Scotland Archives - Page 51 of 93

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 t...

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 ec...

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. One...

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. Addres...

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 alo...

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 ant...

The Aretha Franklin Story – The Space @ Symposium Hall

14Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

The Aretha Franklin Story – The Space @ Symposium Hall

Cleopatra Higgins of 90s girl group Cleopatra, is probably as much of a draw for this one as fans looking for the back story to Aretha Franklin. They both come together brilliantly in this short musical programme. There is no doubting the quality of Higgins’ performance as she takes us through the hits of the undisputed Queen of Soul, with high energy versions of Think, Natural Women and Respect. Likewise, there is the brilliant Night Owl band behind her, pretty much note perfect. Producing no less than 11 shows at Edinburgh Fringe this year, the Night Owl formula is fast becoming a Fringe staple. You can take your pick, with shows ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Amy Winehouse and Blondie, and many already sold out. Cleopatra is also on later in the day in The Whitney Houston Story...

Picasso: Le Monstre Sacre – Assembly Roxy

14Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Picasso: Le Monstre Sacre – Assembly Roxy

Guy Masterton’s name attached to any Fringe production usually guarantees quality and this piece is no exception. Brilliantly acted by Peter Tate, who is electrifyingly terrifying as the human Minotaur Pablo Picasso. One cannot love the Minotaur, and live, Tate portrays the Infamous womaniser as the ultimate home fatale, as he crawls from needy journalist to idolising art student, all looking for a part of him that he is more than willing to give, for a price. Tate starts the show astride a paint-splashed ladder, at the top of his game, later in his life, looking out intently at a single spotlight, the sun. Behind and around him a muslin cloth hangs limply to the floor from a high semi-circlular rail, his canvas, but also the thin veil that surrounds his boudoir, the spiders lair, to...

14Aug

By Stephanie DunkNo Comments

Scotland

Box Show – Pleasance Courtyard

I went into the venue for The box show not really knowing what to expect apart from the presence of a box, as I walked in, that was exactly what was there, a big black box raised off the ground with 4 doors on the front. An upbeat pop song was playing, and without sounding too much like Brad Pitt in Seven, I found myself wondering "what's in the box?" The show started as the lights went low and a booming voice over came on introducing Cheryl, she flung open all four doors and was sat inside the box in her own little disco. She started her crazy dance moves and antics - popping pills, downing drinks and buying a cat. You'd be wrong if you guessed which one was more dangerous for her. The lights went off and the box was closed, this happened many times to switch scenes, this was ki...

Making History by Stephen Fry – St Ninian’s Hall

14Aug

By Euan HuthNo Comments

Scotland

Making History by Stephen Fry – St Ninian’s Hall

I feel like everyone has had the hypothetical debate, if you could go back in time what would you change? Some people would give advice to their younger selves, or they’d stop the JFK assassination. And someone always says, “I’d go back and kill baby Hitler”. Making History, originally a novel by Stephen Fry and adapted to the stage by Colin Mcpherson, tries to tackle this moral debate. The set is a wall of famous historical faces, Mary Queen of Scots, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, and centre stage, is Adolf Hitler. I enjoyed how the set was used, having the portraits serve as hidey-holes for props, or concealing larger set pieces within them. And simply having this huge wall of famous faces instantly has you thinking about all the major players in history, so before the show even starts yo...