All made up and no place to go - must remember to invite all these lovely folk to our end of Festival party. From left to right - 'Feasting On Flesh' at Assembly@George Street [EH], 'Phantomysteria' in the Old College Quad [EH] and 'And The Devil May Drag You Under' at Musical Theatre @ George Square [JR]. Photographer credits in brackets.

THREEWEEKS 13TH YEAR CURSE CAUSES MORE CHAOS
If ThreeWeeks - and our 13th year - are to blame for all the diasters of this Festival, at least we like to think we’ve done the job quite well.

The latest targets are the WoolMerchant Theatre Company, who've had something of an, erm, eventful week. First their venue was flooded, though I realise that's a little passe this year, given the unrelenting rain and all. Second they've been sharing their dressing room with a mouse, though we've been sharing the kitchen in the ThreeWeeks flat with one too, so that also ain't so big. But then there's the fact they had to call all three emergency services to their flat in one day. We've not been told why exactly, but that does sound like a bit of a disaster.

And as if all that wasn't enough, a really quite serious disaster occured when one of their performers fell victim to something a street attack, sustaining injuries that led to the cancellation of three shows. Though, having already survived the other calamities, said performer is now back on stage, albeit doped up on tranquilisers.

And the name of these guys' show? 'Devotion', obviously. You can see it at Greenside each day at 1.50pm.

FUNNY WOMEN AT THE FESTIVAL
But it's not all doom and gloom in this edition of Festival News. Some people have had a decidedly better day - and in particular the three winners of a Nivea Funny Women prize.

One of the first comedy awards to be presented this Festival - this new awards programme aims to celebrate the increasing number of comediennes at the Fringe. And the funny women being celebrated this year were Fringe veteran Janey Godley, who was named Best Individual Act, 'Angry Puppy' who won the Best Sketch Show prize, and Pippa Evans, who was named Best Newcomer.

The three winning women now face each other in a final heat for the overall title of Funny Woman At The Festival 2008, a title worth having given it comes with a £1000 prize. Which could buy you a lot of face cream.

SCOTTISH YOUTH CHOIR PRESENTED WITH TEN GRAND GRANT
And, there was even better news and even more money for the National Youth Choir of Scotland, who received a £10,000 grant today, a fair portion of which was donated by the Edinburgh Festival Chorus. Which is presumably why the cheque was handed over at a bash at The Hub this evening. Ten grand would by an awful lot of face cream, which seems unfair because presumably the members of the National Youth Choir don't have much use for it.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today... Stephen Grant

1. What is your 2008 show about? It's called 'Second' and it's all about society's obsession with class and coming first. I'm reclaiming the moral high-ground for nearly-men everywhere. 2. Why should we come and see it? a. Because the show contains tales of real life dismemberment & murder, two-dimensional male nudity and the beating of a disabled boy. b. Because it's a purist's Edinburgh show; most comedians will take an hour of stuff they've been doing for years or wrote weeks before the fest, and loosely fit it under a common theme. This is a show where the point was written first, and then the material was written about the message. It'll stick in your head long after it's finished. c. Because it's got the best method of saving postage you'll ever see or hear about ever - I guarantee.

4. What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Festival?
The immense glow I get doing this show. I'm really, really proud of it.

5. What are you least looking forward to about this year’s Festival?
Losing my voice. It happens every year and no amount of scarves, hot ginger, and vocalzone stops the inevitable.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Festival?
Don't use a map. It's not 3d. The road you think turns left off Cowgate is actually 120 feet above your head.

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Festival?
Pace yourself - you've got well over 3 weeks to get wasted. Do it slowly. It's a festival, not last orders.

8. Describe your show in three words.
Counterrevolutionary antidisestablishmentarian floccinaucinihilipilification.

Stephen Grant - Second, Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6, 13), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 99.

Even more reviews for you! Some, though not all, of these also appeared in edition 11 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:
Books - 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

BOOKS

Nury Vittachi
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Nury Vittachi, renowned journalist and author of the Feng Shui Detective novels, talked about the relationship between East and West, and his new novel, 'Mr. Wong Goes West'. Vittachi spoke eloquently about the gap in understanding between cultures, which he aims to 'glue' together, but managed to sidestep the issue of the Beijing Olympics. On a more personal level, his anecdotes describing his own experiences in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Delhi and London were delivered with great humour and warmth; Vittachi's fondness for these places, their people, and their eccentricities really shone through. Despite his claim that the feng shui of the room was all wrong, this was an entertaining yet thought-provoking look at the dialogue between different cultures.
Writers' Retreat, 10 Aug, 7.30pm, bfpp 8.
[rg]

COMEDY

The Shambles
Dead Duck Productions
A fantastic improvisational comedy set can often leave me feeling bewildered and very inadequate about the speed of my wit. Just how does someone come up with something so funny so quickly, and in front of an audience ready to express their displeasure by heckling? I'm sure members of The Shambles would like also to know, as their uninspired take on spur of the moment stories and quick wit games just doesn't impress. Perhaps due the mundanity of the compère, the mood never seems right, and it's an awkward show of poor acting and tedious comedy. There are flashes of genuine brilliance, here, but never enough to rescue something that's been done a hundred times before, and a hundred times better.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Arthouse, dates vary, 11.40pm (12.30am), prices vary, fpp 95.
tw rating 2/5
[tm]

Harbingers
There's bags of potential to be found in material from this achingly trendy sketch troupe. Dialogue is sharp, quick and well delivered with good timing, whilst the subject matter is a thoroughly surrealist affair. One of the most notable things about Harbingers is that they feel fresh and contemporary without alienating their audience or trying too hard, plus, there's a certain unique feel to each sketch, and they have somehow managed to pull it off with barely any costumes or funny accents. Some sketches, admittedly, could do with more kick to their punchline, but the three performances here were so strong I felt that with the right material this trio could become something rather special.
Sweet ECA, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 6.35pm (7.25pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 57.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Jim Bowen - Look At What You Could Have Won
Ovation
If you loved 'Bullseye' then you will probably enjoy this nostalgic ride. However, if the idea of a 71 year old man telling age-old gags, chatting to mediocre guests and playing darts for some dismal prizes sounds like uncomfortable viewing, then look elsewhere. His act mostly consists of impressions - stars from 1970s classic 'The Comedians', which were all beyond me except for a passable Tommy Cooper. Then, like an inept Parkinson, he interviews unknown 'celebrities' there to shamelessly plug their shows, before moving on to a bit of Bully. This will sate anyone who misses the show, though it may make you question what exactly it was that you originally loved. Innnnnnn one - last throw of the dart from an old hat professional, without even Tony Green.
Udderbelly's Pastures, 1 - 25 Aug, 12.30pm (1.30pm), prices vary, fpp 64.
tw rating 2/5
[rh]

The Hollywood Outlaw Comedy Tour
Green Rooms Presents
Let's face it, Hollywood is not renowned for its taste, and there are some really cringey personalities at its heart. On this occasion, though, Hollywood may just have made a good decision. These two comics did not put on a jaw dropping show, nor did they produce anything that has not been done already. A few laughs were had at the expense of the 'haggis people' and Scotland's deep fried culture. Don't get me wrong, Scots like to laugh at themselves, but they could have created something funnier all on their own. The first half of this performance was distinctly better than the second but this should still be outlawed by the Edinburgh Festival as well.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3 - 25 Aug (not 11), 8.00pm (9.00pm), varying prices, fpp 58.
tw rating 1/5
[mi]

Ginger & Black
Mick Perrin For Just For Laughs Live
Hamsters, history teachers, children's parties, gymnastics, genetically modified food and the homeless: this comedy duo managed to weave the most unrelated of subjects into a cohesive hour of musical frolics. It's all about the timing, and this pair got it spot on with nearly every joke. Ginger was the star of the show, switching between the guitar and keyboard while maintaining impressive vocals throughout. Best of all was her deadpan expression, managing to keep her straight face whilst making everyone else giggle. Their children's party routine got the most laughs; pass the parcel with the audience is always a winner and this show unravelled an hour of quick wit, fun and frivolity. I'd book them for my birthday, if I could.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 54.
tw rating 4/5
[sg]

Hal Cruttenden Climb Every Molehill
Hal Cruttenden
Hal Cruttenden wants to be edgy. Fortunately, he's aware that, as a portly, middle-class 38-year-old from the plush suburbs of London, he has about as much edge as a football. And this is just one of the many worries that pervade Cruttenden's life, along with his effeminate tone and big face. It's when Cruttenden is talking about these personal issues that he excels, displaying the charm of a more rotund Michael McIntyre, but when Hal does try to aim for the edge, he seems less assured, being especially out of his depth when discussing Scottish independence, for example. A fine performer when talking about his own life, but perhaps he should leave politics to those with something to say.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11 Aug), 7.35pm (8.35pm), prices vary, fpp 57.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Literally
Parryphernalia
"This is a show about the misuse of the word literally" says a deadpan but wonderfully affable Paul Parry, who takes the audience on a visual journey using power-point to discuss his literal trip from A (a fishing town in Norway) to Bee (located in Nebraska) with intermittent slides on how not to use the L word, as well as instances of famous personalities using it blasphemously. Parry has not only created a delightfully original show, but leaves you wanting to read a thesaurus in order to separate yourselves from those unfortunates who don't appreciate the word in question. He may literally be one of the best new comedians at this year's Fringe, but then again, that's only figuratively speaking.
The Zoo, 1 - 25 Aug (not 24), 7.55pm (8.50pm), prices vary, fpp 73.
tw rating 5/5
[zh]

Ed Byrne: Different Class
Spending an hour with Ed Byrne is a lot like sipping on a pint of Guinness; it's relaxing, always hits the mark, and is of course, very Irish. Loosely based around being of a 'different class' (not quite working, not quite middle), Byrne takes his audience on a fast paced journey of laughter, taking in feminism and soda streams and throwing in some amazing one liners along the way. His brand of witty, wry observational humour is a delight to hear, and his charming mannerisms and bouncy energy a treat to watch. He may not be rich enough or poor enough to own a horse, but he is certainly funny enough to own an audience - fantastic fun from a Festival favourite.
Assembly Hall, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 5, 12), 10.20pm (11.20pm), prices vary, fpp 47.
tw rating 4/5
[ha]

I Need Your Love
Soumaya
An experience of unparalleled randomness, as yet this is not a show. It once might have been, before the guy doing it pulled out and put his slot up for grabs. Enter Andrew J. Lederer, a ball of energy from Brooklyn, who intends to use the slot to write a show called 'I Need Your Love' before the Fringe ends. Today he tested some possible excerpts on his audience - autobiographical material about sleeping in a TV studio, and brief appearances on 'Fame'. I mentioned it was random, didn't I? The show I saw will probably be nothing like the show you see - he may even add in that dance number - but be prepared to volunteer your opinions. It's a work in progress, after all.
Laughing Horse@The Counting House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 4.55pm (5.55pm), free, fpp 61.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

Adams & Rea
Sarah Adams and Lisa Rea are two very talented ladies and present a fantastic show filled with hilarious songs about all the important things in life: looking after the environment, how high our IQs are, and women scorned in love. They chatted, had a small quiz show and even performed a wonderful little dance/rap number which was possibly the funniest part of the show. They had a great rapport with the audience, and I can safely say that there was not a person there who was not laughing. They even handed out free cakes towards the end. Nice tactic, ladies. I can't think of any reason why you would not love these witty women.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 2.15pm (3.25pm), prices vary, fpp 21.
tw rating 4/5
[lp]

Andy Zaltzman Boldly Unbuttons The Cloak Of Civilisation, But Is Perplexed And Perturbed By What He Finds Lurking Beneath.
Stand Comedy Club
Andy Zaltzman is a masterful comedian, running through a variety of original material with ease and intelligence. Focusing mainly on topical issues such as terrorism, civil liberties and immigration, his material requires some knowledge of politics, and without this, many of the jokes would make little sense. However, for those who are up to date with current affairs, this is a hilarious and extremely entertaining afternoon. The second half of his show takes the form of an award ceremony, and with awards such as the 'golden elephant for democracy' it is a comical look at the state of the world today. Zaltzman is truly exceptional; his blend of intellect and comic timing make him a must-see at the Fringe this year.
Stand Comedy Club, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 2.40pm (3.50pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 27.
tw rating 4/5
[kk]

Clean (As Possible) Comedy Show
Just Fair Laughs
As I sat amongst an audience of families, teenagers and children awaiting an evening of squeaky clean comedy, I wondered whether or not the quality of laughs would suffer without the naughty bits. Compère Brian Vino was effective in his audience banter, whilst guest comedians Andy White and Paul Kerensa had admirably cobbled together rib-tickling sets without straying beyond the prescribed 12A certificate. I've seen stand-ups achieve similar levels of laughs without the restraints of this evening, however I couldn't help but feel that a little bit of bite had been taken out these comedians' sets. Nevertheless 'The Clean (As Possible) Comedy Show' is a refreshingly family-friendly concept at a Festival otherwise without watershed.
The Lot, 4 - 21 Aug, 5.00pm (6.30pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 38.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Eric's Tales of the Sea - A Submariner's Yarn
Eric
Eric's captivating storytelling will draw you into the world inhabited by men engaged in one of the world's most hazardous occupations: that of a Royal Navy Submariner aboard a nuclear submarine. He will keep you glued to the edge of your seat with hilarious tales of masturbation, friendship, and men sleeping like cramped sardines in a torpedo encasement. A cheery Eric guided us through an emotional rollercoaster of laughs and lows, with a heart warming conviction which brought my imagination to a near nuclear meltdown. This show deserves credit for its brilliant originality, and captures the quirky essence of the Fringe. One man with a story to tell, one name, a low budget, and lots of talent.
Holyrood Too@Faith, 5 - 24 Aug (not 11,18 &19), 3.00pm (3.50pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 48.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

Funny Women Fringe Awards
Funny Women
Two of the three women I saw are, granted, very funny. Unfortunately the headlining act and Nivea Funny Women reigning champion, Katherine Ryan, was not. She didn't make me laugh, and nobody else in the audience was laughing either. It's a shame, as she followed two splendid comediennes and brought the show down in the end. I'm afraid I also found the compère, who struggled to hold the show together, patronising and grating. However, the opening act, Australian comedienne and mother of five Fiona O'Loughlin, was blissfully entertaining with her hilarious prods at her humongous Irish family. And sensational ventriloquist Nina Conti, with her cute and cheeky side-kick, Monk, can always be relied upon to baffle and amuse.
Pleasance Dome, 8 - 11 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 52.
tw rating 3/5
[da]

Geraldine Hickey - One Week In Paradise
PBH's Free Fringe
This Aussie lady's short show is not so much comedy as a frank, true story told by someone who just happens to be funny. There's a great attraction in true stories, and it is a bonus that Hickey's is more truth than exaggerated comedy yarn. Not everyone could turn their week in a psychiatric ward as a teenager into a show that entertains and moves, but she does it, and whilst oozing a genuine friendliness and exhibiting a desire to be liked beneath her sarcastic and blunt exterior. Warning that she is going to go 'a little dark on your arses', she doesn't spare us the details of bodily functions, self-harm and difficult personal moments, and holds a room's attention with her raw and refreshing material.
Nichol Edwards, 2 - 23 Aug (not 4,11,18), 4.45pm (5.35pm), free, fpp 54.
tw rating 4/5
[lr]

John Bishop - Cultural Ambassador
John Bishop
I'm part-Scouse. Not the part I like though, and my memories of Liverpool are not the most glowing. Like a comical promoter for the city, John Bishop talks us through his childhood, his own parenting, Liverpool's history, and how it has developed into The Capital of Culture. What is remarkable is that he is incredibly positive about change and progression, surprising to someone who, like me, has experienced the often sneery, undermining Liverpudlian attitudes towards culture. His honesty about Liverpool's collective responsibility for being founded on the slave trade is moving and poignant, and you could not fail to find his finale hilarious. He was repetitive in places, but overall effortlessly funny.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 10.20pm (11.20pm), prices vary, fpp 66.
tw rating 4/5
[gm]

Liam Mullone: In a Dead Man's Hat
Liam Mullone
I'm not sure if this is best described as comedy or a one-man-show with funny bits. Either way, Liam Mullone wants to tell us a story. Several stories, in fact, which tie into each other, more or less, at the end. The main story begins with a stripper from Pittsburgh stealing all his money and ends with Liam wearing a dead man's hat, conveniently enough, given the title of the show. Somewhere in-between he describes how, as a teenager, he very nearly acquired an impressive porn collection, only to be foiled by inclement weather. Seemingly everything he says is true, which may be his most outlandish claim of all. Nevertheless, this is a very entertaining way to spend an hour.
Gilded Balloon, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 12), 6.30pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 72.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

Seymour Mace In Testamental - Bible Stories Told By An Idiot
Stand Comedy Club
Blasphemy! He said Jehovah. It's refreshing to see no protest surrounding this jokey Geordie's guide to God; perhaps Christian Voice has stopped attacking freedom of speech and found something Christian to do with its time. As a third generation heathen I wasn't likely to be offended, but I did laugh as Mace mined the Bible for its absurdities, the jokes about circumcision being especially cutting... Mace's manner, a laid-back mate in the pub, means it feels like gentle fun rather than an aggressive attack, however, plus, he's creative, illustrating ideas with daft drawings and using the audience for a good vs. evil finale. One person did leave, but it was just to go to the toilet, perhaps induced by the laughing.
The Stand Comedy Club II, 1-24 Aug (not 11), 1.25pm (2.25pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 94.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

Sketchatron
www.sketchatron.co.uk
Only performing three dates this year at the Festival, 'Sketchatron' is definitely one to watch. Showcasing some of the best sketch comedy troupes to frequent the Fringe, the variety and talent of these performers is quite staggering, and the quality is unfailingly high. Particular highlights include a joyously silly sketch from Dmitri and Vassily, Russia's greatest living double act (except that one of them is from Georgia), and a showcase from Dead Cat Bounce, whose beautiful music and fast paced sketches were manic, brilliant fun. This has to be one of the best ways to enjoy comedy at the Festival, as it really gives you a taste of what's on offer. You'll be kicking yourself if you miss out.
Bedlam Theatre, 3, 10, 17 Aug, 3.00pm (4.15pm), £7.00 (£6.00), fpp 97.
tw rating 4/5
[af]

The Singing Sous'Chefs, Alive Again!
The Singing Sous'Chefs
Call me pernickety but when a show promises me singing, whether by chefs or crayons or even cabbages, I expect more than the odd burst of song. I enjoyed what musical interludes there were in this show but would have appreciated a lot more. All the more so because when the Sous'Chefs weren't singing, they were performing one of the dullest would-be funny scripts imaginable. With their invisible time-machine which needs audience participation to function, the Sous'Chefs travel to different periods in history and then... nothing happens. The greatest pity is that the three Sous'Chefs are great performers and would be very entertaining with better material. As it is, this is a panto for grown-ups which falls remarkably flat.
Assembly @ George Street, 3 - 9 Aug, 4.30pm (5.30pm), £10.00 (£5.00), fpp 96.
tw rating 2/5
[nv]

Stephen Grant- Second
Stephen Grant is clearly a fan of that old childhood chant, "First the worst, second the best..." He believes second is the best, because he's come second all his life. He just lost out on becoming the new presenter on Top Gear (fools!), he came second in his relationship, and got himself a second job as a comedian. Grant has a beautiful rapport with his audience, despite his slightly awkward mannerisms, and the laughs come rolling in thick and fast. The highlight is his warm-up stunt, a computer projected onto the screen that talks to members of the audience and gets them to shout answers back. It's truly hilarious how quickly you get used to chatting away to an inanimate object.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 6, 13), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 99.
tw rating 4/5
[je]

Shitty Deal Theatre Company's Complete History Of Oppressed People Everywhere!
Axis Of Evil Productions
This puppet show is strictly for adults. I've never envisaged a scenario where Bob the Builder and Barbie would be involved in explaining oppression, but they were here. A host of different puppets and dolls played the characters whilst the narrator explained how people have been oppressed, right from the time of Adam and Eve through to the present day. The puppeteers were able to give some characters facial expressions, which added immensely to the story, and the props were great too. Every joke had the audience howling with laughter, and, as I'm sure you can imagine, sometimes the off-the-cuff remarks and actions were the funniest. This show is very offensive and extremely rude, but it is also very funny.
The Vault, 4 Aug - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 12.15am (12.55am), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 95.
tw rating 4/5
[fa]

Simon Munnery's AGM 2008
Stand Comedy Club
This gig baffled me at first. Renowned comic Munnery is a great guy, affable and intelligent, but not really laugh-out-loud funny. He performed stories, sketches and a song, tapped everyone in the audience on the head with a spoon and recorded it with his camera phone, and talked to an inflatable parodic statue of Richard Dawkins. I got the feeling that he is a naturally funny guy, but that this particular material didn't fully do him justice. Yet I found myself having a good time; his show was still entertaining as it was interesting, thoughtful and varied. I wasn't roaring with laughter and neither was the audience - this is the sort of comedy that produces continuous waves of tittering rather than one big-bellied laugh.
The Stand Comedy Club, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 4.10pm (5.20pm), prices vary, fpp 96.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

Spank
James & Leon and Underbelly in Association with Comedybox
Spank? You love it! And we certainly did. This show provides everything you could hope for in a late night comedy showcase: cutting edge, filthy humour, a romp through some of the hottest comic talents at the Fringe, and a fifteen minute break in the middle for more beer. 'Spank' certainly know their audience. Despite the length and lateness of this show, the audience's attention was unfailingly captivated, and the compèring was superb. A particularly brilliant touch was the naked promo; nothing like a bit of full frontal nudity to get the audience going. This is an absolutely must-see show, a brilliant night out, and something that you will be talking about for the rest of the Festival and beyond.
Underbelly, 1 - 24 Aug, 12.00am (4.00am), prices vary, fpp 98.
tw rating 5/5
[af]

That Needs Cleaning
Comedy and That/PBH's Free Fringe
As sketch shows go, this is definitely one that has the potential to draw in a huge audience. The young cast of students have an undeniable talent that when put to good use, such as in the opening skit involving an Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman, provides us with some unadulterated comedy gold. Several of the sketches are a bit hit-and-miss, but on the whole you would be hard pushed to find a more enjoyable way to pass your ti me. It won't be long before this highly talented group of individuals fine-tune themselves and turn into a well-deserved hit, so take your chance to see them now, whilst they're still free. Yes, that's right, it costs nothing, so you've no excuse not to go.
The Canon's Gait, 2 - 24 Aug, 2.25pm (3.25pm), free, fpp 102.
tw rating 3/5
[zh]

We Want A Radio Show
Men With Characters/PBH's Free Fringe
Well, on this evidence, they may struggle to get one. There's something that feels a little dated about Mark and Dave's wacky double-act. I can't fault them for effort, but the material they were working with was just a bit too flimsy. There was a certain inevitability about their punchlines, a magician skit was predictable and dragged on a bit, whilst other sketches were lacking the frequency of quality gags that they so desperately needed. Mark and Dave themselves were enthusiastic enough, their timing is good and there are some nice moments here and there, but as a package it was wanting. Although admittedly, I couldn't suppress one or two schoolboy chuckles during a skit centred around a character named 'Mike Hock'.
The Canon's Gait, 2 - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 1.15pm (2.15pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 108.
tw rating 2/5
[th]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Behind The Mirror
Ad Infinitum
This was an absolutely fantastic and hilarious piece of physical theatre. The story being told through movement shows a kind of weird love triangle between a man, his reflection, and his girlfriend. Planning to propose to his girlfriend, he prepares a romantic candle-lit dinner, but the aforementioned reflection decides that he wants to be the one she marries and sets about sabotaging the evening. Using no props, no set, and very few real words, the performers effectively set the scene and tell the story in a humorous and interesting way. The way they used their bodies, the choreography and their voices was amazing. Innovative and inspiring, this was truly a sight to see.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 26 Aug (not 11), 12.15pm (1.15pm), prices vary, fpp 112.
tw rating 4/5
[lp]

The Other/The Adoption Papers
Martial Dance and MYDC in association with macrobert
This is a difficult double bill to comment on as the two performances were very different. 'The Adoption Papers' was the far more compelling piece, in my opinion, with its beautiful story, script, direction and the superb lead performances by Rhiannon Gibbons, Katie Laverty and Sophie O'Neill. Unfortunately, some dialogue was lost as their voices failed to project adequately, and chorus dance scenes lacked in enthusiasm as arms and legs were half-heartedly stretched. 'The Other', inspired by the feminist text 'The Second Sex', was fluid and accomplished but was accompanied by a monotonous score, and I left feeling more pissed off than empowered, which on second thoughts may be the whole point, really.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 6 - 9 Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 119
tw rating: 3/5
[bw]

Dybbuk
TR Warszawa
The dybbuk, according to Jewish folklore, is a restless dead soul that possesses a living person. A bride is possessed by her dead lover, and must choose whether to relinquish him in favour of an arranged marriage with a living groom. A young boy, killed in Holocaust, possesses his American half-brother who in exorcising his dybbuk, must choose whether to abandon the traumatic past he has left behind. TR Warszawa's production is an intense and visually stunning piece, blending the two stories beautifully together - one a folktale, one set in modernity. It's hard work to keep up with the English subtitles of this play performed in Polish, and those unfamiliar with Judaism might struggle, but hard work brings untold rewards from this richly exciting company.
Kings Theatre, 9 - 11 Aug, 7.30pm (9.30pm), prices vary, eifpp 8
tw rating 4/5
[je]

EVENTS

Whisky With ... Tutored Tasting
The Scottish Malt Whisky Society
Trying to follow our host describing the complexities of whisky-making is somewhat hindered by the effects of the complex flavoured 62.6% single cask single malt I'm sipping. Actually, I managed to follow most of what's being said, and the miniature distillery model helps to make it clear. As for tasting, my nose had a great time, with aromas from cinder toffee to pina colada wafting up my nostrils. Getting to drink the three very different whiskies wasn't bad either. The society's Queen Street headquarters are nearly as tasteful as their wonderful range of special whiskies and I found myself still there some time after the event was supposed to finish, sampling a fourth whisky. You just can't beat a dram.
The Scottish Malt Whisky Society - 28 Queen Street, 10, 24 Aug / The Vaults, 16, 28 Aug, 7.00pm (8.00pm), £14.00, fpp 131.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

Whiskey Bars
Bremner Duthie
Welcome to the dressing room, darlings, and to the cabaret that introduces the man who "played a hand against the universe and lost". This one-man show was dark, glitzy, dingy and sparkled with the life of a performer down on his luck. Written and performed by Bremner Duthie, it betrays the author's passion for Kurt Weill, whose music inspired the piece and permeates the show's central character. Duthie enters the stage in only a towel and proceeds to don make-up, top hat and tails as he narrates the story of his downfall to a fictional reviewer, supposedly in the audience. Innocent and at the same time far too world-weary, Bremner's voice was strong and beautiful. Darlings, life is a cabaret.
The Vault, 3-25 Aug (not 11, 18), 8.40pm, £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 179.
tw rating 4/5
[rs]

Tony!The Blair Musical
White Rose Theatre
Had the Tories ever decided to deliver their speeches in the form of a Barbershop Quartet, politics in Britain may have taken a different path this past decade. Thankfully then, and to our great advantage, they left the entertaining to the White Rose Theatre company, back again after a sell-out run last year, with their one hour show on the rise and fall of Labour's longest serving PM, Tony Blair. Every one of the six main actors holds their own and gives a spectacular performance, particularly Gavin Whitworth, who plays both John Prescott and George Bush, and James Duckworth, who gives a scarily (pause) accurate portrayal of (double pause) Tony Blair. The Labour Party will never look the same again.
Pleasance Dome, dates vary, 5.30pm (6.35pm), prices vary, fpp 179.
tw rating 4/5
[zh]

En-Suite Charity
The Uplifters
This is a perfectly lovely musical comedy. Emma spends her days working as an assistant in a charity shop, dreaming of musical stardom. By night she attends as many auditions as possible, including a socio-political interpretation of 'The Sound Of Music', but alas, she receives little other than knock backs. The cast don't take themselves too seriously, which is refreshing for a musical ensemble - even at one point taking the piss out of musicals through the medium of song - and everyone is blessed with natural charisma and striking vocals. Like many a musical before it, 'En-Suite Charity' vibrates with moralistic undertones, and in the often corrupt world we live in, this certainly is no bad thing.
Sweet Grassmarket, 31 Jul- 24 Aug, 8.35 pm (9.40pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp170.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

MUSIC

Camille: The Dark Angel
Camille O'Sullivan is utterly mesmerising, covering greats such as Frank Sinatra and Tom Waits with vulnerability, subtlety and fantastic energy. This is not simply cabaret, but true singing talent coupled with dollops of sex appeal. Throughout the evening she teases the audience with her husky Irish voice and bounces around the stage doing eccentric dinosaur impressions. Backed by a phenomenal live band, she never allows the evening to lose its sparkle, and ultimately leaves her audience spellbound. Camille O'Sullivan is a truly great performer at the top of her game, and by the end of the evening every woman in the audience wants to be her, and every man in the audience wants to be with her.
Assembly @ The Queen's Hall, 4 - 13 Aug, 10.00pm (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 143.
tw rating 5/5
[kk]

Edinburgh Renaissance Band: Music On the Move
Edinburgh Renaissance Band
If you've ever wondered what music sounded like during the Renaissance, here's your chance to find out. Set in the oldest concert hall in Scotland and featuring both song and dance, this is the perfect night out for history enthusiasts. Playing recorders, fiddles, cornets and harps, the company are visibly passionate about their music, whilst the director explains the origins of each song before it's played, helping the audience to understand what they are listening to. The songs range from traditional dances to 13th century French drinking songs, and feature beautiful soprano singing and dancing in traditional dress. Although not everyone's cup of tea, for those that are interested in this niche area, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience Renaissance music first-hand.
St Cecilia's Hall, 8 - 10 Aug, 7.30pm (9.00pm), £8.00 (£5.00), fpp 147.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Romantic Guitar
Luca Villani
I always enjoy it when a musician talks about their choice of pieces, and Luca Villani does this with knowledge and charm. Between each piece, he explains a little about the background of the composer, and gives a few interesting anecdotes. He describes how his choices range from pre-romantic to late romantic, essentially giving the audience a short lesson in classical guitar, and although not exceptional, his performance is both competent and enjoyable. A highlight was Ottorino Respighi's 'Variazioni Per Chitarra', which Villani has beautifully re-worked and completed. Villani is a delicate and skilled guitarist, but would be hard pushed compete with the originality and talent of Festival regulars such as Antonio Forcione.
Valvona & Crolla, dates vary, 1.00pm (2.10pm), £10.00 (£7.00), fpp 163.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Music At The Museum - Free
National Museum of Scotland
If you're not in town for very long, this is an excellent way to soak up some Scottish culture. Accomplished piper Alan Prentice is joined by the Stirling Ceilidh dancers for a wonderful display of Scottish music and dance. Clad in the traditional St Andrews, Stewart and Elliot tartan, the girls exude grace and skill as they glide though various national dances, which, Prentice explains, are different to Highland dances, which were made mostly for men to dance to. He also introduces each new dance with a historical snippet from Scotland's colourful past. The girls, meanwhile, invite the audience to partake in various social dances and while this is not compulsory, it is certainly a lot of fun.
National Museum of Scotland, 3 - 24 Aug, times vary, free, fpp 158.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

THEATRE

The Aluminum Show
Aluminum Show
This is already one of the most talked about shows on the Fringe. The spectacle is quite difficult to explain, and that's one of the many reasons why you simply have to take your sister, your postman and your dog. It is a visual extravaganza, combining dance, physical theatre, puppetry and special effects, all on a very grand scale. 'The Aluminum Show', a guaranteed grin extracting machine, is sure to tickle the fancy of any and every age bracket, but make sure to tell the smallest of smallies that it is all make believe because the fantasy element can sometimes become a bit intense. It can work out quite expensively, but boy, do that company work hard for their supper.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12, 19), prices vary, fpp 182
tw rating 4/5
[mb]

The Army Of Reason
Waver Hughes Ensemble
Ours is an age of heightened terror alerts. The Army of Reason is the side striking back against those fundamentalists who seek to silence the questioning of belief. The play opens with a scene depicting the night that the group is born, following the murder of a playwright whose new work questions Christian fundamentalism. The thought-provoking plot didn't bring any surprises, but yielded some questions as to what would happen if our right to freedom of speech was seriously called into question. At times the delivery lacked energy, other times it was as if the political aspects of the play were being pressed too strongly, and in the end it seemed a little pointless. Is that world really possible? Decide for yourself.
Pleasance Dome, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12, 18), 12.45pm (2.05pm), prices vary, fpp 184.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]

The Chinese State Circus
Urban Circus Ltd.
I am tempted to dock the Chinese State Circus a star for advertising "unbelievable motorcycles in the Globe of Death" and then not having a single motorcycle in sight, but I can't bring myself to do it. The quality of everything else that they presented was so stunning that it would be unfair. Astonishingly flexible acrobats, Shaolin warriors, aerial ballet dancers, Olympic hopefuls and delightfully entertaining Chinese lions all play their part to make this a dazzling spectacle, full of colour, music and thrills. The stunts are breathtaking, the pace never slackens, and every time you think you couldn't be any more amazed they find a way to do it. It might have been even better with motorcycles, though...
Meadows Theatre Big Tops, 5 Aug - 25 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 190.
tw rating 5/5
[jm]

Coming Up For Air
There's no doubting Orwell's taste for despair. The looming inevitability of WW2 provides the backdrop for 'Coming Up For Air', which sees George Bowling locked into his suburban existence, desperate to escape back to his childhood village. Inevitably, though, his old haunts have changed, the world has moved on and turned his favourite place into a rubbish dump. The bitterness caused by the raping of this personal cherished past is vividly portrayed by Dominic Cavendish's adaptation of Orwell's book and Hal Cruttenden's performance brings across the anger, resentment and ultimately fear of what's to come. Orwell's pessimistic prediction of machine guns poking from English windows may have been proved wrong, but 70 years on his work still rings with a chilling resonance.
Assembly Hall, 8 - 25 Aug, 11.00am (11.55am), £12.50 (£11.50), fpp 192.
tw rating 4/5
[rd]

A Drunk Woman Looks At The Thistle
Gilded Balloon Productions
'A Drunk Woman Looks At The Thistle'; the title pretty much says it all. An intoxicated lady discusses Scottish symbols, such as the thistle. In keeping with the themes of Hugh MacDiarmid's original poem 'A Drunk Man Looks At The Thistle', in her drunken tirade, she examines Scottish national identity and touches upon the debate about Scottish independence. Although well executed, the piece lacks a plot to keep the audience interested, and there is only a limited amount of time that you want to listen a drunk babble on. With lines like, 'I'm just a baby-cage with udders', it starts to stray into the realm of a clichéd feminist one-woman show. Additionally, the play requires an adequate knowledge of Scottish domestic affairs and therefore those who are not in the know should be cautious of attending.
Assembly @ George Street Theatre, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 5,12,19), 10.10pm (11.10pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Interactive Theatre Australia
I finally join the brunette at the table after being made to wait in the rain. Catering is a highly stressful business generally, but here the violent domestic problems of the couple who run it spill over into the dining area and onto our tables. Throw in their Spanish waiter and his escape-prone pet rat and you have an eating experience not dissimilar to trying to get food in a Japanese POW camp. However, rather than being left bored waiting for the food to arrive between courses, a battle will invariably break out between the tall acerbic host and either his domineering wife or the little Spaniard, or more often both. My compliments to Basil, Sybil and Manuel, the perfect tribute act.
B'est Restaurant, 4-24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp199.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

Footsbarn's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Footsbarn Theatre
The setting of Calton Hill (even though it was raining heavily) was a perfect backdrop for this interpretation of a Shakespeare classic, a show which boasts it all, from excellent choreography and timing to great costumes. The acting was first-class, and particularly commendable was the performance of the actor playing Puck, whose original take on the mischievous spirit was delightful to watch. The live music perfectly complimented the show and the reception of the audience was enough to indicate how much everyone enjoyed this fantastic piece of theatre. The only thing that let the show down was the occasional unclear speech of some of the actors, however, this did not deflect from the admirable talent of the ensemble. This show is definitely worth seeing.
Footsbarn's Big Top at Calton Hill, 6 - 25 Aug (except 12, 19), 7.30pm (9.30pm), prices vary, fpp 200.
tw rating 4/5
[kn]

Gift To The Future
Colin David Reese
John Heminges is the man who collated the first ever printed volume of all Shakespeare's work. Pleased with himself, he pours a celebratory drink and jokingly summons the ghosts of the future. And who plays these ghosts? That's right, the audience manage to clinch the roles. For the rest of the performance, he tells the audience about Shakespeare the man, not the poet, illustrating his stories with various excerpts from the plays. Although some of this was quite interesting, and you might even learn something new, it felt a little too like a History lecture: there was even someone taking notes and that guy at the back who can't quite manage to stay awake.
Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 17 Aug, 6.05pm (6.57pm), prices vary, fpp 201.
tw rating 2/5
[lp]

Mommie And The Minister
A Sisters Grimm Production, Presented By Three To A Room
A talking cat portrait, hairbrush masturbation and a brother and sister with a slightly unhealthy relationship; the Sisters Grimm cordially invite you to experience their disturbing vaudeville horror-comedy. Set in Mommie's basement, the siblings live out their lives in a Victorian fantasy world, plagued by imaginary friends and forbidden desires. This B movie inspired comedy romp is both smart and stylish and features some very humorous performances; the acting is mostly good, although at times you feel that everyone is trying to ham it up more with each line that they deliver. The set is intricate, and the use of lighting really adds to the dank, oppressive atmosphere. Quirky and kooky - if you like horror, you'll like this.
The Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 10.00pm (11.10pm), prices vary, fpp 217.
tw rating 3/5
[nb]

The Patriot Act
Green Room Presents
It's refreshing to see a political play that leaves a little ambiguity while also referencing 9/11, although it will still have all of the lefties in the audience fervently wishing for one outcome. An aging American playwright faces a tribunal accusing him of sedition. He is offered a deal: write an anti-terrorist play reinforcing government ideology and the sentence will be reduced, but this is not just a struggle of ideals; it reveals a deeper conflict between father and son. The central dialogue is tightly written, superbly acted, and engaging, and the inclusion of several different time frames and situations within one scene is well handled. It keeps you following every detail whether you have a political leaning or not.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 12:45pm (14:30pm), prices vary, fpp 222.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Autumn Of Love
American High School Theatre Festival
Part of me wants to say this was very good. This collection of monologues, focusing on the theme of love, were written and performed by high school students, and some of them were moving and captivating. Others were less so. I think it might have helped if it wasn't just the same two girls on stage again and again, because, although the stories and characters were very different, the performances were not. They needed something more than costume changes to define each piece. Also, with a monologue, so much hinges on the words and their delivery, with diction and enunciation being paramount; I found at times that some words were being lost in a rush of speech. Still, the scriptwriting was quality.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 10 - 14 Aug (not 13), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 184.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show
White Room Theatre and Film
Enjoy a fabulous selection of internationally acclaimed 10 minute plays, rotating over 3 day cycles. If you were as impressed as me with the charming performances and delightful content - as well as the scrumptious mini breakfast of fresh croissant, coffee and strawberries - you can come again the next day for a whole new set of tales. The acting is superb on all counts and the performance had the audience captivated. I found myself gasping in horror during 'Waiting For Hashim', having totally suspended my disbelief. I felt for the characters almost immediately, especially in 'Sleepless Nights', in which I cried with joy at the loving resolution. Moving, amusing and thought provoking, and well worth a visit or two.
Roman Eagle Lodge, 4 - 24 Aug, 10.30am (11.25am), £8.00 (£6.50), fpp 186.
tw rating 4/5
[da]

Adam Smith - Making Poverty History
The Radicals
This docudrama really highlighted for me the sense of community and togetherness that has served as the Fringe's basic premise for decades; a group of local folk joined forces to pay homage to the Scottish enlightenment's key figures, an educational piece in its portrayals of David Hume and Adam Smith, and relevant in its ideas of the modern world. It was obvious that the actors had had little time to prepare for the performance, but they still effectively pulled it off with heart-warming resilience. I really took to the performance after a slow start, which may be reflected by a lengthy performance time. This is a poignant reminder of the excellent things that normal people can achieve.
St Mark's artSpace, 10, 16, 24 Aug, 05.00pm (06.20pm), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 180.
tw rating 3/5
[km]

Molière's 'Tartuffe'
Greene Shoots Theatre
The direction of this highly physical production of Molière's Tartuffe captures and ignites the frenetic energy of the original seventeenth-century French comedy. The story of the foolish patriarch Orgon, duped into giving all he owns to the slimy priest Tartuffe, was relocated very effectively into a modern executive world of suits and swivel chairs, where paparazzi constantly hounded and Tartuffe promised not only salvation but UN diplomacy. Inspired prop usage and a minimal but well-designed set meant that the cast's movement was focused on and the farcical elements of the original work were highlighted. The rhyming script was funny and punchy, and the acting lively and expressive, creating all-in-all a very impressive youth production.
C, 10 - 16 Aug, 11.15am (12.15am), prices vary, fpp 217.
tw rating 4/5
[lr]

The Expert at the Card Table
Chocolate Factory Productions
'The Expert at the Card Table' is the ultimate book of card trickery and wizardry. First published in 1902, it has never been out of print, and watching this show, it's easy to understand why. Written and performed by Guy Hollingworth, the show combines demonstrations of some of the techniques described, with the story of the men who first created them. It's a story of corruption, hustling and murder; the darker side of magic. Meanwhile, what Hollingworth can do with cards has to be seen to be believed. With the extraordinary ability his mind and hands display, you know to believe him when he says there's only one foolproof way to avoid being hustled at cards: Don't play for money.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 3.35pm (4.35pm), prices vary, fpp 199.
tw rating 4/5
[nv]

Hitler Alone
Paul Webster
This one-man-show features what must be one of the most intense and vibrant performances in this year's Fringe. As actor and writer, Paul Webster tries to recreate Adolf Hitler's final moments as his power slips away and he prepares to meet his inglorious end. Yet I sensed that Hitler's unparalleled global profile was a hindrance to the script, making any personal interpretation of the raw material of his life problematic. Instead, the play is something of a history lesson, as Hitler discusses his past glories and disappointments. From the Munich Putsch to the July Bomb Plot, the rise and fall of Nazi Germany is described through his eyes. There's little of surprise here but it is an interesting, powerful piece nonetheless.
Inlingua Edinburgh, 3 - 24 Aug, 9.30pm (10.45pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 204.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

More Or Less Ourselves
Imprint Theatre Company
What could have been a poignant and tragic exploration of memory loss, domestic violence, and siblings reunited seemed more like a pre-teenage adventure novel, with two-dimensional characters and a mystery, the solution to which was not hinted at but laboriously repeated. The production combined dialogue between the two actors with monologues in the first, second and third person, all directed out to the audience, which made it hard to relax. Ultimately, I didn't believe in the protagonists, their motives, or their actions and reactions, and when the brother cross-dressed to play the mother, and the sister cross-dressed to play the father, it seemed to render farcical those moments which should have been sensitive.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 1.15pm (2.15pm), prices vary, fpp 217.
tw rating 2/5
[gm]

Now Is The Hour
Crossroads Theatre
Being lost on board a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean is always a bit of a drama. I have no personal experience of this, but if you're in any doubt, it might be worth watching this theatre production, based on real life events compiled from the memoirs of Doris Hawkins, survivor of the Laconia Incident. The depiction of this event is bound to be traumatic, as the numbers on board ship rapidly decrease and delirium sets in, but the two things that struck me most were these: firstly, how people always reveal their deepest feelings in the direst circumstances, and secondly, how British people's first thoughts are always with tea or gin and tonic whenever things go wrong. Those considerations aside, this production has been well staged and performed, with great use of space and props.
Hill Street Theatre, 1 - 25 Aug (not 13, 20), 4.05pm (5.15pm), £11.00 (£9.00), fpp 219.
tw rating 4/5
[mj]

Wanderlust
Anonymous Ensemble
How many shows have you been to where you get given a shot of alcohol? I'm guessing that for most of you, it's none, which immediately sets Wanderlust apart from the crowd. In this show, 10 foot 'Bavarian' Hilda welcomes us and takes us on a strange journey. We are required to dance, hum, throw snowballs at and massage one another. There is something of the Cabaret about this dark, late-night entertainment that borders on sinister, as vertiginous Hilda booms out orders on her microphone until we feel like mere minions. This is possibly the weirdest show you will be involved in at the Festival, and you will either love it and cry for more or want to flee into the night.
Underbelly, 2 - 24 Aug, (not 11), 11.30pm (12.30am), (prices vary) fpp 241.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

The Three Musketeers
Faultless and Torrance
Two women seem like an unlikely cast for Dumas' classic silly romp about four swashbuckling Frenchmen, but Faultless and Torrance did well here, presenting all the characters, from gallant young D'Artagnan to the dastardly camp cardinal with a fast-paced flourish of plumes and rapiers. There was a sense, though, of two kids playing dress-up, which I sometimes found a little grating, particularly as some jokes became laboured with overuse. If their repartee was as snappy as their character changes the whole thing would gel a lot better. Nonetheless, the pair certainly had chemistry and their daft antics were reminiscent of some Radio 4-style comedies or a well-done panto - not brilliant, but good silly fun.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 13), 12.40pm (1.40pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 236.
tw rating 3/5
[sh]

Mildred And Francesca In The Gobi Desert
Margot, Rupert And Lisa Productions
There's something distinctively staid in the performance of an ex-priest, especially when she has a lectern and she starts the show by pouring tea. Lisa Wright plays missionary Mildred Cable in a retrospective monologue based on Cable's book about 14 years of traversing the Gobi Desert spreading the gospel. The message is one of refreshing cultural understanding as she describes the wonders of the desert and the various communities that inhabit it. The meticulous descriptions of these snippets of desert life, however, are static and unceasingly wistful. For those whose wandering days are over, this might be a pleasant start to the day, but a younger crowd may feel the need to stretch their legs and do their own exploring.
The Vault, 4 - 25 Aug (not 10, 11, 17, 18 or 24), times vary, £6.50 (£5.00), fpp 216.
tw rating 2/5
[jwm]

Life At The Molecular Level
Present Attempt
I really wish I could give this show a better review because the three performers seem like genuinely nice, funny guys. Sadly, however, this is an hour-long example of how not to entertain. From the moment they first sashayed on stage sporting vests, pants and baseball caps, it looked like we might be onto a winner - a fun, wacky comedy. Instead, they upped the wacky while sucking out virtually all of the funny. There were occasional highlights: the enthusiastic karaoke; the mimed plummeting of Joseph William Kittinger; and the earnest explanations of the props used. Sadly, the performance as a whole was as entertaining as watching a microwave cook a meal - literally so, as this does comprise a large part of the show.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 1.15pm (2.15pm), prices vary, fpp 212.
tw rating 1/5
[al]

Lichentongue
Fluff Productions
There is something electrifying about this show; the set is striking, and the calibre of acting displayed by the all-female cast is extremely high. The play introduces us to Thora Lichentongue - risque chat show host - and depicts her fall from grace when a young computer programmer introduces advanced technology into her life, leading to an exploration of what makes us human, and technology's detrimental affect on art. The message is not particularly original, yet it is put over in a novel, exciting way, and the writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. The central performance by Emily North is superb - idiosyncratic, vulnerable, and well observed whilst special mention should be made of Ailsa Ilott's Lyndsay, who is beautifully awkward and subtle.
Underbelly, 31 Jul-24 Aug (not 13), 1.15pm (2:15pm), prices vary, fpp 211.
tw rating 5/5
[dk]

Free Outgoing
Royal Court Theatre International Playwrights - A Genesis Project
There has been a huge amount of hype about this play, the story of a respectable Indian family devastated by teenage daughter Deepa's sexual relationship. The girl is filmed by her boyfriend on his mobile, a video which spreads rapidly until it seems the whole country is talking about it or watching it. Lolita Chakrabarti plays the formidable matriarch whose delusion about her model daughter becomes distress when the enormity of what has happened begins to unfold. The production does lose its momentum occasionally, but for most of it I was thoroughly involved in the action. This is an intriguing look at antiquated moral attitudes in a supposedly progressive country, and the far-reaching consequences of subversion.
Traverse Theatre, 1 - 24 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), times vary, prices vary, fpp201.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

Fear Of Projection
Infamists
This comedy stems from a simple idea, which is incidentally highly original and very well presented. Basically, a man and his projector forge something slightly more sexual than a platonic relationship, and what could be more straightforward than that? The idea may be basic, but the content, of course, is brilliantly bizarre. Drew Davis is beautifully convincing as nerdy lecturer Edward, bumbling his way through an hour of perfectly timed jokes and unique material that really offers something to get excited about. For me, this really captures the essence of the Fringe: innovative and quirky material accessible on a budget, and an edgy venue on the seventh floor of a hotel. A well-hidden secret that more people should indulge in.
The Space@Jurys Inn, 1 - 23 Aug (not 10 and 17), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp199.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

'By The Way' By Noelle Renaude
ChoppedLogic
This gentle play is a poetically composed journey through shared grief and mother-child relationships. Following the deaths of their mothers, and accompanied by the dulcet tones of their sat-nav, two friends drive across France in search of the sea and respite from sorrow. They find neither. Stavros Demetraki and Kevin O'Loughlin give heartfelt performances as these perturbed friends and a host of characters met along the way, O'Loughlin's face particularly speaking volumes without him having to utter a word. The staging is refreshingly concise, allowing space for the patterns of memory to form, but most interesting is the contrast of the bewildered consciousnesses of our protagonists with the comic surety of the sat-nav's (almost maternal) guidance.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 2.05pm (3.05pm), prices vary, fpp 189.
tw rating 4/5
[dp]

The Bang Gang
Bad Fox Theatre Company
Three asylum patients are treated by a psychotherapist with a musical theatre obsession and a strange bedside manner in this dark, humorous piece. Despite a confusing opening and an abrupt ending it is easy to become attached to these wounded characters, although more time with each of them would have given the play greater depth and allowed for more of the poignant moments which were the highlights of the piece. The actors were accomplished and focused, capturing the inner conflict of people who are not yet ready to get better, and if this play undergoes any further development it is to be hoped that it will do so with the same cast. A must-see if you believe musicals and madness are linked!
Zoo Southside, 1 - 22 Aug, 7.00pm (8.10pm), £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 184.
tw rating 3/5
[jm]

Beyonce - Stop Punching Robbie!
Cecilia Delatori
Stressed nursery teacher Janice is desperately trying to cope with her younger teaching nemesis, an impending divorce, and the exploits of one of her small charges, Beyonce Dimmock, madam extraordinaire. The parents aren't much better ("Beyonce seems to have a problem with swearing, Mrs Dimmock". "Well I don't fucking know where she gets it from!"), and the incident at the Bethnal Green Canal History Museum does little to help matters. The brilliant script was accompanied by perfectly suited expressions and voices, from the annoyingly chirpy Praising Voice to the feared-by-all Cross Voice. I was amused throughout, and I was impressed that Delatori managed to hold the audience's attention despite the gunshots from the stage next door. Required viewing for teachers and parents everywhere.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 1.15pm (2.15pm), prices vary, fpp 186.
tw rating 4/5
[rg]

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