Lots of five out of five shows for you - yes, the ThreeWeeks snappers have been busying photographing some of the shows awarded 5/5 by their reviewing comrades. From left to right, 'Strippers & Gentlemen' at C soco, 'How It Ended' at C cubed and 'Children Of The Khmer' at The World @ St George's Street. All photos Kat Gollock.

FIRST FRINGE FIRSTS
Festival awards already? Yes, the Fringe Firsts get going very quickly don't forget, so much so the first batch of winners have already been announced.

The Fringe Firsts, of course, are the awards presented by the Scotsman each year for the best new plays at The Traverse. Well, that's how it often feels these days - in theory they recognise the best new playwriting talent. There are only thirteen shows at the Trav this year, so, with up to fifteen Fringe First gongs to be presented, some other venues will have to get a look in. My money's on Assembly and Pleasance (as usual) and maybe one at C. Which is a shame because there's some brilliant new writing going on at the smaller venues - it's just those plays and playwrights don't tend to boast the budgets or resources that allow extensive script development and high-end production values that really bring a script to life, and tend, therefore, to not catch the eye of a critic who is more concerned with finished product than raw material.

But let's not dwell, because none of that's to say the winners aren't deserving, even if some are a tad predictable. The three Trav shows to get a Fringe First this week are Druid Theatre's production of Enda Walsh's new play 'The New Electric Ballroom', the high profile piece by Philip Ralph based on true-life testimonies on the events at 'Deep Cut', and 'Architecting' by TEAM.

Away from the Trav, 'Stefan Golaszewski Speaks About A Girl He Once Loved' at The Pleasance wins a gong (and is perhaps the most interesting of the first batch of winners), as does Matthew Zajac for his self-performed piece 'Tailor Of Inverness' at the main Assembly Rooms venue.

The next Fringe Firsts will be presented next Friday.

LIONEL RITCHIE MAN RECOVERING AFTER FRINGE 'SPORT' INJURY
One from the Fringe emergency room, and news that one of performers of 'This Stand-Up Show Belongs To Lionel Richie' had to be rushed to A&E this week after an on-stage Tape Measure Extension injury.

This story possibly requires some background information. Presumably aware that there's a lot of sporting events to compete with during the Fringe this year, the cast of this show have developed a sport all of their own which has apparently caught the imagination of both London and Edinburgh audiences. As I understand it contenders role out a metalic tape measure into the air and continue to do so until it bends. The winner is the extender who gets their tape highest in the air, so to speak.

The dangerous part of this sport, in case you wondered, is when the tape snaps back into its box. It's then, as TSUSBTLR's Joe Baker will tell you, that you need your wits about you. Baker: "It all happened so fast. One minute I was 5cm from the world record. The next I was flat on my back in agony". The tape had hit Baker's eye as it snapped back down to earth.

The good news is an impromtpu whip round among the Free Festival audience raised enough cash to get Joe to hospital where his injured eye was treated, and doctors advised use of goggles at all future TMW events. Baker concluded by telling ThreeWeeks: "I'm not going to let this put me off. I'm just eager to get back TME-ing as soon as possible".

Audience members at the Lionel Richie stand-up show are invited to participate in the TME championships. Presumably we don't need to tell you - mind your eyes.

FULLMOONERS RETURNS FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
Oh, oh, a date for your diary everyone. ThreeWeeks' favourite late night comedy show - a former ThreeWeeks' Editors' Award winner no less - is coming back to the Fringe for one night only. Hurrah. I haven't seen 'Fullmooners' since it brought a glorious if somewhat shambolic end to Bestival last September. But yes, Andrew Maxwell will amass his team once more for a 'Moontacula' bash at the Footsbarn's Big Top which I am reliably informed is parked on top of Carlton Hill. It will take place on the night of the full moon, obviously, Saturday 16 Aug, at 10.30pm and will feature Maxwell plus guests Ed Byrne and Glenn Wool, plus regulars Sir Timothy Fitzhigham and Lady Carol of the Moon. Hottest ticket of the Fringe if you ask me. Buy them here and see you there.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today... Lynn Ruth Miller

1. What is your 2008 show all about? I have three shows and each one is about how it feels to be an old lady. The first one is 'Granny's Gone Wild', a comedy show discussing some of the unexpected challenges of approaching 75, such as remembering your name or forgetting your teeth. It also discusses the changes in society from when I was a girl. The second is a storytelling show for grown-ups, part of the Laughing Horse Free Festival programme. It is called 'Another Side Of The Mirror' and is offered at 3.55 pm at the Argyle. I believe that everyone loves a good story about what it was like in the thirties and forties when a loaf of bread cost 5p and the policeman was your friend. I talk about antiquated customs like wedding nights, and when women didn't have nipple rings.

2. Why should we come and see it?
This might be your last chance to see someone who is almost 75 take off her clothes, remember a joke and tell a story while throwing nappies at the audience all at one festival.

3. If your show was an Olympic sport, what would it be and why?
It would be an endurance contest and the prize would be a resuscitator.

4. What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival?
Seeing everyone again and proving to my audiences that aging really can BE amazing if you want it to be that way.

5. What are you least looking forward to about this year's Festival?
One of those unending rainstorms that start at dawn and do not end for two days. This year I intend to bring my flippers and an inner tube.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
Take one minute at a time.

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
Breathe.

8. Describe your show in three words
Edgy, inspirational, outrageous.

Granny Goes Wild, Holyrood Too, 1 - 9 Aug, 1.00pm (1.50pm), £6 (£4), fpp n/a.

Another Side Of The Mirror, Laughing Horse @ The Argyle, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 3.55pm (4.45pm), free, fpp 183.

Aging Is Amazing, Laughing Horse @ The Argyle, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 10.50pm (11.40pm), free, fpp 168.

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

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

CHILDREN'S

Hansel And Gretel
Swishtheatre
No introduction necessary for this one. The classic fairytale is narrated by an ensemble cast and the nicely choreographed physical movement was animated enough to make the show visually stimulating in the absence of set and costume. A good mix of song, dance, and storytelling meant that it never became tedious and, although there were a couple of confusing moments thanks to wrongly placed lines, the children were able to follow the plot well. The competent cast gave vibrant performances all-round, and there was just enough silliness to keep the kids giggling. At the end of the day, any actor who gets a hug from his young audience after the curtain call must be doing something right.
The Space@Venue 45, 2 - 9 Aug, 12.00pm (1.00pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 13.
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

The Magic City
Peaceful Lion Productions
'The Magic City' tells the tale of a young boy, Phillip, who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his new step-sister Lucy, in a world the two of them create using their favourite books and toys. It's a delightfully creative story. The two children must complete seven tasks before being allowed back to their own world, meeting various monsters, talking animals and Caesar along the way. The tale, combined with the talents of the enthusiastic cast, will definitely keep children of a young age fully enthralled. My only bug-bear is that the show could have benefited from using the wonderful music more, rather than having it just at the beginning and end of the show.
Pleasance Dome, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 18), 11.30am (12.30pm), prices vary, fpp 16.
tw rating 3/5
[zh]

Mr Fizzywigg's Story Factory
Craig Ricci Shaynak / Kingswell Productions
For those parents out there who feel a little guilty for plonking little ones in front of the television instead of engaging young imaginations, this show may just be the tonic required. The concept of 'Mr Fizzywigg's' is a simple one. With the help of the audience a story is created, and needless to say, such involvement cannot help but be truly compelling. The strength, however, may also be the weakness: catch a child in a grumpy mood (or simply one that doesn't enjoy hats), and it has the potential to be a story farce. However, the fact that no two shows are the same means that freshness will be maintained, and, with its sprinkling of good nature, it's sure to be better than that pesky telly.
Sweet Grassmarket, 1 - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 11.20am (12.10pm), prices vary, fpp 16.
tw rating 3/5
[lk]

Potted Pirates
Dan and Jeff - Festival Highlights
Potted Potter's wondrous double act, Dan and Jeff, are back, much to everyone's delight. And this time with Pirates! All hands ahoy! Come aboard their pirate ship for an exciting and hilarious adventure across the seven seas. You'll journey through fictional time and meet the most famous of pirate legends, from Long John Silver of 'Treasure Island' to Jack Sparrow of 'The Black Pearl'. Help recreate the Spanish Armada and you're sure to find yer gold! This is a fantastic and farcical story of pirate life interspersed with silly songs, pirate rap and an educational slide show. Their props and costumes are colourful, inventive and outright ridiculous, adding polish to this rare diamond among children shows which is perfectly pitched for all the family.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13), prices vary, fpp 17.
tw rating 5/5
[da]

Tales From An Enchanted Forest
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Tales of enchanted forests inhabited by ugly trolls, buffalo heads and ladies in waiting who look like Amy Winehouse (she's inhabited more than a few enchanted forests in her time) are engagingly told by a man who looks a little bit like Jack Nicholson. Don't let my last point put you off, because 'Tales' is a lovely and strangely therapeutic experience where the kids are enthralled and the parents are entertained with appropriate humour. In a world where children are increasingly fobbed off with 'Big Brother', Facebook, video games and, most disturbingly, 'Harry Potter', it is good to see that traditional folk tales in the vein of the Brothers Grimm can still hold the little people's (and the big ones') attention.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 3 - 24 Aug (not 4, 11, 18, 21), 1.00pm (1.55pm), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 18.
tw rating 3/5
[rsj]

Ian Billings Out Of His Mind
This show is exactly what you'd hope for from a children's comedian - a good balance of funny voices for the kids, references for the adults, and friendly audience participation. Admittedly, he had his work cut out for him with the kids at the front (when asked about playing games, ones shouted "put on a movie"), but he pressed on, slowly drawing in even the difficult ones. Certain references (like 80s Yazz songs) went over many heads, and occasionally I felt there should be more attention paid to the kids, but this short, fun show kept the audience entertained, engaged, and educated. If I had children, I'd happily bring them to this show.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1-24 Aug (not 11), 11.00am (12:00pm), prices vary, fpp 14.
tw rating 3/5
[dk]

Visualise: Reloaded
Science Made Simple
Children are easily bored, but this show held everyone's attention for its entirety, provoking several 'oooohs', 'aaaahs' and giggles. The onstage duo performed a series of simple experiments, grounded in everyday items: creating waves from a skipping rope, a whirlpool in a bottle, patterns from paint and tricks with the dispersion of light. The gentle antagonism between the two characters only added to the fun, creating a show that was as entertaining as it was informative, and all this was done without them uttering a word. Projections, dramatic lighting, psychedelic patterns and interaction with the audience made this show a wholly multimedia experience and a dazzling display of honest fun. I wish school science was taught like this.
Venue 13, 1 - 24 Aug (not 11), times vary, £8.00 (£5.00), fpp 19.
tw 4/5
[sg]

The Wind Tamer
Newbury Youth Theatre
This strong, talented youth company give an impressive performance of 'The Wind Tamer', oozing so much vim and verve that it's sure to leave you with a smile on your face. The engaging bedtime story is brought to life by a cast of about 30 enthusiastic young performers, and it is certainly unusual to see so many outstanding individuals in a local theatre company. A fantastic moving set adds to this show, providing a focal point used by the children in a broad variety of ways, whilst the enchanting tale will delight both older children and adults. Given the skill of this youthful cast, it's not surprising that the company sold out last year.
Quaker Meeting House, 4 - 9 Aug, 2.30pm (3.40pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 19.
tw rating 4/5
[kc]

COMEDY

Freestyle Comedy - Free
PHB's Free Fringe
Shows that are free shouldn't be this good, and frequently aren't! Carl Donnelly was our resident compere, delivering a mixed bag of banter ranging from the usual 'Where are you from?' gambit to persuading a 13 year-old in the audience to shout "cunt". Brilliant stand up - quick, well-paced and affable - meant he developed an excellent rapport with the crowd. He was followed by Chris Martin, who delivered a tight set full of solid material and witty diversions into the audience's upbringing. Last on was Benny Boot, a comic with a dry delivery and charisma that took the audience by surprise. This would still be a great show if you had to pay, but as it's free it's superb!
Nicol Edwards, 2 - 24 Aug (not 13, 20), 3.30pm (4.30pm), free, fpp 51.
tw rating 5/5
[dk]

The Americans
Up Top Productions
Imagine the US as a family and for some reason the word 'dysfunctional' springs to mind, but that's not the point, here. As this sketch show proves, it's not a bad way to lampoon a country which prides itself on its family values. The American family consists of Sam and Libby and their daughter, Mary, who are trying to get on with their neighbours and deal with problems at home at the same time. As a satire on American politics and pop culture, the show's bite isn't consistently sharp, but it remains enjoyable throughout. Wannabe pop princess Mary has the best lines, and her secession from the family on account of an iPhone is the strongest part of the piece. Oh, those Americans...
Gilded Balloon, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 3.00pm (4.00pm), prices vary, fpp 25.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

And On Your Left ...Ruth Bratt
Ruth Bratt
My first feelings about the friendly woman in the 'Duck Tours' coat who greeted me as I sat down were of slight disappointment. It seemed she was about to deliver yet another stand-up show based on a cheesy, cynical tour of Edinburgh via silly accents and cliched stereotypes. But, just as the bile began to rise, Ruth Bratt won me over, especially as after the initial preamble things do get better. Perhaps it was her ability to switch personalities almost completely between each sketch, or the silly accents, which, I have to concede, were funny. Still, a rather variable cast of characters here, even though it's hard not to smile at a sad bumblebee handing out free honey.
Pleasance Dome, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 2.30pm (3.30pm), £7.50 (prices vary), fpp 25.
tw rating 3/5
[sh]

The Axis Of Awesome Comeback Spectacular
The Axis Of Awesome are one of many comedy rock and roll bands performing at the Fringe this year, most of whom rely on the humour of covering well-known songs but changing the lyrics for comic effect. In order to stand out from the rest, Axis of Awesome really needed to make some inspired choices and whilst some combinations, such as 'Eye Of The Tiger' transformed into 'Eye Of Macgyver', fell flat, others worked brilliantly. One such highlight The Fray's 'How To Save A Life' excellently transformed into 'How To Kill A Hooker'. This was an entertaining evening, but it must be noted that the band's cultural references, many of them from the eighties, may be lost on the younger generation.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13 and 20), 10.30pm (11.25pm), prices vary, fpp 30.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Clarkson & Crouch: Away With The Fairies
Erica Fee Productions And Quicksticks
Bumming, bum, bum, bumming; is that really so funny to anyone outside primary school? The profusion of pathetic gay jokes in this show made me feel like I was back in the playground, although other sketches, mainly concerning mythical creatures and other animals crossing into everyday human society, proved more original and less cringe-worthy. The earlier un-pc jokes made me wonder if creatures like the fox seeking dole were just a form of veiled racism, but in fairness neither of the pair looked like they'd have the confidence for a political message. The question it did raise was why, amongst all this absurd and cuddly animal humour, was there any need for the puerile sniggering about anal sex?
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul-25 Aug (not 13), 4.15pm (5.05pm), prices vary, fpp38.
tw rating 2/5
[se]

Clever Peter
Anyone for gorilla anal rape? Yeah, thought that might grab a few of you. 'Clever Peter' is an unpredictable sketch show that treads a fine line between humour and horror, ending up at the least-likely places, and there are plenty of gay sex jokes thrown in for good measure. This show might have you in stitches, make you feel a bit wrong, or quite possibly both. But whatever you think of these three well-spoken young comics, hope for their sake they mess up - their extended, and excellent, ad-libbing was more amusing than their scripted material. Still, they perform the rest with a confidence and conviction that guarantees laughs, as long as you don't mind things a little bit filthy.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 10.00pm (11.00pm), prices vary, fpp 39.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

The CockSure Cowboys Present: Nostalgia
Looking for your lunchtime staple of muscle and vest tops? It's right here. But if you're looking for sharp comedy, the suggestion is to go elsewhere. Some of the concepts were good, but the show suffered from a lack of concise writing and an attitude that, if you shout loud enough, it'll be funny. Some of the rare funny lines actually came about from the times between sketches where the comedians tried to make up for costume changes, between scenes that went on far too long. Oh, and don't try to find the nostalgia in this show, as it was, by the end, an arbitrary title. Someone needs to teach these guys how to tighten up their comedy in line with their muscles.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 1-25 Aug (not 11, 18), 1.15pm, free, fpp 39.
tw rating 1/5
[rs]

The Comedy Reserve
Pleasance Theatre
I don't mind being picked on - it was my fault for coming in late and sitting in the front row - but I did feel sorry for Colin, who copped it all night from the enthusiastic host and the mixed bag of four different comedians. I chuckled at the fresh material presented by Daniel Rigby, Holly Walsh and Gareth Richards but felt that Lou Sanders took her Amy Winehouse comparison too far. Several stand-ups used the "this is a true story" line, interestingly, each tale turning out to be grossly exaggerated yarn or a blatant lie, but contributing to a range of reliable comedy that should improve as the Festival continues. My stomach didn't hurt from hilarity but my throaty chuckle got a reasonably good workout.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 9.30pm (10.30pm), prices vary, fpp 41.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

CoolFun Comedy - Free
Jenni Armstrong/Ed Gamble/Nish Kumar/Jez Scharf/PBH's Free Fringe
How do four aspiring comedians differentiate their show from every other stand-up show in the Fringe? Jenni, Jez, Nish and host Ed no doubt asked themselves this before coming up with a series of gimmicky segments to add to their show, such as the 'topic of the day' sketch. These pieces were seemingly supposed to be funny in a "so bad it's good" sort of way but, perhaps ironically, this is pretty difficult to pull off. Sometimes bad is just bad. The annoying thing is that these guys are promising stand-ups and, if they omitted some of the superfluous faffing about and concentrated on their acts, this would be a really good show.
The White Horse, 2 - 23 Aug (not 12), 12.30pm (1.30 pm), free, fpp 41.
tw rating 2/5
[nv]

Craig Hill Makes Your Whole Week!
CHiLL Productions & MZA
He's often billed as the master of audience interaction, and so I was more than a little cautious about going to see Craig Hill and sat conveniently close to the back of the room. Turns out I shouldn't have bothered, because this was one of the most uplifting and hilarious things I've seen at this year's Fringe. Hill bounds onto the stage in his trademark black leather kilt, grinning from ear to ear like a demented schoolchild in a sweet shop. He does indeed spend at least three quarters of the show riffing off the audience and really building a rapport through sublime improvisations, making me wish in the end that I'd sat closer to the front to get more of this talented, evanescent and exciting performer.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 10, 19), 8.15pm (9.15pm), prices vary, fpp 42.
tw rating 4/5
[rj]

Dan Antopolski's Penetrating Gaze
Avalon Promotions
From the moment Dan Antopolski charges on stage wearing a cape, don't expect to be allowed to pause for thought at any point over the course of the next hour. The show comprises not only jokes, but bizarre one-man dialogues and three raps, the one about sandwiches being the perfect candidate for bringing rhyming comedy back into fashion. Even if you're not a great fan of Dan's surreal brand of humour, his mastery of the English language is worth a Fringe show in itself. Fatherhood called him away from the Fringe for some years, though, and consequently he doesn't seem quite certain of his ground. I think he just needs a bigger audience to play with.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 20), 8.50pm (9.50pm), prices vary, fpp 43.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Dermot McMorrow: 13 Black Cats In The Shape Of A Magpie
Edcom8 Presents
Dermot McMorrow's first problem of many is that his method of delivery is all wrong. Some of his material might, at a push, force a titter or two, but there was something quite off-putting about the way he put it across that I couldn't quite put my finger on, and it was a problem I felt permeated his whole act. It is evident that McMorrow has put some effort into his routine. However, for someone who has based their show on completely rehearsed material, he really needs to understand that there is a huge difference between writing down something witty, and making it translate well in front of an audience.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 2.30pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 45.
tw rating 1/5
[zh]

80s Luke - Live At The Living Room Palladium
I debated for a long time about whether or not to write this review at all, because, when you're the only person in the audience, it's fair to assume you're not seeing the comedian at their best. But I'm sorry, 80s Luke, your material was toss of the highest order, most of which I heard down the pub four years ago. As for your mate Tony... well... any comedian that still makes jokes using the hee-lare-ee-us prop of an arrow that fits around the top of his head deserves to be pinned up on the walls of the Royal Mile, as a warning to any other comedians who want to waste the public's time with generic horseshit. This one's free for a reason.
Laughing Horse@Espionage, 31 Jul - 9 Aug, 3.25pm (4.25pm), free, fpp 48.
tw rating 1/5
[rd]

An Evening Without Dignity
Baby Chimp Productions
A man having his chest forcibly lubricated, militant onstage masturbation and a mortician with a dark sense of humour are some of the mildly shocking yet fun things that 'An Evening Without Dignity' can offer. It was, on the whole, well written, with nice moments of physical humour. However, whilst some in the audience were laughing uncontrollably, one couldn't help but feel that this was due to the fact that they knew the cast, rather than the high calibre of the sketches. The barbershop quartet was a lovely touch, but unfortunately did not quite compensate for several other sketches that the show would have been better without. The ideas were promising, but the performance was too uneven in quality to pull it off.
C Central, 1-25 Aug, 10.50pm (11.50pm), prices vary, fpp 49.
tw rating 2/5
[af]

The Gadabouts
Gadabouts
Are you in the mood for some very silly comedy? Yes? Well then, here you have it: the Gadabouts, about as silly as it gets. This is a super-British, super-un-PC sketch show with a touch of Stephen Merchant about it. Three guys, Joe, Matt and Luke, gallivant about the stage performing some funny and some not quite so funny sketches. We have key jokes, door jokes and fat jokes. I was grabbed and dribbled on on two separate occasions, which made me feel very involved in the proceedings, and the funniest bits were probably when the Gadabouts were laughing at themselves. This isn't a brilliant show, but it is jolly good fun. You also get a free key ring.
Pleasance Dome, 2 - 25 Aug, (not 11, 18), 3.45pm (4.45pm), (prices vary) fpp 53.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

Keith Farnan: Cruel And Unusual
Keith Farnan is an Irish ex-lawyer, but that's not the premise for his show. It's about the fact that the death penalty still exists in America. Don't worry, however, because although this comedian does have a message, it's not one that undermines the comedy and you won't be encouraged to chain yourself to a railing. In fact, most of Keith's set is awash with Irish jokes - look out for the hilarious snippet from 'Irish CSI' - and he even manages (somehow) to poke fun at a guillotine. His set is a little ragged around the edges but, impressively, it manages to be genuinely informative about death row, genuinely realistic about the possibility of change, and genuinely funny enough to receive several rounds of applause.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 18), 6.10pm (7.10pm), prices vary, fpp 68.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Liz-On-Sea
Liz Bentley
Sweet Grassmarket pool is a cosy setting for poems about aqueous cunnilingus. Bathed in soft light, florescent floats and giant rubber ducks bob on the surface as Liz Bentley sings, recites poetry and chats warmly to the audience, who dangle their feet in the warm water. It's a free-form show that drifts lazily through her life and loves and is very relaxing; the trouble is, not a great deal happens to hold your interest. Liz's poems are mildly diverting, by turns cheeky and sweet, but vary wildly in quality. The 'rebirthing' at the end, with Liz floating beneath the surface wrapped in a sheet, is certainly unusual, and she's an engaging, candid host, but there's nothing here to divert you from the brighter lights of the Fringe.
Sweet Grassmarket Swimming Pool, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 9.30pm (10.30pm), prices vary, fpp 73.
tw rating 2/5
[cmg]

Lloyd Woolf - Ten Shows I Abandoned
Does comedy assist acting or acting assist comedy? Lloyd explores this while he jumps through ten 'shows' he has created, and then thought better of. There is just the right amount of audience participation; spectators are not intimidated, but are made to feel part of the magic, and Woolf is an adorable comedian who charms his way through this performance, and freely admits to "bollocking on". The audience loved it. Lloyd would be lost without his trusty flipchart, which supported many comic moments, but the humour is not fiddly and is easily connected with. A show that will make you laugh out loud, but book your tickets early as there are only a limited number of seats.
Pleasance Courtyard, 3 - 25 Aug (not 13), 2.45pm, prices vary, fpp 73
tw rating 4/5
[mi]

Matt Green - Grow Up Green
Matt Green is one of those clever comedians that manage to fool other, less intelligent comics into thinking that stand-up is easy. His natural, easygoing style makes him immediately likeable and, although his mix of anecdotal and observational humour may not break any ground as such, it is intelligent, well constructed and, more crucially, it is funny. He covers all the usual topics - drink, sex, politics, pooing - but his subtlety and timing brings fresh life to things that in the hands of others could be hackneyed and vulgar. He quickly develops a friendly rapport with the audience, interacting but never invading, and the response speaks for itself. Nicely put together, skilfully delivered, this is great pre-pub amusement.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 7.00pm (8.00pm), prices vary, fpp 77.
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

Men With Bananas: We Know What You're Thinking
Funny things, clichés; they tend to have an element of truth at their core. Take the phrase: "I laughed so hard, I almost died". That's ridiculous, surely? Yet when watching Men With Bananas, I was laughing so hard that I genuinely found it hard to breathe. A right pair of wits, this Midlands duo are, with their natural comedic talent. Their improvised material was every bit as funny as their scripted routine, and the performers themselves were laughing at one another's off-the-cuff one-upmanship just as much as the audience. I have never laughed so much in a single hour, but the audience was criminally small. Do your bit to remedy this, and go see Men With Bananas. I promise you won't regret it!
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 10.30pm (11.30pm), prices vary, fpp 78.
tw rating 5/5
[al]

New Art Club's Extra Ordinary World
I knew from Tom's bulging biceps and Pete's wiry frame that these two men weren't just stand up comics, they were dancers in disguise. Hooray for something different, a show combining short dance skits with onstage banter, which brilliantly takes the piss out of dance, dancers and wanky dance philosophy. It's delivered in an ironically serious way, and their odd material is strangely funny, but could have been delivered with more punch. Where New Art Club lack style they make up for it in dance ability, however, and dancers without self-importance are great to watch. Seeing these two, I was almost reminded of early days Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt. You'll never consider a garden gnome the same way again.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 3.15pm (4.15pm), prices vary, fpp 80.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

NewsRevue
Canal Café Theatre
Having seen this show last year, I thought it couldn't get any better, but I can safely say that 'NewsRevue' has surpassed itself with its topical sketch comedy. From the US presidential election to the Shannon Matthews case, no media stone has been left unturned, and though some sketches might be considered to be in bad taste, it was so funny no one seemed to notice. My personal favourite was Gordon Brown's Shakespearean nightmare ('Friends, voters, Conservatives! Give me ideas!'), as I was amazed at how the Bard's speeches had been tweaked into one big fat political rant. A hilarious reminder of the year's events, unless you don't watch the news. In which case, 'NewsRevue' will get you up to date.
Udderbelly's Pasture, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 81.
tw rating 5/5
[rg]

Nik Coppin - Stuff
Good Sense Of Humour/Laughing Horse Free Festival
On finding that a show is largely based around a head-encapsulating Spiderman hoodie, one was bound to fear the worst. Things don't begin so very badly, as mix of interesting superhero, dolphin conspiracy theory and arachnophobia jokes ensue, but the delivery always fell a little flat, and Coppin usually found that the only person laughing was himself. Compounding the misery were some excruciating race-related comments on the size of his penis (or vagina); cue uncomfortable squirming throughout the venue. A plea for money rounds off the cringe-worthy set. Free shows? They're the most expensive kind for a reviewer. Yet I suppose if a paltry 50p eases the conscience, it's a small price to pay.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, Jul 31 - Aug 25 (not 1), 8.05pm (9.05pm), free, fpp 82.
tw rating 2/5
[lk]

Rule of Three - Sketchual Healing
This fast-paced show was entertaining and fun. The varied sketches, taken from different everyday situations and given their own twist, provided some laugh-out loud moments, but mostly provoked a quiet chuckle rather than uproarious laughter. The trio of performers obviously work well together and their dynamic is clear, but the scenes seemed lacking in originality, which let the great acting down. A few uncomfortable sketch choices - such as a man's unnatural relationship with his mum - were in bad taste and let the otherwise enjoyable show down. Overall, however, it was a fun-filled hour, and the scene changes were slick. Unfortunately, the show lacks anything unique to make it stand it out from other sketch shows available.
Gilded Balloon Balcony, 3 - 24 Aug (not 13), 12.00pm (1.00pm), prices vary, fpp 93.
tw rating 3/5
[kn]

Sally-Anne Hayward - Cyril
Good Sense Of Humour
Sally-Anne Hayward pointedly affirms at the start of this show (and in all her promotional literature) that it's not just comedy - it's also storytelling! To be honest though, it's not really comedy, as it isn't funny, and her storytelling leaves a lot to be desired too. After thoroughly taking the piss out of 'traditional' storytellers, Hayward launches into her own 'fairytale' of modern village life. She relates this awful, sublimely unfunny story in a chattering drawl, peppered with jokes that rarely ring true and are often downright confusing in their simplistic bad taste. A stranded joke about Heather Mills' false leg - accompanied by a perfunctory "everybody hates Heather Mills, don't they?" - springs to mind. Frankly, I couldn't care less.
Holyrood Too @ Faith, 1 - 24 Aug (not 13), 4.00pm (4.50pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 94.
tw rating 2/5
[rj]

Sean Grant and Tiernan Douieb
Gilded Balloon Productions & MZA
This was a bit of a mixed bag, really, being two different sets from two very different comedians, despite the fact that a similar theme prevailed throughout. Tiernan Douieb is a bubbly man with a generally sunny disposition, and his jokes were well-timed and genuinely funny, although the material was nothing new or impressive. Sean Grant, on the other hand, is a horse of a different colour, and his humour will not appeal to everybody. When a comedian starts a joke with a statement like "the reason why women haven't invented anything yet is because of pornography", my response can only be to shut down; I'm not accusing anyone of sexism, but I have mentally filed this comedy to the 'drunken bloke humour' drawer of my mind.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3 Aug - 25 Aug (not 10,18), 10.00pm (11.00pm), prices vary, fpp 94.
tw rating 2/5
[km]

The 30 Year Itch
John Cooper/PBH's Free Fringe
Sunderland man John Cooper is a good one to catch on the free Fringe circuit. His humour is a distinctly Northern blend of plain stupidity and alcohol-induced dating gags, which is, incidentally, great to watch with a pint to hand. Initially his ramblings seemed a tad dead pan, however, the pace increased rapidly with each joke, and by the end John was on fire. The performance was cleverly strung together with a series of helpful visual aids and songs, although Cooper probably shouldn't sing, really. The fact that one man created a comedy from the basic premise of the irritating skin condition eczema will never cease to astound, and 'Attention Deficit Eczema' at that. Enough said.
The Canon's Gait, 2 Aug - 24 Aug (not 12), 7.15pm (8.10pm), free, fpp103.
tw rating (3/5)
[km]

Tina C - Tick My Box
Christopher Green
YeeHa!! Hell Yeah!! Come along and join Tina C at her 'Political Party', where she will talk about her life, politics and her music career. The all-American 'woman' is a perfect parody of everything American, from Celine Dion's (technically Canadian) quivering lips as she sings, to their national pride, and ignorance. References to Barack Obama as 'B.O.' and her 'insightful and valid' songs are brilliant. The part where Tina encouraged the audience to ask questions was very funny and showed the drag act's ability to think on his feet, plus, getting audience members (myself included) down to the stage to dance was a great moment too. Tina C ticked every box with hilarious witty humour and a show which will be hard to forget. YeeeeeHaaa!!
Udderbelly's Pasture, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 10.20pm (11.20pm), prices vary, fpp 105.
tw rating 4/5
[fa]

Two American Comedians Lose Their Shirts At The Edinburgh Free Fringe
Liam McEneaney & Prescott Tolk
Free doesn't always guarantee quality, but this particular show is well worth a visit. The main act, Liam McEneaney, is an experienced comic cast in a similar mould to Kevin Smith: American, geeky and very funny. The material is simple, focusing mostly on his childhood, his relationships and therapy with 'Death of a Salesman', but his take and delivery are exquisite. The show suffers from 'Edinburgh Problems' - an awkward room half full of noontime stragglers - even so, the show is seriously funny. Not quite a celebrity yet, but if he gets the audiences I can't wait to see his name in lights - if Brendon Burns or Glen Wool are too much for you give Liam and his chums a try.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 23), 12.05pm (1.05pm), fpp 106.
tw rating 4/5
[rh]

Your Money Or Your Life/PBH's Free Free Fringe
Delete The Banjax/PBH's Free Fringe
Sketch shows are mostly the same, but this one breaks slightly with the traditional formula; loosely themed as a cut-price charity telethon to end all disease, and featuring top quality prize raffles, celebrity guests and pleading relatives, the show flows from sketch to sketch without pause. As for the sketches themselves, there isn't much we haven't seen before, with topics such as a doctor's surgery, silly dancing, and M&S adverts covered. The cast are gifted, but the written material doesn't do them justice. Given their raw talent, they are probably one to watch for the future, and especially good value for money, being free). This sketch group will hopefully develop into something grander, but for now, as a cultish gem it begins to gleam in the rough.
The White Horse, 2 - 23 Aug (not 14), 1.55pm (2.45pm), free, fpp 111.
tw rating 3/5
[rh]

I Hate Everything
Z Theatre Company
Goodness me, the kids are angry! Perhaps they'd feel better after a nice lie down or a cup of tea? Z Theatre Company present a series of sketches tackling the little annoyances of everyday life, interspersed with short monologues about their own personal pet hates, from mobile phones to toothpaste tube tops. The sketches start off extremely strong, and are performed with great energy. Unfortunately, the intelligent comedy that began the piece falls by the wayside by the second half, with some distinctly unfunny sketches about taunting homeless people, and some tired old 'let's take the piss out of chavs' malarkey. It's not controversial, it's predictable, it's embarrassing, and does little to restore your faith in teenage humour, a shame given the promising start.
The Space@Venue 45, 4 -15 Aug, (not 10), 5.30pm (6.15pm), £5.00 (£3.50) fpp 60.
tw rating 2/5
[je]

The Improverts
EUTC
This is The Edinburgh University Theatre Company's 19th run here, and follows an unsurprisingly sold-out run in 2007. If you enjoy improvisational comedy, this is likely to be one of the best shows of its kind to be found at the Fringe. It's young, glitzy, energetic and full of bonkers games based on audience suggestion, which are sure to have you chuckling away. This lively team was led the night I saw it by Michael Witham, a veteran Imp who has a well-honed captaining style, successfully keeping the show on track, and although each and every member of the team has an equally delicious and different flavour of personal comedic style to offer, I particularly enjoyed Henry's quirky inputs, and loved the penguin ninjas.
Bedlam Theatre, 4-23 Aug (not 10 or 17), 12.30am (1.30am), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 61.
tw rating 4/5
[da]

Isy Suttie: The Suttie Show
Avalon Promotions
Isy Suttie, possibly most recognised for her turn as Dobby in 'Peep Show', treats Edinburgh to her show about dreams, the type that you have at four in the morning when your pillow is squelchy with drool, and the kind that you have when you are four and the boundaries of possibility are as elasticated as a septuagenarian's waistband. Young Isy saw no problem with aspiring to become an albino or a princess or, ideally, a combination of both and, if she could be a soldier as well, that would have been great. She is joined by various colourful personas, including Yvonne, Amy Winehouse's straight-laced cousin, who wants nothing more than to become a musical health and safety officer - comedy gold.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 4.00 pm (5.00pm), prices vary, fpp 62.
tw rating 4/5
[mb]

It Is Rocket Science!
Helen Keen
What more wonderful way to spend an hour than on Helen Keen's tin-foil voyage to the stars and back? With childish wide-eyed enthusiasm she delivers a carefully crafted set covering wormholes and time travel, with a bit of Michael Jackson thrown in for good measure. The whole show reeks of care and attention to detail; the stage is adorned with homemade space paraphernalia and quirky props in a testament to Keen's wonderful imagination, whilst a shadow puppet sideshow is as enchanting as it is hilarious. As a whole it's charming, interesting, funny and one of the most original shows on the Fringe. There, not a single space-pun to be seen. Oh, go on then. It was stellar!
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13), 12.30pm (1.25pm), prices vary, fpp 62.
tw rating 4/5
[th]

Karen Dunbar
Gilded Balloon Productions
There's undoubted excitement in the audience before this show at the busy Gilded Balloon. There's undoubted energy in Dunbar's performance, too, and it's this energy that she uses to get the majority of the crowd on her side within seconds. What can be doubted, however, is Dunbar's reputation as the funniest woman in Scotland, because she isn't really funny at all. This is a pandering performance, the comedienne playing up to an audience that knows what to expect, with scant sign of genuine wit or originality in any of Dunbar's material. There are moments of mirth, but it's nothing better than what you'd hear in the queue for the chip shop. Uninteresting, and painful to witness.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1 - 17 Aug (not 12), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 68.
tw rating 1/5
[tm]

Dan March - My MySpace Baby
Unexpected Production
Like many before him and many to come, Dan March succumbed to the charms of the snakebite-induced one-night stand, which well and truly returned to bite him in the ass a year later; not with the most delayed hangover anyone has ever had the misfortune to experience, but with an unexpected bundle of joy, whose very existence was communicated through the medium of MySpace. This conceptual comedy show is quite funny, but Dan shows that he is predominantly an actor when he throws in a few unnecessary saccharine moments. He definitely has a natural comedic quality and could shine with a pared down, concept-free comedy show.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 1.45pm (2.45pm), prices vary, fpp 43
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

Terry Saunders - Figure 8
Good Sense of Humour
Armed with only an easel and a slide projector, Saunders charmingly and wittily narrates the life of Trevor, who can see the future - sort of. The story initially seems too silly to contain any real tension or poignancy, but gradually develops into something more than a means to take cheap shots at Philip Schofield (Still, if you are Philip Schofield, you probably won't enjoy it). Trevor's lonely existence is lifted, dropped and lifted again by Adeleine, the girl with no future - sort of. Saunders delivers a neatly arranged plot peppered with jokes which, though not often hilarious, are consistently funny. An irreverent meditation on fame, suicide and Subway sandwiches - with FREE badges!
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 6.05pm (7.05pm), prices vary, fpp 104.
tw rating 4/5
[cjw]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

The Cholmondeleys And The Featherstonehaughs Present 'Dancing On Your Grave' Featuring Corpse De Ballet
The Cholmondeleys And Featherstonehaughs
Welcome to another weird and wonderful offering from Lea Anderson and co. The Corpse de Ballet are a group of jaded 'artistes' who have sold their souls to showbiz and are now stranded somewhere between this world and the next. Dark humour and dancing corpses are the order of the day, as they showcase witty song-writing and uncannily beautiful choreography. The performers are second to none and embrace their material with skill and a morbid enthusiasm. Fans of the company would expect nothing less, newcomers might find it slightly bizarre, but all will be touched by its macabre brilliance. If not, at fifty minutes, it's long enough to allow you to appreciate its artistic endeavours without quite losing the will to live.
Assembly @ George Street, 1 - 25 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), 3.00pm (3.50pm), prices vary, fpp 113.
tw rating 4/5
[fc]

Everyone We Know
Unspoken Agreement
Being greeted by performers the moment you walk into an auditorium is an unnerving experience. A feeling of uncertainty continued throughout the performance as I wasn't sure if I was watching the performer who had introduced himself to me, or watching a character he was playing. The stage is littered with television sets, camcorders and DVD players as the two performers experiment with filming themselves on-stage, playing film footage and also filming the audience. It is a bizarre idea that doesn't quite gel; audiences don't want to spend a paid hour being forced to watch themselves simply sitting there. Nevertheless, there is something alluring about this show and the two performers certainly convey enough charisma and stage presence to intrigue us.
C, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 5.00pm (6.00pm), prices vary, fpp 114.
tw rating 3/5
[kc]

InvAsian Festival: Akademi's Daredevas
Akademi South Asian Dance UK
Something magical is happening down at the Royal College of Surgeons. Four Akademi dancers perform a lively and at times beautiful demonstration of the Indian dance form, Kathak, of which some dances are slow and graceful, whilst others are fast-paced and almost furiously energetic. Most seductive was the duet, performed largely in synchrony. The only problem here was that the show lacked a cohesive element, giving it a disjointed feel. I would have liked to have seen these dances as part of a bigger, more explosive performance, giving them the context they deserve. As it was, the dancers performed excellently, giving us a taster of exactly what Kathak is about, and now they just need to find the recognition they deserve.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, dates vary, times vary, prices vary, 60 mins, fpp 116.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

InvAsian Festival: Family
Lunatic Company
If all it took to make an outstanding show was a succession of kick-ass moves, 'Family' would have it in the bag. Unfortunately for them, that isn't the case. As part of the Fringe's InvAsian programme they are up against some stiff competition, so presenting a less than outstanding show is just not an option. Combining Tae-kwon-do with Breakdance sounds like a winning formula, but in this case gravity defying moves aren't enough. The energy is low, the timing is off at times and the laughable plot is basically nonexistent, merely a vehicle for what is, in essence, an egotistical wank. Still, the moves are impressive, and there are funny moments, but it's not enough to redeem this for me.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, 3 - 25 Aug, 3.00pm (4.15pm), £16.00 (£12.00), fpp 117.
tw rating 2/5
[nb]

Love Still Unrequited
LSU Theatre
There's a storm brewing on George IV Bridge. This Louisiana-based company claims to retell Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' through the eyes of Hurricane Katrina survivors, and the opening scenes of the performance marry, through some fabulously strong and energetic visual sequences, the tempest that washes Viola up in a strange new land and the disaster of Katrina. However, this idea isn't really followed through, and the show becomes simply a physical version of 'Twelfth Night.' That's no real disappointment though, because this talented young ensemble take an impressively imaginative and acrobatic approach. From Viola's sense of dislocation to bawdy humour to the mixed-up love story at its core, they express a well-loved classic in a storming new way.
Augustine's, 2 - 16 Aug (not 10, 11 Aug), 11.40am (12.25pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 118.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Pericles Redux
Not Man Apart - Physical Theatre Ensemble
When I see a truly exceptional show, I feel I need about 2,000 words to do it justice, and this is certainly the case with this performance. Combining comedy, dance, physical theatre and tragedy, this production ticks every box and gets it spot on. Each actor was superb, their characterisation was great, their mimes were incredible, and dance and physical elements were outstanding. The comedic moments were perfectly pitched, and the costume changes were the fastest I have ever seen. At the end the story is shown in reverse very quickly which is an interesting, unusual and successful idea. I left feeling elated - this is an absolute must see.
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul - 29 Aug (not 26,27,28), 3.00pm (4.15pm), prices vary, fpp 119.
tw rating 5/5
[fa]

Phantomysteria
Teatr Novogo Fronta
This elaborate and dramatic piece of physical theatre in a magnificent and mighty open-air setting may have been somewhat wasted on me, because I really couldn't work out what was going on, although I think love and death may have been the dominant themes. A post-apocalyptic, eerie and sinister atmosphere is created by booming music and people in white boiler suits. Be prepared for the cold, and getting engulfed in a lot of smoke, as well as fire in various shapes and forms. These special effects are impressive, but seem like overcompensation. There is also some slapstick comedy and weepy tragedy with costumed characters, but I still wasn't enlightened. The audience cheered massively at the end, though, so maybe I missed something.
Old College Quad, 5-25 Aug, 10.00pm (11.10pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 120.
tw rating 2/5
[da]

Samurai Spirit
Kamui
Apparently real swords would have been too dangerous; not surprising, given how the charismatic cast of 'Samurai Spirit' displayed fierce attacks of physical strength and agility. Dramatic music accompanied the showcase, creating an atmosphere of tension that left the audience on the edge of their seats, although the precise choreography could be quite hard to follow and certainly during the first half it all seemed very similar. Despite this, the accomplished cast demonstrated an impressive ability to switch from serious intimidation to hilarious comedic moments, and even invited an audience member to share in Japanese culture and learn the skills of a Samurai on stage. Prepare for genuine looking sword battles, authentic war chants, and a lot of rage.
Zoo Southside, 1 - 24 Aug (not 12), 10.30pm (11.30pm), prices vary, fpp 120.
tw rating 4/5
[am]

10
Momentum
With a hip-hop finale masterpiece and well portrayed character-driven scenes, this show was enjoyable and amusing to watch, but was let down by choreography focusing too heavily on the strengths of the youth company's technical skills - namely, excellent extension. Grande jetés (split leaps) were the most repeated move and combined with lots of high kicks and other large jumps. You had to admire their proficiency, of course, even whilst sighing at the repetitiveness. To add to the problems, the narrative of '10' was also confusing. However, it was impossible to leave the show without smiling broadly, because the enthusiasm and exhilaration shown by these young performers was infectious.
Zoo Southside, 3 - 9 Aug, 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 122.
3/5
[bw]

Flight of the Lawnchair Man
American High School Theatre Festival
Not everyone following their dreams is going the right way about it. 'Flight of the Lawnchair Man' tells the story of a no-hoper who dreams of flying, and, frustrated in his efforts to become a pilot and an astronaut, ties helium balloons to a chair and floats away on a gust of romanticised hot air. The company are unfortunately too young and inexperienced to give the naively optimistic script any credibility or backbone, and although there are a couple of fairly good voices, the music is heavy-handed and stifling. Uncoordinated unison-work and achingly slow scene changes weigh the production down, while the dance routines are just a little embarrassing. This is one dream that isn't going to take off.
Church Hill Theatre, 5 - 8 Aug, times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 171.
tw rating 1/5
[jwm]

The Weepers
Skutr/Czech Republic @ The Fringe 2008
Physical theatre is often criticised for having a lack of substance and consisting of movement without story. 'The Weepers', however, is a skillful and captivating integration of these two facets, covering loss, childhood, and family, and supported by live singing in Czech. These actors are so engaging; they will make you laugh and cry with their chaotic feuding, quirky actions and playfulness. In place of the dialogue there is some spoken word poetry, but mainly the soundtrack guides the action. Every actor remains onstage watching the others, intensifying the performance, whilst moments making use of shadow are beautiful and shouldn't be missed. This integrated, well-executed performance is captivating, and I left the theatre changed.
The Zoo, 1 - 25 Aug (not 14), 5.20pm (6.10pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 123.
tw rating 5/5
[zl]

The Girl Who Fell From The Sea
Caravan Theatre Company
Climbing the staircase to the eighth floor of Jury's Inn, I sensed this wouldn't be easy viewing. A diminutive audience and the squawks of seagulls flying overhead only just foretold the horrors awaiting me. The opening line - "I hate my fucking baby!"- set the tone for an uncomfortable show consisting of bursts of spontaneous, amateur dance that barely deserved the title of physical theatre. At one point our protagonist, who is possibly suffering from post-natal depression judging by her earlier outburst, dances and swings a pram around the limited floor-space. All I can say is never mind 'The Girl Who Fell From The Sea', watch out for The Girl Who Fell (jumped) From The Roof Of The Jury's Inn.
The Space @ Jury's Inn (V260), 1 - 9 Aug, 3.05pm (3.50pm), prices vary, fpp 115.
tw rating 1/5
[rsj]

EVENTS

Dance Du Jour
Dance Base
Sitting down hurts, though not for the usual reason, as does leaning on my elbows. In fact, my whole body fairly aches after my recent, bruising attempts at break dancing. 'Dance du Jour' is different every day, and our class was taken by Tamsin Fitzgerald, director and choreographer of 2FaCeD DaNcE Company (who are performing 'State Of Matter' at Udderbelly's Pasture), who, with one of her toned dancers, taught us a short routine from their show. If you think break and contemporary dance looks easy, think again, this was by far the most gruelling thing I've ever done at the Fringe. Expert-led workshops will be useful for flexible healthy types, and a painful yet still exhilarating experience for the less frequently exercised, like myself.
Dance Base - National Centre for Dance, 5 - 15 Aug (not 10, 11), 1.15pm (2.30pm), £7.50 (£5.50), fpp125.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

InvAsian Festival: ID
HuRuNunMul
Stood in a cardboard box as if in a prison cell, and holding a torch; this is not the type of auditorium audiences are used to. Lasting just under half an hour, this contemporary dance piece is intended to capture the isolation faced when these Korean artists entered the UK, and an effective unified bond is created between the audience and the stage as the soloist also emerges from a cardboard box. The dancer's solo is stunning, expressing the loneliness and alienation faced when entering a British airport, her style smooth, tranquil and flowing as she expresses her struggles with her identity. A thought provoking piece, but one which left me wondering why we had to hold a torch for half an hour.
clubWEST@Quincentenary Hall, 3 - 25 Aug, 10.00am (11.00am), £5.50 (£4.50), fpp 127.
tw rating 3/5
[kc]

Old Town Literary Pub Crawl
Allan Foster
More a pleasant walk than a crawl, this tour took in several parts of the Old Town, a few pubs and ended in a perfectly civilised manner, ie, with no projectile vomiting or fights. Allan Foster, author of several geographical literary guides, started with a visit to the Royal Oak where we were able to enjoy some live folk music. A man brimming with anecdotes, Foster then took us to several significant sites where he shared with us his intimate knowledge of the city's literati old and new. Many places were unmarked and the illuminating stories had been discovered through careful research. There could have been a few more readings, but overall it was quite satisfying, and more folk at the final pub Sandy Bells was an upbeat note to finish on.
Departs Mitre Pub, 3-24 Aug, 7.30pm (10.00pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp129.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

MUSIC

Acoustic Edinburgh Festival (Featuring Edwina Hayes)
Acoustic Edinburgh
The relaxed cocoon-like atmosphere of Medina was the perfect setting for this dreamy night of acoustic music. Strewn happily over a floor cushion, I listened to five varied sets of unplugged sounds, which lulled and soothed until the audience were purring contentedly. The undoubted star of the show was the elfin Gary Stewart, who captivated his audience with some powerful, foot- stamping, guitar tapping songs, which alone would justify the entry fee. Headlining was Edwina Hayes, whose sweet northern voice ended the night on the themes of love and life. Recommended for anyone wanting to step into another world and be left fuzzy and contented like after a glass of mulled wine.
Medina and Negociants, 5, 12, 19 Aug, £7.00, 9.00pm (12.00am) fpp 138.
tw rating 4/5
[ow]

Andy McKee And Don Ross
NEM Productions
Smacking the crap out of guitars is perhaps a trait associated with delinquent grungers, frustrated amateurs and musical demolitionists. Andy McKee and Don Ross are none of the above, however, but are impressively innovative and interminably relaxed. Belonging to that ilk of guitar players from Michael Hedges to Kaki King and Eric Mongraine, the two play in an astounding percussive fingerstyle, with a flawless technical mastery that seems effortless. The duo played tracks from their collaborative album, 'The Thing That Came From Somewhere', as well as reworking Canadian Ross's earlier work, and offering each other solo spots. Particular highlights included 'Tight Trite Night', and McKee's YouTube favourite, 'Drifting'. A lively and mellow acoustic stramash.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 5 Aug, times vary, £12.00 (£10.00), fpp 139.
tw rating 4/5
[ab]

Café Cadenza
Café Cadenza, a comfortable, low key show in a small cabaret bar, is an aural indulgence. Singer songwriter Stewart Hanratty begins the show with a few humorously introduced solo numbers, and is accompanied by a changing display of his own accomplished artwork, proof of his all round creative prowess. His eyes remain closed throughout his Latin tinged performance, a sign of his refreshing bashfulness, and it becomes clear that he is up there purely for art's sake. He is soon joined on stage by the masterful John Sampson and his band of unusual wind instruments, each of which he plays with great aplomb, alternating songs with humorous tales, and making this event a delight to witness.
Zoo Southside, 1 - 9 Aug, 9.00pm, £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 143.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

Cheyenne Brown And Seylan Baxter
Cheyenne Brown and Seylan Baxter's concert offered a refreshingly genuine taste of Scottish tradition to counterbalance all those tartan tourist shops. A harpist and cello, they played traditional tunes - Celtic jigs, Scottish drinking songs, the work of the obligatory Robert Burns - but with their own lively and innovative arrangements. The combination of harp and cello proved a rich, beautiful one, especially when topped off with Baxter's soft singing voice. Brown on harp shifted between playing lightly and nimbly to coaxing a deep, rich sound from its strings. While Baxter claimed they avoid "songs about fairies, because of the harp, and the long hair thing", their magical piece 'Gossamer Wings' was entrancing and these two musicians successfully cast a spell on their audience.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 5Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 144.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Rob McCulloch
Laughing Horse Free Festival
Rob McCulloch is a talented singer-songwriter who really deserves an audience, and unfortunately for him, he is performing at an empty pub which is too far out of the centre to even feature on the Fringe guide map. Admirably, McCulloch does not let this affect his performance. Although obviously influenced by other northern indie artists such as Arctic Monkeys, and with a voice not dissimilar to that of Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics, he is not simply a mimic. His songs have both grit and charm, and avoid becoming too self-indulgent. However, his performance often lacked dynamism, at times becoming simply a barrage of sound. McCulloch is a young talent, who has laid the foundations for future success.
Laughing Horse @ Meridian, 2 - 9 Aug, 8.20pm (9.20pm), free, fpp 162.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Scottish Folk Roots And Offshoots
David Ferrard
The Royal Oak is the perfect setting to experience the wonderfully tender melodies that David Ferrard graces us with today. Sat in The Oak's bottom bar, this intimate venue plays host to an exquisite performance of traditional folk that stretches from Scotland to America and back again. Taking in both his heritages (he was born in Edinburgh to a Pennsylvanian mother), David's sweet, lyrical delivery transports you from one side of the Atlantic to the other on an unforgettable journey to the roots of traditional folk. Combining his own material with well known classics, Ferrard exposes himself as a talented enough songwriter, equal to those he takes inspiration from. Touching, hypnotic and inspiring: a new star of folk is on the rise.
The Royal Oak, 1 - 30 Aug (dates vary), times vary, £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 164.
tw rating 4/5
[nb]

The Wilders
The Wilders
Come on down to the Spiegeltent and let The Wilders take y'all back to your bluegrass roots. Scotland was an obvious choice for the Kansas City quartet to play; everybody knows that the highlands and lowlands are just teeming with cowboys (highland cows need a lot of hair cuts) and there's nothing they love more after a hard day's hair cutting than to come on down to auld reekie for a low down, thigh-slapping hillbilly hoedown. The band's unique brand of explosive honky-tonk, hardcore old-time juxtaposed with some emotive, hushed Hank Williams numbers is sure to tickle your fancy, whether you're fully kitted out in that winning chaps and Stetson combo, or the only country music you own is Dolly Parton's 'Christmas Cracker'.
The Spiegel Garden, 4 - 10 Aug, 8.00pm (9.10pm), £15.00 (£13.00), fpp 167.
tw rating 5/5
[mb]

InvAsian Festival: Soul Traders
West End property Productions
Cheese. You gotta love it. Whether it's a block of cheddar or a musical about love and London markets, there isn't much to go wrong. In 'Soul Trader' not much does go wrong, as, accompanied by a live band, our dancers and singers give it their all. The plot follows members of the Salvation Army in the 1960s as they try to raise funds to keep their shelter open. The two lead females - the Major and the local prostitute - have the best voices but slightly stereotypical characters and outfits. The dancing was particularly good, however, although when the cast were shaking their booties on the floor, not everyone could see. Despite the drawbacks, a good, all-round musical, with plenty of cheesy grins thrown in.
Club West @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons, 3 Aug - 25 Aug, 7.15pm (8.50pm), prices vary, fpp 173.
tw rating 3/5
[fa]

Drum Drama
Highland Festival Media (Scotland)
The European debut of 'Drum Drama' is a rare and exotic treat for the eyes and ears, providing a combination of traditional Chinese costumes, dance, and most importantly, an incredibly rousing and varied drumming display. It is based around historic Chinese tales, which range from the beautiful and intense 'Lady Warriors', to a comic interpretation of a rat's party. It was vividly engaging from start to finish, and it was impossible not to marvel at the metronomic precision to which every drumbeat and movement was choreographed. The youth and energy of the performers was infectious; you may leave 'Drum Drama' with a ringing in your ears, but you will certainly feel the beat of the drum in your heart.
City Edinburgh, 4 - 24 Aug, 4.00pm (5.00pm), 7:30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 147.
tw rating 5/5
[af]

Living Room
Christoph Pepe Auer & Manu Delago
One tiny venue (I counted twenty two seats), two smiley Austrian men, and some very strange looking instruments. These dimpled UFO-shaped metal objects called 'Hangs' produce an ethereal tonal beat, and, accompanied by bass clarinet, weave a musical web right round the room. Performing self-penned compositions and a few stolen classics - Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' went down well - it was incredibly soothing, but not in an I'm-going-to-fall-asleep kind of way, you were just transported by the rhythmic beats. But the real deal maker? At one point the bass player reaches behind a curtain and, like a magician, produces a little cardboard box, from which emerges a tiny red xylophone. Miniature instruments never fail to seal the deal.
Sweet Teviot Place, 5 - 10 Aug, 2.10pm (3.10pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 156.
tw rating 4/5
[afd]

Out Of The Blue
I wish I was in Out Of The Blue. It looks like the best fun ever. I want to be one of those fourteen floppy-haired Oxfordians dancing around belting pop gems from the top of their lungs. From Queen to Outkast, from The Beatles to the Pussycat Dolls, each song is ingeniously arranged to brilliant a capella effect. Moments of goose-bumping harmonisation are mixed with some dodgy dance moves to create an unlikely cocktail of pasty white men and incredible vocal power. There is a pleasing underlying comedic purpose to the whole thing, and though one song could have used a stronger lead, it is refreshing to see a show where every performer is giving their all. Great stuff.
C, 5 - 25 August (not 16, 17), 2.45pm (3.35pm), prices vary, fpp 160.
tw rating 5/5
[th]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

Jet Set Go!
Take Note Theatre
This is absolutely the best new musical I have seen in a while. An eight strong, talented cast hailing from Bristol dance, sing and wow you through this air-themed show depicting the take-offs and bumpy landings of the lives of a cabin crew as they search for love. The songs are great, the singing superb, the choreography tight, and the script witty. It's difficult to pick out certain songs or cast members as there really isn't a weak link in this production, but particular highlights were Mark Senior and Alex Johnston's, 'You Drive Me Crazy' and Katie Birtill's performance throughout. This is a definite must see for fans of musical theatre.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, dates vary, 3.45pm (5.00pm), prices vary, fpp 173.
tw rating 5/5
[ad]

Little Shop Of Horrors
Norfolk Youth Music Theatre
The Fringe is a great place to unearth hidden gems of fresh new talent. But we should also remember that it's a place where youth groups come to have a bit of fun. And who can blame them? These youngsters look like they're having a whale of a time, and their enthusiasm rubs off on their audience. 'Little Shop of Horrors' is familiarly gory tale of Seymour and his prize-winning plant with a taste for human flesh, and all the show's hits are sung with great gusto by the young cast, some of whom definitely have more gusto than talent, but it's charming nonetheless. The sound quality's a problem, however, and it's such a shame that for a good percentage of the production, you just can't hear what's being said or sung.
Augustine's, 4 - 9 Aug, 2.45pm (4.05pm), £7.00 (£6.00), fpp.174.
tw rating 3/5
[je]

Sweet Charity
Northumbria University Musical Theatre Society
The well known but rarely well sung 'Big Spender' has to be performed with flawless timing and sex appeal to avoid being embarrassingly tacky. Unfortunately they didn't quite manage that in this production, which had constant tuning issues and backing music that was much too loud. Charity Valentine, pushover and constant loser in love, longs to escape her job as a dancehall hostess and make some big plans. The lead character was charming and comic but didn't have a voice to match, and the dancing standard was hugely varied. That, combined with the poorly constructed plot of the musical itself, which made you feel you'd wasted one and a half hours of your life, meant that this just wasn't a hit.
Bedlam Theatre, 31 Jul - 16 Aug (not 3, 10), 8.00pm (9.30pm), £5.00, fpp 176.
tw rating 1/5
[lr]

THEATRE

The Tailor Of Inverness
Dogstar
What an incredible story. Tales like this need to be heard, and they need to be remembered. Written and performed by Matthew Zajac, the show follows his father's journey from Poland to Inverness, a forced migrant displaced by war. Through the charting of his father's path, Zajac is taken on his own journey of discovery, uncovering the truth about his family's history and therefore about himself. It makes you realise that who we are depends on what we know, and, as the intricate layers of history are peeled back, not everything is what we think. This multimedia performance, with storytelling in English and Polish, helped along by the use of video projection, costume and music, is a great success.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 2.55pm (4.10pm), prices vary, fpp 234.
tw rating 4/5
[mj]

Love For Sale
Maelstrom Theatre Company
I'm not sure what message this drama was trying to get across. At the heart of the play's plot lies one of the oldest clichés in the book: a connection between a vicar and a prostitute, two professions diametrically opposed. The play consists of a two entwined monologues from a mother and her daughter. The daughter of two church ministers is, she says, a prostitute by choice. The husband /father is horrible; he only cares for himself, and never watches his daughter play netball but picks her up at a church convention and rapes her. Then she gets her revenge by gluing him to an inflatable sex doll, and beating the baby he helped to conceive. A bleak tale, but what's its point?
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 3 - 25 Aug (not 10,17),6.50pm (7.50pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 212.
tw rating 2/5
[mj]

Crocosmia
Little Bulb Theatre
Someone has let three fictional children take over a show, and what an intelligent decision that was. From mouth-watering cake puppetry to balloon blowing and light-bulb experiments, this touching performance is a spectacular visual treat brimming with nostalgia. It's easy to become attached to the characters, since you share with them an emotional rollercoaster ride as they come to terms with the death of their parents. It can't be easy to play an extremely young person when you're an adult, but in this instance the acting is incredibly realistic, making this a hauntingly beautiful and upsetting portrayal of innocence and family relationships. The show will leave you crying with laughter, crying with sadness, and possibly wishing you had a carrot for a goldfish.
The Space on the Mile@The Radisson, 2 - 23 Aug (not 3, 10, 17), 12.00pm (1.05pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp193.
tw rating 4/5
[am]

Call For The Condemned
Watch This
A call centre in Hell? Seems perfectly apt to me. Pride, Anger, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth, Greed and Envy are the staff, endlessly tempting mankind in the run-up to the Apocalypse. All seems to be going well until a new employee enters their midst. The show's billing as a black comedy is slightly misleading, unless by black you mean screaming gratuitous swear words and by comedy you mean...well, screaming gratuitous swear words. That really is all the cast seem to do, and the characterisation of the sins is painfully obvious and completely lacking in subtlety, making this show seemingly stretch way beyond its one and a half hours. Add endlessly re-hashed jokes and it really becomes Hell.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 2 - 24 Aug (even days), 10.00pm (11.30pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 190.
tw rating 1/5
[nb]

Cleansed
UWE Drama Department
Graphic incest, masochism and intravenous drug use. If none of these are your thing, then I really wouldn't recommend you go and see 'Cleansed'. Seven actors play characters in various states of supposed social 'abnormality'; we have the illiterate, the liar, the heroin user, and the sister in love with the dead brother. The 'Doctor', a shaven-headed individual wearing latex gloves and a tank top, appears to be trying to purge the world of these unacceptables, as the name of the play suggests. Dark and abstract, those of a sensitive disposition would do well to steer clear. An intriguing atmosphere is created, but this is coupled with occasionally wooden acting, and a somewhat dubious plot.
TheSpace@The Thistle, 4 - 9 Aug, 8.05pm (9.00pm), £5.00 (£3.00), fpp 191.
tw rating 2/5
[ah]

The Feast Of The Ants
Mugensha Theatre Company (Japan)
One of the most important things about the Fringe is seeing shows you would never dream of going to, nor would have the chance to, except at the Fringe. The Feast Of The Ants is definitely one such show. Set in the small town of Arizuka, Japan, the show introduces a community more interested in adulterous affairs than in working together, which ultimately leads to catastrophe. Delivered almost entirely in Japanese, the increasingly ingenious methods the cast use to get their translation across to the audience are superb and hilarious, so don't let the language issue deter you from seeing this play. It does admittedly sometimes lead to confusion about what's going on, but does not diminish from the overall experience.
Rocket@Demarco Roxy Art House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 10, 17), 5.20pm, prices vary, fpp 199.
tw rating 4/5
[zh]

Living With Johnny Depp
Madcap Theatre Company
Joanne Mitchell is bit of a one woman wonder. Sometimes in a play where one actor plays several characters I find myself just waiting for my favourite one to reappear. Not in this case, as Mitchell portrayed three very different women with equal panache in this refreshing and believable piece. Schoolgirl Shania faces expulsion for, among other things, writing about her obsession with Johhny Depp in her exams, but through the monologues of two of her teachers it is revealed that both characters share her interest and adapt the actor to their own fantasies and problems. Mingling with the giggling audience and never breaking character for a second, Mitchell is a superb comic actress with an incredibly engaging touch.
The Zoo, 1 - 25 Aug (not 11,18), 12.00pm (12.55pm), prices vary, fpp 212.
tw rating 4/5
[lr]

Pebbles On The Beach
Weaver Hughes Ensemble
At school, we were always taught never to end a story with "...and then I woke up and it was all a dream". Well that is what this play does, and it really is a shame that they couldn't have made quite a good idea into a better play. It tries to show a young man settling his differences with three important people in his life - his biological mother, his adoptive father and his girlfriend. Unfortunately, the play chops and changes from one time period to another and it is not at all clear when this is happening, so it left me wondering what was going on, even though I was listening intently. I left feeling utterly confused and a bit disappointed.
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13,19), 2.00pm (2.55 pm), prices vary, fpp 222.
tw rating 2/5
[fa]

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