" style singing contest, but the evil Edmund has other plans. Following loosely the traditional plot, the show too often stoops to empty catchphrases that are endlessly repeated. The show suffers from the same problems as any pantomime: a barrage of thin gags that stretch your patience. If you want to see heavily made-up children doing pantomime or perhaps Shakespeare that's dumbed-down, then by all means, take a peep.
C, 3 - 8 Aug, 11.00am (12.00pm), prices vary, fpp 210.
tw rating 2/5
[rh]

Secret Agents
Apikoros
It's rare that a production interrupts your ability to sort fact from fiction. Am I gullible enough to believe that jazz enthusiast and secret agent Eustace Verloc attempted to blow up the London Eye on March 11, 2005? I was amazed at how the three actors could maintain such clarity and energy throughout this lengthy production, playing so many different roles and using a myriad of cheap props. The intense speed of the dialogue, action, and projection also short-circuits rational thought, making you believe outrageous lies about terrorists, world leaders and police inspectors. Despite the extended length caused by unnecessary suspect profiling toward the end, Secret Agents is a jarring and funny piece of the new theatre.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 30 Aug (not 12, 19), 7.50pm (9.20pm), prices vary, fpp 229.
tw rating 4/5
[zl]

The Knowledge Of Beauty
Get A Real Job Promotions
I do wish I had a time machine so I could go back and regain the hour of my life which I spent sitting through this terrible play that has the cheek to call itself a comedy. It gained a few measly laughs at most, mostly of the awkward/cringing kind. The story, primarily about a couple who accidentally break up because one half is ugly and one half is beautiful, goes nowhere. Three out of five of the cast were pretty bad and the other two weren't much better. It is hard to find any redeeming features in this performance, which is a shame, because it could have been quite good.
Sweet Grassmarket, 2 - 9 Aug, 2.30pm (3.20pm), prices vary, fpp 210.
tw rating 1/5
[fa]

We Smell Like America
Smile and Nod
To be fair to this American team performing fresh off the plane, they had the harsh luck of getting reviewed on their opening night. A devised sketch show, it claims to be great improv comedy but manages only odd moments of witty ad-libbing. Generally, I found the sketches struggled to captivate my interest. However, their energy, zest and commitment does go some way to detract from how sparse the jokes may be. Smile and Nod are a tight, zany team that could perhaps improve after a few more shows, and might, indeed, once the jet-lag is gone. You would, at the very least, enjoy yourself in the gorgeous setting of the Cabaret Bar, which appears a promising venue at the Festival this year.
C central, 3-25 Aug, 7.10pm (8.00pm), prices vary, fpp 108.
tw rating 2/5
[da]

Yasser
Guy Masterton-TTI in Association with With Studio Dubbelagent (NL)
If you don't know anything about The Merchant Of Venice or Palestine, I would probably give this show a miss. Then again, Yasser performs so compellingly that even if the name Shylock means nothing to you, this play is worth seeing. Yasser explores everything Palestinian whilst drawing parallels with Shakespeare's famous Jew, whom he is playing at a depressing theatre in Harrogate. He revisits his childhood, and expresses his frustration at the general ignorance and misunderstanding of Palestinian culture and history. His bitterness is palpable: "The Arab understands Shylock better than anyone", he declares, when speaking of the feeling of being an outsider. The action is interspersed with some excellent moments of Shakespeare, making this piece altogether gripping and thought-provoking.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 6.15pm (7.15pm), prices vary, fpp 242.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

I Lost My Laugh In The Revolution
Shameka Cunningham
"Laughter is funky", claims Shameka Cunningham, and so is this play. It follows the quest of an African-American woman who, bogged down in political activism, has forgotten to be honest with herself, to be real. As she searches for her laugh, she looks for herself. The beautiful script was performed with fierce energy, and musical choices illustrated the story perfectly. The character's flashbacks to her childhood were performed with great skill, and showed brilliantly how a person is formed by their experiences. This is a warning against seriousness; we can only be of use to the world if we remember how to laugh and how to be happy. A superb play with a pertinent message, this is definitely not one to miss.
Sweet Teviot Place, 2 - 24 Aug, 1.00pm (1.45pm), £7.50 (£6.50), fpp 206.
tw rating 4/5
[rg]

Golden
Theatre With Teeth
It's said that Shakespeare transcends generations and is relevant to every age. 'Golden' supports that theory, transferring the story and themes of Macbeth into the backstabbing world of modern party politics with great success. The people who put this political satire together clearly have a thorough, astute understanding of the workings of Westminster, and I enjoyed just how relevant the story was, as it gave an amusing insight into the ambitious power struggles that dominate British Parliament and celebrity culture. Using the media to represent the prophetic witches worked well and the metaphorical dagger of backhanded press briefings will be familiar to all politicians caught up in the trappings of power. Alas, the acting let it down somewhat.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 10, 17), 11.00am (11.50am), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 202.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

Anna The Slut And The (Almost) Chosen One
Hunger Warrior Theatre
Anna is smart, beautiful, sexy and oozes confidence. Oh and she is also a Goddess who sends the souls of her lovers to the Underworld in order to keep hers out. Based on an ancient Sumerian legend, this contemporary exploration features students, sex and morality tales. The modern action is interspersed with the original Sumerian story told through the medium of Shadow Puppetry. Disappointingly, this is where the production begins to unravel. Such drastic contrasts in linguistic and visual style means the show lacks cohesion and feels slightly patronising, as though perhaps they think that without these obvious comparisons we would miss the point. Thankfully this small thing doesn't hamper the enjoyment of this intelligent, funny play.
C soco, 2 - 25 Aug (not 13), 5.30pm (6.30pm), prices vary, fpp 183.
tw rating 3/5
[nb]

Because It's There
Velocet
Thom Disney keeps us captivated in this play which is an exploration of the grieving process of one man. Hal, who we never meet, loses his wife in a climbing accident, and Disney plays the various characters with whom he comes into contact, allowing us to piece together an impression of him. He plays these characters using only one prop for each, such as a pair of glasses, a hat or a bunch of keys, and a variety of flawless accents. In one instance, Disney portrays a teenage boy dealing with his mother's death with a wonderful vulnerability. The play is appropriately slow-moving given its subject matter, and there are some great moments of understated humour. This guy is good.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 3.40pm (4.25pm), prices vary, fpp 112.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

Pendeo
The Vesper Theatre Company
This is a short play about a long wait. Reintroducing the concept of limbo to the younger generation, two characters, one a nervous Gollum-esque creature, the other a working mum with an attitude, must wait out the decision on their fates in a locked room. The dialogue tempers existentialism with irreverence, and is fast-paced and stimulating. The actors' performances are the show's real selling-point - assured, whole-hearted and accomplished. Whether folding a page perfectly seven times or swearing that the powers-that-be shouldn't judge what they have not experienced, both actors are impressive and believable. Perhaps their snappy delivery accounts for the brevity of the play, but there is a lot to be said for quality over quantity.
C Central, 1 - 16 Aug, 2.15pm (2.45pm), prices vary, fpp 222.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

VISUAL ART

Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller
If you're scared of the dentist, this exhibition isn't for you. Each installation transports the viewer into imaginary worlds as either voyeur or participant, creating a series of theatrical experiences. The Killing Machine is both intriguing and disturbing: a dentist's chair surrounded by torture instruments which come alive only when the start button is pressed, instantly making the viewer complicit in the process. It's not all nightmarish, however. Viewers are also invited to inhabit the deserted attic of an eccentric artist, the chaotic abode of an opera lover, the interior of a cinema and a house constructed entirely of books. The multimedia, multi-layered approach needs time to appreciate, so leave plenty of time in your schedule.
The Fruitmarket Gallery, 31 Jul - 30 Aug, 10.00am - 7.00pm, free, fpp 134
tw rating 4/5
[sg]

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