Last weekend we headed up to the UK’s northern capital to catch the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival….
It was my first time attending the event and the whole city was alive with festival atmosphere. While comedy is the name of the game for Fringe in the whole month of August, there is plenty to see and do across other genres of entertainment. There’s still time to catch the festival, with most shows running until the end of the bank holiday weekend. Here are our top highlights:
The Harry & Chris Show
The Pilgrim, 13:45pm, Free
This musical comedy duo hails from Ealing in London, which is well known for its arts and music scene, so it’s no wonder that the boys bring with them some top notch talent. Their act is an eclectic fusion of poetry, spoken word, comedy and bluesy music. World champion poet Harry Baker, better known for his grand slam winning numbers Paper People and The Sunshine Kid, plays master wordsmith to jazz musician Chris Read’s nod-along rhythm ‘n’ blues. Their puntastic ‘Whaddayawannado’ is a welcome refrain for any new graduates lost for words of wisdom when it comes to ‘proper adulting’. A catchy chorus of ‘Let’s All Play Monopoly’ (complete with melody appropriated from One Direction’s ‘You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful’) gets everyone singing along. It’s well worth dropping in on the gig, but be sure to get there early as the room is packed out every day.
Mind Games, Aaron Calvert
La Belle Angèle, 13:30, Free
Master of suggestion Aaron Calvert is billed as the UK’s next Derren Brown. A former doctor, Calvert now spends his days reading minds and hypnotising hapless audience members. With few props, he does an excellent job of keeping the room engaged single-handedly. As someone who frequently enjoys shows based in magic and illusion (I’ve seen Derren Brown live twice) the show felt slightly less original. However, to anyone unfamiliar with this type of act, it’s definitely full of surprises. Flawlessly-executed in a way that doesn’t feel too scripted, Calvert is at once highly professional and entertaining, carrying himself with a suave kind of genius that earns him the respect of sceptical audience members.
Alice, Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club
For an amateur production, this impressive interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale contains every visual and aural element required to enchant and delight. A feast for the eyes, the story of Alice in Wonderland is told through a multisensory narrative delivered by an extraordinarily talented cast. A ballerina plays the eponymous Alice, supported by a chorus of contortionists, singer, dancers and gymnasts in various roles from the cards to the queens. My favourite had to be the trapeze artist playing the Cheshire Cat, who perfectly captured the feline movements of this unforgettable character. Several more astonishing aerial acts, along with a handful of human pyramids, literally elevate the story, enabling the entire troupe to showcase its skills. Set to an edgy Burtonesque soundtrack, Alice will have you ooing and aahhing from start to finish.
The Herbert in ‘Proper Job’, Spencer Jones
Udderbelly, 17:20, £10
There will be many comedy acts competing for your attention at the Edinburgh Fringe, but none quite like Spencer Jones as his hilarious alter ego, The Herbert. Never has it been so acceptable for a man to appear on stage in tights beyond the genre of ballet. We caught his early evening show ‘Proper Job’, where the lovable bumbling idiot makes “creative” use of everything from sponge mops to taxidermal fox heads. Jones is incredibly self-aware throughout the act, reminding us that he can vote and is pushing forty as he stuffs sponges down his pants. With a clever, relatable narrative, Spencer Jones makes an art of multiple personality disorder, using a combination of costume eyes and facial expressions worthy of Mr Bean to create unflattering portrayals of his family members. Add in a musical finale (complete with assistance from unsuspecting audience members) and Jones will have you holding your sides in stitches.
Top tips for a great visit:
- Arrive early – especially for free shows! Rooms get packed really quickly.
- Leave enough time to collect tickets from box offices before shows. These are not always on the same site as the venues.
- Download the Edinburgh Fringe App – it has everything you need to know, along with a map of venues, a scheduler and ticket booking functions.
- Download the Transport for Edinburgh app and buy an all-day ticket for £4. It’ll help you travel between venues much faster.
- Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes – Edinburgh has a lot of hills!
- Do carry cash to tip free performers at the end!
