Beth Eltringham, Author at North West End UK

Burke & Hare Body Snatchers Serial Killers, Ulstermen – Pickle Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court

11Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Burke & Hare Body Snatchers Serial Killers, Ulstermen – Pickle Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court

Sometimes the bustle of the fringe can get a little much: all those loud sounds, bright lights and dance numbers, sometimes you just need a cosy little sit down where you can discuss serial killers…. well that’s my idea of a relaxing break anyway. Burke & Hare Body Snatchers Serial Killers, Ulstermen talks about the real history surrounding the infamous serial killers, starting way before their crimes. Historian Andrew Johnston takes the story from the point of view of an Irish man himself, stating that he wishes to “reclaim” the killers history for Ireland. We start with the Origins of Burke, Hare and their wives, delve into the lead up to the murders and the victims. We hear of the medical school’s struggles and role in the case, along with the verdict that would leave the pub...

Tick, Tick…Boom – Nicholson Street Venues

9Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Tick, Tick…Boom – Nicholson Street Venues

A story of a struggling theatre writer and the sacrifices he makes to make his dream come true, Tick, Tick…Boom is a show full of fun and thought-provoking songs. An autobiographical piece on the life of Jonathan Larson: most famously known for the hit musical Rent. Whilst a successful movie, and perhaps with a creative set and direction a strong musical, unfortunately Midnight Sun Theatre’s production misses its mark. Set in a small black box theatre with a tv screen to show locations and several black stage boxes and stools which seem to be aimlessly moved around the space the entire show, the direction and vision for the show seems amiss. Songs are not directed in a particularly interesting or dynamic manner the performance seemed to lack any kind of atmosphere at all, with very few ...

Colin Cloud: Hoax – Pleasance Courtyard Grand

9Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Colin Cloud: Hoax – Pleasance Courtyard Grand

If illusions and magic are your thing or you just fancy a good mind-boggle, Colin Cloud has you covered. From guessing the names and dates of people’s first kisses to getting an audience member to read the audiences’ minds, this show is sure to have you leaving more confused than you started. Cloud has an incredible stage presents: Funny, trustworthy and somewhat other worldly. He is incredible skilled at what he does and despite there being 700 plus people in the room, he made sure to make the whole room feel included. Now I don’t want to spoil too much so the tricks themselves will remain a secret, but the show is well paced and has you on the edge of your seat throughout. Audience participation is guaranteed with a large number of audience being chosen for set tricks or ...

Ghost Stories By Candle Light – theSpace @ Venue 45

19Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Ghost Stories By Candle Light – theSpace @ Venue 45

The art of telling ghost stories has been around for many moons, made even more popular by the Victorians. There’s something about sitting in a dark room, watching a dim light flicker and hearing an old tale about ghouls and creatures of the night which is often guaranteed to send a shiver up your spine. Ghost Stories By Candle Light strive to create this very aesthetic, using a series of battery powered candles (don’t worry we know real fire can be a health and safety nightmare) horse skull masks, white sheets and some lovely Gothic attire. Walking into the large theatre space we are met by two actors in these skull masks who wander the stage space to the rhythm of some somewhat chilling music. The show begins and the two engage in a character discussion to set up the first stor...

18Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

It’s Gonna Blow – Pleasance Dome

It’s 24th August 79 C.E. and Mount Vesuvius is about to blow destroying the whole of Pompeii… or is it? Our City Mayor seems to be saying otherwise, it’s just a little…. “grey hail” is all, absolutely nothing to worry ourselves with. Fishing4chips are back at the fringe with a whole new play about Pompeii, armed with a team of just 4 actors multi-rolling for their lives, they have produced a very funny and very fast paced show. Greeted by the town crier (Sean Wareing), we are led into a local meeting to discuss the current state of affairs within Pompeii and given plenty of opportunity to voice our opinions (warning this show is heavily reliant on audience participation). Once the meeting has begun, we are introduced to many a strange and wonderful character, including those in t...

13Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Gladiatrix – theSpace@Venue45

Female Gladiators? It’s not something that ever really think of. Most assume gladiators to be men, unwilling Christians and slaves, so it’s a surprising twist to find that in the deep pools of ancient history there were indeed females in the arena. Gladiatrix takes us back to the arena to meet 4 female gladiators, fighting for their freedom, rights and identities, or at least they were until Septimius Severus (Dashan Severus) decided that the arena was no place for a woman. With the options of becoming a servant or wife not fitting for all, what happens to the women who are left behind? The show opens with some very impressive stage combat and choreography, 4 brilliant actresses battling to the words of “what am I doing here?” in the song: Sex Sells. Whilst I wouldn’t call it the mo...

The Cyclops – theSpace@Symposium Hall Annexe

13Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

The Cyclops – theSpace@Symposium Hall Annexe

When six men reunite in a pub to remember a fallen friend and relative, things start to head south very quickly and when a red weather warning hits they are forced to stay and deal with their issues face to face. The play expertly takes a look into men’s mental health and toxic masculinity and then there’s something about the Odyssey going on… That last bit is where the problems lie, if you search up this show online you will find two completely different show descriptions: one about the play that is being staged and one describing the show as a Scottish retelling of The Cyclops and the Odyssey, what you end up with is a strange mix of both. The main plot is fantastic, and very much needed: a tale of grief, loss and the communicatory issues between men however it is randomly interje...

4Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

The End of the Line – Bedlam Theatre

Four strangers are sat on a tube when a global warning sounds telling them that a nuclear bomb is about to explode and not only is it coming for London, but they are in its exact location. What can one do when they are faced with certain death? Do strangers really come together in their time of need and what is more helpful in such situation: acceptance or hope? With no signal and no way out, it’s time to reflect upon our life choices and decide who we want to be in our last moments. This show is well thought out and whilst the staging is simple the set is charming. A painted backdrop of a tube train and some very familiar seating covers that scream British public transport. Some light strobes are used to create the illusion of a moving train and our cast stumble upon the stage in t...

All-Star Armando – Scottish Storytelling Centre

24Mar

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

All-Star Armando – Scottish Storytelling Centre

After a weekend full of improv for the participants of The Edinburgh International Improv Festival, in came the All-Star Armando team to finish the festival off with a bang! Consisting of performers: Keiko Agena, Alex Berg, Lilan Bowden, Todd Fasen, Alex Fernie and Jiavani along with a couple of invited guests from other productions within the festival. As with any improv show there can be a fine line between creating a priceable show and producing something that can be compared to a bunch of performers playing warm up games. A structure is needed but not so much that the show is scripted, something to work from and ground the performers without losing the audience's trust. In this case the cast’s structure came in the form of a chosen word from the audience and a guest actor spouting a...

Pricilla Queen Of The Desert – Edinburgh Festival Theatre

13Mar

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Pricilla Queen Of The Desert – Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Pricilla Queen Of The Desert is a campy and energetic story of self-acceptance, queer love and learning that whilst not everyone will like or get you, the ones who do are the most important. We follow three drag performers as they travel from Sydney to Alice in order to perform an important gig for Anthony’s wife. Here we get all the fun bickerings of a group of drag queens as well as a not so nice look into the stigmas and hate that comes within the role. It’s not all glitz and glamour and between all the catchy musical numbers (and there’s a lot) we can find an insight into the troubles of those within the drag scene, from transphobic comments to parental struggles and even violence. Our cast is headed by the wonderful Greg McCafferty playing the role of Tick, a character strugglin...