Overview of the Launch Party at Space Triplex Venue
at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Thanks to The Space at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for inviting me to watch a sample of what you have on. The event lasted 50 minutes with 10 excerpts of theatre being performed from dance, drama, comedy, musical and opera; from the humorous to the dramatic to the magical to the chilling, including true crime, there is something for everyone by performers across the globe. They have more than this, so do look them up. I was at the Space Triplex Venue, but this is only one of their venues. You will see The Space and the number on many signs around Edinburgh and in your physical and online brochures. They use Space Triplex, The Surgeon’s Hall museum, The Blu Raddisson Hotel and more around The Royal Mile, North Bridge and more… I have the synopsis of what the shows are about and then my short review and links to each show. There are debut and more established performers, including someone from Outlander, find out who in my last review.
What I saw samples of in order I saw them:
The Rodeo Burned Down
Synopsis
The rodeo is the best place in the world. Why would anybody burn it down? Anyone would be lucky to work there, especially Dale, who’s totally perfectly content with being a rodeo clown. He wouldn’t do a thing like that. Unfortunately, rodeos don’t burn down on their own. More unfortunately, everything is expensive: becoming a cowboy, finding the culprit, and even keeping the lights on. This alleged tale of arson fractures into the story of two clowns desperately trying to afford to put on a show. After all, we don’t have money to burn.
Review
The sample I saw had the actors bursting onto the stage in clownish rodeo style costumes with Dolly Parton’s iconic song – 9 to 5 playing. It set the scene full of great, energetic vibe and fast gets you in the mood for a great time.
The actors looked like they were having fun and carried the audience with them into their clowning around and dance, that all cleverly tells a story. The storytelling was easy to follow and it was all good fun. From a few moments of them on stage, I would recommend it, based on what I saw.
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/and-then-the-rodeo-burned-down
Too Big For Her Breeches
Synopsis
A hilarious and heartbreaking dark comedy driven by 20 characters and 11 original songs, in which the heroine, Luna, endeavours to disentangle herself from bad decisions and an overbearing, narcissistic mother. A compelling rollercoaster of emotions, Too Big for Her Britches will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost, unimportant, or disregarded. A one-woman solo musical that answers the question: what happens when we stop hoping for the storybook ending by honouring our father and mother at all costs, and instead make the courageous decision to honour ourselves?
Review
From the outset of the sample I saw, it was clear that this was going to be rather dark musical theatre, although there was quite a bit of spoken word, from what this audience were treated to. We saw Lisa Pezic play a couple of characters with power and strength, singing and talking about feeling shame, with a little comedic twist at one point. Her voice was rather good as she got across this point of shame and body consciousness and what her mother thinks of her. It certainly makes a point.
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/too-big-for-her-britches
Macbeth By The Sea
Synopsis
The Macbeths have killed King Duncan and taken over his kingdom. Now it’s time to party – except for Banquo’s battered spirit showing up and ruining everything. Lady Macbeth is worried her husband’s guilty hallucinations will doom their tenure as royalty. She orders they go away for the weekend at a seaside resort to get their heads on straight. Try as they might to loose the shackles of their evil deeds with couples massages, karaoke, and vacation friends – a certain trio of witches aren’t far behind.
Review
Macbeth as you’ve never seen it before. I have been invited to review the entire show, so do look out for that. From the sample I saw, it is physical theatre that is quirky with quick quips and is rather jokey. There was a lot to do with rice pudding, that may stick in your mind for some time after, or perhaps that’s because this was 1 scene out of many that they chose to show. It is billed as absurdist comedy and it certainly strays far from a traditional Macbeth, but at the same time, I would say you have to know at least a rudimental amount of Macbeth to understand the in-jokes and what is being made fun of. From the extract, it appeared wittily clever, but time will tell, when I see the entire show. For something very different, from the sample, I recommend it, especially if you’ve seen Macbeth so many times, you are in the mood for a quirky take on Shakespeare’s Scottish play. I recommend giving it a go.
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/macbeth-by-the-sea
After the Plane Has Landed
Synopsis
Brand-new original musical drama comedy based on the true stories of Jill Morrell and John McCarthy. His five years held hostage in Lebanon. Her tireless campaign for his release. Events unfolding beyond their fairy-tale reunion under a very public spotlight. Feedback from June previews: ‘Delightful metatheatrical production’ * (WeLoveBrum.co.uk). ‘Inventive and exciting musical’ (David Edgar, playwright). ‘Compellingly dramatic with a touch of musical courage’ **** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). ‘The lyrics are sophisticated and witty’ **** (BumOnASeat.wordpress.com). ‘A war-torn love story with mass appeal’ **** (CurtainCallReviews.co.uk). ‘One cracker of a show’ **** (BromsgroveStandard.co.uk).
Review
It’s a two-hander musical. The woman playing Jill Morrell has the stronger voice when singing and from the sample I watched, perhaps the more intriguing part of the story. Her songs bring thoughtfulness and inquisitiveness. The part I saw explored what John McCarthy and Jill Morrell did when they were apart from each other. There was the sense of him, perhaps protecting her and perhaps even himself, by not wanting to talk about his experiences. Some of the lyrics are surprisingly humorous in the way it is conveyed and I suspect in other parts of the musical it may have darker elements, but this was very good. It really conveyed what she tirelessly fought for and goes at a great pace that is attention holding. It clearly tells an interesting story and it is great it tells Jill’s story from her point of view too and this is what helps make it interesting and powerfully acknowledging and thought provoking. I recommend giving it a try
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/after-this-plane-has-landed
Los Guardiola – The Comedy of Tango
Synopsis
Drawing from their expertise in commedia dell’arte, mime and Argentine tango, Los Guardiola use the universal and timeless language of movement to tell stories inspired by the world’s best-loved tangos. Like a fairground carousel, the different faces of tango and characters from our endless human comedy – along with their loves, vices and virtues – pass before our very eyes. ‘A wonderful show where dance, mime and music come together as one’ (LaStampa.it). ‘A perfectly harmonious performance’ (LunaTeatral.blogspot.com.ar). ‘Remarkable elegance’ (LaNación.com.ar
Review
This was definitely humorous, so don’t expect Strictly, it isn’t that, but it is a performance of light humour of exaggerated or fast movements, in a way that clearly takes skill, and yet it also brings good, easy to follow, flowing story-telling. Have some Tango fun, why not.
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/los-guardiola-the-comedy-of-tango
I Killed My Ex
Synopsis
Enjoy a deliciously wild ride on a brand-new play by writer-director Emilie Biason and confess: some exes are better off dead. I Killed My Ex is a hilarious dark comedy following two dear friends, Tina and Lola, who impulsively kill Tina’s ex after he leaves her at the altar, embarking on a hectic journey to get rid of his body. Jump in the dark with your new fav clumsy killers in this funny, provocative social critique, and let’s face it: a woman should never be left at the altar.
Review
The sample I saw very much put me in mind of a noir, in the vibe of the music and lighting as well as the way the narration. This creates a rather unexpectedly good atmosphere, as did some of the dark humour. Even if you aren’t accustomed to the noir style, maybe this could entice you to give it a go.
Click the link to find more details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-killed-my-ex
Attack of the 36 Triple G Woman
Natalie Perlin (New York Comedy Festival Comic To Watch; New York’s Funniest Stand-Up; Carolines On Broadway Breakout Artist) stars in an uproarious evening of glamour and gallows humour. Join America’s most titillating comedian as she travels back in time to seek revenge on every man who has wronged her… from summer-camp crushes to Hitler. Like a dark Dolly Parton, Natalie quickly warms her way into your heart and then shatters it into a million pieces. Provocative, kinky and brilliantly unhinged. Not for the easily offended. This show is unquestionably more than a handful.
Review
In the sample I saw, she wears a leopard printed outfit and talks about prints, her body image and how she proved people right that she could not run. It attempts to be a mix about body positivity and also seeking revenge. Some punchlines are funnier than others.
Click the link to find more details https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/attack-of-the-36-triple-g-woman
Barry Potter and the Magic of Wizardry
Magic Award Adelaide Fringe 2023, 2021 and 2019. Real live wizard magic! Experience the wonder of world-class wizardry in a realm of messenger owls, robed wizards, and flying broomsticks! Marvel at mind blowing mysteries with cauldrons, goblets, scrolls, and talking snakes. Also, there’s jokes! From 20 time Fringe Festival award-winning character comedy magician Tim Motley… ‘Incredible’ ***** (Vancouver Sun). ‘The best’ ***** (Edmonton Sun). ‘Amazing’ ***** (AustralianStage.com.au). ‘Will leave you in awe’ ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). ‘Perfect’ ***** (Vue Weekly). Comedy Award Perth Fringe World 2020 and 2022.
Review
Barry Potter is a parody of Harry Potter and he looks the part. This has been performed in many fringe festivals and now it has come to the UK to the biggest fringe festival in the world in Edinburgh. The sample I saw was a mix of magic, spells and some cheesy humour. It is pretty entertaining as it goes. The magic is definitely better than the jokes, but for an adult, worth going along with all the same.
Click the link to find more details https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/barry-potter-and-the-magic-of-wizardry
The Quality of Mercy: Concerning the Life and Crimes of Dr. Harold Shipman
From his cell in the early hours of the morning, Dr Harold Shipman records a confessional tape as he prepares to end his life. Patiently fashioning a crude noose, he reflects on the choices, compulsions and fascinations that cemented his place as the most prolific serial killer in British history. Exhaustively researched, this multiple award-nominated drama interrogates society’s attitudes towards death, justice and compassion, and is written and performed by Edwin Flay, the grandson of Shipman victim Renee Lacey.
Review
The star of the show is credited with being in Outlander. He plays medical killer – Dr. Harold Shipman and chillingly looks like him, which is brilliant. Knowing his crimes, it is a chilling and yet cleverly thought-provoking play. It’s played from Dr. Harold Shipman’s point of view and the sample I saw had him wondering what people thought of him and a quip about what serial killer Brady says about him. You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium and all eyes were fixed on him, oozing excellent stage presence and courage. Even after a snippet, it leaves you intrigued by the way it is performed and from a unique viewpoint. I recommend this.
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 