Saturday, May 18

REVIEWS

Twenty People a Minute – theSpace on the Mile
14Aug By Christina SchmidtNo Comments
Scotland

Twenty People a Minute – theSpace on the Mile

‘Twenty People a Minute’ is a new play that provides a terrifying outlook of what the near future could look like. Set in 2030, the play follows four people fleeing from their homes for different reasons – whether being persecuted for their gender, sexuality, or fleeing from war and natural disasters. These refugees of tomorrow highlight the social, political and environmental crises plaguing the world today and how they might impact individuals in the future. Written by Samantha Robinson, her prose seamlessly becomes poetry whilst the fragmented storylines slowly intertwine and come together in the end. Her excellent writing carries the audience through the play, being fast-paced and using repetitions to underline the characters constant questioning of themselves and the situation the...
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Baby Wants Candy – Assembly George Square Studios
14Aug By Greg HolsteadNo Comments
Scotland

Baby Wants Candy – Assembly George Square Studios

The concept of this, from the group that also produces Shamilton earlier in the day, is to take shouted audience suggestions and to create a hilarious comedy musical on the spot. When I visited, Mimi Todd and Dear Euan McGregor were considered, but the clear winner on the shoutometer was Barbies of The Galaxy – the Musical. And I grudgingly have to admit that it was pretty damn amazing what they came up with. A funny, quirky, catchy musical with some inspired choreography, amazing music, great singing. It was a bit like watching a very early workshop run of a comedy musical that a comedy musical genius has been working on, in his garage, for the last six months. That’s the kinda vibe we are talking about. How?? This is a fickle thing, a show that one night might produce a one st...
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The Blondie Story – The Space @ Surgeons Hall
14Aug By Greg HolsteadNo Comments
Scotland

The Blondie Story – The Space @ Surgeons Hall

Comparison is the reviewer’s critical tool, and at 35 shows into the Fringe of 2023, it is only getting sharper! In the world of good, better, best, this one is good but could be better. And ironically, front singer Reine Beau might well be the first one to stand up and agree. In this brand new show, the winning Night Owl docu-style formula works really well with video and audio clips from Blondie’s back story throwing new light on areas that even die-hard fans might be surprised to see and hear. There is also the superb musicianship of the Night Owl band, who are as usual fantastic and note perfect. What works less well is Beau straining at times to reach the intensity and high notes of the new age Punk sensation that was Debbie Harry. Less than half way through the run I re...
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IMA (pray) – Assembly, Murrayfield Ice Rink
14Aug By Greg HolsteadNo Comments
Scotland

IMA (pray) – Assembly, Murrayfield Ice Rink

Hungarian group Recirquel Cirque Danse led by Bence Vagi bring this highly unusual aerial gymnastic show, to the equally unusual venue of Murrayfield Ice Rink. No ice here but this is certainly a pretty cool show, as evidenced by my two teenaged children who were simply blown away. Operating as six individual performers each with one solo performance per day at times ranging between 12:00 noon till 19:30. We signed up to the 16:30 performance, which featured artist Renato Ille’s, who gave a simply stunning performance, combining dance and aerial gymnastics, not to mention extreme strength, set within a light and sound experience that takes your breath away. As to the ‘performance’ itself, no spoilers here, suffice to say that it was an emotional almost religious experience wi...
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Taxi – Old Woollen Mill
14Aug By Paul ClarkeNo Comments
Yorkshire & Humber

Taxi – Old Woollen Mill

Everyone has sat in the back of a cab staring blankly at the driver’s head, and aside from the usual ‘busy day’ chit chat we pay our fare knowing nothing about their lives. So, when John Rwothomack as cab driver Taxi stands at the end of the stage in this converted mill offering us the back of his head, he is asking us to take a journey inside his often troubled mind on a busy night shift. Along the way Andrea Heaton’s words offer us a chance to meet different Leeds folk who jump in behind him, based on co-director Douglas Thorpe’s own experiences as a cabbie. It is an often hallucinatory trip round the city that kicks off with homeless man Mal - who may or may not be the ferryman to the underworld – jumping up on the bar to rant about his life before leading the audience into the p...
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Shakespeare for Breakfast – VENUE C aurora
14Aug By Danielle FarrowNo Comments
Scotland

Shakespeare for Breakfast – VENUE C aurora

Fancy some Love Island Shakespeare? If part of that doesn’t really appeal, fear not - there is plenty of the other to keep you happy! ‘Shakespeare for Breakfast’ has been running for decades and knows how to provide fun entertainment in its mixing of modern pop culture with bardic puns, a good dose of original plot and yes, actual Shakespeare lines, all served with a croissant and beverage (hot or cold, as you prefer). On this occasion, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ plays out within the setting of a reality tv programme for would-be lovers. For those - such as myself - not familiar with that particular form of pop culture, the show still provides plenty of laughs and sometimes you pick up on specific references / tropes through other audience members’ responses. I imagine it works the...
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Hello, The Hell: Othello – Assembly Rooms
14Aug By Danielle FarrowNo Comments
Scotland

Hello, The Hell: Othello – Assembly Rooms

Love. Murder. Regret. Agony. Love. Murder. Regret. Agony. Love... The repetition of his crime is something Othello fights with every fibre of his being as he faces aeons of punishment in hell. While he is tortured by nightmares, trapped and riddled with pain if he leaves his cage / shrine, Iago somehow roams freely, able to torment him even further. With Desdemona, these antagonists play out scenes of the past and of how Othello wishes to change it. The focused performances are supported by often dramatic music, while costume and lighting colours of red, black, white and gold are striking across a floor of red cloths with just a few hints of white. Knotted hangings form Othello’s cell and other restrictions within the space, completely filled by performers’ movements, which draw on ...
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Lachlan Werner: Voices of Evil – Pleasance Courtyard
14Aug By Stephanie DunkNo Comments
Scotland

Lachlan Werner: Voices of Evil – Pleasance Courtyard

"Voices of Evil " had me on the edge of my seat from the moment I entered the eerie venue. However, the water guns on the chairs threw me off, I had no idea what to expect. The show commenced with a spine-chilling "boo," immediately getting everyone's attention. The clever use of light effects and smoke further heightened the sense of mystery. A character in white face paint came out and introduced himself as Lachy alongside a witch puppet, this dynamic duo would be the centre of the ritual about to take place. The performance wasn't just a monologue; it was a dialogue that had the audience laughing at every spat between the two. But it wasn't all laughter; it was a ritual. The interaction with the audience was brilliant, drawing us into the supernatural story. The question e...
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Mark Watson – Pleasance Courtyard
14Aug By Stephanie DunkNo Comments
Scotland

Mark Watson – Pleasance Courtyard

Mark Watson's stand-up was an experience that began with a unique twist, we started a bit late, and Watson was in the audience, seating people. The venue was buzzing with energy as Watson effortlessly engaged with the sold-out crowd, leaving no doubt that his reputation as a naturally funny comedian was well-deserved. Seamlessly blending prepared material with improvisation, the show's modern touches, such as hologram acts and discussions around the impact of COVID, reflected his adaptability to the changing times. Watson's ability to navigate through topics as diverse as divorce, parenthood, and technology advancements showcased his versatility as a storyteller. Watson's humour truly shone when he recounted anecdotes about tech advancements, and his son's curious encounters. On...
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Kirsty Mann: Skeletons – Pleasance Courtyard
14Aug By Stephanie DunkNo Comments
Scotland

Kirsty Mann: Skeletons – Pleasance Courtyard

Under the captivating pink lights, I found myself amidst a sold-out crowd, waiting for Kirsty Mann's show. As the remix of pop songs set the tone, a voiceover boomed over the speakers. Mann's socially awkward interactions, presented through her relatable character comedy. Her wit was quick which created an atmosphere of shared hilarity. Whilst there was no direct audience interaction, Mann's relatable stories had everyone nodding in agreement. Mann skilfully built up her routine, weaving in accents that left the audience waiting for more. Also, a doctor by profession, she seamlessly integrated her medical experiences into her comedy act. She recounted the time she had to get changed in the back of a taxi, this, and many more antics of being both a doctor and a comedian. Addre...
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