It’s been some time since I’ve written in the post, I’m not sure it’s been that noticed but in the times since I last wrote all of the following has happened:
- I got made redundant
- I got a new job
- I moved house
- Someone in my family had a major operation
Now I’m not for excuses but anyone of those is a pretty good one!
So this is going to be one long blog on what I saw this Festival now I am *in the arts*!
Starting with the most artistic of them all:
The Chippendales
I went with my sister-in-law to this one – my first official show of the Fringe. I must admit it was not as polished as I hoped it would be but it was great fun and I can only imagine it would have been even more fun with a bunch of girls jigged up on champagne! Lots of people criticised the Gilded Balloon for bringing the Chippendales to town but I have to say their argument of opening the Fringe up to people that wouldn’t normally attend is a great one and one I completely agree with.
Still 3/5.
Kevin Bridges
I went to this one with my boyfriend and a couple of his friends. It was one of his extra shows – it started so well I thought I might hurt myself laughing but then I think he lost his energy somewhat and so the set went a bit flat – besides all that – it only lasted 35-45 minutes which for a £14 ticket was a little disappointing. I think next year if he performs again I would maybe buy tickets to the regular show rather than an extra.
3/5
The Edinburgh Fringe Twinge Party
This was a late notice event organised by the Edinburgh Fringe – it was a great night – over 400 tickets *sold” (it was a free event) and it was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow tweeters and get a preview of some of the Fringe acts that were also on Twitter.
4/5
Booking Dance Festival
I went to this with my friend Jennie who loves dance. This was undoubtably the best thing I saw this festival! Producer Jodi Kaplan from New York brought to Venue 150 at the EICC five different dance companies who did a showcase of their acts. It was mindblowingly brilliant and I am not a dance person. I just really hope they come back next year!
5/5
Venezuela Viva
I went with my aunt and uncle to this one. Brilliant and varied dancing. The style of the show is quite formal – with a voice of god explaining bits about the history of Venezuela at intervals. I did enjoy but it wasn’t quite my thing – my aunt loved it – she said it was in fitting with the formality behind the style of the dancing.
3.5/5
Havana Rumba
Again with my aunt and uncle on the same day. This was more my kind of thing – it’s more raw and natural and you get the feeling that the dances are different every day – very Cuban! It’s essentially singing and dancing from Cuba with some storyline behind it. I loved the music – it of course evoked Buena Vista Social Club which is still very popular. Lots of vibrancy and spirit.
4/5
Jack Whitehall
This was part of a large group Fringe night out – about 7 of us to this particular show. Jack Whitehall 21 and very funny! Reminds me a little bit of a cross between Russell Brown (but less affected) and Jimmy Carr. Such sharp wit!
4/5
Ian Kendall
Second part of the Fringe night out – Ian Kendall has been performing in the Fringe for 18 years and this show was a mix of his shows over that time. A magic show – simply tricks but very effective! A small venue of 50 which was lovely and added to the atmosphere. The delivery cheesy and delightful!
3/5
BBC Comedy Presents
Last part of our night out – late night comedy at the Pleasance Dome. As per usual some was very funny and some was a bit guff! The evening was compered by Karl Donnelly (aka Kyle Bubbly) and he was pretty good – a lovely end to the night.
3/5
Fringe Select
This was an evening of entertainment at Venue 150 at the EICC. It was five or so acts such as Stephen K Amos and Tao Drummers and came with a meal and drinks. I took a table at this event with some friends and it was a great night out – very enjoyable.
4/5
Jason Byrne
I went to this one with Alan (it followed on straight from Fringe Select at Venue 150). Someone told me Jason Byrne was the best selling comedian of the Fringe and I can believe it! It was so funny – my sides really did hurt. It’s a very relaxed style of comedy – you know that certain bits come up in every show but his interaction with the audience and reaction to what happens is genius. Thoroughly enjoyable – I will def go and see next year.
5/5
Kit & the Widow
I went to this with Barry from the Fringe office – we were both tired from a pretty hard days work and it was nice and gentle. As far as I can tell Kit & the Widow have been around for donkeys years and to that end they do joke rather a lot about the age group of their audience. It was lovely – but must confess not my thing.
3/5
Bryn Terfel
This was part of the EIF and I went solo due to the tickets being £30! I LOVED it! I have seen Bryn Terfel perform a couple of times – being a welsh singer but it was truly enjoyable. The songs were not quite to my chosing – I tend to like something a little more classical but nonetheless fab – especially the encores!
5/5
The Grind Show
I went to this with Elaine – a total fringe buff and guru. I think this was the one I looked forward to the most. It was a physical theatre piece about eternity, the circus, life and stuff I cannot understand because I’m not clever enough. The acting was superb and the premise behind the show very interesting. I would def go and see anything TBA Collaborative put on at the Fringe again.
4/5
Luxuria
This was the Scottish Dance Theatre’s piece. What I loved the most was it was only 33 minutes! I went with Jennie again. Beautiful costumes, lovely shapes to the dance. I’m not a dance person but really enjoyed it – again slightly feeling like I didn’t qute understand it all – but I think that’s the joy of it all.
4/5
Patti Plinko and her boy
I saw this with Keith aka @CRayDancer who very kindly provided me with his spare tickets. I loved loved loved this! What I liked the most was the rawness of the music and Patti’s voice – the soulfulness of it all. A simple set with three people in the band. I was really glad to have seen this and thanks to Keith for the ticket!
5/5
Richard Price
Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival – I went with James from my last job (sort of). Richard Price is a writer who has published about 11 books and written a number of screenplays like The Colour of Money. He’s a total nut writer but I really enjoyed it. At first he chatted about his most recently published book but later went on to talk about his current project which at the moment has not shape or direction – he says the writing and research just takes him in a direction and he goes there. Really fun and interesting to watch.
4/5
Jimmy Carr – Rapier Wit
Part of the same evening with James. Jimmy Carr has really grown on me over the last few years. A funny show – based mostly on one-liners. Often very rude and completely over the edge of insulting – I think a lot of people are surprised at this! Very witty. My fav parts however are when he opens out to the audience because then you fully understand where his talent is – retorts!
4/5
Camille O’Sullivan
Last show of the Fringe for me! Went with the boyfriend. Camille sings songs from the likes of Nick Cave, Nick Drake etc. It was her last show too and it really added to the enjoyment. She has a great voice – her band is superb. My kind of thing and as she’s such a queen of the Fringe, a great last act to watch. Another big thanks to Keith who provided me with his spare ticket again which meant we could both go.
4/5
So that was my whistle stop tour of the Festivals – funnily enough I’m not exhausted today at all. Can’t wait to get back to proper blogging!
For those you who don’t know I’m part of the EdTwestival Planning team. Look it up and buy a ticket!
