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COMEDY
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The Antics - Fringing on the Ridiculous
Antics
The wonderfully daft Antics bring their fast-paced, laugh-a-minute
show to Edinburgh. It's guaranteed to have you rolling in the aisles.
Based on audience
suggestion, our performers improvise various comedic scenes,
characters and
songs - completely on the spot. You will love watching the performers
squirm as
they have to handle your scene suggestions off the top of their heads.
Be warned, you may get more than you bargained for and become part of
the action! No two shows are the same and everything seen is original
material. Hilarity and chaos will ensue!
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Aug 16-22
17:00 (1hr)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Around the World on 80 Quid!
Aindrias de Staic
Malcolm Hardee Award 2008 nominee and ThreeWeeks
Editor’s Choice
Award 2009 winner. Follow the hilarious and touching journey of an
Irish gypsy
fiddler through drink, drugs and near-death experiences. The
award-winning,
globe-trotting show returns to the Fringe! Join Aindrias for an hour
of craic and song, travel through the highs and lows and discover how
much life can truly be lived on 80 quid. 'Most people are content to
merely kiss the Blarney Stone, but rumour has it that Aindrias de
Staic took it away for a dirty weekend…' *****
(GlamAdelaide.com.au).
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Aug 16-22
22:00 (1hr)
£9.50(£8.50)
Aug 23-29
17:05 (1hr)
£9.50(£8.50)
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Brain Humour
LIP Theatre Company
It’ll grow on you, well... in you... The people that brought you
'Trevor McDonald's Horse Orchestra' present their new comedy sketch
show that has erupted from the minds of the emotional, the
intelligent, the sophisticated and the downright stupid. LIP Theatre
Company have been performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the
past 14 years, aiming to get bigger, better and more surreal every
time.
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Aug 16-29
19:30 (50mins)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Conor O'Toole: Come Look at Me for an Hour
Conor O'Toole
Morning routine: Wake up; brush hair/teeth; breakfast; Conor O'Toole.
If your day didn't start like this, you're doing it wrong. Miss this
award-winning, tea-loving, Irish comedian's offbeat Edinburgh debut at
your peril! Conor O'Toole is one of Ireland's hardest-working young
comedians and he's set to take Edinburgh by storm at this year's
Fringe. Join him in Sweet Grassmarket for an intimate morning
gathering. If you like your tea hot, your jumpers woolly and your
comedy weird and wonderful, this is a Fringe morning must!
www.conorotoole.com
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Aug 5-16,18-30
11:30 (1hr)
£7.00(£6.00)
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The Marvellous Dorians Present ...
Bare Dollar
The Marvellous Dorians
Having been declared as 'people set to define the next generation'
(Vogue); the Marvellous Dorians are ready to go global, except they're
broke. With eviction hanging over them, Nigerian prince Peggy is
forced into some good, old-fashioned skulduggery and starts up his own
classic Nigerian 419 scam. Meanwhile public schoolboy Toby gets lucky
when a wealthy benefactor offers him a substantial amount of money in
return for his bank details. Coincidence? Who knows? Can they pay the
rent before their amorous landlord comes knocking? Come find out as
they struggle to get 'Bare Dollar'.
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Aug 23-29
22:05 (1hr)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Mind-Reading for Breakfast
The 'Psychic' Psychologist
What does a psychic want for breakfast? You! ‘Psychic’ Psychologist,
Rob Bailey, demonstrates clairvoyance, mind-reading, lie-detection,
and, if firing on all psychic cylinders, spoon-bending and levitation.
Do you have untapped memory skills or telepathic powers? Is it all
psychic or just clever psychology? Reviews from a sell-out Oxfringe
run: 'Informative and very funny, his presentation is very
engaging...' (Oxford Times); 'Rob is a very charismatic and likable
host and a lovely contrast to the smugness of many performance
psychics' (Oxfringe). Free coffee/croissants. Prizes for the best
breakfast attire or nightwear – so
come in your pyjamas.
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Aug 5-22
10:35 (1hr 10mins) £8.00(£7.00)
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The Shrimps Present: ShrimpTale
The Shrimps
Come and see an improvised story created by you. Narrated by a
reclusive
author, see the creative process in action, and laugh as you get
involved as the muses for this story. Never seen before, never seen
again. Anything can happen, and the story is under your total control.
This is an interactive experience like nothing seen before!
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Aug 5-17
14:55 (1hr)
£7.00(£5.00)
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Thought Thief 2.0
Peter Antoniou
Is your mind safe? Learn the true
story of Peter Antoniou's journey into the murky world of 'psychic'
espionage. Peter will reveal, for the first time, the unbelievable
trail of events that saw him being offered into the world of corporate
mind control. See him demonstrate his amazing abilities, and learn how
they are already being used against you. **** (ThreeWeeks);
'Phenon-mentally good' (Kerrang!).
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Aug 18-30
14:55 (1hr)
£7.00(£5.00)
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DANCE
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Sushi Tap Show
Tokyo Tapdo!
The 2008 Edinburgh Fringe sell-out and **** (Scotsman) comedy tap
dance show is back at the Edinburgh Fringe! Pokei and Maki's eccentric
performances are awfully addictive. Never seen before, not to be
missed. This time our show's called 'Sushi Tap Show', which means that
while watching our fresh, raw and lovely show, you will feel as happy
as if you were enjoying sushi. 'Sushi Tap Show' serves up eccentric 'Japanized'
performances that you have never seen before.
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Aug 16-22
12:05 (50mins)
£10.00(£9.00)
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EVENTS
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Acting and Creating a Character
Julian Caddy & Sweet Venues
Come get your teeth into a refreshing, new approach to acting training
with this Stanislavski-inspired technique. This is a one-off taster
session for people to understand both the theory and practice of the
technique that I teach. For the first hour I will be explaining the
background so please bring pen and paper to take notes. We will then
do a few improvisation exercises for the remainder of the session. It
is an informal, relaxed environment, suitable for people from all
backgrounds and experience to help improve self-awareness, focus and
confidence.
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Aug 7
10:00 (1hr 25mins)
£8.50
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MUSIC
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Experimentalista!
Susanna Macdonald
***** 'A national treasure, no less.
Susanna Macdonald performs with all the dedication of a psychopathic
Sunday school teacher. No one does light and shade like her (even if she is a bit
scary)' (Bluesbunny.com
'Top Ten Gigs 2008 and 2009'). An eclectic mix of
cabaret/acoustic/folk/rock/jazz/classical, Susanna Macdonald is a
truly unique musician and performer whose songs enthral as she plays
pianos, guitars, percussion and loopers. Following the release of her
first full-length album, Susanna is bringing her debut show to the
Fringe, featuring guest musicians, dancing and the unexpected.
'Hypnotically haunting'
(Edinburgh Evening News).
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Preview Aug 5-6
20:50 (50mins) £6.00(£5.00)
Aug 7-17,19-24,26-29
20:50 (50mins)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Freedom For Tooting!
Cosmo
Bluegrass, folk, punk and human beatboxing collide with DIY politics
as
Edinburgh and Hay Fringe award winner Cosmo returns with this
fully-charged
show. 'Oi Mush', its unforgettable signature song, charted last year,
and a
triumphant performance followed in London's Leicester Square Theatre.
'Hilarious and unstoppable!' (Guardian); 'The natural link between
Woody
Guthrie and rapper Jay-Z, Cosmo is a folksinger of our times with a
veritable hive of bees in his bonnet' (Herald, Glasgow). Not suitable
for the closed
minded!
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Aug 9-15
22:05 (1hr)
£8.00(£6.00)
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Lisa Scott Sings Jazz
Lisa Scott/Sweet Venues
From Billie Holiday to Frank Sinatra, Lisa sings with passion, humour,
ease and sophistication. Her mature, moody voice is complemented by a
professional
three-piece live band - piano, bass and drums.
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Aug 8
20:40 (1hr)
£9.00(£8.00)
(£7.50 CF)
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Now That's Caledonia!
Fiona Kelly
For all lovers of Scottish song, Fiona combines classic Celtic tunes
and wonderful vocals with contemporary and evocative arrangements. 'A
performance full of passion and fun - the crowd just loved it' (SHA,
Homecoming Scotland). An established and entertaining performer, Fiona
is classically trained
but with a crossover into musical theatre and pop, and now returns to
her first love - Scottish song, bringing her own interpretation to
Caledonia's best loved music. Scheduled to tour with 'X Factor'
finalists, the MacDonald Bros, shortly after this, her premiere Fringe
appearance. Debut album available at venue and website.
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Aug 7, 9-15
17:00 (50mins)
£8.00(£7.00)
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PianoDivalicious!
Amy Abler/Spinning Tree Theatre Co.
Direct from a hit off-Broadway engagement at NYC’s Duplex Cabaret
Theatre, internationally acclaimed pianist Amy Abler brings her act
for the first time to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From Beethoven to
Broadway and ragtime to rock’n’roll, she will win your heart and soul.
Amy will tickle all your favorite ivories… and fancies. Vivacious
virtuoso! Sensational! Directed by Michael Grayman. Choreographed by
Andy Parkhurst. Produced by Amy Abler and
Spinning Tree Theatre Co.
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Preview Aug 5
19:30 (1hr) £5.00
Aug 6-8,13-15,20-22,27-29
19:30 (1hr) £11.00(£10.00)
Aug 9-12,16-19,23-26
19:30 (1hr) £10.00(£9.00)
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The Techtonics
The Imperial College Techtonics
The Techtonics are London's groundbreaking a cappella singers,
recently founded to help sociopathic science and engineering students
at Imperial College London escape the dank computer library and
discover life after labs. After a debut performance at a mental
hospital, audiences continue to be moved by the resonant sounds the
Techtonics produce. Sponsor a scientist today and change a social life
for good - sing a geek a song and he'll think he has a friend, teach
him to sing in harmony and he'll never look back. Come and hear their
rocking line-up of chart hits in original vocal arrangements.
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Aug 16-21
15:50 (1hr)
£8.50(£6.50)
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MUSICALS & OPERA
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David Faulds: 'Mario Lanza'
Cast Theatre Company
An encore of the 2009 total sell-out!
An engrossing musical on the tumultuous life of lirico spinto tenor
and actor Mario Lanza. A kid from Philadelphia sings better than
Caruso, sets out to become a maestro, is seduced by Hollywood only to
be fired by MGM at the pinnacle of his career. What was Lanza's
perspective on this rollercoaster ride? David Faulds tells us through
word and song. Tragic, comic and deeply, musically satisfying. 'What a
voice! David Faulds singlehandedly brings Italian-American tenor Mario
Lanza back to life' - **** (ThreeWeeks).
www.greenroompresents.com
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Aug 16-30
14:30 (50mins)
£10.00(£8.00)
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THEATRE
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Art
Peters Productions
Three friends. One painting. Winner of Olivier Award for best comedy,
Tony
Award for best play. 'A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent
comedy... 'Art' has
touched a universal nerve' (Times). Serge buys a large, expensive and
completely white painting... Marc is horrified; Yvan is caught in the
middle, distracted by his own pre-marital mess. This brilliant comedy
deals with men's friendship, honesty, the obsession with modernism,
social status and questions what makes art 'art'. Fringe sell-out
2007, 2009.
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Aug 9-12,16-19
20:40 (1hr 15mins) £8.50(£7.50)
Aug 13-15,20-22
20:40 (1hr 15mins) £9.50(£8.50)
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Bebo or Not to Bebo
Spanner in the Works Theatre Company
Created in the present climate - with the Internet bypassing
television as the
number one youth entertainment - 'Bebo or Not to Bebo' is a new,
humorous and thought-provoking play by Spanner in the Works Theatre
Company. The piece explores the good, bad and ugly side of community
Internet sites such as Facebook and Bebo. Renowned for her ability to
confront the truth and produce raw and memorable drama, Patricia
Downey once again harnesses another world - this time the cyber world
- and puts it slap bang on the stage for all to see.
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Aug 23-27
15:55 (50mins)
£9.00(£8.00)
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Breathing Corpses
Liverpool University Drama Society
The subtly entwined narratives begin with Amy, a chambermaid with an
unlucky knack for finding cadavers in hotel rooms. Jim and Elaine's
lives are shattered after they investigate the odd smell emanating
from storage locker B16. Following a wasted day, furious Kate takes
her anger out on her lover, Ben. Already bearing the bruises of her
temper, he is in danger of falling further victim to her rage. Their
stories unfold in an unexpected and darkly humorous plot, which will
leave you guessing 'til the end.
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Aug 23-29
20:35 (1hr20mins)
£9.00(£8.00)
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A Brief History of Scotland - We Done Loads!
DBS Productions
The 2006/08 sell-out show returns, updated and up to the minute. Let
us reeducate you in the truth of the world. Everything you know is
wrong, from the first spark of fire to man’s first journeys into space
- all of these things, your art, your language, the internet you are
browsing right now, was invented here in Scotland. From the foundation
of mankind in the garden of Eden-burgh right up to the world we live
in now, it's time you knew the truth... We are Scotland – we done
loads!
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Aug 5-29
18:25 (50mins)
£9.50(£7.50)
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Cake
Hurtwood Theatre Company
'Cake' is set at an eternal tea party where the characters are caught
in a nightmare hell of their own making. They represent stereotypes
loosely based around the characters in Carroll's 'Alice in
Wonderland'. This visually stunning piece concentrates on challenging
the audience's views, both socially and biblically, whilst playing
with tension through the conflicting objectives of the characters.
Wonderland revolves as the sugar dissolves; conflict, touch and a
hint of thigh, until the table isn't the only thing to get laid.
Breathless, we wipe the stains from the table cloth.
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Aug 6-22
14:00 (40mins)
£7.00(£6.00)
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Cannes
Newcastle University Theatre Society
Newcastle University Theatre Society (NUTS) returns to the Fringe
following last year's critically acclaimed 'Bob’s Date' with 'Cannes',
a piece of original writing by Samuel Jefferson. A drama-comedy, the
play is set during the illustrious Cannes Film Festival, where the
glitz and glamour of Hollywood descends on the French Riviera.
However, crisis strikes when a Palme d’Or-winning writer returns to
the festival and punches an old friend on the red carpet. Held under
guard in a hotel room, he is forced to confront his past relationships
armed with only his dry wit and an even drier whiskey.
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Aug 5-20
16:10 (45mins)
£7.00(£6.00)
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Circus of Shadows
Magdalen College School
'Circus of Shadows' is a selection of fragments from the darkest
corners of
theatre. Through a collection of monologues and duologues we explore
morality through the eyes of archetypal heroes and villains. This is a
cabaret of threat, of menace and of vicious intent, led by a macabre
ringmaster who accompanies the audience through this murky underworld.
Harnessing the shadiest recesses of villainy, 'Circus of Shadows'
delves into a world of sinister thoughts and dark minds. These are
stories of deception, betrayal and hatred, stories of danger and
intrigue, from the murkiest nooks of our theatrical history.
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Aug 23-29
17:05 (1hr)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Consequences
Cafe Society
Two policemen break into a house where they find the rotting body of
an old man. Discovering a suicide note in which he confesses to
murdering a young girl twenty years ago, they are faced with the moral
dilemma of what to do next. The pensioner and his victim play out
their final days as the contents of the letter bring them back to
life. At the same time the policemen find that from different
viewpoints rights and wrongs are not always black and white. The play
is about the consequences of all our actions, well intentioned or
otherwise.
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Aug 5-12,15
14:35 (1hr 10mins) £9.00(£8.00)
Aug 13-14
14:35 (1hr 10mins) £10.00(£9.00)
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The Fly in the Fridge
Grace & Competra
The riveting, true and surprisingly funny story of Emily - a
privileged pre-teen
whose Alice-like curiosity plunges her into a vortex of sex, drugs and
rock'n'roll in 1970s New York City. Her evolution from hippiedom
through hell to extraordinary redemption 30 years later grips you from
the drop. You must see Karin de la Penha's acclaimed tour de force
performance, as she inhabits fifteen rich and colourful characters in
this fast-paced one-woman show. A deeply moving, joyous play.
www.kdlp.us;
www.greenroompresents.com.
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Preview Aug 5-6
18:20 (1hr)
£5.00
Aug 7-8,13-15,20-22,27-29
18:20 (1hr) £10.50(£9.50)
Aug 9-12,16-19,23-26
18:20 (1hr)
£9.50(£8.50)
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The Gospel According to Jeff
Crazy Legs Theatre Company
Ever wanted to know what God looks like in a suit? What happened when
David and Goliath had a kung fu fight? And why Jesus had a mate called
Tarquin? Well, now you can see all this and more, as this company
sheds much needed light on those biblical mysteries you have always
wondered about in their all new comedy fandango. Taking you on a
journey from the beginning of time, this show invites its audiences to
smile, laugh and laugh until it hurts, at its daft and irreverent
adaptation of the good book.
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Aug 5-15 19:30
(50mins)
£7.00(£6.00)
(£5.50 OCF)
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The Land Where the Bong-Tree
Grows
Sh*t Happens Productions
After a year and a day crammed into a small wooden, painted green boat
with
nothing but each other, our characters are accidently flung overboard,
only to find themselves swimming for their lives towards a strange and
unknown land. As the sun shines down and their wet clothes dry, the
cracks in their marriage become as visible as the sandy beach which
surrounds them. Follow our (not so) lonely characters as this quirky
modern take on a classic tale unfolds. (But don't think we're going to
tell you which. That would be cheating!)
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Aug 16-22
17:20 (40mins)
£8.00(£7.00)
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Marzipan
HT Company
'Marzipan' is a bittersweet black
comedy that weaves a stunning array of theatricality to illustrate the
complications of human emotional relationships. The cast, which won
four stars last year (Allthefestivals.com)
will have you on the edge of your seats!
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Aug 21-30
16:15 (40mins)
£7.00(£6.00)
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Otherwise
Adaptive Theatre
Harry Holland wakes up the morning after in a police cell, with no
recollection of why he is there or what he is being questioned about.
The interviewing detective seems to believe that his drunken night out
ended badly. Harry struggles with his memory, replaying for the
detective what he can remember - meeting his perfect woman,
introducing her to his best friend, and deciding to go to a club. But
what happened afterwards? Could Harry really have done what they
believe? Has he lost everything he cares about, including his mind? It
might have been otherwise.
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Preview Aug 5
17:15 (45mins) £5.00(£4.00)
Aug 6-15
17:15 (45mins)
£8.00(£6.00)
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The Pantry Shelf
Team M & M
Satirical comedy revealing the micro-society of branded egos living on
your
pantry shelf. Queenie is a revolutionary new snack - the quinoa, date
and bark
bar. Like every food product all she really wants is to be loved.
However, her world collapses when she realises her healthy branding is
a lie. Can Queenie accept this hypocrisy or will she revolt and become
a 'rogue brand'? 'The Pantry Shelf' explores branding, consumerism and
corporate control of our diets, but mostly it's a love triangle
between Queenie, a bag of Scottish porridge and a sexy block of dark
chocolate.
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Preview Aug 5-8
12:45 (55mins) £5.00
Aug 9-30 12:45 (55mins)
£8.00(£6.50)
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'Rumours' by Neil Simon
Screwloose Theatre
An anniversary dinner descends into farce when its affluent guests
arrive to
discover that the staff have deserted, the hostess is missing and the
host has
shot himself through the earlobe. All hope of dignity is abandoned in
their frantic attempts to uncover the truth and prevent a scandal,
with hilarious consequences. Will Ken recover his hearing? Can Cassie
extract her crystal from the toilet? Is Glenn having an affair - or is
everyone? And is that the police at the door? Spread the rumour...
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Aug 23-30
12:20 (1hr 40mins)
£7.50
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Something About Jumpers
The Bridge Theatre Company
'Something About Jumpers' follows the journey of Levi, a boy
struggling within
the social care system. His only stability in life comes from a TV
celebrity and his
mother's old jumper. Journey with Levi through Ableton town, and
stumble upon a clockwork kid, a shiny suit, broken homes and a 24 hour
Tesco. This brief glimpse into Levi's world is brought to life by
quick, natural, witty dialogue which accentuates the peaks and troughs
of simply existing. Graduates from The Brit School explode onto the
Edinburgh stage with this volatile, comic portrayal of one
young man's odyssey.
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Aug 5-22
13:15 (1hr 15mins) £7.00(£6.00)
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So, Sinatra?
Cafe Society
Frank Sinatra, 'Ol' Blue Eyes', leader of the Hollywood Rat Pack, sang
like an
angel but there were also devils within. From his earliest days as a
skinny kid
singing with dance bands in his native New Jersey and all through his
dogged
trek to riches and international fame there were questions, serious
questions,
about Frank Sinatra. Nick Sevano, unheralded social commentator for
the 20th century, was there. He gives a candid insight into
the world's greatest singer. The truth behind the mafia, JFK and the
Rat Pack is unveiled in a stunning performance by Martin Oldfield.
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Aug 5-12,15
15:55 (45mins) £9.00(£8.00)
Aug 13-14
15:55 (45mins)
£10.00(£9.00)
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The Star Child
Tell Tale Theatre
Join Tell Tale Theatre as they entice you to escape the modern world
and
immerse yourself in a forgotten land. Adapted from Oscar Wilde's
classic tale of a child's desperate desire for perfection, 'The Star
Child' invites you to look at the human condition through the eyes of
a fairytale. Prepare to be submerged into a surreal world of eerie
fantasy and make-believe...
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Aug 5-29
22:20 (40mins)
£7.00(£5.00)
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Ups & Downs
KDC Theatre
Newly deceased? Come in, sit down. Here's a form. Applying for heaven
or hell? Remember, at final judgement, the devil's in the details...
Five souls - a nun, a mother, an addict, a captive and a jogger - find
their lives were no preparation for the afterlife preference form.
Their choices now could fix their fate with the allseeing, all-knowing
Holy Ghost. How will they fare in final judgement? How would you fare?
Are you an up? Or are you a down? KDC returns to the Fringe with this
exciting new comedy drama.
www.kdctheatre.com
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Preview Aug 5-6
12:00 (1hr)
£6.00(£5.00)
Aug 7-15
12:00 (1hr)
£8.00(£7.00)
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