The Fringe finishes on the 25th of August this year meaning there is only one week left of Edinburgh’s largest festival.
The Fringe finishes on the 25th of August this year meaning there is only one week left of Edinburgh’s largest festival. Though the International Festival (which is normally the last festival on the Scottish capital’s calendar) does not finish until the 31st, many people will be travelling to Edinburgh for their last chance to experience the largest cultural event in Europe – particularly this weekend which is normally the busiest of the entire Fringe.
But what should people be going out of their way to see? Below I have written four reviews for shows that you should definitely make an effort to attend.
Lucy Beaumont – We Can Twerk It Out
Hailing all the way from Hull, Lucy brings her much anticipated debut show to the Pleasance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and brings with her an amazing wit. Her excellent timing and deadpan delivery will have you in hysterics and it is clear to see what made her the winner of the BBC New Comedy Awards.
Lucy talks about her rising stardom, life in Hull and the marriage woes of her friend and delivers this all with sharp wit and a twinkle in the eye. Not one to miss and one of the definite highlights of the festival.
Kettle rating: 5/5 stars
Michael Burdett – Strange Faces
After discovering a lost Nick Drake recording, Michael Burdett decided to share the musical masterpiece with people from every county in mainland Britain and take a picture of them listening to the song. In this show, Michael describes his journey and the joy that the project brought him.
He fills his show with some stories from inside the music industry, some insights into the life of Nick Drake and some tales from the people he photographed. The only down point is that at times it feels like an advertisement for his book but it is very well executed for a free show and worth seeing.
Kettle rating: 3/5 stars
Vocal Point – Bloom
The Fringe isn’t all comedy and this show is an excellent amalgamation of spoken word and live theatre shows. Vocal Point take on the roles of two people they met while volunteering in a soup kitchen in Glasgow. Both stories are incredibly gripping as they describe key moments in the lives of both people that resulted in their current situation.
The show perfectly antithesises the sunnier portrayal of Scotland through the Commonwealth games and Edinburgh Festivals without seeming preachy. Definitely worth seeing to understand the contrasting side of not only Scotland but the entire UK.
Kettle rating: 4.5/5 stars
Last Chance Saloon – Frankenstein: Unbolted
Having previously performed their take on Dracula at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Last Chance Saloon boys are back with a humorous – if not slightly cheesy – take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Despite only consisting of three performers, Last Chance Saloon have managed to create a brilliant array of utterly silly characters.
Their performance includes some twisted pop hits, intelligent humour and oodles of audience participation. Some of the jokes do seem a tad contrived but the show is mostly just wonderful fun and will definitely have you in hysterics.
Kettle rating: 3.5/5 stars
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.
