On the very edge - from the Fringe's music strand, left to right, Kristin Hersh, Sergeant and Nouvelle Vague. More on The Edge festival here. Photos: Kat Gollock

NEW FUNDING FOR SCOTS AT THE FRINGE
Good news for Scottish-based performers who could be getting a share of £200,000 being dished out by the Scottish government to help showcase home-grown talent at future Fringe festivals. The money will be distributed to dance and theatre companies based in Scotland under a new programme called Made In Scotland. The loot comes out of £6 million in 'Expo aid' (whatever that is) earmarked for this fair nation.

The country's Culture Minister told reporters: "The Made in Scotland showcase will be a fantastic shop window for Scottish-based performing artists. During the festivals we attract culture lovers from around the world and the Expo Fund is a great opportunity to show what fantastic performers we have right here. Made in Scotland will allow talented artists who may not have otherwise been able to perform to bring their most ambitious work to the Fringe".

LENNOX DROPS OUT OF POLITICS FEST
Talking of Scottish politics, it's the Festival Of Politics next week, the four-day festival of discussion and debate which will take place in the Scottish Parliament down there next to Holyrood Palace. And after a relatively low-key programme last year, the whole thing is back up to speed this year and well worth checking out. Look out for our Festival Of Politics 3 to see in next week's weekly edition.

I can tell you now, though, that one of our Politics Festival recommends won't be Annie Lennox - not because we don't want to hear the former Eurythmic talk about her work helping to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa. Rather, we won't recommend her because her headline spot at the festival has been cancelled.

Organisers of the festival announced today that the singer had had to pull out for health reasons - reports suggest Lennox suffered some kind of back spasm while attending an AIDS conference in Mexico City, and although back in the UK shes been advised not to make the journey up to Edinburgh. Lennox was "hugely disappointed" not to be able to take part, a spokesperson added.

Speaking for the festival, Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson told reporters: "For decades, Annie Lennox has put the health of women in Africa at the heart of her work. Whilst our Festival will naturally miss her, it is only right she is able to concentrate on her own health for a time. We wish Annie well".

BYRNE IS MR HEALTHY
Ed Byrne is the healthiest comedian at the Fringe. Well, he's the healthiest of the fifteen comedy types who took part in a Festival health check this week. The impromptu body checks were part of a campaign by Unison and the Leicester Comedy Festival to encourage performers at the Fringe to look after their health.

Various nurses performed various health checks on the amassed comedy folk, with Bryne being deemed most healthy. Matt Kirshen and Tom Roden from New Art Club both reportedly also scored highly in the checks. There's been no word on who came last, though Carl Donnelly's name has been bandied around. And according to the BBC, while Zoe Lyons was heard leaving the medical centre saying "I'm off to buy some broccoli", Janey Godley reportedly responded to the whole health check trauma by announcing "I'm off for a ciggy".

PLEASANCE CHIEF JOINS SCAVANGER HUNT EXTRAVAGANZA
Former Pleasance chief Christopher Richardson has been announced as one of the judges on a Festival scavanger hunt that is taking place today (Friday), and in which hundreds of Festival-goers are set to work their way round Edinburgh looking to beg, borrow or steal (well, hopefully not steal) a collection of objects set by the hunt's organisers. Richardson and a team of other judges will decide which of the scavangers has best met their brief, and in doing so choose who should win the £2000 prize and the pleasure of seeing their scavanged items displayed at the City Art Centre. The hunt will kick off on Friday 15 Aug at 2pm outside the aforementioned art centre on Market Street.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today...
ThreeWeeks columnist and mind-reader extraordinaire Chris Cox

1. What is your 2008 show all about? It's me titting around on stage making it look like I can read minds, whilst still maintaining that I can't actually read minds. This year I'm attempting to control the universe (obviously, the universe being the people in The Pleasance at 6.20 every night). 2. Why should we come and see it? Because you'll get some straight-up hardcore mind reading action, also if you love cox, then this is the show for you... and if you're a fan of puns upon the fact my surname is cox, then you'll be in for a treat. 3. If your show was an olympic sport, what would it be and why? Rowing... Obviously... As it's the only show in Edinburgh that contains a cox. 4. What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival? Having a month in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, getting to discover brand new funny people, see old favourites and finally go up King Arthurs Seat.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
Apart from making the time to see my show, speak to flyer-ers to find out about the shows they're shoving down your throat, if they can't sell it, it's probably not worth seeing. Try to avoid the Royal Mile if you're in a rush to get anywhere, and remember, it's not the Fringe if you've not sat through at least one show that you've thought about walking out from.

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
If you're performing, Vocal Zones and going mmmmmmmmmmmm in various pitches before a show, keep your voice in tip top shape, if you're just coming to watch, then remember we're all here to have fun, so laugh, enjoy yourself, have a drink or two, and remember, you're probably going to be back next year... it's more addictive than coke, smack and/or Haribo.

8. Describe your show in three words
Magic, psychology, lying.

Chris Cox: Control Freak, Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 6.20pm (7.20pm), prices vary, fpp 38.

Even more reviews for you! Some, though not all, of these also appeared in edition 13 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 - 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

BOOKS

Menzies Campbell
Meet the Author
There's something fascinating about a politician speaking publicly about his private life once party politics have been removed. An excellent raconteur, Campbell spoke with perspective about his life as an athlete, at the bar, and about his relationship with his father - suggesting that his father's alcoholism helped him to understand and step in when Charles Kennedy stood down as leader of the Liberal Democrats. As well as commenting on current affairs, he spoke with a wisdom which one hopes will come to us all when we reach a certain age. "I'm a liberal,' he said "I might fall out of sympathy with the Liberal party, but I'm never going to fall out of sympathy with liberalism."
RBS Main Theatre, 11 Aug, 6.30pm, bfpp11.
[js]

Yiyun Li
Yiyun Li barely spoke English when she emigrated to Iowa from Beijing in 1997, yet she has just finished her first novel and her collection of short stories, 'A Thousand Years of Good Prayers' is already receiving numerous prizes and accolades. Based on these successes and the strong characters in her stories, I expected her to be a fiery, even intimidating speaker, yet she was incredibly modest and softly spoken. Most of the talk involved an engrossing reading from her latest novel, which has much of the trademark gentle-yet-somehow-shocking quality of her short stories, described as 'eavesdropping on society'. I look forward to more of the same when her novel comes out next February.
ScottishPower Studio Theatre, 11 Aug, 7pm, bfpp 12.
[sh]

CHILDREN'S SHOWS

Haroun And The Sea Of Stories
Plan B Productions
As this show is adapted from Salman Rushdie's novel, it's no surprise that it's a rich feast of ideas, wrapped up in beautifully wrought language. A story about the importance of story-telling, there is a subtle self-reflexivity to the piece which the energetic cast manage to convey with aplomb. The tale's events function both as an allegory, and as demonstration of the power of figurative language; crucially, the big ideas never get in the way of the simple, lucid plot and the colourful fun on-stage. Adults may well pick up on the self-conscious, instructional literacy of the piece, while children will love the singing, dancing and clowning around. At the end, parents and children alike will applaud the (inevitable) happy ending, albeit for different reasons.
Diverse Attractions, 11 - 16 Aug, 11.30am (12.15pm), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 13.
tw rating 4/5
[al]

The Ultimate Fairytale
Bahookies
Professor Hinglebottom and her team of energetic researchers invite all children and ex-children to help in their quest for the ultimate fairytale... and do not disappoint! The show is a delight for young and old, achieving the difficult balance between entertaining children whilst also providing more adult jokes to keep the parents occupied. It has it all, from princesses with attitude and Hansel and Gretel's evil neddy stepmother, to Jeffrey Vine, a fairytale talk show host with his own problems. The 'commercial break' also provided some fast-paced comedy moments, complementing the already remarkable show. The young performers are impressively professional and their original and entertaining adaptations were hilarious. Their formula for the ideal fairytale was spot on.
Quaker Meeting House, 11 - 16 Aug, 11:30am (12:30pm) £6.00 (£3.00), fpp 19.
tw rating 4/5
[kn]

COMEDY

Ian Stone - Where's The Down
Ian Stone
Unsurprisingly, for a comedian, Ian Stone likes a good old moan. He's looking for the downside in life, a point he makes clear from the outset, so don't go expecting to hear about ducks, pillows or duvets. Stone thinks there's a lot to be down about in the world, but frankly, it's hard to feel down when you're laughing so much. It's not cutting edge material; Gordon Brown is covered, as are organic chickens, but it's all well honed and brilliantly delivered, and Stone proves that he can mine a moan from anything: he even hates the friendliness of countryside folk who say "hello" as they pass. All the more ironic, then, that his show left little to moan about. A wonderfully,whimsical whiner.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6,13), 10.40pm (11.40pm), prices vary, fpp 60.
tw rating 4/5
[pl]

Hollywould...But Doesn't Think She'll Bother
Holly Burn/ Laughing Horse Free Festival
My god, I've seen some rubbish in my time but rarely anything that forces me to lie in a darkened room with a cold flannel and a bottle of whisky afterwards. At this point in the review I'd usually try and offer some description of what Holly Burn did on stage, but I literally have no idea what this was about. Burns talks in a variety of excruciating fake accents so impenetrable, I could barely make out a word, and the bits I did catch still made no sense. The best thing about this show was that it was only 40 minutes long, but that's a 40 minutes of my life I'll begrudge Burn forever. Holly doesn't think she'll bother? Correct, and neither should you.
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 6.00pm (6.40pm), free, fpp 58.
tw rating 1/5
[je]

Jake Yapp's Bum Notes
Jake Yapp/PBH's Free Fringe
There is something beguiling about Jake Yapp. Perhaps it is his innocent demeanor and kooky little songs. Perhaps it is the way he greets the audience with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. But behind the smile is an intelligent wit and a dry and dirty sense of humour. His subtly self-deprecating style is in-keeping with current comedy trends but he fleshes it out with music and clever song-writing, the material varying from everyday observations to off-the-wall songs about fishermen, but all is engagingly delivered. This is a thoroughly decent example of free comedy, a rare gem in what is all too often a mediocre affair. And it comes recommended not only by me but by Jake's parents who are present throughout!
The Dragonfly, 2 - 23 Aug, 4.20pm (5.10pm), free, fpp 62
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

John Gordillo: Divide& Conga
John Gordillo
John Gordillo has a father complex which, in a festival littered with shows alluding to Oedipal complexes, is rather novel. His show gives new life to the tired maxim that the personal is the political; the personal in his case being a domineering father who grew up in Franco's Spain and sees "Hitler bastards" everywhere he looks. This is not so much stand up as political polemic occasionally punctuated with puns, so it won't, understandably, be everyone's cup of tea; it's no shame, however, as, unlike some comedians, Gordillo offers more than just cheap Bush gags. He's no Mark Thomas, but what you do get is an honest, sideways look at family and fundamentalism, and the flaws inherent in both.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 8.45pm (9.45pm), prices vary, fpp 66.
tw rating 4/5
[pl]

Lloyd Langford: Not A Lover, Not A Fighter
Lloyd Langford
The Scots, English and Irish (oh, especially the Irish) may be everywhere this Festival, but that other nation of the British Isles should not be forgotten amongst the comedy throng. The Welsh may not have the numbers of the English, the home advantage of the Scots or the drunken charm of the Irish, but Lloyd Langford shows, with modest grace, that the Welsh can be just as funny. His likable self-effacing approach makes his wistful tales all the more believable, and it's also all the more effective when he balances on that thin line of decency. This is an assured Fringe debut, that may not be as original as others, yet still bodes well for Welsh comedy.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 6.35pm (7.35pm), prices vary, fpp 73.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Luke Toulson: There Are So Many Things I Can't Do
Luke Toulson
One way to judge a comedian is by how they handle their hecklers. Luke Toulson had the joy of the drunken Donald who shouted "pussy!" at random. Toulson mastered him with grace and humour (mainly humour) and his relaxed and conversational show continued to flow easily from theme to theme. He's someone you'd like to go to the pub with; frank yet charming despite, or perhaps because of, the self-deprecation which laces many of his gags. This was pretty standard observational humour, but he came up with some witty solutions to the world's major problems, and is an insightful and adaptable personality. As he joked, about his run in the Pleasance cellar, maybe one day the Fringe will let him perform above ground.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 9.45pm (10.40pm), prices vary, fpp 74.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

Markus Birdman: Sympathy For The Devil
Markus Birdman
If my father had been a vicar, I would hope that I'd turn out as cutting and knowledgeably rebellious as Markus Birdman. Unashamedly atheist, despite (or perhaps due to) his father's work, Birdman preaches the hypocrisy of religion with humorous aplomb that takes in ill-informed evangelists in Florida and nights out involving cocaine snorting midgets. Christianity may be a familiar topic for comedians to rant about, but Birdman has more reason than most to discuss it, and he does it all so pleasantly, you could imagine even the Pope might laugh along. There's purpose and passion in each sentence, and though the subject may be tired, the comedy never is. Splendidly silly, yet with telling insight.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 8.20pm (9.20pm), prices vary, fpp 76.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Neil Delamere: Crème Delamere
Lisa Richards in Association with Edcom8
"A man talking about things" is the underwhelming introduction to this affable, Irish comic. It's justified, because there's not much of a theme here, just some things he finds funny. And it works. As Delamere chatted with the audience, this show probably got more laughs than it really deserved, just because the comedian is such an effortless, charming raconteur. Despite his assertions that "what you see on TV is different to what you can do on stage", there was a comfortable, familiar feel to the whole thing. Mostly hilarious, but with a few too many easy targets, and there was a thirteen year old boy in the audience whose mum had some serious explaining to do when they got home!
Assembly@George Street, 2 - 25 Aug (not 11), 8.45pm (9.45pm), prices vary, fpp 80.
tw rating 4/5
[gs]

Nick Revell - Sleepless
Nick Revel In Association With AM Entertainments
I would love Nick Revell to read me my daily paper, and share his strong, informed opinion. How funny his informed opinion is may be open to question, however; there are moments when he creates big laughs but they're not quite big enough, nor are they consistent. His show, best described as a list of things that make him angry, explores everything from birdsong to waterboarding to climate change; and though he strays beyond topical buzzwords and into the realms of politics, he never quite gets angry enough. When he is perturbed, he resorts to swearing, which is not offensive but is disappointing. As a comic he is not as funny as some, but, if he worked his wit and intellect a bit more, he might become a genuinely must-see comedian.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 6.45pm (7.45pm), prices vary, fpp 81.
tw rating 3/5
[rh]

Polsom and Sankey Podcast
P.S. Production/ PBH's Fringe
This is another one of those 'looks good on paper' shows that turn out to be quite different in reality. Polsom and Sankey are two nice girls who invite a different Fringe act to come and chat to them everyday about nothing in particular. The hosts are quite witty, but this type of show is extremely reliant on the quality of guest, and they were rather lacklustre when I went; that being the case, it's in their favour that the girls had the good sense to end the show after less than a half hour. What it shows, though, is that this event is, by its very nature, destined to be hit or miss. I hope the girls will come back and do a show by themselves at some point, though, because their potential really shone through.
Beehive Inn, 2 - 23 Aug, 12.15 pm (1.15pm), free, fpp 88.
tw rating 2/5
[mb]

Race Off
Comic Angels
Half hour of stand up for free: not very funny, just as its not a waste of money. Brett O'Shaughnessy, hailing from the east end of London, is energetic and talented, but felt out of place. Good material should create a bond between the audience and performer through recognition, but the crowd didn't seem able to connect with tales of drug addicts and cockney mythology. The comedian went on to elaborate and exaggerate, and completely alienated the room, full of mostly perplexed tourists. Sajeela Kershi was mundane with only one funny idea, and even that was nothing to get excited about. Not even remotely funny, nor well themed, neither act should be too proud. But as a free show it can at least offer shelter from the rain.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not10), times vary, free, fpp 89.
tw rating 1/5
[rh]

The Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show
Scratch
The beauty of improvised comedy is that when it clicks it can be some of the quickest, wittiest comedy of all. But instead of clicking, the Scratch improv troupe spend the majority of their show making a damp sort of 'plib'. All the performers have the confidence and basic know-how to keep a scene running and a few laughs coming, but technical niggles, such as repeated contradictions in the attempted long form musical, and a reliance on the same improv games as everyone else, put them at a distance from the masters of the genre. John Mawer and keyboardist Phil Lunn show talent and no doubt on some nights the show works. But when I saw it there were too many plibs, and not enough clicks.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug, 6.40pm (7.40pm), £8.50 (£7.00), fpp 90.
tw rating 3/5
[rd]

Rosie Wilby: I Am Nesia
Rosie Wilby
How will you remember this show? Well, your episodic memory will tell you the time and date while your semantic memory will remind you that it was packed with witty, conversational and at times controversial humour. Exploring the concept of memory, or lack of it, this spoof lecture has a few big scientific words but finds its comedy in Rosie's personal anecdotes: her turbulent love-life, her coming out as a lesbian and her drunken deviance. Although she emphasises the fact that "it's not about me", it so is, and I think you'll find her kinky science teacher image, complete with lab coat, safety goggles and bikini, hard to forget no matter how many memory eraser jelly beans you eat on your way out.
Sweet Teviot Place, 1 Jul - 24 Aug (not 10), 5.00pm (5.50pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 92.
tw rating 4/5
[sg]

Edinburgh Harvest Festival
HF Productions
If this is the future of comedy then let us forgo the formalities of the apocalypse and, naked, haul ourselves upon hellfire letting damnation rain upon us. Not just bad, this show was abysmal; there hasn't been a car crash this bad since Paris 1997. A simple joke would have been nice, just one punchline. From four separate stand ups, the only funny moment came when an audience member quipped about how terrible the writing was. Performers on stage reading a script - just awful. It's not that I didn't 'get' anything, there were no ironic layers - just bad writing, poor performance and you have to pay for the privilege. Probably best to avoid - makes a nuclear holocaust feel like light relief.
Sweet Teviot Place, 1 - 25 Aug, 2.30pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 148
tw rating 1/5
[rh]

Impro Jam: The Karaoke Of Comedy
The London Impro Jam
Ever been to an improv show and thought "I could do that"? This show provides a great opportunity for you to get onstage in a supportive and 'safe' environment. Most of the show is a mix of comedians and audience volunteers picked from a hat performing improvised scenes, each played with a certain twist. This is a good idea in theory, however, fairly obviously, some of the punters leaping onto the stage will not be that funny, and these are the people who are most often looked to for the lines. The show also features guest improvisers who will not have performed together before, and the resultant show is amusing rather than hilarious - especially if you're not taking part.
C Soco Urban Garden, 1 - 25 Aug, 5.45pm (6.45pm), prices vary, fpp 60.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

(James Mason Is Not) Bill Hicks & (Bobby Carroll Ain't No) Richard Pryor - Free
James Mason & Bobby Carroll
This show can be encapsulated in a single word: almost. Two almost funny men each do almost fifteen minutes of comedy that is almost good. James Mason's voice is almost not annoying and his humour is almost politically incorrect. Bobby Carroll is almost too old for his knob gags and was almost better at raising laughs than a particular member of the audience (now he was funny...). Unfortunately, 'almost' simply isn't good enough when it comes to stand up. However, I almost laughed a few times and I almost felt bad when jokes fell flat. One aspect of the show which is undeniably not 'almost' is the title: these two are most definitely nothing like Bill Hicks or Richard Pryor.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 3 - 25 Aug, 1.30pm (2.00pm), free (non-ticketed), fpp 63.
tw rating 2/5
[ks]

John Smith Free In Sick And Twisted
PBH's Free Fringe
Moderately sick and twisted, yes - but I was expecting a mass exodus towards the door, or at very least the bar. Geordie comedian John Smith was in fact entertaining, a grass roots comedian with a personal touch, throwing in crude, rude, and great bad taste gags and anecdotes. Dark, but friendly and intimate, and with a guest comedienne appearance, Smith's set was highly enjoyable, and he was clearly happy to have a warm receptive audience that didn't immediately flee from the glut of rape and amputee jokes. If you're like me (either having a soft spot for bad taste, or for the taste of soft alcohol), his set is an enjoyable, fun hour of indulgence, and very much on the dark side.
Nicol Edwards, dates vary, 6.00pm (7.00pm), free, fpp 66.
tw rating 4/5
[ab]

Nick Doody - Tour of Doody
Nick Doody
Gillian Gibbons' ears must be burning. Although pardoned for her role in the 'Muhammad' teddy bear fiasco she has been sentenced to become the butt of countless comedian's jokes at the Edinburgh Fringe. Nick Doody has jumped on this bandwagon, but he has something that the others can only dream of - he has the bear! Intelligent gags seem to just spill out of his mouth. Doody, I mean, not the bear. Or do I? Either way, skip the gym and go to this instead. It's way more fun and I guarantee that your abs will get an equal workout through the torrents of laughter that you won't be able to contain.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 6 or 13), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 81.
tw rating 4/5
[mb]

The Rules Of Drama And Suspense With Bronya And Siony
Bronya And Siony
Any show that hands out biscuits gets my vote. As the Jaffa Cakes do the rounds, Bronya and Siony take us through some basic principles of theatre and demonstrate their effectiveness through their very own dramatic and suspenseful thriller. These might not be the most accomplished performances you'll ever see, but the witty and original writing is self-aware enough to pull it off, and the understated style is both endearing and engaging. As the jokes swing from subtle to silly, the audience chuckle appreciatively, if sometimes slightly bemusedly, at the girls' off-beat approach. Thoroughly enjoyable, this is quirky comedy over tea and cake.
Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 4.20pm (5.10pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 93.
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

Grease Lightnin' Drag Show
Gilded Balloon Productions
These guys were so good that for a while I thought that some of them were actually women. Surprisingly, all the speech and the songs were mimed to the original soundtrack from the film, an idea which worked really well. Mixed into this was a number of extra songs and dances - the 'YMCA' dance and the Macarena were just two of them. Everything about this show was very funny; the songs and the dances, but especially watching the cast trying not to laugh as they are being flashed at from offstage. The ad-libbed comments were some of the funniest lines but it was the guys' facial expressions, and their over-playing to perfection of the characters, that really made the show.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12, 21), 10.15pm (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 56.
tw rating 5/5
[fa]

Friends Of Old Joe
Watch This
The programme states quite clearly that this show is "guaranteed to entertain". I am now looking for a refund. The two most important things that improvisational comedy needs to be successful are a quick wit and a notion of what is funny; the improvisers comprising 'Friends of Old Joe' demonstrated neither. The first "warm-up" game involved the performers solving random crises with equally random objects. In practice this consisted of little more than reading out words from pieces of paper, looking bemused, then repeating them more slowly and expecting a laugh. The main feature of the hour is an extended, improvised play. While the attempt to draw some disparate, improvised sketches together into a larger narrative was brave, it most certainly was not funny.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, dates vary, 10.10pm (11.10pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 52.
tw rating 2/5
[al]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Danceforms' 'The 42nd International Choreographers' Showcase'
Dance-Forms Productions
A beautiful performance in a beautiful space. The old stone arches and the blacked out, high windows of the converted church add a wonderfully atmospheric feel to this performance, making it that little bit more special. The first act was simply awe inspiring, an Indian dance group who were an absolute delight to watch, and are the reason why this show scores a high rating; they totally stole the show. The acts that followed seemed amateurish by comparison, although the last act managed to salvage things somewhat by bringing the standard back up again. This is a show that you really should see, purely to experience that first sensational act.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 5-9 Aug, 11.00am (12.30pm), £10.00 (£7.00), fpp 114.
tw rating 4/5
[lp]

InvAsian Festival: Arirang Party
Lunatic Company
For once the word 'spectacular' hasn't been misused. From fire to water, swords to rose petals, 'Arirang Party' is a visual and musical extravaganza with stunning dance performances and live music. Well, I say live music; this is percussion as you've never seen it before. Choi So-Ri is a phenomenon and the incredible drumming is almost a dance in its own right. Traditional Korean classical dance is beautifully juxtaposed with martial arts and break moves, not to mention some impressive balloon-popping. The tricks and stunts are carried off with style and if you don't mind the kids staying up past bedtime, it is well worth taking them along. This is an action-packed show guaranteed to get the whole family talking.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, 3 - 25 Aug, 10.45pm (12.00am), £16.00 (£12.00), fpp 116.
tw rating 4/5
[fc]

EVENTS

Buddhist Meditation
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order
"When we sit to meditate we are creating a work of art", but an artwork like no other to be found in the Festival. Stillness, calm and loving kindness were the dominant themes taught in this hour-and-a-half session of meditation which provided great respite from bustle of the Fringe at large. Through the practice of 'Metta Bhavana', we were led on a journey of concentration which focused on ourselves, our loved ones and finally on the whole of humanity, to help us experience the love and solidarity that we all possess. Different practices are offered on alternative days and, depending on your composition, this can be a beautiful way to start the day.
Edinburgh Buddhist Centre, 8 - 25 Aug, times vary, £9.00 (£6.00), fpp 124.
tw rating 4/5
[ow]

Confession Is Good For The Soul
St Patrick's Community
I have to confess, I've never actually been to confession before, what with not really believing in the whole hell, sin and God-almighty thing. But I've been feeling the odd pin-prick of not-so-Catholic guilt over some of my harsher reviews, so to church I went. St Patrick's 'Fringe event' catered for first-timers, providing a handy leaflet explaining how confession works, what you might get out of it and offering a choice of absolution (for Catholics), prayer (for Christians) or resolution (for everyone else). The priest was gentle and understanding, and the chance to "get something off your chest" in a "non-judgemental hearing" was rather soothing. It turns out confession actually does feel good for the soul.
St Patrick's Church, 11 - 15 Aug, 10.00am (11.00am), free, fpp 124.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

MUSIC

Dean Friedman - In Concert
There's something about acoustic guitar and Guthrie-style silly lyrics that always gets my attention, and Dean Friedman certainly had that - from songs about underground fallout shelters to 'Falling in Love with the McDonald's Girl'. What he also had in this line-up at The Lot was a great range, from romantic to sophisticated, funny to angry - okay, so not all the stuff was quite for me but the playing was so intimate it didn't matter that much. Friedman's daughter Hanna accompanied him, and it was great to see the father-daughter team at work, creating beautiful harmonies, particularly in 'Ariel', and a playful repartee continuously going on between the two. Count me in as a newly-converted Freidman fan.
The Lot, 7 - 9 Aug, 9.30pm (11.00pm), £15.00 (£14.00), fpp 146.
tw rating 4/5
[sh]

Jackie Leven
The Edge Festival
"I'd be as big as Leonard Cohen if the Germans had won." Jackie Leven, softly sung story-weaver, one-time friend of Laurence Olivier, and apparent fascist sympathiser (only for the possible record sales). Local singer-songwriter Lee Patterson opened with a great set of hard-hitting, aggressive gutter songs, and sang with a strong voice drenched in bitterness and resolution reflecting a gritty life of a wracked romantic everyman. Leven delivered a collection of quieter, personal, honest folk, playing new and old tracks from both his back catalogue, and immediately hitting his stride, his solid yet understated guitar work rang through dulcet and rich, backing a voice that sang of experience and feeling.
Cabaret Voltaire, 8 Aug, 7.00pm (10.00pm) fpp 153.
tw rating 4/5
[ab]

Rumba Magica
KeNoDeKe
The band produced sincere and romantic Latin music and two female dancers took turns performing at the front of the stage. The ladies were proud and their sculpted movements were closer to flamenco than rumba. One wore a green flowered dress, the other a tight black waistcoat over a white shirt, both recalling dusty rural Spain. It was a shambolic first night, however, for the group who will be playing at the Ark all month; sound checks lasted well into the set as the singer complained of a low flute level in the stage right monitor or no vocals from mic 2. This evening the band were only a bit magical, but still a lot of fun.
The Ark, dates vary, £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 162.
tw rating: 3/5
[tb]

Soweto Gospel Choir in Concert
Soweto Gospel Choir
The choir enters in a riot of colour and swiftly plunges into an hour and ten minute of equally vibrant, joyful sound. The energy levels never drop as they sing their way through a catalogue of their best-loved material, and the audience laps up every moment. The only accompaniment came from two drummers, both of whom played with zest, especially during the dance interludes. That everyone on stage has a fantastic sense of rhythm is obvious, and it is never more clearly demonstrated than when three performers played a unison percussion piece - on crockery! An excellent hour's entertainment, and I think the audience would gladly have stayed on for another hour of encores if they had been allowed!
Assembly@George Street, dates vary, times vary, £18.00 (£15.00), fpp 165.
tw rating 5/5
[jm]

The Piper's Trail
The Army in Scotland, in Association With ImpAct Universal (Scotland)
This is a great show for tourists and families who want to experience the spirit and musical heritage of Scotland, but I felt a little patronised by it. In a freezing George IV lecture theatre, it felt as if there were more army members than audience, and at times this made the performance feel rather amateurish. I liked the idea that through the story the key military values could be explored but felt that the depiction of this was a little contrived via the character of Robert. Particular highlights were Julie Anna Castro as Morag, whose moody yet honest portrayal of a gothic teenager was entertaining and refreshingly believable. The traditional dancing was also a nice touch.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 7 - 17 Aug, 11.00am (12.00pm), free, fpp 176.
tw rating 3/5
[ad]

Tony Monaco Trio
Jazz Bar
This was hardcore Hammond organ from Tony 'mad keys' Monaco. He came on stage completely charged and ready to race, and was removing his sweat soaked jumper before the end of the first song. It became a bit wearying on a few occasions when he held chords far too long - he'd be on the same notes for 20 or 30 seconds, pulling a myriad of facial contortions to express the outstanding creativity he was displaying by holding that particular chord for just that long. But the crazy delight and contagious enthusiasm was inescapable. By the end, everyone in the room was shouting "yeah" when Tony asked to hear it, and each song was followed by vocal appreciation and rapturous applause.
The Jazz Bar, 6 - 10 Aug, 9.00pm (10.30pm), £6.00, fpp 166.
tw rating: 4/5
[tb]

Bert Jansch
This was always going to be something special. The legendary folk musician behind Pentangle, widely-regarded as the most accomplished Scottish guitarist there's ever been, was playing the Fringe, and the place was packed. Few could hold the attention of such an audience for over an hour with just one acoustic guitar for company, but Jansch's playing is spellbinding, and every song so very special. For someone so talented, Jansch is humble too; his slow methodical approach to setting up, taking great care to plug in his guitar, and between song comments all portray a man who knows he needs no rock star attitude to please a crowd. No, it's about the music tonight, and what spectacular music it is.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride's, 10 - 12 Aug, 9.00pm (10.15pm), £15.00 (£12.00), fpp 141.
tw rating 5/5
[tm]

Maggie Simpson in Concert
SenovvA Inc
Maggie Simpson oozes bliss on stage with her 12-string guitar - and it's infectious. Her clear, haunting voice and folky lyrics contrast wonderfully with the funky, aggressive beats of a guitar she slaps, strums and plucks, unafraid of the sounds it produces. Between songs she tells charming stories about finding joy, and maybe God, in unlikely places. It's a little schmaltzy, but perhaps sometimes we need a reminder that the world can be too cynical. And there is no denying that there is something inherently wonderful about watching someone do what they do best, do it well, and love every minute of it.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 1 Aug, 7.15pm (8.15pm), £10.00 (£9.00), fpp 156.
tw rating 4/5
[seg]

Vincaffe Swing Jazz Dinners
On a Wednesday night, the Vincaffe restaurant welcomes the four piece jazz band Swing 2008. The quartet comprises two guitars, a double bass and clarinet and they have a giant repertoire and a smooth and relaxed delivery. The Fringe menu is a two-course fish menu and you get to choose from four starters, three mains and four wines. The red mullet starter served with Taggiasche olive oil Tapenade was delicious, but the sea bass fillet main, despite smelling delicious, was a little tasteless. The atmosphere upstairs at the attractive restaurant located off St Andrews Square is charming though, and this is a must for Fringe-goers who don't want to pull themselves away from shows, even to eat.
Vincaffe, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 Aug, 7.30pm (late), £29.50, fpp 166.
tw rating 3/5
[tb]

Silent Disco
433fm.com, the University of Edinburgh and Underbelly Productions
One crowd dancing to two different beats, a sort of twenty-first century temple to both Apollo and Dionysus, with the DJs as high priests. If this is the future of the disco then I'm all for it; with every pub now pumping in music to prevent conversation it's a joy to find a place where you can speak to people without resorting to crude mime (although crude mime's still necessary to actually initiate the conversation with another headphone headbanger). The volume control was an added bonus, allowing you to deafen yourself with your favourites. My only problem was the paranoia that the rest of the room were on a different wavelength; on the upside, two different nights in one means my two pulls don't count as slutty.
Appleton Tower, 8 - 17 Aug, 11.30pm (4.00pm), £10.00, fpp 164.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
The Sticking Place
Knowing that they had completed a record-breaking 50 hour improvisation, I expected a lot from these guys. I wasn't disappointed, in fact I was blown away by the sheer skill and ingenuity with which they turned out a complete musical based on the audience's suggestions. We ended up with a musical about apartheid set in a Norfolk village with an upcoming bell-ringing contest, containing numbers in styles as diverse as vaudeville, Sondheim and even reggae. The real joy is not the cast's fabulous spontaneity, but that what they performed was actually good - superb vocals and dialogue that had the audience roaring with laughter. Go and see it - I can't predict what show you'll see, but it will be excellent.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 8 - 24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 178.
tw rating 5/5
[lr]

THEATRE

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Exeter University Theatre Company
"We're all mad here!" The voices were loud and shrill and, as the cast comfortably outnumbered their audience, it was easy to believe that we were all descending into insanity as we set off into Carroll's world. Sadly, however, I emerged both resolutely sane and somewhat dubious. With no set and basic props, there was little but the cast to convince me of the plausibility of Wonderland and, despite the efforts of the Queen and the Duchess - possessors of the lion's share when it came to stage presence - the overall impression was one of over-excited children performing their first school play. Although everyone on stage appeared to be enjoying the experience, this is definitely one for the proud parents.
Sweet ECA, 2 - 24 Aug (not 10), 5.50pm (6.50pm), prices vary, fpp 181.
tw rating 2/5
[lws]

Be My Baby
Demarco Rocket Productions
The sixties had some great music. It's hard to be anything but upbeat when you hear some of the classics. This is fortunate for Mary, Queenie, Doll and Norma as their lives would be incredibly grim without the relief their records bring them. Stuck in a home for unmarried mothers-to-be until such time as an adoption is possible and they can return to "normal" life, the four girls bond and share their stories. Perhaps a different production would have been more powerful, but this is a fine show, nonetheless, with plenty of appeal and engaging performances. Finishing on a bittersweet note, it's a reminder that the sixties may have had the music, but many other things have improved since then.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 4 - 23 Aug (not 10, 17), 12.25pm (1.35pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 185
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

Betrayal
Fortune Kookie Productions
This storyline is a simple one, but told in the most confusing, poorly acted manner. Oh, and the plot is backwards. Based on an original play by Harold Pinter, this long, drawn out tale of a secret affair conveys the pressure and manipulations that exist within relationships. With no additional sound or lighting changes, it becomes an example of tedious theatre in desperate need of an injection of creativity and strong direction. There are a few comic moments but they are sparse, and the audience soon became restless after a monotonous opening scene. I wouldn't make any special efforts to go and see this; it'll only require further effort to stay awake.
Rocket@Roxburgh Hotel, 3 - 16 Aug (not 10), 9.00pm (10.15pm), £9.00 (£8.00), fpp186.
tw rating 1/5
[am]

A Brief History of Scotland - We Done Loads!
DBS Productions
The premise for this show is that God is Sean Connery. Eden is relocated in Scotland ('Edinburgh' - get it?) and Eve is tempted by deep fried Mars bars. All the predictable Scottish stereotype jokes are there, and unfortunately a lot of them fall flat. Although it did seem that most of the audience were a great deal more tickled than I was, so perhaps it's a generational thing. At any rate it could be said that a parody of Scottish nationalism is timely, almost profound. Almost. The blustering and embarrassing character who ends the play in his St. Andrew's cross underwear, promising world domination, has mannerisms suspiciously close to those of Alex Salmond. I hope he comes to see it!
Sweet Grassmarket, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 6.20pm (7.10pm), £8.50 (£6.50), fpp 188.
tw rating 3/5
[cw]

Caruso and the Quake
Ignacio Jarquin
This show is based on the true story of Enrico Caruso, one of the greatest Italian tenors to ever bestow his extraordinary vocal talents upon the world. In 1906, Caruso was performing in San Francisco when a major earthquake shook the city, resulting in fires that would burn her to the ground, and it is here that the show is set. Caruso arrived in San Francisco as a conceited, self important diva and left a new man, having rediscovered his humility as a result of the disaster. Ignacio Jarquin captures the essence of Caruso's character magnificently and his opera singing enhances the profound sense of emotion that his acting exudes.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul- 25 Aug (not 5,12,19), 12.55pm (1.50pm), prices vary, fpp190.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

The Cross and the Switchblade
Saltmine Theatre Company
"Welcome home weary wanderers!" Thus spake Rev Wilkerson in this autobiographical play about a preacher who answers the call of God and travels to New York to help youths caught up in gang warfare. As a play with a mission, the purpose overrides everything and it can be heavy handed. Sometimes it all feels too Disney; the preacher must have felt some fear walking into such a den of thieves and murderers yet his voice hardly falters. However, while it lacks menace, it's still good storytelling with lovely moments of levity, recognition and growth. Both Gareth Hides and Rebecca Rogers capture their characters' fragility and dark side, and while the Christian message may not be for all, the sentiment certainly is.
Charlotte Chapel, 5 - 12 Aug (not 10), times vary, £9.50 (£7.50), fpp 193.
tw rating 3/5
[sr]

Cure
Struck Dumb Theatre
This fast-paced production is a grisly and humorous look at what would happen if a cure for cancer was discovered that involved eating human flesh. The characters inhabit a fairly glamorous criminal underworld in which getting hold of said human flesh is par for the course. This is a well choreographed production that is mostly slick and together, but which occasionally breaks down into stage chaos as characters jump about with increasing speed. Despite the dark subject matter, the actors are not taking themselves or the play too seriously, giving the performance a light touch and making it entertaining. This is by no means brilliant theatre, but it is fun and enjoyable and deals with an interesting subject.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 2 - 25 Aug (not 13), 2.30pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 194.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

Dinner
Cambridge University Players
This production of Moira Buffini's 'Dinner' is a perfect example of how to do a late night, straight play at the Fringe whilst maintaining the audience's attention gone midnight; the acting is engaging, dramatic and believable whilst the design is simple and chic. The play depicts the disintegration of a husband and wife's relationship over a dinner party, which the latter has meticulously prepared, whilst commenting on love, commitment and bitterness. Throughout the performance a sense of unease is created through the eerie string music, dagger looks between characters and extremely tense conversations, whilst the waiter watches on silently until the final scene resulting in the play's haunting climax. The well written dialogue is slickly performed, if a little inaudible at times.
C Chambers Street, 8 - 25 Aug, 11.30pm (12.45am), prices vary, fpp 195.
tw rating 4/5
[ad]

Growing Up Linda
Cal Arts Festival Theatre
Linda Carvel, heiress to the Carvel Cake empire, has a few problems with her father and an eating disorder. This unusual and visually stimulating production took us into the bizarre wonderland of her mind where puppets, oversized candies and screaming hot dogs tell the story of her demise. Kitsch, camp and often grotesque, this was childhood fantasy with a cult Rocky Horror edge; kooky voiceovers and a debt to celebrity-obsessed daytime television brought the fusion of trashy and glam to its peak. The puppetry along with innovative filming of moving flip books which were projected onto a huge screen made this a really memorable production that mixed visual art and theatre. Not for kids but first-class escapism for adults.
Venue 13, 8 - 17 Aug (not 11), 5.00pm (6.00pm), £8.00 (£5.00), fpp 202.
tw rating 4/5
[lr]

The Hound of the Baskervilles
Illyria
In a Fringe of extremes, it is nice to find a play that can be described as easy-viewing. 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is pure entertainment, written and performed for laughs, without undermining its source. Amongst deerhunters, fake moustaches and forgotten canes, the 'whodunnit' element propels the plot along. Was Sir Charles Baskerville's death due to natural causes or murderous intentions? Enter Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to investigate. For the four actors, however, performing this show can't have been easy. Recreating the population of this well-known mystery meant each actor was required to play an array of characters, switching voices, mannerisms and costumes at breakneck speed. They made each snappy change seem effortless, imbuing the show with great energy. A show to enjoy.
C too, 5 - 16 Aug, 4.35pm (6.25pm), prices vary, fpp 204.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

In Conflict
Temple Theaters
It's hard to escape from coverage of Iraq. But, although we hear about this military catastrophe on a daily basis, how much do we really know about what's happening on the ground? The media reports and the politicians talk, but there's one set of voices we rarely hear, the people who perhaps know the most about this epic war; the soldiers who serve there. This multimedia production has been compiled from real interviews with US veterans of the war in Iraq and tells of their experiences, during and after, and gives their side of the story. A broad and varied selection of interviewees gives this production credence. Perhaps it is a little too long, but a very interesting and worthy study nonetheless.
Pleasance @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 12.15pm (2.15pm), prices vary, fpp 206.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

Inside Yerma
Andy Jordan Productions/Teatro dei Borgia
Unremittingly dire, this is a relentlessly pretentious waste of time and money to be avoided at all costs. The performance takes great pains to be self-consciously theatrical, yet is wholly devoid of wit, intelligence, pathos or spectacle; I suppose the sheer lack of anything remotely worth seeing is some kind of achievement. So little did I care about the characters that when they began, inexplicably, to speak in Italian, I was actually relieved that I would no longer have to strive to find some meaning, resonance, or relevance in their turgid dialogue. This soulless garbage is precisely the kind of pointless, willfully alienating, arty nonsense that stops non-Festival goers from taking a risk on some modern theatre, and it should not be tolerated.
Pleasance Dome, 1 Aug - 24 Aug (not 18), 2.35pm (3.35pm), prices vary, fpp 206.
tw rating 1/5
[al]

Lies Have Been Told: An Evening With Robert Maxwell
Jeremy Meadow For Something For The Weekend
"These are the facts people, they're indisputable": Maxwell's mantra throughout this finely balanced one-man biopic of media mogul Robert Maxwell. The way he guzzles champagne and wolfs down caviar makes him utterly convincing as a deplorable self-serving hedonist, but there's more to it, including an account of persecution by the Nazis that can't fail to shed a sympathetic light on a much hated and arguably hateful man. Philip York delivers a punchy, relentless performance that barely stops for breath. The facts might be indisputable, but there's always a suspicion that they're being used to suit the man on stage, who manages to be candid and manipulative all in one breath. Don't come looking for answers; simply come for a dash of political intrigue.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12 or 19), 2.00pm (3.20pm), prices vary, fpp 212.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Married To The Sea
Dragonfly Theatre
This production of Shona McCarthy's award-winning play is nothing short of spellbinding. Set in the sea-faring community of the Old Claddagh, it tells the story a young girl whose family slowly begins to disintegrate, and the inevitable end of their traditional way of life. Siobhán Donnellan gives a stellar performance as Jo, and Fiachra O'Dubhghaill shows extreme versatility in his portrayal of six distinct characters, particularly those of Granny and Teresa Naughton. Carla Bredin is wonderfully understated and intensely watchable as Mam, and the three actors interact with spectacular fluidity. From the superb acting to the lilting folk songs, this is an exceptional piece of theatre that should not be missed.
Assembly@George Street, 1 - 25 Aug (not 11 or 18), 1.00pm (2.10pm), prices vary, fpp 215.
tw rating 5/5
[dk]

More Lives Than One: Oscar Wilde And The Black Douglas
Leslie Clack Of Dear Conjunction
According to Leslie Clack, the writer of this piece, Oscar Wilde was the 'first modern man'. This one-man show is a stunning but not very modern performance that at times feels more like a lecture and would perhaps be more enjoyable as a radio play. The show takes you through the life of Wilde and finishes on a death-bed scene which is skilfully moderate rather than over-dramatic. Clack portrays Wilde beautifully, taking on characters and voices with a fluidity that makes him a joy to listen to. In the rest of the play what we were missing was the essence of Wilde's life, his love of the flamboyant.
Augustines, 2 - 17 Aug (not 3, 11), 7.25pm (8.30pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 217.
tw rating 4/5
[rs]

Restitution
Pinocchio's Ashes
What is art? What is ownership? Two incredibly difficult questions lie at the heart of this engaging play about stolen Nazi treasures. This is a simple and well worked play that, without much action or plot progression, manages to say a lot. The script is believable, both actors give solid performances and 'Hero,' the stolen artwork the story centres upon, is painted beautifully in words, creating a glorious image in the mind that allows the audience to experience its splendour without direct sensory perception. As for the aforementioned debates, although they are subtly unravelled, for me they were the core of the tale, leaving one to wonder how justice really is best served.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 10, 17), 3.45pm (4.45pm), £8.00 (£5.00), fpp 226.
tw rating 4/5
[mj]

Scaramouche Jones
Guy Masterson - TTI In Association With Passion Pit Theatre UK
Not so much the biography of a 100 year old clown, more an alternative telling of the more disturbing side of the 20th Century, this production of 'Scaramouche Jones' is practically flawless. Justin Butcher's performance is as in-depth and considered as you would hope for from the man who wrote the play; his physicality in his clowning and embodiment of different characters as he dives around the stage is both energetic and precise, knowing and touching. As Scaramouche slowly strips out of his clown costume the audience learns through a beautifully worded and layered script of the tragedy, the hardships and suffering that go into not just the clown figure but every human, and the masks worn to cover the scars.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 12.20pm (1.35pm), £13.00 (£12.00), fpp 228.
tw rating 5/5
[rd]

Shoppers Without Borders
Erin Donovan
Don't let the unpromising title put you off. Erin Donovan gives a wonderfully deranged one-woman performance about the little lies we tell our loved ones. Her husband-to-be doesn't know about the near-erotic bliss she gets from spending on credit, her parents don't know she's been married before and she's not meditating enough to please her spiritual advisor. Her character is a deluded fantasist, but it's hard not to warm to her as the web of lies starts to unravel. The wedding finale draws everything together into a Fawlty Towers-esque perfect storm and just when you think she's got away with everything... this is a lovingly crafted show and, despite the odd duff gag, one worth seeing.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 18), 4.15pm (5.15pm), prices vary, fpp 230.
tw rating 4/5
[cmg]

Simon Callow - A Festival Dickens
Assembly
Mustering all the Dickensian character he can, and looking as if he has been designed by the author's original illustrator, the effusive Simon Callow tells two short stories; 'Mr Chops - The Dwarf' and 'Dr Marigold.' Performed by Dickens in the 1860s, these wonderful tales bear souls of pathos and sentiment. The brave and lowly are our heroes. Callow lives up to his fans' expectations, delivering emphatic expressions with finesse. Occasionally he errs towards caricature, giving us angry grief one too many times and over performing his gravelly cockney accent, but life on the more bizarre outskirts of Victorian society is evocatively portrayed. In 'Dr Marigold' we hear often that the tears run down the characters' cheeks, they did mine too.
Assembly @ George Street, 7 - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 2.00pm (3.10pm), prices vary, fpp 231.
tw rating 4/5
[dp]

Twelfth Night
Ad Libitum
This show played it safe, faithfully adhering to the script, using minimal props and simple black costumes to produce a very good, although not groundbreaking, performance. The central characters were strong, executing their lines with conviction so that the laughs came on cue. The drunken Sir Toby flailing around the stage was well executed by a female actress, and the sight of Malvolio in yellow stockings and cross garters never fails to amuse. However, it was a Malvolio I'd seen before, an Olivia that was nothing new and the Viola I'd been expecting. I wish there'd been a little more individual interpretation from the clearly capable actors. It's a solid performance with little to complain or rave about.
Augustine's, 4 - 17 Aug (not 10, 11), 12.55pm (1.15pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 239.
tw rating 3/5
[sg]

'Two' by Jim Cartwright
Hymers College
It is a common curse of school productions that they pale in comparison with anything halfway professional. Unfortunately, the same can be said of this play. Set in a dismal pub in the north of England, several characters perform either monologues or conversations between couples. Amongst others there is the lonely old man, the abusive partner and his long-suffering girlfriend, and the landlord and landlady who bicker throughout. In a cast of a dozen or so I saw only one performance of note. It is a painfully slow-moving production not helped by the fact that many of the actors appear to be uncomfortable and self-conscious on stage. I'm afraid this is simply not worth spending your money on.
Augustine's, 4 - 10 Aug, 4.15pm (5.20pm), £5.00 (£4.00) fpp 239.
tw rating 1/5
[ah]

Upstart Crows
Young Pleasance
Ruffs and puffs - Marlowe gets the 'Shakespeare in Love' treatment with a banging soundtrack from the likes of The Who, although with a script lacking Stoppard's wit. A cast of thousands, well, dozens (still big for the Fringe), raucously recreate the taverns and theatres of Tudor times, where we find Alex Woolf's Kit Marlowe, a complex mix of cockiness and vulnerability. Equally stunning is the ethereal Elizabeth who hovers above the action when not involved, but even this beauty can't hide the dull dialogue. The clunky script doesn't do this great playwright justice and looks especially clumsy in its ill-advised ventures into comedy, although the cast are to blame at times too. Great puff, rough text.
Pleasance Courtyard, 2 - 16 Aug, 1.20pm (2.40pm), prices vary, fpp 239.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

Vincent
Guy Masterson-TTI in Association With Jarrett Productions USA.
With impassioned strokes like those of a Van Gogh canvas this one-man show paints the relationship of brothers Theo and Vincent. A week after Vincent's suicide Theo holds a memorial service to fittingly portray the gravely misunderstood man, and we hear his address to the congregation. American actor Jim Jarrett expresses with colour and immediacy the intensity of the relationship, and as he reads from Vincent's letters there is an overwhelming sense of something very private being exposed. The projections of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings accompanying Theo's candid words only add to our immersion in the brothers' world. 'Vincent' is an intimate, vivid, and enlightening portrait of the artist and of the brother who supported him so devotedly.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 4.25pm (5.40pm), prices vary, fpp 240.
tw rating 4/5
[dp]

Padamme Padamme
Teatr Ecce Homo
Set in a bleak Soviet cancer hospital where no one ever leaves, this... no! Wait! Come back! It's not as harrowing as it sounds, I promise. A tiny performance space under the Demarco Roxy becomes an intimate ward space, where patients dressed all in white dance, sing and discuss philosophy, bathed in the glow of a single bulb. The story focuses on a father with throat cancer, and the attempts of the sadistic hospital staff to force him through their course of useless therapy. But the patients slowly subvert the regime, not through uprising but by falling in love and caring for one another. The waltz finale gathers each strand together into a mournfully sweet resolution. Performed in Russian with supertitles.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 11 - 23 Aug (not 17), 23.20pm (00.20pm), £9.00 (£7.00), fpp 222
tw rating 4/5
[cmg]

The Park Keeper
Belt Up (Nothing to See/Hear)
The idea behind 'The Park Keeper' is interesting: a promenade piece parodying a Victorian boudoir, set in the present day. However, the plot is not conveyed clearly, meaning that the audience are at a loss most of the time, simply being pushed and pulled around by the cast, or being stroked with feathers. Additionally, the young cast spends far too much time jumping around the space, screaming and writhing around on the floor, as if this will make it more exciting for the audience. It doesn't. If you are looking for a show where you can sit back and enjoy it from your seat, this isn't for you. An extremely promising concept, but simply poorly executed.
C central, 1 - 25 Aug (not 22), 4.30pm (5.45pm), prices vary, fpp 222.
tw rating 2/5
[kk]

Red Peppers
Be-Jou Productions
This story of an act that is slowly becoming extinct portrays an accurate microcosm detailing the perils of show-business that playwright Noel Coward would have known a lot about. George and Lily Pepper are a double act still performing the same old jokes and dances as George's grandparents did, and while they laugh at other acts around them who are slowly fading into obscurity, they don't see that they are, too. Strength lies in the couple, whose bitchy comments, aimed at each other, says so much about the world they thrive in, and while the plot is simple, the sharp dialogue is fun to soak up. While not one of Coward's strongest plays, the actors' talent makes for a nice escape.
Hill Street Theatre, 1 - 25 Aug (not 13), 2.40pm (3.30pm), prices vary, fpp 225.
tw rating 4/5
[lh]

Saturday Boy
RuthEBlue Theatre Company
There's much to like about this awkward character study. The verse monologues with which it started were wonderfully wry, and it was a shame these didn't feature more prominently as the show went on. Male lead Gordon is superbly rendered as a sheltered, dysfunctional sociopath, and he is nicely contrasted against the object of his affection: a young, outgoing party girl who finds herself tied to his toilet. The interplay between the two is convincing, though some dialogue is long-winded and tends to stumble over itself, whilst the way in which the play finished was a little disappointing. I felt there was room for expansion, and with more length and consistency this could be something far greater.
Hollyrood Too @ Faith, 10 - 16 Aug, 1.00pm (1.50pm), £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 228.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Vivien
Chimera
This is a thoroughly engaging piece about the life of Vivien Leigh, the beautiful film star famous for playing Scarlett O'Hara, falling in love with Laurence Olivier, and being a manic-depressive. Although this production doesn't hit all the right notes - it dwindles slightly towards the end, and Vivien's accent slips every now and again - what is very right is the love portrayed between Leigh and Olivier. With all the actors always on stage, the atmosphere is claustrophobic, reflecting the crowded nature of the couple's marriage. Maeve McClenaghan's Vivien is wonderfully fragile and childlike, and Orlando James plays a long-suffering and compassionate Olivier that we sympathise with. This is an honest and at times tragic account of a fascinating life.
The Space on the Mile@The Radisson, 11 - 23 Aug (not 17), 8.10pm (9.00pm), prices vary, fpp 240.
tw rating 4/5
[ah]

Greater Tuna
BacktoE Productions
Life moves at a more leisurely pace in the deep South, but does that mean the play has to as well? Both actors gave sterling performances, but the continual costume changes did nothing for the speed, and the sparsely furnished set failed to add much atmosphere to the proceedings. Subtle twists gave the writing potential, but sadly the jokes didn't always hit home with the predominantly British audience. At an hour and a half, this show is already pretty long by Fringe standards: add to that the minimal plotline and drawn-out drawl and you'll leave feeling like you've been in Tuna, Texas all your life - and not in a good way.
Bedlam Theatre, 7 - 23 Aug (not 10, 17), 1.30pm (3.00pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 202.
tw rating 2/5
[fc]

Head to Head
Caravanserai Productions
Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you. In this brief encounter between a psychologist and offender in 'Skunk Smokers of Herman, Nebraska', one of four plays on offer from Caravanserai over the next two weeks, it's words that assume the greater force. Here relationships are built on exchange, honesty is used as a form of blackmail and language is reduced to a currency where one's secrets buy intimacy; the dynamics of power yield all the fun of negotiating your way across a minefield. The actors in this clever two-hander warm their way into it and although they don't yet have the physical presence to really charge this piece, it's a cracker in the making.
Sweet Grassmarket, 11 - 25 Aug, 1.00pm (2.00pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 203.
tw rating 3/5
[sr]

The Inconvenient Truths
The American High School Theatre Festival
A sequence of short plays that was entirely devised, written and performed by pupils from the Denver School of the Arts, 'The Inconvenient Truths' is a remarkable achievement. Each brief vignette represents a different aspect of the lives and neuroses of American teenagers. Never shying away from diversity or self-criticism, together they form an extended meditation on growing up in America. Unsurprisingly it can be self-indulgent at times, but for every whiny "so what?" moment, there are a number of powerful, affective scenes. Highlights include the hilarious "Puberty: The Musical", and the heartrending image of a gay teenager as a broken puppet, tied to an abusive father's strings. Although not quite perfect, this really is tremendous theatre, and everyone involved should feel proud of their work.
Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, 11 - 15 Aug (not 12), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 206.
tw rating 4/5
[al]

Closing Time
My Own Private Submarine
Anyone who is fond of the traditional British pub (that's everyone, then) should be happy to lend an ear to landlady Mandy's rose-tinted view of pub culture and all that is affiliated with it. This is a fond, astute monologue that never feels clunky or over-elaborate, with one subject blending seamlessly into the next as Mandy ruminates on love, Britishness, current social affairs and more. It can be a little too sugary in all of its idealistic sentimentality, and Mandy isn't entirely convincing as a seasoned old bar maid - if only for the fact that she looks a little too young - but this is an assured and fluent performance which is admirably sustained throughout.
The Space@Jury's Inn, 11 - 24 August (not 17, 24), 3.05pm (3.55pm), £9.00 (£8.00), fpp 191.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

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