Shows to See at Edinburgh Fringe 2017 !!!
About this time I tend to get a lot of friends asking me what shows I feel they really ought to see at the fringe. Having two shows a day this year (nevermind that the 2nd slot is actually made up of six shows I am hosting with Dan Simpson) has meant I am seeing very little, but luckily I saw a lot of shows here last year and earlier this year, so I can still feel pretty confident in the following list. They are listed somewhat related to date, as not all shows are doing full runs.
This is is not an exhaustive list btw! I will definitely end up missing people because: fringe brain, but if you saw a few of these while you are out here, you would definitely enjoy the experience. I won’t go into describing anything too much, because I personally think you get more from performance going in knowing little and feeling open.
Hot Brown Honey - This show changed how I felt about cabaret. I love cabaret, but this show made me realise it can be sexy and political, and empowering and hilarious, and I’ve never been the same since. I have seen it twice now, and will be seeing it again when its on at HOME in Manchester in December. nuff said.
Salt - Selina Thompson has beautiful presence at a performer and her storytelling skills are first rate. This is the strongest piece of solo theatre I have seen in a long time, and the themes it explores are difficult, emotional and important.
Dollywould - Shit Theatre. I sometimes have a hard time explaining what performance art is. Now I think when someone asks me I would like to make them see a Shit Theatre show. They make work with a form that is totally theirs, funny, smart and engaging. This is the second show I have seen by them and I would literally watch them explore almost any theme now.
Butt Kapinski - I remember seeing the description ‘immersive comedy” and shuddering, but that is exactly what this is and its fantastic. This the only show I have seen where audience participation is designed to never fail and always feel fun for everyone involved. and Butt Kapinski is so so funny.
Pollyanna - This is my favourite cabaret variety show, anywhere, ever. It’s alternative, raucous, and often queer. Polyfilla is a feral host from hell, somewhere between engaging and threatening and she’s brilliant. Meanwhile it being fringe, the line up on the bill is always incredible. It’s my favourite place to spot new peformers’ shows to check out. Although be warned for those who need to get up early the next day, it goes on late and tends to get messy.
Workshy - Katy Baird - I saw a very early version of this show and loved it, and everyone I know who has seen it since has raved about it as well. I have heard a few times how it would make a great double bill with Show Me The Money , and I can totally see it, as Katy explores all the rubbish jobs she has done on the route to being an artist, in a way that is conversational, funny and relatable.
Can I get an Amen - Kaitlyn Rogers Kaitlyn is one of my fringe discoveries this year. This is her first solo show at the fringe, and while she is new to the comedy circuit (she trained as an actress and clown) you would never know it. She’s beautiful and bonkers and has an energy you can’t help but go along with. The dance routine at the end is my favourite bit, but its just great fun throughout.
Joan - Milk Presents This is a solo show that feels so epic it almost doesn’t feel like a solo show. A show that shows challenging gender started long before current conversations we are having, presenting the Joan of Arc story in a way that feels totally contemporary commanding and playful. Not that awards are everything but, it won so many awards last year! so if you missed it, now is your chance.
Our Carnal Hearts - Rachel Mars (August 15 - 26) . Rachel Mars delves into the dark emotion that is envy, and worse still the envy we sometimes have our friends, in a way that cathartic and hilarious. I want to tell you about other amazing aspects like the chorus... but I would rather you just go and experience it.
Monkey see Monkey Do - Richard Gadd (august 18- 27) This show is phenomenal. I’m a sucker for hybrid forms and it sits somewhere between stand up, performance art, multimedia theatre and it totally works. Using humour to explore anxiety, sexuality and other themes I’d rather you discover in the show. It won the perrier award last year and I can totally see why. So gutted its only on after I have left, as would love to see it again but defo book if you havn’t seen (or it isn’t sold out already)
The I Hate Children’s Show - I saw this at Glastonbury a few years ago and its genius. It’s a kid’s show that manages to make fun of kids, for adults, while the kids involved have no idea (and totally enjoy it). What they do with the form of working with children for an audience of adults is excellent. Its also just really silly and great fun