Scotland Archives - Page 19 of 62

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Lady Blackbird – Festival Theatre – Edinburgh International Festival

14Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Lady Blackbird – Festival Theatre – Edinburgh International Festival

Ending her three week long debut album Black Acid Soul tour, LA-based Lady Blackbird, AKA Marley Munroe, brought it home in fine style at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre tonight cheered on by a packed crowd of adoring fans. On what was her first visit to the Capital, and hopeful not her last, it was clearly an emotional moment for the artist and her band as the evening came to a climactic end with tears and a group hug on stage. And why not, it has been a long time coming, as she reached out her hand to the crowd she explained, ‘I’m closing one of the most incredible chapters in my life’. The set list is made up of many of the tracks from Black Acid Soul, released in 2021. The concert features jazz covers such as Blackbird, which Monroe took as her stage name, and also some folk covers al...

Did You Eat? – Greenside @ Infirmary Street

14Aug

By Christina SchmidtNo Comments

Scotland

Did You Eat? – Greenside @ Infirmary Street

Hi, did you eat? You didn’t? Would you like a snack?’ Opening a show by giving out sweets to the audience is never a bad idea, and Zoë Kim, writer and performer of ‘Did you eat?’, does it with such an infectious smile and warmth that you immediately feel drawn to her. She then dives into the story of her childhood, generational trauma and differences in love languages specifically between mothers and daughters. While exploring her own Korean American identity and how it separates her from the people around her, she always comes back to food being an essential love language in Korean culture. After having six sold-out previews in NYC, and having its world premiere on the Edinburgh Fringe, ‘Did you eat?’ is a show not to be missed! The play tackles many heavy topics, such as an...