Month: August 2013

DART’S WIVES

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Darts Wives
Assembly Roxy
August 13th to 26th
16:50 – £6 to £11
Darts Wives
    The show begins with four stools. Four actresses come on stage dressed as the darts wives in question. Kind of middle aged and a little bit slutty. They then proceed to tell us all about their, or rather their husbands, ambitions. Thankfully the format is broken and other scenes are set as the actresses take on the roles of various husbands as their wives give them their pre-match pep talks. The whole play being set during a darts tournament. This is a rich comic vain for fans of lighter adult comedy such as Victoria wood. Yes, there is swearing and yes, there are graphic sexual references but the whole play could easily be aired at 9pm on  BBC1 and there would be little complaint. Cheeky rather than offencive. Blue rather than black. And to this demographic the performance will no doubt appeal and did to a large part of the pretty packed audience present. But I’m afraid I like my monster munch with a little more bite.
   
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The play was ably performed throughout however, and there was even a little ad-libbing in reference to one of the lady’s recently split lip and knocked out teeth. She was apparently sober when it happened. And it was actually the ad-libbing around this that provided the biggest laughs of the show. The sets were minimal but effective and the costumes did what they said on the tin. If a tad cheep looking. Although that was probably the idea. Personally I found the ludicrous metaphors of the commentators in between scenes among the funniest parts in the play. But it was never a balls out belly laugh. More of an infrequent titter and occasional rye grin. Still fans of Victoria Wood, Miranda and the ilk will not be disappointed. THREE STARS
 
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Reviewer Steven Vickers

 

MATT GREEN – Alive

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Matt Green

Pleasance Dome

Jul 31, Aug 1-11, 13-25,

20.10pm

£6

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Matt Green is a likeable lad, which came across well even in the short time I spent with him. His show is called ‘Alive’ which focuses, of course, on what it means to be alive, alongside with the many various ways that life could end!
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His show is an honest tale very well told, whose embarassing stories capture your attention. Matt is a very professional, fluid & funny performer & provided me with a perfect way to spend an hour. FOUR STARS

four stars

Reviewer – Dava Moltby

IF THESE SPASMS COULD SPEAK

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If these spasms could speak

Wed 31 Jul – Mon 26 Aug 2013

5.45pm

£8/£7 conc/£6

Pleasance Courtyard

 spasms

    Disability is always a worthy subject to tackle and when it’s tackled by disabled people it makes it ever more valid. Not that this should guarantee a five star review, but when a show is performed with such confidence and energy it’s getting close. Robert Softley begins his show by imploring us not to be afraid of asking him to repeat sections we may not understand due to his speech impediment. But he needn’t worry. His performance was superbly eloquent and his fearless honesty, in particular in relation to his sex life and when he gets the audience to undress him, is captivating throughout. Not having many physically disabled friends myself the show was also a superb education in how to sensitively handle situations such as seeing wheelchair bound people struggling up a hill. Don’t assume the best thing to do is give them a push, they might be trying to get fit. He puts it far more wittily than this but I implore you to see the show to witness this, and many other comedic high points.

 

 

If I was to level any criticism at the show, however, I would say that the point at which he begins to recite other peoples experiences is initially a little unclear. The only clue being pictures of said protagonists being projected on the back wall. I suppose if I had done my research and read the write up before seeing the show I might of been prepared for this. But I didn’t so I wasn’t. I’m also a little bit thick. So I’m sure for all you intelligent people who do your research this won’t be a problem.

I’ll conclude by saying that if you want to see a show that is as funny as any stand-up, thought provoking as any piece of theatre and as entertaining as any movie, regardless of the worthy subject matter, If these Spasms Could Speak is the show for you. Not perfect, but that might be more down to my own flaws than the shows. FOUR STARS

 

 four stars

Reviewer – Steven Vickers

 

 

 

JOE BOR – Is Jasper Cromwell Jones

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Joe Bor

Sportsmans – Gilded Balloon Teviot

Jul 31 – 26 Aug £10-11

7pm

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Engaging character comedy from rejuvenated Joe Bor (www.joebor.co.uk).  Bor has been on the comedy scene for a while but seems to have struggled to make a big impression.  His credits include being warm up comedian on the Graham Norton Show amongst others.  With his new creation, Prince William lookalike, Jasper Cromwell Jones he seems to have cracked it.   I was thinking going into this that using an Alan Carr quote on your flyer might put a lot of people off but this proved not to be the case and the 100 capacity venue inside the warren of Teviot House was choc full.

While the subject material is nothing ground breaking the delivery and narrative give this show the thumbs up.  Bor gets right into character as a complete toff who has just come back from an ill-fated climbing expedition in Peru and is now launching a book about the debacle.

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He appears from a tent prop on the stage and introduced himself, making use of projector images to illustrate the story and highlight Jaspers lack of common sense and intelligence.  It’s a laugh every few seconds for the whole hour.  Bor coped well with audience distractions  and also proved he can ad-lib as he picks out a couple of posh boys in the crowd and has a “posh off” with a rugger-top clad lad who admits to playing “soggy biscuit” (you don’t want to know!)  He leads us through Jaspers life “on the lash”, his relationship with his friends including Barny Fish fingers, drinking songs.  “Fishy” turns out to be played by comic Jack Whitehall in a section of hilarious video diary. This was a very funny performance from a comedian who could well have more cracking characters up his sleeve. Spiffing show old chap! FIVE STARS

Gold star

Reviewer David McMenemy

CHRIS STOKES – Tells It Like It Possibly Could Potentially Might Be

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Chris Stokes

Pleasence Courtyard –

31st July to 11th August, 13th to 25th August

1900

£6-£8

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    Something went wrong for Chris Stokes today. Whether it was the overwhelming whir of the fans or the wrong audience or the depression of his recent break up finally catching up with him I didn’t see the 4 star performer of the List and Skinny reviews. But the ingredients were all there. He was charismatic, charming, intelligent and some of his material was undoubtedly strong yet regardless I couldn’t help but feel he was lacking a certain spark. He was making a valid point too. A more than justified dig at all those people we know only too well (unless you are one) who are constantly telling us how it is with scant regard for human sensitivity. Basically people who try to justify their own obnoxiousness by dressing it up as some kind of heroic quest for truth. Don’t get me wrong, I was on his side. But about half way through, just as he was starting to brighten up, he just kind of gave in on the audience and resorted to reading exerts from one of said truth seekers self penned erotic novels in an Alan Bennet accent. Now this device of apparently giving up on your audience before launching into your finest material is not uncommon in contemporary, alternative stand up. But it’s usual followed by some sort of spectacular mental collapse rather than the disappointing nonchalance this show dissolved into. Where was the depressing diatribe about his recent relationship collapse I was so looking forward to? And, with this comics apparent potential for whit and grace could have been the shows highlight.

But no. Chris Stokes was having an off day. But I wouldn’t let this review put you off because I suspect when he’s on form he can bring the house down. Just have a little faith. See it as comedic Russian roulette or bag of revels. It might just be magnificent. But then again, maybe he should have just took that PR women’s advice and worn the yellow jumper after all…


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Reviewer – Steven Vickers

 

 

MARK RESTUCCIA – The Diary of a Serial Internet Dater

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Mark Restuccia

Just the Tonic at Bristo Square

August 1st to 12th and 14th to 25th
17:30
£7.50-£8.50
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Mark Restuccia has a distinctly dead pan style. And there’s little doubt that he has some interesting stories to tell. But he also seems to have somewhat of a chip on his shoulder. Right from the outset we are made to feel guilty for not laughing at him. Excuse me, but some people have payed the best part of a tenner to see your show Mark, the least you can do us make them laugh. His tales of Internet dating desperation, while not unengaging, had a somewhat melancholic and nihilistic bent. If not a bit depressing. Which for a comedy show isn’t good. Now I’m not averse to some tragi-comedy myself but his faint sense of superiority and arrogance made it hard to empathise. It was all kind of a dirge. The All About Eve of comedy if you will. The tale of thin Lizzy and her smelliness and grubby flat and his contractual obligation to have sex with her in the hands of a more sparky and energised comic could have been gold. But here, a potentially rich source of humour fell flat like a stale lettuce sandwich, that just needed a bit of bacon to liven it up.
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I will conclude however with the fact that his show did have a happy ending. And while not inducing the long awaited belly laughter of release did inspire a mighty aaaawwww from the audience. So yes, the show did finally become a little life affirming but after nearly an hour of staring into the pit of one mans desperation it didn’t rescue the show. Good luck to the guy though. But seriously, is guilt tripping really the path to true romance? Apparently so. TWO STARS

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Reviewer – Steve Vickers

GARRETT MILLERICK – Does it Matter

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Garrett Millerick
Underbelly, Bristo Square
22:50
August 3rd to 13th, 15th to 26th
£7.50-£9.50
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A couple of days ago I reviewed a show called Wardens which I was a little less than kind to. Anyway, it turns out that that show was written by this very comedian, but I’m happy to say his stand-up show is far superior. Launching with a stream of vitriol about British gas before an entirely uncalled for attack on the elderly it’s the energy he puts behind his performance, that was perhaps lacking in Wardens, that brings his material alive. His style is that of a reasonably main stream comic with gags being largely of the traditional observational ilk, but some of his outrageous opinions and his justifications for them have to be heard to be believed. Possibly the first ever modern comic to attack the NHS and, after hearing his argument, you can’t help but think he kind of has a point. Although my personal favourite stream of bile was at modern technology and how we reached our technological peak with pagers. This particular rant is worth the price of the ticket alone.
    I can see bright things in this comics future, his energy and confidence are spot on and his material is strong, and he handled the late night, slightly rowdy audience with aplomb. My only slight criticism would be that there is perhaps a slight lack of originality. The way his pitch rises as he gets ever more hysterical is more than a tad reminiscent of Michael Mcintyre. But in as world swamped by performers trying to find that unique grove maybe we should remember that a comedians job is to make us laugh. And this Garret Millerick did in droves. Although I would say that maybe taking your granny, as one unsuspecting punter did, may not be the best idea. The poor thing was a pale, shivering wreck by the end of it. But personally to Mr Millerick I’d say don’t give up the day job just yet, `cus your bloody good at it.
 
four stars

Reviewer – Steve Vickers

MacAULAY & CO

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MacAulay & Co

BBC@ Potterrow

Weekdays 9-23rd Aug

Free via BBC Website

Great Banter from hosts Fred MacAulay and Susan Calman introducing top guests from across the fringe.  Today’s offerings were the excellent Adam Paige and his infectious loop-pedal driven grooves, US comic Michael Shay, the Ginge The Geordie & the Geek as well as comedy stalwarts Milton Jones, Ed Byrne and The Boy with the Tape on His Face.

Fred MacAuley
Fred MacAuley

McAulay and his able sidekick Calman prove affable hosts for the varied and excellent guest performances and interviews.  It’s a lively mix of stand-up, sketches, music and general chitchat.  This large venue was packed out and the whole show is broadcast live on Radio Scotland so you also get an insight into how it all works.  Highly enjoyable and professional show as you would expect.  Full marks to Ed Byrne for taking the time to chat to audience members after the show. Highly recommended.  It’s a total bargain at nil pounds. FOUR STARS

four stars

Reviewer –  David McMenemy

TWONKEY’S BLUE CADABRA

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TWONKEY’S BLUE CADABRA

Espionage (Mata Hari floor)

Daily throughout August apart from 20th

7.30pm,

Free Fringe

 

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Paul Vickers’ (of Paul Vickers and The Leg fame) comedy cabaret is one of those rare shows which, during a month of fringe comedy bombardment, manages to make you stop the comparisons and let yourself be taken on a magical mystery journey. Surreal and witty word play draw you into the dark depths of Mr Vickers’ imagination and just as you start to take it all a bit seriously he conjures up some altogether silly imagery to release you again.

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There are also entertaining musical intersections which keep the pace moving along quite nicely . All of this for free with the option to donate some cash and even acquire a CD. Like all the best people, Paul Vickers is clearly bonkers, but in an entirely endearing way. Dare you select some knickers from the ship’s wheel of early sexual experiences? FIVE STARS

 Gold star

Reviewer – Antionette Thirgood