If the title "A Little Review of the 09 Edinburgh Festival" doesn't get the message across, then nothing probably ever will. I visited this years Edinburgh festival having been to the fringe since 2007 and I'm going to try and do a detailed review of the shows I saw over the two days I spent at the festival.
Now I'm going to write (or try to aim at) at least a paragraph on each of the shows as a small review, though I will say this; they are all positive as I did enjoy them. If you're a big comedy buff, you'll know why.
One of the tips the festival hands out every year is "Go and see shows you wouldn't normally see." This is a nice idea and was shouted out in the streets by one of the 1,000,000,000,000,000 leafleters. If you can walk down the main street and avoid being handed a leaflet, consider that very rare. Some guy in a cape shouted "See more than you can at this years fringe. Widen your horizon with dance, comedy, art and music," and behind him (not necessarily with him) was a girl with one of those ballet sticks with the long pink ribbon. Next to her was a Frenchman standing on a ball. Moving on...
The shows I saw are listed in the order they were seen. So on we go.
Day 1
The Early Edition - Underbelly
Hosted by Marcus Brigstocke with Andre Vincent. That's all I can say. Technical difficulty, show cancelled.
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Just A Minute - Pleasance Grand
I saw two episodes of Just A Minute, but each show had different guests. After the producer said a few words, he welcomed Nicholas Parsons on stage. Everyone smiled and clapped for him and he welcomed regulars and good players Sue Perkins and Paul Merton, 'Whose Line Is It Anyway' regular Mike McShane and stand-up Paul Sinha. Sue and Paul stole the show being able to talk for 30-40 seconds without being challenged. McShane managed to come up with a few quick jokes, while another panellist was on the topic of ghost writers, the light on the box in front of Nicholas flashed signalling McShane's buzzer but McShane's buzzer hadn't gone off, quickly calling it a ghost challenge. Paul Sinha was a newish (if not new) player to the game and it took a few rounds for him to get in the stride.
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Even if people had got tickets to see both shows, you still had to leave and cue up again for another 30-40 minutes. I highly recommend a book or i-pod etc. I was listening to music and time flies by so much quicker. Some people stand there doing nothing, no talking or moving or listening and I don't know how they last. Time must drag. If you're with people it isn't too bad but if you go alone which many people do, please take a book or i-pod. And make sure it's charged. It's basic stuff but you'd be surprised how many people forget these kind of things. Having cued again, we went back in. Sometimes you will see the performers walking up the road. If you're quick you can grab an autograph.
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Just A Minute - Pleasance Grand
With Paul Merton and Sue Perkins again, with stand-ups Richard Herring (still sporting his Hitler moustache) and Janey Godley. Godley was able to laugh at herself with her constant repetition throughout the recording. Herring, a new player kept getting buzzed by Sue Perkins for hesitations. As such, Sue Perkins ended on a flourish finishing the final round without a single challenge, talking for the whole minute. The response of the crowd was phenomenal as it was difficult and rare. Nicholas gave a special thinks to those who saw both shows as he spoke to some people outside in the cue who saw the first recording. A good show to see if in Edinburgh and remember radio tickets are usually free. Just be early to be admitted entry.
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Mark Thomas: The Manifesto - The Stand Comedy Club III
A small gig of roughly 130ish. The small gigs are often the more fun. It is much more intimate and since it is smaller, you feel like you are seeing a friend rather than an arena sell-out comic. You are more inclined to join in and are free to chat to him during the show as he welcomes contributions. Thomas really expresses his emotions during his show, saying what he loves and hates and when he hates something, he hates it deeply and is motivated to do something. And like most people, he can't wait for Margaret Thatcher to die. Having postcards made which he let the audience take for free after the show, the picture being a newspaper with Thatcher on the front claiming she's dead with ribbons, balloons and champagne. On the back is a checklist of things you might do upon her death. Hold a barbecue wearing a comedy apron or hire someone to throw their voice at her funeral to shout "why is it so dark in here?" During each of his shows he welcomes the audience to come up with policies, to which the best from each show will be discussed at an actual meeting with politicians. Mark Thomas is through, funny, angry and liberal.
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Day 2
Mark Watson's Earth Summit - The GRV Studio
A personal favourite. Making a name for himself as a famous comedian. His 24 hour stand up shows, his novels but recently his visit to Al Gore's speech on the environment is the purpose of this show. This is basically a comedy version of Al Gore's speech. Watson's show has been the smallest gig I have ever been too, seating 50 at a push. The difference with the small shows are that you're more likely to see the performer before the show. Mark was seen before the show sitting on the stage setting up, talking to a few people in the front row, walking in and out the room talking phone calls five minutes before the show started. It was such a small room you could be at the back and still touch the stage. This alone was fun, but the show could easily have sold out a larger venue. It was a genuinely good show and Watson even suggests the names of websites to visit to get cheaper and more green electricity and gas (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/ was one of them). Funny, helpful and very friendly.
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The Unbelievable Truth - Pleasance Grand
Two shows, the same as Just A minute but both recorded in one sitting, so no going out to cue again but the same guests were used for both shows, but with Rhod Gilbert, Reginald D Hunter, Shappi Khorsandi and Adam Hills on the panel you wouldn't want to. And with host David Mitchell, it was practically guaranteed to be good. About 2 1/2 hours both shows lastest and ten minutes from the end people were slowly starting to sneak out in order to get to their next show, but those who stayed were rewarded with laugh after laugh. Each panellist got a fair amount of talking time each outside of their lectures and David Mitchell didn't disappoint the audience for a second. For me David Mitchell has to be one of the funniest men on TV and radio.
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Frank Skinner's Credit Crunch Cabaret - Assembly & George Street Music Hall
The fact that Frank Skinner compares the show is the real seller, otherwise there would have been some empty seats for certain. Frank starts with 10-15 minutes of stand-up and brings on an assortment of comedy acts, some familiar, some not so. Danielle Ward was introduced first, a occasional guest on Mock the Week and did a fun 15 minutes. The crowd laughed and clapped along happily. Next was an act I can't fully remember the name of. Two men who played comedy songs and live sketches. A new act around, it was really hard for them to win the crowd over. There were a few moments of silence but they carried on so bravo to them for not walking off. There were some funny moments in there but overall they struggled. Next Frank came back and did a battle of the sexes quiz with two members of the audience, the fun came when he picked a 12 year old boy who agreed to go on stage. People were surprised to see a 12 year old at the show as there was swearing etc. Frank then said the night before there was a 9 year old which made it all a bit risky, especially as one of the questions which he decided not to ask was 'What was the Home Secretaries husband found doing?' After the 12 year old won the quiz he won Frank's book and £10. Andrew Lawrence was last on and did a funny set but still said f and c when there were a few youngsters scattered around. Even though the time was a bit late, would it have been hard to edit out some of the swearing? Nevertheless, you can't argue for £10. Frank Skinner was as good as always.
Right, I'm done and that lasted ages and I'll be amazed if anyone actually reads all of this. Thank you if you have.
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