The flawed execution of this show unfortunately meant it received an overall 2.4, which gives it a final 2 star review. As an important caveat, we reviewed this show on Wednesday 31st July, a preview night. However, we did pay for a full price ticket on the night which we believe justifies this review, and unless the show undergoes significant changes, we believe the inherent problems we saw will continue throughout the Fringe run.
Content
The show is billed as the ‘Comedic musings from an American artist who moved from Ohio to Brooklyn to Iceland. Discussing the current disturbing political state of the USA and how it has affected the ways in which people from around the world view Americans. Other topics include: living with Icelandic elf-people, dating as a bisexual, going to jail in America and traveling all over this wonderful planet. Examines how similar people can be across the globe despite major cultural differences. A perfect show for Americans who don’t take their country or government too seriously.’
Ohio native Joseph was not however first to appear on stage. In fact, we were treated to the Icelandic comedian Helgi Steinar, who gave us a tour de force of accents and languages in a UN skit. He was not billed to appear but I was quite happy he did and he was a great warm up act who I would be happy to see performing a full-length Fringe show.
As much as the warm-up act built the audience up, the flat tone of Joseph’s delivery soon brought the audience down. The musings rambled from being an alcoholic in America, to moving to Iceland. Why an alcoholic would move to the most expensive country in the world to buy a pint was never explained. Very little insight into Iceland from someone who claimed to have lived there for years other than the people are good-looking and they have an odd-shaped letter. And he once got locked out of his flat…
The ramblings continued through American gaols, drug use and travels. Nothing on ‘dating as a bisexual’ and very little on ‘icelandic elf people’ as promised in the blurb. The musings had no coherent theme and certainly did not answer the central question alluded to by the show’s title as to why people are afraid of Americans.
Audience Engagement
The small audience were divided into two camps – some on the front row who laughed a lot. And the remainder who did not. Asking a couple of audience members outside what they thought of the show, I simply got the reply ‘it was an hour of my life I won’t be getting back!’
Staging
The space used was great for stand-up and I did feel Joseph engaged well with the audience in terms of eye contact and asking the odd question. Overall, he had a confident approach and used the stage well. However, only part of the theatre space was used for seating on the preview night, so it would be interesting to see if the engagement is as good when the venue is fuller.
Originality
The show seemed like a copy and paste of a show he had staged in the US or elsewhere. ‘A perfect show for Americans who don’t take their country or government too seriously‘ seems an odd show description to use in Edinburgh unless he was expecting a lot of US expats to see the show. Too many cultural references were not explained, and the section on school shooting drew a couple of breaths, perhaps given the Dunblane sensitivities. Overall, the show lacked original insight, and felt like a series of unconnected observations rather than a well thought-out show.
Artistic Performance
Joseph perhaps wanted to come across as a well-meaning left-thinking American expat. But instead he came over as too apologetic; too many jokes and stories started or ended with a throw-away comment about how other audiences found them unfunny. He ended the show by saying ‘I thought I would end the show by telling a joke’. Which would have been a good way to start a comedy show.
Note the EFC pay full ticket price for every show they review. The criteria by which we review and rate shows can be found here.
We are pleased to say that for our first review of Fringe 2019, Fudge ‘nudges’ in with an overall 3.6 to give them a 4 star review. Given this was their first preview show, a very solid performance from the gang at Limerence productions. This is a show that should have a broader appeal beyond its core LGBT audience, and its quick pace, solid content, humour and insights into modern gay life deserve to be seen.
Content
This was perhaps my one and only issue with the show. The show promised ‘an honest, warm and witty exploration of the difficulties of gay celibacy’, but celibacy transpired to be just a side issue, a plot device at best. At the show’s core was unrequited love, and of self-realisation. And there is nothing wrong with that, indeed to me it would have made much more sense to have this as the central message of the show.
The ending came abruptly and without the conclusion I was expecting. It did feel somewhat unfinished though, but life is messy, and the lives of the three characters certainly were. So maybe less an ending and more a beginning for Charlie’s character. Maybe I am getting old, but the connection between the show’s title and the show’s content also passed me by. Answers on a postcard please!
Audience Engagement
The audience were visibly engaged throughout, laughing along with the jokes, and greeted the actors on stage at the encore with rapturous applause. The story was very fast paced, and the audience got carried along well with it. Smiles all round when the lights came on!
Staging
A simple set that transported you instantly into the world of a chaotic, messy house share. There was a good use of space and costume changes, and there was nothing wrong in approach or execution, but to reach the four and five star level in this category, I was looking for something a little more innovative and memorable.
Originality
The show had some very innovative sections. I loved the musical indents, and it really worked well within the context of an LGBT show. For that matter, it would work well in any show; I mean, who doesn’t want to dance along to Kate Bush? As mentioned above, the gay celibacy angle could have perhaps been explored in a little more depth, but the originality showed in the character constructs, and the inter-dependencies between them helped push ‘Fudge’ back into four star ratings territory.
Artistic Performance
Some good solid performances – the cast had the difficult task of getting the audience quickly up-to-speed with the complex lives of the housemates, but they did this well, and steered clear of stereotyping to give us very believable, rounded characters. There were occasions where opening night nerves and doubts showed, but this was a preview show so the cast can be forgiven on that front. The company’s lead gave a very credible performance as a lovelorn Charlie, as did Ned Costello and Rosanna Hitchin as Charlie’s housemates.
Note the EFC pay full ticket price for every show they review. The criteria by which we review and rate shows can be found here.
Today is already the last in our ‘Meet the Performers’ series! But fear not, the series will return next year. As for the last of our showcases this year, we have the pleasure to meet Charlie Jack who stars in ‘The Legacy of William Ireland‘, the unbelievable true story of William Henry Ireland who caused riots and the near destruction of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London after claiming to have found a lost Shakespeare Play. Tickets available now from the Fringe Box Office.
This year will see the inaugural Popcorn Group Writing Award in association with the Pleasance Theatre. The awards will celebrate writing excellence at the Fringe, platforming writers and artists who ignite and challenge the status quo. The award will be presented on 14th August at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to ‘the most fearless and topical piece of new writing..
All new writing works in Pleasance’s festival programme were eligible for consideration and the shortlist has been selected by an incredible committee that includes Emmy Nominated actress Lena Headey, Michael Longhurst, Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, Academy Award winning Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Popcorn Group and the Pleasance Theatre.
We are pleased to announce that the lovely ladies of Dark Lady Co, who we video interviewed back in May, have their play Drowning, by Jessica Ross, nominated. The other shortlisted shows are: A Womb of One’s Own by Claire Rammelkamp which explores sisterhood, love, sexual freedom and selfacceptance whilst also aiming to shed light on the unnerving and difficult circumstances surrounding abortion; I’m a Phoenix, Bitch by Bryony Kimmings which is a powerful, dark and joyful piece surrounding post-natal depression.
The winner of the Popcorn Group Writing Award will receive a cash prize of £2,500 to provide support to further develop their talent.
Charlotte Colbert and Jessica Malik of The Popcorn Group, stated, “We are excited to have brought together this brilliant committee of trail-blazing artists to judge the first year of the Popcorn Writing Award. We are proud to be partnering with the Pleasance to champion bold and thoughtprovoking new material which positively and playfully contributes to public debate and addresses current affairs.”
Anthony Alderson, director Pleasance Theatre Trust added, “The Pleasance is delighted to be working with The Popcorn Group and to be hosting the inaugural Popcorn Writing Award to celebrate the importance of new writing at the Fringe. The quality of writing on the Fringe has never been more powerful and awards such as this will help to provide some necessary attention and recognition for this group of hugely talented writers.”
The illustrious committee judging the winner for this exciting new award are:
• Emmy-nominated Lena Headey, best known for playing the lead role of Queen Cersei in HBO’s Game of Thrones. • Michael Longhurst, new Artistic Director at the Donmar Warehouse in London. • Academy Award and BAFTA winning film producer, Gareth Unwin-Ellis, who was behind the multiple Oscar-winning, The King’s Speech, and is Head of Film at Screenskills. • Director Carrie Cracknell, whose National Theatre credits include, Julie starring Vanessa Kirby and The Deep Sea and Medea with Helen McCrory. She has been Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre in London, was Associate Director at the Young Vic and Royal Court and is currently on the board of the Almeida Theatre. • Filmmaker Charlotte Colbert who co-founded Popcorn Group in 2018 and is currently developing numerous films and TV projects, including a TV adaptation of Angry Alan. • Enda Walsh, a Tony and multi-award-winning Irish playwright. His credits include: the Tony Award winning Once, Lazarus with David Bowie, Ballyturk and Misterman. • Producer Francesca Moody, known for award-winning and Olivier-nominated Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. • Gonzalo Maza, writer of A Fantastic Woman, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 2018 as well as numerous other accolades. • Jessica Malik who heads Popcorn Film and TV and is also the incumbent chair of the London Board of Cinemagic. • Tony Grisoni, writer of several of director Terry Gilliam’s films, including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Tideland. • Artist Philip Colbert, known for his multidisciplinary approach, creating a “World of Art”. • Penny Martin, Editor-in-Chief of The Gentlewoman. • Art Malik, an award-winning film, TV and stage actor. • The Pleasance Theatre Team: Anthony Alderson, Nic Connaughton, Jonny Patton and Ellie Simpson
Десять шоу с русской тематикой, которые мы рекомендуем в Эдинбургском Fringe!
As we have featured America and France in our must-see lists, it is only fair in terms of global détente that we also feature Russia! In fact, there is a wealth of talent both from Russia and shows featuring Russian themes at Fringe this year. Here are 10 we picked as must-sees!
1/ Ariadna
This highly innovative show from the Russian theatre group PosleSlov will be a must for fans of artistic and physical dance.
“Where can we find a connection between the two worlds in which we live – the world of determination (digits, reasoning) and the world inside (unexplored, full of Eros, frightening)? How can we explore this without losing sanity? Ariadna guides you through the labyrinths in which modern people roam: gender, body and its objectification, mundanity and mystical feeling. Dip into the primordial, to ancient mysteries and archetypical images, whilst experiencing the very moment of contemporaneity. In the liminal space of the show a new world is being constructed – a one-of-a-kind, never to be recreated.”
“Где найти связь между двумя мирами, в которых мы живем? Миром детерминированности, цифр, логики, просчитанности, и миром, что внутри – огромным, непознанным, вдохновляющим и пугающим. Где найти тот инструмент, что поможет этот мир исследовать? «АРИАДНА» – спектакль-проводник, с которым вы сможете пройти лабиринты, где мы, современные люди, блуждаем: лабиринты гендера и ещё чего-то большего, того, что стоит за-полом, частного и общественного, тела и его объектификации, обыденности и мистического чувства. Вниз по кроличьей норе ДНК, мы погружаемся в первобытность, древние ритуалы, мифы и архетипические образы – и, в то же время, проявляем их в в самый актуальный момент современности. В лиминальном пространстве спектакля конструируется новый мир – единственный в своем роде и более никогда не повторимый, и мы приглашаем вас в наш (и ваш) мир. Вместе с ARIADNA.”
A Moscow native, this is Helge Feldman’s first full Fringe run. Her interesting background and rising comic star means this show is definitely worth a shot!
“Raised to win (cause who likes a loser?), it took her nearly four decades of childhood to achieve vulnerability and embrace failure. Finally, an accomplished loser, this Moscow native fairy tale princess is sharing her story of beasts and beauties, in her first full run at the Fringe“
The forest s a magical place in Russia. A place of sanctuary from the Mongols, a place of myth and fairytale, but also a place of plenty in terms of the mushrooms and berries it provides. This etheral show examines the relationship between humans and nature and might give you an insight into the Russian soul!
“In Forest, the latest graduates, from the legendary Moscow Art Theatre School, explore the eternal relationship between humanity and nature, through a fantastical journey of bodies in motion. The audience are invited to connect with the deep patterns of consciousness that are found in the harmonies and rhythms of life. What is the fate of intimacy in a world divorced from nature? Are there rites and rituals, which can tie us to an eternal spirit of place? These artists ask these questions with a sense of contemporary urgency. A unique international festival event from uncensored contemporary young Russia.”
Trolls don’t just exist in Icelandic gift shops, or Siberian cyber war units. Trolls are now everywhere! Russian comedian Oleg Denisov gives us the low-down in his new show.
“Days of myths, fairy tales and privacy are gone. We know all the data, now how do we live with each other? And can people actually build a life together based on anything else than shared delusions? Russia’s Fringe veteran of political comedy and philosopher by training, Oleg, presents a new show about fake news and freedom of speech, magical realism and transitional capitalism, global politics and dysfunctional relationships. ‘Razor-sharp insight and rapid-fire laughs’ (Manchester Evening News). ‘Highly intelligent’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Impressive’ (List). ‘Good dose of satire from Russian perspective’ (FringePig.co.uk).”
Русский Стенд-ап? Он на самом деле существует! Russian stand-up? Yeap – it exists! And like buses, you don’t just get one Russian comedian here at Fringe, you don’t even get two, you actually get three coming along at the same time!
“Have you ever wondered: what is Russia like? Do they laugh there? Why is it run by a shirtless man on a horse? Let some of Russia’s finest comedians answer these questions and a few others with an hour of stand-up about Russia, Britain and, er, outer space. The Russian Comedy Experience is back after a hugely successful run at the Fringe 2018, featuring the best comics from Russian TV, including: Milo Edwards, Anton Borisov, Ivan Yavits and more… ‘Effortlessly funny’ (TheTab.com).”
The Russian Roulette show returns to fringe. No pistols, but plenty of comedy ammunition the wealth of Russian literature for this unique improv show!
“Ahh, Russia! Home of words! Home of books and plays! Home of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Checkov, Brezhnev, Gogol! Russian literature is the finest in the world. Gambling devices are also excellent! In this show, we combine Russian literature with gambling devices! Hurray! Roll a five; someone gets cholera! Land on red and communism happens! Roll a seven and Anna Karenina turns into a balalaika! Roll a one for the KGB! Comedian Will Seaward and actors Sullivan Brown and Jonathan Ashby-Rock present this show which puts dice back in Dice-toyevsky and the bookie back in Russian books! “
Rave reviews last year for this one-of-a-kind show exploring the human body and nudity. And yes – that is a hand in the photo!
“Does a body make us human? Does it have a soul? What hides beneath nudity? What is nudity itself? Nudity is extreme openness and vulnerability and, at the same time, an incomprehensible power connected not only with sexuality. The magic of Eros, the compelling power of nudity, the way up and the way down, transcendence and co-creation, fragility and strength. Life, death, pain and love – all of this complex and unspeakable physical phenomenon is what we are researching in (Some)Body. ‘Hypnotic’ (Guardian). ‘Bold, sensitive and meaningful’ (FringeReview.co.uk). ‘Compelling’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).“
Seagulls in Scotland have a bad chip-stealing reputation. But ‘chaiki’ (seagulls) in Russia carry positive connotations of Chekhov and space flight. This Scottish production written by Mark Westbrook looks like it has successfully captured both the angst and the aspirations of the era.
“Discover the true story of Valentina Tereshkova, a young textile worker plucked from obscurity to lead the Soviet Union’s race to the stars. With her nation competing against the United States to put a man on the moon, Tereshkova, (code name – Chaika: Seagull) becomes the first woman in space. However, she immediately encounters a catastrophic mechanical problem that could lead to certain death. Meet Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet Space programme, and discover the secret Tereshkova kept for over 40 years. An uplifting, magical drama about brave young cosmonauts who risked their lives for progress.”
After graduating from Cambridge, Milo decided to go to Moscow for a sort of gap year to improve his Russian and do something a bit different. This ended up in him performing on the Russian version of Live at the Apollo. This is his story.
“What’s it like to have 15 minutes of fame in the largest country on earth? The debut stand-up hour from British comedian and former Cambridge Footlight, Milo Edwards, about how he became a Russian TV star, had a gun pointed at him and discovered that the way home is sometimes hardest to find. Pindos is a show dealing with celebrity, language, politics and sending dogs into space in the name of communism. ‘Fantastic… had me in hysterics’ (TCS.cam.ac.uk). ‘Effortlessly funny’ (TheTab.com).“
What happens when you (literally) crash down to Earth after a period of super celebrity? This new play from Slipshod Theatre examines what happened to Yuri Gagarin when he came back from space. You can also check out our video interview with the Slipshod team here.
“The first man in space is back on Earth and facing new temptations. Fame, fortune, alcohol, nostalgic space anthems and sex. Can this cosmic captain control his space junk? A psychedelic, daring trip into the world of overnight stardom. The Yuri Gagarin biographical musical delving into the mind of a charismatic but troubled hero. Featuring a foot-stomping blend of original songs and timeless space-themed classics with a live band. What does it take to make a Soviet man a worldwide legend? ‘Nobody leaves without a smile on their face’ (TheOutlierScotland.co.uk, 2017). “
Note – Our recommendations for the shows listed above is based on preview material only, and is no guarantee of the quality of live performance of the shows.
Musicals aren’t just sing-a-long fun fests – though they can be! They can also explore darker themes, topical issues and heartfelt stories. Our list features electric pink versions of US comedy blockbusters, to male mental health stories, to traditional Scottish tales, and even American high school musical theatre productions. There is hopefully in our list something new, something old and something fabulous you can sing-a-long to!
1/ Adventures of a Comic Book Artist
Scotland loves Florida. Scotland loves comic books. America loves musical theatre. This musical production from Lakewood Ranch High School Theatre Department coming to Edinburgh should be a match made in musical heaven!
“Stanley ‘Leonardo’ Sappovitz wants to become a comic book artist. He gets a job as a janitor at Wonder Comics in hope of getting discovered by his boss, DC Wunderman. DC invests in magical pens guaranteed to bring comic book characters his artists create to life, hoping to revolutionise the comic book industry, but his plan turns sour when his artists unwittingly unleash the dreaded Dr Shock Clock who reeks mayhem in the city. Join us for a hilarious musical spoof following the Fabulous Four as they take on the evil Dr. Shock Clock.”
There are actually three Robert Burns inspired musicals this year at Fringe. This production made our list because of its innovative take on the Burns story and because of the track-record of the theatre company producing it.
“What do the widow and mistress of Scotland’s famous bard discuss over tea? After the death of Robert Burns, his wife Jean Armour and mistress Nancy Maclehose finally meet. Female-led theatre company Fearless Players bring an all-female production dedicated to the women behind Scotland’s history. Using the well-known music of Robert Burns woven with original compositions, Herstory gives a voice to the women behind the bard. ‘Outstanding new writing about Robert Burns’ wife and mistress from female-led collective Fearless Players’ (Paul Vale, Stage).”
An intriguing story for a musical from new theatre company Purple Doors Productions Ltd. Their initial reviews suggest you should take a chance and book a ticket to see them this Fringe.
“‘Never been afraid of the dark, only curious for the spark.’ Alex Peel is a young and bright astronomer, destined for a life in the stars. Then Alex’s life is turned upside-down. Alex is going blind. After working all her life for this big moment of freedom, for her eyes to be opened and released into the mysteries of space, the windows have been shut firmly over her eyes. Follow Alex in understanding whether our destiny is written in the stars and if sometimes there is more to life than in front of our two eyes.”
There has been something of a buzz about this production this year – even getting a shout out from Elaine Page on BBC Radio 2. A very interesting take on the classic tale by writer Michael Bascom.
“This new musical by Michael Bascom retells the story of Heathcliff and Cathy, two soul-bound lovers thwarted by family, society and God. The sun shines over the moors, but a storm of vengeance is brewing in this story of a passionate romance which transcends life – and death – itself. Described as ‘a highly moving production, brilliantly depicting the tragedy and passion of Bronte’s novel’ (TCS), the show sees its Fringe debut after premiering last November to a critically acclaimed, sold-out run at the University of Cambridge.”
We could not let this musical pass – for the title alone! It even promises a live string quartet. The rehearsal photos look great fun and it could well be a surprise hit of the Fringe if audiences buy into it. This will either be a full cycle turbo spin, or a slow cold rinse!
“Growing up is hard. Learning to use a washing machine is harder. This original musical, featuring a live string quartet, follows Cass and James – siblings called back to their childhood home to pack up for one last time. As they box up their old lives, tensions rise and they must confront themselves and each other about who they’ve become, the decisions that led them there and what it means to be grown up. It’s certain to make you laugh, remember flying the nest and check for cats next time you use the dryer.”
Part of the Made in Scotland showcase 2019, ‘Islander’ creates an expansive, ethereal soundscape using a contemporary Scottish folk-inspired score, to tell a tale of Eilidh, who dreams of life beyond her island home.
“Eilidh stares out to sea and dreams of a new life beyond her lonely island. Myth and reality collide when the tide washes a mysterious stranger onto her beach, changing her life forever. Epic storytelling, intimately staged with a contemporary Scottish folk-inspired score. The cast live-record and layer their voices to create an ethereal adventure for the ears and imagination. ‘Superb’ (Herald). ‘Lush, harmonic voices’ (List). ‘A real treat of a production’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Originally developed in association with Comar. Part of the Made in Scotland 2019 showcase. www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com”
Fife-based Kingdom Theatre are seasoned Fringe veterans and return again this year with their popular musical Kelty Clippie. A sell-out last year and if you are looking for some traditional Scottish music and humour, you could do no better than to grab tickets for this show.
“Based on the classic Scottish folk song, Kelty Clippie follows the comic adventures of a bus conductress in Fife. Maggie trains for her new job and meets some interesting passengers ending up at the legendary Kelty Club but will she find romance? Completely sold-out show at the Fringe in 2018 and at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Now with more songs and more laughs from this award-winning company at their seventh successful year at Fringe. ‘Great show’ (Rab Noakes). ‘Genuinely amusing’ (Scotsman). ‘To be commended’ (BroadwayWorld.com). **** (K107FM Radio).“
A musical based on the US blockbuster ‘Legally Blonde’, a terrific looking cast, produced by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; I am tempted to say, ‘what could go wrong’?
“Dumped by her boyfriend for not being ‘serious’ enough, Legally Blonde the Musical follows Delta Nu sorority sister Elle Woods to Harvard Law School where she shows her ex (and everybody else) that there’s more to her than just a hair colour. Spurred on by her self-belief, determination and an amazing manicure, Elle wins over her doubters and proves that a glass ceiling isn’t a match for a woman on a mission!”
We were tempted to not include any Brexit related shows in our lists this year. But needs must and as the whole debacle has being going on for so long, it now has its own ‘Now ‘ Album devoted to it. And if you are inclined to watch some Brexit parody, what better way to see it than as a musical?
“May. Corbyn. Boris. Mogg. The perpetrators of Boris the Musical are back. And this time, they’ve left no one out. From referendum woes to constitutional calamity, relive the Brexit shitstorm. In song! ‘Pacy, irreverent, rude and very funny’ **** (TheReviewsHub.com, on Boris the Musical).“
Featuring an original script and songs by Jason Goodwin-Tully, ACIDflashback Productions are making their fringe debut with a groundbreaking piece of new writing on a topical theme of crucial importance.
“Suicide Pact is a brand-new dark comedy musical that explores male mental health and the stigma surrounding suicide. Two strangers meet on a bridge one night and strike up an unlikely friendship after making a pact to kill themselves. As they continue to share their stories, we realise how their different paths led them to the bridge that night and how their new-found friendship might not be enough to save them both. Featuring an original script and songs by Jason Goodwin-Tully, ACIDflashback Productions are proud to bring such an important piece of writing to the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Note – Our recommendations for the shows listed above is based on preview material only, and is no guarantee of the quality of live performance of the shows.
With just 1 week to go before the official start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019, it gives us great pleasure to reveal details of our 2019 Poster Competition!
How can we nominate a poster?
If you know of a good poster and it is a poster for one of the 4219 shows listed as Edinburgh Festival Fringe participants, then send us a picture of it to [email protected] by 5pm Monday August 5th. We will then select 5 of the posters nominated, based on their artistic merit.
How will we select posters for the final 10?
In addition to the 5 nominated posters, we will select five posters ourselves. On Sunday 4th August, we will walk through all the main Fringe sites (including but not limited to St Andrews Square, Royal Mile, Princes Street, Cowgate, Bristo Square, George Square Gardens and George Street), and select 5 posters that stand out to us for their artistic merit and visual impact. The five posters we select, and the shortlisted five from public nominations, will form our final 10.
How can we vote for our winning poster?
Once the 10 finalists are announced on Monday August 5th, we will open a public poll here on our site. You will have until midnight on Sunday 11th August to vote for your winning poster.
When will you announce the winning poster design?
Our winning poster will be announced on Monday August 12th. The winner will not only have the accolade of having been voted our Fringe Winning Poster Design, we will also feature you on our site. Last year our poster competition was one of our most visited site pages, and given our Winner announcement comes just ahead of the midweek lull, it should hopefully provide the winning entrant will a much needed boost in ticket sales.
We are loving this video interview today with Alex Dee and Lou Kendon Ross of Stage D’Or Productions who are bringing their show ‘Hitman and Her’ to the Fringe next month. This latest work from acclaimed playwright Tim Connery centres around a sinister plot developing in a quiet pub. “Donna Ryeman’s friend meets a hitman in a pub as she wants her husband dead. He is reluctant to accept, particularly as it seems that Donna Ryeman’s friend may not be ‘all there’ even though she has a certificate to prove her sanity. Will he take the job? What’s with the Post-it Notes? Why is the pub suddenly so empty? And who is having an affair with her husband? ”
We are sure you will be wanting to spend not only some time in the pub with Alex and Lou (next pint of ‘Ribena’ on us Alex!), but also at the PQA Venues in the audience seeing their show! Hitman and Her will be performed daily August 2nd-6th, 8th-12th, 14th-19th and 21st-26th at PQA Venues @Riddle’s Court (Q2/ Venue 277). Tickets available now from the Fringe Box Office.
With just 1 week to go, many of you are likely to have last minute nerves about performing at Fringe. And what better way to put those fears to rest, than to find out about one of the biggest musical theatre disasters of all time! Redacted Arachnid tells the tale of one of the biggest Broadway flops in history. Spiderman as a musical? What went wrong? Over to Caleb Barron of Corpus Christi Owlets drama society to find out more…
1. Can you introduce yourselves and your show (Redacted Arachnid) ?
We are Maybe You Like It Productions, working with the Corpus Christi Owlets drama society. We are a group of students from the University of Oxford with a shared passion for fast-paced, energetic, collaborative (and funny!) theatre. Between us, we’ve worked on 100 shows across Oxford and counting, but this is the only show (so far) we’ve done together and many of us met creating this show. Our show is ‘Redacted Arachnid’! It tells the true story of the biggest flop in Broadway history. The flop in question was about the most famous teen superhero in the world, who will remain nameless or redacted, and it involves famous rock icons, Broadway directors, and the collapse of the most expensive musical ever made. It’s about theatre-making and what makes an idea a great one. This one wasn’t.
2. What is the top reason people should see the show? It’s a completely true story, spanning over a decade, told in just one hour. It’s fast-paced, frantic, and funny.
3. What does a ‘successful Fringe run’ mean to you? Selling-out, good reviews and awards are all great, but a successful show for us would be audiences leaving our show with a smile on their face and feeling satisfied that we were able to entertain them.
4. What is the worst rumour you have heard about performing at Edinburgh Fringe? Audiences that are smaller than the cast of the show! That seems a slightly frightening prospect.
5. The Owlets have a long history – some 200 years! Tell us a bit about that history – any famous past members or productions? The Owlets began as a poetry society in the 19th Century. They would meet often and share poems and monologues. This soon developed into a growing group of enthusiastic dramatists. Throughout the 20th Century, countless Owlets shows were put on in Oxford. Notably, a production of T. S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral was performed in Corpus Christi Chapel in the 1960s and then toured around England and Scotland, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2002, the cast reunited for a special revival of the production back in Corpus Christi Chapel. The production was even attended by royalty! In recent years, the Owlets had fallen into a state of some disrepair. The current custodians of the society have spent the last two years reviving the deep involvement of the Owlets in Oxford drama. They’ve produced three shows, including Redacted Arachnid, and fostered the creation of Maybe You Like It Productions to allow continue producing theatre beyond Oxford. They have also had a hand in funding over twenty shows in the last two years with a great deal of success. The Owlets mission is to foster and support drama in Oxford and throughout its history it has managed to do so.
6. Your show is about everything that can go wrong with producing and staging a musical. What lessons of what not to do did you learn for staging an Edinburgh Fringe show? Don’t swing a man from the ceiling; he might fall. There’s many lessons to learn from the show that Redacted Arachnid is about. I suppose the big thing we’ve learnt from it is that money doesn’t make your show. All the money in Broadway doesn’t make your show a good one.
7. Conversely, what do you think are the key ingredients to staging a successful production (besides making sure your actors don’t fall 30ft in front of an audience!) A show that our whole team is passionate about. We need to be ready to give everything to this production (and we are) in order to give the audience the best performance every night.
8. Spiderman aside, if you could be a superhero, who would it be? Captain America seems like a good bloke, probably him.
9. How are you promoting your show in the run up to the Fringe? We’ll be writing a blog about our thoughts, feelings and experiences whilst we’re at the festival! The first post is up now at www.maybeyoulikeit.co.uk/blog You can follow us on twitter @cccowlets, on Facebook @maybeyoulikeit and on Instagram @redactedarachnid We’ll also be performing an extract from our show, topped and tailed by a busking session from none other than our very own Bono, on the Upper Stage on the Mile on Sat 03 Aug 17:50 Tue 06 Aug, Sat 10 Aug and Tue 13 Aug 16:50
10. Lastly do you want to tell us where and when we can see the show? Of course! We’re on every day 1-17 August at 22:40, at C Aquila (Temple). See you there!
Redacted Arachnid will be performed daily at 22:40 from August 1st-17th at C-Venues/ C aquila (Venue 21/ Temple). Tickets available now from the Fringe Box Office.
“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” So runs the famous first line of L.P. Hartley’s novel, “The Go-Between.” Apologies to the great author, but we disagree! Sure, times and circumstances have changed, but fundamentally we are all human, and our needs, fears, hopes and desires haven’t changed too much over the last 1000 years or more. Take the lad on the right of the photo above. How do you judge him? Confidently handsome or vain? Jack-the-lad or an ambitious professional? An easily-distracted millennial playing on his mobile, or determined and tech-savvy? Now look at the photo to the left. What do you see? Likely a confident, brave, upstanding RAF crewman from WW2. Are we correct in assuming you made no judgements on the character of the man in the in left photo? Don’t worry – you are not alone. Studies have shown that people are far more likely to have a one-dimensional view of people they see or read about from history, and research showed 82% of people give no critical thought to the character traits of a person from history, other than the ones we are predisposed to give.
Which is of course problematic for audiences of shows examining historical themes. The two photos feature the same actor, but how we perceive him is based on our ‘historical lens’. (We would like to give a big thank you to Thomas Dennis, lead actor of ‘Wireless Operator’, for modelling for us!). We showed two groups the two photos – one group the contemporary, the other the WW2 photo and asked them to guess the age, background and character of the person in the photo. The first group aged contemporary Thomas five years younger than the second group and the conversation revolved around his looks, fashion sense and whether or not he was single. The group thought he was likely a student or ‘working in media’, and had a ‘worried expression’ on his face, perhaps about a ‘difficult decision he has to make’. The second group did not comment at all on his looks, and did not debate whether he was married, only the number of children he supposedly had. He was also ‘stoic’, ‘brave’, ‘had a stiff upper lip’, ‘focused, and ‘always gets the job done’. So same actor, same jacket, same pose, both with complex gadgetry in their hands, but vastly different preconceptions about the two photos! And again, seeing the contemporary as more complex in terms of character than the person from history.
And ‘Wireless Operator’ is a great example of how theatre can challenge these preconceptions. The play is told through the eyes and ears of the wireless operator (John), revealing the triggers to the lifelong legacy that traumatised those airmen who survived, focusing on PTSD. The worried expression the group saw on the face in the modern photo was perceived as stoic in the WW2 photo; the group simply did not contemplate that the wireless operator would be frightened, apprehensive or even traumatised.
All this perhaps indicates too that we are beholden to the circumstances of our age. If ‘modern’ Thomas went back in time 70 years, it is likely he would react with the same bravery, fear and fortitude bomber crews displayed during World War 2. If wireless operator Thomas travelled 70 years into the future, it is likely he would quickly learn how to use a mobile, swap his flying blues for blue jeans and quickly head out to enjoy the opportunities of our age!
The shows on our list below come from different eras, but all tell fascinating stories that make us reflect on how we would react given the same circumstances.
That is why plays with history at their heart are so important! They challenge our preconceptions of the past but also the present.
Note – the listing is in no particular order.
1/ Boswell
James Boswell was a Scottish biographer, diarist, and lawyer, born in Edinburgh. He is best known for his biography of his friend and older contemporary, the English writer Samuel Johnson, which is commonly said to be the greatest biography written in the English language. This production should appeal to anyone wanting to connect with one of Scotland’s greats.
“Discovering James Boswell’s lost journals, an ambitious 20th-century woman cannot resist his literary charms whilst reading of his wild and woolly adventures in A Tour of the Scottish Hebrides. Speaking through his diaries, Boswell encourages her to live her own life. Falling in love with the lively narratives, she sees a person, time and landscape wondrously revealed – as well as the possibility for a more authentic life. Heart and mind spar wittily in this delightful new adaptation of her own work by playwright Marie Kohler. ‘One of the best voices in American theatre’ (Milwaukee Magazine).“
This jaunty play looks great fun and comes to Edinburgh with some impressive reviews in the bag.
“After their successful run of Greyhounds in 2018, Time & Again return with Edwardian epic, Clouds! The year is 1913 and women are rising up… Winifred Baxter is determined to become the first Englishwoman to enter an air race, learning to fly amidst the chaos of the suffragette movement, a glorious garden party and far too much nephology: the study of clouds. New writing combining the suffocating society of pre-war Britain with a touch of comedy, early feminism and pure vintage flair! ‘Atmospheric and entertaining’ **** (List). ‘Pretty much perfect’ **** (EdinburghGuide.com). ‘Clever and charming’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). “
It would have been a crime to compile a list of history shows at the Fringe, and leave Professor Sir Tom Devine off our list! ”Sir Tom Devine is the rock star of Caledonian historians whose work in unravelling Scottish identity makes him de facto the father of the nation.’ (Scottish Field 2014). If you haven’t got a ticket yet, be quick, as they will likely sell out fast!
“Tom Devine is arguably Scotland’s greatest living historian, having written or contributed to more than 25 books covering such areas as Scottish and Irish migration, Scottish industry and society since the 1700s, the transformation of rural Scotland, the Great Highland Famine, the impact of the Irish Famine on Scotland and Scotland’s tobacco lords. For the past 20 years Devine has also been a notable voice on the subject of sectarianism and its impact on Scottish life. Devine is a Professor Emeritus at Edinburgh University and was knighted in the 2014 honours list. “
This was a sell-out show last year, and the very talented one-man show specialist David William Bryan looks set to repeat his success this year.
“After a total sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run in 2018, In Loyal Company returns in a venue twice the size for 2019. This incredible true story of missing WWII soldier Arthur Robinson, written and performed by his great-nephew David William Bryan, is a tour-de-force war epic not to be missed. ‘A tour de force’ (Scotsman). ‘A masterpiece’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A fresh sense of humanity’ **** (Stage). ‘Touching and humbling’ ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). ***** (FringeGuru.com). ***** (Breaking-the-Fourth-Wall.com). ***** (EssentialSurrey.co.uk) ***** (SouthsideAdvertiser.biz). “
Condorrat actor Jason Harvey steps into McNaughton’s shoes for an adaptation of writer Steve Gooch’s award-wining one-man play.
“In his cell, woodturner Daniel McNaughton, wronged by his father, dismissed by the Glaswegian legal establishment, awaits sentence for his botched attempt to shoot Prime Minister Robert Peel. Lawyers are keen to use him as a test case for pleas of insanity in murder trials. Whatever the outcome, it will set a precedent for a hundred years… The McNaughton Rules. This prize-winning dramatic monologue by Steve Gooch is both powerful and engaging but is also laced with rueful humour.”
Tickets available now from the Fringe Box Office. (Note the show has multiple listings for dates/ locations, so please check)
6/ The Passion of the Playboy Riots
A true story which demonstrates the power of theatre.
“True story of the role played by theatre in the birth of modern Ireland, set backstage during performances of groundbreaking Irish plays, Cathleen ni Hoolihan (1902), The Playboy of the Western World (1907) and The Plough and the Stars (1926). Based on the writings of WB Yeats and Lady Gregory, who founded the Irish Literary Theatre, and Patrick Pearse, first of the leaders of the Easter Rising to face the firing squad. ‘Funny, taut and thought-provoking’ (Roy Foster, author of Yeats: A Life). ‘Original, witty and controversial’ (Ruth Dudley Edwards).”
Tickets available now from the Fringe Box Office. (Note the show has multiple listings for dates/ locations, so please check)
7/ Chagos 1971
The play focuses on the events between 1968 and 1971 when the British and American Governments executed an agreement to allow the American military to use the British island of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago.
“This is a bizarre, unbelievable, but true story – and a darkly hilarious play. In 1971, representatives of the US and UK governments made a heinous decision somehow still unheard of in either society today. After promising the Chagos Archipelago to the Americans a few years earlier, the British government opted to clear the indigenous people living there using a truly bizarre method. Chagos 1971 tells that story, by combining the factual beats of the real events (they get stranger) with an Armando Iannucci-style snappiness and farcical level of cutthroat comedy. ***** (Young-Perspective.net)..”
As we detailed in the introduction, this play challenges our perceptions of WW2 bomber crews, and gives an insight into the lasting personal cost of their actions on their mental health.
“This gripping true story of a terrifying night-time Lancaster Bomber raid in WWII uncovers the triggers of the lifelong legacy that traumatised those airmen who survived. This tense visceral play is told through the eyes and ears of the wireless operator. Confined in the claustrophobic aircraft the young crew struggle to survive. They avoid searchlights and flak, witness fellow airmen blown out of the sky and plunge into zero-gravity corkscrew manoeuvres to dodge enemy aircraft. As they unleash their deadly cargo onto the city below, the wireless operator agonises about the real cost of their mission. “
Back in May, we did a fantastic interview with the team behind the show. Click here to find out more.
Inspired by the amazing true story from the 1930s, when Lord Baden-Powell and Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hitler’s London ambassador, instigated exchange visits between British boy scouts and Hitler Youth, in expectation that they would influence one another. Glenn Chandler (creator of ‘Taggart’) came across the story of the Hitler Youth visits by chance and thought it too good to pass up. This is the first ever play based on this astonishing historical record.
“Inspired by true events. In the 1930s, Baden-Powell and Von Ribbentrop, Hitler’s ambassador, decreed that British boy scouts and Hitler Youth should learn from one another. In Bassington, England, the local troop play host to a cycling party of Hitlerjugend – but are the German boys cyclists or “spyclists”? For Will and Jacob, two Rover Scouts on the cusp of manhood, it is a visit that will change their lives forever. As war looms, a heart-wrenching, darkly humorous drama about espionage, scout’s honour and forbidden love unfolds. From writer/director of Kids Play ***** (Bobby Award winner, BroadwayBaby.com).”
Georg Büchner first began writing Woyzeck in 1836, but it was not until 1913 that it was finally performed, after being heavily reworked by Karl Emil Franzos. Woyzeck deals with the dehumanising effects of doctors and the military on a young man’s life. It is often seen as ‘working class’ tragedy, though it can also be viewed as having another dimension, portraying the ‘perennial tragedy of human jealousy’.
“Life after war is quiet and eerie. Returning home, Franz Woyzeck, a young soldier, attempts to maintain his grip on reality whilst providing for his lover and illegitimate son. Whitgift Theatre Company have reimagined Buchner’s classic European play from his original manuscripts and brought them squarely into 21st-century Europe where division and fragmentation rule, nothing is as it seems and nobody can be trusted.”
Note – Our recommendations for the shows listed above is based on preview material only, and is no guarantee of the quality of live performance of the shows.
