Fringe Review: Shows at the edinburgh festival

Room to Preform.

2009-10-22T03:58:00.001-07:00

This blog has got a ring of truth to it. Lots of bands tend to do the same thing for years on end and it soon becomes really boring.

Any band or singer is entitled to try changing their style now and then. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.

Isn’t it better to take a chance rather than just plugging away at the same old thing? Lots of groups develop a really distinctive sound by trying their hand at different styles.

Music is not stationary, it is transient and it is important that artists have room to breathe and to expand their ideas.

Fringes vs. Traditional Theatre: Which is Better?

2009-03-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

What comes to mind when you think of a theatre production? If you’re like many people, you might be visualizing Broadway actors performing famous plays or musicals in a more regal theater setting. Yet, there is a type of theatre that goes against these perceptions. It is known as fringe theatre.

So, how does fringe theatre work? Basically, it is a type of informal production where virtually every actor, (or wannabe actor), is invited to share their work. And, they can do this in whatever setting they want. This can range from a traditional theater environment to something more unconventional, such as a street corner, behind closed oak doors in a person’s house or even a bathroom! Really, with fringe theatre an actor goes with the heart of the crowd.

Yet, when it comes to cultural value, do fringes actually bring down theatre? Or do they simply give it the contemporary pizzazz its lacked for centuries?

Well, traditional theatre does help preserve the original production. This allows the piece to be produced in the way the playwright intended. With fringes, there’s so much artistic freedom that the playwright’s original words could easily get lost with an actor’s more unique interpretation.

However, artistic freedom is one of the reasons fringes were started to begin with. In fact, even to this day they remain a prominent venue for exposing new actors, playwrights and other figures in the industry. Ultimately, through fringe theatre, every talent gets recognized. You won’t have to sit by the sidelines hoping someone notices your work.

In conclusion, fringes and traditional theatre both play an important role in the performing arts. Fringes help recognize new talent, while traditional theatre ensures that existing talent remains preserved. So, neither is right nor wrong– they’re just different. That’s why in my own personal opinion, it’s best to take advantage of both venues, if possible.

The Cardiff Theatre & Fringe Festival

2009-03-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Twenty-one years ago a great cultural event was born in Cardiff, one of Britain’s most prominent cities. Known as the Cardiff Festival, the event would transform cultural entertainment. Not only was it free, but it was also ongoing. This is because throughout the months of July and August, spectators could enjoy something EVERY weekend.

So, what type of activities does the Cardiff Festival have available? Well, a large portion of them center around the theatre. Consider Cardiff Castle Open-Air Theatre Festival. During this festival, spectators get a chance to see Twelfth Night with a rather interesting backdrop– the Cardiff Castle.

Another theater-related event is the EveryMan Open-Air Theatre Festival. Here you will enjoy a variety of plays. Some of them are Shakespearean while others are more contemporary.

Other events of interest include the Cardiff Festival’s fringe, (where there’s a concentration of theatre activities), and the Sound of Music festival. Indeed, if you are a lover of the theater, you’ll never get bored with the Cardiff Festival’s unique array of events.

Yet what about those people who don’t like the theater as much? What can they do? Can they get any enjoyment from the Cardiff Festival? Definitely, since the Cardiff Festival isn’t JUST about the theater. The event celebrates culture from every spectrum, whether it’s through their International Food & Drink Festival or festivals related to music.

There are also several miscellaneous festivals related to sports, boating, medieval history and children’s entertainment. Ultimately, the unique design of the Cardiff Festival ensures that everyone will have a great time. This is unlike other fringes, where focus is often centered on just one theme or a bunch of exhibition stands.

In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for cultural entertainment, consider checking out the Cardiff Festival. It occurs every summer in Cardiff, and is open to anyone who wants to have fun exploring British culture.

Lastly, I'd just like to thank Enigin for their continued support

Can Fringe Theatre Work in America?

2009-03-02T03:17:00.001-08:00

Born in Europe, the fringe theatre tradition is one that has missed the American cultural landscape. Sure, Americans do have off-Broadway productions, where drama is performed in venues outside of Broadway, (even if it’s on the street with exhibition stands). But when it comes to a full-scale fringe, unfortunately it’s pretty much non-existent.

So, why doesn’t America have a fringe tradition? By definition, fringes are exciting events where the whole community gets involved in theatre production– whether it’s performing Shakespeare or giving life to their own unique pieces. Why wouldn’t this be appealing to the American mindset?

Well, right now, I believe most Americans do not have much confidence in the abilities of the common man. If something is worth watching, it has to be produced by a well-known theatre troupe– not drama enthusiasts down the street. And with most fringes, EVERYONE is allowed to participate, whether you are an actor just starting out, or someone that has reached blockbuster status.

On the other hand, Americans are slowly, but surely discovering the creative prowess of the unrecognized artist. Thanks to the Internet, so-called amateurs are making a mint selling their creative works, whether they are Internet articles, books or even a design for running clothes. So, with a little bit of time and patience, I believe Americans would fall in love with the concept of fringe theatre.

Of course, how would such a trend get started? Well, considering how Americans respond to mass-media, it would be easiest if people like Oprah could get something going. But since that’s unlikely, American fringe theatre would have to start small. Perhaps a group of drama students could host such an event at their school. They could then advertise the event on the Internet, and start a trend that way.

Alternatively, Americans could go to Canada or Europe and visit an official fringe performance there. And, after getting a lot of pictures and video, they could start a blog about their experience. If their blog becomes popular, maybe theatre enthusiasts in America will start thinking more seriously about starting a new phenomenon; the American fringe theatre.

All About the National Student Drama Festival

2009-02-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

In 1956, a group of theatre enthusiasts held a Corporate event and then created one of the most ingenious organisations the UK has seen. It was called the NSDF, (or the National Student Drama Festival). And, it provided a venue through which theatre students would learn and perform.

This continues even today. Once a year, in Scarborough and Yorkshire, students would participate in various productions at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. In between time, they could embark on other activities, such as classes and hands-on workshops. These workshops take the students back to the bare escentuals of what they are doing and what excited them about drama and theatre. Best of all, the excitement would last for a whole week.

Of course, the benefits don’t end there. Since the NSDF is considered a prominent organization, participation in the festival is bound to get a theatre student noticed. That’s why many of the UK’s most prominent theatre personalities have participated in the NSDF at some point of their lives.

With that being said, what are the requirements to participate in the NSDF? Basically, you must be 16 or over taking a college-level drama course. If you meet that requirement, you can participate in the 100+ productions the NSDF creates every year.

However, it should be noted that even if you can’t participate in the NSDF for this year, you should consider giving a donation to the organization. Why? Well, in recent years, the NSDF has had trouble getting funding. They’ve even tried to make an appeal for public funding, but they haven’t been successful enough to end their concerns over money. But if they get more public donations, they won’t have to close their doors due to lack of money.

In conclusion, if you want to have fun while learning more about the theatre, consider making plans to attend the NSDF. It successfully mixes education and entertainment, while forcing drama students to apply their talents. Very few venues offer such an opportunity, so you should definitely take advantage of the NSDF while it’s still around.

Traces – Theatre show transfers to the London Peacock Theatre

2009-02-07T10:09:00.001-08:00

The Edinburgh Fringe Show TRACES has transferred to London, and is already selling out its shows. For anyone who is thinking about seeing it, or infact any physical theatre shows, I have a word of advice to you once you have booked your tickets.

There's a real temptation in this day and age to Google a show before you go and see it. The show producers of course do their best to get loads of vids and pics out there to help publicize it. I have a word of advice.

You are coming to see the show now, you have a ticket, it's all good. Watching the vids on the internet is a bit like watching a film trailer, nothing wrong in that. However, you wouldn't watch the trailer to a film just before watching the actual film, would you? That could potentially ruin some of the good bits as Martin can testify to when watching cats and dogs.

My suggestion to you is to NOT Google this show, before watching it. Internet footage of any live shows will only ever be the equivalent of a bad black and white picture version of the show - because the strength in the show is that it is real and running in front of you fresh and open to the mistakes, mishaps and changes that occur during each show.

If you would like to see Traces, I can highly recommend it. Going against everything I just said, here is a video to tempt you in.... just the one mind.

Free Fringe Benefit Show in London

2009-01-30T02:39:00.000-08:00

The Bloomsbury Theatre near Euston in London was home to The Free Fringe Benefit Show this month.

The Free Fringe has been running for nearly 30 years in Edinburgh and is organised by Peter Buckley-Hill. The show is put on by actors and comedians who don’t ‘pay to play’ (other shows in the festival usually charge the actors/producers) and is seen by an audience who doesn’t pay to view either.

Of course, such a show, as with any production, costs money to run. This is why every year since 1996, the benefit show in London raises the money to keep the Free Fringe running in Edinburgh year after year.

And for £20, you’d have gotten a big bang for your buck as the benefit gig was held by eleven stirling comedians who made sure that the show went down a storm.

Compered by the hilarious Daniel Kitson, the show seemed more like ‘An Evening with Kitson and Friends’ as the frantic and stuttering comedian (who looked like he might have had Hair restoration surgery) linked each ten minute act together with what seemed like stunning improvisation. Eyebrows were raised at his brash style, which though at time side splittingly funny, seemed to override the other acts. I always thought a good compere was someone who made the evening run smoothly without hogging the limelight, but this guy just didn’t care! Not that it did the others any serious harm. The audience obviously loved the awkward and strange but irresistible character and he undoubtedly made the night what it was.

Standards were high through out the evening, though the acts that particularly stood out were Milton Jones, Gavin Osborne, Robin Ince, Lucy Porter and Dave Gorman. I particularly liked Gavin Osbourne’s hilarious songs which added a different dimension to the evening. Milton Jones’ random and speedy one liners went down a treat, as did the comic banter between Robin Ince and Kitson.

The headliner Sean Lock wrapped up the comedy show nicely in what proved to be a side splittingly awesome evening.

All About the Brighton Fringe

2009-01-26T03:34:00.000-08:00

Nothing quite beats an art festival. Through them you get an opportunity to connect with others while watching a variety of performances. Yet, if you are new to art festivals, you may not know which ones you should attend. Fortunately, if you live in or plan on traveling to England, you can answer this question by checking out the Brighton Fringe, (which is also known as the Brighton Festival Fringe).

One of the many shows at this years festival:

What is the Brighton Fringe? The Brighton Fringe is England’s largest arts festival, and it runs throughout most of May. It is accessible to any member of the public, provided they buy the tickets in time. To do this participants can call or they can visit the website Brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

As far as the performances, they are given by artists of all levels. In fact, if you have a talent you could apply to participate in the Brighton Fringe– that’s how open it is. Some performers are professionals while others are just starting out with acting. Either way, when you attend the Brighton Fringe, performers will entertain you at over 230 different venues.

Some of these venues take place in a standard theatre environment, while others take place in more unusual places. For example, in 2007 the Brighton Fringe had a venue at a beach hut. Other years venues took place in people’s homes with art spread all over oak tables and dining room sets or private parks.

There is also a side event associated with the Brighton Fringe called "Fringe City." Originating in 2007, Fringe City gave performers an opportunity to socialize with the audience. The event continues throughout every Saturday in May, making the regular Brighton Fringe even more special.

In conclusion, if you want a different type of cultural thrill, consider attending the Brighton Fringe. It’s relatively inexpensive, yet it offers a wealth of entertainment for those who appreciate the performing arts.

The Edinburgh Fringe: Celebrating Creativity

2009-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

If you have any interest in the performing arts, you might want to consider attending the Edinburgh Fringe, (which is also known as the Edinburgh Festival or The Fringe). Held in Scotland’s capital city, the Edinburgh Fringe attracts people all over the globe, as it is considered the world’s largest arts festival.

So, what can a person expect to do at the Edinburgh Fringe? Well, to put it simply, all of the activities within the festival relate to the performing arts, whether it’s drama or comedy. In recent years, the Edinburgh Fringe has put more of a focus on comedy, as more and more mainstream comedians participate in the event. But there’s still enough drama for those used to Fringe’s traditional approach. Through the Fringe, you can enjoy a variety of classical plays, including those created by Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett and ancient Greek society.

There are also contemporary performances held by commercial and non-profit artists. And, in many cases, you won’t be watching these shows in the theater. Instead, you might be using another more unique venue such as a historic castle, a taxicab or even a public restroom. The shows last year included such random show titles as pot noodle the musical and equine insurance! Such zaniness adds to the Fringe’s thrill.

As far as how much it is going to cost, the Edinburgh Fringe is very cheap, even for modest budgets. The dramas only cost 10 pounds while the Comedy show is free. The reason why the comedies are free is because so much money is made off of the food and drink served during the event. The same cannot be said for dramas, unless they are hosted outside of the theater.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a more unique form of cultural entertainment, consider attending the Edinburgh Fringe. Whether you’re native to the Edinburgh area, or a tourist traveling abroad, the Fringe is definitely an event you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Performing at the fringe too much?

2008-08-24T02:45:00.001-07:00

After 23 days of the festival, someone this morning woke up, and cried. They did not do so out of a great sadness or tragic event, but they shed their tears for fatigue.

Is it really worth it, is the question I ask?

Finding Sponsorship – from an insurance company?

2008-07-14T02:48:00.001-07:00

In the run up to the Edinburgh festival, this site will once again become more and more active. Edinburgh is expensive, and the companies who visit rarely make a profit. That is not to say that some people don't make a profit, far from it! Some of the big shows make a real killing at the festival, coming away with large sums of money indeed! However, many of the shows – especially the small shows – go in knowing full well that they will come away several thousand pounds less well off than before. So how can you get around this?

One way is by sponsorship. Gaining sponsorship is a great way to fund your trip. You can advertise them, put their logo on the 10,000 leaflets you print off… it can work out rather well for them! A company I just spoke to is being sponsored by a horse insurance firm. Their show has little to do with horses, or infact anything equine, but it just goes to show that getting money is possible.

The one bit of advice they gave was don't ask for too little. People are more likely if you ask for more money than less, especially the bigger companies.

Good luck!

Festival time is looming... but is it worth seeing preview performances?

2008-06-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Edinburgh festival is looming, and companies, comedians are already well into the midst of their preparations for the coming August month of mayhem and madness. Scripts are being rewritten, set is being built, graphics are being sent to large format printing companies for posters, billboards and banner stands. I myself have already seen several “fringe previews” of people testing out material, trying out their latest sketches and jokes, and seeing if their work is actually any good.

The strange thing is though, that companys whom I know that by the time they reach Edinburgh will be part of what are probably going to be exciting and busy shows, in the early stages seem to produce shows that really aren’t up to scratch. I saw a performance of something last week (and I’m not going to mention the specific show because I actually think that like previous years, by the time they get to the festival they will be superb). The show at this stage though was really quite poor – in fact let me be completely honest and say that they were awful! They were really quite bad! Yet I’m sure that by the time August comes around they will be excellent. So what is it that makes this change occur?

I think that it may just be preparation. When they land at the festival, they will have 25 straight shows to do, and they really do want to be good. By putting the word “preview” on the front of their shows before hand, it somehow takes away the pressure that it is a show in front of a paying audience and makes it seem more like a practice run. Now yes, if you go and see a preview it is clear that it is exactly that – one of the first showings. But let’s remember here – if you are charging the audience they are paying customers and they should receive something that has been rehearsed to a reasonable standard. Yes changes in the script/action/jokes are probably still being made, but please at least have prepared for it properly. Unfortunately I am not sure this is the case.

As a supporter of the fringe festival, I’m probably not helping the cause by saying this, but think carefully before going to see a “preview” show. If you are planning to visit the festival, you may find yourself better off waiting till everything has been brought up to speed before paying out.

In other news, I've just finished work on the Red Diesel page.

Improv Comedy

2008-03-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

This month at the London Impro Jam, one of the most exciting improvisation troupes has been invited to perform. Grand Theft Impro have been pushing at the boundaries of improvised comedy for years. Now, in combination with the London Impro Jam’s format they are about to go where they have never stepped before.
They will begin with their usual level of entertainment, performing skits, sketches, and singing songs for our delight and amusement. They have a reputation for being amongst the most creative troops in London. Amungst there group are Alan Marriott and Phil Whelans. Phil used to be on Brasseye and Alan is a former teacher of Eddie Izzard, so I am most interested to see what work they produce tonight.
Despite all this talent, tickets remain at only £5 a head. How is it possible that they can do this? Well Grand Theft are brought in by the Impro Jam who cover all the costs. The Imprr Jam are lucky enough to have gained corporate sponsorship from a blepharoplasty Birmingham company. On top of this, the set and lights were paid for by a weight loss clinic that saw the show and decided they liked it. With support from companies like this, the London Impro Jam has been put into a position to get in talented troupes such as Grand Theft.
The show tonight takes place at a pub called The Miller, better known for its live music than its impro comedy. However tonight’s performance promises to begin changing the reputation of the venue it is being held in.

For more information about show’s, you can go to the website here: Improv comedy. Alternativly their friends include the crunchy frog collective and the spontinaety shop.

London Impro Jam - Comdedy Improvisation with a difference!

2008-03-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've seen a lot of improvisation over the years at the edinburgh festival. I've always enjoyed shouting out suggestions and watching the improvisers struggle to find a way to make them work! Sometimes, the best moments were when they fail! This is a show with a difference.
The London Impro Jam alow the audience to not only shout suggestions, but actually come up on stage and give it a go themselves! Anyone who fancies a go can put their name in a hat, and if their name is drawn out of the hat they are called up on stage to do a scene with the troupe. This sounds like a recipie for disaster? Not so!

The improvisers on stage spend their time making sure that the audience member looks good, there is an MC who is on hand so that at any point they can step in to help. More than that, 2 directors sit and guide the performance. If at anytime the audience member doesn't know what to say, they can look at the directers and say in an anoyed voice, "Line!" like it is the directors fault!

I think that this is a wonderful show, with some fantastic performers on stage. They do not lie when they brand themselves "The Karaoke of Comedy"

Impro Jam have monthly performances in London, details to be found on their website:
The London Improvisation Troupe

5 Stars

28th March 2008 - 7:30pm
The Miller Pub - London Bridge, London
£5 a ticket.

The Dybbuk - Kings Head Theatre

2008-02-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

When we think of Jewish culture, we think of the holocaust. What we have here is a director that has chosen to try and challenge that view not by wasting words walking about it - but instead by giving us a wonderful piece of jewish folklore. With strong story telling and a solid cast this is well worth a look in. David Meyer (whom some may remember as one of the knife throwing twins from Octopusy all those years ago) dominated the 2nd half completely with his mastery of both the stage and the story. If you are looking for a good performance, you don't need to go on a treasure hunt to find it. It awaits you at the Kings Head. I must put in a special mention for Thomas Morrison - for his role as the befuddled suitor. He only has but a few lines in the entire piece to establish the character, but establish it he does - and with such skill. We really feel such empathy for the poor boy after very little time.

A rare oportunity to see be given a jewish story.

4 Stars

7:30pm - Tickets £10 - £20
Kings Head
115 Upper Street
Islington
London N1 1QN
020 7226 1916

Reverence - An unmissable theatrical experience!

2007-09-13T01:24:00.000-07:00

With the edinburgh festival over, I thought it would be back to more standard forms and formats of theatre... I was happily wrong! Reverence is a promanade piece of site specific theatre for the openning of the new southwark play house - and what a great openning show it is!
The entire audience are placed in role as 'monks' and initialted into the piece - being given robes and ropes to wear for the entire time and even being taken through some basic latin.
The story unfolds around you, and takes place in different locations. As audience members it is up to you to walk between the different scenes as guided by the actors - and infact you are garenteed to not see everything as several scenes happen at the same time!
This piece, is both beautiful and gritty. The love story is touching, with a stunning performances by Pieter Lawman and Leandra Ashton. As for Jason Cheater who plays the villain - the main drips pure evil the entire time, and it has been a long time since I saw an actor be in such complete control of both the space and his audience when at the end he brings the hero's world crashing down around him.
A special mention has to go to Michael Cox, for a wonderfully tender 'Thomas'. His endowment of the charcters atributes was just so generous. He loved the Hero's, feared those in power and was horrified by the deaths - and he helped us to walk that path exquisitely.
Joel Scott has a show to be proud.

5 Stars!

NOTE: Ticket prices are done like Ryan Air! First lot are £7, next lot are £13, then they are £20. It is worth booking in advance if you can.

Reverence: A tale of Abelard and Heloise
Goat and Monkey Theatre

Show starts: 19:30 (15:00 Sat mats) Till September 22nd 2007

Venue:
Southwark Playhouse
Shipwright Yard
(Corner of Tooley St. & Bermondsey St.)
London
SE1 2TF

Disappointing.

2007-08-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm a red dwarf fan, and we all loved Norman in that long running cult TV performance. Don't destroy your memories. This stand up routine is brilliantly funny for the first 20minutes or so.
Leave at that point, because looking at photos and slides is great for awhile, but it just can't fill that amount of time.

2 Star - but only for the memories.

Norman Lovetts "Slide Show" - Pleasance Coutyard - 5pm.

Real Burlesque finds Edinburgh!

2007-08-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

I've been to see Burlesque before, and what I've been given is a bunch of students trying to be provocative whilst actually remaining all too safe within the own confines of the boundaries they have set for themselves in everyday life. There is Nothing safe about this production!
With a female cast that had me torn between feeling over whelmingly aroused and like a pervert, this is a show that makes no firm contract with their audience about what the 'rules' are. Enjoyable? If you’re a man certainly - but the darkness within it is offered to all and when you leave, you will have seen Burlesque as it's meant to be. Dark, erotic, confusing, challenging, sexy and horribly beautiful.

4 Stars General - 5 stars within the Genre!

Foulplayproductions “The Devil, chess” – Zoo Southside – 10:15pm

Note: Tickets generally sell out 15mins before they open. To see some of the amazing imagary go their website here.

A MUST SEE SHOW

2007-08-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt the BEST show at the festival that Fringe Review has had the honour of seeing this year. This exciting, physically amazing performance had you litterally sitting on the edge of your seats! If you loved the Matrix for is magic of movement - you'll be over awed when seeing these people do the same things - but for real!!

5 Stars

7 fingers productions "Traces" - Asembly Rooms - 5:30pm

UPDATE:- this show has completely sold out and it is currently imposible to buy tickets that are not touted. The best I can offer is the footage below.

Pegabovine - Coat of arms

2007-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Brilliant! This is good, clean comedy that actually has a plotline and story to follow. With music, singing, one liners and characters you get to know, this is a top recomendation for anyone looking for a funny enjoyable show that has polt, characters, and true wit.

5 Stars!

Pegabovine "Coat of Arms" - Pleasance Courtyard (attic) - 2pm

Improvaganza

2007-08-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

At 1:30am in the morning what do you want? Comedy! (or maybe just a pint!)
This warm group of performers battle it out through improv comedy for the right to plug their own show.
At only £5, it's the best improvisation you'll find at the festival at that time in the morning!
(It's also the only impro at that time...!)
3 stars.
Venue C - 1:30am - £5

An audience with Jonathan Kay - Fool!!

2007-08-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

He is a Fool! He has no material, no pre-planned actions (but playing the piano I think), and has as much idea how it will go as you will!!
I give him 5 stars for conviction - it is the BRAVEST performance I have seen in a long time, perhaps ever! And I love the concept of meeting a real fool - her certainly has the philosiphy down pat!
Execution? I'd give it a 2....

Welcome, traveller!

2007-08-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome, traveler, to the Fringe Review! Here we will provide no nonsense reviews of Edinburgh fringe shows for your perusal. Forget trying to trawl through the niceties of a journalists talking about the underlining metaphors that the scriptwriter used to allow the characters catharsis to culminate. Here we promise to be opinionated, blunt, and tell you outright that the shows are either good, or that they're pigshit!