August 2010 Archives
JOE POWER – THE MAN WHO SEES DEAD PEOPLE
****
ASSEMBLY @ ASSEMBLY HALL,
Aug 7 – 12, 16 – 19, 23 – 25, 30 @ 16.00, (1 hour) £12.00, (£11.00)
Aug 26 – 29 @ 16.00, (1 hour), £14.00, (£13.00)
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Joe Power, celebrity psychic medium, certainly has his own colourful Aura. He is a colourful character surrounded by Orange-Yellow: he is creative, intelligent, detail oriented, a perfectionist, scientific, with lots of energy, charisma, sense of humour and charm!
I liked his banter, which went down well with the audience. He says a sense of humour “is important in this life, as the messages which come through the other side, come through with humour”.
Being a medium is like a transmitting station he says, as he describes seeing a set of television screen pictures, images, which are stored in his memory, which he communicates to the people in the room.
Joe Power has the power to draw information from the living vibrations of energy around the spirits at earthly levels. He communicates through an adjusted level of consciousness, acute attention mentally to higher, faster vibrations of energy.
An hour on stage was not enough. The venue needed to be smaller.. Too much space and energy was wasted in the large space. A smaller venue would have increased the vibrations of energy. I felt this energy waste put pressure on Joe Power to come up with the goods, in such short space time!
If he had more time in a more relaxed setting perhaps more spirits would come through. The readings that did come through were only partly accurate, possibly because of the energy waste in such a larger venue.
For those considering visiting a celebrity psychic medium, I say go with an open mind! It is possible that a one-to-one private session with Joe Power may be more descriptive and precise.
**** four stars
www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk
http://www.psychics.co.uk/sixthsense.html#sixthsense
http://www.psychics.co.uk/spiritualism/history_of_spiritualism.htm
http://www.psychics.co.uk/media-psychics.html
http://www.psychics.co.uk/psychictests/esp.html
http://www.psychics.co.uk/psychic.html#psychic
http://www.psychics.co.uk/auras.html#aurap://www.psychics.co.uk/mediums.htm#mediums
Hitler Alone ****
Venue 257 Interlingua, 29 Hanover Street
21-26 August TICKETS
Reviewed by David Kerr
This year seems to be the season for one-man-shows about monstrous dictators. Choose between Mussolini at the Hill Street Thratre and his protégé and successor Adolf Hitler at Venue 28.
The scene is set in the doomed fuehrer’s bunker a few hours before his death as the Red Army battles for control of Berlin. The simple stage in a tiny room draws out that bunker-like sense of claustrophobia. In front of a huge swastika banner, sits a single chair and a small table on which sits a framed picture of Hitler’s mother.
Paul Weston’s Hitler rants and raves, then calms down for a bit as he recalls some of his triumphs and disasters. At times, Weston’s Hitler comes across as vunerable and human; the rest of the time as the demonic monster of legend.
Webster’s intense performance is chillingly mesmerising and even at times sympathetic as the Great Dictator walks out the door to meet his final destiny.
**** four stars
Edinburgh Fringe 2010: SCOTTISH FOLK ROOTS AND OFFSHOOTS ****
DAVID FERRARD
23-30 August 18:30hrs
The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street TICKETS
David Ferrard spent
his youth travelling between Scotland and Pennsylvania where his mum comes
form. His music embraces both
sides of the Atlantic. He traces
many of those songs that began in Scotland and set down roots in North America,
particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. On most of this show, he accompanies
himself on an acoustic guitar, but he holds his notes well enough to sing two
ballads a capelo.
He learned one fine
son from a 93-year-old lady who has since died.. Wistfully entitled, Oh, I wish I was Single again, the song contrasts the hopes and dreams of a
courtship and a future marriage with the less pleasant realist.
Ferrard has a quiet
engaging style that allows him to win over reluctant audiences, most of whom
tend to sit well back in fear of being picked on to do something
embarrassing. In the space of an
hour the international audience in the intimate venue were cheerfully joining
in the choruses.
Much of the material, though sadly not Oh, I wish I was Single again, is on Ferrard’s new album, Across the Troubled Wave. If you can‘t make the show do get hold of this CD. You won’t be sorry.
**** four stars
ASSEMBLY @ GEORGE STREET 22:25hrs TICKETS
Irish singer Camille O’Sullivan has established herself as one of the regular fixtures of the Festival Fringe each year. No visit to the Fringe is complete without seeing her. She always draws a crowd of enthusiastic followers who lap up her scorching, distinctive spin on the works of such greats as Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Kurt Weil and my own special favourite, Leonard Cohen.
This year sees a change from her tried and tested Dark Angel show, but the best elements are still there; ‘Miaow’, interaction with the audience and a number of costume malfunctions. Camille takes to the stage quietly, dressed in a long black veil and carrying a candle. Then, pow! She lets rip with a series of emotional songs that tear your heart out. As the show proceeds she loses items of clothing and becomes tastefully dishevelled.
To borrow a phrase from the great Leonard Cohen, Ring the Bells. This woman has it all. She wrings every ounce of meaning and emotion from her songs. She’s sexy. She’s sassy. She’s incomparable and she always takes time to meet her audience after the show. Go and see her, or at least buy one of her albums. You won’t be sorry.
**** four stars.
Taking Liberties
The GRV Venue 274,
5-29 August 2010 (not 17 August) TICKETS
What’s funny? What has one person rolling on the floor holding his sides with riotous laughter will leave another person fuming. What can you laugh about? Are their any limit? Are jokes about the Pope or paedophiles funny? How about the prophets, Moses or Mohammed, or Jesus?
In this show Sanderson Jones tests out his notions of freedom of speech with some startling examples. It was too much for one member of the audience who walked out. Most folk loved the show and even joined in at times in some-quick back-and-forth banter.
Sanderson Jones is extremely funny but it’s not for the easily offended.
*** three stars
Baby wants Candy *****
17:35 hrs
Assembly @ assembly Hall Rainey Hall TICKETS
5 August – 30 August (not 23rd)
Have you a brilliant sure-fire idea for a top-notch musical comedy? Have you a title worked out? Well, now’s your chance to see your great idea on stage; for one night only.
The talented team from Baby Wants Candy specialises in improvised musical comedy. All the team need is a previously unused idea from the audience and tyey’re off! I wanted Fluffy Kittens Rule the World but I was beaten to the posu by an audience member behind me with, Help, I’ve Lost my German.
This young team are magnificent. They are so comfortable in one-another’s presence that the cast members pick-up quickly on the cues thrown their way. Now and then a cast member will bowl another a googly for fun just to see how they cope with it but nobody was ever left speechless.
This kind of spontaneity need to be well-orchestrated. Baby Wants Candy elevates the format pioneered by Whose Line is it Anyway? to new heights.
This show packed in the punters. It’s easy to see why? This is pure entertainment gold.
***** five stars
www.Twitter.com/BabyWantsCandy
Facebook Group: Baby wants Candy with Full Band.
Assembly @
Date 20-30 August
Time 15:45 TICKETS
Sectarianism isn’t just a problem in
On the day of an Old Firm match, Celtic fan Tim finds himself banged up in the same cell as Billy, who follows Rangers. The fast-paced script takes the pair through their initial hostility, fighting and point-scoring against one-another, to a realisation of some of the things they have in common.
This 85-minute play could easily have been a complacent smug middle class holier-than-thou, let’s-all-laugh-at-the stupid-sectarian-bigots artifice. The writer Des Dillon managed to avoid that pitfall,
Dillon’s script allowed people to laugh at some of the absurdities of their own attitudes and face the fact that in reaction to events, each of us have our own inner bigotries waiting for an opportunity to come out in all their ugliness.
Dillon also demonstrated that most of us also have our own inner decency and sense of empathy for individuals who face problems with which we can relate. Both Billy and Tim had small children and each of them was able to offer sympathy for the screw Harry and prayers for his dangerously ill grandson.
This message isn’t at all heavy-handed. The interaction between the cast members is sharp and above all that, the script it is very, very funny. You might want to think twice about bring your maiden aunt along, though. She might find some of the language offensive.
***** five stars
ALEISTER
A Passion for Evil TICKETS
****
C Central Venue 54,
6 – 28 Aug (not 22nd or 23rd) 16:15hrs TICKETS
Reviewed by David Kerr
Aleister Crowley was better know as the wickedest man in the world, the Great Beast but he saw himself as the greatest poet since Shelley and much more than a conjurer who pulled rabbits out of hats.
He had been brought up by his father as one of the Plymouth Brethren and delighted to hear his dad preach the Word of God each Sunday. This play suggests that he turned his back on these teachings when his father died when he was eleven. He was deeply and adversely affected by well-meaning Brethren who said ‘Praise the Lord’ as his dad was carried out of the house to sit on the Right Hand of God.
He decided to become the greatest sinner the world had known. Instead of serving God he made an art out of blasphemy. Instead of the Black Book – the Bible – he would write his own Book of Lore. Instead of unquestioning devotion to a god, he would espouse his own philosophy of self love, in the slogan ‘Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law’.
Was he really the Great Beast or just a charlatan with a flair for publicity? John Burns, the writer and star of this compelling production bring this colourful character to life but the question of whether the real
**** four stars
With Simon Wallace on piano
ASSEMBLY @
16 – 22 Aug TICKETS
Reviewed by David Kerr
Barb Jungr comes across as very chatty jolly lady; your best friend’s talented mum. This easygoing manner doesn’t apply when it comes to delivering her songs.
In this show Barb, accompanied by Simon Wallace on piano, has a wonderful knack of bringing new depths of meaning to songs you already love and think you know. Take the Monkees song, I’m a Believer. Barb’s interpretation wrings every syllable of pathos from what is normally just hum-along background wallpaper. It’s electrifying.
This pure, simple entertainment is a condensed version of her new album, The Men I Love. These songs cover the whole gamut of the reality love, hope, dashed expectations wit h covers of songs by Bruce Springsteen, Gram Parsons and the place where Barb goes for redemption, Leonard Cohen.
If you enjoy the show, and you’d have to have a heart of stone not to like it, you can get the chance to buy a CD afterwards.
**** four stars
Mussolini: a one-man political farce *****
RGR Productions
Venue 41
Hill Street Theatre
5 – 30 August TICKETS
Reviewed by David KERR
Ross Gurney-Randall portrays the former Fascist dictator of
In turn he is bombastic and vainglorious when he thinks that the Italian people are unworthy of his great genius; or he is full of self doubt as he cowers from Allied aircraft. AT times he comes across as an ineffective teacher of an especially rowdy class. He recalls his early lifte, his commendation as a socialist leader by Comrade Lenin and his transformation from socialist agitator to Fascist dictator.
This powerful one-man-show gets right inside Mussolini’s head. The humour is dark but not forced as the depressed Duce recollects significant events in his life; the March on Rome, the murder of socialist leader Matteoti, his son-in-law’s treachery which led to his removal from office and his arrest and imprisonment on the orders of the King,
Gurney-Randall brings to life his mixed feelings about being rescued on Hitler’s orders, his installation as head of state of the puppet Salo republic and how his hand was forced to have his son-in-law shot for his treachery. Regrets? He had a few as all his hopes and dreams came crashing down around him. This fine play tells all.
***** five stars
The Drum Show from
RHYTHM DRUM AND DANCE *****
7-22 August
Venue 150 EICC, Morrison Street TICKETS
Reviewed by David Kerr
Few shows at the Fringe are as likely to get an audience to its feet dancing, clapping and begging for more as Rhythm Drum and Dance, which bills itself with considerable understatement as ‘the drum show from Berlin’. It’s that all right, but it’s so much more besides
.
The action begins with a virtuoso solo performance on a standard rock band drum set before the drummer joins three others at a series of drums set up on a raised stage at the back.
So far, so good. After a few minutes this seems just like any other drum show, flawlessly played but nothing out of the ordinary. Then the dancers take to the stage and the performance takes off. These women are fit, in all senses of the term. They have to be, given the foot-perfect attention they give to their dancing, the quick cycle of costume changes and the seemingly effortless changes of pace and style.
Besides the four female dancers, two astonishingly athletic male hiphop dancers perform so rapidly that they appear to be constantly in the air. These talented lads gave the audience a few laughs as they competed with one-another and fought over a brush. The audience loved it.
These dancers are complemented by a versatile mixed couple of tapdancers who have dragged this genre out of the era of black and white movies and brought new life to the genre. Who would have thought it?
The rapid pace of style changes was enhanced by the lighting, the soundtrack and the sheer talent of the drummers who took the art of percussion to new heights. This is all down to the imagination of the choreographer and producer, Freddie Rust who has put together a terrific show from what might be thought of as incompatible styles.
Give your ears and eyes a treat and get down to Venue 150 at the EICC while there’s still time. You’ll not regret it.
***** five stars
WORLD PREMIERE
VIRTUALLY_REAL
Assembly Rooms, (Wildman Room),
9th to 30th August 2010 @ 1.15pm, (no show 24th August), £8.00 - £10.00 TICKETS
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
My head was spinning from this one from Roundhouse Theatre Company! There were too many characters, who all meet in cyberspace!
Sometimes a large cast does not focus enough on any one particular character. The script was too confusing, jumping back and forth to past and present tense.
The more interesting scenes were theatrical, where the characters had one-to-one banter about combat stress, mourning a loved one, or a phantom hacker. Those scenes were even comical at times. Philip Osment, did well with those lines, which were what was best about Virtually-Real.
It would benefit more theatre and less silliness with cyber-druids and avatars! These ought to have stayed in the background as physical dance only, with fewer lines As it stood, it was too silly and confusing.
** two stars
PRIVATE PEACEFUL
***
9th – 14th at 11.35am (1 hour 10 mins), £6.00 (£6.50)
Augustine’s (Venue 152)
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Beacon Theatre Group performs Private Peaceful, by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Simon Reade. The cast consists of a large group of children.
The heart of the story is about two brothers who grew up together, who both fought together in the First World War. It is an emotional rollercoaster at times. Its heart-churning, tear-jerking tales are too heavy for small children.
The children’s acting was outstanding. However, I thought the script should have been for the children, about children. I do not like children acting as adults, it just doesn’t work. The script was too grown up for them.
Claw back the script please! Concentrate on roles for children, as children of war, with fewer characters.
*** three stars
WORLD PREMIERE
FLAWLESS – CHASE THE DREAM
Underbelly’s Pasture,
Aug 5 – 6, 7 – 8, 11 – 12, 17 – 19, 23 – 26, 30 @ 15.45 (1 hour) £13.50
(£12.50)
Aug 9 – 10, 13 – 15, 20, 27 @ 15.45 (1 hour) £15.00 (£13.50) TICKETS
Aug 21 – 22, 28 29 @ 15.45 (1 hour) £16.50 (£15.00)
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Flawless arrived in Edinburgh to a jam-packed audience who eagerly awaited their appearance on stage.
The atmosphere was tense awaiting their arrival! Most knew of Flawless from the 2009
On a large screen young people appeared, laughing as they discuss backstage scenes.! I was a bit baffled at how this fitted in though!
Flawless took to the stage, and the crowd went ballistic! Many intricate fast-moving street dance scenes followed, all with a different themes, with a furious variety of movement and rhythm.
Props were minimal throughout; a few chairs, batons etc. I particularly liked the use of a newspaper stand, with the words “Flawless hits
The costumes could have been more spectacular. The suits and street wear could have been better designed, with more detail and possibly Velcro to allow for quick costume changes.
One scene popular with the younger audience involved the cartoon characters Marvel v Spiderman. For me, the highlight of the show was the Michael Jackson moment When the audience wore the white gloves, it felt magical; I will not give the rest away, as you will just have to go see the show.
Overall, this was a thoroughly outstanding performance from Flawless! I just felt that there needed to be some tweaking. They could have done well enough without the big screen comments. A handout would have done the same job. The screen could have been used, perhaps to stage a dance-off between the team and a live audience from the
They also missed out on a opportunity to sell souvenirs to their adoring fans.
***** five stars
http://www.myspace.com/flawlessmoves
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flawless_(dance_group)
http://talent.itv.com/2009/finalists/finalist-detail/item_400005.html
http://www.streetdancers.co.uk/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/street-dance-moves-for-beginners.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/thriller-dance-step-by-step.html
WORLD PREMIERE
ATTEMPTS
THE VAULT, 11 Merchant Street, Edinburgh
9th – 15th August 2010 @ 13.25, (1 hour) £4.00
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Bizarre, Odd, Futuristic! All of those words spring to mind with this creative production. In this physical theatre, masked cyber female characters act oddly. They say very little, which was ideal really. Too many words would have spoiled the effect.
if you have the time to visit a bunch of oddballs from the cyber world. I recommend this striking visual performance.
*** three stars
WORLD PREMIERE
FIRING BLANKS ****
Written and directed by Tom Spencer
Underbelly, Cowgate, 56 Cowgate,
Aug 7-8, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 @ 15.35 (45min) £8.00 TICKETS
Aug 9-10, 13-15, 20-21, 27-29 @ 15.35 (45) £9.00
Aug 16 -17, 23 – 24 @ 15.35 (45 min) £6.50
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Men tend not to speak about the subject of male infertility with their partners, or their friends, perhaps out of fear, embarrassment, or ridicule. Some may avoid the issue choosing instead to banter about football over a pint of lager.
I was curious as to how this story would be told. The script is first class as it tackles this taboo subject head on. The banter and dialogue between an older man and a younger woman is excellent. It's refreshing how one feels better when speaking to a stranger about one's problems.
The two characters have no romantic involvement, just the basics of a good friendship. Holly Beasley-Garrigan, as Kate, is pretty, with a lovely smile; which helps ease the pain for Richard. Robin McLoughlin, as Richard, seemed wooden. I didn’t think he was right for this role. He needed to be more comical, inject more comedy into the role, loosen up, have a laugh and let it all go. He seemed too stern, angry, anxious, annoyed; all feelings anyone would feel at being infertile. However those feelings were inappropriate for the Fringe. He was far too serious. Comedy helps to tease pain. Laughter is therapeutic! It is always better to laugh at ones problems, than to dwell or cry.
Perhaps the Director Tom Spencer was hoping to raise awareness about male infertility. This play still has potential, though. I could see this first class script turned into a television show with a different male lead, though!
Anyone looking for more information on this subject matter please check out following links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Male_infertility
www.womens-health.co.uk/infertility7.asp
http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/837147-rise-in-male-infertility-linked-to-plastic-food-and-drink-cartons
http://www.malefertility.co.uk/statistics.html
Oh What a Lovely War on Terror
C Central venue 54' Calton Hotel, North Bridge
16:55hrs (60 minutes) TICKETS
Reviewed by David Kerr
The original Oh What a Lovely War satirised the attitudes that led to the disastrous waste of lives that epitomised the Great War. This rapid series of improvised sketches and songs seeks to do the same for the post- 9-11 era; the War on Terror, or since Obama entered the White House the ‘ongoing overseas contingency operation’; in
In this task it largely succeeds as the versatile cast wend their way through the tangled web of circumstances that brought us to the present situation in
McCarthy got his Blair down to a T, especially the facial expressions. Fellow cast member Eamon Murphy managed to pull off convincing impressions of both George W Bush and Barack Obama.
This production doesn’t need to try too hard to find farce in the series of events that brought American and British troops and private contractors to the Afghan morass> The situation is farcical enough on its own. Nonetheless the script’s amusing and thought-provoking.
**** four stars
WORLD PREMIERE
I, ELIZABETH *****
Assembly @ George Street, Wildman Room, 5th to 30th August 2010, (not 16th & 24th)
@ 11.50am, finish @ 13.00 TICKETS
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Any actress portraying Elizabeth I would have to have a strong presence with bold red hair. Rebecca Vaughan delivers.
The great queen reigned from 1558 until her death in 1603. This production is based on the time when she was at her peak.
The simple but effective set consists only of a chair, desk, a few small props, Nothing else was needed.
The costume worn by Rebecca Vaughan is extremely beautiful. Designed and made by Kate Flanaghan, a graduate from the Central School of Speech and Drama in 2007. The red in the costume is bold, vivid and extremely delightful.
Rebecca, delivers a strong, powerful, charismatic performance, she scripted herself. Her facial expressions add to her delivery in scenes of anger, rage, prudent, careful, decisive, curious, mistrusting, as well as scenes of her being soft and thoughtful!
Her piercing eyes captivated the audience, engaging them with her strong presence/ They were acknowledged by the great queen and drawn into her dry, subtle and starkly humorous banter. I enjoyed watching the audience glaring at Elizabeth I, in return the queen glaring back to her audience,. It was very captivating.
Director Guy Masterson, Director, has done well delivering a production which within 70 minutes, takes you through tales of Huguenots; Protestantism spread France; Mary Queen of Scots; Henry VIII; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; François, Duke of Anjou; William Cecil, Nicholas Throckmorton; Philip II of Spain; Archduke Charles of Austria; Henri, Duke of Anjou.
One explosive, heated scene gripped the audience. Everone in the room shook with fear as the queen read a document from the House of Commons which threatened to withhold funds until she agreed to provide for the succession, marry and provide an heir. Elizabeth I explodes with raged and anger!
This fine production has been created from adaptations of historical speeches, letters, poems and prayers from Elizabeth I. The well-written script is true to the original story. Rebecca Vaughan, in role as Elizabeth I has delivered a performance worthy of an Academy Award Oscar.
***** five stars
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England
http://gale.cengage.co.uk/state-papers-online-15091714/part-i.aspx
http://gale.cengage.co.uk/state-papers-online-15091714/part-ii.aspx
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P9129
http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Elizabeth_I.htm
Edinburgh Fringe;
NEXT! *****
August 14, 2010 at 6:49 am · Filed under Drama, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Interviews ·Tagged actress, auditions, Edinburgh Fringe, Kiki Kendrick comedy, Liberated Theatre
WORLD PREMIERE
NEXT
Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Baillie Room, 7th – 30th August 2010, at
12.00 (midday) Tickets
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
?????
NEXT? This production should have been The Kiki Kendrick Show! Kiki is the NEXT big thing in comedy!
This would be an apt and well-deserved accreditation for a strong woman with lots of character; a loveable actress with guts, determination and nerves of steel for surviving so many dodgy and countless auditions!
I couldn’t help wondering why this production was named as theatre in the Fringe brochure; this hilarious one-woman show is definitely the best comedy show in town! I laughed, laughed and laughed so much my sides ached! The audience laughed to her every line and were eager to see more and hear more from her!
This talented actress and writer has taken her gift of insight to recount the highs and lows and many pitfalls that come with being an actress. One actress creates a cast of 20 characters’ real-life auditions.
I had a vision! Kiki on Broadway in The Kiki Kendrick Show! Not impossible She has what it takes to be a huge star in America and United Kingdom, with her own television show. How about, The Kiki Kendrick Show – The Next Big Thing?
I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of all those directors applying for an audition for The Kiki Kendrick Show. Kiki would have the last laugh passing them over by saying NEXT! There would be a long list of directors making guest slots on her show. That would be comical!
With its well-written script, perfect timing and presentation, this hidden gem is thoroughly recommended. It deserves an award for excellence!
????? five stars
JACQUELINE SHARP IN CONVERSATION WITH KIKI KENDRICK, PROFESSIONAL ACTRESS – NEXT! DEATH BY AUDITION @ EDINBURGH FRINGE 2010 – WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION BY LIBERATED THEATRE
Q Hi Kiki! Congratulations, I loved your show, I laughed and laughed endlessly, you are extremely comical. The audience also laughed just as much as me, well done!
A Laughs! Laughter is so important in an audience, when there is one lead laugher the others follow.
Q Your show should be jam packed full, you have the best comedy at Fringe this year, and what do you think about that?
A It is harder to get an audience during the day; however, there is still time for everyone to know Kiki Kendrick is here!
Q Why was the production headed up in the Fringe brochure as theatre? Shouldn’t it have been comedy?
A Next is a play, storytelling! Perhaps I hadn’t realised how comical the show would come across. I had thought that serious fringegoers would go for serious comedy.
Q Who are team Next then?
A I am the performer, in this one-woman show. I also wrote the script. James Barry, (Director), Anjali Kale, (Production Design), Set Designer, (Kate Klinger), Asst Manager, (Nicola Roodt), Production Asst, (Olivia Ward), Photographer, (Julian Hanford), Fiona Tanner, (hair/make up).
Q Kiki, you wrote the script, which was well written, where did you get your ideas for Next?
A I had a string of some real bad auditions for two years, which threw me a bit. So in 2007 I came up with the idea of writing Next; a one woman show about an actress, the experiences of bad auditions. I suppose I wanted to turn negatives into a positive!
The script for Next has changed and evolved many times. Even now I get ideas all the time and incorporate them into my show, fresh ideas all time.
Q Was this therapy for you then?
A Laughs! Everyone asks me that. It was more a case of a wakeup call, a release, making my own path, finding my own way!
Q In one line Kiki, how does it feel for an actress going to auditions?
A Laughs! I have heard the auditions are much kinder in the United States; they don’t mess around over there, if they don’t want you they just say next straight up, without wasting actress time, without even doing an audition. I have never been for an audition in the United States; this is just what I have heard.
Here in the United Kingdom, it is much harder; I found the better the job the less you have to do at an audition. The crap jobs, they make you jump through hoops, work much harder and even get called back for recalls.
Q Are you going on tour with Next then?
A I am open to offers!
Q What about your own television show?
A I am open to offers!
Q Any books in the pipeline?
A Laughs! Bring it on! It is all about me, me, and me, Kiki Kendrick!
Q You are a professional actress, so what productions have you been involved with then?
A My television CV;
The Office, Cold Feet, Fat Friends, 2 Pints of Lager and a Packet Crisps, Night & Day, Waterloo Road, Casualty and Doctors.
My film CV;
9 Lives of Tomas Katz, Do I love You, and Phobias.
My Theatre CV;
Fly Me To The Moon, Reunion, I Want That Hair, My Beautiful Laundrette, Waiting For Hillsborough, Crime and Punishment, Lip Service, Mutton, 5065 Lift’s Insane Jane, Too & Close For Comfort, Babooshka, The Woman who Cooked her Husband
NEXT THING YOU KNOW ***
By Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham
C Venue 34, Adam House, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 4th to 30th August, (not 16th) @ 17.35pm (1 hour 05 mins) £8.50 - £10.50
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
A tale of how the characters juggle with romantic love and a career!
One part of a couple, gets tired sitting around waiting for the passion to evolve, they jump ship to sample the murky waters of dating. The next thing you know, the other half of the couple picks himself up from the floor, to see the career go down the pan.
One minute you have it all, the next thing you know the person who should have been the most important has fled to fly their wings.
This is an entertaining script with bouncy, fresh material. I loved the dynamics between the four characters, (two male and two female as the story unfolds of people chasing dreams, careers, and an interesting story where relationships flourish or flounder. There's no room for boredom here
You will not be disappointed by this worthwhile production from Sell a Door Theatre Company.
*** Three stars
WORLD PREMIERE
ANOTHER SOMEONE ***
Presented by RashDash
Bedlam Theatre, (Venue 49), 6 – 28th August (not 8, 15, 22) @ 9.00pm (1 hour), £8.00
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Total fantasy for an hour!
This production should leave you feeling good and in a happy place! It's lighthearted fun, with lots of floaty physical dance to put you in a good mood.
The keyboards thrash out dreamy, catchy, and quirky music by composer and commentator, Becky Wilkie.
The dancing is physical theatrical at its bets; really bouncy and colourful dancing, ending in a joyousl blast of musical instruments
This has to be an excellent production, for discovering your inner happiness.
*** three stars
WORLD PREMIERE
WHEN IN ROME ****
Cambridge Fools
The Spaces @ Surgeons Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, 9 – 14, 16 – 21
@ 19.10 hours, 23 – 28 August @ 18.10 hours – (1 hour 10 min)
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Fun, jam packed performance, you will be laughing endlessly!
If you are looking for camp humour, you will enjoy the stage setting and costumes of ancient Rome, with modern day humour and 90’s pop music.
The songs are entertaining, dancing amusing, script eventful.I really enjoyed When in Rome, this production, it is a bundle of laughs.
**** four stars
WORLD PREMIERE
DUSK ON THE RIVER NILE ***
Zoo Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh
8 – 21 Aug 14.45 (50 mins), £7.00
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
An incredible adaptation from the ancient Isis and Osiris myth.
Excellent script, I enjoyed the flow, an interesting story by the
performers.
The dancing, physical theatre is both strong and powerful, with good
choreography, you will not be bored!
I really enjoyed this production, very entertaining and inspiring to
see young performers do such a fantastic job.
*** three stars
EMMA THOMPSON presents:
FAIR TRADE *****
Shatterbox Theatre Company
Pleasance King Dome (Venue no 23), Bristo Square, Edinburgh
4th August to 30th August 2010 @ 3.30pm (1 hour)
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Fair Trade is a true tale; the accounts of how two women came from abroad to the United Kingdom, with false impressions of how life would be for them.
In the production, the women have been given false names to protect their identity. The two women, Elena (Anna Holbek) and Samai (Sarah Amankwah), left behind family in poor hometowns, hoping to make something of their lives in Britain. However, as the story unfolds nothing could have been further from the truth, as a rather bleak journey emerges.
The two vulnerable women were tricked into coming to Britain and forced to work as prostitutes, not by choice! For them coming to Britain had been a fate worse than death, their dreams of a better life were totally shattered.
Most people would agree being forced into prostitution by entrapment and slavery is no life at all, at the brutal mercy of those running sex trafficking industries.
Fair Trade goes much further, than visual performance; it makes you think about why the problems of sex trafficking, human trafficking are there in the first place.
Perhaps more could be done educating people from abroad not to come here in the first place, as there are no perils of life in Britain, what needs explained is it is a rough ride, not bed of roses.
People from abroad have little or no access to government benefits. It is not easy, finding somewhere to stay and pay rent. Finding a job is difficult, and keeping a job even more difficult.
Poorer countries abroad should be helped to be self sufficient, back to grassroots, to help people sustain employment in their own countries, through self employment, start up grants etc, education.
The British government could perhaps send a task force abroad educating people not to come to Britain, as all is not what it seems, raising awareness of sex trafficking, human trafficking.
Fair Trade highlights sex traffickers, the vultures who are ready to pounce on their prey, offering false employment, places to stay, luring the vulnerable with false hopes, only to have shattered dreams.
One line stands out for me from Fair Trade, as Elena (Anna Holbek) describes how her dreams had been shattered. She says, “I dreamed of seeing Trafalgar Square, but not like this! This says it all!
The theatre is full, a jam packed audience, quite a lot of women! I couldn’t help thinking about how they may feel, when the choice to have sex with whom they choose be taken away from them, by force and brutality.
From the faces of the women in the audience, they probably felt this was gut-wrenching stuff to watch, as it highlighted the true personal stories of those trapped against their will in the sex trafficking industry.
Fair Trade is an outstanding production with brilliant acting and an outstanding
script, with excellent props.
Applause should go to Anna Holbek and Emma Thompson, (Academy Award-winning actress). Both Executive Producers have triumphed, with this outstanding production. I recommend Fair Trade for an Edinburgh Fringe 2010 award.
www.helenbamber.org
www.stopthetraffik.org
www.atalliance.org.uk
www.unseenuk.org
www.shatterbox.co.uk
JACQUELINE SHARP IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNA HOLBEK, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
SHATTERBOX THEATRE COMPANY
Q Who wrote the script?
A Fair Trade was written by Shatterbox Theatre Company founders Anna
Holbek and Shelley Davenport with Kate Ferguson.
Q Who was the Director?
A Lotte Waterman, directed over an eight-month process of workshops,
interviews and research.
Q How did you meet Elena and Samai, the women this true story is based
upon?
A We were introduced to them by the Helen Bamber Foundation.
Q Emma Thompson is not in the production, what role does she have?
A Emma volunteered to be executive producer for Shatterbox. She is
also Chair of the Helen Bamber Foundation, which raises awareness about
human trafficking all over the world.
Q Is this a World Premiere for this year’s Fringe then?
A We had a trial run with Fair Trade at the Pleasance, Islington in
February 2009; the public could not believe this was happening in real
life! We were not ready to come to Edinburgh Fringe in 2009. The
production for this year’s fringe is our world premiere, as it is a
different story.
Q Why would you say your production tells a better story about sex
trafficking compared to others, at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe?
A Our production is well researched, is a true story based on two
women’s real life accounts, they did not leave anything out when we
interviewed them, we are also a professional theatre company and last
but not least a fabulous team who work well together.
Q Do you plan to make Fair Trade into be a movie then, any offers on
the table?
A We have been approached by a few people, watch this space!
Q So will Fair Trade be going on tour then?
A It is extremely expensive to tour; we have been lucky and extremely
grateful to Emma Thompson who supported us to come to the Edinburgh
Fringe. However, it is hugely expensive to tour; we are open to any
offers of help. Feel free to contact our press and marketing manager,
Will for more information, will.wood@multitudemedia.co.uk. More
information can also be obtained from our website at
www.shatterbox.co.uk
***** five stars
VIRTUOUS FLOCK ***
by Billy Barrett
C Venues, C Soco, Venue 348, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
T
4 – 21 August 2010 @ 1.20pm (50 mins)
£7.50 - £9.50
book tickets
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
On a lazy afternoon what could be more exciting than a A dark tale of gothic gore?
This tale certainly lived up to its promise with dark comedy and gothic gore at its best, inspired by Le Theatre du Grand-Guignol and the Victorian weekly serial booklets known as “Penny Dreadfuls”.
As the tale unfolds into the murder of three women this story is not for the faint hearted, with buckets of gore and blood, murder, nuns, Catholicism, coffins, graveyards, barons, servants, a wife, and a songstress mistress who sings gothic opera in a bath!
Revenge is the moral of this gory tale presented by N10 Productions, formed by producer/director Lauren Overs, from Muswell Hill, London.
The talented young cast are extremely convincing in their roles. They engaged very well with a very receptive audience, who seemed to laugh continuously at the dark humour, and enjoy the musical scores and the dark gruesome lyrics! I actually thought I was there in real time!
Very entertaining overall! Those who go to see this production should take a macabre sense of humour with them as some scenes are very grotesque, although they are not meant to be offensive!
I recommend this production for those who do not get shocked or offended by gore, blood and the grotesque.
*** three stars
Venue The ZooEvent Website www.devilinthedeck.com
Date 9-15 August
Time 22:50
Duration 1 hour
Suitability 12+
REVIEWED BY PATRICK HARRINGTON
“Acclaimed magician Paul Nathan's outrageous tales of Love, Magic, and Adventure. Accompanied by John Anaya's stylish and moving music, "Devil" is an elegant blend of stories, music, and enthralling close-up magic.”
Ever get the feeling you've been 'Swindled'?
Enter Jack Swindle, con man, card shark, Southern gentleman, lover and cursed from an early age by a gypsy fortune teller.
Share an engaging evening with Swindle (played by the mesmerising Paul Nathan and accompanied by irresistible guitar slinging bad boy, John Anaya) and get lost in a magical adventure.
Jack spends his days and nights as a card shark playing unsuspecting marks and cheating death in an attempt to break a dreaded gypsy curse. Nathan mesmerises the audience while he spins a tale of love, larks and losses, living up to every fascinating minute with this most savoury of shows.
Devilish Paul Nathan will thrill you with his sleight of hand and his remarkable card tricks. Anaya, his rascally side kick, draws you in with his guitar pickins and gravelly boom bassin’ voice all the way down to dem der bones. Together they are an extraordinary team and this show is well worth your time.
For more of John Anaya's music; check out Cabaret Politico: http://cabaretpolitico.com/
Be sure to catch Devil in the Deck at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you do not get a chance this year to catch them, look out for them next year.
This is NOT to be missed!
**** FOUR STARS
WORLD PREMIERE
SO, SINATRA? *****
Sweet Grassmarket Venue 18
August 5th – 15th @ 3.55pm
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
My curiosity got better of me; I had to see this production about Frank Sinatra; perhaps to see if anything new could be said about the man.
This famous singer had a much publicised personal and professional life on the television, radio and the media. Even after his death his songs and films are well known.
This one man show lasts forty five minutes, mostly commentary from Martin Oldfield in role as (Nick Sevano). There are some enjoyable photos, clippings and film reels to watch in the background, but the screen could have been much bigger to allow the audience to get a better look.
After the show, I spoke with Martin Oldfield to find out more. The conversation went something like this!
JACQUELINE SHARP IN CONVERSATION WITH MARTIN OLDFIELD, ACTOR – SO, SINATRA? – EDINBURGH FRINGE 2010
Q Have you been to the Edinburgh Fringe before?
A Yes, I had previously been at fringe as an actor in Albert Pierrepoint, by Peter Harrison.
Q So you are working with writer Peter Harrison once more, where is David Beddy Director then is he up here for the fringe?
A He is busy with the production Albert Pierrepoint which will be showcased in Leicester Square, London soon.
Q Throughout the production you refer to the FBI files quite a bit, even showing them on set, had the entirety of the production been based on those files?
A Mostly, but not entirely, Peter Harrison had widely researched various autobiographies.
Q Why was this a one man show?
A We would have liked to have had a handful of actors with us, that was
the original intention, but it proved too costly, it had to be rewritten for the fringe, making it a one man show, same as Pierrepoint.
Q Have you acted elsewhere then?
A Yes, I have been an actor on Casualty, Emmerdale, Coronation Street,
Secret Diaries, Anne Lister, and Accused, (writer of The Street).
Q So have you enjoyed your role as Nick Sevano?
A Yes I have exaggerated his accent to be more like a gangster, flamboyant character. Frank Sinatra is an interesting flawed character, one of the greatest
Q I thought I had heard it all about Frank, but your production gave away some news about his mum I had not heard before
A Yes, his mother was heavily involved with Marty O’Brian’s, at a time where access to alcohol was through the back door and the other stuff about her in the play had widely been reported about.
Q You refer quite a lot in the play to Frank only having two people. Could you elaborate on this?
A Well he did only have two people who he heavily relied upon, the closest to him, who were his wife Nancy and Nick Sevano.
Q I was a bit disappointed that there was no singing of Frank’s famous songs why was that?
A I can sing but would not have done the songs any justice, the production was not about his songs more about his personal life.
Q If I were to put my director’s hat on I would have got you to move around stage much more, engage more with the audience, be more expressive and dynamic in your role and act out the gangster to the tee, what would you say to that?
A Laughs! Well I had been restricted by the lighting so I could not move around much.
Q So why did you keep same pitch and tone of your New York brawl of an
accent then?
A Laughs again! In role, as Nick, I had hoped to be the exaggerated flamboyant gangster.
Q Lastly, since you say you had not met Nick Sevano, would it be fair to say you had freedom to interpret your own style of how the character Nick should be on stage?
A. You’ve got me thinking now! You have given me a few ideas. Tomorrow’s show might be a different show now!
***** fivw stars
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sinatra
http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/sinatra.htm
http://www.paperlessarchives.com/sinatra.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sinatra-You-Though-Knew-Him/dp/1561718955
http://www.americanmafia.com/Feature_Articles_304.html
www.underbelly.co.uk
@ E4 COWBARN, UNDERBELLY
5th – 30th August (not 17th) @22.35 finish 23.50
Tickets £11.00 - £14.00
LOVELACE: A ROCK MUSICAL *****
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
Lovelace: A Rock Musical describes an era of time during the 1970’s
when erotic porn was considered chic:a great story to tell!
Deep Throat, triple-x-rated film brought the world to a standstill when it was released to the World Theater in New York City in 1972! Erotic porn in the seventies was cool and chic with many celebrities of the day, who attended the screening of Deep Throat. Masses of the public felt liberated in the seventies, and the film was enjoyed as sex chic!
Lovelace: the rock musical will raise a few eyebrows with many Edinburgh Fringe goers but they won’t be disappointed!
For the Linda Lovelaces of today sex should not be dirty, nor shameful, so hands up to Roz Bernstein Productions/William Morris Endeavor Entertainment for bringing this musical to the fringe for 2010.
Many tabloids of today do however enjoy sexualising or sensationalising women and sex, labelling women into roles as prostitutes, hookers, etc, creating salacious stories to sell their tabloids! This is why this musical is important as it explains the historical aspects of a time when the public accepted sex and enjoyed the sexual revolution.
The strengths of this musical are it portrays Linda Lovelace, as an ordinary person; a wife and mother. Katrina Lenk, has won Stage Scene LA awards for her portrayal as Linda, who was an ordinary person, and even more of an extra ordinary person!
My only criticism of the musical was that it did overplay her as a victim a bit too much! Linda has given numerous interviews and claims she did enjoy the sex and had fun, then later contradicted herself on many occasions, portraying herself as the victim of fear and violence, forced into prostitution and hardcore porn.
There are always two sides of the story, her husband Chuck Traynor, (Jimmy Swan) is part of that story. The musical makes him out to be the bad guy all of the time! However, it may be best to keep an open mind.
Overall for those who want to know more about her personal life will not be disappointed as it is a whirlwind of 90 minutes of Linda Lovelace, without the hardcore!
As for the songs, they are very catchy rock/pop anthems musical scores by Anna
Waronker and Charlotte Caffey (former band members of the Go Go’s and
That Dog) combined with awesome lyrics by Jeffery Leonard. You will be humming and tapping your feet along with the beat most all of the time to a rock musical in the style of Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar!
Director Ken Sawyer has brought to the Fringe an incredible production worthy of a Fringe Award!
www.deep-throat.org
lovelacerockmusical.com
***** five stars
Who is Jacqueline Sharp?
DJMUSICJAC – EDINBURGH FRINGE 2010 PRESS ACCREDITED REVIEWER & DJ
DJ & EURO MUSIC REVIEWER - ITALODISCO, HIGH ENERGY, EUROBEAT,
ITALODANCE, EURODISCO, EURODANCE, ITALOENERGY, EUROPOP, J-POP, K-POP, C-POP, BULGARIAN POP, TURKISH POP, TURBO FOLK, ITALOTRANCE, EUROTRANCE, EUROTECHNO, EUROHOUSE, HARDTEK, ELECTRO
http://www.youtube.com/user/djmusicjac
About Me:
I love european music! The rest of the World follows sounds of Europe! I love doing film reviews, edinburgh fringe festival reviews/interviews
CREATOR OF PLAYLISTS - Virtual DJ
The music I review is European, the best sounds come from Europe! I like to review Eurodance, Italodance, Italodisco, High Energy, Eurodisco, Italoenergy, Electro Dark Dance, Electro Dark Bass, Technodisco, Techno, Trance, House, Electro, Electro Dark, Electro Speedcore, Electro Hardcore, Electro Hardstyle, Electro Frenchcore,
Japanese Pop, Korean Pop, Turbo Folk, Bulgarian Pop, Serbian Pop, Kurdish Pop
My hobbies are writing, reviewing & interviewing of music, drama, theatre, cabaret, dance, film. I turn up at Edinburgh Fringe each year to scout out talent for my reviews/interviews which get published with http://countercultureuk.com/posts/ AND
http://www.thecarrick.biz/kerrscorner
I aspire to be chief executive of a record company one day, maybe polymarchs mexico would be nice, or klone records, loading bay records, or zyx records, sony bmg, would be nice
Music Inspirations:
Arnulfo Valles, Dj Juan Malagon, Alexander GC, DL Late, Brayan Master Mix, Alexandrick, Producers Mexico, DJ Lover, Igor Sorokin, Dieter Bohlen, Modern Talking, Discobonus, Blue System, Dj Tiesto; Dj Gigi D'Agostino; Dj Gabry Ponte; Dj Armin Van Buuren; Costi Ionita; Patrick Miller; Polymarchs Mexico; Azis; Andrea; Sahara; Nachtmahr; Floxytek; Osmik; Murtez; Lasgo; Fragma; Cascada; Sylver; Ian Van Dahl; Dr Alban; Das Ich; Goethes Erben; Silizium; VNV Nation; Schwarzes; Mundot; Lovid; Headhunterz; D-Block & Stefan; Tony Barrera; Andrea; Sahara; Dr Alban; Dj Aligator; Modern Talking; Sonik Project
http://www.youtube.com/user/djmusicjac
