tcb
Auditioning
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Post by tcb on Aug 1, 2024 14:59:10 GMT
Just having a look at the love my fringe offer. How can you see the list of all the shows included. Every time I press the participating shows button I seem to get a different load of shows come up? But no way of finding the whole list.
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Post by hadeswasking on Aug 1, 2024 20:17:08 GMT
And it begins — anyone seen a sleeper hit yet? ONE MAN MUSICAL by Flo & Joan is I think the most I've ever laughed at a show. A must-watch for any musical theatre fan! |
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1,248 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 2, 2024 21:09:29 GMT
Easing in today, I saw a sleeper last night and it really didn't meet my expectations.
The Bard and the Riverboat
It finally happened. First time in over forty years of theatre-going when I miss a performance thanks to the idiot who sent us the wrong way to the venue and the uber-officious little dictator controlling the entrance to the venue. If I were king you would be first against the wall.
The Italians In England
Loose framing device story about Queen Elizabeth I wanting to see Italian actors serves as a vehicle for "The Jealous Husband", a commedia dell'arte story featuring well-known characters such as Pantaloon etc. Amusing, fun and energetic. Thumbs up.
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339 posts
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Post by stuart on Aug 3, 2024 22:57:10 GMT
I’m just back home in Glasgow after my first day at the Fringe. Lots of great things on offer. Some highlights:
Michael John Cizewski: If Memory Serves - The Mash House, 12:35pm
A hilarious but poignant look at sobriety with a pop culture reference every few seconds. Not one to miss, he’s going to be a star.
Kate Butch: Wuthering sh*tes - Pleasance Dome, 5:30pm
British drag at its finest. Kate’s show is really funny but also shows off her singing talents through a number of Kate Bush’s songs (whether she likes it or not). Warning - lots of audience participation!
Diva: Live from Hell! - Underbelly Cowgate, 8:30pm
Wow. Luke Bayer plays every part in this epic retelling of All About Eve. For a one-man-show, the staging is incredible and I was shocked to see a live band on stage. It’s going to be the musical hit of the festival. The room is small, get a ticket now!
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1,248 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 3, 2024 23:04:09 GMT
The Murder of Maria Martin
Straightforward interpretation by a young university drama group of the classic Victorian murder which spawned penny dreadfuls and folk songs - listen to the Shirley Collins version if you haven't. Gives a lot of useful background information but perhaps needs to be more focused on what it's trying to achieve - are we attacking male violence, privilege or what?
Gang Bang
Pretty funny play on confused Italian mafiosi surfacing in Blackpool and taking over the beach donkey and lemonade monopolies. Yes, it's that kind of spoof.
Beryl Cook : A Private View
One-woman show where a supposed video interview by the BBC gives the opportunity to see Beryl Cook talk about her life and career as she actually works on one of her paintings.
Sherlock Holmes and The Man Who Believed In Fairies
Clever addition to the Holmesian canon with the great detective post-modernly taking umbrage at his creator's gullibility on the subject of fairies and seeking to establish if he was defrauded or a fraudster.
O Whistle And I'll Come To You
If you enjoy MR James' ghost stories you'll enjoy this recounted/enacted dramatisation of one of his most famous short stories. I do.
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1,248 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 5, 2024 0:48:07 GMT
Masquerade Mask
A brilliant piece of comedy - physical and verbal - done in English and Italian by three talented actors from Bologna. Presented as a guide to the Commedia dell'arte characters - through the use of the masks representing each character - it is a rollicking, very funny piece with gags and music. Highly recommended.
The One-Hundred-Year Old Letter
Interesting new work which takes as its starting-point the real-life story of a letter delivered over a 100 years late. The cast speculate and enact different possibilities as to what the rather intriguing contents of the letter might have actually meant, alternating between comedy and drama in the search for the truth.
Telephone
Zippy comedy which explores how rumours travel and morph ala Chinese whispers. Quite clever but does suffer from a little bit of stereotyping.
Darkside
Tom Stoppard's philosophy-heavy radio play incorporating Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon", originally written for its 40th anniversary, brought to life imaginatively and persuasively by a young group mixing acting with dance to complement the text and music.
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Post by kz on Aug 5, 2024 22:06:42 GMT
I seem to be fitting most of my Fringe shows into the first weekend (thanks to a variety of offers). Saturday was:
Fountains of You- One of the Royal Conservatoire's musicals this year. New writing with a small cast and talented leads. I think dark comedy would be a reasonable description with a pop-type score. I'm not sure the message about the patriarchy was fully resolved and "The Man" role was definitely the most interesting. A fun start to the Fringe.
Shantify- I think this would be my top recommendation so far. A cast of six West End actors singing show tunes and pop songs in a sea shanty style. Lots of stagey references, lovely harmonies and really uplifting. The small child in front of me was having the time of his life, on his feet with arms in the air at the climax of Climb Every Mountain, which was an extra special touch.
Plotters- a play about grave robbing with a cast of 4. The narrative wasn't overly strong but the dialogue was extremely fast paced, clever and challenging. Impressive performances from all 4 actors, even if this wasn't really my thing.
You and It- A Korean sci-fi, love story musical. The female lead had a particularly beautiful voice and the pianist was exceptionally talented. For me, this didn't have the emotional impact it intended to (I imagine for others it might hit differently). I could very much appreciate the talent on stage however.
Rob Madge: My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?)- I'd missed this on previous runs and thought this was just beautiful. A real celebration of family and acceptance. Rob is extremely likeable and charismatic and the whole show was emotional and uplifting. Would highly recommend.
Solve it Squad- A Scooby Doo parody from founding StarKid members. I wanted to love it (and many around me did) but I just didn't get it. It's advertised as a musical but from memory, there was an opening song and reprise at the end, to a backing track highlighting that the performers are definitely actors/comedians rather than singers. The acting performances were far better and there were some funny moments. I think my expectations were just too high though.
Baby Wants Candy- improvised musical from an American team. This is one of my reliable Fringe go-to shows. Fairly ludicrous at points and extremely funny.
I saw six more on Sunday:
A Little Night Music- the other RCS show this year. I would highly recommend this. Extremely accomplished performances, handling a challenging Sondheim show with ease.
Chris Grace: Sardines- advertised as a comedy about death. I (and many other audience members) sobbed through the majority of this but Chris Grace still managed to bring moments of laughter and joy within a show detailing the significant losses he's experienced. A cathartic, uplifting, if emotional hour.
A Jaffa Cake Musical- A musical about the Jaffa Cake trial with excellent performances and well written songs. Really great fun, very silly but accomplished.
Who do ya love?- this should have been brilliant... A fabulous cast (I couldn't find the QR code they mentioned at the end to download the online programme but definitely recognised a few of them from other productions). Lots of disco classics which sounded great (despite being performed to a backing track) and would have made for a brilliant night out. However, it needs a completely new book. It's advertised as celebrating the early life of Harry Casey but this got lost in lots of discussion about how to structure musicals (which came off as the writers not really having known how to structure this one...). Maybe with a longer running time to actually explore his life and relationships, this could be more successful. The cast were brilliant though and for someone who just wants to enjoy the music, this would be perfect
One Man Musical by Flo and Joan- a really funny musical about "a rather renowned gentleman" and composer of musical theatre. This was incredibly funny. Lots of enjoyable songs, very silly and a great performance from the actor who seemed to be having a great time.
Larry Dean: Dodger- a talented Scottish comedian. Having seen his Work in Progress last year, lots of the set was similar but it was a great hour of comedy nonetheless.
Then four more today:
I really do think this will change your life- a one woman show about trying to bring down a multi-level marketing scheme. At least I think it was because I found it slightly difficult to follow at points. This made me feel OLD! Some of the language was just lost on me. That said, the actor/writer gave an incredible performance, managing a very wordy script and capturing an array of emotions. Impressive but just not for me.
Kafka's Metamorphosis: The Musical (with puppets)- I felt a bit silly for not having done my research on Kafka before seeing this. A really talented cast of 4, some great songs and well-handled puppetry. A really enjoyable hour (although it does deliver on the surreal it advertises itself as so be prepared).
Absolute Monopoly- an interactive monopoly game in a very small, hot venue. This is audience interaction to the maximum. It was hysterical and there were points where I was crying with laughter. Doesn't take itself seriously at all. My only negative (other than the heat) was that one of the volunteer players was a 13 year old girl which brought a really tricky dynamic at points. It would have been even more successful without the children!
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical- another Fringe staple for me. Completely reliable every year.
I'm going to have a rest tomorrow before a few more on Wednesday and Thursday (then I'll sleep for a week!).
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2,408 posts
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Post by theatreian on Aug 5, 2024 22:13:28 GMT
I'm going to have a rest tomorrow before a few more on Wednesday and Thursday (then I'll sleep for a week!). You've been busy! I remember some years ago going to the fringe and underestimating the distance between venues and having to run between shows to get there on time. In my younger days obviously! |
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Post by joem on Aug 5, 2024 22:33:40 GMT
Paper Swans
New writing. Absurdist comedy where a ballerina making paper swans is confronted by a security guard in a closed park at night.
Asian Monodramas
Two short one-woman pieces featuring Korean characters. Both moving family stories in their own ways. Poor attendance which is a shame, they deserve better.
Summer of Harold
Three short plays by Australian writer and playwright Hilary Bell. Fans of Harold Pinter (such as myself) will be interested in the title piece which tells in an anecdotal manner how two Antipodean girls stood in for the Pinters' normal housekeepers for a summer and have to deal with the charming Lady Antonia Fraser and the inscrutably forbidding Harold. The second piece about bitchiness in the ceramic and sculpture worlds (yes, really) also has some great moments.
Forging of Swords
Energetic, visually eye-catching swashbuckling Chinese saga based on a novel by author Lu Xun. Performed with English subtitles.
Ruffian On The Stairs
Rarely performed Joe Orton play gets an outing and proves to be surprisingly watchable with its Pinteresque dialogue, air of menace and constant subtexts. The venue, the Royal Scots Club, is a fantastic building and has some of the best-priced single malts in town.
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Post by kz on Aug 5, 2024 22:41:56 GMT
I'm going to have a rest tomorrow before a few more on Wednesday and Thursday (then I'll sleep for a week!). You've been busy! I remember some years ago going to the fringe and underestimating the distance between venues and having to run between shows to get there on time. In my younger days obviously! . I've been making the most of the Fringe spreadsheet this year. Definitely getting my steps in! I have to admit, I'm feeling the effects more than I did a few years ago. |
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Post by stuart on Aug 6, 2024 10:10:18 GMT
A few more from me yesterday.
Jake Roche: Neporrhoids - Pleasance Courtyard, 3:35pm
A combination of musical/stand up to provide an insight into fame, the music industry and what a downfall feels like. An exceptional piece of theatre with a great performance by Roche - the son of Shane Richie and Coleen Nolan.
Dylan Mulvaney: Faghag - Assembly George Square, 9:40pm
A great theatrical one woman show telling Dylan’s life story through her transition. My one issue - the show didn’t start until close to 10pm. I had to leave about 10:45pm to catch my train back to Glasgow. I think it’s just disrespectful to your audience to start that late when your show runs into the evening. Nice touch of Dylan acting as usherette to get people into the venue - but also feel like it delayed the start of the show further as people were getting selfies etc.
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Post by jr on Aug 6, 2024 15:46:10 GMT
I saw these two very talented ladies last Sunday at the Museum of Comedy. They hire a medium to contact Sondheim to save musical theatre. No less! Some Sondheim and some originals. Quite funny and great voices. I think it is finished now but likely they will return. They are off to Edinburgh Fringe now. thequeensofcups.com/summoning-sondheim |
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Post by kz on Aug 6, 2024 18:37:35 GMT
jr Thanks for sharing. I have tickets to see that in Edinburgh so that's really encouraging!
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Post by petrichor on Aug 6, 2024 19:22:25 GMT
And it begins — anyone seen a sleeper hit yet? ONE MAN MUSICAL by Flo & Joan is I think the most I've ever laughed at a show. A must-watch for any musical theatre fan! Oh my goodness! We booked tickets purely off your recommendation. We’ve just come out of the show and it was INCREDIBLE. So, so funny, and so well observed. Pretty much our favourite show of the Fringe (that was show 18 for us!). Thank you for the recommendation! |
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1,248 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 6, 2024 23:16:51 GMT
Sisyphean Quick Fix
Interesting play by Maltese playwright Bettina Paris (who also acts) on the travails of two sisters looking after an alcoholic father - one of them on the island and the other trying to get an acting career for herself in London. On bonding, families, love and more.
Sell Me : I Am From North Korea
An intense real-life story of a North Korean girl who sells herself to pay for medicine for her mother. Told simply but evocatively the details are pretty harrowing and the creator Sora Baek puts on a powerful, moving performance. Would be a great idea for people who wish to recreate that type of society in this country to see this account from someone who lived in this "workers' paradise" and managed to survive it.
Tycho : Mankind's First Hotel On The Moon!
Promising zany sci-fi comedy on the first hotel in the moon which is a bit let down by a daft ending.
Forked
Interesting work by the talented Singaporean writer/actress Jeanette Peh who tells her post-colonial story of trying to make it in acting. She is an expressive and talented comic actress and great mimic but the piece is perhaps overlong. It's important to get the essence of your story and craft that into an interesting narrative for an audience rather than try to tell your "whole story".
Dunsinane
Both a reimagining of the final events in Shakespeare's Macbeth and an alternative to what happened and might have come after. This revival of David Greig's work - strong on Scottish nationalism and the relationship between England and Scotland - works both as (alternate) history and polemic. The audience numbers were disappointing tonight which makes you wonder if anyone is interested in their own history.
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Post by SilverFox on Aug 7, 2024 9:22:08 GMT
Not 'done' Edinburgh for many years now, but still like to hear about it.
My smutty sense of humour was tickled this morning by a piece in The Grauniad about the up-coming International Festival play by David Ireland at the Royal Lyceum -'The Fifth Step' - which is about addiction. Two separate quotes stood out (up?) The first "90% of it is about masturbation", and referring to the cast, consisting solely of Sean Gilder and Jack Lowden, 'The Fifth Step' is a "provocative two-hander".
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848 posts
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Post by duncan on Aug 7, 2024 14:04:06 GMT
Fifth Step is also playing Glasgow.
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848 posts
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Post by duncan on Aug 7, 2024 14:05:21 GMT
Dunsinane
Both a reimagining of the final events in Shakespeare's Macbeth and an alternative to what happened and might have come after. This revival of David Greig's work - strong on Scottish nationalism and the relationship between England and Scotland - works both as (alternate) history and polemic. The audience numbers were disappointing tonight which makes you wonder if anyone is interested in their own history. More likely to be tired of David Greig* and his tropes plus its easy for lots of work to get lost in the Fringe, alongside musicals I can't think of anything worse to see than a Grieg historical play. Theatre is primarily about entertainment, something Greig seems to continually forget. * - and the big % of the Fringe crowd who aren't actually local will just see it as one show amongst thousands. |
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1,248 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 8, 2024 0:12:07 GMT
Adaptation : Enough Already
Inspired by the work of Gabor Mate, a one-woman play which shows how some women are pressured into doing too much and how it affects their health, featuring a very pleasing trio of musicians, at times joined by the actress, playing good music which informs on the action.
Yuriko Kotani
Scottish-based Japanese comedian on the meanings of life and the difficulties of translations.
Obie
Glasgow comedian who loves sparring with the audience - in a good way - in a show by the name of F*ck It list which is loose enough to encompass all manner of stuff. Very funny guy.
The Gummy Bears' Great War
Not just a gum but a gem. Ever seen a theatre production where the stars are real life gummy bears? Here's your big chance. An Italian company of two from Sardinia chronicles the tragic and suicidal war which the gummy bears declare on the land of the dinosaurs. In Italian with English titles. Superbly done, needs to be seen.
Rogues So Banished
An intense storytelling at the ever reliable Scottish Storytelling Centre with performer Paul Case telling and enacting a bloody tale of the early Australian outback. Not for the squeamish but a class act.
Back Seat
Two strangers share a taxi and end up in a Moebius type situation to a soundtrack of Boney M. Very good performances from the two young actresses.
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Post by lightinthedarkness on Aug 8, 2024 12:12:26 GMT
Comedians wise, I'd highly recommend Jin Hao Li if you can grab a ticket, best hour of comedy I've seen!
I've seen a couple of musicals so far:
The Emu War: A New Musical: A very funny hour, the entire cast were excellent and it had some very catchy songs. It was getting a lot of laughs. I'd definitely be interested in seeing a longer form version of it at some stage.
You & It - Went in knowing nothing about this because it fit in a gap. This is a Korean musical translated into English for the first time, about love and memories. Performed by a cast of two, the woman was absolutely incredible! Definitely worth catching this one, some of the songs are excellent. Some minor weirdness translation wise, but with a bit of tidying up this could be incredible!
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Post by joem on Aug 8, 2024 23:32:55 GMT
Richard Pulsford
The King of puns and one-liners returns to Edinburgh to torture the English language onca again.
Tartan Tat
What starts off as a promising comedy about a shop selling rubbish souvenirs ends up getting sidetracked and losing its way in rather less funny gender wars.
Four More Short Plays Loosely Linked By The Theme of Crime
Sharp and funny writing in four short plays which never overstay their welcome. Do exactly as it says on the tin, loosely linked thematically but with an excellent three-strong cast they all hit the spot. Worth seeing.
Dante and The Robot
Ambitious but over-complicated play about a controlling dystopia which gets robots to spy on people and forces everyone to become part-android though four updates in life. Perhaps closer to the bone than we might think. Good premise and good performance but too much energy expended on the hero's quixootic fantasies and on phone calls to a girlfriend we never see and don't give a fig about. It would have been far more interesting if the relationship between the guy and the robot had been explored further.
Napoleon's 100 Days
Daft-sounding one-man play about a Mancunian friend of Napoleon's who joins him on the march to Moscow and later at Waterloo and also minds his dog Fido. Unfortunately if it's meant to be comic the laughs are a bit few and far between and it ends up being a sort of light-hearted retelling of some historical events which are interesting but not necessarily funny. And really however absurdist a scenario it still has to have some logic or explanation - when and why the hell does thin Manc meet Napoleon and why aren't we told???
Jimmy
Really, really good bioplay about the original tennis brat Jimmy Connors but more about the drive and commitment to win against all adversity, with winning all that matters not courting popularity - epitomised by an amazing comeback at the age of 39 which led him to reach the US Open semi-finals. Adam Riches has written, and performs, a really energetic text which manages to end up gaining our sympathy for a guy who wasn't always the most sporting or likeable tennis player. Oh and you don't need to like tennis to appreciate this play.
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232 posts
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Post by unseaworthy on Aug 9, 2024 8:49:39 GMT
I went to see A Little Night Music performed by the Royal Conservatoire. I saw them doing Little Women and Big Fish in previous years and it is always wonderful to see such a professional production with an eight piece orchestra at the fringe. Because of its 10am start time, it doesn't get the audience it deserves. Plus, this is a show that doesn't get performed too often so I would definitely recommend people take advantage.
The other show I went to see was Janie Dee's cabaret. I love Janie, having seen her in many shows but this didn't work for me. It was loosely based around the environment (and, oddly, included an interview with a man about trees) but there was no real call to action and it felt like the songs were being cut short to make way for more chat which was a shame. It featured three musicians and two dancers all of whom were great. I would love to see Janie again but maybe not in this.
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Post by kz on Aug 9, 2024 16:09:57 GMT
Another batch of shows for me on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Wednesday was:
Legally Blonde- a solid amateur performance with some good singing voices, particularly from the person playing Paulette.
Mitch Benn: The worlds cleverest idiot- a fairly enjoyable hour of comedy, some stand up and some comedy songs.
I wish you well: the Gwyneth Paltrow ski-trial musical- the cast absolutely made this. 4 extremely talented performers, including Diana Vickers who even had a brief section playing the cornet. Very silly, enjoyable (if not particularly memorable) songs and excellent voices/performances.
David O'Doherty- a reliable hour of comedy, very funny and exactly what you'd expect from David O'Doherty but with enough new material from previous years to keep it interesting.
Jazz Emu- A character comedian, with songs and a live band, focused around efforts to gain a knighthood and a rivalry with an American pop star. A bit bizarre but well performed and funny. This was enhanced by the frequent malfunctions of some of the props. I appreciated that (at least two of three) band members were locals.
Silence!- Silence of the Lambs parody musical. Another brilliant cast of talented performers. I wasn't completely sure what to make of the show itself- it was fairly crass in places and raced through the story. Worth a visit on the strength of the cast alone though.
Thursday was:
Best of the Fest Daytime- a compilation of 4 Fringe acts plus compere. The absolute highlight was Ten Thousand Hours, an Australian acrobatic troupe. I'm not sure I could manage an hour long show of their though as the ten minute section they performed was stressful enough!
Tom Crosbie: I came, I saw, I conq-nerd- Tom is a professional nerd so this was an hour of impressive memorisation displays, rubik's cubes and gentle comedy. Extremely talented, a lovely warm, inclusive atmosphere and a strong message around neuro-inclusion.
Our Little Secret: The 23andMe Musical- a one man musical about an only child who discovers he was conceived by sperm donor and has MANY siblings. It covered the challenging emotions around the realisation, interactions with his family and the process of meeting some siblings. There was a photo montage at the end which I always enjoy. The actor had a great voice, some great songs with one catchy enough for a sing-along at the end. They were giving away their merch (t-shirts) at the end and I got the sense they're struggling to get an audience in.
Diva: Live from Hell- This was excellent. Luke Bayer plays every part, switching between characters with ease. Luke has a brilliant voice, endless charisma and delivers a quality tap dance routine part way through. The show takes a dark turn towards the end which is well staged. Would highly recommend.
I only have a another couple of days of shows booked for the next couple of weeks. I'm really enjoying reading everyone's experiences and recommendations and might well fit in another few!
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Post by westendboy on Aug 9, 2024 18:53:24 GMT
Has anybody had a chance to catch 'The Signalman'? If so, what were your thoughts?
I saw it at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre before it came to the fringe and thought it was an interesting (in a good way!) take on the classic story.
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Post by greenandbrownandblue on Aug 14, 2024 10:56:22 GMT
I've just spent 8 days in Edinburgh, seeing a total of 47 shows. A few highlights, recommendations and comments:
The quality was high this year, and the range and number of shows continues to be overwhelming. This is the earliest I've been in the festival, so 'hit' shows were only starting to emerge. I didn't get to see all I wanted, but that's the fringe for you!
The best shows I saw were:
A History of Paper (Traverse) - utterly beautiful, superbly staged and acted. It's a fairly traditional love story, albeit told in an alinear manner, but the whole thing just works so well. I hope this gets a run beyond Scotland as it so deserves to.
My Mother's Funeral (Summerhall) - a very clever, funny and deeply moving play about grief and dignity. The premise is a woman can't afford to pay for her mother's funeral, so writes a play to get the money. On paper it might sound a bit odd - I was unsure, it was reviews that persuaded me to book - but it ended up being one of the best plays I saw. This is touring after - I can't recommend it enough - and I really do think somewhere like the Donmar or Bush should snap this up.
One Man Musical (Pleasance Dome) - I went to this based on recommendations in here. Thank you! This was genuinely one of the funniest nights I've ever had in a theatre. A musical 'by' ALW about ALW. Not sure how much you'd get if you weren't into musical theatre, but I am and I was crying with laughter at points.
A Jaffa Cake Musical (Pleasance Courtyard) - witty, quick, well-staged musical about the true legal case deciding if a jaffa cake is a biscuit or a cake. Really good fun.
Elf Lyons: Horses (Pleasance Courtyard) - one woman show, mixture of stand-up, mime and clowning. For an hour, Elf is a horse. It's wacky, it's hilarious, it's endearing and strangely moving.
Jin Hao Li: Swimming In A Submarine (Pleasance Courtyard) - superb stand-up, so cleverly crafted and delivered. Run is sold out but I think they're adding extra shows. I'll be following his career with great interest.
My English Persian Kitchen (Traverse) - one woman show about how home and food. Isabella Nafar is brilliant as she retells a story of immigrating to the UK from Iran, all whilst cooking a delicious soup (you can taste it at the end!). I suspect this will have a further life - would be a perfect fit in the Kiln or Bush.
Every Brilliant Thing (Summerhall) - I'm so pleased to have finally seen this. Can't really add much to what has been said previously other than I found this deeply affecting.
Other shows worth seeing:
Sell Me: I Am From North Korea (Pleasance Courtyard) - about a woman who flees NK for China. Played with real conviction by the granddaughter of the woman whose story is being told. Clever use of projection - the ending is especially well done.
Ahir Shah: Ends (Pleasance Courtyard) - this show won the best comedy award at last year's Fringe, so I was pleased to see this. It's very good - if perhaps a little overly sentimental. Not laugh a minute stuff; really it's an interrogation of the immigrant experience in Britain and the substantial progress made. Shah makes a compelling case for the UK being the least racist country on earth.
You & It (Assembly Checkpoint) - a few people have mentioned this on here, so I went on the back of those recommendations. This is a new musical from South Korea. A lovely score - if a bit generic - and an unusual premise. I won't say much more, other than I'd like to see it developed into a longer piece as it felt like some scenes had been cut to make it an hour.
My Son's A Queer (But what can you do?) (Underbelly Bristo Square) - my third time seeing this. It's a lovely show, told with real charm by Rob Madge and the songs by Pippa Clearly are really good. I last saw it at the Ambassadors - before the Broadway non-transfer was announced - so it was interesting to see this with that in mind. It's been rewritten a little, though only minor lines to make it a bit more current. Some of the references are very niche - you have to be a British fan of musical theatre to get them. Presumably if it does go to the States it'll be rewritten again, though I'm not sure American references would fit the piece. However, as much as I love this show, I can't believe Broadway was ever considered.
Janie Dee's Beautiful World Cabaret (Pleasance Dome) - what a privilege to see Janie Dee is such a small venue. She's a joy to watch; a range of songs (including a little Sondheim), staged very stylishly with 2 supporting singers/dancer, a pianist, violinist and accordionist.
The Scot and the Showgirl (Pleasance Dome) - two more stalwarts of musical theatre, Norman Bowman and Frances Ruffelle, loosely retelling the story of their relationship from their first meeting at Waverley Station years ago. I would've liked a bit more of a narrative, but the songs are great fun. Mixture of lesser known show tunes and pop hits. Highlights being a fabulous rendition of 500 Miles (which really reinterpreted the song for me), and Frances singing On My Own.
Ben Hart: Hex (Assembly George Square) - my second time seeing Hart at the fringe, and he didn't disappoint. He's a real showman, and the tricks are incredibly impressive. What's more impressive is that this is staged almost in the round, so he has nowhere to hide.
The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return (Summerhall) - pacy drama about growing up in Luton. A tiny bit over long ( it had multiple points where it could have ended), but staged and acted with real dynamism by a cast of 3 who multi-role. Again, I could see this go to the Bush or one of the smaller spaces at the Young Vic.
Breathe (Pleasance Dome) - multimedia show about trees, following the journey of a seedling. Very clever use of puppetry and video.
A Montage of Monet (Greenside) - one man show about Claude Monet. I found this very interesting, and the 55mins flew by. Good use of projections to illustrate the monologue.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (theSpace Surgeon Hall) - a revival of the musical which had a very long run off-Broadway. A series of sketches about love and relationships. I really enjoyed this, some very good songs. Updated to include references to online dating apps, and the most famous song is now sung in the context of a same-sex couple.
Vlad Illich (Pleasance Courtyard) - a solid hour of stand-up about North Macedonia and chess. Sounds niche, but the delivery and charm is such that you won't be lost!
John Tothill (Pleasance Courtyard) - a charming hour of stand-up, frequent laughs and clever callbacks. Was fortunate to catch this as I read that John has just been admitted to hospital for a burst appendix. I hope he is better soon and can resume his shows as it would be a great shame for audiences to miss out on this.
Sh!t Theatre: Or What's Left Of Us (Summerhall) - a show about grief and loss, told through folk songs. It's rather meta - won't say much more, but it's deservedly sold out and one of the critical hits of the Fringe. Running at Soho Theatre later this year.
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A few other notes:
Emu War seems to be one of the most popular new musicals at this year's Fringe, but I have to say I wasn't very impressed. Lyrics were overly repetitive, the story tried to do too much in an hour, and the whole thing just felt like it was trying too hard to be funny and relevant. A shame, as I'd been much looking forward to this one.
Come Dine With Me The Musical didn't really work for me either. The inevitable comparison is the Bake Off musical, but that's far superior in every way.
I had booked for Willy's Candy Spectacular (the musical about the infamous Glasgow Wonka experience) but the reviews I've read have been so bad that I didn't bother.
Also saw some good stand-up from more established names such as Dara O Briain and Kieran Hodgson, though both were work in progress.
Anyway, hope that helps those on their way to the Fringe. Enjoy!
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