"Mehndi Night" - Edinburgh Fringe 2007

One of the biggest sins a Fringe show can commit is to be overlong - the temporary seating just isn't up to it and if you start to lose the audience's attention they quickly become unsettled and start to fidget. With a runtime of just 40 minutes "Mehndi Night" is a blessing for the Fringe-goer and there's no padding here - every line is carefully crafted and made to count.

This production by Mulberry School for Girls, written by professional playwright Fin Kennedy is set around a traditional Bengali pre-wedding event where the female family members are gathered - similar to a hen night without the excesses. The cast come on stage out of character and explain in rhyme/song that they are presenting the play about their families, their traditions and we are cleverly introduced to each character as the performer 'steps' into their role.

The performances are all of a high standard with Rubina Begum as Ripa delivering a brilliantly confident performance in a role that holds the show together, acting as the narrator and delivering her lines in rap/rhyme. I really can't single out others as they were all excellent, delivering complex sequences of intertwined lines with perfect timing.

I'll not go into the plot in detail as the way it is gradually revealed is part of the show, but it addresses a number of the issues facing young women of Bengali origins, and equally relevant to many others. Arranged marriages, family jealousies, religion, dress, music, family history, it's all covered here and not just glossed over. All sides of the debates are given voices, and all sound authentic and genuinely held opinions.

My only quibble with the piece is what I felt to be a disheartening ending with the main character still being forced to make a choice between following her dreams and her family. I'm saddened that they didn't believe there to be a middle ground and I'd have hoped that even the act of bringing such a show to Edinburgh would highlight the importance of holding on to your dreams and ambitions.

"Mehndi Night" is a truly delightful piece and Kennedy has done a wonderful job in his stated aim of giving these young adults a voice, and achieved it in an entertaining, amusing and challenging manner. As well as an insight into the Bengali culture the show has also had a major impact on my thoughts on identity - I had never before considered just how strong the 'London' aspect of identity is, but it's clearly a major part of how many people would describe themselves - an interesting element when so often such debates are focused on Englishness/Britishness.

And if you make it along, make sure you pick up a programme - for £1.50 it includes a full script and is well worth having.
Mehndi Night runs at Venue 45 until 11th August at 12:10.

"Stolen Secrets" - Edinburgh Fringe 2008

Following the success of last year's "Mehndi Night" Mulberry School for Girls in London have again worked with playwright Fin Kennedy to bring a production to the Fringe. While it's undoubtedly an entertaining piece of theatre it lacks that feeling of discovering a window into a different world that "Mehndi Night" brought me. And I did miss that aspect a little.

But what we do have is a script and a number of performances so filled with energy and vitality that it's contagious. Made up of four "urban fairytales" inspired by locations and characters around the school, each has its merits but my own favourite was "Make & Mend" which featured three very strong performances. Waldorf particularly enjoyed "Mrs Jones".

Unfortunately some lines of dialogue were difficult to pick out due to a lack of volume and it's disappointing that some of the cast still appeared to suffer a shortage of confidence at the end of the show's run. Especially considering the quality of their 'product' and the audience reception (if Saturday was anything to go by).

The set design was both clever and effective but I do wonder if it was responsible for the loss of a 'missing tale' due to time restrictions, and having read it in the Programme/Script it's a real shame as I'd love to have seen what they had planned for performing it.

But none of the flaws take away from the fact that it's a little gem of a show that you can't help but be charmed by. We'll certainly be making space in our schedule to see what they have planned for us next year.

Stolen Secrets' run at Venue 45 is now completed
Image used with permission

Suggested Further Reading

As you may have noticed we're having some "quiet time" at the moment - a kind of calm before the storm. I've taken the chance to expand my reading of other theatre blogs, and although we don't really want to add loads of additional links to our sidebar on every page, I guess you could consider this post "suggested further reading".

The Guardian Theatre Blog is usually good value - particularly when Lyn Gardner is writing the articles. Topical discussion and you can expect many familiar faces from other theatre blogs to pop in with comments. Just don't mention public funding of the Arts - I did once and didn't remotely get away with it...

Interval Drinks can be relied on for regular reviews with entertaining commentary but not at the expense of fairness.

I've mentioned Fin Kennedy's blog in our Fringe Preview as we're seeing his "Mehndi Night" in Edinburgh. Sadly Fin has a self imposed 'ban' on providing much more than an outline of his thoughts on the theatre he sees, but the blog is a fascinating insight for those of us with little appreciation of what it is to be a playwright.

Similar insight can be found in the writings of David Eldridge at One Writer and his Dog along with coverage of wider theatre issues.

Andrew Field's The Arcades Project is always worth reading as it's well written and thought provoking.

Sean Raczka's Sean in the Stalls gets to see a huge amount of London theatre, and writes reviews in some depth. He also has the most incredible schedule of reviews planned for the Edinburgh Fringe.

Butts in the Seats can be guaranteed to produce thoughtful posts on theatre management, marketing and audience involvement amongst others. Although US based, many of the issues discussed are just as relevant here.

Mark Shenton over at The Stage is also worth a read on a regular basis, although there's a little too much about Musicals for my taste!

And a few others I'm currently getting to know...
Postcards from the Gods is a new blog but I like what I've seen so far, and I've also recently discovered Persons Unknown. The Scottish Theatre Forum now has its own blog for highlighting current activity and is worth keeping an eye on, as does TAG Theatre which has lots of interesting pieces about TAG and the Citz.

I think that covers most of the theatre based ones I've been reading regularly, but if that isn't enough, I find most of those on the West End Whingers blogroll worth a look. And if anyone knows of a UK theatre blog that's on a par with Alison Croggan's Australian based Theatre Notes, please, please let us know.

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Edinburgh Fringe 2007 Preview - Part 2

Post updated with links to individual reviews.

We've already outlined our initial plans for the Fringe in our Preview post, but after a more in-depth look at the programme I've picked out a further 5 shows that I'll be attending at the Festival without Waldorf's company (thanks to the benefits of a day job with flexi-time).

Fin Kennedy's "Mehndi Night" (review now posted) performed by a group of Bengali teenagers centres around the night before a traditional Bengali wedding. I enjoy reading Fin's blog but would always have wanted to see this as I love a glimpse into other cultures, although the promise of a free samosa and cup of chai helped.

As well as "Yellow Moon", David Greig also has a new work being performed - "Damascus" (review now posted) which promises "laughter, romance and tragedy" - what more could I ask for?

"The Butler Did It!?" (review now posted) with QMUC students mocks Agatha Christie style whodunnits - a genre that just isn't mocked enough. Hoping this will provide some light relief.

With "Killer Joe" (review now posted) takes us into the world of "trailer trash" which has so much potential I'm trying not to read too much about the show beforehand - I want to go into this without any idea what to expect, although "darkly comic" is always a description that will get my attention.

FourthAngel are a new company and there was just something about "Turn Me To Stone" (review now posted) that caught my eye - yep okay, it was that "darkly comic" label that got me again.

That probably concludes our plans for the 2007 Fringe - 16 shows in total, although there are plenty of other shows we would like to see see but sadly can't make work in our schedules, often due to them having fairly limited runs. In particular, "Tiny Dynamite" still hasn't made our plans - its 9.30pm start time is just that little too late for a comfortable return to Glasgow.

Edinburgh Fringe 2009 - First picks

Since the Edinburgh Fringe Programme was published last Wednesday we've been working our way through it trying to make an initial selection of shows. While there's still plenty of time before it starts officially on Friday 7th August, tickets went on sale on Monday and we always try to get some of the more expensive shows booked up as part of the 2 for 1 offer many shows operate on the first Sunday/Monday. So here are the shows that have caught our attention so far, and a round up of some of the ones we've already seen that are being revived at this years Fringe...

Usually the first place we start when planning our opening weekend is the Traverse, partly because it can usually be relied upon for quality and also because its shows can be at the more expensive end of the scale. But this year we've been rather underwhelmed with their offerings and as things currently stand we won't be booking up for any of the Fringe shows at the Traverse this year. That may change as more info comes out and we get a better feel for the shows - at the moment details are sparse in the Fringe Programme and their website has no info at all. Perhaps this lack of a 'must see' show is a knock-on effect of the Traverse' involvement in the Edinburgh International Festival where they are staging "The Last Witch" at the Lyceum (which we will be seeing). There is one exception to our lack of enthusiasm for the Traverse Fringe Programme - "Midsummer (A Play with Songs)" which is being brought back after huge success towards the end of last year. Like just about everyone who saw it we adored it and anyone who wants to see a feelgood show has to fit this one in.

We're also having to come to terms with the loss of what has been one of the highlights of recent years at the Fringe. Due to work being undertaken at Rosslyn Chapel, Nonsense Room are unable to stage their show there this year and have decanted to the Scottish Mining Museum just outside Dalkeith with two shows. We'll be making an early visit to "Ae Fond Kiss" and may try to see "Treasure Island" later in the month. Even without the added attraction of a visit to the Chapel, Nonsense Room have proved to us over the years that their shows are always worth seeing.

But making up for those elements missing from this year's Fringe is the return of site specific specialists Grid Iron. We've not seen their work at previous Fringes but their shows "Roam" and "Yarn" both provided us with some fantastic theatrical memories. We've already booked up for "Barflies" at the Barony Bar and given the reputation this company has tickets will go quickly.

We like to dip our toes in the Comedy section of the programme and having enjoyed his campaigning TV shows we've booked up for Mark Thomas who is putting together a manifesto based on suggestions from his audiences. Sadly there's no new Rebus McTaggart show but there is a short run of the original show that we enjoyed so much.

Over the last two years with "Mehndi Night" and "Stolen Secrets" Fin Kennedy and Mulberry School have proved that a 45 minute show can pack in just as much as a three hour epic, and we're expecting something equally as delightful with this year's "The Unravelling". And another school group who we'll be seeing is Feltonfleet's "An Ofsted Inspector Calls".

The highlight of our theatrical year so far has been "Sub Rosa" and the driving force behind it, David Leddy, has two shows in Edinburgh this year. He has transferred his audio based show "Susurrus" and located it in Royal Botanic Garden, as well as premiering his new Japanese themed show "White Tea".

At last year's Fringe we enjoyed You Need Me's "How It Ended" despite it being located in the Dance and Physical Theatre section of the Programme. This year they return with "Certain Dark Things" which sounds similar in tone and style.

A week or so ago I read a review of "Kursk" down in london and thought it sounded fantastic so I was delighted to discover it as I flicked through the Programme. Unfortunately there seems to be a problem with booking tickets for the show at edfringe.com. Hopefully this is just a temporary glitch and not a sign of a more serious problem with the plans for the show.

It's a book I've always had a lot of time for, so we've booked up to see EattheBaby's take on "A Clockwork Orange"
over the first weekend. But some other shows inevitably have to wait until later in the month due to scheduling issues, one of which will be Gregory Burke's "Gagarin Way" by the Comedians Theatre Company.

I think that's covered all the shows that we're immediately booking up for, but as well as our weekend trips through together, I'll be doing a few midweek visits on my own - flexitime permitting. Here's a quick run through of some of the other shows I'm hoping to fit in:
EGTG's version of "Antigone", Michael Frayn's "Audience" and a political take on Arthurian legend in "King Arthur".

Other shows appearing at this year's Fringe that we saw in the last year include - "The Year of the Horse", "Djupid (The Deep)" and "My Grandfather's Great War"

But there's still plenty of gaps to fill and we'll continue to follow up on some of the website links provided in the Programme and see what else grabs our interest. And of course we're always open to suggestions...

Coming to a Theatre near YOU...

Well the Edinburgh Fringe is nearly over for another year, and we'll no doubt get round to posting some kind of 'highlights' post sometime soon, as well as writing up our two final reviews. But for a number of the shows we've seen this is far from the end, as they continue on to venues in London, around the UK and beyond. Here's where you can catch up with some of them...

Nonsenseroom's excellent production of Douglas Maxwell's "Ballad of James II" is one of the first to reach London with a short run at the Greenwich Theatre from 4th to 8th September.

The National Theatre of Scotland's "Venus as a Boy" based on Luke Sutherland's novel also reaches London on 4th September and runs until the 22nd at the Soho Theatre before visiting Glasgow's Citizens from 30th October to 10th November and then finishing up at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool from 15th to 17th November.

"Emergence-See" returns home to the USA with a number of dates around the country.

Fin Kennedy mentioned in a response to our review of "Mehndi Night" that he hoped to revive the show on returning to London following its reception in Edinburgh. No details yet, but keep an eye on Fin's blog for info.

Following an entirely sold out run of their incredibly intense production of the play version of "Blood Brothers" Lauder Studio Theatre company hope to schedule further performances in Fife. More info when get it.

Benchtours' stage-truck and "The Psychic Detective..." parks up in London from 29th to 31st August as part of the National theatre's 'Watch This Space" before hitting the road again to tour Orkney, Wick, Carrbridge, Skye, St. Andrews and East Lothian between the 8th and 23rd September. Although it didn't really work for us, others seem to have 'got it' and it is certainly something a little different. Full tour details on Benchtour's website.

TAG's production of David Greig's "Yellow Moon" returns home to the Citizens from 4th to 15th September after a hit run at the Traverse and then moves to The Round in Newcastle for 17th & 18th September before a visit to the Woodend Barn in Banchory on the 22nd.

That's all of the productions I could currently track down that have definite(ish) plans, although I'd certainly expect that "Damascus", "The Walworth Farce", "Hugh Hughes in Story of a Rabbit" and "Rebus McTaggart:Crimewarrior" will reappear in the coming months. If you manage to see some of these shows, do pop back and let us know how your opinions compared to our own.

Fringe 2007 Index

A full list of our Edinburgh Fringe 2007 reviews and links to other Fringe info.

Preview Part 1
Preview Part 2
Tips for Fringe goers
Coming to a Theatre Near YOU (shows transferring post-Edinburgh)

Review Schedule
Venus As a Boy - review posted
Pit - review posted
Love Labours Won - review posted
Emergence-See - review posted
The Butler Did It?! - review posted
Turn Me to Stone - review posted
Killer Joe - review posted
Damascus - review posted
Mehndi Night - review posted
Armageddon & Fishcakes - review now posted
Rebus McTaggart:Crimewarrior - review posted
Kirsten O'Briens Confessions - review now posted
Ballad of James II - review now posted
Blood Brothers (Lauder College) - review now posted
45 Minutes - review now posted
The Psychic Detective (and those disappeared) - Review now posted.
The Walworth Farce - Review now posted
Tiny Dynamite - Review now posted
Failed States - Review now posted
Hugh Hughes in The Story of a Rabbit - Review now posted
Markus Birdland - Son of a Preacher Man - Review now posted

Other Fringe Review/Comment sites
Three Weeks
One4Review
FringeReview
Sean in the Stalls
Edinburgh Festivals
Onstage Scotland
Edinburgh Festival Punter
Festbitch

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2007 Preview

We've trawled our way through the newly launched paper version of the Fringe Programme which is also available online at www.edfringe.com. We've already got a few things booked, and can comment on some returning productions we saw last year, and we'll also add more shows as we book tickets.

Nonsenseroom's premiere of "James II" by Douglas Maxwell looks like being a popular one - already highlighted by Lyn Gardener of the Guardian (several days after we'd booked tickets mind!). The setting at Rosslyn Chapel is a magnificent addition to the production but make no mistake, it's the quality of their previous productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Canterville Ghost" which we makes this top of our list of things to see. In particular we recommend paying the extra to attend a Special performance which includes a light buffet, post show Q&A and a tour of the chapel. Review now posted

Last year Richard Thomson's "Rebus McTaggart" was our only show that we picked after reading it's reviews and we weren't disappointed. After the plaudits and awards from 2006 he's back again, both with a limited run of his original show and also with a follow up - "Rebus McTaggart: Crimewarrior". We'll be making sure we book early for this one as demand is certain to be high. Review now posted

"The Bacchae" is technically part of the EIF rather than the Fringe, and we won't be attending the Edinburgh run anyway, but an NTS production starring Alan Cumming was always going to get our attention, so we booked months ago to see the Glasgow run at the end of August.

David Greig's "Yellow Moon" is being brought to the Festival by TAG following their production last year which we caught at the Citizens. It's currently been nominated for 2 CATs awards - Best New Play and Best Play for Young People. I had some issues with its "issues" but loved it's pace, direction and style.

Waldorf has been keen to see the play version of "Blood Brothers" for some time, so we were pleased a while ago to discover on the STF Forum that Lauder Studio Theatre were putting it on at the Festival. Review now posted

"Venus as a Boy" made it into our plans based largely on the NTS involvement and its timeslot fitting nicely in our schedule. (Review now posted)

The concept of Rogue Shakespeare Company's "Love's Labour Won" and the promise of free chocolate was more than sufficient to get our attention, and the reviews from 2006 seem impressive. (Review now posted)

"Pit" is a bit of a punt that caught our interest but staged at the Traverse and put on by The Arches Theatre Co we should be on fairly safe ground here. (Review now posted.)

"Emergence-See" with it's tale of a slave ship arriving ghostlike in present day New York is the show that has intrigued me the most so far. But with such promise comes expectations - a dangerous thing to have at Festival time. (Review now posted)

The idea of the four horsemen of the apocalypse mellowing and having second thoughts about bringing on the end of the world also has a strong appeal for me. However an 11:30am start time may prove to be a little of a handicap for Touch Wood Theatre's "Armageddon and Fishcakes" Review now posted.

While the thought behind "45 Minutes" isn't groundbreaking there's a lot to be said to making the most of a basic concept, and tying "what would you do if the world was about to end?" with the Iraq WMD 45 minute claim is a nice touch.
Review now posted

"The Psychic Detective" had our interest anyway, but staging it in a "theatre truck" and name-dropping the involvement of "Black Watch" designer Laura Hopkins clinched our attendance at this one. Review now posted.

Feltonfleet school return with their production of "Lord of the Flies" that impressed us in 2006. A fairly straight version of the tale but with a remarkable young cast.

There are of course other shows that we hope to catch but don't fit in with our current schedules. We are keen to see them but at the moment due to limited runs and time restraints we can't arrange other shows around them to make an additional trip through to Edinburgh practical. If things were different these shows would definitely have featured in our plans - Fin Kennedy's "Mehndi Night" and Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Company's production of "Tiny Dynamite"

Just added "Kirsten O'Brien: Confessions of a Children's TV Presenter" to our plans. We're sadly old enough that we are only familiar with Kirsten's work in passing, but we're hoping she's going to confirm what we always thought about kids TV presenters. Review now posted

Update - 20th June: We've now managed to pick out another 5 shows to attend and given a bit of info in our Edinburgh Fringe Preview - Part 2

Review of the Year - 2007

It's that time of year again when we look back over all the shows we've seen in 2007 (seventy of them in total) and pick out a few of the highlights. We wouldn't dream of claiming to name the best of the year - just our own personal favourites. As with last year, categories will be made up as we go along... Waldorf has added her comments in italics...

For my favourite professional male performance it's hard to look beyond Alan Cumming in "The Bacchae" who managed to truly capture the audience. As a result it left the show unbalanced and lacking when he was off stage, but I doubt I'll see a more commanding performance in terms of sheer stage presence. But I don't think it was the most impressive male performance I saw this year - that belongs to Tom Smith for his roles as the Writer & Sergeant in "Black Watch". His portrayal of each of the two characters was so entirely convincing I had no idea it was the same actor playing both roles - I even refused to believe it when told after the show until I was shown it printed in the programme. He really didn't - it was highly amusing. Male nudity seems to have played a large part in our theatre going this year, from Alan Cumming's buttocks to Rebus McTaggart's Sharon Stone impression.

There have been a number of very strong female professional performances that come to mind from this year with Cara Kelly as the captivating "Molly Sweeney" and Eleanor Buchan as the spritely waitress in "Your Ex Lover is Dead" right up there. However it's Denise Hoey's remarkable lead performance in "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" that still resonates several months later - and of course we also loved her as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz".

We caught several youth and student shows again this year and saw a number of excellent performances with particular highlights being David McNay as The Magistrate in GCNS's "Lysistrata" who made us long to see what he could do in "Rocky Horror" and Kirstie Steele's performance as Lyra in SYTs "His Dark Materials - Part I" which almost rescued a problematic show.

We also ventured into the world of amateur theatre and were hugely impressed by the high standard of performances. In particular Kim Shepherd was a revelation as Scaramouche in STF's production of "We Will Rock You" with fantastic vocals and brilliant comic acting. It was a performance that would have been worthy of a mention with the professionals noted above. Similarly, Tom Beattie's role as the father in "Ice Cream Dreams" was a perfectly pitched performance giving three dimensions to the sadness, humour and failings of his character.

My thoughts for my favourite newly created/devised production come down to two shows that really stand out. The much missed NTS Young Company's "The Recovery Position" was a stunning site specific piece while Deborah Pearson's "Your Ex Lover is Dead" was immensely entertaining while also giving the audience something to think about.

My favourite performance of an existing or adapted work has three really strong candidates. Glasgow College of Nautical Studies "Lysistrata" was an absolute joy from start to finish; The Citizens/NTS "Molly Sweeney" featured incredibly involving performances from it's strong cast; and Lauder Studio Theatre's production of the play version of "Blood Brothers" showed what a committed cast and clever direction can bring to a show.

You may have noticed the glaring absence of "Black Watch" from the last two categories - I just couldn't make up my mind which it belonged in, so I figured I'd just mention it separately - as just about the whole planet is aware by now, Black Watch is in a class of it's own, whichever category you choose to place it in. It's going to be in London in 2008, and revisits Scotland - well worth going to see and we're hoping to go again see it again.

Our visit to London this year earns Trafalgar Studios the award for most uncomfortable theatre. I'm not sure whether the air conditioning was broken or the heating jammed on full but it was like sitting in a sauna. Statler blames the rather spicy Thai curry I'd had beforehand, but I wasn't the only one waving the programme as a fan. However "Elling" made up for the discomfort. A close runner up is The Citizens' Circle Studio, which despite putting on some great shows can never be accused of being comfy - my legs are just too short. I thought the Trafalgar Studios was just fine, and as for 'problem' theatres - nothing beats the irritation factor of the creaky seats in Glasgow's Kings Theatre.

Making up 21 of our shows this year, the Edinburgh Festival deserves a comment on it's own. As already mentioned, "Blood Brothers" was a highlight, along with "Mehndi Night", "James II" and the painfully funny "Rebus McTaggart". The black comedy musical "Failed States" was a last minute addition for us but well worth it and "Venus As A Boy" showed how powerful a one man (and his musician) show can be.

For sheer spectacle of set design "The Bacchae" with its poppies descending from heavens and it's attempt to incinerate the front of the stalls has no competition. However clever set design isn't all about blowing the budget, and both "The Ballad of James II" and "The Soldier's Tale" showed what can be done simply and cleverly. Fair point about simplicity, but for me Killer Joe's incredible full size realisation of a trailer can't be beaten.

What strikes me as I look back over the year is the power individual scenes and moments in a production can have, staying with you long after the show. Denise Hoey's "Goldfinger" in "Little Voice" and Kirstin McLean flying off through an opening roof in "The Recovery Position". This was a huge highlight for me, and was a magical idea. The unexpected rendition of "Give Peace a Chance" in "Lysistrata", the entrance of the dog in "The Butler Did It?!" and the unrestrained violence of "Blood Brothers". Not forgetting the genuinely perilous swordfight in "James II" ranging around the Chapel. And then there was "The Soldier's Tale" wedding scene which left me grinning from ear to ear. Truly unforgettable moments - exactly what makes theatre so great.

Well that was 2007, and we'll shortly be posting our plans for early 2008 - and it's already looking good!

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008 Preview

Now that the Ed Fringe website has finally started to play nice after a week of playing 'hide and seek' it's time we did our first run through of what we hope to see this year. At the moment we're aiming for around 30 shows but there's no guarantee we'll get to see all of them due to time restrictions. But these are the shows we'll be making an effort to see...

As always the Traverse is a great place to start for theatre at the Fringe and we'll be catching 3 of their shows early on to take advantage of the "2 for 1" offers on the first Sunday/Monday. "Free Outgoing" caught our attention with its look at moral and cultural outrage ( review now posted ) and "Fall" ( review now posted ) has an intriguing premise and a strong cast. The description of "Finished with Engines" as a "blackly satirical hatchet job" ensured our attendance ( review now posted ), and we hope to catch "Deep Cut" later in its run. ( review now posted )

We never like to strongly recommend shows without having seen them but Nonsenseroom's "Romeo & Juliet" out at Rosslyn Chapel is the exception. ( review now posted ) It's not just that we've had an excellent track record with them (including last year's "Ballad of James II") it's the 'Special Performances' they are doing on the 9th, 16th and 23rd that really make the difference. These include "a preshow drink, a post-show buffet with more drinks, as well as a chance to meet the cast and crew and find out a bit more about the show and Rosslyn Chapel." We're pretty confident the 'standard' weeknight shows will still be well worth the trip out to Roslin, but the 'Special Performances' really make it an event.

There's a bit of a historical theme to the next few shows we're hoping to see, starting with "My Grandfather's Great War" ( review now posted ) and then moving on to the horrors of the gas chambers in "The Factory" but given the likely intensity of that one we'll need to schedule it carefully ( review now posted ). We also have "White Rose" about student resistance in Nazi Germany (Sadly we couldn't fit this one in) and finally "Restitution" which features one man's quest to recover his family's painting which was stolen by the Nazis. ( review now posted )

Okay, after that lot we'll need to lighten up a little... so we'll be hitting the Musicals and Comedy sections of the programme. Last year Markus Birdman was a last minute gap-filler for us, but we ended up enjoying his stand-up immensely so we'll be back for his new show "Sympathy for the Devil" this year ( review now posted ). After a slow start "The Butler Did It?!" really hit the mark and gave me one of my most memorable moments from last year's Fringe. Then it was a comedic play with a couple of musical set pieces but they have gone a stage further this year and it's now "The Butler Did It?! - The Musical" and I'll be interested to see how it has turned out (not sure if we'll now manage to get to this one). I first suggested seeing "Plague! The Musical" as a bit of a joke but their impressive website has convinced me that it's certainly worth a look (review now posted). Rounding off our musical plans there's "Zanna, Don't!" from the RSAMD students Returning to comedy, sadly there is no new Rebus McTaggart show this year but last year's Rebus McTaggart:Crimewarrior does return for one week only and is a 'must see' if you didn't catch it last time round.

One of the aspects of the Fringe I enjoy most are the shows that fall under the label of "quirky" and I think most of these hold promise... "Call for the Condemned" set in Hell's call centre ( review now posted ), "The Third Condiment" about a new alternative to salt and pepper ( review now posted ), post-nuclear office politics in "After the End" (Please note - this show has been cancelled), "Sword of Maximum Damage" set in the world of role-playing games ( review now posted )and the near-future set "Involution" ( review now posted ). Describing it as a 'sci-fi comedy thriller' puts "Comic Potential" firmly in with the quirky (sadly unable to fit this one in), as does "Creation and All That Jazz" being described as a 'whistle stop tour through evolution' ( review now posted ).

I'm also a sucker for shows with a political edge or setting such as "Time Bomb" set in 2017 ( review now posted ), Macbeth does Westminster in "Golden" ( review now posted ), an Iraqi immigrant's tale in "Dirt" (unfortunately missed due to a run shorter than we realised) , a look at the (miss)use of spin in "Answers" (Review now posted), and the conflict between art and politics in both "Patriot Act" ( review now posted ) and "Army of Reason" ( review now posted ).

So, what does that leave? Well, "On The Waterfront" comes with a strong reputation, and I'm looking forward to "Stolen Secrets" ( review now posted ) from Fin Kennedy's school group that brought us last year's "Mehndi Night". "The Bird" ( review posted ) & "The Bee" ( review posted )are a pair of interlinked tales that caught our eye, so we'll certainly see one and take it from there, and although it's part of the Edinburgh International Festival rather than the Fringe we'll be rounding things off with the National Theatre of Scotland's new show "365" about children passing through the care system ( review posted ).

We'll update this post with any additional shows that grab our attention, and our Tips for Fringe Goers post from last year giving general Fringe advice is still available.

A to Z of Reviews

4.48 Psychosis - Sweetscar/Tramway/Cumbernauld Theatre, November 2008
45 Minutes, Turret Theatre Co, Edinburgh Festival 2007
100, A Play, A Pie & A Pint @ Oran Mor, November 2007
200th Play, A Play, A Pie & A Pint @ Oran Mor, Sept. 2010
365 - National theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival 2008
2020 Vision - Paper Zoo, Edinburgh Fringe 2010

Aalst - NTS/Victoria, March 2007
Alan Cumming - I Bought a Blue Car Today, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Nonsenseroom, Edinburgh Festival 2006
A Limited Run - Glasgow Comedy Festival, March 2006
A Perfect Child - Oran Mor A Play, A Pie & A Pint - October 2009
Address Unknown - Tron Theatre Co, May 2010
Alien Wars - @ The Arches, January 2009
An Advert for the Army - Oran Mor 'A Play, A Pie & A Pint', April 2008
Ae Fond Kiss - Nonsenseroom, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Alcatraz - Aireborne Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
All's Well That Ends Well - NT Live, October 2009
Amada - Arches Theatre Company, September 2008
The Angel and the Woodcutter, Cho-In Theatre, April 2009
Animal Farm - GCNS Students, March 2008
Answers - NUTS, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Antigone - Tron Theatre Company, October 2007
An Incident at the Border - Oran Mor, November 2009
The Apprentice - Nonsenseroom, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Arguments for Terrorism - Oran Mor A Play, A Pie & A Pint, October 2009
Armageddon & Fishcakes, Touch Wood, Edinburgh Festival 2007
The Army of Reason - Weaver Hughes Ensemble, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Audience with... Brian Blessed - September 2008
Audience with... Hilary Kay & Paul Atterbury - September 2007
Audience with... Dennis Taylor - September 2008
Audience with... Sir Alex Ferguson - September 2007
Audience with... Sir John Mortimer - September 2007
Audience with... Tommy Docherty - September 2008
Audience with... Tony Benn - September 2008

Baby Baby - Stellar Quines/Perissology, March 2009
The Bacchae - National Theatre of Scotland, August 2007
Backbeat - Citizens Theatre Co & Karl Sydow, March 2010
The Ballad of James II - Nonsensroom, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Barflies - Grid Iron, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Barry - Rowan Tree Theatre Company, January 2008
Battery Farm - Oran Mor 'A Play, A Pie & A Pint', March 2010
Be Near Me - National theatre of Scotland/Donmar, Jan 2009
The Beggar's Opera - Vanishing Point/Lyceum/Belgrade Theatre, September 2009
The Bird & The Bee: The Bird - Kandinsky, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
The Bird & The Bee: The Bird - Kandisky, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Black Watch - National Theatre of Scotland, April 2007
Black Watch - National Theatre of Scotland, March 2008
Bliss + Mud - Tron Theatre Co, May 2009
Blood Brothers - Lauder Studio Theatre Co, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Blue Hen - NLP Theatre Co, May 2010
The Blue Room - Replico Theatre Co, January 2008
The Bookie - Cumbernauld Theatre, September 2010
Broken Glass - Rapture Theatre, June 2007
The Butler Did It!? - Handsome Chin, Edinburgh Festival 2007

Cabaret - Bill Kenwright Productions, April 2009
Call For The Condemned - Watchthis, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Call it Sleep - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", May 2008
The Canterville Ghost - Nonsenseroom, December 2006
Caesar - GCNS Students, March 2008
The Caravan - Look Left Look Right, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Certain Dark Things - You Need Me, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
The Cherry Orchard - Dundee Rep, September 2009
The Chicago Project - Citizens Young Co, April 2007
The Chooky Brae - Borderline Theatre, September 2010
A Christmas Carol - Oran Mor, December 2009
A Christmas Carol - Nonsenseroom/Meanwhile Theatre, December 2009
Citizen Y: Nighthawks - Citz Young Co, April 2009
The City - Tron Theatre Co, February 2010
Class Enemy - East West Theatre Co., EIF 'Sharing the Festival', September 2008
A Clockwork Orange, EattheBaby, Edinburgh Fringe 2009

A Clockwork Orange - Citizens Theatre Co, October 2010
Cockroach - National Theatre of Scotland & Traverse, October 2008
The Collection - Rapture Theatre, April 2006
Company Policy - Oran Mor, February 2010
Confessions of a Justified Sinner - Lyceum Theatre Company, October 2009
Cooking With Elvis - Tron Theatre Co, July 2009
The Corstorphine Road Nativity - Edinburgh Festival Theatre, December 2009
Creation & All That Jazz - Last Chance Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
The Crucible - Reid Kerr Drama Students, February 2007
Crunch - Oran Mor, February 2010
Cyrano de Bergerac - Play, Pie & Pint @ Oran Mor

Damascus - Traverse Theatre Company, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Dangerous Liaisons - Reid Kerr Drama Students, February 2007
Decky Does a Bronco - Grid Iron, July 2010
Deep Cut - Sherman Cymru, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Defender of the Faith - Tron Theatre Co, February 2009
Detainee A - Ankur Productions, June 2007
Dildon't - Casual Violence, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Djupid (The Deep) - Oran Mor, A Play, A Pie & A Pint, April 2009
The Doctor and the Devils - Citz Young Co, October 2007
The Dogstone - National Theatre of Scotland/Traverse, November 2008
Dolls - NTS Workshop/Hush, January 2009
Don Quixote - Theatre Modo, May 2006
Don Juan - Citizens Theatre Company, September 2008
Dracula - Sell A Door Theatre Co, October 2010
The Drawer Boy - Tron Theatre Co, May 2008
A Drop in the Ocean - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", April 2009
The Ducky - Borderline Theatre Co, May 2009

Educating Agnes - Theatre Babel, April 2008
Educating Rita - Citizens Theatre Co, March 2009
Edward Gant's Amazing Feats of Loneliness - Headlong & Nuffield Theatre, March 2009
Electra - QMU Students, March 2008
Elling - Trafalgar Studios, London, September 2007
Emergence-See - Daniel Beaty, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Empty - National Theatre of Scotland, March 2010
The Event - Absurdum International, May 2010

Fahrenheit 451 - Godlight Theatre, Edinburgh Festival 2006
Failed States - 1215 Productions, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Fall - Traverse Theatre Co, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Fiddler on the Roof - Glasgow Light Opera Club, October 2007
Fifteen Minutes - Oran Mor, Play, Pie, Pint, February 2009
Finished With Engines, Arches Theatre Co, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Five:15 - Scottish Opera, February 2009
Framed - Visible Fictions, December 2008
Fresher:The Musical - Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Frozen - Rapture Theatre, December 2006
Futurology - Suspect Culture/NTS/Brighton Festival, April 2007

Geeks, Greeks & Party Myths - Citizens Young Company, October 2006
Ghosts - Citizens Theatre Co, May 2009
The Girl in the Yellow Dress - Citizens Theatre Co, September 2010
The Glimmering Nymph - Oran Mor A Play, A Pie & A Pint, October 2009
Golden - theatre With Teeth, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
The Government Inspector - Communicado/Tron Theatre Co, February 2010
The Grapes of Wrath - Citizens Community Co, May 2010

Guys & Dolls - Theatre Guild Glasgow, September 2010
Hamlet - Citizens Theatre Company, September 2007
Hamlet - Royal Shakespeare Company, December 2008
Hamlet - Rapture Theatre, February 2010
Handel's Messiah @ Royal Albert Hall - Raymond Gubbay, December 2008
Heaven - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", February 2010
Heer Ranjha (retold) - Ankur Productions, November 2008
Hero - Scottish Youth Theatre, August 2008
Hidden - RSAMD/Vanishing Point, October 2007
His Dark Materials (Part I) - Scottish Youth Theatre, July 2007
His Dark Materials (Part II) - Scottish Youth Theatre, July 2007
Hoors - Traverse Theatre Co, May 2009
The House of Bernarda Alba - National Theatre of Scotland, September 2009
How it Ended - You Need Me, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Hugh Hughes in... Story of a Rabbit - Shon Dale-Jones, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Huxley's Lab - Grid Iron & Lung Ha's Theatre Co, April 2010

I Love You, Bro - Three to a Room Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Ice Cream Dreams - TAG/Citz Community/Young Co., March 2007
In Memory -Greshams School, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Interiors - Vanishing Point et al, April 2009
Involution - Mokita Productions, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
It's a Wonderful Life - Nonsenseroom, December 2007

Jacobite Country - Dogstar Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, Limelight - September 2007

Killer Joe - The Comedians Theatre Company, Edinburgh Festival 2007
King Lear - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pir & A Pint", June 2008
Kirsten O'Brien's Confessions... - Kirsten O'Brien, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Kursk - Sound&Fury, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Kyoto - Oran Mor / Traverse Play, Pie & Pint, March 2009

The Last of Us - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", May 2008
The Last Witch - Traverse Theatre @ EIF 2009
Lend Me Your Ears - Citizens Young Co, October 2009
The Lesson - benchtours, October 2008
The Lieutenant of Inishmore - XLC Theatre Co, February 2010
Like The Rain - Tron Theatre Company, October 2008
Limbo - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", May 2008
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe - Lyceum Theatre Co, December 2008
Literally - Paul Parry, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Little Red Riding Hood - The Arches, December 2009
The Little World of Don Camillo - Mike Maran, February 2007
Locked In - Half Moon Theatre, October 2008
Lord of the Flies - Feltonfleet School, Edinburgh Festival 2006
Love But Her - SYT Productions, August 2009
Love Labours Won, Rogue Shakespeare Co, Edinburgh Festival 2007
The Love of Three Oranges - RSAMD, January 2009
Loves Times Beggar - Ankur Productions, May 2009
Lucky Box - Oran Mor & Traverse "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", March 2009
Lysistrata - GCNS Students, June 2007

Macbeth - Reid Kerr Students, March 2008
Madame de Sade - Donmar West End, May 2009
Man of the Crowd - SYT, August 2006
Mark Thomas: The Manifesto - Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Mary Stuart - NTS, October 2006
Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off - Langside College & XLC, February 2008
Markus Birdman, Son of a Preacher Man - Edinburgh Festival 2007
Markus Birdman, Sympathy for the Devil - Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Medea - QMU Students, March 2008
Medea - Play, Pie & Pint @ Oran Mor
Mehndi Night - Mulberry School For Girls, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Memory Cells - Glasgay!/The Arches, October 2009
Memory Cells - Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Midsummer - Traverse Theatre Co, November 2008
Miles Jupp: Fibber in the Heat - Edinburgh Fringe 2010
The Miracle Man - National Theatre of Scotland, March 2010
Molly Sweeney - Citizens/NTS, December 2007
Moonwalking - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", October 2008
My Bloody Valentine - Citizens Community Company, February 2007
My Clydeside Valentine - Citizens Community Co., February 2009
My Dark Sky - Reeling & Writhing, September 2006
My Grandfather's Great War - Cameron Stewart, Edinburgh Fringe 2008

Nasty, Brutish and Short - National Theatre of Scotland/Traverse, November 2008
New Works - RSAMD/Playwrights' Studio, September 2009
Nine - Walter Paul Productions, July 2010

Odds and Sods- You Owe Me Glue/Strathclyde Theatre Group, October 2009
Oedipus - QMU Students, March 2008
Oliver - Cameron Mackintosh, May 2009
Oh! What A Lovely War - Scottish Youth Theatre, August 2008
One Gun - Oran Mor, 'A Play, A Pie & A Pint', October 2010
One Million Tiny Plays About Britain - Citizens Theatre Co, June 2010
Othello - Donmar Warehouse, February 2008
Othello - Citizens Theatre Co, November 2009
Otter Pie - Fish & Game, December 2008
Out on the Wing - Oran Mor 'A Play, A Pie & A Pint', March 2008
On the Waterfront - Nottingham Playhouse Production, Edinburgh Fringe 2008

Parlour Song - Almeida Theatre, May 2009
The Patriot Act - Green Room Presents, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Peer Gynt - NTS & Dundee Rep, October 2007
Peter Pan - Citizens Theatre Company, December 2007
Phedre (NT Live) - National Theatre @ GFT
Picasso & Me - Mike Maran, February 2008
The Pillowman - XLC Theatre Co, March 2009
Pinocchio - Scottish Youth Theatre, August 2009
Pit - Arches Theatre Company, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Plague! The Musical - Bubonic Productions, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Poem in October - Oran Mor & Traverse "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", March 2009
The Princess Bride - Cumbernauld Senior Youth Theatre, May 2006
Promises Promises - Random Accomplice, February 2010
The Psychic Detective (and those disappeared) - Benchtours, Edinburgh Festival 2007

Rebus McTaggart - Richard Thomson, Edinburgh Festival 2006
Rebus McTaggart:Crimewarrior - Richard Thomson, Edinburgh Festival 2007
The Receipt - Fuel Theatre, Edinburgh festival 2006
The Recovery Position - NTS Young Company, March 2007
The Regina Monologues - Tidemark Theatre, Edinburgh Festival 2006
Restitution - Pinnochio's Ashes, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Re:Union - 7:84, April 2007
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice - Visible Fictions, March 2007
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice - RPM Arts, March 2008
Roam - Grid Iron/NTS @ Edinburgh International Airport, April 2006
Romeo & Juliet - Nonsenseroom, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Rupture - NTS Workshop, September 2007

Sea and Land and Sky - Tron Theatre Co, October 2010
Self Contained - NTS Young Company, September 2006
Shafted - Peaceful Lion Productions, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
The Shewing Up of Blanco Posnet - GCNS Students, June 2007
Shining City - Rapture Theatre Company, April 2008
The Shoemaker's Wonderful Wife - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint', June 2008
Singin' I'm No a Billy He's a Tim - NLP Theatre, September 2008
Six Acts of Love - Tron Theatre Company, September 2008
Six Characters in Search of an Author - Citizens/Lyceum/NTS, March 2008
Spanglebaby - Poorboy, April 2007
Spectacular - Forced Entertainment, December 2008
Speed-the-Plow - Old Vic, February 2008
Spoonface Steinberg - Beggars & Kings, April 2009
The Soldier's Tale, Academy of St Martin in the Field, November 2007
Something Wicked This Way Comes - NTS & Catherine Wheels, November 2008
Speechless - Shared Experience & Sherman Cymru, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Spring Awakening - RSAMD One Academy, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Stolen Secrets - Mulberry School for Girls, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
St. Nicholas - Richard Jordan Productions, November 2007
Sub Rosa - Citizens/Fire Exit, January 2009
Sub Rosa - Fire Exit, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Suddenly Last Summer - Tron Theatre Company, October 2008
Sunshine on Leith - Dundee Rep, December 2008
Swindle & Death - Mull Theatre Company, June 2008
The Sword of Maximum Damage - Adam Riches Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2008

The Tailor of Inverness - Dogstar Theatre, January 2009
Tales from the Arabian Nights - SYT, August 2006
Tam O'Shanter - Horsecross Productions, February 2009
Teechers - Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, February 2007
The Tempest - Northern Broadsides, June 2007
That Face - Tron Theatre Company, October 2009
They Shoot Horses Don't They? - Citizens Community Co, Citz Young Co & Turning point Scotland, April 2008
The Third Condiment - Ankle Productions, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Time Bomb - Talk About Productions, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Tiny Dynamite - EGTG, Edinburgh Festival 2007
The Tobacco Merchant's Lawyer - Retrograde Theatre, November 2008
Tony of Arabia - White Rose Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Too Clever by Half - Oran Mor, A Play, A Pie & A Pint, April 2009
The Trial - GCNS Students, March 2009
Trojan Women - QMU Students, March 2008
Turbo Folk - Oran Mor 'A Play, A Pie & A Pint', April 2010
Turn Me To Stone - FourthAngel, Edinburgh Festival 2007
Twelfth Night - Donmar West End, December 2008
Twelfth Night - Good Night Out Theatre, September 2009
The Typhoid Marys - Freemen's School, Edinburgh Fringe 2010

Under My Skin - Oran Mor/Paines Plough, November 2008
The Unravelling - Mulberry School for Girls, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Valhalla! - Tron Theatre Co, July 2010

Venus As A Boy - NTS, Edinburgh Festival 2007

Waiting for Godot - Citizens Theatre Co, March 2008
The Wall - Borderline & The Tron, March 2008
The Walworth Farce - Druid Theatre, Edinburgh Festival 2007
The Wasp Factory - Cumbernauld Theatre Company & The Tron, April 2008
Waterproof - Play, Pie & Pint @ Oran Mor
The Way of the World - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint" - June 2008
We Will Rock You - STF Productions, June 2007
We Will Rock You - London Dominion, February 2008
What the Animals Say - Play, Pie & Pint @ Oran Mor, May 2009
When a Star Falls - SYT Productions, March 2007
The Whitechapel Murders - Theatrefusion, September 2006
White Tea - Fire Exit, Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Wicked - Apollo Victoria Theatre, London, September 2007
Wicked Christmas 2 - Citizens Community Company, December 2007
Wicked Christmas 3 - Citz Community Co, December 2008
Wicked Christmas: Cinder's Revenge - Citz Community Co, December 2009
Wild Allegations - Edinburgh University Theatre Co, Edinburgh Fringe 2010
The Winter's Tale - RSAMD Students, May 2007
The Wizard of Oz - The Lyceum, December 2007
Women Beware Women - RSAMD Students, June 2007
The Woman From the North - Oran Mor 'A Play, A Pie & Pint', May 2010
The Wonderful World of Dissocia - NTS, June 2007
Wuthering Heights - Tamasha, April 2009

Ya Beauty & The Beast - Tron Theatre Co, December 2009
Yarn - Grid Iron & Dundee Rep, April 2008
Year of the Horse - Tron Theatre Co/Burnt Goods, February 2009
Yellow Moon - TAG, October 2006
You Don't Need To Know That - Gonzo Moose, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Your Ex Lover Is Dead - Arches Live Festival, September 2007

Zanna, Don't! - RSAMD, Edinburgh Fringe 2008
Zarraberri - Oran Mor "A Play, A Pie & A Pint", May 2008
Zero - Theatre Absolute & Warwick Arts Centre, November 2008