A great career opportunity from... Komedia

Venue Manager for Komedia Bath
– a new, iconic Live Music and Comedy Entertainment Venue

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Manager to take on this highly visible and demanding role at Komedia’s newest venue.

You must have the ability and confidence to lead a team of bar/catering and event management professionals, ensuring the highest level of customer service, as well as helping set budgets, monitor performance and be creative in maintaining and exceeding revenue and cost control targets.

Starting salary in the range of £25 – 28K dependent on experience. Send an up-to-date copy of your CV in Word Document format to recruitment@komedia.co.uk by 22/8/08.

More info www.komedia.co.uk

Reviews in the making - ThreeWeeks reviews get printed, delivered and scheduled, not necessarily in that order. Check out the full 'how ThreeWeeks reviews are made' photo story in the Week Three edition of ThreeWeeks, out there on those God-darn streets as we speak. Photos by James Robertson and Kat Gollock.

IF.COMEDY NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
So, the big comedy award shortlist has been announced, and, as we've possibly already told you elsewhere, David O'Doherty, Rhod Gilbert, Russell Kane and Kristen & Kurt are all up for the main prize, while Pippa Evans, Sara Millican and Mike Wozniak are all up for the newcomer award, in a year when the shortlists are perhaps most notable for their, well, shortness.

Commenting on her judging panel's choices, if.comedy boss Nica Burns told ThreeWeeks: "In a year where a number of shows made it to the final animated discussion, the four nominees presented shows which combined outstanding material and performance in a shortlist which offers something comedic for everyone: David O'Doherty's effortless charm with song, Americans Kristen and Kurt's utterly quirky and unique double-act, Welshman Rhod Gilbert, whose perfectly structured, gag-packed show has moved him into a new league and livewire stand-up Russell Kane's brilliantly energetic celebration of family, relationships and life's imperfections".

She continued: "The newcomer nomination list reflects the extremely talented crop of new performers. We are delighted to see two highly impressive women amongst the three nominees: Pippa Evans, a wonderful character comic who also writes and performs songs and Sarah Millican a classic stand-up with an outstanding command of the audience. The third nominee Mike Wozniak's stand-up show is a striking hour demonstrating writing and performing skills that make him, along with the others, a name to watch".

The overall winners will be announced on Saturday night at midnight at a bash down there on Queen Street at the Jam House.

--

CAROL TAMBOR SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED
Got a hunger for shortlists and finding all that comedy just isn't providing you your fill? Well worry not, because we have another shortlist for you right here, this one for the Carol Tambor Award, which casts its net across all things theatrical and offers the winner - always an original work - a two week run in New York, all expenses paid, as part of the Under The Radar Festival.

And the nominations are...

'Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show' - various authors, conceived by Nick Brice, at Roman Eagle Lodge.

'The Bird' and 'The Bee', by Al Smith and Matt Hartley, respectively, at Underbelly.

'Eight' by Ella Hickson, at the Bedlam Theatre.

'The Idiot Colony' by Lisle Turner at The Pleasance.

'66A Church Road - A Lament, Made of Memories and Kept in Suitcases' by Daniel Kitson, at Traverse.

Can we just point out that that shortlist says some pretty special stuff about the playwrighting talent that comes out of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company - with both Al Smith and Ella Hickson getting their early original work to stage through the university's theatre group, and with the latter's show being an EUTC production at the Bedlam Theatre. We're biased a little at ThreeWeeks, of course, given that all of the paper's editors are former 'Bedlamites' themselves, but we think that fact is rather wonderful and hope one of those two contenders wins.

Though that said, we do love the Bite Size team too - and have given them consistently good reviews at both the Brighton and Edinburgh Fringes. And, of course Kitson is a genius. And we've heard very good things about 'The Idiot Colony' too. So, come to think of it, well done the Carol Tambor Award for having such a good shortlist, and hurrah for whoever wins the overall prize.

--

Send in news: editor@threeweeks.co.uk

Answering the ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz today... Andrew Stanley

1. What is your 2008 show all about? It's about loads of different things like Good Friday, submarines, hairdressers and harpoons. Basically anything I have thought about in the last year or so... 2. Why should we come and see it? Because I need to eat and the money I get from tickets would help me with that. Or, on a far less selfish level, if you like to laugh then you should come to it. 3. If your show was an Olympic sport, what would it be and why? Wrestling - but WWE wrestling not the normal wrestling. That would be far better at the Olympics. In fact I think every event should have a 'smack talking' round beforehand that the judges have to score the competitors on.

5. What are you least looking forward to about this year's Festival?
Drinking til the sun comes up every morning. Not getting any sleep. Inevitably losing my voice two and a half weeks in. Eating Deep Fried Mars Bars at 3 in the morning.

6. What advice would you have for someone trying to navigate the Fringe?
Get a map. Listen out for the best shows that your friends see. Look at edfringe.com for whats selling out early. Come to the Mish Mash for free biscuits every night.

7. What advice would you have for someone trying to survive the Fringe?
Go to as many shows as possible and even when you think you can't laugh anymore go to even more shows.

8. Describe your show in three words.
Hilarious, energetic, biscuits.

Andrew Stanley, Some Things That Occurred To Me In The Last While That I Thought You Should Know About, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 27.

Andrew Stanley's Comedy Mish Mash, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 11.30pm (12.30am), prices vary, fpp27.

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 - 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

Michael Billington: Society and Culture
Edinburgh International Book Festival
To catch some time with one of Britain's most renowned theatre critics in the middle of one of the world's most prolific arts festivals is a rare opportunity, and one that I'm happy to report did not disappoint. Over the space of an hour the audience were given a passionate synopsis of the life of British theatre from post-war to the modern day, peppered with brief autobiographical asides and crowd pleasing anecdotes. Chief among these was his university review of his Oxbridge contemporary Ken Loach's 'Measure for Measure'; a hatchet job he entitled 'Half Measure'. This was a fascinating hour from a passionate and forthright critic that was surprisingly, given the nature of the job, optimistic in tone and positive about the future of British theatre.
Scottish Power Studio Theatre, 17 Aug, 12.00pm, bfpp 34.
[pl]

COMEDY

Gamarjobat - The Western
Komedia Entertainment
These two multi-skilled Japanese mime artists sporting coloured mohicans start their show by performing comic magic tricks and juggling, and with physical humour, such as pretending to chop off their own body parts, which goes down well with the younger members of the audience. The show changes direction somewhat in the second half, becoming purely mime, and telling the story of a cowboy. It's unsuitable for young children as it involves death by gunshots and contains some mild sexual references. The mime often becomes repetitive and I can feel the audience beginning to lose interest; essentially, the two parts of the show do not fit together, and I am left wishing they would stick to their earlier material, to keep all ages happy.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1 - 25 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 6.00pm (7.00pm), prices vary, fpp 53.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

Philip Escoffey: Six Impossible Things Before Dinner
Jeremy Meadow for Something for the Weekend Ltd.
Philip Escoffey knows what I'm going to write. Or at least, that's the impression you might get from watching his show. He performs a series of experiments designed to get you thinking about whether psychic phenomena are real, and while the tests he employs are standard fare he carries them out with wit and works the audience with ease. He offers his own views on the paranormal without bashing other people's opinions and steers clear of cheap gags, which adds greatly to his charm. Admittedly it was an amiable crowd and a tougher audience might have created a very different atmosphere, but it's an entertaining show and the final double twist brought a smile to my face.
Pleasance Dome, 30 Jul - 25 Aug, 5.20pm (6.20pm), prices vary, fpp 86.
tw rating 3/5
[jm]

Chris Neill's Got A Bun In The Oven
Good Sense Of Humour In Association With Noel Gay Artists
'Anyone middle class here?' Chris Neill asks. Posing this question in the Assembly Rooms is like asking a brewery if they have beer. And indeed there were a few in the audience, all enjoying camp, cookery comedy. Although not Neill's target demographic, I quite enjoyed this show, despite at one point having my laugh mocked. It may be unique but Dame Cybil Thorndyke-sounding it ain't, Chris Neill! A mixture of stand-up meets 'Ready Steady Cook' (thankfully minus Ainsley Harriot), 'Bun In The Oven' is pleasant viewing, and as Neill controversially cooked up veal livers, while taking the piss out of Celebrity Big Brother's Chantelle, it occurred to me that perhaps he did cater for my demographic after all.
Assembly @ George Street, 5 - 25 Aug, 6.20pm (7.20pm), prices vary, fpp 38.
tw rating 4/5
[rsj]

Dead Cat Bounce
Edcom8
This is the boys' second sketch show in less than two hours, not that you could tell, because they are as effervescent as the Andrew's Liver Salts that they use as a sound effect during this midnight show. With just their voices, a few sound effects and some atmospheric ivory tinkling, they take us back to the golden age of radio, via sketches containing characters so vividly uproarious that a laughter track is highly unnecessary. Their sketches are in good company with their songs, which easily manage to surpass the genius of Tenacious D and Weird Al Jankovich combined. Laughter is good for the soul, so do yours a favour and go see this comedy hour of power.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 30 Jul - Aug 24 (not 11, 12, 18, 19) 12.00am, prices vary, fpp45
tw rating 5/5
[mb]

Festival Of Football 2
Tony Cowards/Laughing Horse Free Festival
As Tony Cowards points out, you need a sense of humour to follow a football team, and in comedy the sport seems to be a somewhat overlooked well of material. Football apathetics need not apply here; there isn't a lot for anyone who is impartial about the beautiful game, but this should prove to be an entertaining hour for anyone who knows their Rotherham United from their Ronaldo. Cowards is likeable as a sincere eccentric and obviously knows his stuff, his observations and anecdotes far superior to his run of the mill joke making. It's interesting, but there's certainly room for improvement - with a bit more spit and polish this could be a championship-winning performance (Sorry, I couldn't resist).
Laughing Horse @ Edinburgh City Football Club, 2 - 24 (not 11, 18), 4.25pm (5.25pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 49.
tw rating 3/5
[th]

Get Up Stand Up!
WMD Awareness Programme/Mirth Control
This show stood out for me as it contained the best and the very worst stand-up comedians I've seen so far at the Festival. On the one hand, Ian Stone was clever and hilarious, the audience putty in his hands; on the other, Bristolian handyman Terry went down like the proverbial lead balloon. In between, we watched an interesting and instructive film about the destruction of the earth caused by nuclear weapons of mass destruction, a couple more comedians, and a questionable but likeable singing/guitar act. This show is billed as 'comedy, politics and music,' and it is thankfully not too heavy-handed or dogmatic with the politics. The programme changes every night, so go along for a surprise.
The Jazz Bar, 4 - 24 Aug, 5.00pm (6.30pm), £3.00, fpp 54.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

The Good, The Bad & The Cuddly
Laughing Horse Free Festival
The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly, self-proclaimed 'Russian dolls of comedy', are three men with three very different comedy styles. In a back room in Meadow Bar, Sion James bases his set around interaction with the audience and reminds us what stand-up should be as he riffs expertly and even makes fat jokes that are endearingly funny. Paul Harry-Allen is Russell Howard meets Rob Brydon, and is a joy to watch. His infectious energy has the audience in stitches and his interpretation of his 'favourite' records is hilarious. Finally, the dry, droll Mike O'Donovan is a complete contrast, laid-back and almost monotone; perhaps too slow-paced to follow Harry-Allen. These are three funny men, but Harry-Allen is the one to look out for.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 2 - 25 Aug, 4.20pm (5.20pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 55.
tw rating 3/5
[ks]

Hurt Until It Laughs
Leicester Comedy Festival & CVM
This 'show' is listed in comedy. It shouldn't be. John Ryan's jokes only come from mocking people, and they aren't even funny. This is a bad show. Actually, it's not even a show; it's a talk where we are forced to clap for no reason, and men are quizzed about their most intimate health problems in front of strangers. There is a reason why many men are unwilling to talk even to their doctors and it's probably over-excited people like John Ryan asking too many awkward questions Asking lots of questions but giving no answers, he drags out what could be an informative five to ten minute little talk, into a monotonous and toe-curlingly embarrassing hour.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 12 Aug - 13 Aug, 6.45pm (7.45pm), £10.00, (£8.00), fpp 59.
tw rating 1/5
[fa]

James Hately and Friends: Stubble Busting
James Hately/ Laughing Horse Free Fringe
Sometimes, James Hately, no matter how much people want to be something, they just can't. People with no hands can't be surgeons; agoraphobics can't be lift attendants, even if it's their life long dream. And you, poor love, can't be a stand-up comedian. It's half way through his run at the Fringe, and Hately still doesn't seem to have thought of any material. Instead, he waits for laughs from the audience when he receives a text message, when he requests a glass of water and waits for it in silence, when he admires the pictures on the wall of the pub and individually asks each member of the audience's names. Sorry, James, you seem nice enough. But you can't do this and you know it.
The Counting House, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, times vary, free, fpp 63.
tw rating 1/5
[je]

Matt Kirshen- Keep Smiling, Matt. Just Keep Smiling.
Matt Kirshen
Fresh from a successful turn in US reality show 'Last Comic Standing', Matt Kirshen is back in the UK, eager to regale us with stories of his time spent the other side of the Atlantic. Dealing with topics from Scientology, to bending the rules of kosher-friendly meals, to asking that ever important question, "how do planes stay up?", this show was very easy to enjoy, especially given Kirshen's pleasing demeanour. Fresh-faced and highly enthusiastic, Kirshen made me want to pay attention to what he was saying, the premise of the show providing quite the arsenal of funny stories. And while he's not quite up there with the comedy heavyweights of the Festival, it shouldn't be long before he is.
Assembly@George St, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 10.00pm (11.00pm), prices vary, fpp 77.
tw rating 3/5
[zh]

Mersey Uncut Comedy Kollective 2
PBH's Free Fringe
I don't like delivering bad news, especially as the five men involved in this show all seemed likeable, but this really is one of the free shows you should give a miss. Working with a small audience, especially one that is talking all the way through your show, is undoubtedly very hard, but these comics failed to deliver more than a handful of funny lines between the lot of them, instead gaining more laughs from telling the audience how bad they were. In their defence they did mention that they were very new to the comedy scene, but this should surely indicate that they need to spend some more time rehearsing before taking their show on the road.
The Phoenix, 2 - 23 Aug, 7.45pm (8.45pm), free, fpp 78.
tw rating 1/5
[zh]

Pluck: The Titanic Show
Pluck
Think Laurel and Hardy hijack Jack and Rose's 'Titanic', forget the tragic ending, and enjoy this very British affair. The show is a tribute to the musicians who died aboard the Titanic, although by their own admittance, "very loosely based", since most of it is made up. I don't know who would not enjoy this old-fashioned comedy with its brilliant musical silliness, perfected as it is by Pluck's crew of talented musicians. A whole host of silly stage props - including an iceberg and a giant peanut - complement the atmosphere of absurdity. The nice middle-class English lady sitting next to me summarised my thoughts beautifully: 'That was really really wonderful, wasn't it darling?'.
Pleasance Courtyard, 3 - 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 4.20pm (5.20pm), prices vary, fpp 87.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

Stuart Black - Pale & Confused
An After School Club Production
When it's pissing with rain outside, and you're tired and wet from flyering all day, the last thing you want to be reminded of is that it's pissing with rain outside, and isn't flyering hard? Stuart Black is that kind of surface level comedian. He's mildly amusing, and I must admit to chuckling a fair few times during his set, but not only is his material predictable, he delivers it with such a lack of conviction that for most of the set he can't finish his sentences. Occasionally he finds the confidence to enthuse us, and produces a string of great insight and comedy, but then he laughs nervously to himself and it all falls apart.
Holyrood Too @ Faith, 1 - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 8.00pm (8.50pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 100.
tw rating 2/5
[rj]

Wha'choo Talkin' 'Bout Willis - Free!
Dan Willis
Dan Willis is doing four shows a day at this year's Fringe, so he can be forgiven for a having a dodgy throat. What hasn't been damaged by such a heavy workload, however, is Willis's spirit for the festival, and you'd be hard pressed to find a more friendly comedian in the whole of Edinburgh. Willis leaves any cynicism at the door, and only shows passion in his performance and an all-embracing attitude towards the audience. With topics chosen from a velcro covered board, Willis jokes adeptly with amusing anecdotes about violent hecklers and the fear of flying. Probably the only stand-up show at the Fringe where you can leave for the toilet without fear.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 9.20pm (10.20pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 109.
tw rating 3/5
[tm]

Wendy Wason - Things I Didn't Know I Didn't Know
Wendy Wason
Edinburgh local Wendy Wason struggled to make me laugh with a wave of material about being a single mother discovering what she didn't know she didn't know. This theme, although interesting, is confusing, as most of her stories became just 'Things I Didn't Know'. I enjoyed the story of her young son misinterpreting the plot of Spiderman, and the tale of her encounter with her husband's new girlfriend, but the punch lines and the laughs are few and far between. At times scattered, Wason lacks the snappy delivery required to pull off laugh after laugh; what's left is a sprinkling of laughs over an hour that never takes off.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 12), 8.00pm (9.00pm), prices vary, fpp 108.
tw rating 2/5
[zl]

Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler - Double Down Hearts
Assembly
Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler have written a play. It's called 'Double Down Hearts', and it's their terrible magnum opus. A pity that they chose to name their Fringe show after their faux play, because the scenes they perform from it are actually the weakest moments in an otherwise entertaining hour. Attempts to find Kristen a date with an audience member worked much better (partly due to the fortunate selection of Derek the statistician, an audience member who could give as good as he got), and the scene depicting Pocahontas engaging in phone sex was particularly funny. Both Schaal and Braunohler have good stage presence and lots of energy, although both could do with speaking up and mumbling less.
Assembly@George Street, 11 - 23 Aug, 9.10pm (10.10pm), £12.50 (£11.00), fpp 69.
tw rating 3/5
[jm]

Brigitte Aphrodite In Suburban Hell
AphroJamm
Let's get this straight from the start: Brigitte Aphrodite is not much of a guitar player, is a mediocre comedian, and is an alright singer. But she is also simply wonderful. Looking like a cross between Jodi Marsh and a Greek Rainbow Brite, life wasn't easy for her, growing up in Bromley. With her innocent, but wicked, cockney-intoned ditties she took us into a world where glitter was top priority, and every flawed indie boy could be a handsome prince. A particular highlight was 'Dance with a Stranger (But Not That Sort of Stranger)', which had us all in hysterics. It's not the next big thing, but it is most certainly pure, fabulous escapism that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Zoo Southside, 17 - 25 Aug, 4.30pm (5.15pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 35.
tw rating 3/5
[seg]

Burtscher, Goldstein And Howell: Live At The Phoenix!
PBH's Free Fringe
Comedy is a subjective realm. What appeals to one person can easily anger, bore or disgust another. So, when you have three very different comics, how do you judge the whole? One thing that Burtscher, Goldstein and Howell were all good at was addressing their audience, involving them directly in the show. Howell compered the night whilst Burtscher and Goldstein performed their acts. Goldstein was great at lifting up the audience as he spoke to each in person and stalled for beer breaks, but ultimately got rather tedious. Burtscher had a monotone, dead-pan voice, and never quite got me on board with his jokes. Goldstein's a filthy comic and his focus on STIs and sexual fantasies could easily offend, but for me, he was funniest on the night.
The Phoenix, 2 - 23 Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), free, fpp 36.
tw rating 3/5
[mj]

Fiona O'Loughlin
Funny, forthright and revealing to the point where she scared half the audience, Fiona O'Loughlin's hilarious act is about as no-holds-barred as it gets. The forty-something Aussie comic paces the stage, talking excitedly about the kind of subjects most mums of five wouldn't discuss with friends, let alone a room full of strangers. Her advance into menopause, nervous breakdown, mad kids and painfully normal husband all get the Fiona treatment: a mix of brash hard truths and mock innocence, all delivered with a smile that says she relishes cutting this close to the bone. A welcome change from the boys' club of the comedy world, this is clever, unpretentious stuff, delivered by a pro.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1 - 25 Aug (not 12), 9:15pm (10:15pm), prices vary, fpp 50
tw rating 4/5
[amc]

Freeloader - A Show by James Hazelden
PBH's Free Fringe
James Hazelden is entertaining, hilarious, and charismatic in this piece of musical comedy mayhem. Admittedly, my first impressions were something along the lines of "blimey, not another gutter mouthed man strumming the guitar", but one song put paid to my reservations and I was hooked. The lyrics were absurd, accompanied by frantic guitar strumming, and an incongruously harmonious voice. Laughs echoed around the room at the dark obscurity of the material; think a ninja meets Satan and they breed to produce an Australian Bob Dylan on speed. James's jagged charm created a laid back and chilled ambience, which kind of made it acceptable to laugh quite as hard as we did.
Nicol Edwards, 2 - 23 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 9.15pm (10.05pm), free, fpp 51.
tw rating 4/5
[km]

International Stand-Up
Matt Rudge, Nick Rado, Richard Brophy
Cross a penis-length specialist, a palindrome fetish and a bloody arsehole (literally), and you've got a taste of the fanciful flavours simmering in this year's International Stand-Up show. Returning after a hoot-worthy set last year, Matt Rudge, Nick Rado and Richard Brophy are back to deliver pure silliness, poking at everything from the eccentricities of oral sex to the fun had in publicly hoaxing your friends. The trio also tickle with quirks from their home countries of England, New Zealand and Australia, not to mention imparting useful (and potentially life-saving) information - like don't call the NHS helpline if blood is gushing from your arsehole. On-its-toes comedy and crowd-pleasing buffoonery at its best.
Sweet Teviot Place, 31 Jul - 24 Aug, 7.55 pm (8.50 pm), £7.50, (£6.50), fpp 61
tw rating 4/5
[be]

Umbrage Swain & The Magical Diamond Of Ramtutiti
Unrestricted View & Big Smile Productions
I can not stress how 80s this show is, particularly the soundtrack. I am also going to use that as an excuse for why I found some of the humour and jokes a bit obscure. The majority of the audience, however, was roaring with laughter and in stitches throughout this preposterous adventure comedy so I'm clearly just a decade too young to fully appreciate it. Nonetheless, it wasn't entirely lost on me and I did find the general foolery and buffoonery pretty amusing as well as the witty puns and gags, which pop up most unexpectedly. The costumes and wigs are utterly ridiculous to match the characters who are all played melodramatically and intelligently. I was especially fond of Berty.
Underbelly, 2-24 Aug (not 12), prices vary, fpp 107.
tw rating 4/5
[da]

This Belongs To Lionel Richie No 2: Stand Up
This Belongs to Lionel Richie/Laughing Horse Free Festival
The people at the Lionel Ritchie cult sure know how to put on a show. We were treated to a selection of fine comedians with crazed compère Barry Gibb in between, anxious to get us applauding to the point of hysteria - though he didn't have to try hard. All three comics got plenty of laughs and Tom Goodeve was especially successful with his sharp observational humour. Darren Kisner, however, gets an honourable mention for his routine claiming that Ikea is a Nazi plot. The biggest highlight, however, was the Tape Measure Extension competition which, to me, was about as exciting as it gets when it comes to sporting events. Forget watching the Olympics - this is what everyone should be watching.
Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 1 - 24 Aug (not 13), 6.50pm (7.45pm), free, fpp 103.
tw rating 4/5
[lh]

Journey Central Comedy Hour @ Meridian - Free
Journey to ... Comedy
It's sometimes easy to forget that there are venues beyond Prince's Street, but this show is proof positive of worthy events occurring outside Fringe central. Compere Lainey Mclean should admittedly review her jokes and technique, but she clearly knows how to network. These are acts who never let the pace drop once, unsurprising from a line-up featuring headliners such as Andy White and Vladimir McTavish. With some brilliant quick-fire lyrics from Ashley Frieze and shocking fashion advice from Annette Fagon, there was an incredible variety of comedy styles provoking the laughter. If this high calibre of acts is maintained throughout different line-ups it'll definitely be worth the trek, and if you live in Leith, you've no excuse not to see it.
Laughing Horse @ Meridian, 2 - 23 Aug (not 12), 21.35pm (22.35pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 67.
tw rating 4/5
[jwm]

Magic To Get Girls By
Kevin McMahon and Alan Hudson
These guys think that it's possible to impress ladies with magic, and they seem to succeed because an audience poll vote at the end suggests that the comedy duo have increased in both their attractiveness and popularity. It's difficult to take seriously because although both these magicians have a few neat tricks up their sleeves, they fail to lure us with any comic charm, and the whole idea of the show being a comedy goes out the window. Although the performance is a two man show there are very few moments when the duo actually perform together and when they do it's pretty stilted and they lack connection with one another. The magic is impressive but the lack of laughs isn't.
The Zoo, 17 - 25 Aug, 9.00pm (10.00pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 76.
tw rating 2/5
[kc]

Morgan Murphy - I Don't Know Who I Am Either
Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live
Morgan Murphy has a whole lot of angst, and she's willing to share it. Combining video clips with stand-up, she uses the audience both as therapy and affirmation that she's not the only one who goes vibrator shopping with her girlfriends just to fit in, or thinks abortion jokes are funny. Her comedy sits in the same category as 'The Office'; uncomfortable but painfully true viewing. The difficulty is that it sometimes becomes just a bit too true. She really is depressed by the venue she's playing at and her inability to fill the silence, and some of the jokes were pretty offensive. It doesn't make for happy viewing. A talented comedian, but perhaps better on screen than in stand-up.
The GRV, 30 Jul - 24 Aug (not 12), 6.30pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 79.
tw rating 2/5
[seg]

Negative Aptitude/The Postman
PBH's Free Fringe
Oh dear. Our two comedians seem to have thought it was enough to develop a comedy 'style', without realising that you need the material to back it up. Thus we get 'The Postman' (also known as Joe Abel), a misanthropic, cynical chap, who likes flyering only because it means that everyone avoids him. His jokes are unpolished, and his monotone delivery is like background static on a TV- mildly irritating, but ignorable. Mikey Avern has more potential, but Russell Brand-esque whimsy, little poems and stories can only take you so far. He needs to develop more confidence in his work, and leave the 'friends' (ie, two cackling girls who obviously want to get into his pants) at home.
Voodoo Bar, 2 - 23 Aug (not 17 and 18), 8.15pm (9.15pm), free non-ticketed, fpp 80.
tw rating 2/5
[gs]

DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE

Tea Dance
Fly Right Dance Company
It's time to grab your partner, or an innocent bystander, and prepare to grace the stage and dazzle your own audience with this unique dance workshop. Your stage is situated bang in the middle of the Pleasance Dome, amidst frantic show-goers and the occasional last call, so you may need to lose your inhibitions, and prepare to be watched! Led by professionals, this is possibly not for aspiring Fred n Gingers but ideal for those who'd like to learn some of the basics, as the teaching session is quite short, with not a lot of variety or tuition in different styles. If, however, you are a willing and enthusiastic individual, you will leave (after complimentary cocktails) with a suitable knowledge of the foxtrot.
Pleasance Dome, 3 - 25 Aug (not 11, 18), 6.30pm (7.30pm), £6.00, fpp122.
tw rating 3/5
[am]

Mixed Bill
Edinburgh International Festival/The State Ballet of Georgia
I am still reeling from some of the most beautiful ballet I have ever seen. The State Ballet of Georgia performed a mixed programme of ballet to various pieces of music, including Georgian folk and live piano and violin. Without wishing to be too gushing, the costumes were as magical as you would expect, the lead dancers as graceful and powerful, the music as rousing, and the choreography was done with a light touch, humorously even, at times. The set was a simple flood-lit backdrop which gave the production a striking and contemporary edge, its juxtaposition with the faded grandeur of the Edinburgh Playhouse working perfectly. A world-class production that provides the perfect escapism.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 12 - 13 Aug, 7.30pm (9.45pm), prices vary, eifpp 19.
tw rating 5/5
[ah]

Sidelong Glance
Downward Slap Dance Theatre
This is a show that explodes onto the stage with a madcap, refreshing, exhilarating energy, but once it's caught your interest, unfortunately, it doesn't really do much with it. The performers, a very young bunch, are exuberant and for the most part very talented, and well supported by witty and inventive choreography that uses the space very well. The show is marked by contemporary, mixed-up versions of classic stage tunes which impress, but it's all too disconnected, straying too far from the stated themes and lacking anything interesting or coherent to communicate. Ultimately, the youth of the performers, combined with the empty jazz-handedness of the dance theatre on offer, makes the whole thing feel a little too 'Kids from Fame'.
Augustine's, 12 - 25 Aug (not 18), 1.25pm (2.25pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 121.
tw rating 3/5
[rj]

Mortal Engine
Edinburgh International Festival/Chunky Move
Interactive light and dance blister together in this powerful look at the chaos of the human psyche from Australian dance troupe Chunky Move. Human bodies move organically in their stark, electric world, twisting and combining to create new creatures. Shadows fade and grow, variously complementing and fighting against their attachment to the human form. But most notable is choreographer Gideon Obarzanek's use of state-of-the-art lighting effects and the human form as performance tools to create a coherent piece of dance where neither light nor man is dominant. 'Mortal Engine' is breathtakingly chaotic and precisely choreographed, with a laser finish that had its audience utterly absorbed.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 17 - 19 Aug, 8.00pm (8.55pm), prices vary, eifp 21
tw rating 5/5
[seg]

Soledad Barrio And Noche Flamenca
Noche Flamenca
I'll have my Flamenco neat please, unadulterated, pure, essential, strong - the music and dance of the incredible company Noche Flamenca is all this; it catches you at the back of the throat and tugs at your breath and leaves you wanting more. The mature male dancers with their weighty bodies perform intricate duels of pride and violence and alluring greetings of friendship and charisma. Soledad Barrio is the perfect foil for their staccato bravado; she performs a piece of torrential emotion and rigorous fluidity inspired by Ibsen's play 'The Lady from the Sea'. As the company danced and sang of heartbreak, elation, and defiance, the exquisitely timed final cadenced footfall of each piece always brought a moment of cathartic wonder.
Assembly @ The Queen's Hall, 17 - 24 Aug (not 23), times vary, prices vary, fpp 120.
tw rating 5/5
[dp]

EVENTS

The Festival Debate
Centre for Festival and Event Management (CFEM), School of Marketing, Tourism and Languages, Napier University Business School
I'm not sure which pleased me more; finally getting a comprehensive answer to why the Film Festival was moved by organiser Ginnie Atkinson, or the sight of two vats of Pimms being wheeled into the room. The international panel, in addition to the EIFF organiser, included Nick Dodds, chairman of the British Arts Festival Association, and antipodean ambassadors Christie Anthoney from the Adelaide Fringe and Guy Boyce of the Christchurch Cabaret Festival. As to the EIFF migration to June, in ten words to keep everything concise: Mediterranean film-makers don't want to spend summer holidays in Scotland. A thought-provoking discussion about the future of Edinburgh and festivals worldwide that ended with mingling, continuing the debate's themes in conversation and Pimms.
City Art Centre, Aug 13, 2.00pm (4.00pm), free ticketed, fpp 126.
tw rating n/a
[se]

Live Anthology Of Upstream Poetry
Forest Fringe
Established theatre producer Chris Goode was charming, witty, and very likeable in presenting his live anthology of upstream poetry. He came across as nervous initially, but once reading the poetry, was bombastic and booming, almost to the point of mania. It is a wonderful experience to sit amidst the ambience of the Forest Cafe art space and let the words flow through you, and to ponder on the powerful imagery that poetry can evoke. I found the most poignant reading to be Geoff Ward's 'Duino Elegies', which charts the journey of death in an abstract and thoughtful way. As well as the sonorous tones and wonderful ambience, the open minded Forest crowd were a sound bunch to chill with.
The Forest Cafe, 13 - 15 Aug, 7.00pm, free, Forest Fringe.
tw rating 3/5
[km]

MUSIC

Brechin, Wilkinson, Martin
Sandy Brechin
You can tell from the off in this excellent show that Sandy Brechin, Ewan Wilkinson and Ronan Martin enjoy what they're doing, and enjoy doing it together. There's a level of repartee created here, led by the charismatic Brechin, that would put the average Fringe stand-up to shame. The song selection, featuring both modern and traditional songs, is variously enchanting and exciting, and often both at the same time, but it's in their own compositions that the performers really shine. Brechin's solo accordion waltz, dedicated to that universal modern hero, a member of the service industry who simply went above and beyond, is good, but Wilkinson's song 'Lost In The Day' is stunning, expertly injecting a haunting modern malaise into the familiar folk sound.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 11 Aug, 7.15pm (8.15pm), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 143.
tw rating 4/5
[rj]

Boston Blue
Allegra Levy
Young, formidable jazz quintets aren't that hard to come by, to be honest. And, despite what my jazz-reviewing colleague, who saw them earlier in the month, thought, in my opinion, Boston Blue are one of the rarer collectives that manage to pack a real punch. Allegra Levy's soft, breathy voice suits all the group's styles, from fast, hard Cannonball Adderley to Antonio Carlos Jobim's bossa nova, scatting along to the backing ensemble that has ample room to breathe. Highlights included the bass and voice take on "I Fall in Love Too Easily", and Levy's own "Without You". Blazing forth with free tangential solo lines, most notably from the beautifully restrained pianist and the guttural, wrenched saxophonist, Boston Blue are a very talented and versatile group playing standards and compositions in a fresh, raw interpretative style.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 11- 13 Aug, 11.00pm (12.00am), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 142.
tw rating 4/5
[ab]

Frank Satan In Person
Frank Satan and his Husbands.
Frank Satan has chosen the magnificent Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh as the venue to play his first shows in seven years- or was it nine? He's heard conflicting reports but can't really remember either way. He opens with a mediocre Johnny Cash number and progresses to originals and various country standards, along with a few surprises thrown in for good measure; my particular favourite may or may not have been a Girls Aloud cover. Frank has a growl that's gravelly enough to wake the dead but even so, his show felt pretty lacklustre, which is why I reckon he won't be back for long.
The Cameo Cinema, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22 Aug, 11.00pm, £6.00, fpp150.
tw rating 2/5
[mb]

John Grieve And John Fairhurst
With many performers from around the world it's good to see some local talent in the shape of John Grieve, who was given a platform alongside current in-house musician at this theatre, folk guitarist John Fairhurst. Grieve is on first, taking a little time to get into his stride, but his ambitious and varied set is a hit with the audience even if it does begin to slightly take its toll on his voice. Scrawny guitarist Grieve is amply supported by ursine bassist Dave Simpson. Fairhurst's set delivers his eastern-influenced folk music with frenetic skill on his metal fronted resonating guitar and with entertaining support from his eclectic band of drums, saxophone and spoons. A lively evening showcasing two innovative new bands.
Hill Street Theatre, 13 Aug, 8.00pm (10.00pm), £9.00 (£7.00), fpp n/a.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

Bach For Breakfast
ROSL Arts
9.30 in the morning is a punishing time for a show if you're on holiday. But Bach is relaxing, so it's like waking up with a snooze alarm. The acoustics in the Royal Over-Seas House couldn't really cope with the piano so it ended up sounding a bit heavy, but the virtuoso performance at the end of the Tartini piece was stunning and deserved its rapturous applause, even if at times the violin was rather squeaky and tinny. The musicians change everyday, but this is obviously a very popular way to while away a morning, sold out days in advance. Though I didn't actually recognise any of the Bach, it was a peaceful way to start a day of mayhem on the Mile.
Royal Over-Seas League, dates vary, 9.30am (10.30am), £10.00 (£8.00), fpp 141.
tw rating 3/5
[rs]

My Friend The Chocolate Cake
If only the Spiegeltent was warmer so that the room had been equipped for dancing; this could have been a lovely night out. As it was, under the twinkly lights 'My Friend The Chocolate Cake' were pretty special anyway, creating a romantic and intimate environment that made me feel a little sad for being on my own. Mixing the laid-back and easy listening with folk, gypsy, Eastern European and Middle Eastern instrumentals, this Australian band were strangely familiar, yet oddly unique-sounding. All this clearly struck a chord with the homesick Aussies in the audience as quite a few could be seen wiping tears from their eyes, and despite never having set foot down-under, I shared their sentiments.
The Spiegel Garden, 12 - 22 Aug (not 18, 19, 20), 8.00pm (9.10pm), £15.00 (£13.00), fpp 159.
tw rating 4/5
[rsj]

MUSICALS AND OPERA

The Great American Songbook - Chapter Two
Strictly Songtime
After stumbling across a part of town unknown to me, I found myself in a school assembly hall where I wasn't quite sure whether I was going to witness a kid's performance or a WI fundraiser. Sadly, it was neither; instead, for 105 minutes, we watch the same man and the same woman sing samey songs in a samey way. Don't get me wrong, the music of Porter, Gershwin and Rogers and Hart is totally up my street, but I don't think the performers voices were strong enough to carry such big songs. However, this is perfect for those people who want to experience the Fringe but don't want to venture into the hustle and bustle of the city's centre - with an added bonus - a glass of wine is £1.50!
Edinburgh Academy, 16 Aug, 8.00pm (9.45pm), £9.00 (£8.00), fpp 171.
tw rating 2/5
[ad]

A Gypsy Prayer For The South
Pro Art & Co
Sometimes it's easy to forget how international the Fringe really is when you succumb to the temptation of only seeing English-speaking performances. 'A Gypsy Prayer For The South', the first Gypsy opera-musical from the Balkans, could be a way of jolting you out of this Anglo-centricity, as the cast combine dance, music and singing to give the audience a real feel of the traditional Roma culture. Though only about half of the performance was in English, it is a testimony to the brilliant acting that the audience could understand the story and emotions of the characters despite the language barrier. With stunning voices and brilliant costumes, this is a brilliant opera-musical from a vibrantly different culture.
C central, 17 - 25 Aug, 3.30pm (4.30pm), prices vary, fpp 172.
tw rating 4/5
[rg]
tw

Lucky Nurse and Other Short Musical Plays
Throwaway
As a fan of LaChiusa's other work, I was disappointed by the four separate musical plays that comprise this show. Although performed quite well by the young cast, I found the stories fundamentally uninspiring and the pace very slow. Set in New York City, it depicts the tales of various characters as they struggle with life and look for some out-of-world intervention to help them change it for the better. Unfortunately, the songs have very little melody and start to grate after a while as the characters sing practically every single line. Even in such a small space, the singing at times was inaudible, apart from that of Charlotte Grace, who shone throughout.
C cubed, 18 - 25 Aug, 12.30pm (1.45pm), prices vary, fpp 174.
tw rating 2/5
[ad]

Musical Of Musicals - The Musical
Throwaway
As the title not-so-subtly suggests, musical theatre is both subject matter and style for this creative and deftly executed production. The same basic plot was filtered through five musical styles, with four performers showing great versatility and consciousness of the show's purpose throughout. The writing is astute satire packed with specific references, but its niche is also its flaw - although it allowed the cast to demonstrate their ability, the material would only be consistently relevant and funny to the most knowledgeable musical theatre buff. The Andrew Lloyd Webber parody was predictably the most well received, while Jerry Herman seemed lost on most of the audience, and I'm not sure many appreciated the brilliance of the Sondheim send-up.
C too, 17 - 25 Aug, 6.10pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 175.
tw rating 3/5
[lr]

THEATRE

Britt Ekland: Britt on Britt
Avalon Promotions
A rollercoaster ride through the loves and career highs of a former bond girl was always going to be intriguing. From Peter Sellers to Rod Stewart to the new guy in her life - Tequila the chihuahua - and that scene in 'The Wickerman', it's all covered. However, this did feel like a very staged show; every 'oh', 'hmm', shoulder shrug and giggle seemed to have been planned and Britt Ekland's charming and girlish act - no mean feat for someone who is 65 - will either endear you to her or drive you a little nuts. Packed full of little known gems (watch out for The Rocky Horror Show mention), this is a great show for any Britt Ekland fan.
Assembly @ George St, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 188.
tw rating 3/5
[bw]

Bury The Dead
The American High School Theatre Festival
On an anonymous stretch of front line, six soldiers refuse to lie down in their graves and be buried. They're dead and mangled, but driven by an overwhelming need to know why their lives were thrown away so easily. We follow their story, their families and the machinations of the Generals determined to suppress it, the script raising intelligent questions about the necessity of war and the value we place on life. The trouble is, it takes far too long to get to the point, repeating the same themes ad infinitum without ever drawing conclusions. Cut down to 40 minutes this could be snappy and thought provoking; as it is, whatever is trying to be said gets lost in the meandering dialogue.
Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, 10 - 14 Aug (not 11), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 189.
tw rating 2/5
[cmg]

The Censor - Anthony Nielson
UWS Productions
Essentially, this production aims to give pornography a heart. The Censor is a play by Anthony Nielson, set in the deepest depths of the film censors' building. He uses engaging actors to tell the story of a hard working but directionless censor who constantly gets landed with the darkest, most pornographic material. He has been living out his humdrum existence until Miss Fontane, a female pornographic director, turns his whole world on its side. She forces him to look beyond the genitals and see the true story behind her 'art'. This is a simple production that is shocking and heart warming, though not in equal measures, whilst providing a refreshing insight to the world of pornography.
The Vault, 12-25 Aug (not 18) 7.25pm (8.15pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 190
tw rating 3/5
[mb]

Choon-Hyang: True Love
Theatre Seoul
This musical tells the story of the beautiful Choon-Hyang and her love, Mong-Ryong, as they battle to stay together in spite of the odds stacked against them. From the start this show set a high standard, and the young cast's enthusiasm bubbled over into the audience, such was their obvious joy at taking part in the show. The lead actor and actress were very enjoyable to watch, although their voices were slightly weak, but the stand out performances came from the ensemble pieces, each one more delightful than the next, and the young girl who played the man-servant. The choreographed dances further showcased the young troupe's talent, and I left the theatre with a huge grin on my face.
Spotlites@The Merchant's Hall, 9 - 17 Aug, 5.45pm (6.45pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 169.
tw rating 4/5
[zh]

Devotion
Wool Merchant Theatre Company
What a wonderful start: walking round to the back of the Greenside Theatre, we were greeted by the actors (in character) and offered a glass of cava. The performance took place outside, a nice experience which added a more personal feel to the whole show; as did the interaction that took place between the audience and the performers. A performance that was original and full of surprises, the show aimed at challenging our celebrity obsessed, materialistic and consumer orientated society. The play itself was not brilliant, but the actors were talented and entertaining, and the compère was particularly skilful, guaranteeing the audience's attention at all times. And, if you need any more convincing, there was also free cake.
Greenside, 4-23 Aug (not 10, 17), 1.50pm (2.30pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp 195
tw rating 3/5
[lp]

Drunk, Sex 'N' Camera Roll
Forward Slash Reality Theatre Company
What I liked most about this play was being able to sit for 50 minutes listening to some Yorkshire accents not too dissimilar from my own - which says a lot. This questionable plot, an excuse to talk about sex and use profanities, is brought to life by good actors and played out with simple but effective set changes. The music suited well, but the protagonist, Mike, is hard to like and failed to inspire my sympathy, however he was played well, and Grace's character was an accurate portrayal of a sixteen year old. This seems to be a play which offers you nothing deeper than the title warns you, though there is an element of 'be careful what you wish for'.
C Soco, 10 Aug - 25 Aug, 4.00pm (4.50pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 2/5
[fa]

15 Reasons Not To Be In A Play
The American High School Theatre Festival
It's become fashionable to declare that Americans just don't "get" irony; this production - a short play about why people shouldn't perform in plays - disproves that school of thought quite convincingly. A hymn to the arduous hardships of school theatre, it lists a number of reasons why children would resent being forced to go on stage, to be embarrassed in front of lots of people while trapped in a paper-maché tree costume. The touching and generally funny script is mostly delivered well, but one or two problems with diction and projection meant that some lines were lost in the delivery. Equally, some of the girls needed to watch their timing, to allow the audience time to react to a punchline.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, 10 - 15 Aug (not 11, 14), times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 199.
tw rating 3/5
[al]

Funk It Up About Nothin?
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
If you thought that an 'ad-RAP-tation' of Shakespeare couldn't be done, then you need to funk up and think again brother. The Q Brothers bring to the Fringe a mind-blowing performance of 'Much Ado About Nothing,' conveyed entirely through rap in their own 21st century idiom. The show is an absolute crowd-pleaser, sensational in every way; this extravaganza will have you hip hopping to the Bard in ways you never thought possible. Always remaining true to the story, it's a non-stop rollercoaster of energy, hip hop beats and educational fun - Shakespeare notched up a gear in a truly awesome way. In the true spirit of hip hop, say 'word' and snatch yourself a ticket, brother.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 7 - 24 Aug (not 11, 19), 5.15pm (6.30pm), prices vary, fpp 201.
tw rating 5/5
[kc]

The Graduate
NA
Enthusiasm, pace, and energy - this production of Charles Webb's novel has them all in spades, yet it has little else. Irony, subtlety, and any traces of poignancy are diminished by over-zealous cutting and by equally over-zealous performances. The cast's simplistic interpretation of disillusioned middle-class life in suburban California is almost cartoonish; we are only just able to register the intrigue and wit of the play itself behind the faces pulled, the poses struck, and the dialogue shouted at us. The characters made iconic by Mike Nicols' film adaptation are presented here in monochrome: Mrs Robinson is only ever disdainful and Benjamin only ever goofy. We may laugh a little, but we hardly suspend our disbelief at all.
Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, 11 - 23 Aug (not 17), 3.30pm (4.30pm), £7.00 (£6.00), fpp 202.
tw rating 2/5
[dp]

Hamlet
Ut Severis Seges Theatre Company
I'm always a little apprehensive before seeing Shakespeare. More often than not, you know the story, so there's little room for surprises there, but there is a very limited middle ground with regard to the quality of a performance; either it is done well, serving a theatrical treat, or it's done very badly, boring you to death over several hours. I'm glad to say, this rendition of Hamlet falls comfortably into the former category. Marcus Emerton delivers an expressive characterisation of the Danish prince, capturing his torment and uncertainty aptly in an atmospheric and well staged production. The live musical score added to the ambience as did the effects, combining to create a fine production of this classic tragedy.
The Royal College of Physicians, 11 - 16 Aug, 2.00pm (3.55pm), £8.00 (£7.00), fpp 202.
tw rating 4/5
[mj]

The House Of Gingerbread
La Llorana
This is an ambitious retelling of the well-known, lovable fairytale 'Hansel and Gretel'; instead of a house that is made of sweets, La Llorana present us with a forest full of monsters. Although the story deepens into something more sinister than the usual bedtime story, the innocence and charm of Hansel and Gretel is never lost. Gretel's performance is an utter delight as she executes youth and naivety with sincere acting. Anticipated sound effects are at times cringe-worthy and do not add to conjuring the creepy atmosphere of the woods, but nevertheless, this captivating performance by a skilled company in an intimate space will make you feel like you really are part of the big, dark, scary wood...
The Space@The Thistle (V36), 11 - 23 Aug (not 17), 3.05pm (3.50pm), £8.00 (£5.00), fpp 204.
tw rating 3/5
[kc]

The Messiah
Bradfield College
Some good individual performances and ensemble acting make this school production really rather engaging. It is difficult to rate school plays in the wider context of the Fringe as they simply do not have the same experience or maturity, but Bradfield College managed to pull off this Berkoff piece nicely. Jesus was compelling and heartfelt, if a little limited at times, and Pontius Pilate played a humorous villain. It was fitting that the cast were all very young, as it gave the performance a fresh element that you would perhaps not have seen with an older company of actors, and while some of the performances were not quite so sustained or convincing, as a whole, this is a well-directed, well acted production.
Spotlites @ The Merchants' Hall, 10 - 13 Aug, 4.10pm (5.25pm), £9.50 (£7.50), fpp 215.
tw rating 3/5
[ah]

The Midnight Court
Demarco European Art Foundation and Sean Tyrrell Presentation
By the end of this performance, I wanted to leave so much that I was biting my hand in frustration. Despite the charming Irish tunes performed by the two men on stage with a variety of instruments, they did not manage to hold my attention. 'The Midnight Court' is a poem set to music, telling the tale of a woman's plight for her rightful sexuality, in the face of men's inability to provide her with satisfaction. That is what I heard when I was tuned into it anyway, which wasn't much of the time, as the words were often indistinct and swallowed by the music. I would have enjoyed this more had it just been the music, which was lovely.
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House13 - 23 Aug, 8.25pm (9.35pm), £6.50 (£5.00), fpp 216.
tw rating 2/5
[ah]

Missing Mel
Youth Music Theatre: UK
Imagine a slightly less uplifting version of 'High School Musical', with gossiping British 18 year olds addicted to mobile phones and you have 'Missing Mel'. There are all the familiar social stratifications, with outsider girl, bitch queen, homosocial geek and macho boy all making an appearance and interacting predictably, up to the final conclusion in which underdogs are finally revenged on their tormentors in the accepted way. Although it's formulaic, this is a very well constructed production; individually the voices are strong and the big ensemble numbers build up to mighty climaxes delivered with enormous energy. Dance routines are inventive, although sometimes too complex for such a large cast, and there are some neat bits of movement. It would be an excellent show were it not for the subject matter.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 13 - 16 Aug, times vary, £10.00 (£7.00), fpp 175.
tw rating 3/5
[jwm]

Said Alice
Z Theatre Company
For the generation that 'chased the white rabbit' in the strictly non family-friendly sense, Z Theatre Company present 'Alice In Wonderland' with a twist: the drug and booze haze that young Alice descends into is no Wonderland, but an all too nightmarish-reality. This is a strong concept from the young company but the delivery is lacking; there's very little narrative structure, and the acting is patchy at best. It also suffered from technical difficulties. A faulty projector meant a video was played on the minuscule laptop held up in front of the audience, when perhaps the best option would have been to forgo it altogether. There's potential here, but it'd take someone very special to wade in here and retrieve it.
The Space@ Venue 45, Aug 4 - 15 (not 10), 16.30pm (17.15pm), £5.00 (£3.50), fpp 227.
tw rating 2/5
[je]

Same Time Next Week
Lazy Man Productions
Ideas often arise over a pint. 'Same Time Next Week' was penned by two company members after a discussion down their local, and centres on two characters who talk over their relationship troubles, job dissatisfaction and general mid-life ennui in the pub. This is a young cast - only just old enough to be allowed in pubs, in fact - but they're clearly very committed. The writers take a light touch with the dialogue and slip in some funny lines; however, the more tragic moments often felt rather trite, and I couldn't help thinking they might have been more successful if they'd tackled characters and issues closer to their own experiences. They show potential, but it's not quite realised yet.
C cubed, 10 - 25 Aug, 7.55pm (8.50pm), prices vary, fpp 228.
tw rating 2/5
[hw]

Self Accusation
Theatre Du Jour
The stream of thought pouring forth from the two performers comes so thick and fast that ideas are reduced to mere words, and the words themselves sound like incessant chatter. 'Self Accusation' is like an expanded 'seven ages of man' speech without the poetry; rather than cataloguing the stages of growth, it's a litany of things done and not done, said and unsaid, without a pause for silence or reflection. It's like an everyman's story and maybe that's the point, however the repetition of phrases means that none gain significance, and while the actors do well to explore the full aural spectrum, the piece unfortunately resonates more as an aural assault. I left with the beginnings of a headache.
C soco, 13 - 25 Aug, 2.00pm (2.55pm), prices vary, fpp 229.
tw rating 1/5
[sr]

66a Church Road - A Lament Made Of Memories Kept In Suitcases, By Daniel Kitson
Higgledy Piggledy Enterprises
Daniel Kitson goes beyond the Fringe, a bearded Bennett whose self-consciousness disguises a dexterous tongue and acute ability to give meaning to seemingly mundane occurrences. The comedian turned playwright delivers the elegy for his former home with a focused energy, engaging the audience from his island of suitcases. The monologue is much more than a chance to lay ghosts to rest; original observations provide instant hilarity while more profound probing pushes us to reconsider the relationship between ourselves and our homes. The set, like the story, is seemingly simple, but each suitcase hides its own little surprises that are gradually revealed to delicately embroider the already beautiful tapestry. There's no place like home, and no one who would not be moved by this lyrical lament.
Traverse Theatre, 5 - 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 10.00 (11.15pm), prices vary, fpp 231.
tw rating 5/5
[se]

Slick
Vox Motus & Tron Theatre
Slick by name, slick by nature. This is one of the only shows I have seen which actually lives up to its name. A demonstration of brilliant theatre, this is a comedy with sad times and a happy ending. The props and set pieces were kept in black boxes, which were spun round and changed around like crafted dances, and have clearly been rehearsed as much as the lines. The puppets are great, and the way they are worked is inventive, original and created an aesthetic humour - but it was Malcolm's facial expressions which really made it both funny and sad. With some political jokes and references thrown in, it is an extraordinary piece of work.
Traverse Theatre, 12 Aug - 24 Aug (not 18), times vary, prices vary, fpp 231.
tw rating 5/5
[fa]

Story Shakespeare: Two Gentlemen Of Verona
Year Out Drama Company
If Shakespeare at the Fringe has you quivering in fear at the thought of a grimacing man in a wife-beater soliloquising in near darkness, then head down to C too for this thoroughly entertaining adaptation of the Bard's classic comedy. The acting is about the standard you'd expect of a student drama group, but the performances are confident and they exhibit a good grasp of both the verse and the comedy. Some slightly embarrassing Italian 'rhubarbing' ("cappuccino!", "cornetto!", "spaghetti!") at the beginning gave way to an amusing play in a Mediterranean setting and the beautifully arranged music showed off the talents of this young cast. It might not be one for the literati, but this version of Two Gentlemen provides fun for all the family.
C too, 11 - 16 Aug, 10.00am (10.50am), prices vary, fpp 234.
tw rating 3/5
[fc]

Talking Heads Plus
Gems of Mazal
Performing a show outside on the Meadows is a brave thing to do, as the actors in this play had to contend with the rain, cold, and the noise of a nearby fairground. However, the cast do not let the unfavourable conditions get in the way of their performance, delivering their monologues with conviction and charm. Sadly, their unconventional mix of Alan Bennett's 'Talking Heads' and other random monologues, adaptations and ideas, doesn't quite fit together, and becomes a mishmash of information. Although they are obviously aiming at the post-modern, it is simply the original Alan Bennet monologue that stands out as an exceptional piece of writing, with the rest just seeming superfluous.
The Meadows (A Promenade Performance), 11 - 19th Aug, times vary, £8.00, fpp 234.
tw rating 3/5
[kk]

The Tell-Tale Heart
Edinburgh International Festival/Malthouse Melbourne
The maddeningly slow fade out of the house lights and the darkness that follows sets a suitably uncomfortable tone for Poe's short story. Martin Niedermair gives an entrancing performance as the murderer, his dementia captured by the stuttering, twitchy delivery and his scrambling up and down an endless staircase. Director Barrie Kosky accompanies on piano, the chilling soundtrack and Niedermair's haunting singing voice combining to raise the tension of the piece. However, while the staging and performance are wonderfully unsettling, the main problem comes from the source material. For what is meant to be an insight into the mind of a murderer, this play lacks the real psychological intrigue that's expected. Inexplicable insanity is disturbing to watch, but not particularly satisfying.
Royal Lyceum Theatre, 9 - 11 Aug, Times Vary, From £10, eifp 10.
tw rating 3/5
[rd]

Tick, Tick...Boom!
Spotlites Theatre Company presents Spotlites Youth Theatre
The cast of this alternative musical exude energy and enthusiasm throughout, portraying a dramatic take on a young man striving to achieve his dreams. Set in New York, this is a more unconventional musical, with no set design and minimal use of props, allowing the audience's attention to be focused more clearly on the movements of the actors. The show boasts well coordinated choreography and eye catching dance scenes, although at times the movement is frantic and slightly too eager. Most of the songs are catchy but not quite perfect, however they do encompass the rock music theme that the show is aiming for. These young performers may not be shining in the limelight just yet, but their liveliness conveys great potential.
Spotlites@The Merchants' Hall, 9 - 17 Aug, 8.30pm (9.45pm), £8.50 (£6.50), fpp179.
tw rating 3/5
[am]

Up The Republic!
Contrarian Theatrical Productions
The French Consul has, apparently, already denounced this production as an insult to France. I can almost see why - no one wants to see their President skulk around the stage like an over-sexed orangutan - but this is far from biting satire. Written almost entirely in rhyming couplets, the dialogue is at times amusing, but at other times so clumsy and twee that it distracts entirely from anything else. Nonetheless, the Mayor's transformation into Blairite spin-master is both surprising and masterful; I was genuinely entertained to find myself watching such an unexpectedly crystal-clear imitation. Kudos though for catching such top-notch free publicity; Contrarian Theatrical Productions will doubtlessly be saying "merci" to the French Consul for his timely public outrage.
Hill Street Theatre, 1 - 25 Aug (not 13), 9.30pm (10.45pm), prices vary, fpp 239.
tw rating 2/5
[vp]

The Laramie Project
The American High School Theatre Festival
This show deals with serious issues concerning gay rights, equality, prejudice and hate crimes, and the cast confronts these themes in a poignant and thought-provoking manner. Amazingly, they also manage to make the audience laugh with tastefully comic moments throughout the drama. This is quite a feat, and the young performers are impressive in their professionalism and slick stage manner, captivating the audience with commendable characterisation and moving dialogue about a harrowing attack on a young gay man. The play certainly provokes the audience into considering serious moral values in a unique and inspiring fashion, and the cast do a great job of putting a new take on this popular drama.
Church Hill Theatre, 15 - 18 Aug, times vary, £6.00 (£4.00), fpp 210.
tw rating 4/5
[kn]

2.4 Tadpoles
Ova Play
Life is boring. Office life is particularly boring, menial and tedious. So why come to a boring show to be reminded of just how very, very boring it all is? The actors seem to have very little connection with their roles, perhaps because they all anticipate Hollywood in 10 years time, not Norwich Union. Self indulgent and highly over-stylised, the characters spend most of their time on the toilet, knickers around their ankles, talking about their unrewarding jobs and about what's for lunch. The play ends with four people in their underwear, dripping in milk - I still have no idea why. I'm pretty sure I'd choose an hour in work over this any day.
The Space@ Jury's Inn, 4-23 Aug (not 17), times vary, £6.00 (£5.00), fpp 239.
tw rating 1/5
[gs]

Macbeth
Belt Up (Nothing To See/Hear)
Belt Up's promenade version of 'Macbeth' is a frustrating, epic experience. Over the course of three days I saw six short performances, following the actors through C venues and the streets of Edinburgh with only a Witch's note left to tell me when and where to meet next. The cast failed to project their voices consistently, a crime considering the rich language. However, we should probably not focus too much on the flaws in the production, as Belt Up should to be commended for this attempt, because this is risky theatre: it's site specific, very long, and chaotic. Macbeth and Macduff are excellent, making up for the wayward cast with commanding presence and believable sword fighting, but whilst Belt Up break down the fourth wall they don't manage to return the audience's investment in time, money, and exercise.
C, dates vary, prices vary, fpp 214
tw rating 3/5
[zl]

Death, Love And Communism.
The title of this one-woman cabaret leads one to expect something elevated, grandly historic, portentous even. The reality is different; Jennifer Byrne's confused show is flighty yet prosaic, moody yet inconsequential. We are told the story of a love triangle between Communist alcoholic puppeteer Bernadette, obsessive painter Franco, and lovesick Audrey. The troubles of this triangle are expressed mostly in song and Byrne's clear voice carries different qualities of sound for each character. However, the show looses momentum in spoken sections and peters out towards the close rather than having the much-needed musical flourish Byrne is surely capable of. Cut the sock-puppet, let the songs do the work and 'Death, Love And Communism' would have more clout.
Holyrood Too @ Faith, 17 - 24 Aug, 1.00pm (2.00pm), £5.00 (£4.00), fpp n/a.
tw rating 2/5
[dp]

Back To The Future: the Pantomime
Two Shades Of Blue
I won't patronise you by describing what this show is about - it's exactly what you'd expect from the title. And this show doesn't patronise as it plays to its audience of 20 plus eighties nostalgia freaks. The jokes range from so-bad-they're-good (including this writer's favourite ever bad joke about Tom Jones), to so clever it takes us a minute to get them. The plot of the first film is rejigged to fit a budget that won't stretch to a DeLorean, with every catchphrase present and accounted for, and brought up-to-date in a genius fashion. Gloriously ramshackle, there is nothing slick about this production, but it all adds to the fun which doesn't stop for the whole hour.
C, 16 -25 Aug, 12:30pm (1:30pm), prices vary, fpp 184.
tw rating 4/5
[amc]

East
Runaground
In the wasteland of London's East End back streets, five characters fuck and fight their way through a tawdry, brutal existence. Comparisons with 'A Clockwork Orange' are inevitable here, due to the archaic, Elizabethan language interspersed with all the swearing and street slang you'd expect from the violent, hopeless dole-scum that constitute the average perception of today's 'youth'. There is a wonderful physicality to the whole piece and, though some of the diction was a little incomprehensible in the frantic, angry monologues, this talented cast seem to really enjoy playing with the complexity and richness of Stephen Berkoff's script. The simplicity of the punk sound-tracked, litter-strewn stage leaves the characters to ask the inevitable "shouldn't there be more than this?"
C soco, 17-25 Aug, 12.30pm (1.30pm), prices vary, fpp 197.
tw rating 4/5
[gs]

Misterioso: A Journey Into the Silence of Thelonious Monk
Theatralia
'Silence' and 'jazz' were two words which I did not naturally associate with each other, and so I was intrigued to discover how this performance would portray these two aspects of Monk's life. On the 'jazz' front, the performance was hard to fault; there was much incredibly talented playing from all involved, and the vocals, although difficult to hear at points, were confident and assured. However, the choice to juxtapose music, storytelling, digital art and moments of movement was, at times, confusing in its overall effect and, despite the attempt to simulate the smoky, informal atmosphere of a jazz club, I wished that we had been in a more intimate setting - then we might all have been on our feet dancing.
Assembly@Queen's Hall, 14 - 17 Aug, 10.00pm (11.30pm), £15.00, fpp 158.
tw rating 3/5
[lws]

Under Milk Wood
Shed Theatre
With a cast of 33 all on stage together, this has to be one of the largest pieces of theatre at this year's Fringe. Arguably Dylan Thomas's most famous work, this poetic and rhythmical story gets under the skin of the fictional seaside village of Llareggub, exploring the lives of its inhabitants. The characters are brought to life well by this young company, who seem to understand the mundane perversity of rural village life. There is a subtle elegance to the staging, opening in darkness and allowing language to set the scene, before sweeping into fluid movement, capturing the steady sway of the town. Shed Theatre's presentation of this classic British play combines music, dance and acting, to beautiful effect.
C, 17 - 25 Aug, 3.15pm (4.35pm), prices vary, fpp 239.
tw rating 4/5
[mj]

The Year That I Got Younger
Aindrias de Staic
This could be fiddler on the razz, the tale of an Irishman's efforts to entertain Down Under, which descend into a battle with the demon drugs and alcohol. Aindrias narrates the piece with the assistance of a short film (to prove he did go to Australia), well coordinated sound and energy levels that could only be legally obtained by drinking several pints of expresso. The wild-eyed wanderer delivers a cracking story, dredging up deeper stuff like drug dealing and alcoholism, peppering it with many amusing anecdotes and musical riffs. You're left wanting more fiddle-playing, but there isn't time with the roller coaster ride of Aindrias' Australian adventure to negotiate. As to the truth of this remarkable tale, well, go and make your own mind up.
Sweet Grassmarket, 11 - 24 Aug, 7.45pm (8.45pm), £8.50 (£7.50), fpp 243.
tw rating 3/5
[se]

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