I have been into Edinburgh 10 days over the last 2 weeks and clocked up 39 shows actually attended. I have another week to go with 4 more days in town. Each show I see I aim to write a short EdFringe review/reflection and to carry it on my Facebook page too. There are a few which I missed writing about, or chose to claim the Thumper Amendment. Below are 25 shows which might already be selling out, or might really benefit from your attention and attendance if you are in the City for Week 3 of the Festival. They are shared below in random order but roughly in the order I saw them. No stars from me, but I hope you get my sense of enjoyment in most of my experiences this year so far.
You Deserve It / Space on the Mile until 23rd
I found New Celts theatre company for the first time last year and, once again, have picked two of their Edinburgh Napier University pieces of new writing at random. You Deserve It by Jess Ferrier offers us a look at the posh theatre set of privilege and hidden truths with a good journey of mystery for us the audience along the way. This graduate show gave a good vehicle for the casting talent of 6 who will, I hope, never become anything like as monstrous or damaged as the character they portray. But of course I hope they will each get amazing breaks and carry their fame lightly. I am realising that Space Venues has some magic waving through it. New unknown work but often the fullest houses. If you want to see writing which might well end up celebrated in Roundabout Paines Plough seasons in the future, then you might be wise to check out one or more of this season. Jess Ferrier will I hope continue to bring new plays to our stages for many years into the future. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/you-deserve-it
I Am Your Tribute / Voodoo Rooms until 25th
Edinburgh Fringe 2024 audiences are lucky enough to be able to see Sarah-Louise Young birthing a new show which blends her joy celebrating the songwriters and singers of her life, with her wonderful playful drawing of an audience into her world. . There is something magical in hearing an audience blending their voices with her soaring tones. She claims to have 400 wigs in her garden shed…I suspect she will need every one of them in future iterations of this show. There are so many songs to explore with audiences of the future in fitting tribute. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-am-your-tribute
Tide / Greenside on George Street until 24th
A pleasure to be offered a free ticket as I passed the new Greenside venue on Grorge Street for Tide. A very gentle duet of lost and unrealised love from two young actors. Set in a rehabilitation centre this is slow but graceful drama perfect for this time of the morning. Sit near the front to really hear the poetry and soft spoken phrasing. They have a sense of love and joy for their stories and their arrival at the Edinburgh Fringe. Do welcome them as you uncover Greensides riches. And good for them…they had an Fringe Reviewer in for their first sharing. I hope he cheers them on. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tide
TERF / Assembly Rooms George Street until 25th
Today was my chance to see TERF taken off the page on its first UK production. I cheer Barry Church Woods for championing this new play. It has done its job generating much debate. There are some heartfelt rich speeches within this rather sprawling play. I wonder whether a tighter, lighter production with less reality scenic props and staging might have made the whole piece develop an inner tension with the blackout scene breaks hindered. I hope Barry and the author continue to work together so this important debate has a further theatrical outlet. Praise to Assembley Productions for finding a slot in their programme when the first venue became, apparently frightened of the piece and cancelled the engagement. I wish this play were not needed, but as long as the hateful rhetoric continues it needs to be questioned…and the Edinburgh Fringe is the place to test drive a new play. Go and explore this play and reflect on where it might go next. I add one review to give you a deeper insight. https://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/terf-assembly-rooms-edfringe-2024-review/ https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/terf-1
What Was Once Ignored – Martha Graham / Space run completed
I was fascinated to learn more about Martha Graham having, as a student, been engrossed in Robert Cohen’s work and Lodon Contemporary Dance Theatre. Here 15 young student dancers and theatremakers weave her life through offering us multiple Martha’s and her life and work and words. It was wonderful to see snatches of Lamentations, Frontiers, Phaedre, and Satyric Festival Song. I learned more about her determination for equality in a white male world. Plus her aspiration for perfection with the repeated “And…” which acted as a mantra and marker throughout. Many congratulations to these aspiring professionals in their far too quick visit to Edinburgh for the next few days. 1230 at Space Triplex till Wed 7th https://www.thespaceuk.com/shows/2024/what-was-once-ignored-the-life-and-legacy-of-martha-graham
Odin’s Eye / Storytelling Centre until 25th
The mesmeric storyteller Alice Fernbank weaves two worlds into one beautifully crafted piece. Her own journey after a visit to Specsavers which may have saved her life, with the extra-ordinary world of Odin and the Norse gods, which are so much a part of her international storytelling career. Her stillness and power are a 5* craft class in holding an audience. Not surprising our tears and cheers resonated in this most comfortable of Fringe venues. She plays alternate Odd days at 15.15. Self-produced so please try to buy a ticket if you are a producer if you can afford it. https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:55
Most definitely one of my highlights this Fringe. Do try and fit Alice Fernbank into your schedule. She offers a wonderful calm piece delivered with immense precision and heart in a 2500 shows a day sea of noise and fury that is edfringe. Plus Scottish Storytelling Centre is itself a haven of coffee shop and haggis calm on a high street of bedlam (not to confuse with the wonderful Bedlam up the road)
Thunderstruck / Storytelling Centre till 26th
Show 5 of 6 today is David Colvin’s award winning Thunderstruck which brings piping into the rock n roll world exploring the extraordinary life of Gordon Duncan who broke the mould of traditional 9 note play.. Another phenomenal piece of storytelling in the wonderful Storytelling Centre and a wonderful piping school in its own right. Rightly 5 stars. https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:5602/
Mairi Campbell Living Stone / Storytelling Centre until 25th
My fourth show of the day is a visit to Mairi Campbell’s meditation on a 400m yr old stone from the island of Lismore. This is the third in a trilogy developed with Kath Burlinson and features some wonderful visual explorations of the stone which she began painting during lockdown in a 100 day 100 painting challenge. Alongside the show which plays Odd days at the Storytelling Centre there is an exhibition of the original artwork. Mairi is a wonderful multi talented musician who explores with us the many ways she is creating a living future for the music that springs from the deepest well of her being. https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:5590/
ADDED ON 16TH AUGUST – FRINGE FIRST WINNER
Many congratulations to Kath Burlinson Kate Taylor and the amazing Mairi Campbell with David Harper Gray with Roddy Simpson and Julia Fayngruen on today’s Fringe First. This team created Mairi Campbells Living Stone the final part in her pendulum triptych. It is Mairi’s day today and rightly so but wow what a team effort. Extra cheers for Scottish Storytelling Centre which is one of the most welcoming, comfortable and supportive of UK creative spaces. Now off to the Pleasance for a wee award ceremony. Ps also massive cheers to the 400million year old living stone and Tim Vincent Smith for his pendulum design.
A few legends in a line. Joyce McMillan was reviewing Traverse shows when I was there last century. Guy Masterson first did theatre stuff with me 50 years ago. Kath Burlinson has been my legendary partner and challenger for 24 years. Kate Taylor is already a legendary creative producer and guide. And finally Mairi Campbell is rightly celebrated for her amazing triptych and legendary voice with this Fringe First. In the misquoted words of VL writers. These are legionaires
I Really Do Think This Will Change Your Life / Pleasance Dome until 26th
First show Sunday. Thick Skin and Mercury Theatre Colchester with Pleasance bring Emma-Louise Howell’s solo play directed by Hetty Hodgson around the world of Internet pyramid selling. My mother got tangled in Holiday Magic years ago and the house was filled with not very good makeup for a while. Emma is spot on multi role playing and exploring the dark and scam filled manipulative world sucking money from those who are most vulnerable and can least afford it. The fight back makes a great (maybe) hero’s journey. So pleased to be in a packed Dome space with high video art and caption production values. I hope this writing and directing partnership will go forward with many future projects. Theatre 503 and The Stage have also spotted the writing with recognition. Well deserved. Exactly what Pleasance us and should champion. https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/i-really-do-think-will-change-your-life
Bi-topia / Underbelly Cowgate until 25th
I’ve just seen a play which really illuminates the male inability, so often, to navigate and voice their (OK my) own feelings. Bi-topia written and performed by Sam Danson is a must see for anyone who is navigating sexuality – and maybe especially female audiences who may not have so much challenge talking out their own sexuality. This is a joyful heartfelt very personal exploration of coming out, but even here it is within a framing device which offers a boys own protection from going too deep in front of us the audience. This shying away felt really truthful. I am blessed to have had my own bisexuality acknowledged and completely accepted, and also spotted by so many before I had a name for it. I hope Bi-topia builds an audience across the Fringe and gets a good further life. https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/bi-topia
Leeds Tealights / Just the Tonic at the Caves until 25th
The joy for me is when I have an hour spare and walk to the box office and say what’s next. Leeds Tealights are new to me but then I’m very old. I’ve just watched this show and so glad I did. Old fashioned sketch comedy blending a mix of topically and intellectual play which landed a good array of the time. I particularly enjoyed the rental property with live in audience, the challenges for Freud’s mother, and the over enthusiastic overtaker. A mix of longform and bitesize sketches which show they ensured different laughs for different folk. Go enjoy and maybe look back many years from now saying Ahhh I saw them here. I saw Stephen Fry and John Finnemore and Julia Hills and so many more in their first shows. Maybe the next generation who draw quite a lot from this lineage will have been on stage this festival. first. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/leeds-tealights-it-s-your-own-time-you-re-wasting
A Giant on the Bridge / Assembly Roxy until 18th
A Giant on the Bridge at Assembly Roxy at 1040 has a depth of creation which resonates on stage through song and personal story in a way which makes me want to know more about the four year development process in an array of prisons and groups of young people. There is heart and hope shared along with a reminder of the dehumanising nature of parts of our justice system. Whilst a very Scottish voice I sense this piece has a life at festivals like Latitude and Glastonbury as well as on tour around Scottish theatres and festivals. There is a rich programme of workshops to grow around this. A very necessary piece of gig theatre. Congrats to all involved especially colleague Kate Taylor who has helped to stear the management of this show into Made in Scotland. We were in a very illustrious audience of producers and Fringe familiars. Here’s hoping for its future. https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/640-a-giant-on-the-bridge
Mhairi Black / Gilded at the Museum until 25th
Mhairi Black’s Politics Isn’t For Me at Gilded Museum 1pm …was most definitely for Kath and me. She is a wonderful raconteur twitching the curtain so we can see behind the scenes of her, honestly, weird workplace for the last 10 years. This is a celebration of her slightly rebellious streak which was too often picked up and thrown back by the gutter press with lies and falsehoods. She challenges us to take notice of our politics and those who settle into the hallowed decaying portals of Westminster – maybe at times enjoying the trappings of office more than is wise. It is we the voters who can cause change if we take an interest and push against historic systemic rigour mortice. I wish her joy and a lighter life after the service she has given. No caravan or daytime TV for this Young ex Member. Grab a ticket if you can. It was 95% full today so you might be lucky. https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5217/
Anatomy for Accountants / Summerhall until 26th
Anatomy for Accountant from Java Dance in New Zealand playing at Summerhsll 4.30pm packs a great punch in its final act which draws together the earlier naked exploration of the body’s value. A fine dancer and excellent musical partnership offer an opportunity for us to truly see a body and it’s vibrant elements. I have a visceral and visual memory of the pineal gland and shiva, the grief of lungs, the 7.5m of intestine to name just three parts she weaves for us. Her sense of joy in, and deserved ownership of, her body shines through. Whatever the numbers we as humans must be valued and must be aware of our responsibilities to each other and the world we grow into. Thank you for this piece. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/anatomy-for-accountants
Catafalque / Summerhall closed on 11th (on tour)
So I’ve seen 19 shows and the one that has knocked me sideways the most is Catafalque at Summerhall produced by Stephane Hunter written and performed by Amy Conway. Staggeringly powerful writing about loss and death but most importantly the dying inside which can happen from early years abuse. I’m sorry to spoiler alert but it will take some audiences by surprise (rightly) and others might best know that this is an area being addressed. The programme [praise the lord for producers who give out a programme before or after] is very clear in its warning. I hope this solo show sees Amy delivering it to packed houses in a London season. It is having a short tour to Byre, Paisley, and Beacon next week. Please share and shout. This is writing and performance which is confident, subtle at times, and powerful at others. A MUST SEE. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/catafalque
https://www.scissorkick.co.uk/current/catafalque Touring Paisley 29/30Aug and Byre 7/8 Sept
My Mother’s Funeral / Summerhall Roundabout till 25th
My Mother’s Funeral The Show from Paines Plough was going to be my 5th show about death in 2 days. I was expecting to go through the wringer. Instead this play carried its weight through light touch and incredible dextrous twists and turns through different realities than I was expecting. The three performers explored their own characters and characters that they might become when theatremaking and money become the drivers. Roundabout is one of my favourite theatre spaces…always a joy to see playlovers, theatre pros (getting some sparkling one liners today), and general fringe audiences all with perfect sightlines. Thank you to all who create this play haven. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/my-mother-s-funeral-the-show
We Used to be Girl Scouts / Space on the Mile until 24th
Two years ago I started randomly picking a couple of New Celt productions. Next year I think I may need to see all of them. Today was We Used To Be Girl Scouts by Emily Schaffer – a playwright who should already be being noticed by new works festivals and theatres here and in the USA. (Oh…Google…thanks…she is https://www.emeryschaffer.com/about ) Today’s production features three American actors based in Edinburgh who deliver totally believable, nuanced creations of the three High School runaways. I will follow Hey Thanks! Theatre Collective going forward as a queer women-led London and Edinburgh company and of course my own alum producer Maria Goikhberg who I met for the first time off line in full length at the show today. Despite a title which I suggest might benefit from a change, the performances, simple effective direction/design, and the writing deserve professional sniffer dogs and bitches to attend. https://tickets.edfringe.com/…/we-used-to-be-girl-scouts
Love Beyond / Assembly George Square until 25th
Love Beyond at the Gordon Aikman theatre (previously George Sq Theatre) is heartwrenching, emotionally so powerful. It allows time and space to explore deaf aging, communication breakdown, dementia and love lost. Written and starring Ramesh Meyyappan, directed by Matthew Lenton (Vanishing Point), produced by Raw Materials and part of Made in Scotland. It is already critically acclaimed so all I will say here is grab a ticket, add it to your must see if you relish emotionally rich and necessary theatre presented and designed beautifully. I am sure it will have a longer Scottish, London, UK and International Life. I’m just so glad to watch it with Zoo Co AD Flo O’Mahony so we could be sniffling weeping wrecks together. Now we are sitting quietly glad not to be rushing to a next show. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/love-beyond
Oran / Pleasance Courtyard until 25th
This show has opted out of accepting reviews on Edfringe…so this is really just an update for my friends because my thoughts might be useful when reading the other 4* professional reviews. Oran is a high octane immensely high volume solid wall of poetic storytelling exploring the shame of growing up and bullying through to a much deeper shame. Whilst it is Made in Scotland I sense the graphic material will be a tough export outwith the UK. Today was captioned and it allowed me to drag out my earplugs so they could to do their job and my focus could move from the manic performance style to the powerful poetry. I’d have loved some /any variation in the pace and intensity to aid the storytelling. It took Kath and me a good while to get hearing and calm back. I moved to have a great time with Bristol Dramsoc’s new writing which was intense but invited us carefully into the characters world. See my review of Bachelor Girls.
Bachelor Girls / Greenside ends 17th
My first Bristol Uni show tonight and what a cracker. Bachelor Girls is a 2024 exploration of 1940s queer living. On the cusp of peace what and who will have won. The headline narrative we have in our heads masks a much deeper truth which even now, in so many countries in the world, is still a crippling hidden secret. You probably won’t get a ticket but give it a try, and if you can fit it into your schedule explore some of the other Bristol shows. Dramsoc is alive and well and delivering fine writing and excellent truthful heartfelt performers. Proud ex president from many years before these grads were born. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bachelor-girls
Golem / Dancebase till 25th
My thanks to Kath Burlinson for alerting me to Compagnie A Julien Carlier performing in partnership with sculptor Mike Sprogis. A treat to see two men exploring a love of play, of dance, of art, and of creative partnership. Their first time in Edinburgh with this 2021 work which reminded me so much of the cross discipline work of the Authentic Artists Collective and the inspiration of Paul Oertel in their lives. That juxtaposition of age (75 meets I guess 35) and artform, together with the father/son like bond of supportive balance between them is very special. Tom Malmendier on drums completed the artistically delicate balance. Lovely to be in the calm haven of Dancebase off the frenetic holiday atmosphere of Grassmarket.https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/golem
Steamie / Gilded Balloon Chambers Street till 25th
Confession time…35 years till today I have been a Steamie virgin. And now I want to see many future productions because today the cast of Edinburgh’s Stage Door Entertainment gave all the heart and joy to us. I also loved being amongst an audience with people even older than me. We of course had to climb three flights of stairs so we needed a nice sit down in front of this absolute classic play with songs. No programme nor is the cast listed on their website so all I can do is cheer these pro or semi pro performers. Thanks Dave Anderson for tearjerker earworms complementing and moving the action of Tony Roper’s play forward. What a great way to start the day. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steamie
Jess / Space Surgeons’ Hall till 24th
They say Dr Theatre is a great healer. Well whatever reason Kate O’Rourke and writer Stephanie Silver had for making this show it helped us understand a life where the central fictionalised character was always feeling FINE. This is a contemporary memoire of a single overworked underloved phenomenally skilled person sleepwalking with us through life. Someone we put on a pedestal and need to be showing all their skills any moment of the day or night when we need to be saved. This is a solo show bringing many stories from Casualty into a single narrative…and it is a deeply truthful lived life, very well performed for us on stage. So pleased to see a 50% house including a good number of medics who clearly got some bitter sweet references. Thank you. Healing theatre for performer and audience. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jess
MILF and Mistress / Space Nidry Street till 18th
My final show yesterday was MILF and the Mistress. Jane Montgomery Griffiths offers a look behind the curtains into the world of BDSM as a way to feel when a lovely long marriage and partnership, together with safe sensible jobs, lose their sexual sparkle. Actor Jennifer Vuletic makes it her own in a wonderfully open accessible fast paced joyful piece of storytelling. As Dark Stories review said, it is a love letter to kink which we all as an audience relished. Thought-provoking for any swingers or explorers https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/milf-and-the-mistress
Divided / Royal Scots Club till 17th
Once in a while I catch a play where the topic feels necessary and, in hindsight, a slightly unexpected audience feels exactly right to hear the arguments and dilemmas explored on stage. Divided tackles transitioning from the viewpoint of two confused and loving parents where the shock of the news rocks a 16yr foundation in bringing up their only child. We are offered some quite toxic polarised but maybe shock induced misunderstanding and by taking that stance we see a much wider demographic of denial and fear which polarises the readers and makers of the media. I feel there is really useful dramaturgical work to be done on this play going forward, and I’d love to see it have a further life exploring how the three protagonists cause division and change in the other two. I wanted some of the tough stuff to land a little more with this respectful but quiet audience. I loved being in the Royal Scott Club theatre and sensing a flow of audience from the hallowed halls of the club into a Fringe adventure. Congratulations to Divide Productions and I hope some “blue lanyards” head north into the New Town to take a look. In case reviewers or promoters do visit PLEASE have a programme, castlist, or somewhere on the Web where we can find the company. I’m sorry not to be able to name and praise the third member of the company. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/divided
Conclusion…
Within this array of shows are some fine new writers, some works which will go forward to further tours/productions, and some which have had their exposure here at this most challenging of marketplaces. I have 12 more shows already booked and 3 or 4 which I am about to book now as I slot them between meetings. Then on Sat 24th I head off on holiday for 10 days – can’t wait. I will aim to gather the other posts when I return – but do follow me on Facebook
Hope this thesis-long blog (4000 words) inspires you to explore some shows, follow some artists/companies, plan a visit to EdFringe 2025, or maybe pick one show and take it on the road.
Cheers
Chris