I left my heart in Edinburgh…
So I’m now back in lovely old London (that is firmly back on it’s feet, yay!) and I’m absolutely equally depressed/inspired/excited/damp. DEPRESSED ‘cos I’m no longer there, INSPIRED at the sheer talent, creativity and passion I’ve experienced, EXCITED about Sweeney Todd rehearsals TOMORROW (eeeeeek!) and DAMP. ‘Cos it rained. Like, loads.
Instead of doing a million gushing and probably annoying tweets to and about various people and theatre companies, I thought I’d do a cheeky little post on here! Joy. I also thought I’d do my own mini little reviews of stuff I saw and loved for all people going to the fringe! (well, I’ll probably just point out all the good things and tell you to go see the shows I liked. So not really reviews. More like go-view’s. I find it hard to be negative..!)
I’m gonna start off by saying how absolutely apalled I am at myself for never coming to the fringe before! As an Actor, I can safely say it is one of the most useful, enjoyable, inspiring and valuable things I have ever done! Seriously. It was WONDERFUL. I feel absolutely privelidged to be able to call myself an Actor. So if you want to learn and grow and simply affirm yourself and your craft, get yourself down! (Or up. Depending on the Geography).
Never before have I seen 15 pieces of theatre in 3 days! Mental! But enough of my rambling. Here’s my Edinburgh Favourites. (Which is actually just some more rambling).
SAMMY J AND RANDY: RICKETTS LANE
Udderbelly, Cowbarn, 6.00pm.
Written and Performed by Sammy J and Heath McIvor.
This hilarious hour of randomness was the perfect show to kick off my Edinburgh experience with, it seemed absolutely tailored to my sense of humour, and the silly yet actually quite dark story was just what I needed after a 5 hour train journey! Brilliant musicians, fantastic rapport with the audience and most importantly, each other, these two make a hilarious team and a fantastic show.
THE FORUM
Underbelly, Belly Button, 11.15pm.
By Charlotte Essex
Directed by Laura Keefe
Cast: Cerith Flinn, Jacob James Beswick, Kate Cook and Meghan Treadway.
I mean of course I’m gonna be bias ‘cos the gorgeous Cerith Flinn is in it, but this really is a brilliant play. It’s a shame it’s on so late because it would really appeal to the 7pm/8pm audiences. Hilarious, heart-breaking, and rings so very true to a lot of people in today’s society. Online social networking and chat sites are the only way some people can actually communicate with the rest of the world, as we all know and have probably experienced, and it’s focus is definitely on this rather than just ‘another play about the internet’, as some people may be quick to assume. Wonderfully written and so unbelievably sharply delivered, the pace and energy is to die for. I was definitely left wanting more after 45 minutes. Semi-colon close bracket.
…Oh yeah, and Cerith is bloody amazing!!!
SHAKESPEARE FOR BREAKFAST
C Venue, Adam House, 10.00am.
Written and Performed by Bryony Corrigan, Monica Heisey, Cariad Lloyd, Joseph Morpurgo, Niall Ransome, Felicity Russell and Tomas Wolstenholme.
What can I say about this wonderful group of people?! They are astounding, as not only do they perform this hilarious piece so deliciously well, they created it too! Brilliant, brilliant work from a gorgeously diverse cast, with my absolute favourite being the comedy genius Niall Ransome (I would LOVE to see him do stand up). And to top it off, you get free coffee and a Croissant! The perfect way to get you laughing your head off bright and early on a rainy Edinburgh morning.
SWAMP JUICE
Underbelly, Belly Button, 2.00pm.
Created and Performed by Jeff Achtem.
For someone who’s never been to a puppet show before and had no idea what to expect, I was absolutely blown away. Magical is one of many words to describe this show. The utterly wonderful creative mind that is Jeff Achtem delivers this beautiful piece in such a stunning way, you are instantly totally transfixed and transported. I’m not gonna say much more ‘cos I don’t want to ruin the surprises, but this really is a must-see.
MY FILTHY HUNT
Underbelly, Big Belly, 3.55pm.
Written by Philip Stokes.
Cast (from Horizon Arts Theatre Company): Lee Brainbridge, Hayley Shillito, Kate Daley and Aiden Ross.
One of the best things I have seen for a long time. Stripped-back acting and performance this special, dark, accurate, uncomfortable and painfully honest is only created once in a blue moon and it’s so difficult to get the balance right, and most get it wrong, but my god, Horizon Arts hit the nail RIGHT on the head. Again, I’m not going to say a lot more because I went to see this knowing nothing about it, and you should too. The actors are phenomenal, and this is a show that has totally moved me. Words cannot do it justice. Go. And. See. This.
SHLOMO: MOUTHTRONICA
Underbelly, Belly Dancer, 9.00pm.
You have to see him to believe him! Ridiculous talent, genuine lovely warm personality on stage, and really funny! I could watch him just talk for an hour. He is a musical genius, and along with all the lovely anecdotes and the brilliant Special Guest slot, the whole show is a joy. Grab a drink and don’t worry about being on your feet for this show, it’s over too soon! An hour of musical and technological heaven.
THIS IS SOAP
C Venue, Adam House, 1.15pm.
Performed by Bryony Corrigan, Monica Heisey, Cariad Lloyd, Joseph Morpurgo, Niall Ransome, Felicity Russell and Tomas Wolstenholme.
The same wonderful cast as Shakespeare for Breakfast, these guys are unstoppable! A totally improvised show from start to finish. Witnessing the level of incredible skill it takes to improvise like they do sometimes makes you forget about what’s going on in the show, I was genuinely sat there in awe! Talent, talent, talent!
DEANNE SMITH: THE BEST DEANNE SMITH DEANNE SMITH CAN BE
Guilded Balloon, Wee Room, 8.15pm.
On a total whim, we had an hour spare so thought we’d try and fit in an extra show. We were umming and ahhing about what to see, and a lovely woman from Pick of the Fringe told us to book for DeAnne, promised us we’d not be disappointed, and she was right! Gorgeous little adorable DeAnne is brilliantly crude, cute, clever and charming in her hour of stand up, and her little musical interludes really are a highlight for people who enjoy laughing along to a tune. She also has a lovely way about connecting with her audience, you don’t feel that typical nervous feeling at all if she starts chatting to you in her show. SO glad we booked, DeAnne is one to look out for!
DRY ICE
Underbelly, Big Belly, 9.40pm.
Written and Performed by Sabrina Mahfouz.
Directed by David Schwimmer.
Hooked throughout! I don’t think I blinked once for the entire performance. Witty, pretty, mesmerizing Sabrina storms through this piece pitching every moment at the perfect level. This is another one that words won’t do justice, so just go and see it, you will NOT regret it.
FRESHER THE MUSICAL
Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome, 3.50pm.
Written by Sally Torode (Book) and Mark Aspinall (Music and Lyrics)
Cast: Natalie Bush, James Darch, Grace Eccleson, Dan Buckley and Alexis Gerred.
Yes! A new, modern musical that completely understands and portrays teens and young adults as real people. Catchy songs, fantastic cast. Stand-out has to be the hilarious Dan Buckley, definitely a name to watch in the Musical Theatre Comedy world. Need I say more? Book your ticket!!!
THE ADVENTURES OF ALVIN SPUTNICK: DEEP SEA EXPLORER
Underbelly, Belly Button, 6.00pm.
Created and Performed by Tim Watts.
I was so emotional after watching this, I just urge you to see it, honestly! A lot of the reviews have compared it to ‘Wall-E’, and I can see why. Again it’s something that can’t be described properly with words, they can’t do it justice. Tim Watts, like Jeff Achtem, is another wonderfully creative and beautiful mind, and this show really does take you to another place.
DANIEL SLOSS: THE JOKER
The Assembly, Georges Square, 7.35pm.
Daniel Sloss is hilarious. He’s brilliant. If you can get a ticket, go and see him. You will not stop laughing, I promise. Perfect way to send my Edinburgh trip out on a high!
xxx
