The Twilight Sad performing at The Edge, and getting a whole photo section to themselves because ThreeWeeks Photo Editor Kat reckons they are by far the best band to play the Fringe so far and that their show was, in fact "awesome". So, take note. Check their MySpace here. Photos by Kat Gollock.

MORE FRINGE FIRST WINNERS
Well, after all our whining last week about how all the Fringe Firsts go to shows at the Pleasance, Assembly and the bloody Traverse, the Scotsman have gone and picked some new plays at other venues this week - even if they had to increase the number of awards presented to fit the extra venues in alongside Pleasance, Assembly and the bloody Traverse.

The most exciting of these, we reckon (though we may be slightly biased), is the Fringe First going to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company for their ThreeWeeks Recommended show 'Eight', which is performing at the EUTC's own Bedlam Theatre and which is, by all accounts, rather brill. Well done to all involved, and especially Ella Hickson who wrote and directed the piece.

The other winners include Live Theatre for 'Motherland' at the Underbelly, and The Paper Birds for 'In A Thousand Pieces' at the Gilded Balloon.

Back to the Pleasance, and Look Left Look Right's 'The Caravan' and Omphile Molusi’s 'Itsoseng' are both winners, while at Assembly Top Of The World get a Fringe First for 'Paperweight'. And finally the Traverse, where 'Terminus' writer Mark O'Rowle gets the nod, as does Daniel Kitson for his new play '66a Church Road'. Kitson is, of course, an undisputed genius, though surely he's past the stage in his career where he really needs yet another Fringe First. Other than a knighthood I'm not sure what awards are left to bestow on him.

And that is that for this week. And yes, you counted right, that's eight Fringe Firsts dished out this time - something of a record methinks. The final Firsts will be announced next Friday.

MORE ASSEMBLY ROOMS TO CLOSE CHATTER
If I had a pound for everytime the Assembly Rooms were about to be refurbished rendering them unusuable during August I'd have, well, probably not enough to pay for the refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms, but certainly enough for a chicken supper and a bottle of Bru.

Anyway, there has been more chatter this Fringe about how the Assembly Rooms may be out of action for two whole years, leaving the Assembly organisation looking for a new temporary home for its Fringe operations, or maybe a new home completely.

The latest is that the planned £12 million refurbishment programme would kick off shortly after Festival 2010, and would not be completed until just before August 2012 - essentially making the venue unavailable for Fringe type activities for two consecutive years.

Assembly boss William Burdett Coutts says he thinks ruling the Assembly Rooms out as a venue for two years would be disastrous, and that the City Council - who own them and who are leading the refurbishment project - should find a way to ensure the venue is never out of use in August. However, the Council seem unpersuaded by Burdett-Coutts arguments, seemingly unfazed by the prospect that the planned temporary closure may end their working relationship with the Assembly organisation.

Burdett-Coutts is quoted by the Scotsman thus: "The Fringe has already had one crisis with the box-office situation this year, and if we lose the Assembly Rooms, the council will precipitate another one. We're already looking for an alternative building, but to be honest there just isn't one suitable enough"

But Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh City Council's Festivals Leader responded by saying: "We gave Assembly Theatre three years' notice of these refurbishments and if they decide they don't want to use the renovated venue in 2012, then we would open it up to other operators. Bill should stop claiming the end of the world is nigh. We wouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't want to use the venue again, but I'd be amazed if that is really the case".

NIGERIAN COMPANY CANCEL SHOW AFTER VISA PROBLEMS
A Fringe show has had to be cancelled after a 27 strong production company failed to get visas. They should have just made do with Mastercards. Worse joke of the Festival so far? Possibly.

It's the Cross River Dance Company from Nigeria who will not now be able to attend the Festival after failing to secure UK visas in time. They had been due to perform their show 'The Obong Akwa' and had already sold hundreds of tickets. Reports suggest the production company tried to arrange a meeting with the British Consulate in Nigeria to sort their paperwork, but were told the only available meeting was at the end of August.

The production company's UK spokesman, Fringe producer Marlene Zwickler, told reports yesterday that most of the show's problems had been caused by corrupt officials in Nigeria, who had taken money off the show's African producers while hindering their attempts to plan their trip to Scotland.

Hundreds of tickets will now have to be refunded.

SCAVANGER HUNT EXTRAVAGANZA IS TODAY
The Edinburgh Festival scavanger hunt on which we reported yesterday takes place today - Saturday - and not yesterday as we may or may not have said. As previously reported, the Fringe-types who best complete the scavanger hunt challenge will win £2000 and have the items they scavange exhibited at the City Art Centre. It all kicks off at 8am at the aforementioned Art Centre on Market Street. Which probably mean it will have started by the time you read this.

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today...
Gemma Arrowsmith, one half of Mould & Arrowsmith

1. What is your 2008 show all about? We are returning to the Fringe this year with 'Mould & Arrowsmith: A Sketch Show In PowerPoint'; a sketch show about language, science and geekiness. We have sketches about time travel, body language and super heroes, all helped along by an informative PowerPoint presentation. 2. Why should we come and see it? We, Mould & Arrowsmith, will be fixing a laptop live on stage every day of the Fringe! So if you have a broken laptop bring it along and witness an amazing display of IT support. Perfect for all those suffering computer problems at the Fringe. If that's not enough, we can also offer advice on how to make the perfect suicide note and how to rewrite your wedding vows.

4. What are you most looking forward to about this year's Festival?
The fantastic shows. There are so many I want to see. It's a game of Russian Roulette whether they clash with us though...

5. What are you least looking forward to about this year's Festival?
Standing in the rain, flyering in one of those fetching plastic poncho things. Attractive.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
I would say try and see as many shows as possible because there are so many good things on, but also remember that underneath all the posters, adverts and street entertainers singing and throwing flyers at you, there's a really beautiful city with art galleries and greenery. Try and see some of that side of Edinburgh as well as the students lying down on the Royal Mile pretending to be corpses with flyers in their mouths (as if you'd ever take one of them...)

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
Pack loads of layers of clothing. A few years ago, I left a gloriously hot London for the Edinburgh Fringe having packed as though I was off on a week's holiday in the Caribbean. I forgot that the Fringe lasts a month and is considerably further North. I was lucky for the first couple of weeks, then the heavens opened and the temperature fell to freezing. I bought so many jumpers and scarves from the (many, excellent) charity shops in Edinburgh that I went over the weight allowance on the way home. Don't make my mistake. Pack for all weathers.

8. Describe your show in three words
Geeky PowerPoint Comedy

Mould & Arrowsmith, Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 4.30pm (5.30pm), prices vary, fpp 79.

Even more reviews for you! 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 - Visual Art

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

BOOKS

Louis de Berniéres
Edinburgh International Book Festival
'Making books into film scripts is like losing your virginity. Just because the first time isn't a success doesn't mean you won't try again', says de Berniéres. And he would know; the bestselling 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' is now a major film, and its successor, 'Birds Without Wings', is currently being adapted for the screen. He did read excerpts from his new novel, but the majority of the talk was more of a question and answer session, with audience questions varying from the origin of his name to where he finds his passion and inspiration for his characters. With good humour and in-depth answers, the talk was a fascinating insight into the author and his creations.
RBS Main Theatre, 9 Aug, 4.30pm, bfpp 3.
[rg]

Alex James
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Alex James bounds on-stage with a jump and a click of his heels. A rock 'n' roll entrance indeed. It's hard to believe that James, quite the country gent these days, was ever involved in the 90s hedonism he experienced as the bassist with Blur. Talking about his autobiography, 'Bit Of A Blur', it becomes apparent that he is also a qualified pilot, a newspaper columnist, a presenter on Classic FM, and a cheese-maker. Despite his laid-back approach to the questions asked, James has a childlike enthusiasm towards his pet projects, particularly his involvement in the 'Beagle Two' space mission. I left this talk with a complete sense of awe, as I wonder if there's anything this man cannot do.
RBS Main Theatre, 9 Aug, 1.30pm, bfpp 2.
[rg]

CHILDREN'S

Escape
Red Balloon Theatre Company
I wasn't surprised to discover that 'Escape' is performed in schools; this is assembly hall stuff. It's also no great shock to hear that the rules imparted to a young girl heading off alone into the magical forest apply to using the internet because the big bad wolf is presumably the big bad online 'groomer'. However, the show is primarily a fairytale in the Red Riding Hood mould, with endearing little creatures and fighting trees giving advice along the way. It's performed with energy and zeal, indeed, almost too much at times (the tweenage heroine Sarah was rather clumpy and shouty). A competent cautionary tale, but hardly the most exciting children's theatre happening in Edinburgh this month.
Charlotte Chapel, 4 - 9 Aug, times vary, £4.50, fpp 12.
tw rating 2/5
[hw]

COMEDY

Jarlath Regan - Relax The Cax
Lisa Richards in Association With Edcom8
Giant dogs, awkward silences and goofy shenanigans, Jarlath is just so super nice. This is a show about keeping your cool but he creates in you in such a lovely, warm, and cosy feeling that you might as well be tucked up in bed with a hot water bottle. Unsurprisingly, Jarlath has never got in a fight, not even at school; he couldn't hurt a fly. All the same, out with his fiancée one day at their favourite diner he suffers the emasculating experience of getting clamped, and is unable to talk his way out of it. Humiliated, he decides to take up boxing class. He's original, funny and engaging. Plus, say anything with an Irish accent and I'm putty!
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3 - 25 Aug (not 11), 4.00pm (5.00pm), prices vary, fpp 63.
tw rating 3/5
[da]

Club Sandwich
Mike O'Donovan, Paul F Taylor
I have a feeling that I saw a reduced version of this show - the advertised 'chunky handful of rising stars' amounted to only two comics. Mike O'Donovan is a relaxed Australian with fairly mainstream material featuring jokes about smoking, fat kids and predictive text. Occasionally it's a bit filthy and sometimes close to the bone, but he's a stand-up who gets the job done. Hannah Dunleavy has some slightly more interesting, well-paced material which ranges from John Prescott's bulimia to hardcore pornography. With a steady stream of laughter throughout, but no new territory explored this was a good quick shot of comedy to kick the night off.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 3 - 25 Aug, 8.20pm (9.20pm), free, fpp 39.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Nicholas Parsons' Happy Hour
Nicholas Parsons
I'm not a fan of the chat-show style comedy show, a sub-genre in which Nicholas Parsons reigns, because I find it frustrating that the guests are such a gamble, and that the host is forced to take a back seat while they plug their show. This is all true of 'Happy Hour', but my gamble thankfully paid off with Camille and Jimeoin as guests. Whilst on stage the focus was on them, of course, but Parsons has a knack of drawing out interesting answers, giving you a sense of the performer and not just their routine. He also engages with his audience, offering Smarties to smart-arses. He is clearly from a different era of comedy to the sparky Jimeoin, but his chat-show format worked.
Pleasance Courtyard, 7 - 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 5.10pm (6.20pm), prices vary, fpp 81.
tw rating 3/5
[gm]

Benson & Mugridge - Can't Weasel Won't Weasel
Wahugoy Productions/PBH's Free Fringe
Simply substituting the word 'weasel' for parts of film and TV titles is something you might end up doing on a drunken night out or because you're very bored at work, which is how this particular show title came about. Comedy is a long time coming, with a few too many pauses for introductions and unnecessary biscuit distribution, and when the two comedians are together there is an unequal on-stage relationship, with Benson seemingly acting as spokesman. Individually, Laura Mugridge has the stronger material; highlights include some predictive text gobbledegook and excerpts from an instruction manual in incomprehensible English. All told though, there were few memorable moments and I didn't leave feeling the need to substitute weasels into film titles either.
Madogs, 2 - 23 Aug (not 13 or 19), 4.00pm (5.00pm), free, fpp 32.
tw rating 2/5
[jwm]

Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter
Mervyn Stutter takes centre stage in a shiny pink blazer (which, he aptly notes, could be made out of pink condoms). And it's a good thing he does, because if jokes about old age don't keep your attention, the jacket will. When Stutter isn't talking or singing about the woes of geriatrics, a string of eight performances - his pick of the Fringe - mount the stage. The concept is a good one, and a time-honoured one, enabling audiences to sample a handful of shows in the jungle that is the Festival Fringe. And because each of Stutter's shows offers up a different set of theatre, dance and comedy, there's always more to taste. Just don't forget the lube...er, some sunglasses - because that blazer is really bright.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 6 - 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 1.00pm (2.30 pm), prices vary, fpp 78.
tw rating 3/5
[be]

Michael McIntyre
Head nodding, hair flopping, straight-backed and overly eager. Michael McIntyre certainly has presence when he bounds on stage, and this limitless energy carries him through what is a fun filled and witty show. McIntyre's genius lies in his ability to take typical everyday and mundane activities that everyone can identify with, to bring out their humour, and get the whole audience rolling around laughing. His material steers past politics and current affairs, but instead we get insight of a different variety, moving from topics like Big Brother and gay men to manly behaviour and peeing in the sea. Expressing himself with such originality, McIntyre once again has produced a winner of a show. Fantastic. Not to be missed.
Pleasance Courtyard, dates vary, 9.00pm (10.00pm), prices vary, fpp 78.
tw rating 4/5
[ow]

This Show Belongs To Lionel Ritchie No. 4: Dial-A-Sketch
This Belongs to Lionel Ritchie
Do you ever fancy some moderately funny comedy sketches from an eclectic group of individuals with big ideas, but just can't be bothered going to the nearest Fringe venue to find some? Well, why not have them come to you? The fourth incarnation of the ubiquitous 'This Show Belongs to Lionel Ritchie' series offers you a chance to give them a ring and have them come and perform anywhere you may desire. It's a novel idea, and the show isn't too bad either. Making an essential and original sketch performance is a near impossible task these days, and this is an admirable effort, with a humour that suits its daring premise.
We come to you - call 07807 164 987, 3 - 24 Aug (not 13), 1.00pm (2.00pm), free, fpp 103.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Dr Brown and the Euro-Eccentrics
PBH's Free Fringe
This was a genuinely funny show, sabotaged by the venue's total lack of intimacy, and a half-drunk-by-six o'clock, rowdy Saturday night crowd. The show offers clean, safe, good old-fashioned fun to just about anyone who will listen; expect sunny humour in the form of stupid dances, ridiculous audience participation games, and even sillier impressions of just about everything. Dr Brown is humorous in his eccentric role, but his well thought out jokes often fell on deaf ears. Similarly, the supporting comedians needed more audience participation to make their acts the best they could be. I'd suggest trying Dr Brown's late night show at Nicol Edwards. Maybe there you'll be able to hear what's going on.
Madogs, 2 Aug - 23 Aug (not 11 and 18), 6.30pm (7.30pm), free, fpp 46.
tw rating 3/5
[km]

Eleanor Tiernan & John F O'Donnell - Irish American
Eleanor Tiernan & John F O'Donnell
I am still a little raw about the death of Heath Ledger, so when a nervy, Irish 'comedian' (let's use this term lightly) made a 'joke' about his passing away, I was less than impressed. After a humdinger like this the silence in the audience was palpable, saved only by the mild rustle of a tumbleweed slowly drifting across the stage. The only thing more excruciating than watching Eleanor Tiernan deliver rubbish punch lines with the pizzazz of a slightly deranged school mistress is listening to her joke that rape is acceptable as long as the rapist in question is good-looking. And that pretty much sums up this show. On the plus side it ended at 6.30pm.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 5.30pm (6.30pm), prices vary, fpp 48.
tw rating 1/5
[rsj]

The Mulholland -Constant
Jools Constant/PBH's Free Fringe
When the main event is completely outshone by its five minute warm-up poetry act, you know it's not been a good night. And though Mab Jones may not be in the best company, her brief set is a delightful series of comic verse that's both articulate and imaginative. The comedy of Jools Constant and David Mulholland, however, is not. With one a former Jehovah's Witness, and the other a war reporter who spent time in Afghanistan, you'd think they'd have at least one interesting story to tell between them. Alas, this is charmless tedium that somehow manages to not even be worth the free asking price.
The White Horse, 2 - 23 Aug (not 10, 17), 9.25pm (10.25pm), free, fpp 80.
tw rating 1/5
[tm]

Reception
Avalon Promotions
Jane and Clare hate their jobs, so when they get locked in reception one night, the very night Jane has the long awaited casting she hopes will make her a superstar, it's not surprising that they start to go just a little bit insane. Some sporadically funny incidents occur, like the misunderstanding surrounding a cat called 'Stuffed' purchased on Ebay, but none of the incidents fit together properly and the piece feels like a jumbled mishmash. I'm still not quite sure where to place it because it veers from stand-up, to play, to sketch show. It's reasonably well acted, but the characters are chronically underdeveloped and as a whole just not very funny. A pity, when the actors show so much potential.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 13.00pm (12.00pm), prices vary, fpp.90
tw rating 2/5
[je]

Fine Sketchup - The Best In Sketch Comedy
Falling Down With Laughter
I found the perfect way to hide from the rain, and its name was 'Fine Sketchup'. With three different acts every day, it's a nice little taster session. One of the acts was missing today because they "discovered they were soluble", but the two remaining, 'Will & Greg' and 'Mould & Arrowsmith' more than made up for it. Both duos have appeared on Channel 4, and I can see why. The sketches were professional, well-written and flawlessly performed without the crudeness and vulgarity of some of the comedy that I've seen so far, which I found completely refreshing. I recommend 'Fine Sketchup' not just as the best way to hide from the temperamental weather, but as the best way to see some great sketch comedy.
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13), 3.05pm (4.05pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 50.
tw rating 4/5
[rg]

Domestic Goddi
Avalon Promotions
Far from the world of the size zero yummy mummy, the 'Domestic Goddi' attempts to shatter this illusion by donning Lycra and mocking Russian gymnasts. That's the problem with this hit and miss comedy sketch show - it fails to achieve its goal, and so I found myself watching two women attempt to take the piss out of bikini waxing, old ladies, and the slightly more justifiable - Michael Flatley. 'Domestic Goddi' would have benefited from more relevant and meatier sketches which might have produced better than the audience's meagre grunts and smiles. The aim is to expose the artifice of the 'Domestic Goddess', but personally, I think Nigella Lawson sucking her fingers (Lycra optional) would have been more interesting.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 20), 12.55pm (1.55 pm), prices vary, fpp 47.
tw rating 2/5
[rsj]

Steve Williams: The Ultimate Worrier
Avalon Promotions
Steve Williams bemoans that the Welsh are only 'nice'. Well this stand-up show certainly doesn't contradict that statement. Watching Welshman Steve go through his set, it struck me that the quality of his jokes were no better than the kind of material you experience when a mildly drunk man chats to you at a bar about the inconsequential events of his mediocre life. The comedian delivers a largely unmemorable performance which, although striking a friendly tone, simply lacked depth and creativity. In the tough world of stand-up comedy it simply isn't good enough to just be 'nice', even if you are as apologetic as about it as Steve is.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 20), 7.15pm (8.15pm), prices vary, fpp 100.
tw rating 2/5
[rsj]

Paul Kerensa - iPaul: The Great Playlist Challenge
Good Sense of Humour in Association With Noel Gay Artists
Following a bet with his mates to see if he can pull off a Dave Gorman style show, Paul has spent the past twelve months researching twelve genres of music - and has turned his research into this show. From Pop to Country - including the song "praying for your touch, Lord" which turns into yet another poke at the Catholic Church - and from Rock to Rat Pack, Paul uses his projection slideshow and silly costume changes to mock and champion what we buy into. It's light-hearted, a bit nerdy, perhaps a little irksome. I'm not sure if he won the bet, but then Gorman is a lot to live up to.
Underbelly's Baby Belly, 2 - 24 Aug (not 13), 7.00pm (8.00pm), prices vary, fpp 86.
tw rating 3/5
[da]

Angel Delight is a Dog's Best Friend
Ben Brown
Sometimes it's easy to smell the fear of new comedians. I can see real potential in Ben Brown; he has that observant and slightly surreal style of comedy that the masses love. Unfortunately his eyes are on his notebook, so it's hard to be engaged, and even harder to be wowed by the punchlines. He was hesitant to deliver, especially after the audience didn't laugh very much for the first few gags and the gig was short for lack of material. Still, you can't be too hard on a man who hands out 'sympathy sweets' as a way of winning over the crowd. I for one will give him a second chance.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 10 - 16 Aug, 12.50am (1.20pm), free, fpp 27.
tw rating 2/5
[lh]

ComedyDublin - Free
ComedyDublin/ PBH's Free Fringe
I have a great respect for improvised comedy. At best it can showcase something approaching genius, and if things go wrong there is a shared responsibility with the audience, and a get-on-with-the-next-part attitude. With a small audience, the first improvised half of this show felt more like a drama workshop, and was fun. The improvisations weren't terribly creative, but the audience involvement was natural and felt spontaneous rather than forced. I expected better things from the second half, believing the four comics to be fairly skilled, and expecting that their stand-up would be easier for them, and therefore better. However, routines paled in comparison to the improvisation and a funny guest appearance from a non-Irishman was too little too late.
The Phoenix, 2 - 23 Aug (not 6, 13, 20) 3.30pm (5.00pm) free, fpp 40.
tw rating 2/5
[gm]

Dench! Or How Dame Judi Got Her Groove Back
2A9 Productions
I'm not easily offended. Poo gags - bring it on; paedophile jokes - I love 'em. But seeing a man in a dress pretending to be one of Britain's most celebrated actresses really got to me. I would have got over this, though, if any of the sketches had been funny. Apart from the opening there was little connection with the theatrical dame. There was also no continuity between sketches and a great deal of waffling drivel hid any potential laughs, making for a confusing, boring watch. The clincher for me was when one of the performers went around screaming at the audience, attracting nervous giggles, and on seeing my blank expression shouted "laugh, fucking laugh". I didn't.
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 2 - 12 Aug, 12.50pm (1.50pm), free, fpp 45.
tw rating 1/5
[gm]

Des Clarke - Desire
Des Clarke
If you are after a fast paced guide to all things Scottish then this is the show for you. Our Glaswegian host discusses various Scottish topics - everything from Alex Salmond to the Falkirk Wheel - whilst continuously going off on tangents to explain or add to his stories, or bring up something completely unrelated. He plays engagingly with his audience; interacting, getting involved but never picking on anyone, and improvising with the material he finds. Besides that, two rather drunk hecklers added comical value and gave Clarke a chance for more equally successful improvisation. Making Scotland his main topic of conversation is hardly original, but he keeps the audience intrigued and entertained.
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul - 25 Aug (not 13), 9.20pm (10.20pm), prices vary, fpp 46.
tw rating 3/5
[fa]

Grab Your Coat Love - It's Helm And Taylor! - Free
Laughing Horse Free Festival
With Taylor's trademark headband and Helm's trademark hip-thrusts, this pair is out to tickle funny bones with the help of flashing electronic drumsticks and a dose of surreal madness at lunchtime. It's not exactly intellectual or complex, but their gleeful and insistent silliness should get anyone smiling. They have a talent for repeating anything until it becomes funny, as well as being perfectly willing to return their heckles. Their partnership is based more on the concept that two hairy men are funnier than one hairy man than that opposites attract, but with low budget slideshows, games such as 'happy tag' and a peculiar interest in animals, you couldn't ask for much more from free comedy in the afternoons.
Laughing Horse @ The Argyle, 2 - 23 Aug (not 11), 1.30pm (2.30pm), free (non-ticketed), fpp 55.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

The Improlympians are Keyser Soze - Free
Improlympians / PBH's Free Fringe
A tale of Mother Bear travelling to India on a bus in order to seek vengeance on a talking zimmer frame is where this particular hour of impro takes us. Using words and phrases suggested by the audience before the show, three quick and funny men improvise an entire show, bouncing off one another so convincingly that it appears they can almost read each other's thoughts. Their different styles of humour are varied enough that the laughs never grow stale, although certain surreal nuances suggest that all three are heavily Mighty Boosh-influenced, and the occasional slips from their shared wavelength only serves to keep their sharp minds ticking forwards. Guaranteed to be different each evening and well worth a watch.
Beehive Inn, 18 Grassmarket, 10 - 16 Aug, free, 5.15pm (6.15pm), fpp 60.
tw rating 3/5
[ks]

Lord Buckley
clubWEST
I seem to have missed the point of Bob Sinfield's solo show. A "jive-talking rapper" apparently, the character does little more than say "groovy cats" and "dig it" repeatedly, in an awfully posh voice. Telling a series of stories ranging from 'A Christmas Carol' to Jesus handing out loaves and fishes, this fragmented show seemed to go on much longer than its 50 minutes, though the older audience members seemed to be having a great time. Despite a serious commitment to his role (Sinfield flyers, welcomes people, and probably even sleeps in character), this seems like little more than an excuse to use a silly voice and pull some silly faces. Probably not a character worth committing to. clubWEST@Quincentenary Hall, 3-16 Aug, 8:00pm (8:50pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 74.
tw rating 2/5
[gs]

Matt Forde's On Heat
ORF Productions
The comedy game show format has never really appealed to me. But, do you know what has appealed to me even less than this? Rubbish comedy. Don't get me wrong, there were many people who enjoyed for 'On Heat', in particular one man sitting behind me, who was very vocal about his appreciation for all things Matt Forde. Unfortunately, I simply didn't share this enthusiasm. Perhaps I am just getting a bit long in the tooth for juvenile gags involving ... wait, I can't actually remember. That's the problem with 'On Heat' (well, apart from being a game show): it is the comedy equivalent of Alzheimer's; you leave confused, disorientated and wondering how the hell you got there.
C soco urban garden, dates vary, 3.15pm (4.05pm), prices vary, fpp 77.
tw rating 2/5
[rsj]

The Oxford Revue: Bonfire of the Ottomans
The Oxford Revue
Sketch shows don't need to be themed, but it helps. Oxford's contribution to the genre this year is just one damn sketch after another, much like a line of Jimmy Carr jokes. I'd guess this is due to laziness rather than a lack of talent, however, because much of the writing hits the spot. Sweep the inevitable sketch junk away and there's still plenty left. My favourite was the piss-take of the Alpha Course, but yours might be the earnest use of GCSE French in relation to hamsters. Some of the junk is unforgivable, though: Harry Potter jokes have always been a bit shit, but now that all the books are out of the way they should be outlawed. Watch it with your shit-sieve to hand.
Underbelly, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 6.05pm (7.05pm), prices vary, fpp 84.
tw rating 3/5
[cw]

Pam Ann
Pam Ann pulls an audience of devoted fans; an audience of ladies-of-certain-age and - in her own words - "my gays", that she knows well. She is, quite simply, one of the campest, sharpest, most flamboyant and cruelly knowing acts you are ever likely to see. Admittedly, she is a bit OTT for many tastes; her video interludes are inexplicable and for those of us who didn't grow up in the 70s repeating the word 'gay' seven times a minute isn't comedy gold. Plus, there's a Malaysian flight attendant caricature that would do Prince 'slitty eyes' Philip proud. But, in her own uber-camp, pink and sparkly, fellatio-joke filled world, Pam Ann flies sky high...
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 9.00pm (10.00pm), prices vary, fpp 85.
tw rating 4/5
[vp]

7 Sins
Fringe Management
My ears hurt. James Judd has been shouting at me for an hour, because he's just so gosh-darn keen to stress the importance of every single word. What he obviously considers an enthusiastic, high-energy style is simply overblown camp, force-feeding us punchlines as though we were partially deaf children with ADHD, incapable of paying attention for more than three seconds. Judd's biggest mistake in this over-rehearsed, self-indulgent show was convincing himself that anyone outside his immediate family would be interested in his mid-life crisis fear that his life's built on sin, tales of failed jobs, minor childhood embarrassments and an apparent obsession with 80s soap operas. Sorry James, you're wrong. No one cares.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3-25 Aug, 3.00pm (4.00pm), prices vary, fpp 94.
tw rating 1/5
[gs]

Topical Scurvy: For Lunch - Free!
Topical Scurvy/ Laughing Horse Free Festival
It may be in the dingy back room of a football club, but what emanates from this room is nothing but quality. 'Topical Scurvy' embodies what the Fringe is about: talent showcased in obscure venues, discovered by unwitting punters. This show combines timeless stand-up material with topical issues of the day, including a rap between John McCain and Barack Obama, and whatever happens to be in the newspapers that day. A special mention must go to Tony Dunn, who manages to pull off dressing up as a crucified, blacked-up Jesus, without inciting a riot. The costumes are hilariously bad and the show is unpolished, but the raw talent is enough to give the audience an excellent lunchtime show.
Laughing Horse @ Edinburgh City Football Club, 7 - 15 Aug, 1.00pm (2.00pm), free, fpp 106.
tw rating 3/5
[af]

Sketchy Beast
Paper Bag Equals Yes
Some advice for sketch comedy: 1. If you're going to give yourself a pathetic name, don't live up to it. 2. A theme or narrative is useful to hold the audience's attention. 3. Making continual references to the almost all-male composition of the group doesn't count as a theme or narrative. 4. Keep scene changes slick, avoid blackouts like the black death. 5. Don't let sketches go on too long. 6. Remember really short scenes aren't just funny because they're short, they do require some comedy too. 7. If you have to make a joke about a disability, make it a good one. 8. Keep the energy levels up, the whole time. 9. Finish on a high. 10. Be funny.
C soco, 10 - 25 Aug, 4.40pm (5.50pm), prices vary, fpp 97.
tw rating 2/5
[se]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Alba Flamenca
Three years ago in Edinburgh I saw a fantastic flamenco act. It was exhilarating and sensual, but I'm afraid to say that Alba Flamenca was neither of those things. The highlight was the beautiful guitar solo halfway through, but the singer's voice began to grate after a while, especially as I was right next to a very loud speaker. The three flamenco dancers no doubt gave a good performance, but there was something about the whole ensemble that did not sit quite right; perhaps this was because it was a matinee performance and maybe later at night the flamenco would be more atmospheric. Having said that, most people in the audience appeared to be enjoying themselves, but unfortunately I was not among them.
The Lot, 4 - 24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 112.
tw rating 2/5
[ah]

EVENTS

Radio Forth On The Fringe
Radio Forth Ltd
As a foreigner from the southern lands, I didn't have a clue who Boogie and Arlene were prior to this evening of music, comedy and cabaret; more fool me eh? This extended bill, containing a variety of Fringe 'highlights', was definitely directed towards a Scottish audience, which is only fair I guess, considering they have to put up with their city being over-run by tourists for the whole bloody month. The night kicked off with a colourful performance from the Soweto Gospel Choir, followed by raucous comedy from Karen Dunbar, Jimeoin and Craig Hill. I'm not sure the crowd really knew what to make of Drags Aloud's energetic danceathon, or who Jakil even were, but Sandi Thom brought the house down!
The Liquid Rooms, 9 Aug, 6.00pm (9.00pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 129
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

InvAsian Festival: Family Bollywood Workshops (General)
SB Dance
The word workshop makes me think of sitting around a table making stuff, so stupidly I turned up to this event in a mini-skirt and with an acute hangover. If you cannot already guess by the name Bollywood, the hour was anything but sedentary. My feelings of nausea soon passed after the energetic warm-up, as we were taken step by step through our first Bollywood dance under the excellent instruction of Shalini Bhalla. As well as demonstrating how to do each move Shalini explained the symbolism of the action, how every gesture tells part of a story. It was an hour of (tiring!) fun that taught me a great deal about Bollywood and the beauty and complexity of Indian dance.
clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, 3 - 9 Aug (not 7), 12.30pm (1.30pm), £6.50 (£5.50) (£4.50 C), fpp 127.
tw rating 4/5
[gm]

MUSIC

Alex Yellowlees Jazz Quartet
Alex Yellowlees
They band came out and deftly played from Grappelli's songbook, but also shifted the hot club style onto other songs, notably 'Isn't She Lovely' by Stevie Wonder, as well as delivering some wily improvisations. It was an assured performance and just as the playlist was well put together, so was the band; Kenny Ellis held a strong rhythm on bass and Ged Brockie was mature and skilled on guitar whilst young virtuoso guitarist Mike Nisbet was bursting at the seams with creativity, but was ably kept in check by deferential band leader and remarkable violinist Yellowlees. The band have a new CD and website and, crucially, an intriguing balance that could help them develop in new and innovative directions. Well worth a look.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 9 Aug, 9.00pm (10.15pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 139.
tw rating 4/5
[tb]

Lisa Scott
A lively rhythm played the show in but, unfortunately, that was the highlight, and the rest of the set, although quite pleasant, was nothing to write home about. Scott's tediously conventional song selection was littered with classics from Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, but she never really got to grips with any of the numbers or conveyed them with any individual style. This was partly due to a duff microphone, but in this intimate venue, she really should have performed more. She doesn't make many mistakes, she's amiable and gracious and the hour would be a relaxing interlude in a Fringe night full of personality-soaked performers, but as a stand alone gig, she's no show stopping songstress.
Sweet Teviot Place, 9-10 Aug, 7.30pm (8.30pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 156.
tw rating 2/5
[tb]

NSGSO in Concert
National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra
Appearing in Scotland for the first time in 19 years, the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra is more than mere music to the ears, it is an absolute pleasure to watch these youngsters display such immense talent, delivering a clear passion for melody and the spirit of music. The group, conducted by the talented Leon Gee, showcases a mixture of classical and popular music, performing such highlights as the James Bond Medley, Symphony No. 8 in G major, Opus 88 and 'The Great Adventure', a symphony especially commissioned for the NSGSO's centenary in 2007. The stunning setting of St Mary's Cathedral and the building's advantageous acoustics make the experience even more memorable.
St Mary's Cathedral, 9 Aug, 7.00pm (9.00 pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 159.
tw rating 4/5
[be]

Billy Jones
For a man born in Bathgate and now living in Sweden, Billy Jones has a distinctly American sound. Clearly influenced by the greats like Dylan and Cash, there's a country twang to Jones' work, with jaunty fiddle and slide guitar dominating much of what's heard tonight. Jones hasn't forgotten his roots, though, and skilled accordion helps hark back to the traditions of Scottish music as Jones sings with passion about the life he had as a lad and the city he grew up in. There's even room for his daughter to come on stage and help on fiddle duties, adding to the sense that this event is something of a homecoming for Jones. He'd be welcome back in Edinburgh any time.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride's, 9 Aug, 7.15pm (8.30pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 142.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Topsy Chapman and Becky Kilgore
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
This was a heck of a line-up for the finale of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2008 and, for the majority of the show, they produced some pretty special stuff. Trombonist Dan Barrett led the band because "they'd drawn lots in the back before and it turned out to be [him]". The sentiment was valid, as with the likes of Duke Heitger on trumpet, Roy Percy on bass and Ken Mathieson on drums, any member could have fronted it. At times it was magical but the end didn't really slam; whether this was because Barrett fell away as band leader, or because Kilgore went into an encore before the last number was even announced is, sadly, a question left unanswered.
Spiegeltent, 3 Aug, 8.30pm (10.30pm), £15.00, jbfpp 22.
tw rating 3/5
[tb]

2 Drummers Drumming
Mathew Priest from Dodgy and Maurice Bacon from Love Affair
The two drummers in question are Mathew Priest from 90s pop group Dodgy, and Maurice Bacon from 60s band Love Affair. They come from completely different worlds and have little in common, except for a passionate love for pounding the skins and a knowledge of the music business gained unobtrusively from the back of the stage. Their show's aim is to attempt to dispel negativity surrounding drummers and for the audience to say that they would proudly be a drummer by the perfomance's end. Whereas this show is all about drumming, it ends up being ninety percent chatting and ten percent actual drumming, leaving me feeling a bit cheated. However, when they did drum... boy, did they drum.
The Bongo Club, 30 Jul- 25 Aug (not 8,9,17) 4.30 pm (5.25pm), prices vary, fpp 166.
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

The Two Tall Girls
Sophie Bancroft and Christine Hanson
Soulful, intimate love songs were played from the two tall girls Sophie Bancroft and Christine Hanson, Bancroft on guitar and vocals while Hanson accompanied on cello. The pair also introduced double bassist Tom Line early on.The majority of songs were composed by Sophie and she performed them confidently. However, lyrical themes were sometimes a little abstract and sometimes a little base, but mainly they were heartfelt tunes that tenderly called to an invisible companion. They also played works by Christine, which were more meditative and classical in character and gave a different dimension to the performance. The two tall girls have got a nice balance of musical styles and put on an absorbing and pleasant show.
Acoustic Music Centre, 9-12 Aug, 8.00pm (9.00pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 166.
tw rating 3/5
[tb]

Cathedral Festival Eucharists
I could not be less religious, but I found myself really enjoying my time at St Mary's. A mass is not simply a religious ceremony to help absolve your soul of its sins and sorrows, it is also about telling great stories full of morals. One of the stories was the inspiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, 'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', of course, a pop culture reference which the reader used to great effect in order to explain the message of the story. The Cathedral Choir was stunning, with celestial harmonies and minimal accompaniment, creating a beautiful sound that rose above and beyond the lofty rafters of St Mary's, all the way to 'Hosanna in Excelsis'.
St Mary's Cathedral, times and dates vary, free, fpp 143.
tw rating 4/5
[mb]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

Musical Theatre Masterclasses
Musical Theatre @ George Square
Imagine this nightmare scenario: you have to sing to a room full of people. That doesn't scare you? Alright, not only do you have to sing, you have to invent the words as you go, and the tune, and yes, you also have to simultaneously choreograph some movement for it. "It's OK," says Dylan Emery from improv musical 'Showstoppers', who led this workshop, "You just need to relax". As a certified non-singer I'd rather be raped by the entire cast of 'Cats' than participate in this Geneva Convention-defying torture. It could've been worse, though; I tried to relax, managed a verse, and with great relief sat back and watched the others create some amazing songs from scratch.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, dates vary, times vary, free, fpp 128.
tw rating 4/5
[se]

The Two Widows
Scottish Opera
Hidden amongst the innovative International Festival program is an outdated museum piece that is purely average: Smetana's opera 'The Two Widows'. Directors Tobias Hoheisel and Imogen Kogge have done little to make relevant this provincial Czech story about widow Anezka, whose chastity prevents her from accepting the love of a gentleman, Ladislav. The two widows, Kate Valentine and Jane Irwin do give faultless performances demonstrating their impressive registers and unwavering control but the 19th century setting and value system are so far removed from modern life that there is little engagement; the folksy score and elf-like chorus alone are not strong enough to sustain it either. This is a well sung opera that felt disconnected and safe, appropriate only for a specific audience.
Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 9 - 12 Aug (not 10), 7.15pm (9.45pm), from £10.00, eifpp 5.
tw 3/5
[zl]

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
American High School Theatre Festival
If you love your musicals then you will love this. Based on traditional Roman Comedy, this classic musical has it all: the big chorus numbers, the comedy, the love, the deception, the classic twists and turns. The young hero has fallen for a courtesan, and, persuading his slave to help him, an elaborate plan is concocted to win the fair lady. Of course, the plan goes very, very wrong. This production was hilariously entertaining and the cast gave a truly outstanding performance; not only were the dancing and the singing very, very good, but even more impressive was the age of the players. All were of school age, and yet they gave one of the most entertaining performances I have seen to date.
Churchill Theatre, 4 - 8 Aug (not 5), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 171.
tw rating 4/5
[lp]

Hair
The American High School Theatre Festival
This musical production starred an enthusiastic, energetic cast, and had a few nice touches - such as the face masks for character changes, the American flag 'cross', and the American flag 'coffins.' The 'battle for hearts and minds' (Vietnam War) felt particularly apt given the current Western political climate, plus ThreeWeeks also made an important appearance as a prop on stage! Unfortunately, though, many of the soloists voices were drowned out by the band, chorus, or simply could not be heard loudly or clearly enough, whilst dialogue spoken in unison did not come together well. The choreography was dull and messy and would have benefited from more work: after all, in musicals, it's all about the song and dance.
Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, 10 - 14 Aug (not 11), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 172
tw rating 2/5
[bw]

THEATRE

Look Who's Talking
Saughtonhall Drama Group
A play about an older woman who apparently spends the night with a young man and cannot remember a thing until he unexpectedly arrives for lunch with her and her husband, I imagined it would cause quite a stir amongst the sea of white-haired heads in this church hall. Not at all; I only heard grumbles that it wasn't as funny as they had been promised, or as good as previous productions by the company. The former I can confirm is true, the latter I don't know. But for an amateur production the set was great, as was the female lead, the main let-down being the extremely repetitive and predictable script. The overall experience, however, complete with interval, outweighed the short-comings of the script.
Saughtonhall United Reformed Church, 4 - 9 Aug, 7.30pm (9.30pm), £7.00 (£6.00), fpp 212.
tw rating 3/5
[gm]

Broken Nails
Wiczy Theatre
Imagine what Amy Winehouse would look like at eighty, cross that with Miss Piggy, throw in a Polish accent and add a bit of lesbian puppet love. Sound bizarre? It couldn't have been more disturbing and I'm sure the oversized puppet face, injecting Botox into its horrendous lips and shouting obscenities at its sycophantic assistant is going to haunt me for a few weeks yet. However, as abhorrent as it was, I couldn't help but admire the believable dynamic between the puppet and the puppeteer; although perhaps this made the experience all the more sinister. With masterful choreography and impeccable focus this one-woman show brought a new dimension to an old art: this is no Punch and Judy.
Hill Street Theatre, 1 - 24 Aug (not 10), 5.35pm (6.25pm), £12.00 (£10.00), fpp 188.
tw rating 3/5
[sg]

Body
Z Theatre Company
'Body' is a fragmented narrative exploring pancreatic cancer, the human heart, and brain. While these three elements never interweave the intensity of the acting, especially with the support of dramatic green and red lighting, makes it believable. However, Z Theatre's choice of decadent symbolism and unclear staging makes for a engaging but confusing performance. The stage violence is realistic but feels unnecessary because there was no motivation behind it and while some characters were realistically acted, such as the lesbian in love, the father was a heavy-breathing, stylised grotesque. 'Body' is more an exploration of archetypes than it is story with character development and needs a rewrite so that the talented cast can deliver clarity as well as intensity and style.
The Space @ Venue 45, 4 - 15 Aug (not 10), 3.30pm (4.15pm), £5.00 (£3.50), fpp 187.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

Titus Andronicus
DDOS
Renowned as Shakespeare's gore-fest, Titus Andronicus has little to recommend it over other tragedies beyond its uber-violence and the unsettling effect it can have on its audience. It's such a shame, then, that this production shows no imagination in its staging. The violence is more bland than disturbing, the plethora of opportunities to draw an unwillingly complicit audience into a visceral world of bloodlust involve either a desensitised and unconnected stabbing motion, or, even more criminally, the distant and utterly pointless inclusion of video footage. Only Bob Hamilton as Titus shows any taste for the manic, the final image of him dressed as a bloody chef giving the briefest of glimpses of what could have been a grotesque macabre piece.
Sweet ECA, 2 - 9 Aug, 2.35pm (4.05pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 237.
tw rating 2/5
[rd]

Infanta: User's Guide
Erika Blaxland-de Lange
Due to a recent habit I have developed I shall be reviewing this show in the form of a haiku. If you think this makes me a self-indulgent and talentless git who is wasting your time and saying less than nothing then you have an exact appreciation of this show. Magherita gave, for the briefest of moments, a knowing reference to the theatrical pain she was inflicting on the audience, but what these performers need to realise is that communicating deeply personal emotions through random phrases and cries requires some inherent semblance of thought and talent. Anyway, here's the haiku:
Jumbled and pointless
Half the crowd left and were right
This is just painful.
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 31 Jul - 10 Aug, 7.05pm (7.55pm), free, fpp 206.
tw rating 1/5
[rd]

A Broad Abroad - Free
Gaby Ford
This one woman show divided opinion quite significantly amongst audience members, who seemed either to love it, or found it about as tantalising and interesting as burnt chips. Unfortunately, I fell into the latter category. It just wasn't my cup of tea, and technically, the show cannot be classed as theatre or comedy: It's an hour of a bawdy lady dictating a biographical account of her life to date, in a very hyperbolic, Americanised way, and disclosed in a style that those of us from the more emotionally conservative nations may not necessarily empathise with. That said, the actress did perform with a high level of energy and vigour. But it wasn't enough to keep me not bored abroad.
Laughing Horse@ The Counting House, 3 - 25 Aug, 4.25pm (5.10pm), free, fpp188.
tw rating 2/5
[km]

Playback Theatre
Random Acts Theatre Company
This interactive theatre experience could have gone either way, but I found it unique and intriguing. The premise is that the audience provide the material; they are encouraged to tell everyday stories which the actors then use for improvisations in various styles, using no props but coloured scarves and musical instruments. It's a prime exposition of how the ordinary can become art and how no experience is unworthy of dramatic exploration, and seeing my narrative come to life through the bodies of others was an unexpectedly cathartic experience. Director Tig Land created a warm and relaxed environment in which the audience willingly shared and actors sensitively drew out the essence of each story. Simple but different, and perfect for the Fringe.
Diverse Attractions, 4 - 9 Aug, 3.30pm (4.30pm), £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 224.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

Blue Remembered Hills
Edinburgh Theatre Arts
Children can be so nasty. They certainly are in Dennis Potter's dark vision of childhood, in which the kids are always played by adults. This production safely delivered the script's casual cruelty and petty violence with a scruffy playfulness and some convincing stage scraps. However, the more poignant elements eluded them; the faltering direction rushed many crucial moments, which needed more space to breathe and resonate with the audience. There were also some difficulties with clarity, mostly due to the distracting sound of clomping great boots on an echoey stage. However, there were several strong performances, notably Vicki Horne's gawkily vicious Audrey, while Donald's unnerving high-pitched laugh gave an inkling of the tragedy that would end this nostalgia-busting play.
St Ninian's Hall, 4 - 16 August (not 10), times vary, £9.00 (£7.00), fpp 187.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Teechers
Flipticket
Undoubtedly John Godber's best play, 'Teechers' is always enjoyable to watch; this production was no exception, and was performed in one of my favourite fringe venues. The play features three school kids who are trying to convince their drama teacher not to leave to teach at another school. This cast have not been teenagers for quite some time, and were far more convincing as the adults; that said, they did urge the audience to use their imagination from the outset, and their characterisations were amusing, particularly the portrayal of Mrs Parry and her obsession with the Mikado. There were some fairly dodgy Scouse accents and some stumbling over words, but overall this was a competent and enjoyable production.
Diverse Attractions, 4 - 9 Aug, 3.30pm (4.30pm), £9.50 (£8.00), fpp 235.
tw rating 3/5
[dk]

Metamorphoses
The American High School Theatre Festival
The pupils of Stevenson's High School, Illinois delivered an enthusiastic performance in this interpretation of Ovid's transitional tales. The actors conveyed an earnest charm, and if their delivery was occasionally too sincere - especially in the show's more serious moments - when the script turned to comedy a genuine light-hearted sense of humour shone through which warmed the appreciative audience's heart. The script's attempt to link the disparate tales into a more coherent narrative was noble, if not entirely successful, and it was the actors' skill that kept things entertaining. A slightly camp Vertumnus stole the show (and apparently the hearts of a large chunk of the audience), but every one of his fellow performers displayed a real talent for the stage.
Church Hill Theatre, 4 - 9 Aug (not 7, 8), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 215.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

That One Show, Backstage Confessions
The American High School Theatre Festival
What is the point of theatre? This play takes a look backstage into the lives of actors, directors, editors and interviewers to ascertain why they became involved in theatre. What appeals to them about it, what has traumatised them, and why on earth they're still doing it. Does theatre have purpose? To educate, to entertain, to serve some political agenda? Or is it a form of therapy, providing 'an outlet' to escape into? An innovative ensemble piece look at the impact of shows such as 'Hair' and a play about a girl who gave her mother 40 whacks, which sent shivers down my spine. You will hear the word 'theatre' at least 100 times! Where would we be without it?
Church Hill Theatre, 5-8 Aug, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 236.
tw rating 3/5
[da]

Blue On Blue
Play Ball Theatre
Potential. It's a word that speaks of hope, but can speak of so much frustration and missed opportunity. I really wanted this play to be good, and I really thought it had the potential to be. Unfortunately it left me disappointed and slightly peeved. It started off well with an interesting premise: two rival cultures entwined in war and politics, an exploration of the contrasts and misunderstandings that lie between them. The problem was that it didn't succeed in going anywhere believable. The characters were hollow shells of stereotypes and the story spun off course into a fantasy world that stank of Hollywood cheese, where it crashed, and badly. Beyond that, I missed chunks of story because the actors were, at times, inaudible.
C Cubed, 10 - 25 Aug, 2.00pm (3.15pm), prices vary, fpp 187.
tw rating 2/5
[mj]

I Kissed A Frog And It Gave Me Herpes - Free
Chesterlass Productions
This is a thoroughly enjoyable slice of life about the tribulations of a young woman in search of Mr Right amongst random shags, heavy drinking, and terrible day jobs. We can all relate to this story; more so because of the deft handling and energy of the two actors who utilise the confined space well, despite being hidden when seated. Some poetry and half-hearted guitar are also interspersed throughout as the actors switch between playing a character, re-enacting an event, and narrating the story. This is a short, enjoyable package that should be sampled because it is relevant, quirky, and free. There's also a community health message thrown in for good measure.
Laughing Horse @ Espionage, 4 - 25 Aug (not 17, 18), 1.45pm (2.20pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 206.
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

In Conflict
Temple Theaters
It seems a lifetime away from the Fringe Festival in rainy Edinburgh, but there's a war going on in Iraq. In this piece of verbatim theatre, the two meet as extracts from interviews with American soldiers are re-enacted before us. The stories are gripping, moving and horrifying, telling of lost limbs, minds and values. Above all, they're stories of betrayal by their own country: not enough body armour in Iraq, not enough respect from their countrymen, not enough support from the VA. Granted, if the play is trying to tell us anything truly new, it's a little late; we already know most of this. But there's a difference between knowing and feeling, and that's where this piece hits you.
Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 12.15pm (2.05pm), prices vary, fpp 206.
tw rating 3/5
[nv]

Drunk, Sex 'N' Camera Roll
Forward Slash Reality Theatre Company
The title says it all. I imagine this play has the highest usage of the word 'cock' at the entire Edinburgh Festival (unless underground cockfighting has made an unexpected resurgence this year). However, if you're looking for staged soft porn, look elsewhere; this is more about boys' locker room bravado. I get the horrible feeling the script may have been written one handed by a guy whose fantasies stray into the exotic, but whose real life contains more talk than action. Was it supposed to be funny? I hope not. Admittedly, someone behind me was laughing. I don't know why, because the acting was poor, the story was weak and the concept was trashy. A Fringe lowlight.
C Soco, 10 - 25 Aug, 4.00pm (4.50pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 1/5
[mj]

The Magic Tree
Djinn Theatre Company In Co-Production With Cork Midsummer Festival And Belltable Arts Centre
Love is one of those pesky emotions that has a habit of cropping up when you least expect it, like for Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, though admittedly Austen didn't deal with quite as much gang rape. This Stockholm Syndrome inspired approach produces a clever and innovative exploration of secrets, lies, fury and deceit as we track the emergence of love born from a very dark place. Unfortunately, the acting was a little transparent at times, leaving a feeling of detachment despite our awareness of the characters' colourful histories. Ultimately, this meant that the audience were largely disengaged from the action, which was a shame, as in places the script was beautifully crafted, if still slightly unbelievable.
Assembly @ George Street, Aug 1 - 25 (not 4, 11, 18), 5.00pm (6.10pm), prices vary, fpp 214.
tw rating 3/5
[lk]

She Stoops To Conquer
Oxford University Dramatic Society
Polite society goes topsy-turvy in this tale of mistaken identities, trickery and true love. This student company perform Goldsmith's 18th century comic farce deftly, telling the story with clarity and a hint of camp. From lovely ladies to fops with floppy fringes, to a suitably grotesque grande dame, the cast deliver their parts with an enjoyable vigor, if slipping into caricature at times. The production is a little awkwardly staged, with the audience on each side of a tiny space, but the actors manage not to let this detract from their performance, which all looks very BBC costume-drama in sumptuous period get-ups. There's nothing very innovative or unusual here, but it's a faithful rendering of a classic that's fun and frothy.
C cubed, 3 - 16 Aug, 5.45pm (7.25pm), prices vary, fpp 230.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

VISUAL ART

Where Seeing Is Not Believing!
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Wow. You can't help but have fun at this very hands-on exhibition, because it's easy to absorb and there's a healthy ratio of completely fun exhibits useful and informative material. It's a good chance to test your eyes with optical illusions and the exhibition is the perfect length so that you come away not quite wanting to leave. The climax, of course, is the top floor camera obscura; each fifteen minute demonstration is well explained and there's a chance to interact by performing optical tricks on unknowing Edinburgh dwellers. Best experienced on a clear day, this is the place to go for a family outing, great views and a little bit of science.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, 27 Jul - 30 Aug, 9.30am - 7.30pm, £7.95 (£6.50), fpp 136.
tw rating 4/5
[sg]

Cargoes - A Merchant's Journey & Jewellery 2008
Galerie Mirages
Often the words 'selling exhibition' equate with 'shop'. I have grouped these two exhibitions together because they can be found in the same shop, at the end of an alleyway lined with photographs of where the 'treasures' have come from. Glass display cabinets of exquisite jewellery are placed next to intricately carved chairs on which sit stuffed elephants and a tray of silk scarves from Laos. With so much to see here it is impossible to appreciate any single pieces closely, in what is basically a high quality retailer of souvenirs from holidays that you haven't been on, and necklaces that you can't afford. A great place for a beautiful expensive gift, not so great as an exhibition.
Galerie Mirage, 31 Jul - 30 Aug, 10.00am (6.00pm), free, fpp 132 & 134
tw rating 2/5
[gm]

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