Thursday 15 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Musicals Review: King Kong the Musical! (Pinecone Penguin Productions)

I’ll be honest: when I heard I was going to ‘King Kong the Musical!’ I didn’t know whether to laugh or vomit. Thankfully the main component is an awful meta-musical; after half the cast quit a group of actors are forced to perform their musical to a Broadway producer. Though it gets some big laughs, the performances aren’t strong enough to take it from funny to side-splittingly hilarious. Vocals are overwhelmed by the music, and an ending which is intended to move you only makes you awkwardly wish they’d shut up and do more funny stuff. A few diaphragm warm-ups and scrapping the earnest bits would make this a much better show. It’s not big, it’s not clever, but it’s all right for a silly chuckle.


The Space @ Niddry Street, until 10 Aug, 3.50pm.
tw rating 3/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-musicals-review-king-kong-the-musical-pinecone-penguin-productions/#sthash.hnCB1xXB.dpuf

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Running With The Firm (James Bannon)

Zoo have a cracking programme this year, and whoever booked ‘Running with the Firm’ deserves a pint. James Bannon’s a bloke you’d pass in the street without a thought, but once he starts talking, wow. If I could’ve grown an extra ear to take it in more, God I’d have done it. It’s about his work as an undercover policeman, specifically an investigation in the late 80s aiming to convict Millwall football hooligans. Bannon takes you through highs, lows, moral minefields and crippling fears creating a show that’s thrilling, hilarious and harrowing. When it finished, I wanted to jump on stage and beg him to keep talking. I’d cull the book plugging (unnecessary) and a few awkward iffy bits; but this has got to get every star I can chuck at it.


Zoo Southside, until 26 Aug, 8.35pm.
tw rating 5/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-running-with-the-firm-james-bannon/#sthash.WW6RAMeZ.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: These Halcyon Days (Landmark Productions)

Heart-warming and tear jerking in equal measure, ‘These Halcyon Days’ is the bitter-sweet tale of Sean, a wheelchair-bound man rotting with inertia in a retirement home, and Patricia, a stubborn, feisty new arrival with no intention of sticking about and grabbing a Zimmer frame. As friendship blossoms, their personalities shine; Sean’s impassioned Henry V soliloquy is one of the most heart-breaking things you’ll see this year whilst Patricia’s sunbathing antics in the back-garden are a true reminder of what it is to be young at heart. A brutally honest account of loneliness and the unavoidable ravages of ageing, and a moving reminder that “old men forget, yet all shall be forgot”.


Assembly Hall, until 25 Aug (not 7, 12, 18, 19) 11.00am.
tw rating 4/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-these-halcyon-days-landmark-productions/#sthash.4T12yzHW.dpuf

Monday 12 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Hanging Bruce-Howard (Gone Rogue Productions)

Living room farce with an alcoholic actor protagonist; cue neurotic gay playwrights, incompetent Polish plumbers, fist fights and hidden bodies. Jolly good fun for some maybe, but you can’t shift the sense that it’s a bit old hat for a young company, and perforated with cliché and stereotype that demonstrates a mind-boggling lack of self-awareness. It’s hampered by weak writing and a lead actor, who though trying his damnedest, just isn’t watchable enough to pull off the character of endearingly self-absorbed dandy, though admittedly being the first performance this could improve. Chuck in a couple of AIDS jokes and the end result is resoundingly off. Tired, unoriginal and poorly executed, it may sharpen slightly during the rest of their run, but only a miraculous rewrite could truly save this.


C nova, until 26 Aug, 12.05pm.
tw rating 2/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-hanging-bruce-howard-gone-rogue-productions/#sthash.vsZTVvU7.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Review: HeLa, Summerhall (Adura Onashile and Oxide)

Although technically you might  have to classify it as such, to bill ‘HeLa’ as “half lecture, half theatre” seems an injustice to this poignant, thought-provoking, enlightening venture from Adura Onashile and Oxide. ‘HeLa’ is an exploration into the depths of cancer cell research from the early 1950s, focusing on cell samples taken from 31 year old Henrietta Lacks in 1951; cells which continue to change and influence scientific research to this day. The performance uncovers the woman behind the cells and serves as a gut-wrenching reminder of hideous days of racial segregation, “whites only water fountains” and “’black’ waiting rooms”. The piece raises important ethical issues surrounding medical research and uncovers atrocities that have historically been swept under the carpet. An informative and relevant piece, if a law was passed to make this essential viewing, I'd be having strong words with anyone who made a fuss. 5/5

Edinburgh 2013 Children’s Show Review: A Boy Who Cried Wolf (Gem & Ren / PBH’s Free Fringe)

‘A Boy Who Cried Wolf’ is a step-by-step guide of how not to do a kid’s show. Performers ‘Gem & Ren’ harangue their audience with an hour of patronising cooing and condescending pep talks about being a “great team”. The essentially strong concept of taking audience suggestion to improvise new stories is doomed by their fundamental misunderstanding of how to talk to children or adults. A sequence improvising songs with ‘zany’ lyrics is thrashed to death after 1,000 repeats of the same song. Audience rapport is marginally livelier than a wake; the performers largely suggest their own improvisations, and excruciating high-fives are dished out to adults who pipe up to put them out their misery. I considered walking out and throwing myself down the stairs. Painful.
The Dram House Upstairs, until 24 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), 11.45am.
tw rating 1/5 |

Sunday 11 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Genesis / Golgotha (Clancy Productions and Assembly)

Eve (yep, that Eve) and Jesus come to Edinburgh to treat us to a verbose, tedious rant. ‘Genesis/Golgotha’ is composed of two monologues; Jesus is a rambling, deranged, down-and-out who pelts out a non-linear, irate stream of conscious which leaves you feeling less compelled and more like you wish you’d chosen a different seat on the bus. Eve’s rant is more neurotic and self-pitying, but not much better. It’s clear both actors inject everything into their performances, though the subject matter isn’t as original or thought-provoking as it thinks it is; after an hour of Eve’s wailing and Jesus’ scatty movement and boob references, all you’ll want to do is run out into George Square, down a pint, and probably demand your money back.


Assembly George Square, until 26 Aug (not 12), 12.30pm.
tw rating 1/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-genesis-golgotha-clancy-productions-and-assembly/#sthash.qtYqiw1O.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Funeral Replacement Service (Ghost Bus Tours)

You’re invited to celebrate the life of Roger Cocksweets (pronounced “Co-sweets”), and the funeral will be taking place on his old Routemaster bus (pay your respects to the coffin as you board). Theatre on wheels is a great concept, and this unconventional commemoration treats you to video messages from irate relatives, graphic poetry, and a grandson who goes around chatting everyone up. The real problem is that, at 45ish minutes, it’s too short- you’re just getting warmed up when you’re turfed out. There’s also no bar, and I imagine booze would put people more in the mood for belting out dubious hymns. An enjoyable, yet unexpectedly sedate experience: bring some mates and have a few pints first to get the best out of it.


Necrobus, until 26 Aug, 11.00pm and 12.30am.
tw rating 3/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-funeral-replacement-service-ghost-bus-tours/#sthash.jBhuz0Un.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: How To Occupy An Oil Rig (ARC Stockton)

The minute I walked in and got handed a lump of plasticine, my inner five year old did a fist-pump. ‘How To Occupy An Oil Rig’ is a step by step guide to the practical elements of protesting, from joining a protest march to safely chaining yourself to a radiator. With jumbo Lego bricks, plasticine people and lurid wigs, everything appears childlike and whimsical, but beneath this façade is a compelling and very grown-up appeal to action. Provocative, playful and engaging, this earnest performance makes you believe that you can and should be changing the world. If you decide against occupying an oil rig today, do the next best thing and track down an ‘ARC Stockton’ show, I guarantee your world will be changed.


Northern Stage at St Stephen’s, until 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 12.35pm.
tw rating 5/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-how-to-occupy-an-oil-rig-arc-stockton/#sthash.tU69A1kQ.dpuf

Saturday 10 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: East, A Woman Shifting On Time Axis (Water Reflection Dance Ensemble)

Water Reflection Dance Ensemble present a thoughtful piece tackling the noble challenge of exploring the way in which Chinese cultural norms have traditionally and continue to oppress Eastern women. There’s no doubt it’s an important topic, and there’s something undeniably courageous and powerful watching a piece conceived and performed by people who have experienced these values first hand. Director Tan Hui-Chen puts the female dancers in restrictive traditional shoes, and their hidden discomfort throughout is harrowing. However, at times the piece lack clarity and coherence, a lot of the speech wasn’t subtitled or accompanied by explanatory movement; it also didn’t help that on this particular performance, a light partially obscured the subtitles from vision. A brave, inspiring piece, but a little rough round the edges.


Paradise in the Kirkhouse, until 11 Aug, 2.20pm.
tw rating 3/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-physical-review-east-a-woman-shifting-on-time-axis-water-reflection-dance-ensemble/#sthash.LpUFxA1p.dpuf

Friday 9 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: That Is All You Need to Know (Idle Motion)

Crossword solving speed seems odd screening for someone entrusted with saving thousands of lives; ‘Idle Motion’ fuse verbatim testimony and sensitive imaginings to present this and other thoughtful, enlightening insights into the Bletchley Park code-breakers. The show uses recordings of long-silenced memories, poignantly placing the ageing voices alongside their younger counterparts onstage. My sole criticism would be that the characters feel slightly distant; though this is to an extent inevitable, many of the workers honoured their code of silence to the grave, an emotional ending is muted as a result. That said, ‘Idle Motion’ are a ridiculously talented company who have that rare talent of being able to hurl their collective excitement, intelligence and innovation upwards and make brilliance land at their feet. Great stuff.


Zoo Southside, until 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 5.05pm.
tw rating 4/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-that-is-all-you-need-to-know-idle-motion/#sthash.DlmMp14n.dpuf

Thursday 8 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: No Holds Bard (Royale Productions)

“What did you see, a one-man Hamlet?” says Gran each year when I return from the Fringe. Michael Hurst trumps Nan’s wildest imaginings with a one-man Hamlet featuring Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. An actor holds a gun to his head, then we’re whisked on a disorientating excursion into the recesses of his disturbed mind, occupied by the characters mentioned above. Bullying, abuse and torment ensues, comic relief is provided by a boorish, Glaswegian Macbeth who casually fries up breakfast whilst chatting to the neurotic Hamlet. An Olivier-style foaming-mouthed, dubiously accented Othello raises more than a few awkward titters. It’s dodgy ground that I’m not sure works, thankfully his appearances are brief. Tweak the borderline offensive Othello and this sweaty, schizophrenic, Shakespearian mash-up could become a classic.


Assembly Roxy, until 26 Aug (not 12,19), 12.20pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Holly Sharp]
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-no-holds-bard-royale-productions/#sthash.wveQIYp9.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Holes by Tom Basden (The Invisible Dot Ltd)

Maybe it’s just me who read “secret location” and “3 hours 45 minutes” expecting a magical mystery tour. ‘Holes’, whilst an incredibly well-written play containing some of the finest comic performances in Edinburgh, is just that, a play; and it’s in a room, not a spooky cave. In this piece following four plane crash survivors, Basden’s command of words is sublime. Excruciatingly recognisable personalities are shaped with precision. However, the ending does feel rushed. The seating in the secret location too is not great, but, provided you can see the stage, the performance is the kind of stuff you’d like to bottle up and slather yourself with when you’re having a terrible day. The disappointingly unnecessary jaunt out of town kills it, if you’re hankering for adventure pop up Arthur’s Seat instead.
Secret location, until 25 Aug (not 19-22), 3.00pm and 6.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | 

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: Fleurs de Cimetière, et autres sornettes (Cie Herve-Gil)

Whilst a dashing older man might be a ‘distinguished silver-fox’, a good-looking older women is far more likely to just be ‘quite good for her age’. French choreographer Myriam Herve-Gil teams with playwright Dominique Wittorkski to present this candid, witty account of a woman’s reflection on life, the inevitability of ageing, and the cruel reality that older women become increasingly disregarded. The dialogue is concise, frank and engaging, a brutally honest, non-indulgent acceptance of the process of ageing, though I’m not sure Herve-Gil’s choreography does justice to the poignancy of the words. The thought’s clear; older women demonstrating the retained litheness in their bodies, though it often feels like distraction from Wittorski’s pertinent observations. The two sides are mismatched, leading to a frustratingly average conclusion.


Summerhall, until 15 Aug, 2.15pm.
tw rating 2/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-physical-review-fleurs-de-cimetiere-et-autres-sornettes-cie-herve-gil/#sthash.sDr4jCWq.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: The Collision of Things (Move to Stand)

An innovative clash of stagnant realism, physical theatre and music, ‘The Collision Of Things’ is the story of three reasonably ordinary friends. Simple as. No histrionics, no terminal illness diagnosis, no long-lost buddy with blood-lust. There’s grief without the wailing, relationship problems without hideous break-ups, drinking binges without world-changing confessions; just three mates, getting on with life and putting up with its obstacles. It does at times feel engulfed by the gaping performance space. It’s beautifully simple, though; theatre that takes your hand and becomes your best friend before crushing you with its heart-rending finish. A moving, excruciatingly accurate representation of what it is to be human, with some of the rubbish, some of the fun and some of the same-old.


Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug (not 13, 20), 5.45pm. 
tw rating 4/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-the-collision-of-things-move-to-stand/#sthash.buHwkZce.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Specie (Fat Git Theatre)

If you resent prolonged eye-contact, squirm at the mention of genitals and have a pathological fear of ball-pits, you’ll have to grab a stress-ball before stepping into this ballsy thought-provoking offering from ‘Fat Git’ theatre. ‘Specie’ imagines that gender is a fluid concept, where one can change sex and swap that of their children on a total whim. The concept becomes cloudy in places; there are implications that gender-swapping is limited to those who can afford it and that swapping-back might not be so easy, and divisions between those who condone and those who oppose the movement in gender technology are not quite fleshed out sufficiently. Incredibly relevant, thought-provoking subject matter, ‘Specie’ falls slightly short by being making its complex premise a little too ambiguous.


Pleasance Dome, until 26 Aug (not 13), 12.10pm.
tw rating 3/5 | 

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: The Savage Planet (The Watersports Aficionados / PBH Free Fringe)

Textbook Fringe; a tiny room, a young company and a few chairs. Regrettably, however The Watersports Aficionados fail to hit the mark with their first Edinburgh show. From the off they give themselves a tough hill to climb with Sci-Fi subject matter, a gloriously high concept for a show on an incredibly tight budget. The show is introduced as a lecture, yet the blaring window for audience interaction is shirked entirely. There are witty lines, but these are thrown away with vexing frequency. I want desperately to put it down to opening-show nerves, and hopefully in the coming days the cast will start to have a bit more fun with this show. The potential is there, the company just need the confidence to match.


The Fiddler’s Elbow, until 11 Aug, 3.15pm.
tw rating 2/5 | 

Edinburgh 2013 Musicals Review: Love Story (Norfolk Youth Music Theatre)

If you like your theatre thought-provoking and challenging, I’d suggest running away from this production screaming for your life. ‘Love Story’ is an adaptation of the 1970 film, which I’ve not seen and now have absolutely no desire to. Whoever decided to saddle this clearly talented group of youngsters with this schmaltzy, dated dross deserves a slap. It improves towards the end, mostly due to the hard work of the poor actors playing the insufferable protagonists (but also because you know that at least it’ll be over soon). As it finished, two women behind me sighed “ah…wasn’t that nice,” before more animatedly discussing their dinner options; which probably tells you enough. A talented cast wasted on a vacuous, self-indulgent and poorly written adaptation.


Paradise in Augustine’s, until 10 Aug, 3.55pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Holly Sharp]
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-musicals-review-love-story-norfolk-youth-music-theatre/#sthash.RR8riSKO.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: 35mm – A Musical Exhibition (As Told By Productions and Greenwich Theatre)

If you have a vehement hatred of the hit TV show ‘Glee’, then avoid this like the plague. ‘35mm’ takes the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and asks how many a song is worth. It’s composed entirely of songs, with projected photographs inspiring each one, but I’m not sure it achieves its potential. The images aren’t “stunning” as promised and there’s a bias towards the clichéd love story (a song about a guardian angel accompanied by a solitary tear had me reaching for a bucket). That said, this audience was the most enraptured I’ve seen at the Fringe and I was the only one in the front row not standing to applaud. Not for me, but I was hideously outnumbered.
Bedlam Theatre, until 24 Aug (not 12), 6.00pm.
tw rating 2/5 |

Monday 5 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: Sluts of Possession (Rosie Kay / Guilherme Miotto / Louis Price)

The blurb says you’ll be plunged into a “primitive, possessed state”, so perhaps I was meant to fall asleep in ‘Sluts of Possession’. Repetitive rhythms, violent movement and face-paint streaked faces are key components of what is a confusing 45 minutes. The set is vaguely futuristic, films of tribal communities are projected on a silver foil screen. The movement was razor sharp and relentless; if nothing else, I’ll applaud any dancer who’s sweating enough to fill a bucket yet doesn’t break step once. No fault in the execution, it’s the content that leaves me at sea. Saying that, there were whoops and cheers at the end, so perhaps it’s something brilliant that just zinged over my head.


Dance Base, until 24 Aug, times vary.
tw rating 2/5 | 
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-physical-review-sluts-of-possession-rosie-kay-guilherme-miotto-louis-price/#sthash.hqIGqIjf.dpuf

Friday 2 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Tell me a Secret (Airborne Theatre)

An energetic and high-spirited combination of physical theatre, live music and a touch of karaoke, ‘Tell Me a Secret’ does exactly what it says in the title. From marriage fantasies and re-enacted sexual liaisons to having witnessed a fatal accident; the performance is a confessional series of secrets, all made more unsettling by knowing that much of the dialogue is taken from real life. Given the material’s strength, you find yourself wishing they’d occasionally give the props and fancy movement a rest and let the words speak for themselves. Similarly, culling a sub-plot between two siblings would be no loss. Though thought-provoking and effervescent, it’s a little too cluttered. If Airborne could keep their focus on substance over style, they’ll be one to watch in the future.


C nova, until 25 Aug (odd dates only), 1.10pm.
tw rating 3/5 |
- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-tell-me-a-secret-airborne-theatre/#sthash.Vmy7UCIO.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: I (Honestly) Love You (Lockwood Productions)

‘Boy meets girl in a coffee shop’ just got a big massive kick up the backside. Lockwood Productions take the tired format and inject a kooky twist whereby neither boy nor girl can tell even the tiniest fib. Cue a hilarious, fast-tracked romp through excruciating first dates, first sex with very honest feedback and parents hearing exactly what they don’t want to hear. After an unstoppable first half, the gags slow up and you’re left hankering for more panto-style silliness, though this will probably step up with bigger, rowdier audiences. A playful but astute comment on who we are and what we say (and yes, your bum does look big in that).
C aquila, until 13 Aug, 5.05pm.
tw rating 4/5 | 

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: Echolalia (Jen McArthur & Kallo Collective)

If hoover attacks, shortbread and invasion of personal space don’t ruffle your feathers, this might be your kind of thing. Jen McArthur plays a lonely woman with Asperger’s syndrome in a 1940s wasteland, accompanied by sparse possessions, rituals, rehearsals for job interviews and social engagements that never happen.  ‘Echolalia’ was conceived after McArthur was “tickled by the social ‘weirdness’ of autistic children”, a discovery that it’s difficult to feel entirely comfortable with. Although magnificently performed, you have the niggling sense that this isn’t the most balanced, responsible account of Asperger’s syndrome. There are one or two moments which address more serious implications, but these are quickly overshadowed by impeccably executed buffoonery. A whimsical, fantastic spectacle, dogged by dubious moral implications.
C aquila, until 26 Aug (not 12), 3.40pm.
tw rating 3/5 | 

Thursday 1 August 2013

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: Confused in Syracuse (OPS Theatre)

If you think of Ancient Greece, you’re probably not picturing a centaur whose backside has emancipated itself. Add a raunchy love triangle and you’ve got ‘Confused in Syracuse’, a bawdy slapstick farce from St Petersburg based company OPS theatre. Energy is there in buckets; unfortunately, substance is not. Fake boobs and fart jokes abound, though both ends of the centaur do a cracking job of tottering around for an hour on wonky stilts. The production seems unable to decide if it’s a sketch show or a play, and a combination of no dialogue with only sporadic choreography neither clarifies the plot nor warms you to the characters. Not bad for an occasional giggle, but expect to be left feeling very confused (in Syracuse).
C, until 26 Aug (not 13), 3.30pm.
tw rating 2/5 | 

Edinburgh 2013 Physical Review: In Two Minds (Dancing Souls and Theatre SOMA)

A joint venture between Hong Kong’s Shan Chan and the UK’s Suzi Cunningham, ‘In Two Minds’ is billed as demonstrating the healing power of movement, though it’s actually more about the experience of mental illness. The results are patchy: the choreography is sharp and skilful with some interesting highlights (mental illness is likened to a noisy kid in the cinema), but overall it doesn’t go beyond ticking the usual boxes. A gratingly clichéd refrain of horror movie-style nursery rhymes just made my toes curl. An innovative but all too brief middle-section shuns the established tone, and is simple, powerful and moving. It’s a shame that the rest of the performance doesn’t quite follow suit.
C, until 10 Aug, 5.05pm.
tw rating 3/5 |