Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Search for Shelter and Fringe Favorites

Amongst running off to the Fringe and rehearsals for our productions in September and the cooing over baby pictures, there is the matter of needing a place to lay my head at night. The flat the five Americans saw a couple of weeks back didn’t work out for a myriad of reasons. And I am the last man standing; the last one out of our displaced fraction that still needs to secure shelter. Okay, yes, it hasn’t been fun. But I have seen a bit of the city and a smattering of possible living conditions. It has been interesting. There’s the silver lining. And the good news is, I have two more weeks to figure it out. Appointments for viewings are scheduled and emails are out on other leads so, it will happen. I’ve moved a million times in the last decade of my life and this is just another one to add to the list. I’ve lived with people, without people, in basements, top floor walk ups and places that resembled caves more than apartments. NYC has trained me well for the expense and insanity of urban living. So ya know what? It’s all good.

In other news: The Fringe has kept me busy this past week. I’m gonna take this opportunity to plug some productions. Below are the details taken from the Fringe website for a handful of offerings that I’ve seen and so should you. Save one; I have not actually seen ‘Crush’ yet but I am hatching a plan to get over there. The reviews were good but of more significance; it was written by our new friend Paul Charlton. You may recall Paul’s name as he was one of the slew of professionals that came and chatted with our class at the start of term.

Okay. They are:


‘Midsummer’ This show was just amazing. The script, design, directing and acting were all top shelf. Truly one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. The bad news is; I think it may be sold out. If you can trade a kidney for a ticket on the black-market, do. It’s worth it!



Midsummer (A Play With Songs)
It's Midsummer's weekend in Edinburgh and the screwed-up lives of thirtysomethings Bob and Helena are about to collide. A 'warm-hearted, beautifully sculpted musical romantic comedy' - ****(Scotsman). By David Greig and Gordon McIntyre.

warning: Latecomers will not be admitted
Adult themes
venue: Traverse Theatre
group: Traverse Theatre Company
category: Theatre
related link: www.traverse.co.uk
duration: 105 mins


‘Beachy Head’ Molly, a friend of a friend, recommended this show and I’m so glad we took her advice! The subject matter was intense but very well handled. Kudos to the playwright! The ingenious design alone is worth the price of admission. It just goes to show, that we don’t have to be limited by budget, space and portability issues if we just think outside the box and get creative. And the performances were strong and well delivered. Go see it!



Beachy Head
World premiere
Fusing text, animation and physical performance, this follow-up to Analogue's 2007 Fringe First-winning hit 'Mile End' - 'Neuron-firing, emotionally hot-wired theatre' (Metro) - explores the ripple effects of one man's decision to take his life. www.analogueproductions.co.uk

venue: Pleasance Dome
group: Analogue/The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich/Escalator East to Edinburgh
category: Theatre
related link: www.analogueproductions.co.uk
duration: 80 mins


‘Crush’ The one I haven’t seen yet but I hear good things! Paul Charlton wrote it and we want to support it! Go and save me a seat!



Crush
World premiere
Fringe First Award winner Paul Charlton's moving new play explores the nature of modern obsession set against the backdrop of a fractured but loving relationship. 'An absolute joy' - **** (Scotsman on 'Love, Sex and Cider').

venue: Underbelly
group: Iron Shoes in Association With the Tristan Bates Theatre
category: Theatre
duration: 60 mins


‘G3 - The Ginge, the Geordie and the Geek’ Paul can be seen onstage in this one along with another new friend from the professional chat sessions, Graeme Rooney. This show is a fine display of sketch comedy. Lots of laughs and ridiculousness. Check it out! Lots of fun!



G3 - The Ginge, the Geordie and the Geek
World premiere
Hysterical sketch comedy. Great characters, surrealism, silliness, 80's power ballads and 90's icons. With individual comedy credits from 'Little Britain' to 'Run Fatboy Run' not to mention a Fringe First - guaranteed hilarity!

venue: Just the Tonic @ The Caves
group: G3 - The Ginge, the Geordie and the Geek
category: Comedy
related link: www.g3gingegeordiegeek.com
duration: 60 mins


Jake Yapp: ‘Hallo, Music Lovers!’ and ’Free at Four’ Jake flyered me. That’s Fringe speak for: I was walking down the street and Jake stopped me, handed me a flyer for his show and told me I needed to come. Well, he sold me and I went and had a fantastic time. Jake plays an assortment of instruments, sings original parody songs of the modern music scene and even does some mime. The two shows listed below have different content but are equally funny so you should go see both to get the full Jake Yapp experience. Besides, one is free. What’s stopping you? Go now!



Jake Yapp Presents Hallo, Music Lovers!
World premiere
Fans of Lily Allen, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Jay Z, stay away from this cheerful desecration of musical 'greats'. Exclusive, new material. 2008 reviews: 'rare gem' (ThreeWeeks); 'Inventively funny' (Scotsman); 'Diamond-edged wit' (EdinburghCentric.com).

warning: Not suitable for under 16s
venue: Just the Tonic @ The Caves
group: Jake Yapp
category: Comedy
related link: jakeyapp.blogspot.com
duration: 50 mins

Jake Yapp's Free at Four
World premiere
Sony Comedy Award nominee Jake Yapp's cash-conscious show for discerning freeloaders. Songs, sketches, stand-up, and all free. May contain bum notes. 2008 review: 'Intelligent wit and a dry and dirty sense of humour' (ThreeWeeks).

warning: Not suitable for under 16s
Some saucy language
venue: Madogs
group: Jake Yapp/PBH's Free Fringe
category: Comedy
related link: http://jakeyapp.blogspot.com
duration: 50 mins
This event is free and not ticketed.
Admission is on a first come first served basis and is subject to availability.


Visit: http://www.edfringe.com/ for more on the Fringe.

More on Melanie madness next week!
Take care!
-m

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