A round-up, by fringe veteran Kevin Short and Kathryn S Kraus, of a variety of shows at this year’s festival, concentrating on the smaller venues and more independent companies, and shows that struggle to be recognised amongst the ever-increasing commercial element of the world’s largest fringe event. These are reviews of both the ‘paid for’ fringe and the free fringe.
CHALK, CHEESE, AND CHAMPAGNE.
We begin with 3 original musicals that have contrasting appeal. Depending on your musical taste, all three are worthy pieces of work, and worth the price of a ticket.
THE QUEEN IS MAD
Castile Collective Ltd in association with Pinecone Performance Lab
UK – England
13 – 24 Aug
Studio at ZOO Southside (Venue 82) 16:15 (1 hour 15 minutes)
Described as SIX meets Sondheim in a dark 15th century saga about Catherine of Aragon’s fiery older sister, Isabella, this is almost a history lesson set to music, with plenty of humorous recitative and fun character changes to spice up the storyline. To the accompaniment of solo piano, beautifully played, the small talented cast sing, move, and cavort, with precision and style. There is much to commend, and much to admire in this highly disciplined production, yet as good as the music and lyrics are, more emotional content would have elevated the journey . Songs and narrative giving constant plot developments and updates on the Queen’s madness become hard to digest if there isn’t a break for a tuneful song from the heart. Yes, ‘Locked Away’ a finalist for the 2024 Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize, is the exception, a truly heartrending song, packed with emotion, and a few more like this would lift the musical to new heights. That said, this is a show in the making, and there is much to recommend it, not least the versatile vocal and acting range of the cast, and the intricate lyrical and musical prowess, so, go see for yourself.
Reviewer: Kevin Short
EDINBURGH DAYS
Belt Of Celt Productions
St Bride’s Community Centre (Venue 412)
13 – 24 Aug 19:30 (2 hours 15 minutes)
To the early 19th century, a time of war with France, and a tale set among the streets and docks of Edinburgh. An epic story of near revenge tragedy proportion, this has been a labour of love project many years in the making. Brian Spence (of the band Bilbo Baggins fame) conceived this some thirty years ago, and some of the original backing tracks are used in this production. Another Bilbo member, Colin Chisolm, plays one of the protagonists ‘MacGregor’ and lends his rich baritone rock voice to some wonderful songs. Debbie McKenna and Louise Kenny sing their hearts out too, in fact, the whole cast provide a vocal tapestry that serves the score magnificently. The tale, which covers many years, has an almost filmic feel, with short scenes, fade outs and fade ups of lights and music, and as much as the backing tracks do their job it would be great to hear a live band knit together the soundtrack of the journey. But this is the fringe, and the production is one which boasts many musical and dramatic high points, with a cast who sing like angels, bringing smiles and joyful tears in equal measure. Everything you wish for from a musical it gives. A top-notch show. Thank you, Bilbo.
Reviewer: Kevin Short
DYSTOPIA – THE ROCK OPERABeldon Haigh – United Kingdom – Scotland
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Venue 7) Aug 13 – 16 17:20 (1 hour 15 mins)
And so, to today. Meet the prison band: Touchy Trump on bass, Polonium Putin on drums, Kim-Jong Elvis on lead guitar, and Spin Doctor Brendan Haigh on guitar and lead vocals, who narrates alongside Helen ‘no regrets’ Raiser, a former bank worker who burned down the bank. This is truly a show for today, a fantastically clever rock satire that will make you laugh, cheer, and clap along to. Written by Justin Skelton, Dystopia is full of great tunes, ironic lyrics, and a production that boasts a continuous graphic and lyric video from two screens on either side of the onstage live action. This show should travel, it is ready right now, and some producer should snap it up and give it the cult status it deserves. This is not only what the fringe should be all about, it’s what new theatre should be all about. See it now, and be one of the ones who saw it first. It’s topical, incredibly musical, and makes you feel happy, angry, sad, euphoric, and full of dystopian determination to inspire change. We don’t give Stars but marks out of ten, I would give it a Spinal Tap eleven.
Reviewer: Kevin Short
GAGS ARMY
Project COMEDY from Project RECCE
United Kingdom – England
Laughing Horse @ Kick Ass Cowgate (Venue 89) 13 – 24 Aug 17:45 (1 hour)
This is an hour of quite unique comedy that deserves support. On the night I saw it, there were four comics, all of whom are UK military veterans. The three equally funny stalwarts; Jay Saunders (with Hawke, the PTSD assistance dog), Jim Bob, and Nick Cheng (AKA Longhu) were joined by Andy Crapp (one of their proteges) who did his first ever 5-minute stand-up, and very relaxed and funny he was too. Each of the three comics, who are the bedrock of the idea to use comedy as a means to support and give new direction to ex-military personnel who may need help adapting to civilian life, have their own original style, and compliment each other perfectly. They have a long-term plan to set up a permanent space from which to operate their ideas and train newcomers in the art of comedy as both therapy and/or alternative lifestyle. Go see them, lend your support, they’re good gagsters!
Reviewer: Kevin Short
GOD, THE DEVIL & ME
Tip Top Theatre Collective
The Vault at Paradise in The Vault (Venue 29)
13 – 24 Aug 16:55 (1 hour 20 minutes)
A young not-for-profit company, supporting and donating to Youngminds Charity, come up with an interesting allegorical tale, pitting God and the Devil against a young man struggling with psychosis issues. Gabe, is the young man in question who, far from a saint, is haunted by the hell and heaven of life on earth, together with the complex relationships with his mother and possible lover. The speed of the scholarly dialogue is well-tuned, adding to the mental trauma Gabe is going through, and as God and the Devil transform into doctor and nurse, caring for young minds, we realise the psychosis and religious fight for seniority is a one-in-the-same dilemma that can have fatal consequences. All in all, this is an ambitious project, which covers a myriad of important and thought-provoking concerns beyond the onstage comedy drama. Writer/Director Fionnuala Donnelly and her talented young cast deserve all the support you can give. Their commitment, talent, and courage in tackling both age-old and modern-day religious and mental health adolescent trauma is highly commendable, and worthy of success. A tip-top piece of work!
Reviewer: Kevin Short
BOBBY DAVRO
Bier Keller at Frankenstein Pub (Venue 304)
13 – 24 Aug (Not 18 & 19) 21.00 (1 hour 15minutes)
An unexpected visit to see the unexpected talent of Bobby Davro. Yes, he’s a household name, a celebrity on the likes of ‘Big Brother’, and other reality shows, not to mention ‘Eastenders’ but, to be honest, off my radar. This is not a show I had intended to review, but when I saw him through a glass door, beckoning me in, how could I resist? The door opened and I, and a few friends, went in to witness an old pro doing his thing. Reminiscent of the old variety club days, Davro proves himself to be a highly proficient all-round entertainer. Does he need his slightly non-PC material, probably not, but his homely, genuine warmth, outweighs the odd wince. He worked the room brilliantly, and gave us a show full of jokes, improvisation, great songs, and an act worthy of a bigger auditorium. He’s writing and starring in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Esher Theatre in December, a much more suitable venue, but catch him where you can. Edinburgh and Frankenstein’s is lucky to have him, so, do go and see a wonderful entertainer who won’t disappoint. Thank you, for inviting me in, Bobby.
Reviewer: Kevin Short
BARRY MORGAN’S HOME ORGAN PARTY EXPERIENCE!
Barry Morgan – Australia – Bier Keller at Frankenstein Pub (Venue 304)
17:30 (50 min) August 9-24 (Dark Mondays)
The lights dim, the disco beat pumps, and on comes leisure suited, Barry Morgan, direct from the Sunnyside Mall in Adelaide. This blonde, Barry Gibb-esque organ salesman, instantly captures the audience with a smile wider than the Grand Canyon. “When I say Morgan, you say, Organ!” he calls out. While this is a wonderfully cheesy homage to the organ demonstrator of yesteryear, Morgan backs it up with a clever combination of comedy and musicianship. After a quick strip down to silver hotpants, Morgan sits at his Hammond Aurora, kitted out with three cameras so the audience can witness his extensive keyboard and foot-pedal skills. There are many chances to sing-along to familiar tunes, whilst learning the classic Barry Morgan Organ Method: Touch…Release…Smile! On every level, this show is worthy of the Las Vegas Strip. So, long live Morgan… and his Organ!
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
THE GREAT DIVINATOR: TOUCHED BY SPIRITS
Katie Tranter & The Project People
Dirty Martini at Le Monde (Venue 47) 20:00 (55 min) August 12-14
Crank up the old Victrola, we’re about to be transported back to a Victorian Music Hall for a meeting with The Great Divinator. This moustached conjurer, with a gleam in his eye, calls upon the audience to welcome in all spirits, with the hope that only the friendliest of banshees will accept his invitation. What follows is a mixture of comedy and gentle magic, with full audience participation. This fun Fringe show will bring you closer to your true spirit animal, with perhaps a ghoul or two to catch you unawares.
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
AB-SO-LUTE-LY JAZZED!
Andrea Carlson and The Love Police!
August 10-14 Argyle Cellar Bar – Cellar Bar (Venue 293a) 15:00 (1 hour)
August 18-19 The Speakeasy – Royal Scots Club (Venue 241a) 18:00 (1 hour)
With a voice reminiscent of Pat Suzuki or Blossom Dearie, Andrea Carlson, along with her band, The Love Police, transported an appreciative audience to a bygone jazz era. Beautifully outfitted in a black and white speckled dress, with red accessories, it seemed fitting that Carlson began with Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” Her vocals seem sweetly effortless and her electric acoustic guitar skills exemplary. Gary Lader’s keyboard work, doubled with his surprise accordion accompaniments, add an extra special touch to both older jazz works, and new originals. There are far too many highlights to mention in this short review, however, David Bopdrummer’s percussive brush work on Carlson’s original “Driving Myself Wild For You” was superb, mimicking the sound of rainfall, and Bruce Goldman’s walking bass on “Everything I got” reminded me of the smooth workings of Funk Brother James Jamerson. Some may be put off by the “jazz” moniker, but Carlson and The Love Police bring more to the table than one genre. From “La Mer” (aka Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea”) to Carlson’s original material, this show is a must-see for all music lovers.
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
THE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BREAKING YOUR OWN HEART
The Infinity Repertory Theatre Company
United States
Thistle Theatre at Greenside (Venue 16) 18:30 (50 min)
While this short musical is about a 17-year-old boy who is trying to deal with the angst of high school, the pressures of a writing assignment, and unrequited love, I think it’s fair to say that the real story is that the whole company from St. John’s Country Day School in Jacksonville, Florida, are dealing with broken hearts. In the midst of this show being written and rehearsed, director Paul Perez passed away unexpectedly. While cast and creatives were left struggling with grief, they had to make the decision whether or not to carry on. Courageously, they did. What these students present to audiences is the final journey of Mr. Perez and his life’s mission to create and inspire the next generation. Wonderful music and poignant lyrics reminds us that no matter our age – be it 17 or 70, we are all seen. It’s a beautiful lesson Mr. Perez taught to this cast, and that the cast taught to us.
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
HASTA LA VISTA… BIBBY!
Dave Bibby
UK – England
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth (Venue 156) 15:35 (1 hour) Aug 14-17
“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!” You don’t even need a ticket for this fun, multimedia show. Cleverly conceived by self-proclaimed ‘Back to the Future’ fan Dave Bibby, this one hour adventure encourages audience participation via illuminated scripts being passed around the room, allowing Dave, and us, to recreate a truncated version of the film together. Though raucous laughter ensued throughout the show, the highlight for all came when Bibby performed a spot-on choreographed routine to a montage of the most iconic dance numbers ever committed to celluloid, including the ‘Dirty Dancing’ leap! Bibby concedes in the end that this is his final Fringe show. If true, I couldn’t think of a better show to go out on. Catch him now before it really is Hasta la Vista Bibby.
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
SHITBAG
Hayley Edwards – Australia
Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall (Venue 26) 16:15 (1 hour) Aug 13-25
I really wanted to like this show. I was hoping for an honest discussion, with humorous musings, about living with Crohn’s Disease. Having friends coping with this chronic condition, who often find daily living an anxiety filled effort, I hoped that Edwards would help remove the stigma attached to wearing a colostomy bag through humour. What she presented was a manic filled onslaught of tales of her promiscuity and drug use for nearly an hour. There were a few quiet moments when she revealed to the audience her fears about her mortality, however, these were fleeting. Had those moments been extended, perhaps, this reviewer would have enjoyed it more.
Reviewer: Kathryn S Kraus
JOHN ROBERSTON PLAYS WITH THE AUDIENCE
Lee Martin for Gag Reflex – Australia
The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House (Venue 170)
13 – 24 Aug 19:00 (1 hour} Free Non-Ticketed
Australian, now UK-based, John Roberston, is an act I seem to have seriously overlooked, for which I apologise. He has been somewhat of an iconic fringe participant for many years, and having seen him this year, I can see why. With an almost manic Jerry Sadowitz persona, without the radical offensiveness, he freewheels his way though an hour of what the hell happens next, even starting the show again for latecomers, with such assurity, we watch in true awe and wonderment. Surely, he’s going to clam up at some point, but no! Perhaps, his safety net is to grab his electric ukulele and play punk-like songs with choruses we can all join in with. And we do. Robertson has two shows at the fringe, one a ticketed cult show at Gilded Balloon Venues, and this free show at the Counting House. He offers the best of both worlds, one for the richer and one for the poorer, and it’s an admirable ruse. Suffice to say, go watch him play with the audience and see a fantastically gifted comic in his element.
Reviewer: Kevin Short
Kevin Short and Kathryn S Kraus, as well as reviewing at this year’s festival, also participated with a production of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’, receiving 5-Star reviews, and next week, Kevin, will give an overall reflection on the development of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, since he first took part nearly thirty years ago.