Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe

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 Moonfish Rhumba Show

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*

Travelling Day

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...

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.