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DIANE SPENCER

DIe ROTEN PUNKTE

Benefiting the Fringe: Will Franken

THE REAL MACGUFFINS

START POINT Hello there,For all we’re the latest ThreeWeeks, festival newsnice to as meet it breaks you For lots of info about all things ThreeWeeks check www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/informationwww.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/news

Edinburgh’s short-film strand: CineFringe Contents

with a tiny band of volunteers and a We’ve been running the festival in ThreeWeeks 2013 wk2 fully(ish) fledged film festival!” our spare time and funding it with Since that first outing, CineFringe our spare change for four years, START POINT has grown, not least in terms of the but the truth is with the amount of pool of films from which the event’s people now entering films we simply Caro writes… 04 curated collections of shorts are can’t afford the overheads ourselves Letter To Edinburgh 04 selected. 35 filmmakers submitted anymore. We’re determined to not work in year one, while this year charge directors to submit their A poem from Luke 04 nearly 500 from 45 countries put their films, so instead we’re offering some pictures forward. “We try not to limit awesome incentives via Kickstarter our film-makers too much” Lynch says to try and raise £5000 to sustain the INTERVIEWS about the selection process, with only whole festival and grow it over the Urban Fox Theatre Q&A 06 length (less than 30 minutes) being a next few years”. requirement; “Our screenings are very Lynch admits that the funding Diane Spencer Q&A 06 eclectic as a result!” he adds. is necessary to ensure CineFringe Will Franken Q&A 07 “In general we look for raw talent remains part of Edinburgh’s festival over slick visuals, but we’ve had month. And while the Fringe isn’t plenty of beautiful films too. The main especially known for movies, there is COMEDY thing is that we want to champion definitely an appetite for quirky and independent film, like the Fringe itself innovative films amongst its audience. Keith Farnan Column 08 we provide a platform for art that you “People who come to our screenings Helping to ensure that pretty much every genre is represented at Comedy Reviews 08 might not see anywhere else. That’s often say they wish they’d known the world’s biggest cultural festival, CineFringe returns to Edinburgh also why we make it free for film- about us sooner! And lots of people The Real MacGuffins 10 this weekend for its fourth year, presenting four collections of makers to put forward their work”. It’s return each year. And some people Q&A short films selected from submissions from nearly 500 film- a commitment to keep the selection just like the novelty of sitting in a dark makers. Meanwhile organisers of the annual event have launched process that way that has led Lynch room watching a few films in comfort, David Morgan Column 11 a Kickstarter campaign, in a bid to secure the funding to help the and his team to go the Kickstarter after four hours straight of theatre or Fringe’s own film strand grow and develop at future festivals. route to try and fund the future comedy in a moist cave!” growth of CineFringe. CineFringe is based at Sweet Grassmarket, THEATRE “CineFringe was conceived in 2009 John Lynch. “Rather than hire an “Despite us building a sizeable with one screening this year at Summerhall. The Paper Birds Q&A 12 out of frustration, when I couldn’t find entire Fringe slot for a six minute film, following over the four years, the For info on the programme and Kickstarter any event to screen my own short I decided to put out a call for other event is still organised by the same campaign check www.cinefringe.com Theatre Reviews 13 about the Fringe”, explains Director people with shorts and return in 2010 four people who launched it in 2010. TW PHYSICAL MORE ONLINE> Pierre Novellie takes Amused Moose prize Physical Reviews 14 Check out performances Pierre Novellie has been be currently seen as part of Just The their craft and build a profile, of and interviews galore with declared winner of this year’s Tonic’s ‘Lunchtime Special’ and in course, with competitions like the MUSIC ‘Standing Up For Something’ in the Laugh Off Awards an important part of the ThreeWeeks podcasts, Amused Moose Laugh Off Worbey And Farrell 16 talent contest, one of the key Free Fringe. that process. As the organiser of one featuring this week: competitions for new stand-up Commenting on the latest edition of of the Festival’s new talent showcases, Q&A the Laugh Off awards, past winners of what advice does Jago have for new talent that climaxes during the Catriona Knox which include Sarah Millican and Jack comedians trying to decide how to Music Reviews 16 Glenn Moore Fringe. Whitehall, Amused Moose boss Hils navigate the ever-expanding Fringe? He competed with fellow finalists Jago told ThreeWeeks: “The overall “We suggest, if asked, that those Shirley Gnome Alex Smith, Sean Cannon, Alistair standard improves year on year. It is without a strong ten minutes initially MUSICALS That Pair Williams, Angus Dunican and Steve rare even in the qualifying rounds now come to the Fringe to research rather Hungry Bitches Q&A 17 Bugeja at a final event at theSpace that the room goes silent, so these than perform” she tells ThreeWeeks. High Plains @ Symposium Hall, and was picked comedians really have done very well “The following year it’s sensible to do a BrainSex as winner by a combined panel of to make it through to the final”. show with other people, and then the CABARET industry experts and audience vote. The Fringe remains an important year after that do a solo show, if they Suman Biswas 22 year old Novellie, originally from place for new stand-ups to develop feel ready. Sometimes people develop Die Roten Punkte Q&A 18 Austen’s Women Johannesburg and more recently faster of course, Jack Whitehall is Cabaret Reviews 18 resident of the Isle of Man, said of Darts Wives + many more! an example, and sometimes a little his win: “I’m amazed and surprised slower; though there is the risk that www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/podcasts to have beaten so many incredible the latter can create the impression ART & WORDS comedians – the final was very tough with the industry that the performer and I’m overjoyed!” Novellie wins views comedy as a hobby”. Art & Words Reviews 20 £1500 plus the shiny moose trophy Amused Moose also stage the with which he is here pictured. He’ll Laughter Awards for more established also appear alongside runners up new talent, the finals for which this CHILDREN’S SHOWS Smith and Cannon at upcoming year take place on Sunday at City Oliver Emanuel Q&A 22 Amused Moose events, and can also Edinburgh. Children’s Shows 22 More festival news: www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/news Reviews

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WEEK TWO | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 03 TW START POINT We’ll keep you up to date on all the latest Festival news online at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/news Letter to Edinburgh: from Asher Treleaven

that has performed at the Fringe TW COLUMN for sometime, taken a year off and then come back? There is a system Regular faces from Festivals that must be adhered to, and even a small deviation can be catastrophic past, but who are not here CARO WRITES> to the trajectory of a comedian. this year, send a letter to And so to yet another Weekly Edition. It’s As this year’s Fringe approached only the Week Two issue, but, because we the Fringe community via my news feed, Twitter feed and have the preview edition in late July, this is the pages of ThreeWeeks. Facebook timeline began to buzz actually the third ThreeWeeks Weekly we’ve This time, Asher Treleaven with the impending gathering. I done this summer. So, that feels like quite a lot describes what it’s like looked on from afar, transfixed already, because in terms of ThreeWeeks Weekly experiencing the Festival via and nostalgic, as people patted editions, we’re three quarters of the way through. themselves on the back or set their his Twitter feed on the other And by the time you read this, it will be almost faces in a steely mask in preparation officially half way through the month of August. side of the world... for the battle ahead. Questions were Which means that we are more than half way As many of you already know, I’m asked, accommodation was sought, through the Fringe, if not the whole Festival (the taking this year off the Edinburgh and promises were made... International Festival, of course). Festival Fringe Comedy Festival of “I’m not going to read a single It’s going quickly, isn’t it? If you’ve been here Comedy. review!” many said. since it all kicked off just a couple of weeks ago, Firstly, I want you to know that I’m “Off to Tescos to buy fruit and you’ll be wondering where the time went, and if sorry, and that it’s not a decision I’ve veges for the whole 4 weeks!” some you’ve just turned up, you’re probably looking at said. your watch and realising that actually, you’ve only taken lightly. After close consultation with my extensive team of agents, “Just got my gym membership, got about ten days to get everything you want to who hasn’t got 20 minutes a day, get done, done. Am I giving you the fear? Am I? managers, producers, therapists, wives and publicists, I’ve decided WOOT!” one said. Well, it’s probably entirely appropriate because People wrote lovely descriptive there’s a lot of it going around in this Issue of our to pass the torch to another most things about the architecture; they esteemed organ. As well as the sweaty dread ‘likely’ lesser performer. even praised the food and the that’s afflicting me at the moment at the thought The last eight years I’ve been at weather. Old friends met up and of the massive amount of reviews we still have to the Fringe have been an absolute clutched hands on the cobbled put out there, that Keith Farnan has put the wind joy: from taking acid at midday and up me with his Top Five Fears column on page 8. climbing Arthurs Seat after being streets, pints were emptied and And then, as if I weren’t clammy enough, we’re nominated for the Best Newcomer drams enjoyed. Opening nights were dealing with yet more trepidation in our interview prize in 2010, to yelling at myself in ‘SOLD OUT’ or ‘pretty good’ or would with theatre director Amy Kilmartin on page 6 the mirror for being a “fucking loser most definitely ‘get better’ as the about her fear-focused show ‘Globophobia’. asshole” in 2012, when not enough Festival progressed. If you’ve read this far, you must be terrified. So people came to see my show. Then the reviews started to trickle now I’ll soften the fearful blow with news of all the Taking a year off the Edinburgh in. As many of you know, reviews are features we have for you this week that aren’t at sometimes more important than the Fringe is a serious business; it’s not Northern Australia, I looked on with By taking a year off I may have all scary. We have our regular poem from Fringe something to be undertaken lightly. actual show itself and, whether good institution Luke Wright, and this week’s Letter or bad, need to be celebrated and bitter jealousy as I slowly realised catastrophically fucked my chances When I decided to take a year off you the mistake I’d made taking a year for people to see my shows ever To Edinburgh from the most excellent Asher can imagine the internal uproar, all hated with equal fervor. Treleaven. Then we’re into Q&A heaven with the off. Sitting there trying to enjoy the again; but I promise to the people those around me wrung their hands “** from The Scotsman! Fuck them super Diane Spencer, this week’s cover star Will last remnants of my tropical in-room who are reading this article to its and dashed themselves on rocks, they’ve always hated me”, some Franken and favourites The Real McGuffins. buffet breakfast, I felt alone and conclusion, I’ll never take another crying and shrieking, “NO, NO, NO!” tweeted. There’s a beautiful column from David Morgan distant: like the last albatross. The year off again. Unless I get some Just one year off without the “I got *** from some 17 year old and our latest cartoon from Joe Bor, plus we talk media student from Korea, WTF!” ceaseless flow of Instagram photos, more telly stuff or another tropical to Paper Birds about their theatre piece ‘On The proper reasons to explain one’s reviews, humble bragging tweets gig somewhere. absence can lead to a crippling one Facebooked. One Hand’, to cabaret stars Die Roten Punkte, “ONLY ***** 5 STARS FROM GOLF and hungover status updates only Miss you. to piano deviants Worbey and Farrell, to the back step and rumors of cowardice. further confirmed my fear. People Love, Asher Treleaven. Xo All the momentum built up over WORLD. WOOT WOOT WOOOT”, team behind new musical ‘Facehunters’, and to many wrote. are right, life doesn’t exist outside of playwright Oliver Emanuel about children’s show years can dissolve instantly. If you From my five-star hotel room Edinburgh during August, it’s grey LINKS: www.ashertreleaven.com ‘Titus’. And, as you might expect, we’ve got lots don’t believe me try this: name at the Darwin Festival in tropical and bland. and lots of reviews for you to peruse. Enjoy! one comedian you’ve not heard of, TW A poem from Luke

Fringe favourite Luke Wright entertains They’re tearing home now: you, the ThreeWeeks reader, with a Mum! Mum! Look at these. weekly poem for Festival 2013. Enjoy the My father had this ancient hand-wound drill, second one here, then catch Luke’s show though often, mum would skewer them for us ‘Essex Lion’ at Assembly George Square. so by the time he walked in, rain-flecked, knackered the kitchen stunk of vinegar and wood Conkers his dinner late, his boys still uniformed BACK TO SCHOOL the shop front posters yell, a mess of string and strategies and glee. all freckled kids and cheesy chalk mark font and just as all around us starts to die Now every year there’s HEALTH & SAFETY HORROR our children are renewed with pencil cases as childless journos muse on childhood’s death and anecdotes of summer holidays, but still the children gather up their conkers the corridors a full size smaller now. and formulate their complex snagging rules. They cherish bully-twenties, laud their laggies, Then after bell they’re out across the road how quick the switch from champion to stampsie. like truffle pigs in brand new lace up shoes. They snuffle out the polished antique brown Luke Wright: Essex Lion’ is on at Assembly George Square until 26 Aug (not 13) at 6.00pm. Photo: Rich Dyson till pockets swell and only trampled shells are left beneath the glum horse chestnut tree. LINKS: www.lukewright.co.uk

TW PAGE 04 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO

INTERVIEWS For updates on the latest ThreeWeeks interviews as they go live online Follow ThreeWeeks on Twitter @threeweeks or on Facebook at facebook.com/threeweeks Focusing on fear at the Fringe: Urban Fox’s Globophobia

cast the production in February. I have another controls his violent outbursts I’ve been involved in various projects worked with some of the cast before, by shaving. A fear of beards is pretty working with playwrights. I love but some are completely new to us. uncommon, it’s something many working with someone just as an idea Everyone was excited to work on the would categorise as irrational, ie not a is beginning to develop, responding project because of the writing and the sensible fear. Though a more common to their work, giving my thoughts and challenge of presenting the work at fear is probably spiders, or heights, a safe space for ideas to be tried. I’m the Fringe. and when you really think about it, not out ruling working on established that’s not really any more rational than plays in future, but at the moment I’m TW: ‘Globophobia’ deals with fears fearing the popping of a balloon. really excited about new writing in and anxieties, why did you set out to Scotland. Whenever a country begins create a piece exploring this topic? TW: This is a collaborative piece with to debate independence, there’s a AG: I have always been fascinated two writers, how was it put together? surge in new work and I’m so happy to by fear; that something instinctual AG: Dave and Lindsay had not worked be part of it. that we don’t really understand. together before, so they wrote Some people know exactly when separately and have their own stories TW: What were your fears about and where a fear or phobia began, and sets of characters in the piece. staging a new play at the Fringe? Photo: Natalia Equihua but most people don’t. For most it’s However, they were so generous Common and uncommon! a simple ‘feeling’, something they with their time when working with AG: Failure. No one coming to see The Urban Fox Theatre Company explore fears – both common and can’t really explain. With this project, me and each other, they actually the production. Money running out. uncommon – in their new work ‘Globophobia’ at Sweet Grassmarket we began with the idea of fear, and equally invested in all the characters Costumes going missing. Actors going this Fringe. It’s a collaboration between director Amy Gilmartin then the work became about twenty- and the overall shape of the play. We missing. Light bulbs going out mid and playwrights Lindsay Miller and Dave Fargnoli, the latter a something anxiety. Our company’s experimented with a different order of show. Balloons popping mid show. ThreeWeeks contributor, though we made sure our reviewer didn’t ages range from twenty-one to scenes over the development period, The list goes on… know that fact when she first saw the piece. Already on our list of twenty-nine and I encouraged the and made the final decision about a writers and actors to start with the month ago, all three of us together, TW: Although the Fringe has a long ones-to-watch at the Fringe this year, a top marks review prompted personal. with lots of post-it notes lined up history as a hub of new playwriting, us to catch a little time with Gilmartin to find out more about the along my living room floor. with an ever expanding programme project and her Fringe experiences. And fears. TW: The show’s blurb talks about across the board, are there both ‘common’ and ‘uncommon’ TW: As a director, is it harder or easier challenges with bringing new theatre TW: Tell us about the Urban Fox point that I used to start conversations fears - what kind of common and working with a brand new script than to the Festival? Theatre Company, how did the group with various playwrights, and it led me uncommon fears are touched on? an established work? AG: There are lots of challenges in come together? to Dave Fargnoli and Lindsay Miller. AG: Characters in the play deal AG: I made the decision two years ago, being a new company and bringing a AG: Urban Fox started with the idea Together we began script sessions with multiple fears, one is scared of when I graduated from university, to new play to the biggest arts festival for ‘Globophobia’. I had a starting and workshops with actors, before we choking, another is afraid of vomiting, focus on new writing, and since then in the world. We do feel very small

A Festival hurricane: Diane Spencer

‘Hurricane Diane’ has hit the TW: This is your third full Edinburgh DS: Ah no, there were lots of such Fringe, as Diane Spencer show, what made you decide to focus incidents to choose from and, as takes to the stage each day on your personal calamities this time always, in the writing stage some around? were cut out. You see what themes to talk you through her DS: The theme came after the material emerge, and then focus and clip out ‘Calamity Jane Asher’ of a really, because to write a show it’s a those that don’t quite fit. In an earlier life. “Frequently filthy but case of writing and re-writing, and draft, there’s a true story about the constantly hilarious” and “a then looking at the structure and all time I was asked to sit in the jump seat whirlwind hour of anecdotal that. I think futility can be really funny, of an aeroplane because they had comedy” said our reviewer and I wanted to write a joyous show overbooked the flight. I was terrified, after she saw the show, this year, a really gleeful, mischievous so when they offered me some free and silly show where I’m the butt of wine I just got drunk! I’d been to a gig awarding the 5/5 rating the jokes, and I could invite people and they’d paid me in two different that convinced us we really into my room and my life. I wanted to currencies, so I was drunk in a cockpit ought to be tracking down create an atmosphere of welcoming with wadges of cash, and this was two Ms Spencer and asking some inclusion, like we’re all having dinner days before September 11th! However, questions. Fully insured, we together and I’m just telling all these this story didn’t really fit in with the got about that task. disastrous stories, because you know whole scheme of things, so I had to you can trust your friend Diane to do drop it from the show. But I keep all TW: “Diane Spencer is a natural these silly things! my jokebooks, and sometimes I revisit disaster” says your show blurb. Are material and find a home for it later. you really that bad?! TW: So the various disastrous DS: Ha! Probably not THAT bad, but I’ll incidents from your life in the show – TW: As I said, this is the third full solo trip over more than the average bear. are they all true? Have you employed show, meaning last August was the I use the word “disaster” to describe any poetic licence for laughs? ‘tricky second album’, as it were. How a range of mistakes, from asking DS: Yes, they are all true, but yes, I did it go? Is it getting harder or easier people how their boyfriends are only have employed a little poetic licence each year? to discover they’ve been dumped, to to tell the story. Any good story has DS: It was tricky! I wanted to putting so much mustard in a king been edited – I don’t think it becomes experiment and do some social prawn curry that everyone cries and I a story until it’s been redrafted. But commentary, because my favourite have to throw the rest away. Add into I have witnesses and photographic comedians are the ones who can that, when it rains it pours – I’ll usually evidence of all the events! make me laugh and think at the have about three whoopsies all at same time. I also wanted to start the once, rather than one at a time. Ever TW: Did you have plenty of such show with a bang and hit the ground seen those ‘Final Destination’ films? incidents to choose from? If you running, so it opened with the line “I Sometimes I feel like fate is creeping extend the show, will you have to wank too much – anyone else wank up on me and tying my shoelaces instigate new personal disasters first so much you get prune tip?”, then I Photo: Rich Dyson together in the meantime. to provide the extra material? held up a finger. The idea was, that

TW PAGE 06 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO INTERVIEWS Show recommendations throughout the Festival Hear about all the top rated shows via www.twitter.com/twittique

sometimes among it all. We wanted to be ambitious and we wanted to bring our very best work. So in a way, we had to forget about the challenges and our fears, and just focus on making work we are proud of. And then spend a lot of time flyering!

TW: Our reviewer loved the show, is it going well? AG: The ThreeWeeks review was so amazing, we were all so excited when we read it! The production is going really well, we have managed to sell out half our nights so far and we’re all really enjoying being part of the Fringe.

TW: Do you have plans to further develop or perform ‘Globophobia’ beyond the Fringe? AG: We don’t have set plans at the moment, but I don’t think the play’s life is finished yet. And I’m open to offers!

TW: And what next for you and Urban Fox? Gollock Kat Photo: AG: There’s a new idea that we’re beginning to debate. And I know I want to be part of the next Fringe. The many personas of Will Franken There’s nothing like it, the audiences are brilliant, up for seeing work all day “Part character comedy, subtracted from the equation and it TW: You made your Edinburgh with me playing both myself and a and all night, and seeing things they can be quite relaxing. debut last year with a show that Welsh female bartender. And there’s wouldn’t usually take a chance on - I part one-man sketch show, Franken is an arresting and certainly grabbed the attention of the racist gormless cabbie lecturing love making work for them. TW: Wikipedia also says you used to our reviewer. Did you enjoy your time me about the lack of civility of the devastating stage presence” be a teacher. What was that like? here last year, and what made you French and a very trippy HSBC advert ‘Globophobia’ is on at Sweet Grassmarket said our reviewer of this man until 25 Aug at 8.20pm. WF: Well, I’ve had stints teaching at decide to return? Do you see yourself with some extended vox-pops. after seeing his first Edinburgh the college level and at the junior high coming back year after year? One thing that’s noticeably different TW show last August. And there’s school level (sixth, seventh, and eighth WF: Well, first off, ThreeWeeks, let me about this particular show is that I’m a plethora of new characters grades in America). Teaching college say thanks again for the wonderful playing myself as straight man more was fun. It’s the kind of job you get review from last year! I especially you’re a bit shocked at the start, but by to enjoy in Will’s 2013 show than I ever have before. At times, it’s when you don’t want to work, you can dig the Marmite reference, as I’ve the end, you’ve gone on a journey, and ‘Concert To Benefit The almost like a picaresque narrative show off how smart you are and flirt become quite fond of Marmite you’re laughing at much more shocking of an Anglophile’s rosy-eyed view of Victims Of My Father’, many with eighteen to nineteen year old myself - especially on toast with some material but without realising it! In the the UK, and a commentary on the informed by his experiences chicks in a meaningful way. pilchards. And I absolutely enjoyed main it worked, though some people pitfalls of placing things too high on That being said, I was the kind of my time up in Edinburgh last year. I couldn’t get past that opening bit, as an American living in a pedestal. There’s no repeat of any teacher I hated to have. A fun teacher. suppose my return is based on the which was a shame. Britain. We managed to get characters from last year as far as I a few moments with the real The professors I admired were the utilitarian purpose of being able to live can see – though I do have a sexual ones that stuck to the subject matter, and work in the UK, combined with TW: People can check out past shows Franken though, to get an harassment seminar leader that’s never showed a sense of humour, and the aesthetic impetus of unveiling a of yours in full on YouTube for free. somewhat of a mirror to last year’s insight into his career, his new wore tweed jackets. A bit like the lead brand-new hour; with 60-70 percent Why did you decide to do that? Do you celebate diversity seminar leader. show, and his Edinburgh plans. character in ‘The Browning Version’ or of material and characters drawn from worry about giving shows away like Houseman in ‘The Paper Chase’. The my experiences as an ex-pat living in that, or is it essential in the YouTube TW: Which other acts are on your TW: According to the ever reliable students liked me. I got great reviews England. age? must-see list at the Festival this year? Wikipedia you began your career as at the end of semester — save for Not sure if I’ll return to Edinburgh DS: I don’t worry about it! I found some WF: Deffo my funny friends from an actor. What made you switch to the random Mormon chick who took year after year, though. Even when of my favourite comedians through Brighton, Casual Violence, who are comedy? umbrage at my rampant profanity. things are going well, the Festival YouTube, and it’s a way of giving back also playing at the Pleasance, I believe. WF: I actually wanted to be a I taught beginning English, so I can play merry hell on the nervous to the online community. Plus if people And hell, all the friends I’ve made since comedian first. I had done a few could justify anything under that system. I suppose it also depends on like my work they’ll still come to see me being out here, like Milo McCabe and scattered gigs and one-man type rubric. If I felt like playing The Who’s the disposable income factor. What live. I did a gig in Rome and two guys Jessie Cave (I love the precocious little comedy shows in various comedy ‘Live At Leeds’, I’d get a boom box really seems to make sense to me flew over from Milan because there’s girl angle she has). If I get a chance clubs and book stores in small towns from the AV department and talk these days, from talking with other a great company called ComedySubs I’ll also check out Jerry Sadowitz; I in Missouri. about Pete Townsend’s use of “inner performers, is the Free Fringe. Coming who put Italian subtitles on my had the honour of opening up for But when I moved to New York to dialogue”. If I felt like watching ‘Taxi from a working class background as shows, and they’d seen me online. him at the Leicester Square Theatre pursue it further, I got so frustrated Driver’, I’d bring in a TV and ask the I do – small-town Missouri – there’s The YouTube channel is also a great last year and was so impressed with with the ridiculously long lines at open students to look for “themes”. Mostly something that makes sense about an way of keeping a record of my shows, his balls-out, say what the hell you mic nights - sometimes not going it was fifty minutes three times a week actual jar going around at the end of and tracking my development as a want, anti-PC stances, that it felt like up until 2 am on a Sunday - and the for me to hone my improvisational a show with actual money in it. I can performer. People still order copies of he just ripped the laughter straight “bringer” shows - bring five people comedy skills. dig that. the DVDs, even if they can see it online out of me with his sheer audacity. So who pay five dollars to watch you I taught junior high for one year - for free. I don’t think the YouTube thing many friends, so many shows. Not do five minutes on a night where the 1999-2000 - in inner-city Harlem and TW: That new show is called ‘Concert is necessarily ‘essential’ in this day and sure where to start; but I’ll try to see as booker isn’t even there - that I fell into I was so traumatised by the abuse To Benefit The Victims Of My Father’. age, but I’m only well known in certain many as possible. acting almost out of frustration. from the children and the negligence What’s it about? Are they all new circles, and it’s a great way of getting At least with an audition I knew I of the administration, I vowed I would characters? new fans. was going to get up for a chance to Read more from Will, and find out about never work a regular job again in my WF: Well, as I say, what I really like his comedy heroes, in the full interview at do something, either a cold reading life. And I haven’t. I was so egotistical, about this current show is the www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013WF or a monologue. I found that I got I thought I would approach the first proliferation of UK characters and Read more answers from Diane online at cast frequently thanks to a growing day like Robin Williams in ‘Dead Poets’ anecdotes that I’ve built into it. There’s ‘Will Franken: Concert to Benefit the Victims www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013DS of My Father’ is on at Pleasance Dome until repertoire of voices and characters. Society’ and transform their lives an extended piece concerning my first 26 Aug (not 14) at 5.40pm. ‘Diane Spencer: Hurricane Diane’ is on at I miss it often. There’s a comfort in from ghetto ignorance into Blakean gig in Wales, coupled with a prolonged Gilded Balloon Teviot until 25 Aug at 5.45pm. interpreting someone else’s lines mysticism. By day two, it was “SHUT joke about my inability to master the LINKS: www.willfranken.com sometimes; the onus of writing is UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” accent, and a romantic country duet TW TW

WEEK TWO | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 07 TW COMEDY For a whole host of great guest columns from Fringe performers… Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/columns

5/5 SHOW Tom Craine: Crying On A Keith Farnan’s Top Five Fears Waltzer (Avalon Promotions) “I might be an idiot, but at least I’m not that lasted for centuries and made look confident. Standing in front of a prick”. Tom Craine, of Jigsaw and R4 Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street on an expectant crowd robs you of all TW COLUMN fame, led us through a comical review a Saturday night look positively that immediately and, if you fail to of his past year, which, it seems, has peaceful. What I’m trying to say deliver the speech in the way you While the Urban Fox Theatre been miserable. Charming and instantly here is that our adventurous spirit hoped, you might wonder if you are Company considers fear likeable, Craine discussed everything was accidentally responsible for the the person you thought you were from his recent break-up to Christmas in the Festival’s theatre t-rexes, and yet we keep building and an existential crisis kicks in. Now with his parents, offering material of the programme this year (see skyscrapers, which will eventually imagine that’s your job and you’ll kind anyone can relate to, and keeping more on page 6), Irish anger the gods of gravity, who will understand why comedians are his sympathetic audience laughing all stand-up Keith Farnan also then send back giant lizards to generally such a mess. evening. The main focus of this self- punish us. We’ve all seen ‘Pacific ponders some phobias over proclaimed idiot’s set is his break-up Rim’ right? ‘Godzilla’? This is the on the comedy Fringe, with 5. Flying with his girlfriend, a fellow comedian, future people. his new show ‘Fear Itself’. To Getting in a plane and travelling and he covers every corner of the above the earth at a height of get you in the mood, Keith failure of that relationship, from the 2. The Dark several thousand feet is probably moving out moment, to post-break up shares what he reckons Nightmares never come when the nearest any of us get to feeling might be the five most blues, and on to considering a proposal; you’re awake. This is one of those like God. I’m not saying God has to real life stories which really struck a common fears of all. first harsh lessons of childhood and shove his bag into the blue cage chord, and generated mirth, despite a precursor to an insomnia filled life. for hand luggage, while Ryanair the sadness. Which just proves that One of my favourite t-shirts when I If you are lucky enough to have your employees start their voodoo Tom Craine is simply a really funny guy, worked in Australia for a year was a imagination stifled as a young child, incantations to exact more money whatever the subject matter. No Fear one. It had a picture of a fish then you’ll turn out the lights and from his wallet, but seeing the Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug, 8.20pm. piloting a robot. I’m not sure how it just go la-la-lah and sleep! However, world from that height for the first tied into the No Fear brand, maybe if you’re one of these poor fools time is astonishing. After repeated tw rating 5/5 | [Sarah Virgo] fish have an innate fear of piloting whose parents believed in some sort viewings, however, the earth gets a robots, who knows? Most fears are of laissez faire cultural education bit boring and you realise the view Sarah Campbell: Isn’t It Fun? Christian Schulte-Loh: irrational but that one seemed off and you were allowed to read and your comparison to God was (PBH’s Free Fringe) Attack of the 50 Foot German the scale even for me. The list of Stephen King at the age of ten, well distracting you from the fact that phobias is endless (there is a fear of then take your pick of bogeymen, you’re travelling in a metal tube, A novel take on the old children’s board- Comedian (Christian Schulte- beards, called pogonophobia. Why clowns, St Bernards and dead pets powered by tiny explosions under game ‘Guess Who?’ kicks off the show Loh / PBH’s Free Fringe) would you fear a beard?!! It’s like returning. Meanwhile, children are the control of complete strangers in an original and hilarious manner, There’s a calm confidence about a lovely fluffy glove for my chin). now so well educated in Ireland on who are at the mercy of nature. And before Sarah Campbell’s comedy takes Christian Schulte-Loh, which is no There are some pretty common the economics of the country, that if you weren’t afraid of flying before, a turn for the run-of-the-mill with too bad thing for a German comedian, ones though, and if you asked a they lie awake terrified that the then you should be now. many slightly clichéd approaches to given he opens with a sequence of roomful of people what they’re European Central Bank is under the the topics in hand; reading bad hotel gags referencing the Second World afraid of, chances are they’d say at bed waiting to terrorise them. On the other hand, Freud said that reviews from TripAdvisor, for example, War. His routine is a mixture of funny least one of the following five. But all phobias can be explained by sex. and making a laboured point about anecdotes and him riffing on audience why? 3. Spiders It could be that the first time you waving her hands in the air at festivals. participation, and it is the latter that However, even this material generated They’re spiders. They have eight had sex was in a tree-house in the really demonstrates what a funny, humorous moments, and Campbell 1. Heights legs. Next. dark when you were attacked by a highly skilled comedian he is. Though does have enough stage presence to This is probably an evolutionary crazy flying spider that would only he doesn’t only trade on obvious gags keep the audience’s attention, though hangover to the days of the let you live if you made a speech about being German, national identity 4. Public Speaking that might also have been to do with cavemen who climbed trees, This is all about identity. When while being carried off into the is a clear theme running through his the remarkable noise levels: words were thinking that was a good idea, you write a speech or have to give clouds. Sure, we’ve all been there. material. A free show, at 5 o’clock, in generally screamed into a microphone just before they were accidentally a presentation, you have an idea a seedy nightclub, is not the most that was turned up full and a klaxon was munched up by a dinosaur that in your head of who you are and ‘Keith Farnan: Fear Itself’ is on at auspicious of venues, yet given the sounded periodically. Ultimately, this was formerly vegetarian but now how you will present yourself to Underbelly Cowgate until 25 Aug at quality of his material, and his skill in won’t force your own hands into the air, enjoyed the taste of human flesh. the world. It’s the bathroom mirror 6.20pm. audience banter, he could easily be but the show offers enough hilarity to This resulted in the dinosaurs going effect. Standing alone in your packing out bigger rooms. make it worth the trip. on a crazy rampaging human buffet bathroom, you feel confident, you LINKS: www.keithfarnan.com Base Nightclub, until 24 Aug (not 13, 20), The Cabaret Voltaire, 8-24 Aug (Not 15 Aug), 5.00pm. tw rating 4/5 [Andrew Leask] 5.05pm. tw rating | 3/5 [Ian Freeman] PC, Mac And Me: The Funny

Side Of Computers (Dan Willis) Tania Edwards: The Art Of War (Tania Edwards) With so much comedy to choose from at the Fringe addressing a niche market For those who haven’t read it, ‘The is a risky business. Computer geek Art Of War’ is a book of sixth-century Dan Willis brings IT banter down to military strategy. Its premise, that real a level accessible to every audience. victories are won without fighting, Laughing with the crowd about the seems to be Tania Edwards’ philosophy. kids who never used VHS and have no Her comedy is slow-burning, low-key idea who ‘Ferris Bueller’ is, he cleverly stuff, delivered in a babbling stream incorporates a Mac versus PC debate. that’s sometimes meandering but easy A show brilliantly designed to make to warm to. Taking the time to build everybody born pre-1993 feel ancient, a solid rapport, she jokes about her and good about it, and the younger relationship, her competitive streak audience realise what they missed out and her failed career as a medical test on - one television per household and subject. These aren’t original topics, but computers which wouldn’t be able to her self-deprecating slant and dark ‘did I process one Facebook photograph. just hear that’ asides keep things funny Team Mac or Team PC? If you ever had and fresh. Many comedians would say an original Gameboy, you’re probably the Fringe feels like a losing battle, but qualified to decide. Edwards easily wins her audience over. Laughing Horse @ City Cafe, until 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug (not 12), 1.45pm. 3.20pm tw rating 4/5 | [Rebecca Lunn] Photo: Natalia Equihua tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]

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Bookshop Midnight Mayhem with all comedy, there were a few jokes that ( Phil Kay / Miss Behave / Bob Slayer / didn’t get a laugh, the slick performance never Pay What You Want) lost its flow. Some sketches had too feeble a basis to really justify forming a whole scene Never has a show been more aptly named than around them, but even when they didn’t work so ‘Bookshop Midnight Mayhem’. In the front room well, the pace was so fast that you forgot about of a small book-less bookshop, utter chaos reigns the less impressive moments straight away. I during the wee hours of the morning at this would see this show again in a heartbeat. brilliant off-the-cuff show. Barefoot compère Bob Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug (not 13), 6.00pm. Slayer hosts an evening of debauchery, hilarity, and general absurdity with the help of a few tw rating 4/5 | [Victoria Beardwood] comedic friends. With little forward planning, ‘Bookshop Midnight Mayhem’ has a very organic Comedy & Cupcakes (Laura Hayden) feeling to it, as comedy, stories, and music Any production offering novelties like cupcakes come from all corners of the room over the to audience members immediately raises course of the side-splitting evening. This show is suspicion - and a critical eyebrow. But with a everything that a late night comedy show should mouthful of icing and a good-natured verbal be; odd, crude, and inappropriate. So grab a pint, assault from our host, it all made sense. strap yourself in, and prepare for mayhem. Returning to the fringe for a third time, Laura Heroes @ Bob’s Bookshop, until 26 Aug, 11.59pm. Hayden knows exactly what she’sdoing: the tw rating 4/5 | [Peter Dorman] cupcakes don’t replace comic substance, they’re just a cheeky trick to fill the yurt with potential 5/5 SHOW Late Night Gimp Fight (Phil McIntyre Entertainments) The Human Centrepiece (SweetAS) laughers. Hayden doesn’t plead for co-operation Oddly named Fringe veterans Late Night Gimp Fight produce a weird and wonderful show that is like a school talent-show compère, but does most certainly not one to miss. The troupe get through a vast array of sketches, with topics ranging As one of only two audience members, I was permit the audience refusal to laugh at the daily from celebrity paedophiles to a homosexual Dracula, and the result is a side-splittingly funny show, apprehensive as to what to expect from this curated collection – even more of a treat than fantastically performed by all involved. The enviable stage presence of this quintet keeps the show; the banter and atmosphere was inevitably free cupcakes. Throwing together a dynamic and audience completely engaged, while the show’s diversity –they break into musical numbers on a intimate but as the show progressed, I realised diverse melange of comedians, Hayden is not regular basis - makes for an hour of highly varied hilarity. The sketches themselves are well written that this was not due to a lack of a crowd, only a riotous compère but understands how to and truly funny, while some of the a cappella songs performed are quite simply a stroke of genius. but the quality of the comedians themselves. create an atmosphere that oozes mirth. Who knew five gimps could put on such a good show? One memorable moment came from unlisted Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters, until 25 Aug, 5.45pm. performer Stuart Richards, who opened the show Pleasance Dome, until 25 Aug, 10.00pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Peter Dorman] tw rating 4/5 | [Kate Pasola] in a blaze of MC Hammer, and while some of TW the jokes were reliant on having more audience members, each act adapted quickly to this Gary Colman Grind challenge. A perfect show for a group of friends, (Gary Colman / PBH Free Fringe) as it is so friendly and personal, everyone might Late into the game (but not a veteran, as he is as well be sitting in a pub with one another. You keen to point out), it is almost a shame Gary will not be disappointed. Colman hasn’t had more time to develop his Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, until 24 Aug routine. As a performer, Colman is a natural; his (not 4, 11, 18), 12.45pm. set, pitching and rolling, has enough to keep the tw rating 4/5 | [Mairi McNicol] audience interested without ever feeling like the material is being stretched further than it ought. Birthday Girls: 2053 Bright, energetic and enthusiastic, Colman (Mick Perrin Worldwide) engages with a set encompassing the mundane and the absurd; it is hard to tell which is which, This was by far one of the best shows of its kind such is the bizarreness of his life to this point. If that I have seen this year. With a brilliant concept the potential of this show is anything to go by, behind them – the conceit is that it’s a comedy Colman may have another notch to add to his sketch show being performed as an anti-anti- extensive list of achievements soon. comedy protest in the dystopian 2053 - the trio Whistlebinkies, 24 Aug, 14.45pm. performed confidently and demonstrated a great rapport. The troupe’s innovative sketch ideas tw rating 4/5 | [Joseph Trotter] were both hilarious and quirky, and though, as

5/5 SHOW Jimmy McGhie: Delusions of Candour (Avalon Promotions) Making a mockery out of everything middle-class, Jimmy McGhie was nothing short of outstanding. His social commentary, to the audience’s amusement, was delivered with the world-weary bitterness of a man well beyond his years. Yet, where many comedians might roll off onto irrelevant rants, McGhie was cutting and pertinent. Don’t be fooled by the intelligent and interesting observations into thinking it will be purely highbrow, however; if a penis joke presented itself, he couldn’t resist. His show stands out because of the sheer scope and range of his material and this you should discover for yourself. It is so much more than just stand and deliver; McGhie interacted, improvised and ultimately impressed. Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug, 8.40pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Ankur Anil Shah]

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company and sold shares in us. We decided it was a really good way not Welcome only to raise some much needed funds but also to raise awareness of our show. It was great that the back the Scotsman ran an article about it. Jim: It was a lot of hard work though… Dan: Yeah, Matt was exhausted. It real deal really helps if you have a nerdy work- horse in your group.

TW INTERVIEW TW: Was it successful? Would you recommend it to other performers? We loved The Real MacGuffins’ Matt: Yes. We raised enough funds to pay for all our printing costs, director, show at Festival 2011, but rehearsal space and a lot of other then last summer, with those things. Without the help we received Olympic-style distractions, we couldn’t have put together the they were nowhere to be show that we have. found. But now they are safely Jim: We’re hugely grateful to all those back at Underbelly with a that got involved with our campaign. brand new show, ‘The Real Dan: A big thank you to all our shareholders – your stock is rising. MacGuffins Come Again’. We caught up with all three TW: There’s talk of ‘projects in members of the group - Dan, development’ for TV and radio – can Jim and Matt - for a good old Photo: Rich Dyson you tell us anything more about that? fashioned chinwag. What would you dream TV or radio Matt: In the summer, we partnered TW: How does it feel to be back, did you describe your comedy? project be? with Channel Flip to film a series of the year off help? Dan: They’re not necessarily fools – Jim: That’s also one of the things TW: Welcome back to the Fringe! You 20 Olympics-based sketches ranging Jim: It feels great to be back – having a just unlucky. we were able to focus on in 2012 - took a year off in 2012 – what exactly from the 50m halitosis qualifiers to year off gave us more time to develop, Jim: People can make mistakes – so working with producers on TV and were you doing?! the limp handshaking finals and the experiment and create material for don’t feel bad, just do everything you radio projects. They’re still ongoing so Dan: Last year we appeared in a 110m cheating hurdles, all of which what we feel is our best show yet. can not to make the same mistake we can’t say too much. We don’t want few things on TV – actually I was in went viral… Matt: And it gave me a chance to again – we’re on at 5pm Underbelly to jinx anything. ‘Miranda’... Dan: In Israel. We have a big internet save some money... especially as I’m Cowgate. Dan: My dream project would involve Jim: Dan likes to talk about that, I was following there. getting married... Matt: We would describe our comedy me and Mila Kunis and Audrey Tautou. in ‘Lee Nelson’s Well Funny People’. Jim: Last August we were also invited Jim: Yeah, yeah. as big, silly and clever. We love Matt: I’ve been asked to be in the next Matt: Jim likes to talk about that. to perform at the Bush Theatre… Dan: I got to travel. Went to Israel. word play, inventive ideas and utter series of ‘Embarrassing Bodies’. Dan: And Matt was in ‘Embarrassing Dan: In Israel. We have a big comedy Visited a lot of internet cafes. stupidity. Bodies’. following there. TW: We’re nearly at half-way point Jim: But he doesn’t want to talk about Jim: Not Israel - London’s prestigious TW: To the fools who didn’t see your TW: Tell us about ‘The Real for this Festival – what have been the that. Bush Theatre! Which was an honour. shows in 2010 and 2011, how would MacGuffins Come Again’, how does it highlights and low points so far? compare to the past shows? Matt: Sitting in the Abattoir bar Matt: It’s our most honest show – you relaxing with a post show drink by the see even more of us than ever before. fountain and someone running over Dan: Well, you’ll see a lot more of Matt to tell us how much he loved the show than you want to anyway. (thanks Tim!) Jim: It’s definitely our biggest, most Jim: I nearly cut my finger off putting ambitious show ever, and the most the finishing touches to the set. A satisfying in the way the sketches are particular low point for me, but it gave linked together. We’ve tied in a few the Underbelly first aid team their surprises but we don’t want to give first crisis of the Fringe, so possibly a too much away. highlight for them? Matt: We’ve even got a set. Dan: I’ve ripped two pairs of my jeans Dan: We’ve got a whole range in the crotch area. That’s a low point. of sketches, so if you’re a fan of Frankenstein, grammatical errors, TW: And other than ‘The Real Isambard Kingdom Brunel and MacGuffins Come Again’, any other computer games you’ll love this show. tips for shows to see? Jim: I said don’t give too much away! Jim: Well we all enjoyed George Ryegold ‘Adulterated’ the other night. TW: The blurb says you’re ‘fitter, Lovely material, deftly delivered. A stronger and fatter’ this year. Which great show. one of you is fitter, stronger and Matt: Check out ‘McNeil And fatter? Pamphilon Go 8-bit’ too – it’s only on Matt: Jim single-handedly built the set a few nights, but it’s lots of comics so he’s stronger. playing computer games and larking Jim: Dan single-handedly ate while I about – we had great fun guesting built the set so he’s fatter. on it. Dan: And Matt single-handedly fitted Dan: If you want something different, himself into a suitcase. I went to see ‘Tongue Fu’. A crazy late Matt: You put me... night mash up of spoken word, beat Dan: So he’s fitter. box, jazz, and even Howard Marks turned up in a fez. TW: You raised some of your Fringe budget this year via an Indiegogo ‘The Real MacGuffins Come Again’ plays at crowd-funding campaign. Why did Underbelly Cowgate until 25 Aug at 5.00pm. you decide to do that? What does it involve? LINKS: www.therealmacguffins.com Dan: That was Matt’s idea. Matt: We floated ourselves as a TW

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MORE ONLINE> David Morgan: What makes you beautiful? I have called my show for “Edinburgh 2013 ‘Leashed’. Dictator Morgan would have a I’m not sure why. Like many TW COLUMN tight and muscled body, toned and of the big decisions in my healthy though, no bouncy castle life – getting married, having muscles that tip the balance from David Morgan wishes he was kids, growing out my nasal pretty” says the programme beautiful to terrifying. One bit of me I wouldn’t mind being a little more hair – I have just gone ahead blurb. Well his show is pretty. inflated, however, is the bit that’s and done it. Often, these In that it’s called ‘Pretty’. And gotten Jon Hamm so many column serve a single, small private that’s beautiful. But what, inches recently. joke. In the case of the above exactly, is beauty? Morgan My building of ‘the beautiful but examples, the jokes are all ponders... evil David’ is completely unattainable. People who undergo massive plastic at the expense of my father, What makes someone beautiful – in surgery to achieve perfection end up though he has yet to realise the words of One Direction (bear looking like the heroes from a budget it. Boy, is he gonna be mad! with) – is not knowing that they’re game for the Nintendo Wii (although However, having committed if the hero to that game was Joan beautiful. Sadly that is also very to the title, I now have to annoying, it’s like having the power Rivers I would totally play it). to fly but being afraid of heights. If I It’s odd how much emphasis we post-rationalise some sort of was beautiful I’d know it, and I think put on becoming perfect looking. justification for it. A Thought I’d be the worst, the actual worst. I’d And when it’s gotten to the point For The Day style ‘but

test the limits of my beauty and see if where people are creating super- actually, you know, when you I could get away with mass genocide beautiful composites from two Photo: Rich Dyson stop to really think about it, “ by smiling sweetly or twerking my already gorgeous celebrities or way to innocence in the Hague. So models just to lust after, it’s gone of both looks and personality, to be good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. in a sense we are all leashed, we should all be very happy that I’m too far. Very soon the only thing that beautiful you can’t just be hot, you You can have a wonky nose and a aren’t we? Leashed… to God’ not super-uber-crazy-hot. makes someone beautiful will be have to be nice too. crooked mouth and a double chin Simon Evans on his choice of show The hot but genocidal David Photoshop. Well, at least we can print I take my view on beauty now and stick-out teeth, but if you have Morgan would be taller. I have this in 3D now. not from One Direction (Zayn, Naill, good thoughts it will shine out of name this year. Read his column at thing at the moment where if I see a In researching for my show Harry, Louis and Liam in that order) your face like sunbeams and you will www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013SE really tall man (6’6”+) I want to climb ‘Pretty’, I read countless studies but from Roald Dahl in ‘The Twits’. “If always look lovely”. him like a tree and koala-hug him about attractiveness, and what a person has ugly thoughts, it begins Wise words. Though of course my for a while. My need to be tall is odd interested me is that, whilst people to show on the face. And when that vanity still wants me to eat less cake though, because most of the hottest might look at the ‘hot King David’ person has ugly thoughts every day, and moisturise more. and think he’s great looking, they every week, every year, the face gets film actors are under 6 foot, Brad ‘David Morgan: Pretty’ is on Underbelly Pitt is 5’10” for example. And whilst wouldn’t necessarily perceive him uglier and uglier until you can hardly Bristo Square until 25 Aug at 7.00pm. I would climb the fabulously tall as ‘beautiful’. Beauty is a word more bear to look at it”. www.thisisdavid.com Vernon Kay, he’s not beautiful. often reserved for a combination He goes on: “A person who has LINKS:

WEEK TWO | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 11 TW THEATRE Hear Soundcloud clips of shows from the theatre Fringe With the ThreeWeeks podcasts at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/podcasts

TW: I know you initially worked with That was the start of a fantastic ten women over 60 on their stories, relationship! but then extended it out to take in the ageing thoughts and fears of TW: The Paper Birds have now women of all ages. Why did you do been producing theatre for ten that? years. Has your process - artistic JM: When people think about ageing or as producers - changed over the they tend to think of being elderly. decade? The reaction to this is normally JM: We are constantly changing, we negative as well. We wanted to look try to remain brave in our decisions at ageing throughout life, with old and make work that is important. age itself being just part of that This year we wanted to write some journey. We change a lot throughout roles for older women and see our life, and often when we look into women of different ages on the stage the future we are limited in how far together, and next we want to make we can see, how far we can imagine a one-woman beat-boxing show! ourselves. I don’t think about being The ten years have taught us a lot, elderly, I think about ageing and I but most of all we try to let the work think about being 40 or maybe 50. lead us. It felt important to look at the whole emotional and physical journey we TW: Does it get easier as you take as we age. become more established as a company, or do new challenges Photo: Mark Dawson TW: The Paper Birds are known emerge? for creating theatre that responds JM: Some things have become a to current social and political little easier. There was a point where issues; does this piece fit into that we used to make our own sets and Perspectives through the ages ambition? now we have a wonderful designer JM: I think it is political. There are a who does that for us. But I would As they celebrate their ten year anniversary, The Paper Birds to be their age. Sometimes I would number of obvious political issues say that there are always challenges have become quite a mature theatre company, and in their latest speak to the women for hours, just surrounding the subject of age that even after ten years; making a show production it is the ageing process that is under the spotlight. listening to their stories, and it was the show touches upon, but the main – from finding the money and the fascinating. We would then begin to thing for us was looking at the ‘roles’ collaborators to just MAKING the ‘On The One Hand’ is an enlightened and enlightening piece that try to stage some of those stories or looks at ageing through the eyes of women of various different that women are expecting to take on show – is never easy. try to find ways to present or explore throughout their life: daughter, wife, ages, based on the stories and observations of numerous women the stereotypes of certain ages. mother, business women, carer, so TW: Is the Fringe still a good place of different generations. We spoke to the company’s Co-Artistic on. We also wanted to address the to present innovative theatre of this Director Jemma McDonnell to find out more. TW: How were the real life stories lack of parts on TV and in theatre for kind? you uncovered developed into the women over the age of 40. JM: Yes, there is an audience at the ageing as a life-long process. The piece we can now see? Are any of Fringe who are willing to take risks TW INTERVIEW show examines growing older the women in the piece based on TW: You’ve collaborated with and this is incredibly important. through the eyes of women who are specific people you spoke to? Northern Stage on this piece, and There are visitors to the Fringe who very different ages and at different JM: Because we met so many women are performing it at their Fringe go and see companies they have TW: In ‘On The One Hand’ you’re points in their lives. we could not include all the stories venue at St Stephens. How did that never heard of and the Festival needs exploring ageing from the and experiences that were shared. partnership come about? this type of audience – otherwise perspective of women of different TW: You spoke to a lot of women The characters that now exist in JM: Northern Stage have an award it just becomes about the famous ages. Where did the motivation for about their experiences to inform the play are often an amalgamation called Title Pending, which they comedians. this piece come from? this piece - how did you select those of a few women that we met and present to a company or artist who

JM: It was mainly turning 30 and people, and what form did the many of the stories they told us are has an exciting and engaging idea everyone asking if I was going referenced but not told in full. Some research take? for a new piece of theatre. After a Read more www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013PB to have babies now and get a JM: We asked for women to of our shows before this one have workshop weekend and interview mortgage! I started thinking about volunteer. We began interviewing included verbatim material, but we sharing our ideas on ageing, we ‘On The One Hand’ is being performed at the expectations and roles we are women – our youngest was 12 and don’t call this show verbatim as the won the award and then had the Northern Stage at St Stephen’s until 24 Aug (not 20) at 6.35pm. supposed to fulfil throughout our our oldest 92 – asking them a series script was shaped around so many opportunity to spend some time in women. whole life, and began to look at of questions about what it means their building developing the show. LINKS: www.thepaperbirds.com

TW PAGE 12 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO THEATRE Every August ThreeWeeks chats to numerous performers, directors and writers appearing at the Festival Read them all online at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/interviews

I’m With the Band (Traverse & startling violence in this convincing TW REVIEWS Wales Millennium Centre) portrayal of a family both torn apart 5/5 SHOW and thrown together by their shared Entertaining rock-musical allegory history. The play shifts seamlessly The Fanny Hill Project for the state of the UK. A big stadium between past and present with (TheatreState) Britpop band are in the process of never a moment of confusion. It breaking up. They’re all fairly awful - “Guys, what was that?!” I hear some is also a strikingly visual piece of England’s a control freak, Scotland a audience members saying after the theatre: between scenes, actors use bitter hothead, Wales a neurotic lad, play has finished. Indeed, The Fanny rope, torches and their own bodies Northern Ireland an abusive alcoholic. Hill Project is a deliberate assault, to create the illusion of an ocean- (The funniest song’s about Ireland a wicked, morbid satire on beauty tossed boat, to the accompaniment and Ulster’s rough sex life.) It suffers stereotypes. A feminist statement, of sea sounds. The characters’ lost slightly because fictional music has if you will, that sharply criticizes brother, John, is represented by a to work as both music and narrative the way in which pop culture and jacket worn by various members of unit - so songs like England’s ‘awful’, media choose to depict and objectify the cast at various times as the play revolt-inspiring ‘Hell is an English women. A circus of colours blends works towards its startling conclusion. Garden’ can’t live up to itself. But it’s with overtly sexist jokes and in the ‘Vessel’ is an absorbing and deeply How to Occupy an Oil Rig (ARC Stockton) miraculous that they manage the one background, a young woman is memorable play, performed with The minute I walked in and got handed a lump of plasticine, my inner five year old 80min extended metaphor so lightly. struggling to reach the surface in a elegance and flair – a must-see. did a fist-pump. ‘How to Occupy an Oil Rig’ is a step by step guide to the practical (Note the EU’s appearance as Record misogynist and chauvinist society. elements of protesting, from joining a protest march to safely chaining yourself Label.) After an excellent job of theSpace on North Bridge, until 24 Aug (not What are we to understand from 11, 18, 25), 9.05pm. to a radiator. With jumbo Lego bricks, plasticine people and lurid wigs, everything avoiding one-sided polemic, they end it? Our feelings range from deeply appears childlike and whimsical, but beneath this façade is a compelling and on a song called ‘The Future’. tw rating 4/5 | [Eilidh Johnstone] uncomfortable to utterly irritated, or very grown-up appeal to action. Provocative, playful and engaging, this earnest to feeling assaulted; we understand Traverse Theatre, until 25th Aug, times vary. performance makes you believe that you can and should be changing the world. the absurdity of these social rules as tw rating 4/5 | [Gavin Leech] Killers If you decide against occupying an oil rig today, do the next best thing and track we try to shake off our exasperation. (Boys Of The Empire down an ‘ARC Stockton’ show, I guarantee your world will be changed. Zoo, until 26 Aug, 4.05pm. The Seer Productions / Northern Stage at St Stephen’s, until 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 12.35pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Holly Sharp] tw rating 4/5 | [Iris Ordean] (Penn Dixie Productions) The Assembly Rooms) Rimbaud and Verlaine are the go-to Enthralling, conflicting and hugely The Three Lions poets for narcissistic teenagers captivating, ‘Killers’ offers a rare The Collision of Things And They Played Shang-a- (Jenny Topper and Rosie and this play cuts through such insight into the psyches of three (Move to Stand) Lang (Craft Theatre Company Bowen for PBJ Management reverence, represented by an out-of- notorious imprisoned serial killers, An innovative clash of stagnant / The Stand Comedy Club) and those on the outside that With Pleasance) touch biographer who clings to his realism, physical theatre and music, Growing up is always a confusing feel compelled to engage with Rimbaud anthology, with razor sharp ‘The Collision of Things’ is the story adventure, so the coming-of-age ‘The Three Lions’ is the love child of them. Ian Brady, Peter Sutcliffe wit. Rimbaud is portrayed as selfish, of three reasonably ordinary friends. recounted in ‘And They Played Shang- ‘The Thick of it’ and ‘Fawlty Towers’, and Dennis Nilsen address their violent and pompous and Verlaine as Simple as. No histrionics, no terminal a-Lang’ is bound to resonate with a lot kidnapped by Baddiel and Skinner. fans, and audience, in an intense preening and manipulative. The play illness diagnosis, no long-lost buddy of people. Set in 1970s Edinburgh, the This satirical look at what (possibly) production that, although short on is greatly post-modern, as the fourth with blood-lust. There’s grief without play is full of the kind of nostalgia that derailed England’s attempt to host the tangible excitement, achieves an wall is repeatedly broken, to the point the wailing, relationship problems will probably win the heart of anyone 2018 football World Cup follows David uneasy and compelling sincerity. of a cast member violently kissing a without hideous break-ups, drinking who was a teenager during this era. Beckham, Prince William and David Based on real fan mail, the play’s man in the front row. It’s chaotic and binges without world-changing Luckily, the ‘70s cultural references Cameron - the not-exactly-macho rigid staging and continuous hilarious, with the details of their love confessions; just three mates, getting are only occasionally obscure enough Lions leading England’s bid - as they monologues are justified by the affair and Verlaine’s paternal strifes on with life and putting up with to bewilder the younger audience meet in a Swiss hotel on the eve of setting – incarcerated indefinitely, rushed through at eye-watering pace. its obstacles. It does at times feel members, who are nevertheless the decision. All three are brilliantly the letters offer an intimate outlet for You won’t get all the details first time, engulfed by the gaping performance spirited along with renditions of parodied, with jokes that only disturbing expression and provoke perhaps because large sections are space, however. It’s beautifully simple, ‘Waterloo’ and ‘YMCA’ (and ‘Shang- occasionally feel predictable, while impressive individual performances in French, but that just means you’ll though; theatre that takes your hand a-Lang’, of course). However, it Cameron’s ditzy PA is wonderfully from Edward Cory, Arron Usher and have to come again, which will be no and becomes your best friend before is also a bitter-sweet production, played by Alice Bailey-Johnson. But Gareth Morrison. Although not a bad thing. crushing you with its heart-rending simultaneously celebrating the joy the show is stolen by Dugald Bruce- classically enjoyable topic, I found this Underbelly, Cowgate, until 25 Aug (not 13), finish. A moving, excruciatingly of life, as well as mourning its often Lockhart’s Prime Minister, whose production undoubtedly powerful, 10.30. accurate representation of what it is untimely end. Watching this, you blue-blooded tirade on losing the bid and I left unnerved, intrigued and is a horrific joy. Not quite a shoe-in for tw rating 4/5 | [James Hampson] to be human, as it is, with some of the could as easily be crying with laughter certainly unsettled. rubbish, some of the fun and some of the cup, but semi-finalists at least. as laughing through your tears. The Assembly Rooms, until 25 Aug (not 12), the same-old. The Stand Comedy Club III & IV, until 25 Aug Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug (not 13, Vessel (Fine Frenzy Theatre) 6.10pm 20), 4.30pm. Pleasance Dome, until 25 Aug (not 13, 20), (not 12), 12.50pm. ‘Vessel’ combines moments of laugh- tw rating 4/5 | [Polly Davidson] 5.45pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Holly Sharp] tw rating 4/5 | [Melissa Steel] tw rating 4/5 | [Sarah Richardson] out-loud humour and moments of TW

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exhibited by five talented artists are received from this audience. 5/5 SHOW TW INTERVIEW complemented by rousing music and Zoo, until 22 Aug (not 16, 17, 18), 8.30pm. hilarious sound effects. Add in a bit of tw rating 4/5 | [Jasmine Faller] India Flamenco magic, and the show is exciting for all ages. Whilst the storyline seems rather (Alba Flamenca) S/he is Nancy Joe (Mirenka ridiculous and at times confusing, the Three passionate and talented play lays its cards on the table as an Cechova and Tantehorse) dancers and a traditional vocalist/ absurdist piece from the beginning. One woman tells her sister’s true story musician make up this act. ‘India Colourful, clever and with some of growing up transgendered through Flamenco’ tells the story of gypsies perfectly timed comic moments, graffiti, comics and contemporary who travel and share their knowledge, ‘Noodles’ is a fabulous spectacle, and dance. A very brave show, ‘S/he is and it is by means of this story that bags of fun. Nancy Joe’ explores the pain and the fusion of dance styles comes New Town Theatre, until 25 Aug (not 6, 13, victimisation of one person trying about. This link between the dance 20), 12.45pm. to find their true identity. The piece styles does feel more than a little tw rating 4/5 | [Helena Wadia] was full of emotion and innovative tenuous – there simply to enable the dance, with a clear and thought- dance company to display a range of provoking story. However, as the talent. One can overlook this, though, One Step Before The Fall use of technology was key to this as individually, the dancers are (Spitfire Company and performance, to be successful, it magnificent: Kirsten Newell’s classical Damúza Theater) was essential that timing be spot on; Indian Odissi routine is particularly ‘One Step Before The Fall’ is the unfortunately the show sometimes stunning, Leti Vicente Vila’s Flamenco energetic and impassioned solo failed in that respect. Despite this, for has all the restrained fire of a bull on dance of Marketa Vacovska (dancer the most part, the play made very the rampage and Ingrida Dornbrook’s of the year 2013), accompanied by clever use of said technology, though fusion piece of calculated cheekiness Lenka Dusilova (Czech Grammy at times movements could have been offsets these two beautifully. Striking Award holder), to dance Muhammad more precise. Ultimately, it was a and memorable. Ali’s heart-breaking story of triumph fearless and inventive show, with an Alba Flamenca, until 13 Aug, 6.30pm. and loss. Marketa uses fast passed uplifting ending. Alba Flamenca (Alba Flamenca) tw rating 4/5 | [Jasmine Faller] movements and spinning to great Zoo Southside, until 18 Aug (not 6, 12, 13), effect within the boxing ring that 1.30pm. Away from the dreary clouds and maddening crowds of Edinburgh, you can find makes up the stage and the live tw rating 3/5 | [Helena Wadia] a little slice of sizzling Spain. A whole fiesta of intoxicating sounds and thumping Noodles (NoFit State Circus) vocals really add something to Mediterranean rhythms, ‘Alba Flamenca’ bristles with authenticity and visceral ‘Noodles’ is as mad as it sounds: this vigorous display. This may not power. Boasting some of the most technically challenging and sharply percussive acrobats swinging from the ceiling, appeal to everyone with its themes 1/5 Bad flamenco I’ve seen, delivered with fiery conviction and breathless passion, walking on tightropes and contorting or occasionally repetitive visuals, but this show is a genuine privilege to experience. Soaring from the moody to the themselves, all whilst covered in 2/5 Mediocre it is with defiance that this dancer sorrowful to the ecstatic, ‘Alba Flamenca’ becomes an overwhelming and headily and wading through long strands of rises and repeats herself, which is 3/5 Good claustrophobic furnace of intense emotion. As the room begins to rumble under spaghetti-like substances. Clearly completely fitting to the tale being the raucous frenzy of noise and lightening-like feet, it shakes into take-off, blasting designed to be simple bit of fun, this 4/5 Very Good told. A performance which well away from Scotland right to the heart of some hidden Spanish enclave. is unpretentious, light-hearted and deserved the standing ovation it 5/5 Excellent Alba Flamenca, until 25 Aug, 8.15pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Katharine Wootton] exciting. The amazing circus skills

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MUSIC Follow music happenings across the Edinburgh Festival Logon to www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/music

Worbey And Farrell: Deviating the musical Fringe TW REVIEWS

TW: Where did the idea for the TW: That camera above the piano Anatomy of the Piano ‘Deviations On The Piano’ show come that you mentioned is a great touch (Will Pickvance) from? - does that happen a lot these days at Will Pickvance is an exceptionally W&F: Well, the name comes from our piano recitals? Why did you decide talented pianist with a quirky and composition called ‘Deviations On A to do it? almost shy demeanour. His fantasy Caprice’ - the highlight of the show, W&F: It rarely happens in recitals; lecture about the ‘Anatomy Of The we think - so we thought we’d use the sometimes in organ concerts though. Piano’ is a cute and poetic exploration word ‘deviation’ in the title of the show Due to the shape of a piano it’s difficult of the instrument as a living organism, too. Because we do rather deviate for the whole audience to see the one with skin, teeth and personality; he from the traditional piano recital! hands and keys, so we decided to use tells us of its ancestor, the cave piano, a camera and projector. We’re careful and its origins under water. His sweet, TW: For the uninitiated, what does not to do this too much though, as it whimsical, sometimes humorous prose the show consist of? causes split focus, and we want the is accompanied by a slide-show of W&F: It’s a music-based show. We audience to watch us too! surreal illustrations that keeps moving play the piano in a way seldom seen, as his fingers are tickling the ivories. with four hands. It’s fun and uplifting. TW: How has your Fringe been going This is a highly appealing show, if a little For part of the show we have the so far? bit strange; it did have me wondering keyboard displayed on a screen so all W&F: We’ve had the most amazing if this was written under the influence can see the choreography. time and the response has been of anything, or if Pickvance himself is phenomenal. We really wish we could naturally something of an eccentric. TW: How do you choose what music stay and perform until the end of the Summerhall, until 25 Aug, 9.50pm. to play? Your repertoire seems pretty Festival but we have to go to Turkey to tw rating 4/5 | [Samantha Strachan] eclectic. perform on 17th. Boo. W&F: We simply choose the music we love and hope the audience will feel TW: You’re only here for a couple Bangalore Rock the same. From Bach to Coldplay! more days, how can people enjoy (Thermal And A Quarter) your work outside of the Fringe? Thermal And A Quarter are an TW: Our reviewer was very taken W&F: We’re constantly touring. We’ve incredibly tight three piece band who with the chat element too. Is that an hit over 150 countries so far; our Photo: Rich Dyson play contemporary Indian rock with important part of the show for you website has our tour dates on it and a refreshing sense of humour. The guys? Is it scripted? there are more going up very soon. Worbey And Farrell’s piano recital with a difference tours the pounding drums and funky, driving W&F: It is crucial. We like to make bass form a formidable rhythm section world, though feels particularly at home at the Edinburgh Fringe. friends with the audience; there are Read some more W&F answers at www. at the heart of the trio; meanwhile Unfortunately they’re only here for a couple more days, but if you far too many concerts where the ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013WF guitarist and frontman Bruce Lee Mani soloist seems to have no personality. can, get in and see their great show ‘Deviations On The Piano’ at Worbey And Farrell are playing at The also has fantastic technical ability It is organised but never scripted, not Assembly Rooms until 15 Aug at 2.45pm. and a clear love for what the band do, The Assembly Rooms before they speed off East. To get you in the least because we never know what the LINKS: www.worbeyandfarrell.com but never takes himself too seriously, mood, we had a very quick chat with the guys to find out more. audience are going to come out with. offering often humorous lyrics and TW jokey patter. As well as being enjoyable

TW PAGE 16 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO MUSICALS Follow the musical Fringe online… Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/musicals

and entertaining, their songs are also musically very interesting, one example The Picture Of A Modern Day Hipster: Facehunters being the fusion of southern Indian folk with blues. This is rock with a twist at The Hungry Bitches are back tandem with the hipster obsession of its finest. at theSpace @ Symposium image and vanity. Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, until 26 Aug, Hall with a show first Graham: Though upon reading the times vary. tw rating 4/5 | [Elspeth Rudd] novel again, and after developing performed at the Fringe last ‘Facehunters’ over the past couple Little Jazz Bird (Victoria Bennett) year, and further developed of years, there are other similarities With a high, sweet voice and a set over the last twelve months, between the two, though nothing full of romantic songs, it’s clear to with the latest version entirely deliberate. Wilde’s novel see why Victoria Bennett identifies getting a neat 5/5 from the is a chilling gothic horror, ours a with the ‘Little Jazz Bird’ of the classic ThreeWeeks review team. A fantastical, almost sci-fi, coming Gershwin number. Though overly brand new musical inspired of age satire, with characters you tentative at first, she soon relaxes into hopefully recognise and connect by Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture the gig, revealing a richly emotional with. voice and a talent for finding fresh Of Dorian Gray’ and exploring more complexities to putting it on musicals’, is it harder to get brand sentiments in well-known standards. a hipster scene obsessed with TW: You also performed its feet. new musical shows off the ground? This is particularly clear on perennial appearance, ‘Facehunters’ ‘Facehunters’ at last year’s Festival, Sarah: In terms of doing a new Do you think that’s a problem? classic ‘My Funny Valentine,’ which she has it progressed or developed in boasts “catchy songs and musical at the Fringe, it’s not Matthew: Yes, the West End is full playfully dedicates to drummer Kevin the intervening year? aggressive choreography” something that comes cheap, as it of many jukebox musicals. But Dorrian. Ever-dependable bassist Ed Graham: Yes. ‘Facehunters’ has while “brilliantly ridiculing involves more people and is much those musicals largely play on Kelly and pianist Campbell Normand undergone two rewrites since last more costly with aspects such as nostalgia, where as we feel there is round out the sound, with the latter’s the hipster scene”. We spoke year’s Festival. Although the basis of it sound to think about. We have a cast a a gap in the market for something swaggering, bluesy playing almost to the core creative team of has not changed, many of the threads and crew of 23 people, that as a factor which is current and created for a stealing the show. In the end though, director Matthew Reynolds, have now evolved. Story, concept and alone is definitely restricting. contemporary audience. Like the it’s Bennett’s evident affection for the writer/composer Graham characters are now all much more Megan: However, we are lucky musicals ‘Hair’ and ‘Rent’ in their music that shines through, making this concentrated, clearer and cohesive. Mercer, choreographer enough to have such a fantastic cast respective eras, ‘Facehunters’ is a a warm and enjoyable performance. Megan Griffith and producer and crew who all fund themselves musical that speaks for its generation. TW: There seem to be a lot fewer The Jazz Bar, 8, 15, 17, 24 Aug, times vary Sarah Hyman to find out more with no one being paid. Hungry new musicals than new plays – tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli] Bitches Productions receives no about The Hungry Bitches certainly at the Fringe, but also in funding and works on an entirely and their hipster ridiculing general – why do you think that is? Find out more about Hungry Bitches’ recycled budget. Beyond West (Susanna Orr musical extravaganza. Graham: Firstly, it is much easier to projects in the full interview online at www. Holland / PBH’s Free Fringe) write a new play than a new musical. ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013HB TW: With the West End seemingly Susanna Orr Holland has a very TW: Let’s start at the start, how did There are so many layers to writing ‘Facehunters’ plays at theSpace @ filled with so called ‘jukebox impressive vocal range with a stunning you guys come to form Hungry a new musical show, and then even Symposium Hall until 17 Aug at 9.45pm. vocal ability that is put to good use. Bitches Productions? She sings and plays ballads, ragas and Sarah: The Hungry Bitches started her own compositions and clearly has off in 2008 as a riot girl punk band, a broad knowledge of the music she born in the hot pink arty depths of performs. The only slight criticism Graham’s bedroom. Matthew and I have is that the only non-western Graham began fantasising about the content were the ragas, so the breadth performance spectacle of their first of material possibly is not quite as live gig, yet never actually made it ‘Beyond West’ as the billing might out of that hot pink room; deciding, suggest. The mixture of the ragas and instead, that they were more like folk was, however, a nice combination wanna-be rockstar thespians than an and made for interesting listening. actual riot girl punk band. And that’s Holland’s performance provides an when the rest of us got involved. enjoyable, often captivating experience And so, in our first year at university that will be of interest to any folk fan. in Leeds, we formed the company Free Fringe George, until 25 Aug (not 12, 19), and began making musical theatre 2.30pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Elspeth Rudd] together.

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells TW: Where did the idea for ‘Facehunters’ come from? ‘For Two’ (places and spaces) Matthew: The idea began with To play as many instruments as these us being a little bit obsessed two Australians do even separately with hipsters, and following the is remarkable in itself. To play them hipster scene online. Our personal all in the same piece, sometimes experiences of hipster culture, as simultaneously, is an extraordinary wannabes trying to be as cool as feat, and one they pull off without any them, failed miserably. And quickly noticeable faults. For an hour Daniel taught us that the hipster is actually Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts dart the product of a lost generation, they around the stage, demonstrating their stand for nothing and the only thing skill on many, many instruments (Mike that unites them is an obsession Oldfield’s original track contained with appearance. This vanity-driven 27). There are a few moments in the identity struggle forms a great social performance where as an audience backdrop to complement our love for member you start to consider whether Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture Of Dorian they’re pushing a bit too far, that at Gray’. Like the hipster, and Gray, the any moment they’re going to trip Hungry Bitches loathe the idea of over an instrument or knock down growing old and tired. a microphone stand – but it never happens, because these are two very TW: How much of ‘Dorian Gray’ is in talented musicians, bringing an old, the musical? much loved piece of music back to life. Matthew: The novel was largely just Underbelly, Bristo Square, until 26 Aug (not 12, the central motif, which could be 19), 5.45pm. married so well with the east London tw rating 5/5 | [Stephanie Gray] hipster scene, running with the Faustian pact idea and keeping it in

WEEK TWO | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 17 TW CABARET Want to know about hot shows first? Get review alerts via Twitter by following www.twitter.com/twittique

God Versus The Mind Reader TW REVIEWS (Mark Cairns) Cairns’ constant insistence that we Sugar & Vice: All The Men are all slaves to confirmation bias, We’ve Never Slept With filling gaps between what we see and (HMD Productions) incongruous occurrences with our The girls of Sugar and Vice bring preconceptions, though refreshingly stories and songs about virginity gentle as rationalism goes, comes versus promiscuity and everything in across as condescending, particularly between: this Australian duo, Courtney with his repeated insistence that he Powell and Brydie Lee-Kennedy, is “not a psychic”. Whilst astutely share funny anecdotes about past observing that audiences, particularly encounters and how things never quite those for mind-reading acts, try to turn out as planned. Mixing in 90s work out how it’s done, it’s reductive covers and quirky originals, they tell us to treat them as undifferentiated of lost loves and in Brydie’s case, “lays”. clusters of assumptions, defined by Be prepared; they open the discourse the excuses they make for things they up to the audience, asking everyone to don’t understand, rather than their reflect and share their past relationship curiosity. It was a skilled cold-reading, mishaps, andthey will post these which impressed all those present, stories on their Facebook page (we’re but it was strung together with an promised it’ll remain anonymous). This earnest account of his divorce and an honest and funny show is one that attempt at commentary on religious everyone can relate to, regardless of belief and rational thought which felt their level of sexual experience. like superficial, underdeveloped filler between the tricks. Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug (not 14), 9.00pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Samantha Strachan] theSpace on The Mile until 24 Aug, 2.50pm. tw rating 2/5 | [Joe Abel] Young & Strange - Magic, Illusion And A Hate For Each Lady Carol: Betwixt and Between (Lady Carol)

Other (Young & Strange) Gollock Kat Photo: I had no idea just how popular this ‘Lady Carol: Betwixt and Between’ is a show is, until I just scraped in and slightly mad and wonderfully rambling the people in the line behind me show. Lady Carol quickly charms On the art rock edge of the cabaret Fringe were told the venue was full, and with her quirky, autobiographical tale of growing up - the lovely, mad this is impressive because The Jam Otto: We definitely love all of those Astrid: They were killed by a train, not disarray of her existence - and with House is quite large. Unfortunately, bands. a lion. every story you get the sense that TW INTERVIEW however, once Young & Strange made Astrid: I guess we are like indie rock, Otto: Then we lived in a squat in her whole persona is winking at you, it on stage (after a mediocre video but we also have pop and punk Kreutzberg and one day Astrid bidding you to join her on her weird Meine Damen und Herren, the introduction) they didn’t bring with influences, like Blondie, Devo, Talking brought home a video player, but we and wonderful journey. Her singing cabaret Fringe has some serious them any large scale illusions, only Heads and The Pixies. only had two videos, ‘Sixteen Candles’ voice is sublime, and her delightfully party tricks. The show is gimmicky indie credentials this year, as and ‘Pretty In Pink’. So Molly Ringwald eclectic set list makes it all the more and heavily prop based, and the Germany’s finest indie rock duo TW: You have a brand new album in pretty much taught us how to speak exciting. Something about her is wildly duo’s humour was awkward, while Die Roten Punkte return once the pipeline. How does it compare to English. original and honest, and you’ll enjoy there was an elaborately bungled (on what’s gone before? watching Lady Carol’s show, if not for again to play Assembly’s George purpose?) card trick that took too long Otto: Well the last album ‘Super TW: Taking of films, did I hear her storytelling - sure to warm your Square Gardens. With a new to resolve. There was never any real Musician’ was a straight-forward rock mention of a Die Roten Punkte heart - but for her light and slightly album up -coming, and a movie explanation about why these long term n roll album and we love it. But this movie? irreverent humour, which, coupled with in the pipeline, we managed to friends hated each other, and their time we wanted to do something Astrid: Someone is making a feature her natural charm makes the show a reconciliation at the end whilst sweet, grab a few moments with Astrid more arty. We’ve been listening a lot to length documentary about us touring delight. was still not impressive. and Otto to ask some quick John Cale, Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson all over North America. They start The Jam House, until 23 Aug, 6.30pm. The Assembly Rooms, until 25 Aug (not 12), questions. and Einstürzende Neubauten. filming this November after we finish 6.15pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Otamere Guobadia] tw rating 2/5 | [Samantha Strachan] Astrid: Otto also made me listen to touring with Amanda Palmer. TW: Welcome back to the Fringe, how the sound of teaspoons rattling in a are you finding the Festival this year? thermos for ten hours for inspiration. TW: Will you be doing any Astrid: Super and great! It’s awesome Which was horrible. songwriting while in the Festival being at the Assembly George Square City? Is there anything about the Gardens. Each night before our show, TW: There’s quite a lot of music at the Fringe that might inspire a new song? I grab a sausage from the German Fringe, but not so many indie stars Astrid: I might write a breakfast song sausage shop outside and then I just like yourself. What would you say to dedicated to The City Cafe which has a roll down the astro turf slope to the persuade other indie rockers to the chorus featuring bacon, pork sausage, beautiful Bosco tent, ready to rock Fringe? haggis and black pudding. It will and roll! Astrid: We’re a serious rock band, but be called, ‘This Little Piggy Went To we have a terrible manager who keeps Edinburgh And Never Came Home’ TW: Let’s go back to the start for a putting us in comedy and theatre Otto: That’s so gross! That song will 5/5 moment. How did you guys come to festivals all around the world. And not be on any Die Roten Punkte form the band? then people come and laugh at us. So album. ED2013 Cabaret Review: Julie Madly Deeply Otto: One night Astrid and I we’re hoping this interview will bring went to see David Bowie at the some more serious music lovers to TW: We’re half way through the (Sarah-Louise Young and Michael Roulston - Festival Highlights) Deutschlandhalle in Berlin and it our concerts. Festival now, are there any other ‘Julie Madly Deeply’ is deliriously wonderful cabaret, not least because Sarah- changed our lives. From that moment shows you’d recommend we go see? Louise Young has an absolutely thrilling singing voice. This lovely, stunning cabaret on we knew we only ever wanted to TW: Those are interesting accents – Otto: I love Red Bastard. is more than just a fan letter: it makes for heart-warming and compelling viewing, be in a band. where exactly in Germany are you Astrid: And I love Lords Of Strut. They and it is an absolute delight to watch Young masterfully channel Julie Andrews. from? can strut all over me any time they Funny, witty, and charming, ‘Julie Madly Deeply’ never lets go of the audience, and TW: Your official blurb says “a sonic Otto: Where exactly? Well, we grew like... the audience never let go of it. Sentimental in all the right ways, this show was a collision between B52s, Kraftwerk up in Grunewald which is out in the truly wonderful journey, leaving the audience in hysterics as often as it left some and early Ramones”, which is pretty woods on the edge of Berlin, but then ‘Die Roten Punkte - KUNST ROCK (ART members in tears. A charming, intimate portrait of Andrews life and work, and a eclectic. How do you describe your after our parents were killed by a lion ROCK)’ is on at Assembly George Street until must see for Andrews fans and enthusiasts everywhere. music? we moved to Kreutzberg. 25 Aug at 8.55pm. Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug (not 14), 12.40pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Otamere Guobadia] TW TW

TW PAGE 18 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO

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feel sad, think or smile. The line-up shopping. Ultimately though, this TW REVIEWS changes every night but the theme of remains a satisfying showcase of 5/5 tragedy, whether they decide to take contemporary talent and diverse SPOKEN WORD REVIEWS it seriously or have a bit of fun with technique. it, remains. Unfortunately one or two Gallery TEN, until 1 Sep (not 7), times vary of the acts on the night I went must Monkey Poet tw rating 3/5 | [Dave Fargnoli] have missed the memo, as even with (Monkey Poet / PBH’s Free leaving room for poetic interpretation, Ethiopia (Galerie Mirages) Fringe) their set had nothing to do with This charming Brighton-esque gallery An hour with the Monkey Poet is like tragedy! This aside, the atmosphere is good for the snooper trying to an evening at the pub with the friend of the evening was vibrant and there get away off the beaten path and to we all wish we were cool enough to were some excellent acts keeping somewhere a little different away from have. From pornography to David the audience hanging on their every the crowds of the centre. About half Cameron to St George, there is nothing word, or making them seemingly wet a mile from the botanical gardens, it immune to his intelligent, piercing themselves with laughter. is perfect if you are having a “calm mockery - and all of it done in rhyme! The Fiddler’s Elbow, until 14 Aug, 6.30pm. day” at the festival. The simply named Exuding easy charm, the Manchester tw rating 3/5 | [Anita Magee] ‘Ethiopia’, is a temporary exhibition for native and Fringe veteran maintains the festival, and they have managed a friendly, informal atmosphere even VISUAL ART REVIEWS to collect some wonderful pieces. while addressing the most provocative The pottery is particularly pleasing, and relevant issues of the day in the and with little knick knacks to collect, rudest fashion possible. Not only is his Print Fusion (Gallery TEN) it offered the feeling of a satisfying poetry fresh and biting, but the stories Printmaking today encompasses venture. I wish I could have got more that accompany them are often even a wide range of artistic practices. information on the pieces that day but more amusing, particularly when To prove the point, this small but overall, it’s worth the walk from the accents and impressions are involved. varied collection features work from gardens to have a snoop. Irreverent, fast, furious, and fun, the nearly a dozen artists, showing off Monkey Poet is not to be missed! screenprints, lithographs, etchings Galerie Mirages, until 5 Sep, 10.00am. Scroobius Pip – Words (The Pleasance / Scroobius Pip) The Banshee Labyrinth, until 24 Aug (not 13, and digitally-aided pieces. Standing tw rating 3/5 | [Christopher Spring] Managing to ensnare and enthral a rowdy, sell-out audience to hushed silence 20), 5.10pm. out amongst them are Rebecca King’s vivid laser-cut cityscapes in luminous is not an easy task, but ‘Words’ is capable of doing just that. Admittedly, it’s not tw rating 5/5 | [Elaine Teng] indigos and acid greens, and Sue all a barrel of laughs, but Scroobius Pip is able to describe pain with beauty, 1/5 Bad Corke’s moody and imposing ‘Ideal capture emotion with grace and evoke a plethora of situations and characters Stand-Up Tragedy (Stand-Up with what can only be described as rock-star presence. Technically and poetically, Sketch Of The Moon.’ Next to such 2/5 Mediocre Pip’s spoken word is mind-blowing, manipulating rhythm with truly impressive Tragedy/ PBH’s Free Fringe) eye-catching designs, however, the precision, and utilising his Essex twang to construct unusual rhyme after rhyme. You’ve heard of stand-up comedy, smaller or more abstract prints seem 3/5 Good He challenged the audience to check up that his thousand word poem was exactly now here’s stand-up tragedy, an crowded, and are easily overlooked. that, subtly highlighting the deft precision and meticulous planning behind his eclectic mix of performances ranging Partly the lack of space is due to the 4/5 Very Good work. Not just a spoken word artist and social commentator, but a spectacularly through music, poetry, spoken word, exhibition’s location in a commercial smart one. comedy and the downright odd, gallery, which can make viewing 5/5 Excellent Pleasance Dome until 26 Aug (not 19), 9.40pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Elizabeth Jewell] with the intention of making you these works feel a little like window TW

TW PAGE 20 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO PHOTO PAGE Check out more photos from the Festival By logging onto www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/photopage

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1. The Peculiar Tale Of Pablo Picasso And The Mona Lisa at theSpace on Niddry Street. 3 Photo: Rich Dyson 2. Peep at Assembly George Square. Photo: Natalia Equihua 3. Damsel In Shining Armour at Underbelly Cowgate. Photo: Rich Dyson 4. The Greatest Liar In All The World at Underbelly Cowgate. Photo: Natalia Equihua 5. Bianco at the No Fit State Big Top. Photo: Mark Dawson 6. Farce Noir at Underbelly Bristo Square. Photo: Mark Dawson 7. Orkestra Del Sol at Queens Hall. Photo: Mark Dawson

WEEK TWO | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 21 TW CHILDREN’S SHOWS For plenty of reviews of children’s shows at the Fringe Check out www.threeweeks.co.uk/childrens

Children’s theatre on the edge

OE: Lu Kemp, the director, approached joke about a pig. What more can you TW INTERVIEW me to do a new English version. want? Joe is amazing at knowing how We’ve worked a lot together on both to hold his audience’s attention and In amongst the many and stage and radio, most recently on the we’ve never had a problem. National Theatre Of Scotland’s ‘The Day varied treats on offer in the I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish’. TW: How does adapting an existing Fringe’s children’s programme We went over to Belgium to work with work compare to writing a play from is the acclaimed one-man Jan, and he gave us pretty much free scratch? theatrical piece ‘Titus’, an reign to do what we wanted. He was OE: I won’t lie, it’s a lot easier adapting English adaptation of a popular very generous. My version is a wee bit than writing an original play. You are play for children originally slimmer and I’ve drawn the story out a using all the tools you would use on conceived by Belgian actor, bit more. Jokes and details have been your own plays but you are trying to made more Scottish or British. Oh, and tune into someone else’s world rather director and playwright Jan we don’t have a pig’s head! than creating your own. I love writing Sobrie. Part of the Made In both adaptations and originals. They Scotland showcase, it’s “the TW: How closely did you work with are both part of being a playwright. story of a ten year-old boy on director Lu Kemp and actor Joe the edge - literally on the roof Arkleyon bringing the piece to life? TW: And how did writing a children’s of his school”, and has been OE: We worked very closely together. I piece compare to writing theatre for sat in on rehearsals and we developed adults? been adapted by Scottish the script as the performance grew. OE: It’s the same as far as I’m playwright Oliver Emanuel Both Lu and Joe are very collaborative, concerned, I don’t treat them with director Lu Kemp and so it’s really been the three of us differently. Each play I write I think actor Joe Arkleyon (pictured working together to make the piece as about what would be most interesting on the edge of the roof of his good as we can. for the audience and how I can tell the Summerhall venue). We caught story as clearly as possible. up with Emanuel to discuss the TW: The play isn’t, perhaps, of the classic mould for children’s theatre, TW: As a Scottish playwright, is it play, the process of adaptation, but seems to really work. Why do you important to have work performed at and Scottish playwriting at the think that is? the Edinburgh Fringe? Festival. OE: I wanted to challenge the audience OE: Absolutely. Scotland is my a bit. And myself as a writer. I wanted home and I think we have a brilliant TW: For the uninitiated, tell us a little to find the toughest way of telling the contemporary theatre scene. I make about the original script for ‘Titus’. story - standing still on a desk - and work for Scottish audiences but want OE: ‘Titus’ is a big deal in continental see if we could keep the audience’s my plays to be seen by as many Europe. It’s originally in Flemish but attention. ‘Titus’ is such a brilliant people as possible. The Made In has been translated into German and character that it really works. Scotland showcase has been a great Photo: Rich Dyson French, winning awards all over the way of bringing Scottish work to an place. This is the first time it has been TW: Ah yes, keeping the attention international audience. performed in English. It was a solo of a young audience for a full forty piece that Jan performed himself; he’s a minutes. With just one actor that’s Read more at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2013OE very talented actor as well as writer. quite a challenge. But you seem to ‘Titus’ plays at Summerhall until 25 Aug (not manage it with ‘Titus’. 16, 19) at 12.10pm. TW: Where did the idea to adapt the OE: Yes. This play has a lot in it. It has an play come from? How close is your exciting premise, a complicated family LINKS: www.macrobert.org version to the original? relationship, a love story and a great TW

Lissa and Neenee’s Riverside Captain Flinn And The Pirate TW INTERVIEW Adventure (Lissa (Melissa Dinosaurs (Les Petits Theatre Western) and NeeNee (Antony Company, Greenwich Theatre The Adventure (Bad Physics / Dyer)) and Underbelly productions) Mercury Colchester / Escalator Colourful and energetic musical duo Captain Flinn and his friends find East to Edinburgh / Richard Melissa Western and Antony Dyer’s themselves flung into a magical Jordan) new show isn’t exactly a riverside adventure on the high seas, fighting What is heartening about this show adventure so much as an excuse to pirate dinosaurs and reclaiming lost is how little Bad Physics have felt the sing a few original songs and covers ships. This show has all the right need to play down to children: the on the theme of the river. However, ingredients to entertain a child (or a building looks like a disused office the songs are catchy, and the couple whole theatre-full, as was the case); and the plot isn’t all that far from a are accomplished performers, fast-paced and exciting action, humour, traditional crime thriller. The actors, easily warming the audience into singing and dancing, and intense as well, are competent in both their their routine. Unfortunately, even overacting. Oh, and a huge talking performance and management of the at the more manageable length of dinosaur. The children responded audience, and it all adds up to a great forty minutes, there doesn’t seem well to the ‘pantomime’ aspects of the interactive play; one that’s only really quite enough interaction to keep show; calling out when prompted and suited to small audiences though, the youngest audience members trying to warn Flinn and his friends of as with just twenty spectators it was entertained as they would often the dinosaurs lurking behind them, hard to keep up the sense of urgency lose focus when it was just the two and at times the room was full of and excitement as it could take five performers on stage. When there was excited laughter. The enthusiasm of minutes just to all get through a door audience interaction it was well done, the performers was infectious, and it way. However, this is a great show for though: Melissa has a particular way seemed to engage the children the introducing children to interactive with the younger children, and Antony whole way through. theatre, a genuine slice of adventure to built a great rapport with some of the Underbelly Bristo Square, until 26 Aug (not add to their Fringe experience. parents. 12), 3.00pm. Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug (not 5, 12, Paradise at the Kirkhouse, until 26 Aug, tw rating 5/5 |[Jessica Cropper] 19), 11.00am, 2.00pm, 5.00pm. 10.00am. tw rating 4/5 | [Lizzie Milton] tw rating 3/5 | [Lizzie Milton]

TW PAGE 22 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK TWO INFORMATION Stand out from the crowds and promote your show Check out our great advertising offers at www.threeweeks.co.uk/advertising Children’s theatre on the edge SHOWS MUSIC The Adventures of John Paul Jones Hold on tight as terrific tales and toe-tappin’ tunes whisk you off on an epic journey! Live traditional music and storytelling weave together the extraordinary tale of this 18th Century Scots mariner in this radio-theatre piece. Sit back and enjoy! Acoustic Music Centre at St Bride’s | fpp 198

MUSIC Anything Goes - A Tribute to Cole Porter Join Pam and her band (Tom Finlay; Ed Kelly; Phil O’Malley & Jordie Gilmour) in a tribute to Cole Porter. With so many wonderful songs, there will be an opportunity each night for the audience to select a songs for the set. It’ll be “Too Darn Hot”. The Outhouse | fpp 200

DANCE & PHYSICAL THEATRE CAMBUYÓN is packed with rhythm! From tap to hip-hop, drumming to body percussion and singing, 7 performers deliver a vision on how rhythm has been evolving thru the different cultures that surround us. An outstanding show you cannot miss! Assembly Roxy | fpp 171 CREDITS & INFO>

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