Reviews and Antics

This is just a moan, please avert your eyes...

2009-08-18T21:11:00.000+01:00

So, I'm tired and I am full of cold. Thus, I am grumpy. But, I leave this beautiful city on Thursday morning, so I have to enjoy these last few hours dammit!

Antics recently have been minimal. Mainly due to the fact I am exhausted now, but that's normal as you head towards week 3 of the Fringe.

I do have reviews to write up for Hardeep Singh Kohli, The Royal Oak and The Good, The Bad and The Cuddly. They will probably be up by Friday. The shows I see tomorrow will then be up just after that.

I also have to find these freaking stickers that seem to have travelled across Edinburgh without ever meeting my fingertips.

I should have them tomorrow morning.

Keep your eyes peeled for the stickers people.

They are very, VERY important...

Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe

2009-08-17T16:50:00.000+01:00

Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe, Underbelly's Hullabaloo (Venue 171), 13.00 8th - 30th August (not Tues)

What a joyous hour and a half that was.

There are many similar shows to this across the Fringe, but what separates Mervyn Stutter's is the sheer quality of acts. They have been hand picked by his team, which means, someone has sat there and watched the whole show and deemed it worthy of this slot. Fabulous.

Today's acts were:

Mercy Madonna of Malawi
Everything Must Go
This is Now
Gaze
Long Tooth
Ivan Brackenbury's Hospital Radio Show
Honk

I don't think I've missed anyone out! As you can see, this was an eclectic mix of comedy, theatre, musical and dance. There really was something for everyone.

The whole show was held together by excellent compere Stutter. He really did get the crowd going and keep them there.

I honestly would recommend this show to everyone. It gives you great tasters of some of the most fabulous acts across the Fringe, but at the same time, it really is a wonderful show in itself.

My vote: 5*

The Comedy Manifesto

2009-08-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

The Comedy Manifesto, Beehive Inn (Venue 178), 16.00 8th - 29th August (not 18th) (Free - Non Ticketed)

There is very little for me to write here. Honestly. Nothing at all.

It really was that good.

Kate Smurthwaite who does a wonderful job as host and David Mulholland and Jools Constant compliment each other as opposing teams in this almost Have I Got News For You show. Most definitely one to go and see no matter what.

Oh, and get there early to avoid disappointment, it gets packed out.

I also heard some names being bandied about as future guests and am now unbelievably jealous of all those of you that are in Edinburgh to the end of the month and can catch this show every day.

I'd give it 5 stars if Jools' guest hadn't bailed. He did well on his own though.

Then again, it is part of PBH's Free Fringe so it's free.....

Bugger it.

My vote: 5*

(It had to happen at some point, now didn't it.)

Terrors of the Black Museum

2009-08-16T16:16:00.000+01:00

Terrors of the Black Museum, Laughing Horse @ Espionage (Venue 185) 13.05 8th - 30th August

You know how when you sit down to watch the Boosh, you have to leave all concepts of reality at the door? Well, it is the same with this show.

Not that it's comparable with the Boosh, no, they're in different leagues, but The Black Museum are on their way.

This is an interesting concept for a sketch show, and could be developed further. At the moment, the script needs tightening in places and the performance needs to get to the next level too.

Dan McKee, Ben Smith and Laurence Tuck give committed performances, but the show is not as tidy as I would've expected for something that has been running for a week. This could have been put down to the walkout early on in the hour. I got the feeling that people thought they were there for horror stories and not comedy. I heard a "I hope this is scary," on the way in which came from one of the bemused-looking people that left five minutes into the show.

All in all, if you just let yourself ride along with this show, then it is enjoyable. I think McKee, Smith and Tuck have potential, so you should catch them at this, their first Fringe show and watch them develop.

My vote: 3*

Trying 2B Funny

2009-08-16T15:52:00.000+01:00

I'm not putting up the show dates for this one as I attended on the very last night, but I still felt it was worth reviewing because you might be able to catch it in London town.

The show is performed by a group of teenagers aged 15 to 18 from a youth centre called Heatham House.

I do think this created a problem in the audience make up. I think a fair few people were there because they thought this would just be some cutesy show where teenage kids pretended to be comics.

The reality was a group of young adults that provided pretty fabulous and mature performances.

I think the audience was detrimental however, as quite a few of the performers seemed nervous, and the audience did too.

Everyone did well, that is Michael, Nathan, Phoebe, Chris, Morgan and Esther, but the show really was stolen by opening act Michael and closing act Esther.

It has to be said that each of the performers had strong, individual material and good delivery. Nathan particularly read the audience well. Phoebe and Esther had a well-written and nicely performed sketch. Chris had exceptionally nice material. Morgan, a brilliant delivery.

These guys are the comedians of the future. I would've given them a much higher rating had nerves not been on display, but that is something they can certainly improve upon in the future.

My vote: 3*

A little more antics...

2009-08-16T15:42:00.000+01:00

Oh my lordy! I met Ronnie Corbett. It was only the second time in my entire life that I have been star struck (the first was when I met Stephen King).

I shook his hand, told him how wonderful he was and just, well, gushed really. And then told Lionel Blair (who was stood with the god that is Corbett), that I knew who he was, it was just, well, RONNIE CORBETT!

I've also been getting praise and hassle about the reviews. Some people love them, some quite clearly do not. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that a review is just an opinion and you are entitled to agree or disagree. If you feel strongly, post it on here.

Please do not blame my friends. They have no control over what I write. I am solely responsible for everything on these pages and I stand by everything that I have written.

Now, for other news, I have come down with a cold, making it hard to review stuff, as I just do not feel well enough to sit through the shows. I am persevering though.

I tried yesterday to cure it with half a pint of Guiness. Someone told me it was good for me. I ended up feeling crappy. So no, Guiness does not cure colds.

Tonight shall be an early night with the diary, trying to record all the details that may never see the light of day. Also, I'm on my final run in now. 3 or 4 shows every day until I leave plus will be out every night so I don't miss out on the action.

Wish me luck, and buy me fizzy good if you see me in the daylight.

Follow me on Twitter.

The Moonfish Rhumba Show

2009-08-14T15:07:00.000+01:00

The Moonfish Rhumba Show, Gilded Balloon (Venue 14) 22.45 5th- 31st August (£7.50 - £9.50)

What can I say that I haven't previously said when I saw Dirty Love? Moonfish Rhumba are pretty darned amazing.

An hour in their presence left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. They are just genuinely funny guys with a great set.

Last night's show was all about having a laugh in the traditional sense. There were gags, music and some possible improv. It was surreal, imaginative, clever and all of those other wonderful things you look for in a show. What had worked nicely in fifteen minutes at Dirty Love was pretty darned fantastic over an hour.

I don't want to gush, so I will talk about the negatives...

A couple of times there were problems with the microphone stands. This doesn't sound much, but when you have such a slick show, every detail counts, and for the stand to not be able to keep the mic in the right position detracted from that stage presence.

Also, the waving the arms in the air needed a bit more of an intro because the audience didn't seem to realise that they should get involved, so only 3 people joined in.

Overall, I think this is one of the best shows at the Fringe.

My vote 4.5*

Stand-Up Monkey Poet!

2009-08-14T14:57:00.000+01:00

Stand-Up Monkey Poet, Laughing Horse @ The Argyle (Venue 348) 20.30 6th - 30th August (Free)

This is how poetry should be done.

This was a lively and energetic performance which mixed fabulous poetry with stories and comedy. Maybe I am biased because I do really love good poetry, and Monkey Poet gives good poetry.

No subject is untouchable, and this show is highly charged in all the right ways.

I was even impressed by the way Monkey Poet dealt with the talkers in the back that just would not shut up.

I think the only reason that for me this was not a five star performance was that once or twice, words were momentarily forgotten.

We all know how harsh I am!

My vote: 4*

Blackwell's Writers at the Fringe

2009-08-14T14:28:00.000+01:00

Blackwell's Writers at the Fringe, Blackwell Bookshop, 53-59 South Bridge, 18.00 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August (Free - Ticketed)

This event started off well. Free wine or orange juice to sip as you relaxed, lots of interesting people around the room willing to chat before the show started, wonderful.

The authors were interesting and engaging. They were all enthusiastic about their own particular genre/interest. Obviously, considering the popularity, there were two crime writers, but also, a poet and a Burns enthusiast. The final writer I saw got me so lost in listening to an ancient Scottish tale, that I almost missed my next show!

See that was where the problem lay. The event went over it's time limit and I would guess quite considerably. I left at 7.30, and they were no where near finishing. If you are going to this, then you really need to allow extra time for it. I was so disappointed that I had to leave and miss the last section.

The other issue I had with it was that Blackwell's staff were taking photos. This is somewhat distracting as an audience member.

Overall, if you like literature, go see. Really do.

My vote: 3*

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!

2009-08-13T14:22:00.000+01:00

But I can't tell you anything.

Well, I kind of can.

What I can tell you is to keep your eyes peeled for me around Edinburgh over the next week.

And for stickers. Look for stickers.

All I can tell you is that I am so excited I could bounce for Britain.

Some More Antics...

2009-08-13T14:06:00.000+01:00

My Fringe social life has been a little on the quiet side over the last couple of days, and this is something I plan to rectify ASAP! The comedy course took up a lot of my time what with writing in the free time and so I really didn't do anything else.

However, today, I did make it to lunch with friends. Yay! I have to mention this place as it was so great. We went to Brazillian Sensation, 117 - 119 Buccleugh Street (667 0400 for reservations).

It was damned fine food at a reasonable price. I had been planning on a traditional Scottish brekkie today, but I was won over by a spinach pie. According to my friends, the smoothies are also fantastic. I really would eat there every day. It was clean, cheerful, and GOOD food. Well worth a visit people.

Tonight, I'm off to see a literary event followed by a show at Gilded Balloon. We shall see what the night then brings.

About Comedy: Stand-Up Comedy Courses

2009-08-13T13:37:00.000+01:00

About Comedy: Stand-Up Comedy Courses, Edinburgh City Football Club (Venue 164), Aug 8-9,11-12,15-16,18-19,22-23,25-26,29-30 12:00
(2 Day Courses, 4 hrs 30 mins each day)

I felt really privileged to be able to review this course, such an exciting prospect, particularly as Donald Mack asked me to participate to gain a different perspective. Hmmmm..... Well, we now know I am NOT a comedian, but it was a fascinating experience.

The course was led by Kevin McCarron. I have to say, he really does seem to know what he's talking about. He started with a brief history of comedy and how it came to be what it is today followed by getting the group to write down some ideas for their own comedy sets.

Unfortunately, the day was just not long enough for such a large group, and so there was not really enough opportunity to get into the writing and give individual feedback more than a few pointers. I felt, due to time constraints, that this was rushed, and so McCarron didn't have the opportunity to listen entirely to the ideas of the participant. Occasionally, he seemed to miss points they were raising. I'm not saying he wasn't a good teacher, I just think, with such a large group, as a creative writing lecturer myself, I would've done it differently.

At the end of day one, I have to say that my confidence was at an all time low. Fortunately, as a reviewer, I bounced back pretty quickly. I'm not a comedian, and nor will I ever be, so all is well.

Day two came around, and only three of us turned up. I'd had very little sleep. In an effort to prove I could write comedy, I had stayed up for most of the night writing. Just a quick note here, many thanks to Elise Harris for the support and bullet points that I developed in the early hours into a set.

With only three of us there, there was more time to work on our individual ideas and sets. I have to say though, I am glad that Mack and McCarron were leading the course together. Mack was the polar opposite to McCarron and that was definitely required.

At the end of day 2, having learnt how to use the microphone, practised our sets, and talked about getting onto the circuit, we were advised that we would be performing that night at an open mic session.

Well. That was a bit sudden. I think that we needed at least 24 hours before we first performed. None of us felt truly ready, and when it came down to it, only one of us had the balls to give it a shot. I personally felt I needed more editing time, more rehearsal time, and more time to learn the set that I had written.

Overall, I felt that this was a good course, but it needed more time and more positivity. More time in the teaching hours, more time for the participants to prepare for their first show and more time in between to think on things. I also felt that there needed to be more encouragement, which, with more time, would be possible.

Would I pay to do that course? Almost certainly, however, I would definitely prepare material in advance so I could feel more able!

My vote: 3*

I Wish I Could Be Like Andrew Watts

2009-08-13T13:21:00.000+01:00

I Wish I Could Be Like Andrew Watts, C Soco (Venue 348) 22.00 5th - 31st August (not 17th) (£6.50 - £9.50)

What I liked best about this show was that it worked on so many levels. You do not have to be the world's greatest brain box to get the jokes, but if you are, you still won't be bored.

Andrew Watts is highly intelligent and this is a slick and structured comedy set. There is joke after joke coinciding with a constructed character arc that pushes a coherent narrative along.

Everyone in the audience was laughing throughout, but this was not all you took from the show. It also left you with some interesting ideas about the world we live in.

I did feel that there was some tightening of the script required in the middle section, which is why this isn't a five star performance, but it almost is.

Watts is incredibly funny and witty.

If you miss this show, Watts is also performing at the Free Festival (Watts & McCure Know The Score, Laughing Horse @ Meadow Bar, 17.25, 6th - 30th August, not 19th).

I highly recommend you go out of your way to catch this guy's performance. It really will be worth the time and effort.

My vote: 4.5*

Dirty Love

2009-08-11T17:29:00.000+01:00

Dirty Love, C Soco (Venue 348) 20.00 5th - 31st August (£6.50 - £9.50)

Well. I really wasn't expecting that.

The show is opened by compere Eric Lampaert. I have to say, if nothing else takes your fancy, this lad will. He has such timing and talent that he really is worth the ticket price in itself. I personally believe that Lampaert is a name to remember.

Unfortunately, he is followed by the act Hello Lady. I really was not sure about this. A kind of surreal granny. The only way I could describe it is Catherine Tate's Nana being redone by the Boosh, but not effectively. I can't find her in the programme, and I didn't get to talk to her, so I have no idea of her real name or if she has another show. The thing is, just because I didn't get it doesn't mean to say others wouldn't. Mind, I'm not sure anyone there last night did.

After a bit more from Lampaert, on come Moonfish Rhumba (The Moonfish Rhumba Show, Gilded Ballon Teviot, 5th - 31st, 22.45). There is very little I can say except that I laughed so hard my stomach ached. There is such chemistry between these two guys and they use it. They perform a fusion of music and comedy that is original and intelligently written. I will be going to see their full hour at the Gilded Balloon.

There was just a bit more energy from Lampaert at the end and then, unfortunately, it was time to go. I could've quite happily managed another hour of that.

My vote: 4*

An American Redwolf in London

2009-08-11T17:14:00.000+01:00

An American Redwolf in London, Laughing Horse @ The Argyle (Venue 353) 18.15 6th - 15th August

Force yourself to sit through the opening ten minutes of this show for a real experience. It has to be done.

Jacqui Pointon opens the show with a mixture of audience ingratiation and failed working mens' club jokes. It is a painful and slow experience, and really does detract from the over all show.

However, at the end of this, Chuquai Billy comes on stage with a mix of music and comedy that really is good.

The entry in the programme suggests that Pointon will interview Billy about himself and his life on a reservation. Thankfully, this does not happen. What you get is some well-timed and challenging comedy from Billy about his life. He makes the audience laugh and think, and what more could you ask for?

At the end of the show, Pointon returns for a question and answer session. This might work, however, Pointon gave a lack lustre performance which undermined the comedy in Billy's responses.

Overall, I would suggest you see this show, Chuquai Billy makes it worth it.

My vote: 3*

Antics...

2009-08-11T17:01:00.000+01:00

Well, the title is Reviews and Antics, so I am going to try and put in a little of the Fringe atmosphere in this blog. However, I have two shows to review tonight and I've been in a Comedy Course since 12 that I am reviewing, plus, I plan to type up reviews from yesterday...

So, how's it been? Fabulous darling, fabulous. The thing with Edinburgh in August (and the rest of the year really), is that there is always something going on and people to meet.

I have been out till four in the morning most nights, schmoozing and drinking with the people around. Spent far too much money already too. It's great though

I met Hardeep in the Library Bar, and considering we've only ever had a couple of tweets, the moment was like two old friends meeting up. Lovely bloke and very intelligent. I'll be off to see his show in a few days. Go see it.

Also, Lewis Schaffer. I haven't seen his show, but I can only imagine from having a chat with him that it will be hilarious and controversial. Go see it.

Also met Dan McKee. He was a really lovely bloke. I will be reviewing his show later in the week too. Go see it.

There have been many more whose names have slipped my mind. I shall try harder in future!

I've been hanging out with friends, catching up on things, rushing off to shows, all in all, it has been an eventful time.

Obviously, I can't tell you all the juicy gossip. What happens in Edinburgh stays in Edinburgh. I might put some photos up soon though!

Bitch Got Owned

2009-08-09T15:24:00.000+01:00

Bitch Got Owned, Laughing Horse @ Espionage (Venue 185) 17.10 6th - 30th August (not Wednesdays)

What attracted me to this show was initially the title, who would want to miss a show with a name like that? Well, it was that and the fact I saw Sajeela Kershi performing in Brighton some time ago. She has the funnies, I had extremely high expectations.

I was not disappointed.

From a strong and energetic opening, Kershi went on with a well structured, enigmatic show. Yes, there were teething problems with the music and the mic, and, as this was only the second show, with a little bit of the timing too, but the content was so good, you overlooked this.

Kershi's material works on many levels. The jokes keep coming to keep you laughing, but there is also an overarching narrative arc to the show that keeps you thinking. Bitch Got Owned is a phrase you work out for yourself by following the journey of the jokes. I seriously think that this is one for everyone, well, maybe not the kids...

Overall, this is a fresh and interesting show, with plenty of laughs. I honestly did not see one person in the (large) audience that was not laughing.

The show is on at the Laughing Horse Free Festival, and so no money required, unless, like me, you feel it is worth a few quid in the bucket at the end.

Highly recommended.

My vote: 4*

The Sliding Scale of Cynicism

2009-08-09T14:49:00.000+01:00

The Sliding Scale of Cynicism The Mercat Bar (Venue 253) 22.15 8th - 29th August.

I have to say, my greatest disappointment was the lack of audience. This show really did deserve more people to watch it. And it would have made the world of difference to the performance.

John Purves opened the show and seriously, he is funny! The audience (all 7 of them, plus me) were well and truly welcomed, warmed up and laughing. Purves has talent and a smooth delivery, not only that, but his material is connected, something I love to see, particularly his well-timed use of repetition. Fabulous. Purves continued to keep the audience bouyant as compere throughout.

Jane Walker followed Purves. Her material was strong, and began the link with the title of the show - a little less happy, a bit more cynical. However, the problem was beginning to show regarding the lack of audience. Walker needed more people in that room. People were smiling along, but Walker's quieter delivery left no volume for the audience to laugh against. She has the skill, her delivery is well-timed and structured, it really is just that lack of audience that let her set down.

After Walker came special guest Scott Forbes (The Fabulous Furry Freakshow, Madogs Venue 368, 18.30 8th - 29th August). This guy is someone to truly watch out for. Bordering on the loopy, he was fast-paced, loud and energetic. In this brief guest spot, I got to see some hilarious moments, and will be making the effort to go and see his show.

Finally, Daniel Webster brought the cynicism down to it's darkest level. Unfortunately, although this sits well with the narrative of the show, he was the weakest link. His set was in many ways offensive and slow. Now I've heard on the grapevine that Webster has in fact been a finalist for various comedy awards, so I do give the benefit of the doubt and think to myself that perhaps he was just having a bad night. I do particularly dislike it when a comedian walks on stage with a half-drunk pint that s/he continues to drink from throughout the set. In my mind, if you're getting pissed in front of the audience, it makes it seem that you really aren't taking them, nor your role as an entertainer, seriously.

Overall, this show is well worth the 15 minute walk from Cowgate. It's part of PBH's Free Fringe, so you don't even have to pay for it, unless you want to pop some cash in the bucket as you leave. Purves, Walker and Webster have the potential to make this into a huge success. The premise is good, and they compliment each other well.

One to make the effort for in my humble opinion.

My vote: 3*

Travelling Day

2009-08-06T07:22:00.000+01:00

I have discovered that I cannot write on my blog from my mobile phone, so updates on here will be sporadic, however, that will not stop me writing reviews. Follow me on Twitter - @WriterCharly for reviews in 140 characters.

Ratings will be as follows:

5* - Absolutely bloody fantastic and your life would be poorer should you miss this show.
4* - Great and highly recommended to you all.
3* - Good, catch it if you have some time to do so.
2* - Only go for this if you have sod all else to do.
1* - I wouldn't even bother.

As with when I mark undergraduate essays, I can guarantee I will be harsh. In fact, I really doubt I will give any 5*, but if I do, then you know that show is absolutely spectacular!

In other news, I am about to repack my case for the third time. I hate packing. Nothing ever fits, and I always leave stuff out that I then have to squidge in at the last moment. I will arrive in Edinburgh at this time tomorrow morning (7.40 am to be exact) and will be desperate for coffee, so if you see me out and about, mine's black, no sugar.

I'm really looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones and to partying all night and napping in the afternoon.

Tweet me if you would like me to review your show (I love free tickets).

A new day, a new blog...

2009-08-02T15:18:00.000+01:00

So, I'll begin by introducing myself. My name is Charly and I am a writer, lecturer and eternal student. I also have hankerings to give stand up a go, but maybe not right this minute.

This blog is to record the shows I see and the antics I get up to in Edinburgh this year. Usually, I keep a travel diary, however, this becomes slightly tough to decipher if I've been writing of an evening. Say after a few pints. And a pigeon kebab. Typing is much easier to correct and rectify in the morning light.

I'm leaving for Edinburgh on Thursday evening, and shall no doubt update right before I go. I tell you, I can't wait. This'll be my fifth or sixth year at the Fringe, it never gets stale, and that's what I love about it.

So, what to expect from this blog as the days wear on....

Mainly, honesty. All reviews and tales of raucous events (I can only hope!) will be true and honest. I won't lie, even if I'm friends with the lovely person doing the show.

If you read this, and fancy a review of your show, drop me a line. It'll cost you a ticket and that is all.