YOUR DAILY SHEET OF FESTIVAL REVIEWS | #13 WEDNESDAY 15/THURSDAY 16 AUG 2012

EDINBURGH

CHILDREN’S SHOWS

The Boy And The Bunnet Big Sky/The Famous ‘The Boy and the Bunnet’ (it’s probably not a spoiler to say that the bunnet is his hat, and not, as I thought, a rabbit) is James Robertson’s enchanting story about Neil, a boy who lives with his grandma by a mountain. Though it’s written in Scots, narrator Gerda Stevenson tells the tales in such a way that it is involving and fairly easy to follow, helped along by some gorgeously illustrated animation and a seven-strong band. Each of the traditional instruments is associated with one character, and James Ross’ score blends these sounds together beautifully. It may be a little low energy for some children, but overall it’s a sweet story told in a lovely and unusual way. The Famous Spiegeltent, 6-19 Aug (not 13), 3.30pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Holly Close]

COMEDY

Aaaand Now For Something Completely Wireless - Free Racing Minds/ SNAP OF THE DAY: Les Dennis (appearing in ‘Jigsy’ at The Assembly Rooms) helps Free Festival the Noise Next Door celebrate the end of their #24HourFringeAdventure – relive Already doing another long-form show Photo: Kat Gollock earlier in the day, 4-man improv troupe said adventure at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/noisenextdoor. Racing Minds don sharp suits and bow- ties to exploit the 50s radio genre for the story, but the devil, as always, is in the to commence any day at The Fringe. of this production; an absolute must-see. everything it’s worth. Stylistically, it’s (improvised) details. Providing the audience with all the muck a great choice, allowing them to play Laughing Horse @ The News Room, 2-26 Aug and magniloquence from the tabloids and multiple roles within the same scene and Pleasance Dome, 1-27 Aug (not 13), 2.30pm. (not 6, 13, 20), 12.00pm. broadsheets are hosts Andre Vincent and have great fun with sound effects. There’s tw rating 4/5 | [Andrew Leask] tw 5/5 | [Jessamine McHugh] Marcus Brigstocke, who are accompanied a slight tendency to carry on with scenes each day by two surprise comedians. The that have perhaps run their course, and Ford And Akram: Bamp! Rock N Roll Politics Presented show is similar to the US political comedy on this occasion it took a while for any By Steve Richards shows ‘The Daily Show’, ‘The Colbert Live Nation And MHA actual narrative to kick in, but when such Report’, and ‘Real Time’ in that it critiques good comedy is being put together so Steve Richards Bearing a sketch-show with a twist, Ford the media and institutions though not at quickly, such problems seem fairly minor Steve Richards is better known as The and Akram return to the Edinburgh Fringe the expense of humour. Prepare for some in comparison. Above all, these are some Independent’s chief political commentator with a story that follows their quest to seemingly unscripted appearances to keep damned funny chaps putting on an but rather than spending the silly introduce the word “Bamp” to the world, things interesting as well. A raving, topless absolutely top-notch show. season hanging around an abandoned in order to save the family business (they Phil Jupitus is all this reviewer has ever invent words) from falling into the hands Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 2-26 Aug, Westminster, he’s sneaked up to Edinburgh wanted. of Phil the shoe, literally a trainer. The 5.45pm. to put on an extremely good show which Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-25 Aug, 2.00pm. far-fetched narrative is bizarre, at times tw rating 4/5 | [Holly Close] explores the politics of an uncertain age. His decades in the parliamentary lobbies tw rating 4/5 | [Christopher Rumbles] completely bonkers and sometimes seems to be all over the place, but if you Comedian Dies in the Middle of have left him with a wealth of anecdotes, the ability to impersonate many a public Cheese-Badger Presents... are prepared to suspend logic for an Joke hour and become enveloped in its zany figure and great analytical insight. Midge (A Two-Man Musical) Show and Tell / Escalator East to Combined with the strong stage presence surrealism, then the show becomes highly Cheese-Badger/Free Festival entertaining. Both Ford and Akram are Edinburgh you would expect from a professional broadcaster, these qualities result in This show is an absolute gem, and that’s wonderfully spontaneous performers, Interactive Theatre. Two words guaranteed an hour which is at once very funny especially satisfying when you consider and their enthusiasm and sense of fun on to strike fear into the hearts of all but the and incredibly interesting. If you have a that it’s from one of the free strands. stage is truly infectious. I have a feeling most intrepid of Fringe-goers. Luckily, lunchtime to spare and any interest in Brilliantly fantastical, with a surreal this extremely likeable duo will go far. there’s nothing to fear here, as we’re all politics, do make an effort to see this show. storyline, this tale follows the life of Midge, Bamp-tastic! in it together. Everyone in the audience who is sent to live with his mad uncle Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 Aug (not 13), 3.15pm has multiple roles to play as we cycle Assembly George Square, 1-26 Aug (not 13, 21), 12.30pm Clive when his parents are killed in a car tw rating 4/5 | [Simon Thornton] repeatedly through the last 5 minutes of a crash. The two man musical brims with comedian’s life in 1983. Each character has tw rating 4/5 | [Nicholas Jones] almost ridiculous levels of intelligence and a simple instruction card to follow – heckle John Robins: Incredible Scenes! creativity, and the comic overacting lends at a certain time, give a certain response The Early Edition Get Comedy itself well to the style of the show as well John Robins to the comedian – switching places every As a comedy festival spin-off of the as to the hilarious, well-integrated songs. If The frankly foolish decision to bump five minutes. It’s silly fun, and unlike short-lived current affairs programme you crossed Flight of the Conchords with John Robins from a TV panel show is anything else I’ve seen in the theatre; by ‘The Late Edition’, the suitably renamed a Tim Burton-esque plot, then you might the narrative catalyst behind ‘Incredible the final iteration, you’ll know the shape of ‘The Early Edition’ is the perfect way have a shadow of an idea about the quality Scenes’, directed by Robins’ former cont>

for more reviews plus news, interviews, podcasts and exclusive columns check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk cont> flatmate Russell Howard. With a context one liners and laughed at their fighting. With this lack of depth, the Villains, Heroes And of entertaining and assured new whimsical turn of phrase, the comedian own jokes; at one point one of the comics show easily could have taken less than Adventurers monologues by women, for women – but expertly weaves together stories about just gave up on a joke half way through the hour it uses. ‘The Blind’ is visually pulled off with enough flair to appeal electric shavers, the comedy circuit and and left. Milford spent a lot of time talking impressive, but ultimately fails to push any The Whisky Anorak to anyone. While stories of stalkers, his native Bristol, in a style that is fiercely with the audience, which wasn’t so much boundaries. “Real boys own adventure stories” says schizophrenics and mid-twenties intelligent, but also genuinely sympathetic funny as an awkward getting to know Old College Quad, 3-27 Aug, times vary. John Mark Di Ciacca, while describing one breakdowns may sound horribly - an oft-overlooked trait in stand-up. It’s all people session. Milford’s show is good tw rating 3/5 | [Stephanie Taylor] daring exploit, around which this unusual hackneyed at first, the writing consistently delivered so naturally, but there’s brilliant though and whilst not hysterically funny, it whisky tasting is based. During the course catches you off guard with a blend craftsmanship and innate comedy timing will put a smile on your face. of the event, I glean many a fact or an of heartfelt sentiment, spot-on social The List Stellar Quines working subtly in the background of the The Free Sisters, 2-26 Aug, 3.15pm anecdote I shall be quoting down the pub observation and dark humour. Natural It’s easy to forget that this show is show. It’s very sweet, occasionally saucy tw rating 3/5 | [Miranda Cannibal] in future, as we jump from The Beatles’ and confident, the cast bring verve and and ludicrously funny - I laughed so much comprised of one monologue. ‘The List’ ‘Yellow Submarine’ to some biscuit vivacity to their roles, and as their stories it made my lungs hurt. For now, TV’s loss is about a housewife that habitually crumbs that sold for 7000 odd pounds. unfold, you can’t help but be absorbed by is Edinburgh’s gain. These truly are some Matt And Ian’s Improv Show pens down all of her duties on a to-do Yet at times the whisky connection feels the skewed perspectives and surprising incredible scenes. Matt And Ian list. Poignantly capturing her immersion a bit forced; John Talbot Clifton, whose sympathies they evoke. The specific into isolated, rural domesticity, this At The Caves, 2-26 Aug (not 14), This is a traditional hour of improv in the whole life was an adventure story, gets monologues change nightly, but judged production is engaging from the very 7.20pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Holly Close] ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ mould, with a good chunk of the presentation but by the quality on display here, they’ll outset. Sensational acting commands the two funny men playing the games you without discernible link to any of the three always be short, sharp and sweet. audience to hang on to every word whilst would typically expect and working in whiskies. But once it gets sharpened up it The Street, 4-25 Aug, 5.15pm. Juliet Meyers: Raised By Fridge intermittent interjections of the seemingly audience suggestions to prove it is truly will be a great event for both novices and tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli] Magnets Juliet Meyers / The unconnected list are as alarming as they improvised. As is often the case with old hands. And you know something? I are humdrum. A touching glimpse of improv there are very good moments but don’t even like whisky that much. effect we can potentially have upon each Monkey Poet’s Murder Mystery Having already written material for the also a number of lulls, although I think that Valvona Snd Crolla Scottish Foodhall@Jenners, another, the show invites us to question likes of the Now Show, Juliet Meyers overall the parts that work outweigh those 7-25 Aug (not 12,14,15,19), times vary. Monkey Poet / makin projects / the power of a pre-determined fate or proved herself to be a consummate that do not. However, in the past few years tw rating 4/5 | [Lia Sanders] PBH’s stand-up performer in her own right with destiny. This spine-tinglingly good play there have been some very audacious This free show truly captures the dynamic this inventive show. Meyers’ personal will leave you deeply moved. improv shows at the Fringe which have Virginia Ironside: Growing Old and spontaneous nature of the Fringe. A anecdotes were endowed with insightful , 9-18 (not 12, 13) Aug, 2.00pm. really pushed the genre’s boundaries, engaging mix of storytelling and poetry, twists that demonstrated her sharp mind, tw rating 5/5 | [Paige Wilson] Disgracefully and in comparison this format does seem with a predominantly comedic edge, while she created variety by physically somewhat dated. If you wish to see some Scamp Theatre & Virginia Ironside Monkeypoet takes you on a journey re-enacting situations and transforming classic style improv, however, then this is a Mies Julie Baxter Theatre Centre, Disclaimer: I am at least a few decades shy where geographic or temporal boundaries into her cast of characters, including an good example of the genre. South African State Theatre and of Virginia Ironside’s target demographic. are not an issue. The show gives an Australian motivational speaker she once Sweet Grassmarket, 1-27 Aug (not 18,25), 6.25pm Nevertheless, I found myself won over by insight into the state of contemporary knew. At one point, she even made a Assembly tw rating 3/5 | [Nicholas Jones] The Independent columnist’s “frank and poetry through the eyes of some classic mimed sequence produce a happy “Mies Julie” is a modern adaptation of forthright” (not to mention funny) account literature heavyweights (Homer, Charles from the audience. Always in control of August Strindberg’s play, dealing with of growing old. There’s no doubt that Bukowski etc.), while never straying far her thoughtful material, Meyers even You Are Being Lied To 2012, sex and power in the struggle between Ironside is witty and erudite, and she’s a from the modern day. Monkeypoet flirts managed to keep the recurring jokes from the daughter of a farm owner in South David Mulholland fine public speaker, but the show did lack with the edge of surreal, but the show feeling like tiresome cop-outs. Expect to Africa and a worker, a struggle of race, PBH Free Fringe a certain performance aspect. Much of her is always grounded in contemporary see the fridge magnets of the title, the culture, and love. Featuring a rich display material was tame observational comedy; concerns. The easy back and forth people who own them, and much more After reporting with the most prestigious of regional musical instruments and simply describing things her audience was between Monkeypoet’s real life and stage besides in a new light. American newspapers, David Mulholland equipment, the play incorporates props familiar with, and waiting for the “ooh”s persona make a comfortable atmosphere now brings varied British tabloid facts to to full and innovative use. One forgets The Stand Comedy Club II, 1-26 Aug (not 2, 13) of recognition. One extended section and create the perfect platform for his his Free Fringe comedy show. Mulholland one is watching a theatre production; times vary. consisted of her describing various print easygoing style, and also the perfect lays down hard truths about papers and the acting is well-directed, illustrating tw rating 4/5 | [Emily Pulsford] adverts: why not show the ads? A baffling veneer for his anti-establishment the lies within, spinning humour from the complicated states of mind of South choice. Though a slight let-down as a tendencies. headlines wherever possible. Admittedly, African culture, yet the emotions are of a live show, this would have made a great Katherine Ryan: Nature’s Candy the show is not particularly funny, but it is universal nature. This is an outstanding Banshee Labyrinth, 1-25 Aug (not 14), 12.50pm column. Live Nation & MHA quite interesting even though the themes performance that will leave audiences tw rating 4/5 | [Lewis Wade] are familiar; in recent times it seems easy Teviot, 1-26 Aug (not 14, 21) Katherine Ryan is happy. Very happy. agape and wide-eyed in amazement long to throw a punch at Rupert Murdoch tw rating 3/5 | [Andrew Leask] She generously shares this bounding after the play ends. Caution: this show Statements after an Arrest or phone hacking to get a laugh, but its happiness with you with wide-eyed incorporates graphic scenes of sexual Mulholland’s experience and passion Under the Immorality Act wonder. Despite this, she is not afraid violence, violent language, and physical Who’s Dorian Gray? for the media that forms the highlight. By Athol Fugard The Fugard to go into dirty sexual detail or speak abuse. Mulholland shares tips on exposing a Empty Photo Theatre Theatre, Izinja and Assembly her mind. Including the discussion of Assembly Hall, 2-27 Aug (not 13, 20), 2.00pm. good story, and sneaking through traps to I still don’t know who Dorian Gray is. celebrities’ “asses” and introducing her tw rating 5/5 | [Ana-Claudia Magaña] Intimacy and exposure are combined to annoy big organizations with bad press, Not that I’m complaining. In this play, we own TV show, “This Bitch” which exposes powerful effect in this production of Athol making his show an insightful story, rather are thrown into the lives of 3 flatmates, her love of derogatory names, Ryan Fugard’s play about the forbidden love of than a stand up hit. Men Are From Mars, Women the trials and tribulations they endure sends the audience into fits of laughter. a married black man and a white woman together, and how these events affect She learns that a male audience member The Base Night Club, 1-25 Aug (not 15, 26), 6.15pm Are From Venus in Apartheid South Africa. Opening in near and damage their friendships. The six is wearing a pink sock with hearts on tw rating 3/5 | [Susan Ford] Sally Humphrey Productions, Ltd darkness, the audience is immediately actors are convincing, and as an audience drawn into the relationship of the two it – which to her absolute glee leads “Men / Women (delete as appropriate) member, it’s all too easy to empathise leads as they sit talking, naked, on a rug to one liners about incest when she – can’t live with them, can’t live without with what their characters are feeling in the centre of the bare stage. But the learns that the sock belongs to his sister. them,” so the saying goes. This clichéd DANCE & and going through; at times, indeed, we sense of intrusion that this implies is then Wonderfully perceptive and full of happily phrase along with other stereotyped get so immersed that the audience feels shockingly brought to the fore, as their gritty surprises, Katherine Ryan will put PHYSICAL THEATRE views is at the core of this performance entirely burdened with the characters’ inevitable discovery is conveyed through a smile on your face with her infectious based on John Gray’s best-selling book. emotions. There is a slightly awkward evocative and clever staging. The play’s enthusiasm. Casus and Assembly Undoubtedly, it has fuelled pop-gender Knee Deep nude scene (given the small audience size, main weakness is over-reliance on a third Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1-27 Aug, 3.15pm. studies ideas in today’s culture and the “Australia’s hottest new circus company”, I didn’t know where to look). However, actor, who details their capture at an tw rating 4/5 | [Khristine Gallagher] show is filled to the brim with gender over- Casus and Assembly, defy gravity and, the actors soon put us all at ease as the unnecessary length, detracting from the generalisations. The absence of context to indeed, expectation with this mesmerising story continues and we yet again feel so emotional impact. But despite this, an these generalisations nullifies any validity Lucy Cox: Attractive Audience choreography of the limbs. But if circus emotionally attached to the characters emotive and engaging production. is some loud, garish freakshow then this they may have; however, this is not a that I was sad when the play ended. Required Assembly Hall, 2-27 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), 12.15pm. isn’t circus. Watch them form human slight at this well-delivered and engaging Laughing Horse @ Edinburgh City Football Club, tw rating 3/5 | [Sarah Richardson] Lucy Cox/Laughing Horse Free paper chains whilst suspended from aerial performance of this stage adaptation, but 2-26 Aug (not 16 and 23), 11.00pm. Festival silks, catch them swinging from a static rather an issue with the content itself. If tw rating 4/5 | [Rachel Campbell] Honest, bubbly and exceedingly trapeze and maintain balances from the you like the book, you’ll like the show, but The Life and Sort of Death of beware; alongside the nuggets of sense is entertaining. Lucy Cox shares the story of most unlikely points of contact – you Educating Rita Eric Argyle 15th Oak Productions couldn’t image something as daring as content based on ridiculous myths about The perfect antidote to any Festival- her life as a single woman living with her Matthew Kelly and Claire parents in : her dating disasters; this. This choreography of the limbs is the sexes. fuelled fatigue, or theatrical cynicism, this the inherent threat of taking public a performance spectacular if ever there Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-27 Aug (not 13), Sweeney heart-warming play takes the audience, transport; online dating and her love of was one, yet it is also modestly contained 3.30pm. tw rating 2/5 | [Ciara Knowles] Warm and funny, this production of with Eric, on a Scrooge-styled tour of key winky faces and ridiculous milk toppers. and understated. These performers are Willy Russell’s much-loved play holds no moments from his life. Given the premise, Cox uses musical comedy throughout her athletic, artistic, even poetic, with their Continuous Growth real surprises, but that’s no bad thing. you may expect a morose, sombre tale, abundance of creative energy. Whoop, performance, which is catchy, personal The Group Theatre Of Helsinki Given that the play features only two but instead this is a hilariously comic play, and very funny, plus her bright and cheer and gasp your way through it – characters, Kelly and Sweeney carry all with laughter punctuating the drama at bubbly attitude contrasts perfectly with spectator satisfaction guaranteed. Co-ordinated By Ace-Production the production on their backs; luckily their unexpected moments. Dynamic use of her dark comedy and stories of everyday Assembly George Square, 2-26 Aug (not 13, 20), This satire, a relevantly hilarious take on performances are strong enough to bear props and lighting aid the cast in flitting experiences everyone can kind of relate 7.35pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Lucinda Al-Zoghbi] the inefficiencies of the global financial the weight. Kelly is very good as Frank, all through Eric’s life; the performances are to. While there is nothing exceptionally system, manages to both shock and dishevelled academia and irascible charm. almost perfect, barring a few moments different or unique to this show and it delight along the way. Andy, an ordinary Once or twice, though, his performance where Olympic fever took over and they under runs a bit, it is structured with THEATRE Scottish man just wants his very own shed; became a little too broad, almost lapsing raced through their narration as if striving staple recipe for comedy that Cox pulls off instead, he sets up his own successful into farcical comedy. Sweeney as Rita was for gold. This doesn’t diminish the play’s extremely well. A strong, well assembled business and eventually manages to pitch-perfect, however. She brought an undeniably cathartic effect. On leaving, show which flows perfectly. The Blind The KTO Theatre 2 bring the global economy crashing to a irrepressible, joyful enthusiasm to the role, the audience all had smiles on their faces The Free Sisters, 1-26 Aug, 12.00pm Based on the award-winning novel by grinding halt. With a compelling script making us empathise with her, but never and tears in their eyes. tw rating: 4/5 | [Miranda Cannibal] Jose Saramago, ‘The Blind’ is thoroughly and seamless transitions accompanied patronizingly so. The chemistry between Pleasance Dome, 1-27 Aug (not 13), 12.00pm. disappointing. On a technical level, the by enjoyably odd characters – it features them was believable and vibrant; their tw rating 4/5 | [Andrew Leask] show is excellent: it’s a loud, immersive the likes of a casual Scottish Jesus – this pairing worked fantastically, lending the Luke Milford: Things I Like piece of outdoor theatre with an epic vibe, production is highly accomplished. At final scene a real poignancy. Laughing Horse Free Festival but the technical aspects of the show times this gritty Scottish adaptation Assembly George Square, 1-27 Aug (not 13), In this hit and miss comedy show, Luke by far outshine its content. Throughout, contains reflectively meaningful snippets 5.40pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Andrew Leask] Milford and his guest comedians talk the chaotic choreography of the blind amongst the humour, but when it gets too ThreeWeeks about life, relationships and Pokémon. At characters seems little more than just heavy, the plot snaps back to its sharply Words And Women Skyers times the show is pretty funny, and Milford chaotic, and the narrative goes no further satirical roots: fuelling an excitingly Editors & Publishers: Productions/PBH’s Free Fringe Chris Cooke and Caro Moses himself stands out, and with different than the men and women forming teams surreal exploration of the chaotic financial Presenting confessions, secrets and guest stars every day, hopefully other and hurting one another, without any system. Published by ThreeWeeks Publishing streams of consciousness, Skyers performers will be stronger than the ones apparent intelligence in the way they Pleasance Dome, 1-27 Aug, 12.10pm a division of UnLimited Media, Productions impress with this collection 221 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6PJ I saw, who relied far too much on out of do so; it’s just pure, unadulterated stage tw rating 4/5 | [Khristine Gallagher]

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