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.
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| 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).
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