Category: Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Rock Musical

By Ron Bingham

There was no warning (apart from the 13:05 start time) that this was a show performed by young teens (I’m guessing the average age was fifteen, but then, I’m old and everyone these days looks fifteen). Although American, this show is not part of the American High School Theatre Festival, the performance group is called Infinity Repertory Theatre (New York) and their performance is a retelling of the classic Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night’s Dream (which I always thought of as a Christmas play, due to the amount of times I saw it played in the Botanic Gardens during Australian summer evenings). It has been updated and abridged, but the extraneous material they’ve added (references to cars, mayors and guitars) can be disregarded and the play just enjoyed for the romantic farce that it is.

It starts with lovers Hermione and Lysander singing as they run away into the woods because Hermione’s father is against their love. Demetrius also fancies Hermione, but he has just dumped Helena, who still loves him. They sing some more and follow them into the woods, where Oberon, the fairy king, dispatches his naughty sprite Puck for a little merry-making, which goes wrong when the wrong man is given the love potion, Meanwhile Fairy Queen Titania falls in lust with Bottom, a yokel who’s head has been turned into that of an ass.  After some rather acrimonious scenes (and songs), Puck & his King put all aright and love is restored . Cue finale song and dance.

The music could be trimmed a little, as I thought the choruses went on for a bit too long without advancing the plot of the show. The music and dancing was entertaining though, and I could detect a few Springsteen influences in some of the songs. The large (about 200 seater) room was 3/4 full and the audience were enjoying the show. My favourite was, of course, Puck, who gets all the best lines and makes merry with the cast and audience for her own designs. Demetrius was also played by a lady (is New York running out of teenage boys looking for an acting career?).

If you are after a lunchtime show full of boisterous young singers and dancers retelling a classic Shakespeare comedy of errors (wait a minute that’s a different Shakespeare play but you know…) with a rock and roll beat, then you could do worse than picking up a ticket for this show.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/midsummer-night-s-dream-the-rock-musical

Juliette Burton; Look At Me

By Ron Bingham

This is Juliette’s second solo show at the Fringe, and follows on from last year’s excellent When I Grow Up, in which she recounted some of her life story and body image and associated mental health issues. This year, Look At Me asks what does beauty mean, and how influenced are people by what they, and the people around them, wear? Juliette dons a variety of costumes and is filmed wearing them in public spaces (Covent Garden and King’s Cross in London) to gauge people’s reactions. The first costume may have looked wildly out of place when Juliette was wearing it but, having worked nightshift, I can assure her that if she was been out in those clothes at midnight, no-one would have noticed her. Each costume (sexy, covered, old, male, alternative) has a story which relates to Juliette’s life.

The show, using the video pieces and a number of engaging on-screen interviews and pictures plus some audio, covers Juliette’s teenage years, when she went from a 4 stone anorexic to a 21 stone bulimic to being sectioned for mental health issues and, while being a harrowing journey, is made uplifting by the performers eloquent delivery and the fact that Juliette is standing there being able to talk about her life and still surviving, which is the main point of the show.

This is one of the difficult shows to review, as though it does have a lot of jokes and it does give the audience something to think about after they leave, it might not be for everyone, (like those looking for a frothy party type Festival show). It should be for everyone though and the packed crowd’s reaction suggests it is a crowd pleaser in its own way. Certainly if you’re into thought-provoking, confessional and, at times, painfully honest comedy, then you must see this show. The room is small, hot, sweaty and was sold out. Juliette may have to move to a larger room at some point to accommodate the demand, I predict.

PS Beauty is a state of mind.

Juliette Burton is performing Look At Me at The Gilded Balloon for tickets and more information check the Edinburgh Fringe website:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/juliette-burton-look-at-me

 

Ernest; or Much Ado About Muffins

By Ron Bingham

A musical retake on the classic comedic farce The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde, where young Jack and his friend Algy find love and learn that a name can be very important in the art of love. The play is in two halves, with the city set finding Jack proposing to the elegant Gwendolen, who believes his name is Ernest, as he uses this name when gadding about in town to stop any rumours of impropriety reaching his quaint country house.

The second half, set in Jack/Ernest’s country house, sees Jack’s friend Algy pretending to be this exciting rake Ernest to seduce Jack’s cousin Cecily, who clearly likes a bad boy. Literature’s most famous dowager Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s guardian unravels the romantic tangle that ensues and, just like in a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, all is resolved amicably for a rousing chorus at the finale.

The room for the show was a 60 seater and, on 2 for 1 Tuesday, was sold out. The music was supplied by a keyboard player at stage right (or left?), but unfortunatelyI found that the music was often louder than the singers. The acting was all professional and the comedy well timed, with good costume and prop work, although I did think the shoehorning of the muffins was a little desperate (and only there to justify the show’s title).

If you are after a show for just before lunchtime (11.45-12.45), this is one for the whole family. No swearing or anything else likely to offend, but lots of laughs, songs and (small) dance pieces on the tiny stage.

Ernest; or Much Ado About Muffins is on at C Cubed for tickets and info check out the Edinburgh Fringe website:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ernest-or-much-ado-about-muffins

Cal Wilson – It Could Have Been Me

By Ron Bingham

Cal is originally from New Zealand and I first saw her perform live at her 2001 Melbourne Comedy Festival debut show for which she won the Best Newcomer Award. She impressed me then with her comic timing and well written material and she has improved every time I have seen her. Cal has one of the fastest comic brains I have seen and she’s created a smart and wildly creative crowdpleaser.

It Could Have Been Me is based around a series of characters that Cal thinks she may have become if she had made different choices in life. Using minimum costume enhancements Cal presents us with a collection of colourful characters including a bitter children’s entertainer (it’s amazing how hypnotic those little balls on springs that people put on their heads can be), a widow who married a famous womaniser, a feminist spinster poet and a male sex-pulp-shlock science fiction writer.

Cal is a warm and friendly comedian and proves herself to be a suprisingly fantastic actress. Not only in the simple way she transforms into engaging characters but in giving the allusion that the show is getting out of hand when she clearly has everything under control, the sort of thing that Lano & Woodly performed to perfection. The show especially appears to veer out of control when the characters turn on their creator, to dispute what Cal does with their lives, placing the audience on the edge of their seats wondering where things are going to lead. There are also some impressive props used in the show which also start to get out of hand in a very funny way. The couple of songs used were integral to the show, but I could have been the only one to recognise the Australian one hit wonder What About Me by Moving Pictures.

The room was large (around 200 seats) and was full. The laughter was constant and loud, but the two ladies behind me were well over the top as they were close to wetting themselves at some points in the show. Phil Jupitus was also in the audience and he was clearly enjoying it too. It has been a while since I have heard so much loud spontaneous laughter for a fairly unknown (in the UK, at least) comedian and it made me feel a twinge of pride. If you’re thinking of coming to see this show, BOOK NOW, and consider wearing (Tena) protective undergarments just in case your laughter gets out of hand.

Cal Wilson performs It Could Have Been Me at the Gilded Balloon for more info  and tickets see the Edinburgh Fringe Website

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/cal-wilson-it-could-have-been-me

Bec Hill in … Ellipsis

By Ron Bingham

Crazy Australians. Bec is a joyfully mad dancing, prop-obsessed, comic dynamo.

Ellipsis is based around a fight with her self-doubt (voiced throughout by noted comic Phil Nicol). There are a lot of props used to hilarious effect and, at one point, one of the props fought back! The middle section, with puns, was full of groaners. The Wheel of Annoyance (I’m sure you get the idea of how this works) had some very funny stories attached to each irritating annoyance and although her wordsmithery paints some great mental panoramas for the audience,  I really wanted to see a picture of her sitting in the Burger King chair.

Bright, vivacious, bubbly, animated and engaging are all words that could be used to describe Bec’s show, but I prefer the word hyperactive. I can’t go into too much detail about the show as it’s too fast and changeable for a close analysis, but if you love seeing someone giving their all to make you laugh then you have to get a ticket for this show.

The room was small and full, there is a fair amount of swearing (filthy audience!) so it’s perfect for teenagers, old people, young people, anyone who likes a laugh and anyone who thinks Aussies are funny. So anyone really.

Bec Hill is performing Ellipsis at The Gilded Balloon. for Tickets and more information go to the Edinburgh Fringe Website

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bec-hill-in-ellipsis

Australian Acts performing at Edinburgh 2014

By Colin Flaherty

The largest arts festival in the world, The Edinburgh Fringe, opens next week and this year a truly large number of Australian comedy acts are making the trek north. We here at Squirrel Comedy wish these performers chookas for Edinburgh seasons.

If you are going to be in Scotland for the month of August, the following is a list of shows which should quench your thirst for Australian comedy, whether you missed the local run of a particular show or hope to catch up with an expat who has been kicking goals in the UK. (If we have missed an Aussie act in our list, please let us know!)  There is also a link to a review of the show if it has been previously reviewed by Squirrel Comedy.

Our UK based Squirrel Ron will be reviewing shows for us, so keep an eye on our site for those, coming soon.

Without further adieu, here’s our list:

Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall : Alasdair Lists Everything
Freestival St Mary’s
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/alasdair-lists-everything

Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall : Success Arms
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/alasdair-tremblay-birchall-success-arms
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6051)

Alex Williamson: Dumb Things I’ve Done
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/alex-williamson-dumb-things-i-ve-done

Aunty Donna
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/aunty-donna

Kieran Butler : Australia is F*cked
George Next Door
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/australia-is-f-cked

The Axis of Awesome: Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/axis-of-awesome-viva-la-vida-loca-las-vegas

Bec Hill in… Ellipsis
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bec-hill-in-ellipsis

Bec (Hill) and Tom’s Awesome Laundry
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/bec-and-tom-s-awesome-laundry

Brendon Burns and Colt Cabana Sit in a 150 Seater at 10pm and Provide the Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches
Stand in the Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/brendon-burns-and-colt-cabana-sit-in-a-150-seater-at-10pm-and-provide-the-commentary-to-bad-wrestling-matches

The Brendon Burns Show
The Liquid Room
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/brendon-burns-show

Brydie Lee-Kennedy Repeats On You
Cowgatehead
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/brydie-lee-kennedy-repeats-on-you

Cal Wilson: It Could Have Been Me
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/cal-wilson-it-could-have-been-me
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6019)

Damian Clark: Go Ahead, Make My Damo
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/damian-clark-go-ahead-make-my-damo

Danny Stinson’s Planet of the Dans
Sweet Grassmarket
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/danny-stinson-s-planet-of-the-dans

Dave Callan: A Little Less Conversation
Assembly Roxy
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dave-callan-a-little-less-conversation

Dave Hughes: Pointless
Assembly George Square Studios
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dave-hughes-pointless

Demi Lardner: Birds with Human Lips
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/demi-lardner-birds-with-human-lips

Dr Professor Neal Portenza Performs His Own Autopsy Live On Stage. One Night Only. (Obviously).
Just the Tonic at The Mash House
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dr-professor-neal-portenza-performs-his-own-autopsy-live-on-stage-one-night-only-obviously
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6733)

Josh Ladgrove presents Come Heckle Christ
Pleasance Courtyard
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/come-heckle-christ
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6727)

Evolution of iMaAN
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/evolution-of-imaan

Suns of Fred : Excited!!!
Pleasance Courtyard
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/excited
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6848)

Felicity Ann: It Takes All Sorts
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/felicity-ann-it-takes-all-sorts

Felicity Ward: The Iceberg
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/felicity-ward-the-iceberg

Game On!: Matty Grey (Children’s show)
Laughing Horse The Free Sisters

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/game-on

George Dimarelos: George and Co (The Solo Tour)
C venues – C nova
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/george-and-co-the-solo-tour

Hannah Gadsby: The Exhibitionist
Assembly George Square Studios
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/hannah-gadsby-the-exhibitionist
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=5985)

Daniel Burt: Inspired By Mediocrity
Cowgatehead
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/inspired-by-mediocrity

Paddy McCullagh: iPaddy
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/ipaddy

Jamie McCarney – Spermologist
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jamie-mccarney-spermologist

Jimeoin – Is It…?!
Venue150@EICC
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jimeoin-is-it

John Conway Tonight
Pleasance Dome
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/john-conway-tonight

John Robertson: A Nifty History of Evil
The Stand Comedy Club III & IV
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/john-robertson-a-nifty-history-of-evil

John Robertson: The Dark Room
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/john-robertson-the-dark-room

Jon Bennett – Fire In The Meth Lab
Assembly Roxy
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jon-bennett-fire-in-the-meth-lab

Jon Bennett : Pretending Things Are a C*ck
Laughing Horse @ City Café
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/pretending-things-are-a-c-ck
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2010: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=1624)

Justin Hamilton: Johnny Loves Mary Forever 1994
Assembly George Square Studios
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/justin-hamilton-johnny-loves-mary-forever-1994
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=5787)

Lisa-Skye: Bunny and Mad Dog Get High
Just the Tonic at The Mash House
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/lisa-skye-bunny-and-mad-dog-get-high

Luke McGregor: I Worry That I Worry Too Much
Assembly George Square Theatre
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/luke-mcgregor-i-worry-that-i-worry-too-much
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6045)

Neel Kolhatkar in GENeration comedY
Assembly Hall
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/neel-kolhatkar-in-generation-comedy

Neil Hamburger
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/neil-hamburger

Nick Coyle: Double Tribute
Just the Tonic at The Caves
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/nick-coyle-double-tribute

Rhys Nicholson – Eurgh

Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/rhys-nicholson-eurgh
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6563)

Ryan Coffey Live and Loud
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/ryan-coffey-live-and-loud

Sam Simmons: Death of a Sails-Man
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sam-simmons-death-of-a-sails-man

Sammy J: The Sammy J Songbook
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sammy-j-the-sammy-j-songbook

Sarah Bennetto’s Funeral
Pleasance Courtyard
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sarah-bennetto-s-funeral

Sarah Bennetto’s Storytellers’ Club
Pleasance Courtyard
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sarah-bennetto-s-storytellers-club

Sarah Kendall: Touchdown
Pleasance Courtyard
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sarah-kendall-touchdown
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6022)

Steen Raskopoulos: I’m Wearing Two Suits Because I Mean Business
Underbelly, Bristo Square
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/steen-raskopoulos-i-m-wearing-two-suits-because-i-mean-business
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6700)

Titty Bar Ha Ha: Hard Time
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/titty-bar-ha-ha-hard-time

Umbilical Brothers: KiDSHoW (not for kids)
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/umbilical-brothers-kidshow-not-for-kids
(Here’s what we thought of it at MICF 2014: https://www.squirrelcomedy.com/?p=6870)

Backwards Anorak : Winter Is Coming
Gilded Balloon
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/winter-is-coming

Tessa Waters : WOMANz
Underbelly, Cowgate
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/womanz

All the info about the multitude of shows during the month of August comedy or otherwise at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival can be found at www.edfringe.com