Edinburgh Fringe 2016 - The Wooden Spoon

Welcome, my weary wanderers. By now you will have read my post covering my top tips for the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe. Take a break and read it. I have coffee - I'll wait.  All up-to-speed? Good. So you should have a few ideas of what to see. But, I once more psychically hear you question, what are the ones which are less favourable? Well, you tactful few, this brings me neatly to this year's metaphorical Wooden Spoon. The shows which sounded good based on their description or publicity shots but that had our internal Admiral Ackbars shouting "it's a trap!"


Dishonorable Mentions

 
Alice in Wasteland


For the small print on this review, please refer to the bottom of this blog. 


Portents and signs, I have heard the superstitious say, come in threes.

Arriving to the small and dingy venue, a queue had formed with no real structure. Some interesting style choices in terms of surrounding patrons, cars and venue decor: This was sign the first. 

A show advertised as starting at 18.00 meant doors opened at 18.00 with more tickets sold than seating available. There would be standing for some in the smoky 90s music filled dive bar: This was sign the second. 

An introductory game of "pass the bin bag": This was sign the third.

The diatribe about environmentalism which followed as a lead in was the recycled nail in the ethically sourced fully biodegradable coffin and set the scene for a ridiculously preachy and uninspiring set of scenes warning of the evils of consumerism and waste. Apparently the irony of walloping the audience with an anti-consumerist message while charging £20 per ticket and then selling merchandise such as the CD soundtrack was lost somewhere in translation. I blame "the man". 

This show was not so much a modern and stylish circus remaining of Alice in Wonderland as a show that would have been given at a school assembly to get them to recycle but in a way that would be "edgy" and "accessible" and, most importantly "down with that kidz". In the 45 minutes I shouting white rabbit who rhymed and pushed Alice in a shopping cart; the caterpillar who came out of wheelie bin and played hip hop flute; the tap-dancing white reggae Tweedle Dum and Dee who wanted us to support anarchy through synchronised choreographed moves and some sort of singing unicorn - I think. 

So what did I learn from this experience? 

1. If you want to stick it to the man, do it with jazz hands. You too can create anarchy...with TAP DANCING!

2. Buying things means you can't be an individual. Thank you kind people in your often readymade, identical circus costumes. I see the error of my ways now.

3. Everything will be ok if you just smile and wipe away your tears. So the homeless people and starving children in Africa who were playing over the singing unicorn clearly don't need food or money (because of all that evil packaging and commercialism) they just need to cheer the feck up.

Redeeming qualities of the show?

It did make me laugh. Not with it. Not even at it. But definitely near it and in uncontrollable, hysterical fits I struggled to stifle. After all that Fringe food, I needed a stomach workout.


Yokai
 
Performers in flesh-coloured Lycra create a cardboard and landscape. From these box structures and models, we see vignettes of the lives of people underneath. And a fish in a jumper. Why is there a fish in a jumper? Why is there a fish in a jumper eating soup? In the words of Willow Rosenberg "Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs, did ya? ". That's exactly what this show feels like - as though the creators did a whole bunch of drugs while watching a lot of French films, but not in a good way. The show was not a complete loss. The use of models, changing scenery, cotton clouds and cardboard trees were genuinely effective and visually impressive. It would have made a rather unusually charming, 3 minute music video. Unfortunately, the show lasted 20 times longer than this.

Hyprov

Let me preface this by saying that I love Colin Mochrie. I want to be his friend and have him round for tea. So what I am about to say pains me and causes me no end of very British guilt.
This show was, for want of a more descriptive word, bad. Improv shows are always a risk and tend to be hit and miss, often with a leaning towards the latter. This show not only leaned towards it but listed so violently it should have been barriered off.

The premise? Improv under "hypnosis" with Whose Line and improvisation regular, Colin Mochrie.

The execution? "Volunteer members of the audience" are allegedly put under hypnosis in a long and tedious process which lasts at least 15 minutes and is being taken far too seriously. It's not interesting to watch but it presumably designed to try and convince us that this process is real and in no way rigged. From a group of about 20 people on stage, this is whittled down to around 5 who will go on to perform "improvised" scenes with Colin Mochrie.
So who were the lucky selectees? By no means were they other less known performers, venue workers and people who had been overheard discussing what lines they should put into the show at certain points. And where is Colin during this slow and dull proceeding? Your guess is as good as mine but he certainly wasn't on stage.  Eventually, he did wind his way back to us but the results were underwhelming and disappointing. Unfortunately, his talents seemed completely wasted as the "volunteers" tried too hard in his general direction and it appeared to be his job to look confused - perhaps that was a natural and genuine reaction because I think much of the audience were feeling something similar.

Combine this poor attempt at comedy and attempts to grab the limelight with a drunken, rowdy Friday night crowd (which I cannot blame on the show but it was still disruptive and irritating). I'm afraid I had to walk away following very little time with Colin.


My advice for this show? To take itself less seriously and to "hypnotise" Colin Mochrie, a star who was truly wasted. But in its current format, one to avoid. (Sorry Colin).

Small print:

Disliking this show does not mean I am without ethical conscience or hate art with a political message.  Not at all. Some of the best pieces of Fringe theatre I gave seen mix comedy, art and politics in intelligent, unexpected and often subtle ways that make us question society as they entertain. They inspire change through reason, examination and humour while not shying away from difficult For topics. For this in would particularly like to thank the following artists past and present who have stayed in mind: Dusty Limits, Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, Bourgeois and Maurice, Le Gateaux Chocolat and many more. May you never be confused with the pretentious and preachy! 

Edinburgh Fringe 2016 - Top picks

Prologue

Reader, I have returned. As has the ever impressive Edinburgh Fringe Festival wraps up its last careening through the City,like a juggernaut of colour and alcohol-fueled spectaculars, I am as your Fringe spirit guide. Thank you Erin, I hear you sarcastically think to yourself, but what use is this now with only a few days left?  Well, you wonderful wee wretches, should you have that sudden burst of energy but lack the inspiration then this may just nudge you in the right direction.

For those who had the displeasure of reading my guide to the Fringe 2014, more fool you for coming back for more. While I may not tell you about the same number of shows this time, my only excuse is that I am two years older and therefore bloody knackered. We're all not as young as we used to be. And if you are, please offer me your secrets in exchange for the following pointers. 

But now, without much further ado...

Fantastic, fun, Fringe festival favourites

How to Win Against History

Review contains paraphrasing of both Shakespeare and lines from the show, for which I do not even remotely apologise.

In a small and sweaty metal shipping container on the outskirts of George Square, there lies in wait a truly unexpected gem of the Fringe festival in musical form. The most lamentable comedy of How to Win Against History A not at all tedious,  brief scene of young Henry Cyril Paget. And his love .. of cross-dressing and, to steal the slogan of this year's Fringe, defying convention. A very tragical mirth, featuring rapid fire music and lyrics reminiscent of a modern-day Noel Coward. Based on the true and tragic life of the lavish 5th Marquess of Anglesey, this small group of only 3 actors present the plight of our anti-hero trying to win against a history which has tried its damnedest to erase him from its books. 

Aine Flanagan Productions

The musical is sparky, deeply intelligent and, most importantly, hysterically, belly-laughingly entertaining. Songs are witty, emotional and so catchy that I have been humming them for about 3 weeks - luckily for you, dear reader, it has been out of earshot. Like the Henry himself, the show is camp, sweet, naively outrageous: Well-deserving of the standing ovation it received on its opening night.  

If I could, I would buy the T-Shirt, the soundtrack. and the sparkly headdress. Slip on your silver pro-activity plimsolls and participate in some clappy forms of emotional release. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Audience participation level: Minimal

Guru Dudu's Silent Disco Walking Tour

At a certain point in searching for shows, you reach Fringe blindness. This is the state where your brain can no longer differentiate the potentially brilliant from impending doom. Guru Dudu was one of these where I could not decide whether this was a terrible idea or pure genius: It was the latter.  To give context to this review, I love dancing. However, I hate discos. You can see the potential issue of therefore taking part in a silent disco walking tour. Yet as soon as the headphones hit my ears and the Guru started, I was absorbed into the experience. Through a series of “Old Skool” disco classics and the uplifting, comedic instructions of Guru Dudu, I was transported into a unique experience where people lost their inhibitions and boogied through the streets of Edinburgh. The result was feel-good liberation.

Get on the walking soul train while you can. Skip through graveyards, sing at traffic islands and dance like nobody’s watching!

Rating: 4.33 Stars

Audience Participation level: ALL IN!

Bourgeois and Maurice: How to Save the World Without Really Trying

I am going to keep this short. Bourgeois & Maurice represent everything that good cabaret should be. The show was slick without polishing off its personality. It was dark, political and cuttingly comedic. Like a lot of cabaret its leftward political leanings, swathed in musical wrapping and the right level of camp appealed directly to my personal tastes. But be not afraid, no subject is off limits in the pair’s quest to put the world to rights in the way that only this kind of show can. A definite must-see for any cabaret fans - go and giggle away the atrocities of the World.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Audience Participation level: Minimal

Michael Griffiths: Cole

Nothing lies on stage except a keyboard and a curious decanter. From out of the wings, a well-dressed man limps forwards: This man is Cole Porter.

Actually, it is returning Fringe performer, Michael Griffiths, but for one summer evening the audience lets itself believe.  Through the one hour’s traffic of slightly reinterpreted Porter classics, is expertly woven the tale of the man’s life and the heartbreak of being a gay man in an unaccepting society - all told with subtlety , skill and sincerity. 

A few minor details took me out of the illusion at times. I personally found some of the lighting choices were on the distracting side, especially during Griffiths' rendition of "Love For Sale" which was so hauntingly sung that it need no extra drama. 

Though by no means I bad thing necessarily,  I often saw more Griffiths than Cole - something I can not say about his embodiment of Annie Lennox in 2015. Perhaps a man embodying a woman requires the audience to take such a step and suspend their imagination that it is easier to enter a completely different mind-set and more fully believe it. Maybe Annie Lennox (or Madonna in a show I sadly missed) are more established and “bigger” contemporary characters in our modern minds. I’m not sure.  But despite this, Griffiths' undeniable talent, charm and genuinely likeable stage presence kept me captivated throughout. Definitely worth the price of admission for any fans of either Cole Porter or Michael Griffiths as a performer.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Audience Participation level: Minimal - just a bit of optional singing along.

Puddles Pity Party: Let's Go!

In a follow up to last year’s Pity Party, The Sad Clown with the Golden Voice, returns to serenade the Edinburgh Fringe. Puddles expresses himself through a mix of whimsical, physical comedy and operatic vocal abilities. This is a prime example of unadulterated and clever clowning and a musical experience in one.  The songs soar, entertain and demonstrate an unnatural longing for Kevin Costner. For a thoroughly diverting and chuckle-provoking show, get yourself an invite to Puddles’ party.

Rating: 4 Stars

Audience Participation level: Danger Zone! (Though I suspect men are more likely targets.)

A Shout-Out to the Free Fringe

Feeling poor? My impoverished Fringe darlings, I understand. I understand completely. Luckily, for you there is the Free Fringe which has a myriad of fabulous shows to choose from. All you need is your time and appreciation - though if that appreciation took the form of some loose change then I am sure the performers of the Free Fringe will be forever your faithful friends.

Not sure what to see? Pop along to see The Magic Faraway Cabaret at the Voodoo Rooms. Fringe aficionado and supporter of free acts, Mister Meredith, will give you a glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of what's on offer. Burlesque, comedy, magic and cabaret could all feature at any time. Gird your loins and take the plunge, your piratey emcee will keep you safe and entertained, even if not all the acts are your cup of tea, coffee or gin.Not convinced? Then head down to one of the many free fringe venues in Edinburgh.

Want  a bit of Fringe magic? Try the charming Charlie Caper (Minor Miracles in the Voodoo Rooms until 28 August), whose impressive and complex magic act is presented simply with a hint confused class, reminiscent of a Swedish Tommy Cooper. Or pop along to see Paul Dabek (Paul Dabek: Look at Me at La Belle Angele until 28 August) who returns again to wow Edinburgh with his first-class stage persona and real sense of devilish fun .

Your options are endless....go exploring and see what wonders you will find.

That's not all, Folks!

Part 2 - Queens of the Fringe will be coming soon. Watch this space (please only interpret that very literally if you have nothing better to do).

8th August - The day the free Fringe (so many shows)

Part One
Preparation, preparation, preparation. My bag is heavy with food, water (and a sneaky hip flask) and all the other trappings I need for my latest excursion. Bloody hell! This thing weighs a ton. But that's OK since I'm pretty much moving into the venue for the day... maybe longer.

The Counting House

192.co.uk

The Counting House is one of my many Free Fringe perennial venues. Sure, it can be a bit warm and crowded but, hey, it's a  Fringe venue. Also, did I mention free? - as in pay no money and buy no tickets. Now, there are a number of free venues but the Counting House always seem to bring in solid shows spread across its labyrinth of different rooms. Also, you can easily hang out in the little bar between acts. 


Anyway, speaking of labyrinths - I was just a minute ago. It's not a completely tenuous link (just moderately tenuous)....


Once Upon a Nightmare - 3 stars

In three words: Rainy day movie
Takeaway line: (in a Welsh accent) What a bitch.

In the grand tradition of such Sunday afternoon watching as The Neverending Story, Return to Oz and The Chronicles of Narnia comes the - very much live action - "film" of Once Upon a Nighmare. The audience enters to some music from the Labyrinth soundtrack (I told you there was a link). This can only be a good sign - all that David Bowie goodness without the disturbingly tight legwear. This is essentially a unique sequel to a film that was never made, played out live on stage - i.e. what happens if only when you return to the real world after saving the day in a different dimension? In fact, what happens if your brother never made it back at all?