THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL | WEEK ONE ISSUE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK ThreeWeeks EDINBURGH

ALSO INSIDE…

SARAH KENDALL

JANE BOM-BANE

Queue here for the spaceship, with Rhys Darby GAEL LE CORNEC

PLUS John Fleming | Lynn Ruth Miller | Marek Larwood | The Ruby Dolls | Casual Violence | Hannah Gadsby Mother Africa | Carol Tambor | The Pajama Men & Drennon Davis | Barry Ferns | and lots of new reviews

START POINT For all the latest festival news as it breaks www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/news

This story belongs to Lionel Richie, naturally Contents Avid Fringe fanatics will know newer to the Fringe those memories ThreeWeeks 2012 wk1 the name Barry Ferns, but are hidden, and so I thought it would even casual Fringe fans will be great to be able to walk around the S P Festival and have those memories told know who I am talking about to you as you go”. Lynn’s Letter 04 if I say “he’s the bloke whose He continued: “The Fringe has shows always include the changed remarkably in the last 30 Fleming’s Fringe 04 name ‘Lionel Richie’”. And, years and to most that history is inaccessible. This audio tour is meant indeed, technically he too is I N now officially named after the to invite listeners through the looking ‘Hello’ making music man. glass into the alternate reality that is Sarah Kendall 06 the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. People Once again this year Ferns has just download the MP, get themselves Act To Act: Pajama 06 several Fringe projects on the go, to Hunter Square outside the Tron pub, Men chat with including a daily show - come rain, and they’ll be directed down a specific come shine – at the top of Arthur’s route”. Drennon Davis Seat. And that’s not the only outdoors And what memories will we get to Casual Violence 07 venture this year, though the other one share? “The tour will illuminate the won’t require him personally to brace listener with memories from Arthur those rain storms only Edinburgh can Smith, Simon Munnery and other C O muster up during August, because Fringe regulars from over the last 20 Ferns has gone virtual, and has put years. And it will also invite people to Quick Quiz 08 together a Fringe-themed walking take part in the Fringe themselves via Rhys Darby 08 tour of Edinburgh that you can follow some fun Fringe-y participations - if by downloading an MP3, turning they so wish!” Comedy Reviews 09 your iPhone on outside The Tron, and You’ll find the ‘This Audio Tour Hannah Gadsby 10 following the instructions that follow. Belongs to Lionel Richie’ download “I’ve been to so many Fringes now in the iTunes store, or click the link at Marek Larwood 11 that all the streets and venues are www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012LR. Ferns’ dripping with soggy memories for main show is at The Hive at 4pm daily, T H me, as I’m sure they are for all other the Arthur’s Seat show is at 1pm, and performers and Fringe regulars”, look out for details of other happenings Theatre Reviews 12 Ferns tells ThreeWeeks. But for those at www.thisbelongstolionelrichie.co.uk. Gael Le Cornec 13

Playwrights lined up News Bites C A FMN to lead debate on Book Festival to host World The Ruby Dolls 14 for Traverse’s breakfast media at the Fringe Writers’ Conference Cabaret Reviews 14 Fancy some brand new writing Stevenson, Alan Wilkins and poet and The Festival Media Network, the trade This year’s Edinburgh International novelists Janice Galloway and Andrew organisation of independent media Book Festival will include the over breakfast? And we mean P H really new – probably fresher Greig are among those who will write that cover the Edinburgh Festival each Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference new short works during the Festival August, has announced it will again 2012-13, being staged in association Mother Africa 16 than the breakfast rolls also itself, for the breakfast readings stage its annual debate about the role with the British Council, and inspired being served up, and they’ll be programme that kicks off on 14 Aug. of media at the Fringe this August, by an historic gathering of writers in Physical Reviews 16 prepared on the morning. Though this year, for the first time, though this time as part of the Fringe 1962. It will see 50 literary types from Later this Festival, the Traverse two extra writers will be added to the Central programme. 25 different countries debate issues at M Theatre will once again invite party last minute, talent scouted from Now in its third year, this event the Book Festival’s Charlotte Square U a plethora of writers to create the Fringe community by Traverse brings together editors and publishers Gardens base, and also live online. Jane Bom-Bane 18 brand new works for breakfast Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin and from each FMN publication with The topics up for debate will be playwright, director and Traverse performers, promoters, publicists and based on those discussed at the 1962 Music Reviews 18 time staged readings, this year Associate Artist David Grieg (pictured audience members, to discuss the event, and amongst the questions to under the title ‘Dream Plays below), who are overseeing the role the media plays at the Edinburgh be asked will be if literature should (Scenes From A Play I’ll Never breakfast theatre venture. Festival, how the performer and press be political, whether there should be M O Write)’. Details of each new play created will communities can better work together, a ‘national literature’, and what the Musical Reviews 19 Sue Glover, David Ireland, Douglas be posted on the Traverse’s website and how arts criticism is changing in future of the novel holds, while other Maxwell, Nicola McCartney, Johnny and social media ahead of its reading. the digital age. sessions will look at ‘style vs content’ McKnight, Lynda Radley, Gerda LINKS: www.traverse.co.uk ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Chris and censorship today. Among the C S Cooke says: “As a publisher, it’s great writers due to take part are eminent to get the input of the wider fringe Egyptian writer Ahdaf Soueif, Nigerian Children’s Fringe 20 community on the role of the festival author Chika Unigwe, American writer media, and to share our ambitions, and Nathan Englander, Turkish author Elif explain the challenges of running a Shafak, Denmark’s Janne Teller, and P H grass-roots independent publication. Scotland’s own Ian Rankin and Irvine Photo Page 21 And by being part of the Fringe Welsh. Central programme this year, opening Book Festival Director Nick Barley up our debate to the whole festival told ThreeWeeks: “The Writers’ community, I’m looking forward to this Conference is a fantastic opportunity A E event even more”. for Edinburgh audiences to meet and Carol Tambor & Reviews 22 The FMN Media At The Fringe mingle with a phenomenal line up debate will take place on 22 Aug at of international authors, and to get Fringe Central at 2pm. Entrance is involved in a debate which we believe C L free, but you can book places via will reverberate around the globe”. www.edfringe.com. FMN members Tickets are available from Shows Guide 23 are Broadway Baby, Festival Previews, www.edbookfest.co.uk while the FringeGuru, FringeReview, Hairline, debates will be webcast at www. ThreeWeeks and Whatsonstage.com. edinburghworldwritersconference.org. www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk twitter.com/ThreeWeeks

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 03 S P START POINT WantFor all to the know latest about festival hot newsshows as first? it breaks Getwww.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/news mini-reviews via Twitter by following www.twitter.com/twittique

Lynn’s letter to Edinburgh: Make the very most of it

trouble; you put forth your most S P COLUMN creative effort to make your show spectacular because you believe A broken foot meant Fringe deep down in your heart that you legend Lynn Ruth Miller have something extraordinary to give CARO WRITES… to the whole world and Edinburgh had to cancel her foray in August is THE only place where Oh, hello Week One. to Edinburgh this year. that world actually comes to see you You caught me by surprise. So we invited her to pen a whether they have heard of you or And yet, I feel as though I’ve been at the letter to everyone at the not. Edinburgh Festival 2012 for about ten Fringe with some words of I am going to miss all of you, your years already. It’s funny how it does that wisdom for performers, and enthusiasm, your belief that the arts to you. And it’s extremely common, first show tips for all. are where the answers are. I ache for timers, to be already-deathly tired by the excitement, the laptops failing and the fireworks exploding in the the first official day of the Fringe. Way back in 2005, when I first sky as I fight through the crowds Now, I’m in two minds about how to brought comedians from San on High Street and the Cowgate, advise you to deal with that problem of Francisco to the Edinburgh Festival the Grassmarket and George Street early-days-fatigue. I’m inclined to think I had no idea I had suddenly and determined to sing my song to that the best thing is to take the odd unexpectedly entered the most You only have ten days to see Sarah actually cancel one of my own shows anyone who will listen. nap here and there, get an early night exciting era of my life: one where Louise Young’s ‘Cabaret Whore - Her for, so I could see his. I want to tell you about a few shows now and then. But experience tells me the performance was not just the Finest Hour’ 3-10 Aug, 7.30pm at My pseudo grandson Drennon you must see besides your own. that, actually, the best way to avoid such thing … it was everything. That year Underbelly. It’s a ‘best of’ show so Davis is at the Assembly Roxy until 26 Don’t make the mistake of absorbing perils as Fringe Flu (yes, newcomers, I learned the basics of how to have a Young has selected her favourites Aug at 10.30 pm with his fascinating yourself only in your own production. it is ‘a thing’) hitting around the end wonderful experience in Edinburgh, from the past three years. If you have ‘Imaginary Radio Programme’. Davis The flyers can wait; the promotion in of Week Two is to work hard, socialise how to ride with the disappointments not had the pleasure of hearing this and I rap together and I would have coffee shops and on the street do not relentlessly, and not sleep. I haven’t had of empty houses, forgotten lines gorgeously talented and versatile been IN the show had I gotten across need all your time. Word of mouth is Fringe Flu for years, and it’s all because I and endless rain. That secret is to woman in her original show that the pond, so when you attend (and your best friend and that will happen only sleep for about three hours a night, ignore reality, forget profit and loss combines music, satire and comedy, attend you must) send me a mental every time someone sees your max (even if socialising with grown ups and keep your mind focused on the you owe it to yourself to watch, listen message telling me how grateful you production and gets what you are has been replaced by dealing with a real reason you brought a show to and learn. are that I told you about this unusual trying to say. small child). My Co-Editor Chris nearly Edinburgh to perform for 30 nights San Francisco’s Will Franken is a talent from Los Angeles. So, before this week is over, I am always succumbs to the lurgy just after risking bad reviews, electrical failure comic genius. His show ‘Will Franken’s Indulge yourself in the fun, the hoping you check out a few of my having his first semi-reasonable night’s or the inevitable incurable laryngitis. Things We Did Before Reality’ 2-26 extravagance and the world of the own favourite people who will give sleep of the Festival (usually the middle (It is going to happen… and if you are Aug at 10.35 pm at Just the Tonic Edinburgh Fringe. I will be with you in you new insights on timeless themes, of Week Three). So, just keep going. a true Edinburgh Troubadour, you will will be unforgettable. I cannot spirit and I will be spurring you on. comedy too funny to believe and There is a possible downside to this do your show anyway). recommend him highly enough. For more show tips, read Lynn’s longer letter song so glorious the have to have strategy though; it does mean that you You went to the expense and Franken is the only comedian I would at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012LRM that CD. will spend most of September in bed/ hospital/rehab. But at least you made it through the Fringe. Yeah. I’ll tell you what will make you feel Fleming’s Fringe: Is Auntie stealing your bums on seat? better, though, and fill you with energy and the desire to partake as much of because you know there’s enough “There are 2500 shows being no connection with the Fringe at all. this festival as possible. Yes, the Week S P COLUMN dumb people who’ll pay £16 a ticket put on by small people with a tight It’s about branding and placement One issue of ThreeWeeks. First off, for it!” budget or no budget – sometimes on and the result is essentially spreading lots of reviews, with some shows to Malcolm Hardee Comedy I agree. But I was interested to find overdrafts.” an audience too thin”. add to your must-see lists. And then Awards organiser and prolific a new target for abuse this week. I “You can only spread bums on “Fewer bums on more seats,” I lots of brilliant features to keep you was chatting to Mervyn Stutter - up seats so far”, I agreed. agreed. “In the Fringe Programme this blogger John Fleming writes… entertained between them. here for the 21st year of his ‘Pick Of “Exactly”, agreed Mervyn. “In the year,” said Mervyn, “that would be The Fringe’ shows. “There seems to be past, there have been only one or printed as B*ms.” This week we hear from a number of At the start of this year’s Fringe, increasing irritation among comics,” two BBC shows and there have been guest columnists: Super-blogger and comedian Stewart Lee lashed out John Fleming organises the annual Malcolm I said to him, “about Big Name TV queues round the block. Performers Hardee Comedy Awards and writes a daily Malcolm Hardee Awards organiser John in The Guardian at the ‘Big Four’ comedians including Edinburgh in think: ‘Oh, that would have been nice blog at blog.thejohnfleming.com Fleming; Lynn Ruth Miller, who should Fringe venues. It is not uncommon their tours and doing a couple of for an audience at my have been here at the Fringe this year, to attack the overheads imposed on nights at a big-seater venue, which show’. But it’s free and it’s but is presently too in-a-cast to make performers by the Big Four. I have takes those punters out of circulation famous and it’s the BBC. it; typecast comedy veteran Marek done it myself in my daily blog. for other, smaller Fringe shows.” It’s an attractive deal. I Larwood; and the members of close Last week, I heard doyenne of “Well, yes”, agreed Mervyn, “last would go. Brilliant... if harmony quartet The Ruby Dolls tell you Fringe comedy critics and fellow year one of them did a whole four there were only a couple about their ‘desert island discs’. Oh, and Malcolm Hardee Award judge Kate week run at an 800-seater. You don’t of shows”. you also hear from me and my small Copstick tell Mat Ricardo in the chat want to be unfair, but couldn’t they “But this year there child, on the subject of children’s shows. show part of his Voodoo Varieties have done that in September or are acres of BBC shows. show: “In comedy, the audience We’ve also got lots of Q&As for you. As October? They’re taking money away I’m sorry. It’s irritating. is dwindling up the arse-hole of well as our cover star Rhys Darby, we’ve from struggling comics with less It’s the Fringe. We’re on television. You could have a crock of also spoken to quality sketch troupe clout”. against the Olympics. shit live on stage at one of the major Casual Violence, the fantastic Sarah “We’re used to that though,” he And it’s hard enough venues and, if they added an ‘As seen Kendall, the funny and art-orientated continued. “You shrug your shoulders already. It’s a legitimate on Mock The Week’ or ‘Star of Michael Hannah Gadsby, seasoned Fringe and say ‘The Fringe is organic; people complaint. I’ve nothing McIntyre’s Roadshow’ strap on the actor Gael Le Cornec, talented Mother can do what they like’. But when I against the BBC, but why poster, it would sell out at £16 a pop. Africa director Winston Ruddle, the looked at the Fringe Programme this are they here putting “And then”, she continued, “you most excellent music and hat purveyor year, under B in Comedy, there were on so many shows? In get somebody who’s dragged up the Jane Bom-bane, and Fringe doyenne yards of BBC programmes. Pages of the past, it was ‘Just a arse-end of a tour that has been every Carol Tambor. Plus, the highly amusing them. What the hell is the BBC doing Minute’ with Paul Merton place in the UK except Edinburgh Pajama Men interview the highly up here? Their shows are free. They and you could say, ‘Well, to do seven nights at the EICC or amusing Drennon Davis. have stars in. And you don’t have to Paul Merton’s a good somewhere. Fuck you! The Fringe isn’t I think this issue is going to keep you pay. Why is the BBC doing so many Fringe person and there’s the place to do that. This is the place busy. Just don’t let it tire you out. shows here? It spreads the audience a connection’. But some to do new stuff, interesting stuff. Don’t energy too wide”. of these new shows have Caro @ ThreeWeeks just schlep up some tired old crap

S P PAGE 04 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE

INTERVIEWS Read all our interviews from the Festival so far Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/interviews

I N ACT TO ACT Sarah Kendall stands up Pajamas on for imaginary radio chat

Award-winning American character comedy duo The Pajama Men are doing a shorter run than normal at the Fringe this year. But to make up, they’ve brought with them Edinburgh first-timer Drennon Davis and his musical comedy show ‘The Imaginary Radio Program’. We wanted to find out more but figured, who better to interrogate Davis than The Pajama Men themselves, act to act?

PM: Hey Drennon! Great name. Great to finally get a chance to sit down and ask you some important questions about you. First and foremost: do you work out? DD: Psssh. Good question. Any successful comic knows that the key Comedian Sarah Kendall is choppered out of Vietnam, and he had to be worth my time. It’s a huge so you make all the decisions. In my ingredient to being funny is working starts crying. It’s exactly like that. strain dragging your family around limited experience with TV, there are a out at least three hours a day. Bi-cepts, is a long term ThreeWeeks festivals, and I decided that whatever I lot of people who get involved in that Tri-cepts, uni-cepts, hammies, turkeys… favourite. In fact, we like TW: You live in the UK now, but did had to be something worth talking decision making process, and it’s not No, I don’t work out. her so much that back in recently sold out a tour of Australia. about. always people who know what they’re Do you miss your home country, or doing. 2007 we gave her one of ever feel like going back? TW: What else can we expect from the our ThreeWeeks Editors’ SK: I’ve lived in London for 12 years show? TW: Appearing in ‘Clare In The now, so I feel very at home in both SK: A cameo from an Oscar-winning Community’ on Radio 4 meant taking Doing Awards. Though in recent places. When I’m here, I miss Australia, Hollywood legend. I’m lying. on an actual ‘role’, rather than doing years we’ve seen a little when I’m in Australia, I miss the UK. stand-up – are you ever tempted to comedy less of her on stage, so are It’s like Charlie Sheen at the end of TW: Will your daughter be up in make a move into acting and take on ‘Platoon’. He’s happy to go home, but Edinburgh with you? How easy is it to more roles like these? delighted to see she’s back he’s really going to miss his buddies in combine being a stand-up with being SK: ‘Clare In The Community’ is casually with a brand new show Vietnam. It’s exactly like that. a parent? possibly the most fun I’ve had on any SK: Stand-up is surprisingly child TV or radio production. It’s such a joy - at the Fringe this year, TW: The new show touches on the friendly, because most of my work so yes, I’d be tempted to do more, but and where she’ll be touching topic of bringing up a little girl in a takes place at night. Day care has only if it’s as much fun as that. on some very interesting highly sexualised culture. Is this a never been a massive issue. And of major theme of the show? course I’ve brought her with me to TW: Do you have plans for your latest violently issues about the world in SK: Yes, the show deals with a lot of Edinburgh! I’d hate to be away from show after Edinburgh? Will it be which she and her young topics that I feel strongly about. Things her, it’d be awful. I’d probably end touring? Casual Violence burst (or, have got pretty bad in recent years, up doing things like reading books SK: I’ll be doing a run in London, and beeped loudly, maybe?) onto daughter are now living. absurdly bad in fact. Pole dancing for in cafés, or I’d go to the movies, and hopefully a small tour after that. Then our radar last year with a ThreeWeeks spoke to Sarah fitness, the way women are portrayed exercise, and get a decent night’s I’m going to commission the show to distinctive sketch show about her life, her work, in music videos, the role of women in sleep, and go out for dinner in a nice be adapted as a film script, and I will that won the enthusiastic fairy tales, the crap that is marketed at restaurant and not eat my entire meal cast Charlie Sheen to play me. And approval of our ThreeWeeks and owning a small child... girls on kids TV channels…. I suddenly in under three minutes because she’s it will be set in Vietnam. And Willem realised that my daughter is this bored and has started trying to wear Dafoe will die. But it won’t be like reviewers, as well as the TW: You’ve performed off and on tiny sponge, absorbing all of these the table cloth as a fairy skirt, and I ‘Platoon’. fervent approbation of the at the Festival for nearly a decade, I appalling messages. wouldn’t have small pieces of food in rest of the Fringe press. think? What keeps you coming back? my hair and on my clothes ALL THE TW: Which other acts are you At the end of the Festival we SK: I think the thing that keeps me TW: Did you find that having a TIME. planning to see this year? gave them an Editors’ Award. coming back to this festival is that I daughter heightened your awareness SK: I am ashamed to admit that I After handing them one of our love doing a huge amount of work of the sexualisation of popular TW: In recent years you’ve appeared haven’t even looked at the Fringe extremely glamorous gongs, it and I also enjoy haemorrhaging culture, or of issues of gender and on TV and radio. How does this sort guide yet. So I’ll take a guess at who’s money! I definitely have a love-hate sexism in general? of work compare to stand-up? Do you going to be at the Fringe this year, and seemed only right to catch up relationship with it. The weird thing is SK: It’s not so much that it heightened prefer live performance? say Linda Ronstadt and Peter Ustinov. with the group again one year that each year when the Festival draws my awareness, because I’ve always SK: They’re very different. The thing I on… to a close, I get genuinely sad that it’s been very aware of these issues. But like most about stand-up is that you’re SEE SARAH’S SHOW over for another year. It’s like at the when I went back to doing stand-up, I in complete control. You’re the writer, Sarah Kendall – Get Up, Stand Up, Pleasance TW: Let’s start at the start, how did you end of ‘Platoon’ when Charlie Sheen felt that whatever I was doing on stage director, producer, and performer, Courtyard, 1-27 Aug (not 13), 8.30pm. guys come to form Casual Violence? Alex: James did it.

I N PAGE 06 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE INTERVIEWS Don’t forget the legendary ThreeWeeks Quick Quiz mini-interviews Read them online at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/quickquiz

PM: Awesome. Second and PM: Wow, big shot eh? Friends at the of genre that I can’t play on my own, secondmost: have you ever stolen BBC? Got it all figured out don’t you? she’s there to deliver. She’s also a much anything? Anyway, as we were saying: before we better singer than I am. DD: Nothing crazy. Some olives at a ever came to Edinburgh our image of salad bar, a towel from a hotel, some it was much different than it actually PM: Lastly, what’s the biggest bones at a funeral… the usual balonery. is. What do you imagine Edinburgh Challenge you’ve faced in comedy in will be like? the last twelve months? PM: Great, and why don’t you wear DD: No expectations. But if I don’t meet DD: Learning that some day I’m pajamas? Shrek and/or the real Harry Potter, I’m going to die. Also self-promotion. I DD: Why bother? I would never be as going to burn down the entire village. was never very good at it, but now cool as you guys. Trust me, I’ve tried, It’s a small village right? I’m THE GREATEST PERSON ALIVE! but people just say, “Hey! Look at that But someday I will die... then I will be idiot trying to wear pajamas! Who does PM: Depends on your definition of the GREATEST PERSON NOT ALIVE! he think he is, the Pajama Men? He’s “right”. Any plans to buy any specific The trick is to yell, when you’re self- not even two people! Oh look, now he’s souvenirs from Scotland? promoting. trying to sleep! That’s rich. Good luck DD: I’d really like a sweater with Nessie trying to sleep like the Pajama Men, on it. No joke. Hopefully one hand- PM: Great advice! And before we go, you fucking hack!” My girlfriend can be knitted by a salty Scotsman who do you have any questions for us? a very harsh critic. claims to have seen her. Because why DD: Yes! First question: do you guys not? Let’s do this. ever fight and if so, who wins? PM: Indeed. Now before we ever came to Edinburgh we had… oh, first of all PM: So, how are you preparing for the PM: Yes. We do fight. Mark usually how do you pronounce “Edinburgh”? marathon run? wins, but Shenoah’s usually right. “Ed-in-borough”, “Ed-in-bra”, or “Ed- DD: Just trying to be as cocky as I can. Or did you mean “do we fight other in-burg”? Every time I do anything, I say “I’ve people?”. Like in bars and stuff? The DD: We’ve talked about this before… got this mutha fucka!” It’s helping answer is “yes”. We’re always ganging my confidence. It’s a little weird for up on comedians when they’re alone. PM: Well, we want to talk about it people around me. Especially in public DD: Last question. Finish this sentence: again. bathrooms but my ego has never been I’m ___ DD: …and I believe I’m saying it wrong. better. I AM THE GREATEST PERSON I’ve been saying Ed-in-borough. I ALIVE! Honestly though, the show is PM: Horny-sad. know we’re not supposed to say ready to go. We’ve been performing a DD: Last question 2.0: I love you? Ed-in-burg like most Americans say lot in LA. It’s been going very well. I’m it, so I suppose I’ve decided to say it a little freaked out at playing in an old PM: Yes. wrong in a way that makes me sound church for an entire month but I’ll get cultured to Americans and even used to it. SEE THE SHOWS dumber to people in the UK who know The Pajama Men’s Improv Show, Assembly better. HOWEVER, I was emailing back PM: Who’s that on stage with you? George Square, 1-12 Aug, 9.00pm. and forth with a friend who’s a DJ on DD: Ah, you mean Monique Moreau! The Imaginary Radio Program: Drennon BBC Radio 1 and she SPELLED it She’s my Native-American body Davis presented by The Pajama Men, 1-26 “Edinborough.” There is no excuse for guard who also happens to be my Aug (not 13), 10.30pm. that. Don’t worry, I corrected her in my musical accompanist in Edinburgh. LINKS: www.pjmen.com most condescending email voice. She’s awesome with music. Any kind drennondavis.weebly.com Photo: Kat Gollock

James: We met at university, like every material for this year before bringing it There’s a big ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ sketch group ever ever ever. I started all together for the new show. influence lurking in this show. Our writing comedy plays and shows, and style is basically character-driven the six of us basically came together TW: Tell us about this year’s show, ‘A storytelling for sadists. through those. It used to be more of Kick In The Teeth’. Adam: It’s melancomedy. a theatre company dynamic – now Luke: It’s about having aspirations that Dave: As in “melancholy comedy” – we’re a sketch group. We’re the only get shattered, which is always funny. nothing to do with melons. surviving members. Dave: It’s a show about trying to make Alex: Schadenfreude. the world a better place and failing so Luke: We don’t have the guts to bully TW: You seemed to have a great Fringe miserably that you should never have real people, but no-one complains if 2011 – how did last year’s Festival work bothered in the first place… you bully fictional characters. out for you guys? James: …which is obviously prime Greg: Luke got a chest infection. subject matter for comedy. TW: To quote back your press release Luke: Yeah. Don’t stand in the rain for right back at you – how exactly do hours on end, chain-smoking. TW: And tell us about the best bits you defeat an unbeatable Battleships Dave: Luke’s top tip for the Edinburgh show – what’s the plan there? supercomputer? Fringe. James: We’re doing a show once a Luke: If we told you that, it would James: It went far better than we week called ‘Om Nom Nominous’ as destroy the entire crux of our show and thought it would, which is always lovely. part of the Free Fringe, on Wednesday there would be no point in any of your Winning a ThreeWeeks Editors’ Award afternoons at the Voodoo Rooms. readers coming to see it. Why do you for our show was an awesome way to Luke: We were given an opportunity hate us? Why do you want to ruin our round off the Fringe, and the audiences to do a few nights of a show and we show and undermine our chances of really seemed to be on board with what thought it’d be a good chance to do success at the Fringe? We thought you we were doing. an hour of our “circuit” material that were on our side, ThreeWeeks! doesn’t fit into our main narrative/ TW: What have you done since? story-driven shows. Find out about the Casual Violence web Adam: We’ve all been focusing Dave: It also means we get to revisit our series in the full interview at www. ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012CV on getting better at what we do favourite characters from last year’s individually – I’ve been doing film ‘Choose Death’ show, for those who SEE THE SHOWS: soundtracks; James has been doing want to see bits from that again. Casual Violence: A Kick In The Teeth, Just The a masters degree in scriptwriting and Tonic At The Caves, 1-26 Aug, 10.00pm. learning improv on the side; a few of TW: How do you describe your style Casual Violence: Om Nom Nominous, The us have been acting in other projects. of sketch comedy – what are your Voodoo Rooms, 8, 15 and 27 Aug, 4.40pm. We’ve also been running a series of influences? Casual Violence Portable Residency James: I read a hell of a lot of Roald LINKS: www.casualviolencecomedy.co.uk shows in London to test-drive new Dahl while I was writing the script.

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 07 I N COMEDY For more ThreeWeeks comedy reviews, interviews and features Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/comedy

Quick Quiz Tell us about your 2012 show in no more than 60 words.

Alexis Dubus: Chopper: “It’s basically a “It is the distant flicker storytelling show, of a fire that sparks involving adventures, hope of warmth misadventures and and nourishment mishaps around the amongst the lost and world. There will be a few weird facts weary. It’s about unplaiting the murky lobbed in there as well, as usual. My bewilderment of modern existence last two shows were pretty heavily to reveal shining strands of truth. It’s themed – swearing and nudity. This about the inelastic collision between one’s just true stories. I can’t guarantee regret and an aspiration for a greater those two themes won’t creep in societal conscience and consciousness. though” Also, a couple of dick jokes” Alexis Dubus - Cars And Girls, Heath Franklin’s Chopper in A Hard Bastard’s Assembly Roxy, 2-26 Aug (not 14), 6.45pm. Guide To Life, Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-19 www.alexisdubus.com Aug, 8.50pm.

Marek Larwood: Simon Evans: “Three men bum a dog, “‘Friendly Fire’ is a then they feel guilty meditation on the about it and write a nature of story, of song for a dog’s home how an awareness Photo: Kat Gollock charity which goes to of story can give number one in the hit structure and purpose to parade. The show is about the friend of an otherwise meaningless existence, He should definitely be here: Rhys Darby someone’s Uncle who buys the record and how everyone needs a nemesis. then dies shortly afterwards” It is absolutely NOT an opportunity to TW: The show went down very well love promoting the art of comedy. Marek Larwood - Typecast, Pleasance make cheap jokes at the expense of C O INTERVIEW at the New Zealand International We wanted to produce our favourite Courtyard, 1-26 Aug (not 14), 6.20pm. other nations, popular culture or my Comedy Festival earlier this year. Has international acts in the New Zealand own children” New Zealander Rhys Darby, it changed at all since then? Comedy Festival. We thought if we Gareth Millerick: Simon Evans: Friendly Fire, Pleasance award winning comedian and RD: Yes. It has improved. It’s tighter raised the game it would help local “My show is called Courtyard, 1-26 Aug, 9.30pm. sometime star of that ‘Flight and faster but it also has more gags. acts flourish, and it has. ‘Sensible Answers To www.simonevanscomedianetc.com Of The Conchords’ show off It’s classed as a comedy thoroughbred Stupid Questions’. the telly, returns to the Fringe now. When I improvise a new bit of TW: Will you be talent scouting while It’s a about dealing Felicity Ward: “It’s won gold I’ll add it to the repertoire, but you are in Edinburgh? with a show all about escaping with one of life’s main a bunch of awards, it’s then I have to drop another bit out RD: We’re always on the lookout for challenges, the constant stream of puerile, it’s personal, the planet in a spaceship. Well, due to time. In Edinburgh time limit shows and acts that make us fall off stupid questions we are faced with on a there’s a drinking you know, when Armageddon becomes the discipline. our seats, but it’s not why we’re here. If daily basis… I love stupid questions” song in it and it uses happens. Not tomorrow or we see something we really really like Garrett Millerick - Sensible Answers To Stupid hedgehog analogies for anything (but maybe this TW: What persuades you to keep though... you never know. Questions, Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-27 Aug human intimacy. Dick jokes year, if you choose to read the coming back to the Fringe? (not 15), 11.00pm. www.garrettmillerick.com vs the human condition: WHAT’S NOT RD: My management. Oh, and the Mayan calendar that way). TW: It’s been a few years now TO LOVE!” overall awesomeness of Edinburgh since you worked on ‘Flight Of The Being big fans of Rhys, ‘Flight Tom Deacon: Felicity Ward: The Hedgehog Dilemma, and the Fringe. I just love the centre of Conchords’, yet the show remains as “My show this year Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-27 Aug (not 13), Of The Conchords’ and, even, the art world for August. So I think, if popular as ever with its fan base. Why has been the most 10.00pm. www.felicityward.com Armageddon, we stole some I have a show, then I should probably do you think that is? complicated to put quality time with the man be there. RD: Maybe it’s a classic already. I hope together, like those Scottish Falsetto Sock himself to ask some questions. it’s one of those ‘go-to’ shows for black belt origami Puppet Theatre: Well, you’ve got to get these TW: How does Edinburgh compare to comedy for many generations to come. creations. Essentially my he other comedy festivals? We made a unique show that gained a “That’s not fair, we things done now, haven’t you, third show is about my journey to have two shows a RD: There’s no other festival that huge following. I’m so proud of that. feel complete by completing a sticker day so that’s only 30 if the world’s about to end? comes close. Edinburgh is the biggest album. Though, of course, I’ll talk words each! And we’ve and it’s the best. The history is TW: Will the group ever reform for TW: So, if we come to your show, about all those hilarious moments that just used twenty of them. cemented and the city is astonishing. another series or a film? you’re going to help us survive the happened along the way too” Dammit, twenty-one. Twenty-two. RD: Like James Bond... we will return. Tom Deacon: Deaconator, Pleasance Dome, end of the world? Okay, this isn’t going well, quick, think. TW: You’ve done a lot of TV, film and But I don’t know when... or how... or if 1-26 Aug, 7.00pm. www.tomdeacon.co.uk RD: Metaphorically yes... and physically, (Thirty) I know it’s thirty! Shut up! ad work now - how does filmed work we actually will. yes. Mentally... no. (Thirty-six) That is not helping, idiot! compare with live performance? Chris Martin: (Forty) Er, double act…uh… Socks…um, RD: I love TV and film work. Most of TW: And finally, what other projects “It’s about how my life TW: Where did the idea for the new help, funny (Fifty) That bloody does it! it is caught on camera so I get to also have you got planned beyond the lacks any direction show come from? Come here you little…” enjoy it myself. I like all aspects of Festival? or incident. Whilst RD: I had just written my comedy performance, so basically if RD: I have television development a friend of mine is Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre – Boo autobiography, which by design Lingerie!, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1-26 Aug, I’m having a laugh being funny then happening, but it’s all very hush hush. becoming a dad, I’m had turned into a science fictional 10.40pm; & Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet I’m happy. You can’t beat the instant hit Mum’s the word. Even I know nothing busy annoying squirrels Theatre – Chunky Woollen Nits, Gilded pre-apocalyptic handbook. I was from lighting a room up with laughter about it. What I can say is this - I’ll be at and generally being an arsehole. It also Balloon Teviot, 2-26 Aug (Thu-Sun), 11.00am. initially going to take it to the stage for though. After a year or two working the helm. I’m going to do the writing... involves a valuable life lesson from my www.utproductions.co.uk/socks.html readings, but in the end I chose to fully in front of cameras I found I began to and of course the improvising. BOOM!! dad’s food diary” adapt it to a physical stand-up play. miss it. Look out for more Quick Quiz interviews Chris Martin - Spot The Difference, Gilded SEE RHYS’ SHOW: going online throughout the Festival at Balloon Teviot, 1-27 Aug (not 14), 8.45pm. TW: So the ‘This Way To The TW: You now produce comedy shows Rhys Darby – This Way To The Spaceship, www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/quickquiz www.chrismartin-comedy.co.uk Spaceship’ book came first? too via Awesomeness International. Pleasance Courtyard, 1 – 27 Aug (not 8, 13), RD: Yes, the book came first but it took Why did you set that up? 8.00pm. www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/quickquiz a lot longer... like the turtle. RD: Because my wife Rosie and I

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this show to life. It’s well written, well- All About The Craic C O REVIEWS choreographed and has none of the Close To The Bone Comedy cringe-worthiness some of you might Club McNeil And Pamphilon expect from a magic show. Whilst some of the tricks seem a bit haphazard, Four lads from the Emerald Isle Ditto Productions overall it is outstandingly entertaining, have migrated to Edinburgh for this From cleverly crafted sketches that with audience members excited to extremely entertaining night of stand- hark back to the glory days of the Two participate. It will have you laughing up. First up was the brilliant Robert Ronnies or Morecombe and Wise, to out loud whilst simultaneously Coyle, who will inevitably be compared the environmentally themed audience thinking, “how did they do that?” to Ed Byrne due to his whimsically sing-a-long at its climax, this show Gilded Balloon Teviot, 1-27 Aug (not 14), Wildean hair and his highly-charged manages to pack in everything one 4.30pm. yet infinitely amiable performance. could possibly wish for from a Fringe tw rating 4/5 | [Miranda Cannibal] Nicky “shaved gerbil” Bartlet, up next, act. A delightful mish-mash of stand-up, perfectly struck the balance between slick sketches and silly songs, McNeil Jackson Voorhaar’s gentle giant and cheeky sod, and and Pamphilon’s set is guaranteed to it’s just unfortunate that the second induce big belly laughs. Of course, One True Love(s) half was a bit of an anticlimax: one of every great comic double-act is nothing Jackson Voorhaar / Free the comedians seemed too drunk to without great chemistry, which is Festival remember his own material, and the something this pair has in abundance. In his attempt to discover if he is a other’s delivery was so unintelligible It is a joy to watch the hilarious ‘lover’ or a ‘loather’ of life, Jackson that many of his jokes passed the consequences as they play off each Voorhaar comes across as passionate, audience by. But Gary Lynch held other’s opposing personas; this duo (particularly about the Mars Volta) if the evening together as a fantastic have proved that they most definitely rather raw and unprepared. Voorhaar, MC, able to slip into any comic vein. 5/5 do have funny bones. for his faults, is aware that his show Overall, a craic-ing evening. Highly- Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 Aug (not 14), needs refining and at times comes recommended. Shit Faced Shakespeare 4.30pm. across as obviously nervous. However Laughing Horse @ The Jekyll and Hyde, 2-26 Tax Deductible Theatre Company tw rating 4/5 | [Simon Thornton] as the performance (and the drinking) Aug, 8.05pm. continues he begins to relax and tw rating 3/5 | [Jessamine McHugh] In one of the most ridiculous and hilarious shows you’ll see this August, ‘Shit things become far more enjoyable. Faced Shakespeare’ is a triumph of brilliant writing, a talented troupe, and a Morgan & West: Clockwork serious commitment towards inebriation. Taking five classically trained actors, Miracles Interestingly the further the host seems to deviate from his show’s concept of TW RATINGS and getting one classically trolleyed, the Tax Deductible Theatre Company’s Morgan and West use a variety of old loving or loathing aspects of life, the version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a night of non-stop laughter school magician’s tricks with their own funnier and more endearing he seems 1/5 Bad and entertainment, as a genuinely plastered actor causes unpredictable unique twist to create a show which is to become. The last ten minutes make commotion in an otherwise serious performance. This imaginative formula exciting, clever and hilarious. The show 2 / 5 Mediocre the trip to the yurt worthwhile, as provides the audience with an hour of confusing fun, as they come unprepared is perfect for children and adults alike Voorhaar demonstrates the potential to for what awaits, be that nudity, on stage smoking or multiple escape attempts. who will be effortlessly transported 3/5 Good grow into his role. This show, albeit slightly more pantomime than play, is a must see for lovers of into the world of Morgan & West, two 4/5 Very Good both classical English literature and beer. time-travelling Victorian magicians. The The Free Sisters - The Yurt Locker, August 2-12, 14-26, 4.45pm. C, 3-27 Aug, 10.20pm. tw rating 5/5 | [James Valentine] chemistry between the characters, as 5/5 Brilliant tw rating 2/5 | [David O’Connor] well as a fantastic routine, really brings

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Art, history, marriage and Mary: Hannah Gadsby C O REVIEWS

of the Western cultural identity. Stories From The Middle C O TW: Your new show is called INTERVIEW ‘Hannah Wants A Wife’, which You cannot escape it. Luke Capasso gives some clue to its contents. Hannah Gadsby came Luke Capasso wants to be clear: he Would you like to elaborate? TW: Is it a challenge to make may have tattoos covering his arms, to the Fringe with two HG: This show is generally about something like art history but you won’t find a trace of ink on shows last year, and our the role of wives historically. I funny? his neck. He’s not a thug: he’s an reviewers were mightily use paintings to illustrate most HG: It is a challenge to make art ex-army, blokeish American trying of my points. There are quite a and religion funny without also impressed by both of to cope with the fact that his English few pictures of breasts. offending people who invest them. This year she’s kids are starting to speak like David in these things. But I enjoy repeating the two-show Cameron. Which, yes, makes him a little TW: What made you decide to treading this fine line. and also angry. Capasso’s stand up is macho Fringe experience, with focus on this theme? straying on occasions. and near the mark, but its frequent one of her 2011 shows HG: Gay marriage seems to be a crudeness is tempered with a likeably returning for a second point of contention in most first TW: You’ve had quite a few TV gentle delivery. The act is peppered run, and a second new world countries. I just wanted appearances in recent years. with clever observations, even if an to check in to see what all the Would you like to do more show, ‘Hannah Wants apparently obligatory size obsession fuss about marriage was in the television, or do you prefer the A Wife’, also on the does wear pretty thin. Smart one- first place. live medium? bill. Known for making liners counterbalance some wayward HG: To be fair, I prefer live anecdotes that never quite hit their shows that are both TW: Your second show, ‘Mary work because I enjoy instant mark, while the filthy impression of his funny and informative, Contrary’ – about artistic gratification: at the end of a grandmother is one to savour. A good Hannah demonstrates portrayals of the Virgin Mary live show, an audience will free fringe bet. both skills by answering over the centuries – is coming clap. With TV all I can do is plug to the Fringe for a second time. into Twitter and check to see Laughing Horse @ Jekyll and Hyde, 2–14 Aug, some quick questions for 6.50pm ThreeWeeks. Our reviewer was very taken just how many people wish to with it last year. Is it exactly the declare that I am fat and ugly. tw rating 3/5 | [Sarah Richardson] TW: You are doing two shows at same this year? Good times. HG: In many ways it is the Dana Alexander: Breaking the Fringe this year, which you Read more with the full interview at same show... just tweaked and also did last year. Is it tiring? www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012HG Through Get Comedy HG: Edinburgh is tiring anyway. I improved. Dana Alexander made me laugh once came here without a show SEE HANNAH’S SHOWS before she even hit the stage. The and still felt like a car crash by TW: What made you want to Hannah Gadsby – Hannah Wants A Canadian’s self introduction was the end of August. cover that topic? Wife, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2-26 Aug an amusing, thundering attempt HG: I think art is a really neat (not 13), 8.10pm at a Scottish accent. She burst into TW: So what made you decide way to look at the concerns of Hannah Gadsby – Mary. Contrary, life by telling off her technician for Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, to return to Edinburgh this religion. I have never been a not playing her introductory music, 23-26 Aug, 2.00pm August? part of organised religion but I then demanded they start again; the really love exploring it as part HG: Money. I don’t like having it. LINKS: www.hannahgadsby.com.au audience were already lapping her

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up. Dana spoke enthusiastically about that the jokes are not as laugh-out-loud herself and her Jamaican roots, displaying funny as they should be. Still, I defy you Roll up, roll up, let’s save the planet natural stage presence and attitude, not to have a good time with Abigoliah going on to make several insightful and Schamaun, even if the show is more fun of many examples I could give you. their show is about. Do you really humorous observations about British than it is funny. C O COLUMN By coming to see my Edinburgh want to help these people? All culture and temperament, as well as a The Counting House, 2-27 Aug, 8.30pm. show ‘Typecast’ at 6.20pm in the you’ll be doing is creating massive couple of slightly more clichéd ones. I tw rating 4/5 | [Patricia-Ann Young] Super yet typecast Pleasance Courtyard, you are egos. These are damaged people, personally thought she spent too long on helping to ignore bad stuff when with problems. I’ve spent long car an anecdote about her grandma, but other comedian, actor and David Whitney – it happens. Everyone knows by journeys with some of them, and audience members seemed to appreciate one time We Are Klanger thinking about bad stuff you are that is part of my life I will never get it. She related to the crowd well, striking Struggling To Evolve Marek Larwood explains just it making it more true, and back. It would be a lot more humane a positive note with different individuals. Bagpipes. Like the cock joke, they are how you can save the world, thereby encouraging bad people if they were all put down. Worth every penny. popular but divisive, either gaining or just by going to see his show. to do more bad stuff. If you don’t At the end of the day it’s up to you alienating a room with the first blast. Underbelly Bristo Square, 3-27 Aug, 10.35 pm. Yes, really. give them any attention in the first what you choose to do with your tw rating 4/5 | [Joe Mountford-Smith] Luckily for comedian David Whitney, a place these types will soon lose time, I partly believe in free will and purveyor of both, his piping entrance All around the world hundreds interest and start doing good stuff all that. But remember each day quickly endeared himself to a patient Light Relief and thousands of children are still instead. Remember when you were that you don’t buy a ticket for my crowd in the stifling turret. Perhaps most without clean water, countless lives young and you played hide and show, you are wiping your arse on Geoff Cotton and Anna Dawson famous for once head-butting a heckler (a are being lost fighting oppressive seek? Did you ever think “no-one humanity. Comedy with few audience members greatly exaggerated incident, he claims) political regimes, and all the while can see me if I close my eyes”? Well Peace be with you. can be awkward. Being the third and Whitney unleashes on many topics, from the world’s natural resources are that was actually true, and it applies final observer, I was relieved this show religion to sex, politics to paedophiles, dwindling at alarmingly rapid rates. to this, if you close your eyes to it, SEE MAREK’S SHOW claimed to be fast-moving and packed yet keeps the audience within striking With all this going on, you’d be right less bad stuff will happen. Real Life Marek Larwood – Typecast, Pleasance with sketches, stand-up and songs distance with his witty off-hand to ask yourself: “What can I do? How Fact! Courtyard, 1-26 Aug (not 13), 6.20pm. because I thought it would brazen it out. observations and exaggerated bravado. can I help? Surely we are all in this Some of you may The act covered a range of satirical topics It may not be revolutionary, nor give you together?” now want to ask the including sports, politics and James Bond, a radical position to consider, but you The most important thing you question “Why not go and unfortunately the characters were could really do a lot worse than an hour of can do right now is to come and see and see other people’s dull, clichéd and unoriginal (an arrogant, enjoyably humorous company with this my Edinburgh show. Yes, it is that Edinburgh shows sexual French man who recommended I amiable and honest pro. simple. To the uneducated mind this to forget about bad get myself a mistress, for example). The Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2-27 Aug (not 14), 10.15pm. may sound like a flippant remark, stuff?” routine relied on audience participation tw rating 3/5 | [Joseph Trotter] but those with more advanced I reply: “Because (and there was no plan B), which made thought processes will realise other people are dicks. for an uncomfortable situation, given The McLough-Hess Monster just how crucial this first step is in I’ve been around on the size of the crowd, especially when indirectly helping both these people this earth for 36 years singing along in the final song. The act Adam Hess And Sean McLoughlin and the planet. now, and if there is one wasn’t short on effort at least, but when Adam Hess and Sean McLoughlin’s “How?” you ask. “How is your thing I know for sure, it came to the end, the only light relief I show shares certain similarities with The Edinburgh show helping anything?” it’s that other people experienced was in leaving. Aerie at Jekyll and Hyde, where their “Listen!” I say. Loads of bad stuff are dicks. Especially C, 3-27 Aug, 7.15pm. free hour-long set takes place: both are is going on right this very second. people who want to tw rating 1/5 | [Joe Mountford-Smith] charmingly ramshackle and in need It’s impossible to help all these put on a show to get of a good polish. The thrown-together people. Not even Superman can the attention they were feel of ‘The McLough-Hess Monster’ save everyone, he has to make starved of as a child.” Abigoliah Schamaun: works in the pair’s favour, however. It’s split second decisions about which You ask “Surely Girl Going To Hell a typically student-y affair, with off-hand person to save and which person that’s what you are Abigoliah Schamaun is going to hell and observations on university life, girlfriends to let die, often purely based on doing?” taking everyone with her. In an incredibly and terminal poverty. Hess is the most hair colour. By worrying about bad Me: “Listen mate, I’ve frank show, Schamaun is big, brassy and animated of the pair, and though funny, stuff you are contributing to world just spent most of this brilliantly shocking. The small venue space is at times a little rambling. McLoughlin is stress. Stress leads to accidents. article explaining how combined with her infectious enthusiasm more upfront about the show’s unfinished Animals are killed on roads in the my show is going to immediately warmed the audience, and nature, and we see him mentally scratch accidents. Fewer animals means help other people. Do quickly removed the fear of the dreaded the two or three jokes that simply don’t less food for everyone, people are you think other comics ‘audience participation’; people who were work. Despite this, it’s a promising start. forced to import food from third are doing that? No!” lining the walls of the half empty room Hopefully by the end of August they’ll world countries, the people in the Have a read of their were soon in easy conversation with have found their Fringe feet. third world countries starve and articles around you her. She chirpily works through material Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde, 2-26 Aug (not then start fighting over sandwiches, right now! They are bordering on the outrageous, but for all 16), 4.30pm. tw rating 3/5 | [Rebecca Low] this is how wars begin which creates all banging on about her stage presence it doesn’t hide the fact more bad stuff. And that is just one themselves and what

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This is an innovative and energetic Mr Braithwaite Has a New T H REVIEWS approach to these plays which have Boy been around for a long time, and which 5/5 Out Cast Theatre (Australia) Belt Up Theatre’s contain everything from humour to immense sadness. All three cast It would be easy to say this play has A Little Princess members have a commanding stage balls, given it opens with foul-mouthed Belt Up Theatre and Jethro presence and switch easily between rent boy Johnny, totally naked, legs Compton Ltd different characters, and though at akimbo, sitting on a couch. But that’s times the longer monologues can get a “The magic is in you”: Belt Up remind the peak of comedy in what is a little confusing and the set changes are the audience that theatre doesn’t have frustrating, unsatisfying play. The quite lengthy, whether you know the to rely on huge spectacle, that all you plot itself is straightforward – aged plays or not, this is well worth a watch. need is a little imagination. Centre of homosexual falls in love with a rent the show, Serena Manteghi as little Spotlites @ The Merchant’s Hall, 3-15 Aug, boy – and would lend itself well to girl Sara Crewe is charming from the 5.40pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Lauren Houghton] either a brazen farce or a touching outset. Dominic Allen, as her strict drama; sadly, this script tries to boarding school teacher Miss Minchin, Don Juan do both and achieves neither. The thinly drawn characters and wildly adds by turns both a humorous and Jackinabox Productions evil dimension to the plot, which inconsistent tone rule out anything of The libertine Don Juan has been consequence: pathos is undermined by The Economist MKA: Theatre Of New Writing (Australia) prevents the core, storytelling element immortalised by writers such as weak comedy, while the laughs barely Walking down a winding staircase into an intimate darkened room, audience of the narrative from becoming Byron and Molière, and now appears have time to form before they’re being members are tense. No one knows what to expect from a play about Anders stagnant. Sometimes the sweetness at the Fringe to tell tales of his smothered by insincere sentiment. Breivik, the man who killed 92 people in Norway, or the fictional story of a of the plot borders on cloying, which conquests to the devil himself. The Too safe to be edgy; too trashy to be man very similar to him: Andrew Berwick. What we get is exceptional theatre: is partly due to Frances Hodgson presentation of the dramatised tales meaningful. topical, fresh and extremely well acted. Charting the pivotal moments leading Burnett’s original novel, but the show is laden with innuendo and tongue- C aquila, 2 - 27 Aug (not 13, 20), 6.25pm. up to Breivik’s massacre, a sense of threat underlies the whole show while the remains engaging throughout. The in-cheek humour, which in no way tw rating 2/5 | Andrew Leask humour is dark and uncanny. Gender roles are subverted, with the whole cast subtle music used to enhance more cheapens the witty dialogue. Likewise, acting as Berwick (Breivik) at points, pushing the didactic message: he could poignant scenes was used sparingly to the use of dance, particularly the be anyone. The Economist is truly chilling, by the end of the bold performance I good effect. Fun for all ages. well-choreographed lift sequences, Letters, Boxes and Other was left shaking. C nova, 2-27 Aug, 6.30pm. create a sense of intimacy which Things That Shouldn’t Be tw rating 4/5 | [Stephanie Taylor] emphasises the power balances of Opened C nova, 2 - 27 Aug, 1.30pm. tw rating 5/5 | Alexandra Wilks seduction without being too overt. A Rare Notions Theatre Company Bitesize Chekhov pleasant surprise in the performance Oh dear. I wish I’d read the pretentious points of the protagonist’s life. Sadly, mental illness. I honestly can’t criticise d’Animate was the emotional depth packed into it, highlighting issues of morality programme description before I was this promising device is not used well, this turgid, juvenile mess strongly Brace yourself for an emotional ride, and consequence surrounding the subjected to this tedious, confused as we race through an incoherent plot, enough. the audience of d’Animate’s three short protagonist’s exploits. Despite the plot catastrophe of a show, though I which seems to suggest that women C nova, 2-11 Aug, 2.05pm. Chekhov plays will find themselves seeming slightly hurried at points, this don’t know if being prepared would who suffer a miscarriage will lose tw rating 1/5 | Andrew Leask thrown into the middle of the action. is an extremely entertaining take on have helped. It comprises two short, their minds and stab their husbands, ‘The Proposal’, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Swan the Don Juan legend. wildly different yet equally dire plays. who are lovely and/or abusive (it’s Song’ are brought to life in vibrant The first has five actresses on stage more theatre: C eca, 2-27 Aug (not 14), 6.45pm. not clear). The second is a nasty, physical theatre and powerful acting simultaneously, representing different distastefully unfunny comedy about ThreeWeeks.co.uk/theatre by a small but very talented cast. tw rating 4/5 | [Beth Dawson] >

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Soldiers’ Wives 5/5 Jermyn Street Theatre Understanding Claudel Catherine Shipton takes on the part of five different army wives who are to ‘feminine’ subjects, but Camille living on a military base in England. T H INTERVIEW was interested in bodies, movement, The indescribable strain of waiting for nudity, love. So she was criticised their husbands to return unharmed French-Brazilian actress for being ‘indecent’, while Rodin is fittingly articulated by this decision was exploring the same themes and to cast one woman in all five roles. Gael Le Cornec returns to the suffered no criticism. Shipton shifts seamlessly between the Fringe this year to portray roles of the wives whose personalities the talented yet under valued TW: Do you think men are still taken and backgrounds are clearly artist Camille Claudel, most more seriously in the world of fine art, distinguished through mannerisms famed for her association with or have things completely changed and accents. However. the women fellow artistic type Rodin. With for women? are united by painful truths after the GLC: It has changed for sure. It’s Le Cornec having previously implications of a horrific event on the better now, but I feel there is still frontline. ‘Soldiers’ wives’ explores the won Festival plaudits for her room for improvement and for more supportive and distrusting relationship 2011 show ‘The Last Days Of opportunities to be created for female between women who define Gilda’, as well as much praise artists. themselves by the support they give for her portrayal of another to their husbands. Proceeds from this artist, Frida Kahlo, her self- TW: Looking at your CV, you do lots of production are donated towards help penned ‘Camille Claudel’ is directing as well as acting, as well as the heroes. some writing. How different are the definitely a show to check out Assembly Roxy, 5-27 Aug 12.30pm challenges of each of these jobs? If tw rating 4/5 | [Isobel Rogers] this year. ThreeWeeks spoke to you could do only one of these, which Gael to find out more. would it be? The Ragged Trousered GLC: That’s difficult to answer, because TW: We’ve seen two of your Fringe I enjoy all of them. And in ‘Camille Philanthropists shows now. How many times have Claudel’ I’ve taken all three roles! I’ve Townsend Productions and you performed at the Festival, and had support from the whole artistic Unite Scotland what persuades you back each time? team on the direction – though I think GLC: This is the third time I’ve I’ve learned for the future not to wear The relevance of Edwardian socialism performed at the Fringe. It’s very all three hats on the same show, as it’s to today’s audiences couldn’t be different from everywhere else, just too much! better demonstrated by this warm, because you have no idea what the humorous and sometimes moving experience will be in the end! I suppose two-man performance of Stephen Read the full interview with Gael online I come back because I enjoy the at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012GLC Lowe’s play. Based on the classic Robert challenge. Tressell book, The Ragged Trousered SEE GAEL’S SHOW Philanthropists is likeable whatever TW: Our reviewer very much enjoyed Camille Claudel, Pleasance Courtyard, your personal politics may be. Actors 1 – 27 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), 1.30pm your 2011 show ‘The Last Days Neil Gore and Fine Time Fontayne are Of Gilda’. Is that likely to make a both excellent in all the roles, physically comeback at some point? inhabiting the different characters GLC: Thanks! ‘The Last Days Of Gilda’ fully and switching smoothly between first appeared at the CASA Latin them, all the time bouncing skillfully American Theatre Festival in London around the precarious set. A sing-along and then went to the Colchester and a puppet show keep the audience Festival before coming to Edinburgh. enthralled and the actors move deftly There are no plans for a comeback so between light-hearted banter and far. But who knows…? gloomier scenes. A show with its heart in the right place. TW: Your 2012 show is about the Assembly George Square, 1-27 Aug (not 13), French artist Camille Claudel. In a past 12:00pm. Fringe production you played Frida tw rating 4/5 | [Roz Tuplin] Kahlo. Are you particularly attracted to playing artists? The Madness of King Lear GLC: There is something that attracts CW Productions (Australia) me to artists, especially female artists who were misunderstood and Silence is sexy. Or rather, silence overlooked in history. I’m not sure might have made this play sexier. where it comes from; perhaps some In undoubtedly witty interactions personal need to look at the past as a between the raised spirits of King Lear route to understanding the present. and The Fool, a lot of the story is lost through Lear’s unintelligible manner TW: How did you first find out about of speech, presenting madness as Camille Claudel? mumbling, slurring and turns of the GLC: I watched a film about her when head. Without previous knowledge I was eight years old! The story has of Shakespeare’s play, there is not stayed with me ever since, and now it’s much to gain from this performance finally coming out. as it is wholly based on preceding happenings. What makes it memorable TW: You sense Camille Claudel was is The Fool’s ability to interact with a great artist, but one who was the audience in mimic and gesture, overshadowed by her more famous evoking feelings of lightheartedness, lover. Do you feel angry for her? pity and schadenfreude at his GLC: When I first came across the command. More clowning and dancing story, yes, I felt really angry. That’s and fewer mumbled words would have what motivated me to write the show, done a lot of good. I wanted people to know about her! C venues, 1-27 Aug (not 14), 5.30pm. It was extremely difficult for female tw rating 3/5 | [Veronika Kallus] artists at the time, they had to stick

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 13 T H CABARET For more ThreeWeeks cabaret reviews, interviews and features Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/cabaret

A Message In A Bottle - David C REVIEWS Bottomley’s Tribute to Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs Storytellers’ Club Captain Bottomley And His Log The concept of Storytellers’ Club is To a soundtrack of cawing seagulls, simple. Three nights per week during gently lapping waves and Eric the festival, the affable Australian Coates’s ‘By The Sleepy Lagoon’, David Sarah Bennetto assembles a unique Bottomley steps out onto his desert combination of comedians to regale island and invites his audience to share audience members with diverting in the music that shaped his life. A anecdotes based upon a chosen self-confessed ‘’nice guy’’, Bottomley subject – on this occasion, adventure. is endearingly geeky and enthusiastic, The raconteurs are encouraged to using the premise of the long-running divulge secrets that have rarely, if radio show as a vehicle for his dreamy ever, been revealed on stage, which poetic monologues and animated guarantees ticket buyers a special encounters with characters from his ninety minutes of entertainment. Due childhood. Naturally, it’s a format that to its revolving line-up and refusal to works – ‘Desert Island Discs’ wouldn’t stick to one theme, Storytellers’ Club be one of the longest-running radio cannot be reviewed definitively after shows in history otherwise. As a result, a single viewing. However, if Bennetto though amusing and sometimes remains such a charming host and poignant, ‘Message In A Bottle’ is far selects her guests as judiciously as this Get cast away with The Ruby Dolls from ground-breaking. It is, like its evening, the show will quickly become creator and inspiration, simply nice. by a shark or run out of coconuts at sung by the wonderful Barbara a word-of-mouth success. Sweet Cabaret, 2-26 Aug (not 18, 25), 6.30pm. C A COLUMN any point! Sir Noel has always had a Streisand. This features towards the Pleasance Courtyard, 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 tw rating 3/5 | [Rebecca Low] place in our repertoire, as we are a big end of ‘Rubies In The Attic’ as we Aug, 10.00pm. Close harmony quartet The fan of his quick-fire wit and beautiful dance our socks off and send our tw rating: 3/5 | [Joseph Fleming] Once Upon A Time (In Space) Ruby Dolls this year present melodies. inspiring stories out with a bang. As ‘Rubies In The Attic’, a blend of Our next record would be four women making theatre in a world Doug Segal: How To Read The Mechanisms where young companies can often theatre and cabaret featuring ‘Sympathique’ by French pop band Zany as hell in possible Rocky Horror- Pink Martini. It is fun and camp and feel the struggle quite acutely, this has Minds And Influence People songs from 1902 until today. Just For Laughs Live inspired regalia, The Mechanisms makes us feel sexy. Important when become a bit of an anthem for us. burst on stage in a frenzy of face Here, they explain why they you’re sporting a coconut bra, and If we had to save only one record Segal bounded on to the stage for paint, tap shoes, handguns and… chose some of those songs, in your hair is twice its normal size due from the waves, it would have to be his hour of mind tricks and comic light-up bionic arms. They are space a ‘Desert Island Discs’ style. to the humidity! this last one, as it would cheer us up, quips, with all the enthusiasm of a pirates apparently; their mission to ‘Rubies In The Attic’ is all about and we could dance across the sand floppy eared spaniel, and with all the thrill an unwitting audience with the The Ruby Dolls would make four very family histories and how families to it. slickness that befits a former ad-man. tragic tale of Rose Red and her sister glamorous, yet resourceful castaways shape who we are. Family is very In the tradition of Radio 4, we Randomly selected audience members Snow, the unlikely warriors of New on a desert island. Jen Doll is handy important to The Ruby Dolls and so would be given the complete works came forward to help in mind-reading Constantinople. In an entertaining in the dressmaking department, so for our next record, we’ve chosen of Shakespeare and a Bible. We illusions apparently achieved through blend of spoken word and live music, she would fashion us each a sexy little ‘Look Mummy, No Hands’ by Dillie would also like to take a complete lie-detection, the power of persuasion The Mechanisms reformulate the number from palm leaves, and Susie Keane of Fascinating Aida. It makes anthology of Grimms Fairy Tales, as and statistics. Part of me was wishing stories of many traditional fairytale Doll is rather taken by the idea of us cry, but it encompasses a central we are, above all, storytellers, and we that he would fail, especially when characters, Cinderella and Sleeping seashell fascinators, and would style theme to ‘Rubies In The Attic’: how we could while away the hours bringing picked on to assist, and there’s Beauty turning sci-fi – their space our hair accordingly with sea salt. Jess are shaped by those who came before these to life for each other in our own tantalising belief that, with enough adventures established in a series Doll would be excellent at organising us. It is also about stepping away from creative ways. For our luxury, please thought, one could work these tricks of steam-punk melodies. Talent and a shelter for the night, and T doll those who raised you to live your could we have a large of supply of the out. But, although the penultimate passion abound in this wacky young could use her sizable lungs to call to own life, as we all have to do when lipstick Ruby Woo by Mac? We might illusion left some of us more bemused horde – their lead vocalist/narrator any passing ships. becoming an adult, ready to pass on be castaways, but a Ruby Doll is never than amazed, he succeeds, and the practically reeks of it – and the concept The first record we would take with parts of them and of yourself to the seen without her Ruby Woo. Even if finale involving an audience member has great potential, once nerves us would have to be Noel Coward’s next generation. only to impress the seagulls! performing the most breath-taking are conquered and all-important ‘There Are Bad Times Just Around We would certainly have a lot of illusion grudgingly forced me to my Read more song selections from The Ruby experience acquired. The Corner’. We would rather enjoy time to reflect whilst on our desert feet with the rest of them. Dolls at www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012TRD Whynot? 4-25 August (not 7, 14, 21) 5.30pm the irony of being so far away from island, but we would also have time to Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2-27 (not 13), 7.00pm. civilisation and it’s many woes, amidst SEE THE RUBY DOLLS: tw rating 3/5 | [Christy Brown] dance and sing, which brings us onto tw rating 4/5 | [Lia Sanders] the sun and the sand. But it also lends our final record: ‘Don’t Rain On My Rubies In The Attic, Assembly Roxy, 4-27 an edge to the fact we could be eaten Parade’ from Funny Girl, as famously Aug, 6.30pm.

C A PAGE 14 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE

PHYSICAL For more ThreeWeeks dance and physical theatre reviews, interviews and features Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/physical The Fringe’s “big African party”: You’re all invited

million people around the world, and WR: Always first is the artistic we’re so excited to be making our UK performance, then comes the music debut. and finally the choreography. We usually start planning the show about TW: What have you got planned for nine months before the next tour. Edinburgh this year? Next year, for the first time, we will WR: To show some of our best acts! integrate a storyline into the show, so Our shows are normally over two it will become a bit more like a musical, hours long, but at the Fringe we have a kind of African Cirque Du Soleil, but to fit everything into a shorter slot. So really only a flavour of that style. It will we’ll feature all the highlights including remain a true African original! the aforementioned Lazarus Gitu, the acrobatic cyclist Braka, who defies the TW: You use traditional African laws of nature and gravity on a variety dances – how do you decide of home-made unicycles and bikes, which ones to work, and are they one of which is arguably the smallest recognisable? P H INTERVIEW working bicycle in the world, and WR: It depends on the whole the Icarian Game Act, where Yonas & programme and how the dance fits Tariku from Ethiopia thrill the audience with the other acts. In recent years, with neck-breaking somersaults and we have featured more the east coast, combinations of spins in the air. next year will see more elements from the west coast. TW: Is the music original, or will people recognise the score? How do TW: As you travel the world, do you you decide on what music to use? find yourself influenced by any other Mother Africa promises TW: How did you find the performers by themselves, after word-of-mouth WR: Some our our music is traditional, musical, dance or circus styles or dance, music, acrobatics; who appear in Mother Africa? spread around about the school. some songs are from famous African traditions? the modern, the traditional, WR: Originally, I was talent scouting all writers, and some are self-made. The WR: Of course! When I travel around, around Africa, mostly in the east and colour, noise and humour. TW: How would you describe the music has always fitted and supported I try to see as much as possible and south. I found guys like Lazarus Gitu, Mother Africa show? This well-established troupe the act, in a way that works. all these influences come together in living as a street child in Kenya, and WR: It’s a mix of dance, music my head, which is an African one, so I are bringing their show to not knowing of his great great talent. and acrobatics, both modern and TW: You have choreography, transfer many western things into an the UK for the first time ever. He, like others, came to my circus traditional. The media often call it “a acrobatics and music – when you are African melting pot. The group’s creator and school in Tanzania to practise and big African party!”. It’s very colourful, planning a show, which comes first? learn, and now he is the most flexible and in the best way noisy and funny. SEE MOTHER AFRICA: Mother Africa, director, Winston Ruddle, tells How do the various strands come Assembly Hall, 1-27 Aug (not 13, 20), 2.20pm. ThreeWeeks more. man in the world. Other artists came Mother Africa has been seen by over a together?

many places on the piece’s tour, and have enhanced the piece. CP H REVIEWS this is not intended to be commercial Dancebase, National Centre for Dance, art. It’s slow and abstract, lacks tension, 4-12 Aug (not 6), times vary. although some of the images are tw rating 4/5 | [Beth Dawson] China Red striking and it does reach a climax of Beijing Students Golden Sail sorts. The performance is captioned by Collision Art Troupe two well-chosen “Alice in Wonderland” Lite Fantastic Traditionally, the idea of anything quotes, and for anyone looking to traditional fills me with dread. gain inspiration this kind of dance can This is ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Traditional usually spells out culture be exceptional. But aside from that, reimagined by the cast of ‘Hollyoaks’ about culture: boring but “authentic”. there’s not much here for those with if they had inherited the dancing DNA This is not the case with China Red, less than an academic interest in the from the cast of ‘Glee’. The US teen which brings to Zoo Southside a contemporary. sitcom also appears to have influenced playful ensemble of young Chinese Dancebase - National Centre for Dance, the pop mashup soundtrack: jiving to dancers and musicians. Unusual, 4-12 Aug (not 6), 4.30pm. ‘Rockin’ Robin’ as Kurt Cobain spits high-tempo orchestral pieces open tw rating 2/5 | [Thom May] out ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was truly the show, and the rest is taken up by inspired, but sadly the same cannot dances by a range of 9-16 year olds. be said of the dance. Collision is an Both the musicians and the dancers Fast Portraits appropriate way to describe this are impressive, and they also seem Liz Roche Company uneasy, messy fusion of tango, hip-hop, ballet and Charleston. Their youth and to genuinely love performing. This is ‘Fast portraits’, is a stylish piece of enthusiasm can’t overcome the fact traditional dance by modern Chinese dance. The fluid, elegant and minutely that some of the moves proved to be youth, and the show is full of flashes of detailed choreography complements a bit beyond reach for certain dancers, personality and flair in the midst of all the simple staging: a chair that is though they coped admirably with the synchronicity. This is far from dead incorporated in various ways into tough moves and occasionally reached culture, even without the Lady Gaga the dance, and a screen which shows the sublime. number in the middle. video portraits of the dancers at C, 2-27 August, 2.40pm. Zoo Southside, 4-5 Aug, times vary. various intervals. The dancers tumble tw rating 3/5 | [Joanna Gill] tw rating 4/5 | [Thom May] and weave in and out of each other, appearing to react to each other’s Lost in Details movement, expressing a variety of TW RATINGS relationships in the process. The Aleksandra Borys intricate dance style and muted 1/5 Bad Aleksandra Borys’s dance is eloquent costume pallet and music gave this 2 / 5 Mediocre enough, but once she begins she piece a very sophisticated quality. does not do much to make the work There were also various pieces of 3/5 Good accessible or particularly surprising for speech throughout the dance and it 4/5 Very Good the uninitiated viewer. We might not was a shame that many of these could expect her to: Edinburgh is just one of not be heard clearly since they would 5/5 Brilliant

P H PAGE 16 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE

MUSIC For more ThreeWeeks music reviews, interviews and features Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/music

teapots, doilies and innumerable M U REVIEWS trinkets – I soon notice knitting needles High hats and and glasses of sherry being circulated Robert Burns: A Life In Words too. She introduces family and old harmoniums: It’s And Song chums, including her loveable mentor, to new ones, as charming childhood Jane Bom-Bane A delightfully educating and anecdotes are exchanged. When I fear entertaining experience, Allan Foster my poor sentimental heart is about narrates the life of Robert Burns. to give out, Michelle begins to sing, M U INTERVIEW Tales of lovers, heartaches and in gorgeously rich tones, a collection achievements, Allan speaks as though of Irish folk songs, and I melt into a Burns were an old friend, presenting We love Jane Bom-Bane for a reverie of fan-girl bliss. deeply heart-warming moments. whole number of reasons, but The Royal Oak, 3-4, 6-26 Aug, 6.30pm. Traditional Scottish folk with lyrics not least because, for us, she’s tw rating 5/5 | [Christy Brown] fuelled by Burns’ poetry illustrated one of those people who truly the intimate lecture, and singer, Andy embodies the spirit of Fringe Chung’s tone and intonation supported Stuart McNair Presents (if you are ever in her home the serene atmosphere beautifully. Talk Songs For Peace Wilson Minds town of Brighton, do check out of Burns’ near emigration to Jamaica Over twelve hours have elapsed since and the birth of his nine children this performance and I am still in awe her Bom-Bane’s Café). So we showed that Allan knew the bard’s life of the beauty and magnificence of were thrilled to find out that, like the back of his hand, reinforcing Wilson Minds. An African a cappella after a significant absence, the spirit, which “keeps his memory quintet, Wilson Minds lift the audience she was planning a return to alive”. Featuring tunes like ‘Ae Fond with their high-energy performance Kiss’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’, this was the Festival this year, with a of spiritual music, performed both new show where she will be festival folk at its best, giving an insight in English and Zulu, paired with joined by singer Rosi Lalor. into the life of a local legend. traditional African dance and even Captain’s Bar, 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 Aug, aspects of tap dance. With a genuine We duly hastened to put some 11.00am. tw rating 5/5 | [Hannah Sweetnam] and contagious joy, the five young men questions to her. raise their angelic voices in perfect Step Into My Parlour harmony, praising the world around TW: Welcome back to the Fringe! Michelle Burke And James them. A truly divine experience, set in the beautiful St John’s Episcopal What has persuaded you to return Ross (Piano) Church, religious affiliates and atheists this year? Irish stew for the soul! An hour in alike should not miss Wilson Minds. JB-B: Thank you very much! It’s a the pub with Michelle and friends, A phenomenal show for all ages and mixture of my own yen to return and I leave with cheeks tender from denominations, this not only entertains to the excitement of the Edinburgh perma-smiling, and a spring in my but also inspires. bubble and just focus on playing for step so discernible, I’m practically St John’s Church, 1-4, 18, 23, 25 Aug, 8.00pm, a whole three weeks, and Rosi Lalor’s leap-frogging over the crush of festival also 25 Aug at 10.00pm. persuasive yen to do the Fringe for the crowds. Michelle’s parlour is like your tw rating 5/5 | [Ellie Willis] first time with a friend who’s done it granny’s living room, bedecked with before! TW: For the uninitiated, what can they tanking it up to Finnegan’s Wake to join expect from your show? me in mine. Hurray! JB-B: Three mechanical hats, one harmonium, lots of original songs, TW: The hats are legendary, how do Tom Walker’s pastel paintings you make them, and what will you be accompanying a story-poem, some wearing during the Fringe? fabulous harmonies from Rosi and a JB-B: I’ve managed to make the hats wee surprise or two... lighter over the years, but they seem to have grown bigger, too. They’re TW: Are you bringing the harmonium made out of a polystyrene base, all the way from Brighton? then with all kinds of bits and bobs JB-B: Yes, it’s a very small harmonium I have lying around. There’s often a a customer from Bom-Bane’s spotted motor and some sort of circuit sunk in a junk shop and gave me. It doesn’t into them somewhere. I’m bringing have the bassy umph of my big one, the Big Harmonium Dancefloor Hat, but the audience can actually see my the Einstein Hat, and, of course, the feet pedalling ten to the dozen through Edinburgh Castle Rock Hat. the frame of this one. And I have a song and a hat dedicated to the Big TW: The music strand remains one of Harmonium in case anyone, like me, the hidden secrets of the Fringe (even might be missing it. though it’s there slap bank in the middle of the programme!), have you TW: Have you written songs any tips for other music people we specifically for the new show, or have should check out? you collated songs you’ve written JB-B: Oh yes, there’s the one and only over a period of time? Nick Pynn who’s playing at his usual JB-B: Sometimes I write songs venue with Kate Daisy Grant. You’ll specifically for an event, but this show never have seen or heard the like, or will be a collection of some old and music more inspiring. Then there’s new favourites. Rosi’s show that I mentioned, ‘Flowers For The Living’, plus check out Antonio TW: Tell us about Rosi? Forcione ‘Sketches Of Africa’ and JB-B: Rosi has worked and sung in ‘Magdalena Reising - Blue Cafe Jazz’. Bom-Bane’s Cafe in Brighton on and Read more about Jane in the full interview at off for ages, and over the last couple of www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012JBB years she’s blossomed and bloomed into a brilliant singer, songwriter SEE JANE’S SHOW: and guitarist. She’s doing her own Jane Bom-Bane – Free, Laughing Horse @ solo show in the Laughing Horse Finnegan’s Wake, 2-25 Aug, 4.45pm. Newsroom every afternoon, then LINKS: www.bom-banes.co.uk/jane.html

M U PAGE 18 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE MUSICALS & OPERA For more ThreeWeeks musical and opera reviews, interviews and features Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/musicals

provides the perfect backdrop for a chosen for director Paul Virides’ version M O REVIEWS twist on ‘The Picture Of Dorian Gray’ were cast mainly for their musical and the stories of Sweetie, Juliet and abilities. They all had beautiful, strong 5/5 Bugsy Malone Katherine. Musically, the songs were singing voices and when teamed with fantastic in portraying the scene the live on-stage keyboard playing it Portobello Youth Theatre and depicting the darker side of the managed to give you goose bumps Raucous comedy, boundary-pushing culture where it is cool to be a mess, despite the uncomfortably sweaty theatre and innuendos at every turn but the sometimes booming chorus room. The cast managed to draw an seem to be part and parcel of the unfortunately distracted attention occasional laugh from the audience, modern Edinburgh Fringe. Shows from the main actors. Their random but this hard-to-follow musical failed to by children are often overlooked, interjections punctuated the show do much else. but what a breath of fresh air it is to and provided transitions from scene C eca, 1-27 Aug (not 14), 8.00pm. find something like Portobello Youth to scene, which were hit or miss. Some tw rating 2/5 | [Rachel Campbell] Theatre’s Production of ‘Bugsy Malone’. of the principal actors seemed to The childish energy and innocence was awkwardly struggle with their parts kept alive by this energetic cast and the and were at times outshone by chorus Beulah potential within the group leaves you members, but on the whole did well. The Flanagan Collective excited for their theatrical futures. At C, 3-27 Aug (not 13), 8.50pm. I’ve discovered a beautiful secret. times, vocals showed strength and now tw rating 3/5 | [Claire Hoyda] Somewhere beyond the horizon, and then you couldn’t help but break beyond measured time and space, lies into a smile. If your inner musical lover Songs For A New World Beulah, a land between our first wink isn’t toe-tapping by the conclusion then of sleep at night, and our last in the please examine your sense of humour Straight Line Theatre morning. For one marvellous hour, and lighten up...or else these giggling An inspiring tale with an uninspiring Beulah was mine (okay, and several gangsters will ensure you get splurged. cast, ‘Songs For A New World’ is a other people’s) and I was flying, with C too, 2-11 Aug, 11.45am. moving musical looking at the life boy princes, girl queens, lions… did tw rating 3/5 | [Ciara Knowles] events and decisions that shape and I mention this is a two-man show? Street Cries break us, from leaving a lover to Floating from one delicious moment Between The Lines Theatre Facehunters rekindling an old flame. Portraying to the next on a folk-music breeze, New and inspiring musical ‘Street Cries’ captures the cries of those living within 20 different stories through only four The Hungry Bitches players Ed and Jim tripped from harp a city. Written and composed by award-winning Mitch Féral, this didactic piece actors is a hard task for any theatrical to banjo, greeting them like old friends, is loosely inspired by Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milk Wood’. The show is narrated The drug infested scene of East London production, but it appears that the four serenading each with otherworldly and performed by writer Féral accompanied by Kelly Craig, both delivering harmonies, as characters fashioned emotional performances which will strike a chord with most members of the from folds of silk danced ethereally audience. This show will have you in a flood of emotions, one moment you’ll be 1/5 Bad in the air. For one hour Beulah was laughing at the realism of city life, and the next you’ll be teary-eyed; perhaps 2 / 5 Mediocre mine; reality seemed the dream as the remembering your late grandfather who was also a war hero. ‘Street Cries’ will 3/5 Good houselights went up. leave you wanting more and tapping your feet along to the addictive sound of C nova, 2-27 Aug (not 13), 5.15pm. ‘Moveable Feast’. 4/5 Very Good tw rating 5/5 | [Christy Brown] C, 1-27 Aug, 8.25pm. tw rating 5/5 | [Emma Obank] 5/5 Brilliant

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 19 M O CHILDREN’S SHOWS For ThreeWeeks’ coverage of children’s shows and events at the Festival Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/childrens Small stuff at the Fringe

of which Andy is, needless to say, the Daughter’ at Underbelly Bristo Square, manage to also C S FEATURE star. It would be easy, I think, for these and was extremely taken by the little see this Fringe. two to rest on their laurels, having girl puppet as she flew through a Cecily’s 2012 ThreeWeeks Co-Editor Caro celebrity on their side, and having storm. It’s a story inspired by ‘The winner so far, Moses and our youngest critic produced a critically well received Tempest’, though no knowledge of though, is ‘The Cecily on shows you might show in Edinburgh last August; but that play is required (good thing, really, Elves And The they don’t. They work very, very hard. given the target market), and features Shoemaker’. She want to see. The children are spellbound from the an endearing puppet Caliban playing fell hook line start, not just by the famous Andy opposite Miranda’s daughter, played and sinker for It’s only since becoming a parent that (Cecily was surprised to discover that by a human being. The two storytellers this show and its I’ve realised that there are a lot of he is three dimensional), but by his co- perform beautifully in this, and its storyteller, for bad children’s shows out there. But star Mike, and the intelligently devised tranquillity is a huge contrast to the the colourful set, also a lot of good ones. And when content of the show. frenetic action of something like ‘Tick the tiny shoes, they are good, it’s as entertaining If you asked me to choose a Tock Time Machine’. I definitely think the funny and for a grown-up as it is for a child. So, favourite from the oeuvre of children’s there’s room for both of those styles in sometimes mildly when my daughter Cecily (just turned writer Julia Donaldson, I would a programme aimed at children. scary puppets five) declared that she wanted to unhesitatingly choose ‘The Snail And When it comes to very young and, most of all, write some reviews of Festival shows The Whale’, so it was hard to resist the children, though, it can be hard to get for Cornelius The this year, I was only too happy to opportunity to go and see the stage them to sit still and concentrate. Many Mouse, especially accompany her to what I hoped would show of it, especially when presented of the toddlers attending the above when he wanted be some of the better ones. by a group as well-reputed as Tall shows struggled to remain engaged, to marry the Generally, we got very lucky. Some Stories. They do amazingly well to and whilst I thought all three were cheese (Cecily kind people let us go and see some stage this set-at-sea tale in a traditional great for a 4+ demographic, I wouldn’t is a big fan of their preview shows over the last few theatrical space, though the story itself necessarily recommend taking cheese herself). days, and they were all pretty good. forms something of a departure from anyone much younger than that. Good “My favourite First on the list of must-book shows what happens in the book. No matter news for toddler-wranglers, though: part” she wrote was ‘Andy and Mike’s… Tick Tock Time though; if you know the book, or if you Spotlites have brought back their in her notebook, Machine’, mainly because Cecily, don’t, this show will be a pleasure. We productions of ‘The Magic Porridge “was when a little despite my best efforts to not let her loved the way the whale was formed, Pot’ and ‘The Enormous Turnip’, which funny looking man Merlin’s Dragon, Spotlites @ The Merchant’s live a life glued to the box, has become and the use of music throughout. are specifically aimed at 2-5 year was dancing on the granddad’s head”. Hall, 1-19 Aug, 1.30pm. reasonably well acquainted with Cecily wrote in her diary “I loved it. It olds, and in which the little ones are I must confess, I laughed out loud at Cbeebies and is something of a fan Peter Pan on Dinosaur Island, Spotlites @ The was cool”. encouraged to take part in the action, that moment myself. Merchant’s Hall, 1-19 Aug, 10.45am. of its show ‘Andy’s Wild Adventures’, Cecily also enjoyed ‘The Magician’s and no-one gets cross if they wander around a bit or do the Magic Porridge Pot, Spotlites @ The Merchant’s Hall, 1-19 Aug (odd dates only), wrong thing. Spotlites SEE THE SHOWS: 4.10pm. also have interactive Andy and Mike’s… Tick Tock Time Machine, The Enormous Turnip, Spotlites @ The productions for Pleasance Courtyard, 1-19 Aug, 11.00am. older (5-12) children, Merchant’s Hall, 1-18 Aug (even dates only), ‘Merlin’s Dragon’ The Snail and The Whale, Pleasance 4.10pm. Courtyard, 1-26 Aug (not 15), 3.00pm. and ‘Peter Pan On The Elves and The Shoemaker, Scottish Dinosaur Island’, The Magician’s Daughter, Underbelly Bristo Storytelling Centre, 1-26 Aug, 1.00pm. which I hope we Square, 1-27 Aug (not 15), 1.15pm.

Fair, Brown And Monsters Got Talent C S REVIEWS Trembling Toby Mitchell Theatre Alba of Scotland Joshua Seigal: We All Hosted by likeable puppeteer Toby Mitchell, ‘Monsters Got Love Llamas! Worth it for the short trip out to the beautiful setting of Talent’ mixes Sesame Street- Joshua Seigal Duddingston Kirk Gardens. If style puppetry with X Factor- Tucked away next to the food audience participation isn’t esque competition, following court, Josh Seigal gives an your thing, then give this a miss; a variety of creatures as they accessible introduction to poetry otherwise, follow the storyteller audition for MGT. The best make in ‘We All Love Llamas!’, as part as he takes you around the it through to the final, while of the Free Fringe. Seigal is a scenes of the wonderful Irish the rest are literally thrown in capable, confident performer - fairy tale that will be familiar the bin. Like one of the cooler leaping and bounding around from the story of Cinderella. CBBC presenters, Mitchell has so that he’s interesting to watch, With short-sighted princes, the right balance of charm and as well as listen to. His poetry daring sword fights, musical enthusiasm - throwing in some is all fairly similar: fun, bouncy accompaniment, true love frankly under-appreciated topical pieces about school, pirates and and a spell-casting whale, this references for the parents, but mangoes that wouldn’t seem interactive story speaks straight never patronising the kids. too out of place in a modern to the audience. The big kids Several monsters’ talents were children’s anthology. The will appreciate some of the finer somewhat lacklustre, and more audience are encouraged to join humour, and the littler ones will of the auditionees would have in with certain pieces, but the get captured by the story and gone in the bin if Mitchell had poet seemed slightly dismissive expressive eyes of the excellent listened to popular opinion, during direct audience narrator. With teas, coffees, but the debate often helped to interaction, asking questions but juices and biscuits all available, engage the younger audience not really waiting for an answer. everyone leaves with their own members. Good fun. It’s a likeable show with a worthy happy ending. Pleasance Courtyard, 1-26 Aug (not 20, cause, though there is quite a Duddingston Kirk Gardens, 30 Jul-11 21, 22, 23, 24), 1.00pm. lack of actual llama material. Aug (not 5), 11.00am, also 5 and 12 tw rating 3/5 | [Holly Close] Princes Mall, 4-25 Aug (Not 6, 13, 20), Aug, 2.30pm. tw rating 4/5 2.15pm. tw rating 3/5 | [Holly Close] [Charlotte Mortimer-Talman]

C S PAGE 20 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE PHOTO PAGE Look out for more photos from the Festival Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/photopage

From top left clockwise:

‘Killing Time’ at Bedlam Photo Charlotte Mortimer-Talman

Dr Bunhead at Assembly George Square Photo Paul Collins

Mark Thomas in ‘Bravo Figaro!’ at the Traverse Photo Paul Collins

‘The Girl With No Heart’ at Bedlam Theatre Photo Charlotte Mortimer-Talman

‘Call Me’ at Sweet Grassmarket Photo Ting Guo

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 21 P H ART, WORDS & EVENTS For ThreeWeeks’ coverage of spoken word, talks and other events Check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/events

A Fringe love affair: Carol Tambor tells all Credits & Info

Of Performing Arts Presenters] if I could assist in fund-raising. Editors: Chris Cooke and Caro Moses when over 3500 producers We came up with the idea of the Picture Editor: Kat Gollock descend on New York looking for exhibit, a private view and party Admin Manager: Nick Parry work to present themselves, so it’s for donors. It is a thrill to see both an amazing opportunity for any sides of my life come together in Advertising Manager: Sam Taylor company to be seen. Edinburgh. So please come and Podcast & Web Manager: Josh Richards donate for this very good cause. Design: Chris Cooke, James Abbott TW: What motivated you to set up Bedlam is completely student the Award? run, and an enormous asset to CT: About ten years ago, I brought Edinburgh. Admin Team: Alexandra Kavanagh, Christy Brown, my husband Kent Lawson to Catherine Bryer, Khristine Gallagher, Grace Hardy, Edinburgh for his first Festival. TW: The art works in the Lauren Houghton, Sarah Macartney, Joe Mountford- I realised that so many of the exhibition depict actors, Smith, Olivia Sleet, Alexandra Wilks. plays I had seen and loved at the playwrights, directors and critics Fringe had no further life, and he from the Fringe. How did you Photography Team: Paul Collins, Ting Guo, Ana- encouraged me to change that. I decide who to paint? Claudia Magaña, Charlotte Mortimer-Talman then thought New York deserved CT: Many of the subjects are to see a bit of the magic that drew prize winners: actors under the Podcast Team: Holly Close, Ian R Close, Eve Lacey, me to Edinburgh every year, and lights, writers, directors. Others Thom May, Sarah Richardson, Isobel Rogers, I worked out I could afford to are friends whom I’ve met during Samantha Sacco, Stephanie Taylor, bring one show there each year. my years here. Some are actually Since the Fringe Society saw this writers and performers from the Chief Books Correspondent: Tracey S Rosenberg as a perfect award for drama, US, but it took the Festival to bring Book correspondents: Pallavi Patel, Charlotte Ryan, in contrast to the well known us together! Lia Sanders, then-Perrier Award for comedy TW: You’re well known here at [the Edinburgh Comedy Award], TW: Finally, what advice would Special Correspondent: Nick Jones A E INTERVIEW the Edinburgh Fringe, not least I was encouraged in my idea. you have for theatre companies Art correspondents: Rebecca Low, Roz Tuplin because of the award that bears The Scotsman newspaper also embarking on their first Fringe provided access to their writers journey? Carol Tambor has been your name. For the uninitiated tell Review Team: Lucinda Al-Zoghbi, Rachel Aroesti, as additional judges– and so it all CT: If at all feasible, come to the coming to the Festival for a us more about the Carol Tambor Joanna Barrow, Andrew Bell, Adam Bloodworth, happened! Festival prior to presenting. Try to very long time. She is also Award, and what the winners Christy Brown, Rachel Campbell, Miranda Cannibal, receive. figure out where best your work the originator, as you might L Clarkson, Holly Close, Katherine Cunningham, Beth CT: The winner of the Award TW: This year you are also fits, and how the Festival works. Dawson, Mara Docherty, India Doyle, Dave Fargnoli, likely expect, of the Carol receives a fully paid four-week bringing an exhibition of oil Attend many of the talks given by Tambor Award, a theatre run in The Clurman, a beautiful paintings to the Fringe, proceeds the Fringe Society about bringing Joseph Fleming, Susan Ford, Ella Fryer-Smith, prize awarded every year off Broadway house on 42nd from which will go towards the work here. Then, make it a work Khristine Gallagher, Joanna Gill, Ting Guo, Grace at the Fringe. An oil-painter Street. My foundation picks up renovation of the Edinburgh of true passion. Don’t try to figure Hardy, Lauren Houghton, Claire Hoyda, Nicholas University owned and student run out what the audience will like, just by trade, this August she is all expenses - hotels, visas, air Jones, Veronika Kallus, Ciara Knowles, Eloise Kohler, transportation, theatre rental, Bedlam Theatre (somewhere the do what your talent insists is good, Eve Lacey, Andrew Leask, Rebecca Low, Olivia Lyth, also bringing an exhibition ThreeWeeks editors spent a lot of and then polish it till it shines. Even shipping of props, even a per diem Sarah Macartney, Ana-Claudia Magaña, Iain Martin, time in the early nineties!). How if the show goes no further, you with her, of portraits of allowance for meals - and the Thom May, Anna McDonald, Jessamine McHugh, did this come about? can be proud of your best effort Fringe practitioners. It’s winners get the box office takings Nathaniel Meyers, Charlotte Mortimer-Talman, Joe too. We rent the theatre for four CT: The exhibition of oil portraits and you’ll have learned for the next in aid of Fringe venue Mountford-Smith, David O’Connor, Emma Obank, weeks so that the company can at the Edinburgh College of Art is piece you do. and year round home of an outgrowth of my desire to raise Pallavi Patel, Alexandra Payne, Bethanie Pochin, remain after the reviews come in Read more in the full interview online at the Edinburgh University Emily Pulsford, Sarah Richardson, Conor Riordan, and word of mouth has increased money for the Bedlam Theatre. www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/2012CT Theatre Company, the demand for tickets, and also In 2008, I gave the Award to Ella Isobel Rogers, Christopher Rumbles, Charlotte Ryan, the Bedlam Theatre. guarantee that they go home with Hickson’s ‘Eight’ which was on at SEE CAROL’S EXHIBITION: Lia Sanders, Lauren Simpson, Olivia Sleet, Hannah Faces Of The Fringe Exhibition, at least $10,000 from the box the theatre. After, I heard some Sweetnam, Colette M Talbot, Alice Taylor, Stephanie ThreeWeeks caught up Edinburgh College Of Art, 6-25 Aug, office receipts. We also present the talk of the Bedlam possibly closing Taylor, Simon Thornton, Joseph Trotter, Roz Tuplin, with Carol to find out more because of its state of disrepair. 9.00am onwards. winner’s show during the APAP’s James Valentine, Lewis Wade, Kirsten Waller, about her award, her art, I asked Professor Sir Timothy www.caroltambor.com NYC event [an annual forum LINKS: Alexandra Wilks, Ellie Willis, Paige Wilson, Patricia- and her love of the Festival. O’Shea, Principal of the University, www.bestofedinburgh.org organised by the US Association Ann Young.

Founders: attention for the duration of the her passion is evident, however – are designed in every way to Chris Cooke, Geraint Preston, Alex Thomson A E REVIEWS show, and despite its high-shine some of the references are rather be spoken aloud, from rhythmic polish, a lot of raucous fun is had obscure and those who lack rhyming to facial expressions Publishers: Chris Cooke and Caro Moses Grant’s True Tales by all. Brit-pop knowledge could be left and dramatic gestures. This is Presents The Liar Show Riddle’s Court, 4-14 Aug, 8.00pm. feeling left out. The delivery of storytelling as it is meant to be; Concept and content © UnLimited Publishing 2012. this piece is nevertheless very with heroes (and equally heroines, This is less of a show, and more tw rating 4/5 | [Olivia Sleet] Published by ThreeWeeks Publishing, a division of emotive, and in such a imitate Ayrton insists), dragons, romance of a full scale event. From the free venue it almost feels that you are and morals-of-the-story aplenty, UnLimited Media, Floor 2 Unicorn House, 221-222 whiskey cocktails upon entry to Love In The Key Of Brit confided in; be warned, there are the show provides an hour’s Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6PJ. 0131 516 8842 the luxe lounge complete with Pop Emily Anderson some potentially uncomfortable welcome relief from the harsh faux-Tiffany lamps, this is a truly ‘Love in the Key of Britpop’ is moments when the tale takes a realities of adulthood. Ayrton Editorial: [email protected] slick production. We are presented a slightly ironic title for this deeper turn. herself is a competent speaker – with four storytellers, who Advertising: [email protected] bittersweet set of performance with a marvellous memory – and spend around ten minutes each Fingers Piano Bar, 4-25 Aug, 3.10pm News desk: [email protected] poetry by Emily Anderson. Her more witty than her act suggests. describing a story about their lives; tw rating 3/5 | [Beth Dawson] exposition of a dysfunctional There are a few gaps here; the occasionally funny, sometimes Printed by Mortons Print Limited relationship is spattered with songs in particular break the moving, but not always true. It is Distribution by Door To Door Delivery musical references and comical Lucy Ayrton: Lullabies To soporific spell unnecessarily, but our task, as the scotch-sipping comparisons between life in Make Your Children Cry the atmosphere created by Lucy audience, to work out who is lying. Melbourne and London, and (and indeed her theatrical venue), ThreeWeeks is a member of the Festival Media From perfectly sound-cued music Tea Fulled England and Australia to a lesser is worth experiencing. Network www.festivalmedianetwork.com to flash VTs, this is a systematic Lucy Ayrton definitely has a gift extent. Anderson’s genre specific enterprise of entertainment. for storytelling. And the tales she The Banshee Labyrinth, 4 – 14 Aug, knowledge is as impressive as For more information about ThreeWeeks and the Nevertheless, it certainly holds our crafts – in lilting, lyrical, prose 6.20pm. tw rating 4/5 | [Olivia Sleet] ThreeWeeks media-skills programme check out www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/aboutthreeweeks

A E PAGE 22 | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | WEEK ONE CLASSIFIEDS Advertise your shows in the ThreeWeeks classifieds section Go to www.threeweeks.co.uk/classifiedbookings for details SHOWS GUIDE THEATRE THEATRE MUSIC ALL ABOUT DICKENS Celebrate Charles Dickens’ ALL TURN! - FREE Birmingham bred Actor A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE & IRA GERSHWIN Nice 200th birthday with our costumed dramatised Emily Summers brings her Grandfather and Work If You Can Get It. Join Pam Lawson and reading, highlighting his extraordinary life and his memories to life in an original One Woman her band for an evening of timeless songs from sampling his prodigious output. Guests include Show. Wit,warmth and remarkable optimism: Mr George and Ira Gershwin. Supported by Tom Mr Pickwick, Estella, Mrs Gamp, Fagin, Miss Albert North,born 1926, Oldham. ‘The Stardust of Finlay on piano, Ed Kelly on double bass, Phil Havisham, Mr Podsnap and Scrooge. Yesterday’ O’Malley on trombone and Jordie Gilmour on Mayfield Salisbury Church fpp254 Laughing Horse @ Free Sisters fpp255 drums. ‘S Wonderful. The Outhouse fpp212

MUSIC THEATRE COMEDY COLOURS OF TANGO Travel back to the Buenos DRACULA SEX SUCKING & STARDOM Last EAT A QUEER FETUS 4 JESUS - FREE Some Aires of a century ago! Experience the passion of Chance Saloon stage an irresistible revamp of people are born again...Richard Coughlan was tango, its music and dance, with Oscar Ovejero Stoker’s classic with liberal interpretations of pop miscarried TWICE! “Lord of Filth 5 STARS” 3 and an international group of artistes honoured songs, outrageous humour & a Lloyd Webber Weeks “The man is a killer” Reg D Hunter 1 of by the Argentinian National Academy of Tango. loving Count. ‘Positively drips in knowing Stewart Lee’s EDINBLUR tips 21:45pm - 22:45pm www.facebook.com/coloursoftango humour’ (WhatsOnStage.com) 6th-27th Aug 2-26 August The Counting House (Lounge) 38 The Royal Scots Club fpp209 8.40pm Paradise In The Vault fpp273 West Nicolson Street fpp72

THEATRE MUSIC MUSIC HOUSE OF SHADOWS is a new interpretation of JANE BOM-BANE - FREE Jane returns to JOHN MCNAMARA SOUL & BLUES SINGER Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “The Shadow.” Edinburgh with original songs and poems to the Australian Soul singer – Taking cues from soul The Man, a storyteller, longs to join the accompaniment of harmonium & a mechanical greats such as Otis Redding & Sam cooke mixed mysterious Cult of Beauty, but when his Shadow hat or two, joined on harmony by honey-voiced with fiery blues & slick guitar playing. breaks free it sparks a rivalry that threatens to Rosi Lalor. “Utterly refreshing - unlike anything Daily intimate Acoustic shows at noon. Don’t destroy them both. I’ve ever seen or heard before!”DaveGorman. miss this powerful & emotive voice Live! theSpace @ Surgeons Hall fpp285 Laughing Horse @ Finnegan’s Wake fpp215 www.johnmcnamarablues.com fpp215

COMEDY THEATRE THEATRE MEN OF CHARACTER - FREE The Confused MR CARMEN 2-27 Aug. Cult vangard group from THE HARMONETTES GO INTO ORBIT This fun Moose bring their pan-American accents and St.-Petersburg ENGINEERING THEATRE AKHE is comedy musical, full of fantastic, live, close- broken dreams from Chicago to Edinburgh with back to Fringe with powerful new version of their harmony1950’s songs, plunges you into the their new two-man solo-sketch show. It’s free famous show “Mr.Carmen”. “The extraordinary post-war, end-of-rationing world of winkle- and it’s in a bar. So... it’s got that going for it. 112 becomes believable” LA REPUBBLICA picker shoes and bootlace ties;bobby socks and Hanover St. Daily @ 15:05 theconfusedmoose. Tickets: 01316233047, assemblyfestival.com sticky-out skirts;beautiful ballads, and rock n’ roll. com Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde fpp125 Assembly Roxy fpp302 Gryphon Venues at the Point Hotel fpp283

MUSIC THEATRE THEATRE OUT OF ABINGDON From Brisbane, Australia, PHOTOGRAPHING THE DEAD A city in ruins. A YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING Out of Abingdon travel 10,000 miles to make man in mourning. A woman, waiting for a train. ABOUT A joyous theatrical experience about their much anticipated return to Edinburgh. A haunting and evocative journey through those days when if anything can go wrong it will ‘soft vocals, laid-back bass and cool grooves’ memory, set in a world recovering from tragedy. and inevitably at the worst possible moment. D. Fargnoli - ED2011 August 10th-19th at The This is a poetic storytelling, a reminder of what it Funny. Poignant. Visually stunning. ‘Highlights JazzBar’ booking details on www.edfringe.com, is to hope, to care and to be truly alive. the frustations of modern life wonderfully’ (View The Jazz Bar fpp224 Paradise In The Vault fpp308 From The Gods) Underbelly Cowgate fpp337

COMEDY COMEDY THEATRE THE INTIMATE STRANGERS Silly and surreal PHIL MANN’S FULL MIND Phil Mann honed his Captain Ferguson’s School for sketch comedy. Featuring Anne Frank, a tiger ability as an instant expert. Attend - get answers. Balloon Warfare Enlist with the Captain! and a musical that’s definitely not about ‘A brilliantly comedic creation’ (Scotsman) Inspired by true events surrounding WWI, this Scientology. There will be dancing. 3.15pm (1hr) ‘Delight & scruffy charm’ (ThreeWeeks) solo performance chronicles the dauntless **** ‘Stark comic quality’ (RemoteGoat) **** ‘You ‘Untamed mischief, rampantly chaotic’ (Culture patriotism and misguided genius of US Army simply have to see it’ (OffScript) Wars) ‘Hilarious - quite endearing’ (The Stage) Capt. Thomas Ferguson. Funny, heartwarming: Just The Tonic at The Caves fpp98 Laughing Horse @ The Counting House “at once triumphant and tragic” New York Post. Assembly Roxy STAND OUT FROM THE CROWDS Promote your shows with great ad packages from ThreeWeeks www.ThreeWeeks.co.uk/advertising | 0131 516 8842

WEEK ONE | WWW.THREEWEEKS.CO.UK | PAGE 23 C L