August 6th - One show only!

Forever onward - just more slowly!

Old age - or being 30 which is not the same thing (no matter what people in their 20s say) - is definitely getting the better of me. I tell myself that I am being sensible and just spreading out the pleasure. I know it's a lie but there is nothing wrong with denial when you get to sleep in! I'm resting up - my inner tall-tale continues - for a long day on Friday. But more about that later...

Malasombra - 3 Stars

In three words - Beware be-hatted men!
Highlight - The aforementioned be-hatted man.

auments.com

Malasombra - bad shadow. I feel the urge for more evil cackling. This is, essentially, a fairytale, performed in dance - I therefore already feel at home - which tells the story of a girl and her shadow. Her shadow that seems to have a life of it's own - well, what else would you expect? The show opens in the land of day  which exists in front of a very effective multimedia screen. These opening scenes are fun and interesting enough. However, as night falls we enter the far more intriguing land of shadows. Things here are more monotone and cooler but - as all children have been told in this kind of adventure - danger lurks in the shadows. Behind the same multimedia screen, something is afoot as a shady, malevolent presence attempts to kidnap the girl's shadow in the night. It is here that the best dance and use of visuals happen. Size and shape are easily manipulated and the audience needs no more than simple silhouettes to really feel involved with the story. Back in the real world - or as real as anything is in a Fringe show - a sinister looking man in a bowler hat, with mischief and misdoings on his mind (I think I've just described an ex boyfriend) appears on the scene. The rest of the show follows the exploits of the nefarious be-hatted man in his shadow kingdom and the attempts of our heroine to rescue her shadow self. Ironically, some of the dance sequences are not their strongest scenes with the heroine perhaps needing better characterisation and movements being quite repetetive at times. but what happens behind the screen makes up for it in abundance. Charmingly combining shadow dance and animation , Malasombra creates a perfect fairytale atmosphere. The villain does steal the show - in the best way - with his elongated fingers (and arms at one point) and malign, creepy presence. He is the stuff of nightmares (no, that was my ex) and mirrors that dark place within our imaginations. A beautifully crafted piece of theatre. Go and explore your darker side.

5 August - More 2 for 1? Yes please

In short, who am I to argue with a 2 for 1 tickets day?

Casting the Runes - 3 Stars

boxtalesoup.co.uk

In three words: Needs more puppets

Highlight: Mr. Karswell

In the theatre tradition of the 39 Steps and The Woman in Black, Casting the Runes is a dark, supernatural mystery thriller. Based on a short story, two actors (Box Tale Soup) provide the entire cast and even the inter-scene music. The story is simple: the tale of a logical man who is brought to the brink of death and madness by a curse. Though I haven't read the original book, the show was certainly an encouragement to dig up a copy. Working with very minimalistic props and sets, the actors capably throw themselves into the fray. Noel Byrne, perhaps, fairs slightly better, portraying the juicier role of Professor Dunning, whose decent into paranoia and madness is the powerhouse which keeps the production moving. Antonia Christophers jumps between a number of different characters though shines out in her role as the slightly cockney assistant to the Professor. The real highlight of the piece is the appearance of the dark and silent Mr Karswell, who appears as a large and looming puppet skillfully worked by the actors. Karswell is a simply constructed prop but moves with menace and mystery. He, despite being not at all human, is the character that I find myself wondering about the most - perhaps because every girl is slightly intrigued by the strong and silent type (or psychopath in this case). Unfortunately, the small venue space did not always work for this very simple production and the source text meant that the play fell between genres and lacked a feeling of originality. Personally, I would have liked a full-on gothic interpretation which brought out the fear, darkness and madness to better effect - but then I do enjoy the macabre (evil chuckling from yesterday continues). Throw in a few more fantastic, creepy puppets and effects and this could be a real winner. 

EastEnd Cabaret - 4 Stars

In three words: Winning singing comedy!

Takeaway lines: "I didn't get any flan."

                        "The exit is here, Motherf**er!"

                        "F**k the neighbours! Pass me the gin!"

EastEnd Cabaret - Facebook.com

Weimar meets the East End, Sexy meets psychotic, woman meets man-woman... This is a bawdy and ballsy cabaret show like no other. Bernatte Byrne - befeathered spiky diva born with no filter or (it soon becomes hilariously clear) no personal boundaries - cavorts her way through musical tales of sexual longing and debauchery. She is accompanied by Victor Victoria -  who sports a spiffy half-mustache - who man-womans the piano and accordion and tells her own tales of unrequited lust and the acts of passion that spring from this. 

This is not a show for the prudish. It is pure smut, done big and brassily - everything that the seedy underbelly of cabaret should be.
Songs are as licentious as Bernadette's appetite. If you think that sitting at the back or in the middle of a Fringe audience is safe then this show will certainly break down those boundaries. With certain breaches to health and safety, crowds are clambered through (and upon) in the search for musical fulfillment.  Everyone is fair game for her sexual advances and potentially for the revenge of the sweet but psychotic Victor. For a crazy, fun night out then get yourself down to EastEnd Cabaret. Go on... take your chances!

August 4th - And it all starts again (but at least it's 2 for 1 on tickets)

Enough rest!

Sleep is for the weak! This I say repeatedly to myself as I try desperately to pry myself away from the loving lack of arms of my duvet. I'm in a polygamous relationship with my duvet and coffee (they want different things out of life). But the Fringe comes but once a year and so once more into the breach, dear friends.

If you're squeamish you may want to look away now - this next one isn't pretty. I'll tell you when it's safe.

Smart Attack - 1 star

In three words: Trapped in yurt
Highlight: In the words of Braveheart ... FREEDOM!

Waiting outside a small yurt in the Three Sisters - currently dubbed the Free Sisters (alas this does not mean drinks are on the house) - in a sea (or at least puddle) of fairly young children, I was gleeful to hear those three little words: No under 12s. Then I got inside the wonderfully quirky tent and my those three words soon changed to "those lucky bastards". 
It takes a lot of talent to pull off a sketch show. I've given this show one star so I'm pretty sure you can figure out my view on that! Loosely based (and even coining that term requires a certain amount of forgiving artistic licence) around the "make and do" style kids' TV shows of the 1990s, I expected nostalgia wrapped in sticky-back plastic or some dodgy comedy poster painting. The dodgy bit was scarily accurate. I also expected the group to make and create things (a joke that made me laugh, for example).  There was exactly one minute of making something out of products provided by the audience and it was actually the only decent bit in the show. Had the pair brought in various bits and bobs (ironic as the end product was for some reason Bob Geldof on this occasion) and done improvised makes (or one big piece of hilariously bad crafting) from suggestions thrown out by the audience then the show might have actually worked. Unfortunately, I was subjected to very samey characters being trotted out on a (completely too figurative) carousel. Situations and characters were completely predictable and out-dated and jokes completely failed to hit the mark. Some of my fellow audience members managed to plot their escape - presumably taking the make and do theme on themselves and fashioning shovels and other escape equipment from the things around them (or, you know, slipping out the door but where is the fun in that imagery).  I was not quite so lucky and found myself trapped in a yurt - this is not a metaphor - eyeing the exit like a dog longing for a ham that is out of reach. Luckily, the show was free so all I lost was an hour of my precious life... Bastards, I want that back!


OK, you can look again. Sorry about that.

AAA Batteries Not Included - 3 stars

Taken from comedy.co.uk

In three words: Good simple fun
Highlight: Improvised sock puppet fight.

After escaping the yurt - again, not a metaphor - I wandered, dazed and confused, in search of comedy... and a drink to be honest. Slowly coming out of my coma, I eventually found AAA Batteries Not Included - a show using the "title with multiple "A"s at the beginning so it is at the start of the Fringe Guide" technique. 
Looking beyond the venue's attempts at queue management (serpentine, people! Serpentine!) people were sardined into a small and dark back room - the host's Tsar Nicholas II T-Shirt gave little comfort in this situation. This show was massively over-subscribed which, from my tiny over-heated space in the back corner, actually gave me hope. Luckily, this time I was not let down. The show is very much one of those pot luck affairs; different guest acts appear each time, presumably to drum up business for their main shows and solo performances throughout the Fringe. Our host, Chris (who did tell us his last name but... well... memory) was genuinely funny and did well to include both adults and children in his ad-libbed act. Somehow, this led to him removing his shoe and sock and creating a crocodile sock puppet - the adults were definitely more amused by this than anyone else. Guest acts also raised laughs though had a tendency towards fizzling out before the end of their time - though this did create the highlight of the show whereby fellow performer was forced, by the audience, into sock puppetry and the two rival foot accessories fought bravely to the death! 
Fun for all ages but I suggest getting there early if you want to take a punt on it.  

Boris and Sergey's Astonishing Freaktorium - 4.5 Stars

In three words: Genius at play
Highlight: The body count (insert evil laugh)

From Flabbergasttheatre.co.uk

With energy running low - it's hard being entertained *sigh* - I enter the vault-like room of the Underbelly, Cowgate. Swiftly, the jaunty pre-show music expunges my tiredness and lifts my spirits. And speaking of spirits (marvel at the seamless segue), the lights and music dim and ghostly beings from the underworld drift in. Well, not literally drift. They are attached to braces-clad puppeteers, handing out tarot cards to spectators as they go. This can only mean one thing... audience participation! I have an inward evil chuckle as I escaped happily un-taroted and my companion is handed his fate in card form. 

And so, on to the (freak) show. Our puppet hosts Sergey and Bori, dressed respectively as Gary Oldman's Dracula and a lollipop - yes, it's that kind if show - bring us into their weird and twisted world of freaks and oddities and introduce us to a myriad of bizarre acts. Though simply constructed puppets, the characters are fully rounded and very real individuals. Devoid of any facial features, our hosts are still twice as expressive and compelling than Keira Knightley and Keanu Reeves combined (ooh, bitchy). The body (puppet) count soon hilariously starts to add up in this delightfully black comedic affair which successfully masters the sick and twisted with a glee we all share. There is gorgeously tangled web of improvisation, dance routines and things you shouldn't laugh at but do. The audience leaves haunted, amused and wondering who is sicker: the puppets or us. A macabre masterpiece not to be missed.

Note
For those left wondering, the the answer is "yes". My friend was picked on and was possessed by the ghost of a small child. I am now calling him "Jessica".

Lady Rizo - 5 Stars

In three words: What a lady!
Highlight: Getting a front row cabaret table (A wuss out? Well, then you go and try and pick just one moment from the show. I dare you!)

Now, that's what I call cabaret! Sitting at a small cabaret table at the front of the Assembly Checkpoint (this involved much queuing with some "charming" nutcases to secure a the best seats in the house - totally worth it!), a man who shares my table is told by an usher that he is extremely brave - this is going to be good!  The blue-wash lighting and starlit backdrop sets the scene. Lady Rizo enters amongst the audience, wrapped in a gorgeous red hooded cape - I totally need to get me one of those! Handing out roses and playing with the crowd, she has the audience - myself most hypnotically included - in the palm of her hands. I am the last lucky recipient of a blossoming red posey, my (it must be stressed, male) companion is impregnated - it's a diva - and the smoldering songstress reaches the stage. With a flourish, she loses her cape and reveals a figure-hugging gown and the first song is done! Already, I know that my love of Lady Rizo is not mis-remembered. I am - as they say in books of old - undone!


With a unique blend of natural humour, charm and an inimitable voice that captures both soft emotion and big power, Lady Rizo tells us in a mix of story and song tales of heartbreak, romance, sex and how she became the cabaret goddess that we see before us. For over an hour, we sit entranced by her charm and raw power as she weaves her spell though her own individual take on cover songs and own material, far removed from her cruise ship roots. Her self-penned lullaby, Cherry Lane Saint -available on her brilliant album, Violet (I am not ashamed to plug this) - is a moving high point towards the end of the show andI was very glad to hear it live and extremely passionately rendered. An evening with Lady Rizo is an electrifying one which wakens all the senses and is over all too soon.I never wanted it to end and as I drifted back into the streets of Edinburgh, it was with a sense that my cabaret experiences were but a wonderful dream and that "real life", well.... sucked!   A perfect night with the Queen of cabaret and. I left it with a feeling of exhileration, a beautiful rose and (I'm not ashamed to admit) a bit of a girl-crush. Do yourselves a favour this Fringe and escape the mundane world for the land of cabaret and its new Goddess, Lady Rizo.

Le Weekend - 2 August 2014

And on the 7th Day... 

I rested. But before we get to that point - which let's be honest (even grudgingly) wasn't even on the 7th day - I have one more show to tell you about.

The Sake - 3.5 Stars

In three words: Lovely little tipple

Highlight: Unexpected punk rock

Anyone who has an interest in the weird and wonderful Japanese culture should take the night off and take a short visit to the New Town Theatre for a quick glass of The Sake, brought to the Edinburgh Fringe by DEN entertainment. I was lucky enough to visit Japan many years ago (13 years ago actually... F**K!!!) so this show poured out a delightful stream of nostalgia. 

 The concept is relatively simple: the story of sake making through a mix of traditional dance and aerial performance. This idea could have quite easily been on the wrong side of artsy and pretentious - another one of theatre's deadly sins in my book. The Sake manages to cheerily avoid falling into this trap and gives us a tongue-in-cheek show that doesn't take itself too seriously. 

The show is hosted by the Toji (Sake Master) who brings unexpected humour and a cheekiness that is extremely welcome and sets the tone of the evening. Though not exactly fresh material, his comedic comments about the "useful" phrases found in language books do raise genuine laughs throughout the audience. Notably, comments about the Japanese Prime Minister's last election (you'll either have to see it or really think about that one) and his demonstration of his skills with a samurai sword stick in my mind. 

With its mix of traditional and abstract costuming we are taken through the sake-making seasons.  Multimedia screens, which echo Japanese ink paintings, and rock music (played live on stage by amazing punk rock style Japanese musicians) make the perfect background for daring aerial performances. Generally... I thought it was just lovely. It's not going to be the most polished thing I'm going to see this year but it made me just want to run back to Japan - if I had any money and there weren't a lot of water in the way (also running!). An authentic feeling Japanese experience for a one hundredth of the cost of the plane ticket. Now, who can argue with that?

1 August - Doin' it right!

When did I get old?

Fringe day 2 - or day 1 depending on you're counting system, apparently. I'm knackered! When and how did this happen? Last year, I went from show to show until the wee small hours. 2014, and two shows in and I'm desperate for another 5 hours of sleep and a very large coffee -a very large coffee indeed...and maybe a muffin. Instead, I man (or woman, or non gender-specific) up and get myself together with all the ingredients to survive Fringe 2014!

Self-indulgent linking to my own post on Fringe Survival:

Edinburgh Fringe Survival 101

Sleeping Beauty - 2.5 Stars

Taken from http://vivelefringe.org/

In three words: *ambivalent French                                    shrug*
Highlight: Silhouette scenes

I admit, buying this ticket was a bit like going hungry into a supermarket. I went in for one thing and came out with something completely different - often just dessert!  Perhaps I picked iti I empathise with Sleeping Beauty (or at least the sleeping aspect). Unfortunately, this show is likely to fall between the gaps of the Fringe. It is neither so good nor so bad that I am likely to talk about it for the next year or even week. It committed the sin (note to self: decide the 7 deadly sins of the Fringe one day) of being forgettable. 
A Liverpudlian "Princess" takes you through a story of council estates, shoplifting and drugs - so, no, not exactly a tale for children (the 14+ age guidance suddenly makes sense). It is delivered with a very Northern sense of humour which feels slightly at odds with the sporadic French translation which accompanies the narrative. The show is held at the French Institute so perhaps it was a stipulation of the venue but, as there is no other French theme, that it reminded me slightly more of a Linguaphone cassette than anything else. However, where this show triumphs is the use of beautiful lighting and clever visuals, especially during the shadow sections, which create a suitably dark atmosphere. The sharp humour and some of the deeper emotion was sometime lost in delivery but storyteller, Collette Garrigan, successfully characterises the teenage princess, especially during the party sequence. Her rendition of the malevolent grandmother (wow, what a great evil cackle!) also helped bring the piece to life. All in all, this show had so much promise but may struggle to live happily ever after.

Scaramouche Jones - 3.5 Stars

In three words: Making a clown
Highlight:  The mime of execution

www.theatretoursinternational.com

The tale of a 100 year old clown, told on his last night alive - Boy, do I know how to pick some upbeat shows! I will start by saying that I may have enjoyed this more had the room not been so distractingly cold. Fitting, perhaps, for a tale told on New Years' Eve in London but as audience members sat in hats and scarves  I can only say that this did not feel done in the aid of authenticity - it felt f**king freezin'! 
Scaramouche Jones welcomes you into his circus dressing room and uses the basic set and props to take you through the fantastical story of his life. Although it was hard to believe that the clown was actually 100 (he was more high energy and physically spry than I am), he was, in a way, completely ageless. Diverse and wonderful characters were creatively embodied in just one man who managed to jump from Gypsy mother to Italian prince with relative ease, though some accents were more successful than others. The story was everything it should be: darkly comic, physical and, at times, extremely moving. Actor, Justin Butcher's telling of his clown's time in the concentration camps is a stand-out moment that is deeply affecting. The life of this clown is touched with joy and tragedy, and although the suffering he feels does not always come across as strongly as it should, this is truly a tour de force from a talented actor and sensitive production. Not exactly the laugh riot of the Century but I seldom let that stop me!

And now for something completely different...

Divallusion with Christina Bianco and Velma Celli - 3.5 stars

In three words: So...many...divas!
Take-away line: "Can I get a Gay-men?!"

Taken from bbc.co.uk/news

YouTube sensation, Christina Bianco and drag queen Velma Celli dish out (highly musical) lessons on how to be a diva - Like I need those, darlings! Christina Bianco - a little lady who somehow managed to swallow a barrel of divas - is truly the star of this show. For the price of an ordinary ticket, the audience is given access  to a concert starring a bucketful of Broadway and pop greats. This woman is truly talented ... what a b**ch! I would have happily paid to see a solo show. 
The play between Bianco and Velma Celli is fun and bubbly, with just a slight whiff of diva rivalry, though not all sections are created equal . Velma Celli, as a towering drag queen with a crackin' Northern English accent, knows how to belt it out. Now, perhaps I've been spoiled by too much RuPaul's Drag Race (available on Netflix - there is no such thing as too much RuPaul) but I expect to see my divas tucked and cinched. UK female impersonation is still dragging behind (you had to give me one pun, come on!) the US. This is probably a minor niggle in a great, feel-good and upbeat show that makes you want to, in the words of Ms Celli, diva the f**k out of life... well you should be doing that anyway!

Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho - 5 f**king stars!

In three words: Maggie, Maggie, Maggie!
Take-away lines: "Bitchy"
                          "Any spare change? - Yes thank you. Lots!"
                          "It's just a phase you grow out of... like empathy"

Sometimes in the Fringe, it pays to trust your instincts. We picked up tickets to this (for the bargainous price of £5 each, oh yeah!) after seeing Maggie herself, complete with staple handbag, strolling around the Assembly Gardens. Let's put it this way.... Instincts: 1 - Planning: 0. This will be the only football, rugby or any other sport reference you will see from me.
This may be the standout comedy show of the Edinburgh Fringe. Margaret Thatcher successfully straddles (interesting and potentially scarring mental imagery) high camp and cutting political satire.  A drag performer plays the eponymous Maggie and gives a very convincing Thatcher - except you actually like her! From entering the Assembly Bosco tent, I was in pain-causing, tear-giving laughter. From the moment Maggie gets on stage, we room transforms into a bitingly witty, musical extravaganza. Thatcher dishes out quips so funny and cutting that I want to go back and write down all the lines I want to use on people (and probably shouldn't). Unadulterated brilliance!

Edinburgh Fringe Survival - 101

What's in your handbag?

Like, the Boy Scots (or Scar from the Lion King) be prepared. It may be a cliche that women keep everything in their handbags but the Fringe is one time to conform to stereotypes to a degree. Now, it doesn't have to be a handbag or, if it is, then you don't have to be a woman. The point is, find a suitable carrying vessel and start cramming. Here, ladies and gentleman (not an exhaustive list) is how it's done: 

 https://vine.co/v/M9j0rT9dXQt

Your (my) essentials:

• Bottle of water - Slip a few ice cubes into it or pop yours in the freezer to keep it refreshing. NB: Don't leave it there too long or you will have a bottle-shaped iceberg to content with.
• Reading material - a Kindle is your friend. Paper books, magazines, newspapers ... something to generally keep you occupied between shows.
• Phone, camera or some way to capture the weird and the wonderful!
• Phone charger.
• All the layers and protection from every kind of weather- scarves, hats umbrellas, a fan for overly warm venues, sunglasses, sun lotion... basically everything you may need for all 4 seasons for one day of Edinburgh weather.
• Cash , including handfuls of change for the free show buckets.
• Fringe guide or Fringe app

Optional extras:

• A hip flask.
• Snacks of choice.
• Enough makeup to cover up the effects of those late nights.
• A notebook and pen. 

Now you have the basics down; you're ready to set out. Careful now!

What to know:

• Sneaky places where you can charge your mobile devices. Certain coffee shops are safe bets but sometimes you need to get creative. Keep an eye out for vacant power sockets and go, go, go!
• Where to keep yourself suitably caffeinated - know the best and quickest places to get your cup of Joe, mud, bean juice to either sit in or take on the go. If you want to combine this with the point above (Pop quiz: were you paying attention?) then the larger chains are a good bet. Beware of places that serve coffee as a side item or you may end up with brown and water.
• Ticket pick-up points. Avoid the main box office if you can. There are pick up points throughout the City and smaller box offices for Assembly, Underbelly and such to buy tickets on the day. Use them wisely.
• The art of weaving: Streets will be busy. People will move slowly. Know where you're going and plot your route. Then weave, my friends. Move quickly and with purpose round the people and through the wee gaps. 
• "Verve-ing": Remember the video from the Verve's "Bittersweet symphony"? Do it! Like the above but taking no prisoners. This is almost aggressive and purposeful movement. Add headphones to avoid all flyerererererers.... people who flyer you! 

Well, now you know. You have completed Fringe Survival 101. So, go out and get practicing. 

31 July - Gin and Fringe (aka the preview of the main event)

It's BAAAACK!!

I have missed the Edinburgh Fringe! Armed with two weeks of annual leave (thank you work) and soon to be dangerous with a gin and tonic (drink responsibly), I finally cast off the relative shackles of the office and practically skipped my way - I should have tried literally skipping as, in Edinburgh during this season, no-one would have noticed and I could have probably sold tickets to it - to George Square, Assembly Gardens.  Here, I bathed in the atmosphere and played a fun game of "Fringe Performer or Lunatic?" - Undefeated champion! 
After moving on to the Gilded Garden, where I couldn't give away free tickets (but that is another story), we intrepid Fringers headed to lose our 2014 Fringe virginity with...


Red Bastard - 4 stars

In 3 words: I feel better!
Take away line: "I'm flattering you" (with accompanying arm motion)

This is not a show for the faint-hearted. When willing victims were told in the queue that Red Bastard had no barriers and there was no way of knowing where he would go, I admit that my initial reaction was "oh dear". Actually, it was "Oh" followed by a four letter word - you may insert your preferred term here.  Audience participation is mandatory here - those who do not do what red bastard says will may end up with a moistened finger in their ear (the dreaded wet willy). The experience is completely surreal and high energy and I loved every crazy second. Perhaps the gin helped (Seriously - drink responsibly; that gin is mine). 

During the second half of this show however, this melted into something different and much deeper. I can only describe it as a kind of group therapy where the doctor (in this case a spherical, red doctor with qualifications I know of) is crazier than the patients. Audience members were invited to share their dreams and the things that had previously gone unsaid. If you go in with a secret then expect to leave it in the theatre- you'll feel better if you do. Honesty is rewarded and I was witness to some truly brave people - as well as some people that we labelled "chicken shit". Over all, a crazy, red, cathartic experience that really revealed all. It also led to more gin and some serious life discussions afterwards which (somehow) brought us to.... 

Official Publicity Photo - dixeyshow.com 

Dixey: Where Gentlemen are Always Immaculately Undressed - 4 stars

In 3 words -Take it off!
Highlight - Butterfly wings dance.

Boylesque! For anyone who doesn't know the term, first... shame on you! Boylesque is, perhaps unsurprisingly, burlesque but with boys, males, lovely lovely men. Dixie is set in a magical, fairytale land,self-described as "Disney with dix"! Presented to you from a world of glittering cardboard trees, we are brought a cast of fantastical characters (portrayed by The Stage Door Johnnies and Russell Bruner) including a whimsical leaping unicorn and a pole-dancing storybook snake so seductive that I'd quite happily take him home to try and cure my fear of that particular creature. Emceed by the bizarre and brilliant mascara-smeared TIGGER (no relation to the bouncing tiger) who, at first glance during one of his racier numbers, has you saying "where is that tassel coming fr.... never mind!". The production is a little rough around the edges and some of the acrobatic turns were not as effortless as it could have been but you are so carried away by the humour, sparkle and twisted darkness that this is soon forgiven and forgotten. It is a full on (and sometimes full frontal)feel good experience! Come whoop, whistle and leave your cares behind - and there were some very nice behinds!

In conclusion
I finally declare this Fringe... Open! 

And all who sail in her.