Edinburgh Festival Fringe Archives - Page 10 of 13

Bowjangles: Dracula in Space – Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose

12Aug

By Stephanie DunkNo Comments

Scotland

Bowjangles: Dracula in Space – Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose

As I entered the venue for Bowjangles' "Dracula in Space," the atmosphere had been set with the unsettling sound of bells and crow noises, alongside the red gothic wallpaper against elaborate gold wall decorations, this further intensified the mysterious allure of the space. The stage came alive with the presence of the musicians that showcased a fusion of dancing, string instruments and singing. The choreography was well crafted, the musicians moved seamlessly with the music; the combination of the choreography and the different singing voices created a mesmerising visual and auditory experience. The comedy aspect consisted of musical humour, sprinkling in plenty of music-related jokes that I didn't understand myself but got some good laughs from the audience. Apparently, ...

12Aug

By Stephanie DunkNo Comments

Scotland

Cowboys and Lesbians – Pleasance Dome

As I stepped into the theatre, the twang of country music surrounded me, setting the tone for the story that was about to be told. Each backdrop on the stage meticulously hand-painted, setting the scene for a world waiting to be explored, with this a ladder and a simple box, unassuming yet intriguing, overall, a very charming and well crafted set The audience buzzed, it was clear that this was a full house, ready for what we were about to see. The show started and we were transported into the lives of ordinary teenagers, casually chatting about crushes on teachers, which was nostalgic and familiar to most. The play developed into a coming-of-age narrative; a story that resonated with experiences many LGBT people have all shared. The transitions were accompanied by music that p...

Sheldrake on Shakespeare: Live! – Paradise in The Vault

11Aug

By Danielle FarrowNo Comments

Scotland

Sheldrake on Shakespeare: Live! – Paradise in The Vault

This show does not live up to expectations. The main show information promises ‘anecdote, insight, performance, analysis and laughter’ and the website states there will be ‘live performance of some of Shakespeare’s greatest moments. There weren’t. During the show mention was made of how this piece means getting to play great roles without having to audition. Entertaining moment… no great roles played. No roles played at all. Anecdote, insight, some analysis and some laughter, mostly of the dry chuckle variety, were delivered as James Sheldrake talked about Shakespeare and the ideas he has developed over 8 years of teaching. Sheldrake has some performance experience in Shakespeare plays and the one moment he moved to the back of the stage - a small section of an old Edinburgh vaulted ...

Macbeth by the Sea – The Space on the Mile

11Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Macbeth by the Sea – The Space on the Mile

Second up in my Macbeth marathon this Fringe was this lightweight absurd piece by American group John Hancock Productions. With an open mind, I allowed the onslaught to commence, and commenceth it did. More Spamalot than Shakespeare, this one would have had the bard rolling in his grave, and not necessarily with laughter. Whilst there were moments of fun and pith from the four strong cast, led muscularly by Ric Walker in the titular role, this was still pretty thin gruel. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are trying to relax in a seaside resort after the murder of Banquo, but confronted in turn by his ghost, the witches and an incompetent masseuse (out damn knot!) hotel manager who is a weird mixture of Faulty and Renee. You get the picture. The picture that probably looked great on th...

At That Time, Byeon – Greenside @ Nicholson Square

11Aug

By Danielle FarrowNo Comments

Scotland

At That Time, Byeon – Greenside @ Nicholson Square

Ever watched a radio play created on stage? Seeing actors and crew create the sounds of the story is fascinating. Add the techniques of Korean silent films and you can start to imagine the entrancing ability of this black comedy from acclaimed Theatre Haddangse. Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea and apparently based on a real murder, ‘At That Time, Byeon’ presents the case of a maid’s death, closed without the murderer established. There are occasional moments of Korean, always clear in general meaning as well as great to hear - being the performers’ own language - but the production is mostly in English. A troupe of 6 entertainers, decked out in black and white with carefully chosen touches of red, play against a white paper screen, put too fine use, including for proj...

Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Filth – Assembly George Square

11Aug

By Stephanie DunkNo Comments

Scotland

Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Filth – Assembly George Square

I entered the venue first which meant I got to watch hundreds of people flood in and fill the room , everyone was chatting to me and each other about times they had been to Skinner's shows before, this was my first time, but the enthusiasm of the other audience members put me at ease, I got the idea it was going to be a highly entertaining and laughter filled hour, what I didn't realise was, I would be sat repeating his jokes to my friends later and laughing all over again. The audience was star studded with other well-known comedians there to support Skinner giving the whole evening a touch of stardom. On the stage in the spotlight stood a lone microphone, in moody blue light – like a rockstar ready to roll. The atmosphere was lively, thanks to the upbeat music setting the...

11Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Late Bloomers Tales – The Jazz Bar

Italian Jazz and soul singer, Anna Vanosi, is fast become a Fringe regular since she came here 4 years ago. Her soulful voice and playful storytelling brighten up the subterranean room of The Jazz Bar. She is no stranger to the venue throughout the year, but during August it seems to be where she lives! This set is as much a coming-of-age tale as a musical show, Anna draws her life out with lyrical richness, always finding the right song to tell her story, from tourist guide to traveller through Asia, to full time singer, and all dedicated to her Italian Grandma who has always been her guiding light. The songs when they come are rich and beautifully sung, aided by two talented backing musicians. Time is different for different things, Anna’s asks, ‘how long does it take water ...

Macbeth: Sleep No More – The Space @ Niddrie Street

11Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Macbeth: Sleep No More – The Space @ Niddrie Street

A cleverly shortened and in places rewritten version of the Scottish Play which takes nothing away from its power and fascination, performed very nicely by a four female cast, in what is normally a male heavy production. All four actresses do very well to play a screed of different characters, but none shines brighter than Victoria Adler, who is scintillating in whichever body she is inhabiting. Alder’s sword fighting scene with Amy Floyd’s slightly pedestrian Macbeth is one of the highlights of the whole show, with audience members visibly shrinking back and pulling up legs from the thrusting and whirling bodies as the contest progresses to its inevitable bloody climax. Absolutely riveting stuff! Perhaps a bit more cut and thrust in the lines department would not have gone amiss...

Matilda Jr – Edinburgh Academy, Magnusson Theatre

11Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Matilda Jr – Edinburgh Academy, Magnusson Theatre

A lone pink teddy bear sits centre stage under a yellow spotlight, behind it a bare scaffold. Do not expect lavish sets, this is a stripped back and shortened, junior, version of this family favourite. But worry not, what it loses in artifice it more than makes up for in oodles of acting, singing and dancing talent, from juniors and adults alike, and a sound system to die for. The well appointed auditorium is full and child heavy, crisps and haribos are munched, capri suns slurped. There is an expectant murmur from the packed crowd, and why not, this is after all a totally sold out run by Edinburgh crowd favourites Captivate, old hands at putting on fabulous fringe productions. A child walks out and picks up the teddy bear, is joined by another and another until, by my calculatio...

11Aug

By Kathleen MansfieldNo Comments

Scotland

Lear Alone – The Space Triplex

And Tomorrow Theatre Company brings us Lear Alone: a modern-day take on street living, aging and the modern scourge of dementia in all its guises. It was originally an award-winning Web Series shot on the streets of London. The punitive Covid lockdown saw the homeless finally safe inside, but the arts and artists were crippled and bound by isolation. And Tomorrow is creating work that can be presented both digitally and on stage in our post-pandemic landscape. The company is working with CRISIS to highlight the plight of homeless individuals in our relatively wealthy society. They have funding from The Arts Council, Screensaver, Elysium Theatre Company, Entire, Tricolore, Theater Auf’m Kahn, Berlin, Actors and Writers London and The So & So Club. Directed by Anthony Shrubsal...