Assembly George Square Gardens Archives

Otto & Astrid’s Joint Solo Project – Assembly George Square Gardens

18Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Otto & Astrid’s Joint Solo Project – Assembly George Square Gardens

A stunning little music tent with beautiful raked, ancient timber and leather curved seating, in a prime time slot in a perfect location, what could possibly go wrong. Well, no audience for one! Maybe it is the wordy title or perhaps a total lack of self-publicity, I don’t think they care one way or the other, because they are going to have fun! If they can just sort out Astrid’s Public Liability Insurance! And that is the attitude that carries through the show: Anarchic, chaotic and absurd fun. Come ready to rock out to their latest anthems, ‘I Want To Be Your Kitten’, and ‘Tasty Snack’, with hilarious lyrics sung to a heavy metal soundtrack, and some very funny moments. I hope you are getting this picture, because it is not exactly easy to sum up! This is a hidden gem of a show...

OSCAR at the Crown – Assembly George Square Gardens

Looking for a fun time, high energy performances, catchy music and something that might have an intriguing concept, but you’re not really invested in what it is? Then check out ‘OSCAR at the Crown’ and enjoy the party! There is plenty to dance along to, laugh along with and yes, there is some depth here to ponder should you so wish. Philosophically, this show touches on identity, presentation, life choices and truthful expression, with a lens of pop culture and party fever, culminating in a beautiful way of questioning its central icon. Oscar Wilde is suitably a flamboyant figure, full of wit and charm, but what we learn of him is given in potted history, and the show could easily be built on any number of iconic / celebrity figures who have met with tragedy after adulation. Ther...

Yuck Circus – Assembly George Square Gardens

Appropriately titled, Yuck Circus’s all-female troupe of gymnasts and contortionists gives a thrilling display of strength and dexterity. Their premise is to show that women can be as strong and powerful as men. And to do a little man-bashing (and wimpy woman bashing) along the way … challenge stereotypes and talk openly about menstruation (noting the fact it begins with the syllable, MEN - how ironic). I liked their balls! And the woman beside me liked absolutely everything, including screeching with laughter into my ringing ear and yelling her approval as if she were part of the show and should be noticed. I liked that they weren’t ridiculously skinny. They were all shapes and sizes, as women are, yet still able to do a wondrous amount of physically demanding work. I was ...