Textual Healing PR Edinburgh Fringe 2014
Joe Bor
A Room With A Jew
Jasper Cromwell Jones: This Is Not A Holiday
Madeline Carrick
Maddy's Carrickters
The World's Worst Birthday Party (Children’s show)
Anna Emerson
An Evening with Patti DuPont
Dave Griffiths
C U In Court
Rebecca Humphries
Dizney Rascal
Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones is The Herbert
Jody Kamali
One Man Variety Show
Lizzy Mace
Overlooked
The Cleek (sketch/improv)
Inder Manocha
White Man's Burden
Russell Mulligan
Democracy Is Broken (And What You Can Do About That)
Paula Valluerca
Madame Señorita
Wild Card Kitty
The Showgirl Show
BattleActs
Improv troupe
Please find all press releases attached as Word documents or download from www.textualhealing.co.uk Julian Hall, Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] @TextualHealing2
Joe Bor: A Room with a Jew
Laughing Horse @The Free Sisters – The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 – August 24 @19:30
“Joe Bor is a must see.” Alan Carr
Once described by a critic as “chatty and confident”, Joe Bor feels that two adjectives are just not enough define his life. But what does define him? Being Graham Norton’s warm-up man is a nice description for him, but that’s still not enough to tell the whole story…
Joe’s recent victory at a competition for Jewish comedians has him further pondering his identity. The neurosis and anxiety he feels after his win might suggest his Jewish credentials are in full working order (and hey, they are handy for his profession), but is he a phoney Jew?
Joe starts to look at his life with his Jewish background in mind. He’s got the T-shirt (he’s circumcised) but he is partial to pigs-in-blankets. So it’s 1-1 on the pork score then. He was forced to sing Jewish songs by his mother, but he’s chosen Christmas over Hanukkah because the presents are better. He knows his way around a synagogue, at least enough not to bump into anything, but is more likely to be playing football on the Sabbath than observing his faith.
What’s a ‘Jew’ to do?
“Very funny, memorably charismatic.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
Joe Bor is the warm up for The Graham Norton Show and Mock the Week. His comedy career has seen him crowned with numerous accolades including the winner of Jewish Comedian of the Year, but also Best Value Show at Leicester Comedy Festival, and he was a finalist for Comedian of the Year. Playing the prestige comedy clubs and festivals as a stand-up, Joe has also performed as part of two sketch groups and, in 2011, he wrote and directed his first play, Who Killed the Counsellor? In 2014, to great acclaim, he presented Jasper Cromwell Jones, his first character creation, at the Edinburgh Fringe. Joe will be bringing him back this year in Jasper Cromwell Jones: This Is Not A Holiday. Joe was named in The Daily Telegraph’s top people to follow on Twitter and in The Scotsman’s 21 Funniest Fringe Jokes.
Other quotes about Joe:
“Great at comedy, dodgy with women.” Jack Whitehall
“For people who like their comedy funny.” Matt Lucas
“Natural comic ability.” Steve Bennett, Chortle
“Warm, funny and very, very charming.” Broadway Baby, ****, 2011
“He undoubtedly draws some of the biggest crowds at the Fringe.” Three Weeks, ****, 2011
Full listing:
Title: Joe Bor – A Room With A Jew Festival: Free Festival – www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: The Free Sisters, 139 Cowgate Edinburgh, EH1 1JS Tel: 0131 622 6801 Dates: July 31 – August 24 Time: 19:30 Age: 16+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/olwzuab
Website and social media: www.joebor.com / @josephbor
Joe Bor presents… Jasper Cromwell Jones: This Is Not A Holiday
Edinburgh Fringe 2014, Just The Tonic at The Caves July 31 – August 24 @ 14:00
“The high gag rate puts many other character comics to shame.” Guardian
This Is Not A Holiday marks the eagerly awaited return of last year’s hit character – hapless, upper crust adventurer Jasper Cromwell Jones.
Last year we experienced the highs and lows of Joe Bor’s buffoonish creation as he recounted his epic mountaineering quest to an audience who were suspended in disbelief…that such a doofus could ever be allowed to do something that dangerous.
The consequences were, inevitably, disastrous. But that won’t stop the well- bred bravura of this chap taking hold of him again. When Jasper learns that daddy is in the Outback, off he pops to Australia. However, his mission becomes more about survival than retrieval, and he’s not helped by his laddish cousin Jimmy (Keiren Chambers) and his obsessive fan Gemma (Samantha Baines). Luckily Bear Grylls proves to be much more helpful.
“For people who like their comedy funny.” Matt Lucas
Last year Joe Bor Jasper Cromwell Jones was garlanded with 4 and 5 star reviews and optioned by TV company Yalli (Shed Media). Jasper’s caper this year is directed by comedian Matt Green (mattjgreen.webs.com) and promises to reach even more heights.
Joe Bor is the warm up for The Graham Norton Show and Mock the Week. His comedy career has seen him crowned with numerous accolades including the winner of Jewish Comedian of the Year, but also Best Value Show at Leicester Comedy Festival, and he was a finalist for Comedian of the Year. Playing the prestige comedy clubs and festivals as a stand-up, Joe has also performed as part of two sketch groups and, in 2011, he wrote and directed his first play, Who Killed the Counsellor? Joe was named in The Daily Telegraph’s top people to follow on Twitter and in The Scotsman’s 21 Funniest Fringe Jokes. You can also see Joe in his stand up hour A Room With A Jew at the Free Festival.
“Joe Bor is a must see.” Alan Carr
“Natural comic ability.” Steve Bennett, Chortle
“Warm, funny and very, very charming.” Broadway Baby, ****, 2011
“Highly polished performance.” **** Three Weeks
Full listing:
Title: Jasper Cromwell Jones: This Is Not A Holiday Venue: Just The Tonic at The Caves, Rowan Tree Bar, EH1 1LG Tel: 0131 556 5375 Dates: July 31 – August 24 (not 12 or 22) Time: 14:00 Age: 14+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/ok5w46n
Web and Social Media: www.joebor.com / @josephbor
Maddy Carrick in MADDY'S CARRICKTERS Directed by Marek Larwood
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House - The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 – Aug 25 @ 15:40
“Even better than Green Wing…a life-affirming and buoyant experience” Three Weeks
Maddy’s Carricketers is a brand new character comedy show – and Fringe solo debut - from sketch comedian (KWAT) and improviser Maddy Carrick.
“Comically raucous … cannot help but bring laughter out of the most sullen of audiences… Fused Magazine
Among Maddy’s Carrickters are Kathy Valentine, Katie in the Kitchen, DJ Bess and even a version of Maddy herself - four dark, unhinged creations who are their very own axis of evil, each one taking themselves far too seriously to do what they really need to do – get a life.
Kathy Valentine is a fading eighties rock star who has a very real vendetta against Belinda Carlisle. Think the wonderfully dark Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard) meets Blanche Dubois (A Streetcar Named Desire) mixed in with pop music divadom, and you would be halfway there.
Then there's Katie in the Kitchen, she's a ‘flogger’ - a super-cute foodie and blogger rolled into one. She loves all things vintage, cupcakes, Disney princesses…and high levels of Prozac.
DJ Bess is Somerset's very own shock-jock and old school punk who, in her role as Agony Aunt, dolls out some very bad advice to her listeners and to animals alike.
Finally, there is drama teacher Maddy who is fund-raising for a trip to Malawi. She really wants to teach the little children out there some very important drama games; she can cure AIDS, she really can...
“Brings joy and darkness to the most sketch-weary soul... absurd and sometimes disturbing material laced together with plenty of laughs, dark and delightful, the mundane made sinister.” LondonIsFunny.com
Once the face of Morrison's baked apple pies with Helen Baxendale, Maddy Carrick trained at Drama Centre, London and Royal Holloway, University of London. She has also spent time at both New York University and studied comedic farce at the Vakhtagnov Theatre School in Moscow. Maddy was part of the successful sketch group KWAT (Just the Tonic 2012, Underbelly 2011) and prior to that was the leading performer in the 52 Show. She also performs with the improvisation troupe The Pioneers.
Maddy is also performing her own solo children's comedy show, The World's Worst Birthday Party, again at the Free Festival (The Yurt Locker, Three Sisters, July 31 – Aug 25).
Full Listing:
Title: Maddy's Carrickters Festival: Free Festival - www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Loft at The Counting House, 38 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DD Tel: 0131 667 7533 Dates: July 31 - August 25 (not 18) Time: 15:40 [PLEASE NOTE REVISED TIME] Duration: 50 minutes Age: 14+ Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/pl67pwu
Maddy’s media & contacts: www.maddycarrick.com / @madelinecarrick
Dreamcatcher presents...
Maddy Carrick in... THE WORLD'S WORST BIRTHDAY PARTY
Laughing Horse @ Three Sisters - The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 ‒ August 25 @ 12:45
“A life-affirming and buoyant experience." Three Weeks
Critically acclaimed sketch comedian (with KWAT), improviser and children’s entertainer (with Dreamcatcher Parties), Maddy Carrick brings her first solo comedy children’s show to the Edinburgh Festival.
This riotous show, featuring an array of hilarious and memorable characters, will please and delight Fringe-goers of all ages.
The hapless Marvellous Maddy is having her worst day ever. It’s her birthday and nothing is going to plan. Snotty Polly Poppins has told the world’s worst lie at school: that the actual, real-life, One Direction are going to make an appearance at Marvellous Maddy’s birthday party at the weekend. What the heebee jeebees?!? How is Marvellous Maddy going to invite Harry Styles over to share a bag of hula-hoops with her and her mates in just 5 days?
Join Maddy as she tries to solve the world’s worst-ever problem, and, along the way, meet her sick, pranking bro Dangerous Dom, DJ Fresh Fruit and Veg (the cringe DJ who puts the play in your five-a-day), and bonkers Aunty, Psychic Janey.
“Material laced together with plenty of laughs. Pitch perfect.” London Is Funny
Maddy trained at Drama Centre London and Royal Holloway, University of London. She has also spent time at both New York University and studied comedic farce at the Vakhtagnov Theatre School in Moscow, Russia. Maddy is part of the highly successful sketch trio KWAT and is the founder of the wonderful children's entertainment company Dreamcatcher Parties. Maddy is also performing her solo character show, Maddy’s Carrickters at the Free Festival venue Loft at The Counting House, July 31 – August 25.
What other nice things the press have said about Maddy Carrick:
For Dreamcatcher:
“It was brilliant. I'd give them five stars!” Sunday Times
For KWAT:
“Comically raucous...cannot help but bring laughter out if the most sullen of audiences...” Fused Magazine
Full Listing:
Title: The World's Worst Birthday Party Festival: The Free Festival - www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: The Yurt Locker, Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate. EH1 1JS Tel: 0131 622 6801 Dates: July 31- August 25 (not 11, 18, 19) Time: 12:45 Duration: 50 minutes Age: 0-14 Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/m5ujzd7
Website & social media: www.maddycarrick.com / @madelinecarrick
BAFTA Rocliffe new writing winner, Anna Emerson presents her debut solo show:
An Evening With Patti DuPont Edinburgh Fringe 2014, La Favorita Freestival August 1 - 24 (not 12)
When 84-year-old Hollywood diva Patti DuPont falls ill, her awkward daughter Linda is forced to perform the show in her place. The ensuing hour is what happens when you put the reputation of an icon in the hands of an idiot.
An Evening With Patti DuPont is a joyfully inventive one-woman character comedy show packed with blackly comic surprises, written and performed by Anna Emerson of The Boom Jennies (BBC Radio 4). “Future British comedy star” BAFTA The show’s premise is that Hollywood legend Patti DuPont (149 films, nine husbands, five facelifts) has booked a space at Edinburgh Fringe to present an intimate hour of chat, music and candid tales from 65 years in show business. On the night, however, the audience arrives to discover that Patti has suffered a cosmetic surgery mishap and instead sent her awkward, inept daughter, Linda, to perform in her place. “A breakneck retrospective of the (fictional) star’s life. I adored an early preview of this. Raucously funny jokes delivered one after the other.” Vada Magazine
What follows is a tumultuous hour as Linda clumsily stumbles through Patti’s show (her life story, an ‘intimate’ Q&A, an athletic rendition of her ‘signature dance’), unwittingly trampling her mother’s public image in the process. Patti is watching from her sickbed via a webcam throughout, interrupting the show with frequent aggressive phone calls as she tries in vain to remotely control the action. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that Linda’s courageous clowning is covering up a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her dictatorial mother. Eventually she cracks in spectacular fashion – with half-hilarious, half- excruciating results. Ultimately, however, Linda bounces back – determined to do the show her own way – and creates a moving, triumphant ending. “A roller-coaster ride…an original, inventive and entertaining hour with a clever comedian who will satisfy your need for a giggle.” Broadway Baby
Press photos are available via www.pattidupont.com
Press & media contact: Julian Hall, Textual Healing PR, 07810 486658 / [email protected]
An Evening With Patti DuPont is created by Anna Emerson. In 2013, Anna jointly won the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum and her work was selected for New York TV Festival’s ‘Future Stars of British Comedy’ showcase. As one third of critically-acclaimed sketch group The Boom Jennies, Anna has co-written and co-starred in two series of their BBC Radio 4 sitcom Mission Improbable and has featured on Radio 4’s Sketchorama. She is also a frequent feature of cult podcast The John Dredge Nothing To Do With Anything Show. Praise for The Boom Jennies:
“A big future” – The Guardian ★★★★★ “Be blown away” Scotsgay ★★★★★ “Hilarious” The Argus ★★★★ “Sharp, fast-paced and funny” – Fringe Review
Listings information
Venue: St John’s, 9 Victoria Street, Tickets: Free (pay what you want) EH1 2HE (venue 202) Website: www.pattidupont.com Dates: August 1 - 24 (not 12) Twitter: @pattidupont Time: 8.45pm (1 hour)
Question: What happens when a global fashion giant threatens a stand-up comedian for trademark infringement? Answer: A legal battle that will cost the losing party millions.
Dave Griffiths: C U In Court
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters - The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 August 9 - 16 @ 17:00
C U In Court is the award-winning story of how comedian Dave Griffiths took on global fashion giant French Connection for the right to wear and trade King Cnut Clothing ‒ and won.
“This true David & Goliath story is remarkable in its foolhardiness.” Time Out
Dave Griffiths was establishing himself on the stand-up circuit, whilst building his newly founded fashion label, when French Connection threatened him with legal action. His offence? Wearing a T-shirt displaying an acronym that could be interpreted as a salacious word, alongside the words ‘French Correction'. The company demanded he cease wearing the T-shirt with immediate effect and pay to them any profits gained from selling the offending item. Dave stood his ground. Some would call him foolhardy (see above), his actions ill conceived, but for Dave it was a matter of principle. No one had the right to tell him, or anyone else for that matter, what not to wear, and since when did French Connection own ‘Correction’? C U In Court is the incredible story of what happened next.
"Love your story, and huge congrats my friend." Mark Thomas
Truth is stranger than fiction, and in the case of King Cnut v FCUK it’s funnier too! With the foresight to record every conversation and keep every written document, Dave Griffiths - the artful dodger of trademark law - re-presents his case to the audience. It's a story of David vs Goliath proportions that begins with a letter of intimidation from one of the most reputable law firms in the world, and ends with the withdrawal of thousands of clothing lines from French Connection’s stores worldwide, at a cost of millions to the company.
“Fcuking Brilliant.”. Hal Cruttenden, BBC2’s Mock The Week
Dave took his first steps as a stand-up comedian performing at open mic nights. After winning ITV’s Take The Mike he gave up the day job to focus on his comedy career. Regular performances at the UK’s top comedy clubs followed, and between 1998 ‒ 2000 he was part of the award-winning writing team on Channel 4’s The 11 O’Clock Show, writing jokes for Sacha Baron Cohen, Ricky Gervais and Mackenzie Crook. In addition to writing and performing, Dave is regularly invited to lecture on trademark law. He is also the proud recipient of a Thames Valley Bravery Award for apprehending a robber who was making off with £22,000. Oh, and he has climbed the Matterhorn.
More praise for the show:
“Dave Griffiths dances on the edge of law and fashion and his show, as well as being extremely funny, tells us something very important about corporate power and freedom of expression.” Guy Osborn, Professor of Law, University of Westminster
“There’s lots of things I’d like to say, but I don’t think I should say any of them.” Spokesperson for French Connection (as quoted in The Times)
“King Cnut may not have been able to turn back the tide in 1016, but he does make exceedingly good T-shirts.” Judge Richard Arnold, QC (as quoted in court)
Full Listing:
Title: C U In Court Festival: Free Festival - www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters, 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS Tel: 0131 622 6801 Dates: August 9 ‒ 16 Time: 17:00 Age: 14+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Press contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
Images downloadable from here: http://tinyurl.com/ncwq35d
Website & Social Media: www.kingcnut.com www.twitter.com/kingcnut www.facebook.com/kingcnutclothing
Warning: fairy tales may damage your health!
Rebecca Humphries: Dizney Rascal
La Favorita Freestival, Edinburgh 2014 – Fingers Piano Bar Aug 1 – 17 @ 14:45
Do you ever feel as though you were promised more from life? I mean, sure, your flat’s great, but it’s no castle. And your boyfriend’s lovely, but he's hardly a handsome prince, is he? Did you notice that your childminders never sang, and never looked like Julie Andrews? And have you spent so much time talking to animals that you think you might need urgent medical attention?!
Thanks to Walt Disney, Rebecca Humphries has been plagued by all these doubts and worries.
All her life she’s seen Disney movies as close friends, confidantes, and role models. Yes, they had their faults; they were always a bit conformist, a bit anti-feminist, a bit, well…racist. But Rebecca was blind to these weaknesses, spellbound by the stardust. Only now is she beginning to accept that Disney is not all fairy godmothers, dashing princes and flying carpets.
“A fascinating mix of good time girl and Miranda Hart” Telegraph
With live accompaniment, Rebecca Humphries takes on her cartoon-induced complex through the medium of sketch, stand up and song. She tackles some familiar tunes with a twist, as well as completely original numbers, and invites audiences to consider these privileged princesses, misunderstood villains, and, frankly, questionable moral messages that Disney have been dishing out for generations.
“All flowing auburn hair and Kohl-rimmed eyes, Humphries’ vivacious turn spills into all four corners of the room” Evening Standard
Rebecca trained at LAMDA and more recently Chicago’s prestigious Second City. She is perhaps best known for her starring role alongside The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison in Comedy Central’s Big Bad World. Her other TV appearances have included series 1 of Cardinal Burns, Come Fly With Me, and Seann Walsh World. She is currently filming the new Big Talk series for ITV2, Cockroaches, written by Freddy Syborn (Bad Education), in which she appears alongside Jack Whitehall.
As a stage actress, Rebecca has performed at the National Theatre (The Kitchen), The Old Vic (24 Hour Plays) and the Royal Court (Open Court: Primetime), as well as playing Sally Bowles in the critically acclaimed I Am a Camera at Southwark Playhouse.
Dizney Rascal is her debut hour of live comedy.
“A natural comedienne with a deadpan delivery” The London Magazine
“An assured, confident and staggering performance. Really, really wonderful” The Good Review
“Yes, you’re fantastic. Can you stop asking me for a quote now?” Loving boyfriend, Seann Walsh
Full listing:
Title: Dizney Rascal Festival: La Favorita Freestival – www.freestival.co.uk Venue: Fingers Piano Bar, Frederick St, EH2 1LH Dates: August 1-17 (excl. Mondays) Time: 14:45 Age: 16+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Press contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/p62qo5q
Rebecca’s social media: @beckshumps
SPENCER JONES IS THE HERBERT BAFTA nominee clowns his way around a building site
Heroes @ The Hive, Heroes of Fringe, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 – August 24 (not 12) @ 15:30
“He's crazy, he's exceptional; his idiocy inspires me.” Doctor Brown, Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner, 2012
For his debut Edinburgh Fringe show, completely broke BAFTA-nominated star, Spencer Jones, has turned his house-buying nightmare into a comedy character clown show.
SPENCER JONES IS THE HERBERT tells the story of man left to his own devices in a house that is falling to pieces and in the constant throes of repair. The Herbert is hopeless at any form of building work, so instead he messes about with tools and building materials, creating characters, songs, and laughs from everyday objects.
How much fun can he have before the builders come back, and will this get in the way of looking after the baby he’s minding?
**** Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
Playing multiple roles, mixing visual comedy, clown and character pieces, Spencer Jones has merged clowning and construction – ‘clownstruction’ anyone? - out of necessity as much as creativity:
“In the last six months I’ve been surrounded by drills, cement, plumbing, saws, wood, bricks and dodgy builders. I will be using all of these to create a show unlike any other in Edinburgh - mixing classic comedy styles and modern property renovation culture."
"I'm playing with the idea of what is expected of a real man, and the child inside all of us who just wants to have fun and be silly. The world outside is a very serious place, but when your house is a ruin you need to remember what it’s like to be carefree.”
"A true silly billy and the biggest wally at this year's Fringe. To be marked in the programme like buried treasure" John Kearns, 2013 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Newcomer
Spencer is a student of Philippe Gaulier and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Doctor Brown. He was nominated for a BAFTA for his debut television show Big Babies, which has been sold around the world and is currently being remade in the US. Among his other screen credits are: Hollyoaks, Pulling, Skins, Count Arthur Strong and Christopher Guest's Family Tree.
Not unlike most builders, Spencer has juggled various jobs including street performer, wedding singer and radio presenter. The Herbert is Spencer's debut solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe after appearing in the play Charlie Baker's Wedding Band in 2011.
Title: SPENCER JONES IS THE HERBERT Festival: Heroes of Fringe – www.heroesoffringe.com Venue: The Hive, 15 - 17 Niddry Street Edinburgh EH1 1LG Tel: 0131 556 0444 Dates: 31 July – August 24 (not 12) Time: 15:30 Age: 18+ Duration: 50 Minutes Entry: £3 (Pay What You Want)
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/m7preor
Spencer’s Social Media: @spendals
JODY KAMALI: ONE MAN VARIETY SHOW Directed by Spymonkey’s Aitor Basauri
Laughing Horse @ Espionage - Free Festival, Edinburgh Fringe 2014 July 31 – August 24 @ 15:45
“There’s a genuineness to Kamali’s performance which is inspiring.” The Stage
Variety performers and their skills have always captivated Jody Kamali. What if he could be one? But not just one, what if he could be the singer, the juggler, the magician…the, er, vampire? Well, there are no more ‘what ifs?’ – the time is now for the paciest physical comedy show you will see on the Fringe: one man, one mission, seven characters.
“Kamali has an impressive range and keeps the audience well entertained.” Broadway Baby
After sell-out shows in Leicester, Bath and Brighton, Jody Kamali brings One Man Variety Show to the Edinburgh Fringe. An irresistible hour of clowning, character comedy and ludicrous slapstick, in a modern take on Vaudeville and Variety.
Expect: The Incredible Man of Mystery - a flamboyant, dramatic pastiche of a magician, who dazzles the audience with his facial expressions as well as his tricks; Victor the Blood Sucking Vampire – fake teeth, fake limbs, and hungry for a virgin’s fake blood - all horrifyingly ridiculous in the spirit of the Hammer Films. Mario Maricini – the operatic tenor, reciting opera numbers as you’ve never heard them before; The Silent Healer: who gracefully floats amongst the audience, tuning in to their auras, with his special powers. Bathe and relax in the healing vibrations of this powerful man, a journey for the senses. All these and more - all hosted by variety legend, nasal-voiced, showbiz maestro Frank Valentine.
“Very Funny” Time Out
One Man Variety Show is Jody Kamali’s fifth solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe. He’s a regular performer on the variety and comedy circuit in the UK. He’s well known in his native Bristol for his You Tube character, ‘Terry The Odd Job Man‘, and for a series of short comedy films shot in and around the city. Jody is of Half Iranian origin – hence he is occasionally asked to audition for a Middle Eastern tyrant.
Kamali’s bizarre and eclectic character creations are all deftly put together by Aitor Basauri. Aitor Basauri is a member of critically acclaimed clown theatre troupe Spymonkey. He is one of the world’s most sought-after clowning teachers and regularly teaches at Philippe Gaulier School in Paris. "Shriekingly, helplessly hilarious... Consummately executed...” The Times (On Spymonkey).
Full Listing:
Title: Jody Kamali: One Man Variety Show Festival: Free Festival – www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse @ Espionage, Victoria St/Cowgate, EH1 2EX Dates: July 31 – August 24 Time: 15:45 Age: 16+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact:
Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: https://space.zeo.net/g/2vut9
For video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTNQE925DFM
Website & Social Media:
Web: www.jodykamali.com Twitter: @jodykamali Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrjodykamali
“Overlooked” at the Edinburgh Fringe La Favorita Freestival, 1-25 August 2014
A roll call of the small
Did you know there was a fourth bear living in the house that Goldilocks broke into? Remember when that children's TV show with the sock puppets got cancelled, and the presenter took herself hostage live on air? Did Emily Bronte really pen all those novels or was there a forgotten writing partner providing all her ideas? And what are they all doing now?
"Sketch comedy in the finest British tradition." TalkFringe, Adelaide Fringe 2014
Answering all these questions and raising an awful lot more, three-time Edinburgh Fringe performer and Argus Angel Award-winner, Lizzy Mace presents a series of endearingly awkward oddball underlings. Undervalued in their lifetimes, ignored by history, overlooked...
"You will surely be gasping with laughter... Don't overlook this one." Adelaide Theatre Guide - Adelaide Fringe 2014
A gifted comic character actress, Lizzy's skillset includes absurdist theatre, sketch comedy, improvisation and stand-up. As a writer-performer, her previous shows have received 4 and 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringes. At the Brighton Fringe 2012, Rom Com Con – written and performed with Juliette Burton – won an Argus Angel Award for Excellence and was 'Top Nominee' for Best Comedy at The Latest Festival Awards.
"Charming, understated and funny, Mace sneaks up on us unawares and moves us from pity to hilarity in one swift ruthlessly observed remark." Gscene - Brighton Fringe 2014
Lizzy has since spent six weeks studying improvisation and sketch comedy writing at the legendary Second City Training Center in Chicago, which has launched the careers of numerous stars of American film and TV including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Tina Fey. On her return she teamed up with award- nominated director Logan Murray – who has worked with comedians including Greg Davies and Milton Jones – to devise and develop her first solo hour of character comedy. The show is now touring Fringes round the world in 2014, including a full run with La Favorita Freestival – Edinburgh’s newest festival.
Overlooked at the Edinburgh Fringe: 6pm (60 minutes) | 1-25 August (not Tues 5, 12, 19) | FREE [Donations] Cowgatehead Space 3, 65 Cowgate, EH1 1JW (venue #32) https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/overlooked
Preview in London: 7pm (60 minutes) | 28 July | £6/ £5 (concessions) Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX https://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873516333/events
Links:
Lizzy Mace: writer-performer www.lizzymace.co.uk https://twitter.com/LizzyMace www.facebook.com/LizzyMaceFab
Logan Murray: director - www.loganmurray.com The Second City - www.secondcity.com La Favorita Freestival - www.freestival.co.uk
Images:
High resolution press images available to download from www.lizzymace.co.uk/press
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
“The Cleek” at the Edinburgh Fringe Just the Tonic, 6-24 August 2014
You're either in or out. Or you're part of the Cleek.
Do you have what it takes to join the Cleek? Do you even want to? Of course you do! And we'll accept you even if you don't. Neither sketch nor improv. And also both. Silly and serious. Yet also neither. The most exclusive all-inclusive, open-access members-only group in the world. Whether you feel like you belong nowhere else, or everywhere else, this Fringe you won't want to be anywhere else.
“Impressively, their performance has a unique quality of finding instant friendship with everyone in the audience. They open up to their spectators the same laughs and genuine affection they have with each other.” The Australia Times (for Mace & Burton's Rom Com Con, 2014 – featuring Cleek member Lizzy Mace)
Big on imagination and high on laughs, who knows where the Cleek will take you next? Will you be lucky enough to witness a straight teen's awkward “going-in” as he tells his liberal parents that he's not gay? Maybe you'll see the US government sell off all its assets in a final everything-must-go closing- down sale?
This is a show that never stands still: sketches constantly evolve; half of every show is fully improvised from audience suggestions; meanwhile, the core group of four performers rotates with other ‘satellite’ members and special guest improvisers from across the Fringe.
“Much of the time it's big, dumb fun, but occasionally there's some very smart stuff.” Age Online (for The Shambles, 2009 – featuring Cleek member Sean Lynch)
The Cleek formed during July 2013 at the Second City Training Center, Chicago, where its members were attending intensive summer courses on improvisation and sketch comedy writing. Drawing together talent from four continents, The Cleek is an ambitious experiment in distance collaboration. The group write together online and rehearse via Skype. They won’t meet in person again until the Fringe, where, in their debut show, they'll hit the ground running!
“Insightful writing, affable delivery and some beautifully judged moments that are hilarious.” InDaily (for Mace & Burton's Rom Com Con, 2014 – featuring Cleek member Lizzy Mace)
Some of The Cleek's present members have been performing comedy for years, while others are new talents: • Sean Lynch (Melbourne, Australia) has performed at four Melbourne International Comedy Festivals as a member of acclaimed sketch group The Shambles. Their “Best of” DVD was nominated for an ARIA award, and he was also nominated as the director of 5-star show Nath Valvo: Almost 30. On screen, he was a regular roving reporter on Channel 10's The Circle, and appeared in feature film Any Questions For Ben with Anchorman 2's Josh Lawson. • Lizzy Mace (London, England) has written and performed shows at three previous Edinburgh Fringes, three Brighton Fringes and one Adelaide Fringe, with accolades including winning the Argus Angel Award for Excellence with comedy partner Juliette Burton for their real- life comedy Rom Com Con. Lizzy can also be seen in her solo character show “Overlooked” at 6pm, August 1-25 (not Tuesdays) at Cowgatehead. • Eva Victor (Chicago, USA) trained in improvisation at iO, Chicago, and currently performs with the Titanic Players. • Max Hoover (New York, USA) regularly performs stand-up and improv comedy and is an advanced study student at the legendary UCB theatre. • Blad Moreno (Caracas, Venezuela) is a highly respected improvisation teacher and performer in his home city. He has been involved in every improv show in Venezuela as director, performer, host or producer and is now pioneering the art form, inspiring the creation of several improv troupes across the country. • Other Cleek contributors and performers currently belong to improvisation and sketch comedy groups all over the USA, including David Kaufman, currently performing with Three Letter Acronym, Harvard's long-form improv group, Nina Howard and Liz McCreight members of Oklahoma City University improv troupe, Corinne Ullrich and Emily Sheehan, both continuing training at the Second City Training Center, and Shaina Wagner, training at iO Chicago. • NB. This is not a complete list of all the collective's members!
The Cleek at the Edinburgh Fringe: 2.20pm (60 minutes) | 6-10, 13-17, 20-24 August | FREE [Donations] Just the Tonic at The Mash House - Just The Attic 37 Guthrie Street, EH1 1JG (venue #288) www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/cleek
Links: The Cleek on Facebook - www.facebook.com/wearethecleek The Cleek on Twitter - www.twitter.com/wearethecleek The Cleek's crowdfunding page - www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-cleek-at- edinburgh-festival-fringe The Second City - www.secondcity.com
Images: High resolution press images will be available to download soon from www.lizzymace.co.uk/press
Press & media contact: Julian Hall - [email protected] | 07810 486658 | @TextualHealing2
Who decides what colour you are? Who decides what is racist? Who decides whether you should be offended?
Inder Manocha: White Man's Burden
Laughing Horse @ The White Horse – The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31, August 1-10, 12-17, 19-24 @ 16:45
“A thorough delight from start to finish” Time Out
Living in a multicultural, tolerant and diverse city, Inder Manocha has never felt so isolated. Preferring the naked offensiveness of the 1970s to the camouflaged prejudices of today, this award-winning comedian puts an original and hilarious spin on the 'melting pot' society we so adore.
Asked to perform his 'ethnic' comedy at a diversity workshop in North London, Inder is humiliated in public. Unable to meet the expectations of deeply sensitive liberals, he explores his reasons for feeling 'white', his prejudice towards his grandfather and the nature of offence. He also discovers the real reason corner shops are so vital.
“A belly full of laughs with sharp-shooting cultural observations” Three Weeks
Inder Manocha won the 2004 EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Award) for Best Comedian, beating Meera Syal, Russell Peters and Lenny Henry. He has twice featured as part of 'Best of the Fest', which included a transfer to the Bloomsbury Theatre in London in 2003. He has performed with the prestigious 'Cutting Edge’ team at the Comedy Store in London. Meanwhile, as an actor, Inder is best known for playing Anwar's father in E4's Skins.
Full listing:
Title: Inder Manocha: White Man’s Burden Festival: Free Festival - www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse @ The White Horse (Venue 296) 266, Canongate (The Royal Mile), EH8 8AA Dates: July 31, August 1-10, 12-17, 19-24 Time: 16:45 Age: 16+ Duration: 50 minutes Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/ohmd7t2
Russell Mulligan:
DEMOCRACY IS BROKEN (AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT THAT)
Political comedy infused with surrealism, absurdity, hope and despair.
La Favorita Freestival, Edinburgh 2014 August 1 – 11 @ 19:30
"Russell is a highly inventive performer who blends music, art, mime and politics into a simmering pot of ideas. He could be Britain's Steve Martin but with a political edge." Dave Dinsdale, West Midlands cult comedian (on Chortle)
With less than a year to go until the general election, people are bitterly bemoaning the lack of difference between the main political parties. In Democracy is Broken Russell Mulligan exposes the growing sense of hopelessness felt by the public towards politics and politicians.
We want banks properly regulated, responsible corporations, and a genuine alternative to the existing privileged elite with their snouts in the trough. But we're the creatures outside, looking from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from Ed Balls to George Osborne and back to the pig... Already it is impossible to say which is which.
There are alternatives, there are changes happening; there’s a wealth of critical thinking taking place out there and we can all contribute to that...
Democracy is Broken: it's deadly serious, but with jokes... and zombies.
"Fearless, inventive, original, and, above all, funny. A class act who is welcome back any time" Below the Belt Comedy, Nottingham
Birmingham New Act of the Year, Russ Mulligan is taking his debut solo show up to Edinburgh after gigging all over the UK for the last couple of years. Earlier this summer, Mulligan co-starred in a film mock-umentary about the alternative comedy scene in the UK. Set for release in the autumn, the film showcases the fantastically weird and wonderful talents of several up and coming comedians.
"Russ Mulligan is developing at a rate of knots into one of the most interesting, original and outspoken voices on the circuit."
Artificial Light, Coventry
Full Listing:
Title: Democracy is Broken (and what you can do about that) Festival: Freestival – www.freestival.co.uk Venue: Cowgatehead Space 5 (venue 32), 65 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW Dates: August 1 - 11 Time: 19:30 Age: 14+ (Parental Advisory Explicit Language) Duration: 50 minutes Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/lx5t8h2
To watch Russell in action: http://tinyurl.com/mpjpwg7
Russell’s Social Media: twitter.com/russmulligan
Intuitive Creatures and the Free Festival present:
MADAME SEÑORITA Passion is back in fashion
Laughing Horse @ City Café - The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 - Aug 16 @ 01:00
Accomplished actress, mime and comic, Paula Valluerca brings the playful and irresistible Madame Señorita to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, a character creation that will set tongues wagging and hearts racing.
***** 5 STARS! Mouth London: “One of the best things I have ever seen”
Madame Señorita is a force of nature. She’s come to Edinburgh to seek fame after selling out her cabaret nights at ´La Taberna de Paco´, her local village bar back home in southern Spain. She hopes to catch the eye of a rich producer or a famous director in the festival city, or even a combination of both!
As well as singing and flamenco-ing her way to stardom, Madam Señorita shares with us the tales of her tempestuous love life, including her affair with Ariel Uribe, a Spanish torero with a tendency to bullfight even outside the arena! This endless search for love provides some, literally, touching moments with the audience.
But don't worry, Madame Señorita is playful and passionate, but she doesn't bite (at least not usually). She just wants to leave her mark on British culture and make us a bit more open to our feelings. So, if you want to leave behind social norms and preconceptions and make space for passion in your life, this is the show for you!
Best Female Act, London Solo Festival 2013
Paula Valluerca started Madame Señorita´s journey in 2012 during a creative process with Intuitive Creatures (www.intuitivecreatures.com), a company created by four international actors of which Paula is a founding member, deviser and performer.
***** 5 STARS! Performance Reviewed: “A four piece deity of comedic genius.”
Paula Valluerca is a graduate of ENT (Navarra Theatre School) and has trained in Lecoq technique at The London International School of Performing Arts. She has collaborated with Simon Scardifield, Cal McCrystal, Mick Barnfather and Jon Wright, and is currently working for the English National Opera as an actress for the play The Pearl Fishers. Paula is also a producer, youth leader and storyteller, performing for companies including Assembly SE8. In 2012 she was a production assistant and stage manager at The Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh Fringe 2012. Madame Señorita is her first solo show.
Full listing:
Title: Madame Señorita Festival: Free Festival – www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse @ City Café, 19 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR Dates: July 31 – Aug 16 Time: 01:00 Age: 18+ Duration: 50 minutes Entry: Free [Donations]
Press contact: Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat
For images: http://tinyurl.com/llbdfna
Watch Madame Senorita here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eNIZnYF6dtI
Website & Social Media: http://paulavalluerca.wordpress.com/ http://tinyurl.com/n8fat9k https://twitter.com/SeNoritaEmE
The Kitten Has Claws presents:
Wild Card Kitty: The Showgirl Show
Making the sexy look funny...
Laughing Horse @ The Phoenix – The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014 July 31 – August 24 (not 12) @ 14:30
The Showgirl Show is the debut solo Fringe show from Glasgow-based burlesque performer and comedienne Wild Card Kitty. Blending cabaret, character comedy, and a sense of humour that ranges from tongue-in-cheek to pitch black and acerbic, Wild Card Kitty creates three distinctive female characters, each exploring aspects of fame, femininity and show business.
“Dita John Cleese” The Scotsman
Using her personal experience of the Burlesque and Vintage scenes, Wild Card Kitty’s three new characters are truthful, hilarious, outrageous and tragic: a bored, self-absorbed diva, an enthusiastic young thing desperately seeking fame at any cost, and a former star now in her twilight years. All three resonate and come together to create an exciting and unique showcase.
“…possesses a manic intensity that often dissipates into a wistful anxiety and escapes the cliché” The Skinny
Wild Card Kitty's under ego, Catriona Ruth Paterson, works as a creative freelancer based in Glasgow, writing, directing, producing and performing work under the name The Kitten Has Claws. With a BA (Hons) in Tapestry, an MFA in Fine Art and a Diploma in Physical Theatre, she has worked in performance, installation and film before falling in love with Burlesque and Cabaret. She was the Artistic Director of the infamous Bongo Club Cabaret (including its final award-winning run in 2012) as well as having had work commissioned for the Arches (Glasgow) and performing with the likes of National Theatre of Scotland and at Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas. Her work has always contained a wry sense of humour.
Full Listing:
Title: Wild Card Kitty: The Showgirl Show Festival: Free Festival – www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Phoenix, 46 Broughton Street, EH1 3SA Tel: 0131 557 0234 Dates: July 31 – August 24 (not 12) Time: 14:30 Age: 18+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Press & media contact:
Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
For images: http://tinyurl.com/oosls7e
Website and Social Media:
Twitter: @wildcardkitty website: www.wildcardkitty.com
BattleActs!
Improvised Comedy
Maggie’s Chamber @ The Free Sisters – The Free Festival, Edinburgh 2014, August 2 – 24 (not Mondays) @ 22:00
"Rapidly en route to becoming something of a cult classic, one of the most entertaining late night acts" Broadway Baby
Having built a reputation for outstanding improv around the UK, BattleActs are bringing their award-winning, multi-five-star, late-night comedy party to the Laughing Horse Free Festival – their fifth consecutive Fringe show.
The show sees two teams of fearless improvisers pitched against each other by a ball-busting compere. Each team attempts to prove their worth and battle it out for the ultimate prize: the audience’s respect!
Facing a terrifying voting system, a high-octane mix of seemingly impossible challenges and incredible physicality, the teams battle against invisible giants, linguistic constraints and the limits of physical pain. No two shows are the same – forfeits can see you dancing on live mousetraps, and themed nights keep everyone on their toes!
“ Superior improvised comedy... Thank God for BattleActs!” Fringe Review
BattleActs were awarded the StageWon Editor's Award in 2012, were recommended by the Independent on Sunday as part of their weekly "Top 10 Comedy Acts in the UK”, Time Out Critic's Choice and Spiked Online claimed BattleActs were 2013’s “Best Free Show”.
BattleActs have previously performed at the Comedy Store, London Zoo, the Camden Roundhouse. They recently performed at the Vault Festival in London’s Waterloo - selling out the entire run of 500 tickets before their opening night.
More praise for Battle Acts:
“You might just have to fight the crowds as they become ever more popular. Five stars" Stage Won
“Sheer madness and utter genius. Five stars.” The Public Reviews
“Improvisational comedy champions... intelligent, quick paced series of spontaneous one liners that most comedians couldn’t have written given a week.” ThreeWeeks
Full Listing:
Title: Battle Acts Festival: Free Festival – www.freefestival.co.uk Venue: Laughing Horse Maggie’s Chamber @ The Free Sisters Cowgate. EH1 1JS Tel: 0131 622 6801 Dates: August 2 – 24 (not Mondays) Time: 22:00 Age: 18+ Duration: 1 hour Entry: Free [Donations]
Media contacts:
Julian Hall at Textual Healing PR 07810 486658 / [email protected] / @TextualHealing2 Please call / email ahead to reserve a seat.
Phil Mann: [email protected], 07759 524 074
For images: Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dr02595rmr3ljsf/AAA5zg58Yk5Nvw6dyDngW3xY a Photos by Jon Cottam Photography
Website & Social Media:
Web: www.battleacts.co.uk Twitter: @battleacts Facebook: facebook.com/battleacts