It seems only appropriate I start this blog, post Edinburgh Fringe. One month, 55 shows (that’s approximately 69 hours spent in warm dark rooms surrounded by strangers), a considerable chunk of my overdraft and one abused liver later I'd do it all again if it weren't for the fact that sleep deprivation has rendered me comatose. Having experienced my first fringe several years ago I'm sure those of you who've been will agree that it really does have a pringle factor and it’s an addiction I just can’t shake. For those of you who've yet to visit: GO! There is literally something for everyone - days can be spent running from miniscule venue to venue, sat in makeshift theatres, catching theatre, music, dance and comedy - and this is, of course, all punctuated by alcohol. I've never been somewhere which maintains such a vibrant, exciting and hyperactive atmosphere for such a long time whether you're walking down the Royal Mile having flyers launched at you from every angle, wandering the streets of old town and falling upon Edinburgh's incredible vintage shops or boozing or celebrity spotting at 4am. During the month of August my heart will therefore always belong to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Looking over the long list of shows I’ve seen this month I’ve been considering what my fringe favourites have been. I’ve seen some utter rubbish, but I’m afraid that’s all part of the experience, if nothing else those performances provided me with a much needed powernap. Probably the worst: Murder Mystery Musical. The best way of describing it would be as a bad pantomime, wooden acting and cheap jokes – something more at home in the village hall, despite the fact it was a professional production. Luckily I saw this one for free and spent the majority of my time in the converted lecture theatre exchanging exasperated facial expressions with my friends.
I have however, seen some utterly fantastic shows as well and, as I glance over my huge list am finding it increasingly difficult to narrow down the best ones so to make things easier I've gone by categories...
Dance/Physical Theatre: The Overcoat
A truly mesmerising and moving piece, who says you need words to affect emotion. The attention to detail, energy, and originality were second to none and made for a completely breathtaking performance which moved me to tears. THIS WAS MY FAVORITE
Theatre: Precious Little Talent
This wasn’t groundbreaking theatre but did showcase some wonderful new writing and absolutely faultless acting from the lead male. I found myself completely transported into the world of the character, utterly spellbound by his unquestionable enthusiasm and immersion into the words of the playwright. The whole performance was slick, captivating and absolutely professional. A welcome breath of fresh air from the ‘we’re trying to be different student theatre’ which populates the fringe.
White Tea
This piece far exceeded my expectations. Not only was it a visual and sensory feast where music and light played a major role but stood on its own as a piece of theatre with an incredible script and some wonderful acting. I felt completely involved in something new and exciting and was taken on a journey of emotion I didn’t think I could possibly make having only had 3 hours sleep the previous night. This really tested the boundaries of performance and embodied a real sense of the spirit of the fringe. Beautiful.
Music: Camille O’Sullivan
If you can, go and see this woman. She is quite literally ‘sex on stage’. I was enchanted as soon as she began and have never witnessed such wonderfully atmospheric music before. Camille is a true story teller and charismatic performer who I couldn’t help but fall in love with I defy anyone not to absolutely adore her.
Comedy: Hugh Hugh's in 360
Hugh Hugh's has been a fringe favorite of mine ever since I started coming. Although its given the label of comedy I'd say his performance is pretty uncaterogizable, but at a push I'd descibe it as story telling. The whole experience was so heart warming that I imagine it impossible for the even the most pesemistic to leave without seeing the world in a better light. Poignant, funny and absolutely charming, I adored this performance.
Kim Noble Will Die
The weirdest thing I've ever seen this show has the potential to offend on so many levels yet it was brilliantly executed, completely different and intellegent comedy. Such a wonderful change from all the stand up (good and bad) which I saw this August. Kim Noble's absolute committment to the performance was so refreshing and it was genuinely hilarious if, somewhat awkward. However, what made this a must see piece for me, was the post show performance held in a tiny room in a flat in bristo square which demonstrated real integrity, purpose and feeling behind the show; pushing the boundaries of what I considered comedy to be.
So those are my fringe favourites. There are of course many more I could praise. But I think it would get boring so for now I’ll stick to those six. And now I’m officially all fringed out and could sleep for a million years. I’m leaving Edinburgh with a bruised liver and bank account, with toned thighs and some new vintage favourites but above all, having once again had the privilege of seeing some of the most weird and wonderful stuff. Where else could you possibly see a play in a swimming pool or end up in a small room in a flat where a sonogram of a baby is projected onto a used starbucks coffee cup. Only in Edinburgh.
