Festival Radio Project 2005 : Week Three Reviews |
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Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four Here are a selection of reviews of Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows, written by the participants of Week Three (15th - 19th August 2005) of Media Education's Festival Radio Project. REVIEW : The Yarnbards'The Yarnbards'Fringe Guide : Page 15 Venue: Pleasance Dome (Venue 23) Address : 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL Reviewer : Sylvia This sophisticated and highly talented group rose effortlessly to the constant challenge posed by an unrelenting audience of all ages. Suggested subjects for interpretation included a radio D.J. who broadcasted from a cupboard, the sandman who meets Dracula. A hilarious conversation between the utensils in a hairdressers shop late at night when the customers have all gone. So impressed was I at the variety of improvisation and ablibing of this group, I returned the following afternoon for a second helping. 5***** REVIEW : The Snow Dragon'The Snow Dragon'Fringe Guide : Page 14 Venue: C Too (Venue 4) Address : St Columba’s by the Castle, Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW Reviewer : Sylvia The use of a thoughtfully designed set helped this company overcome the limited use of their minimal staging. Catchy music and song further, had the audience swaying in harmony. Although audience participation was minimal, the youngsters in the audience appeared engrossed at the antics and vocals of this talented group of actors. REVIEW : Not Now Bernard,And Other Monster Stories'Not Now Bernard, And Other Monster Stories'Fringe Guide : Page 12 Venue: C venue (Venue 34) Address : Chambers Street, EH1 1HR Reviewer : Sylvia A theatrical adaptation of the 'Not Now, Bernard' book by David McKee, this production offers the young and not so young audience a thoroughly delightful and poignant experience. The play was presented with great energy and enthusiasm. Jaunty music intermingled with growls, grunts and groans tinged further with slip, slap slops held the young audience attention. Visually, the culmination of cheerful, cosy colours in paint pots and a patchwork quilt further enhanced the sensory perceptions of the very youngest members of the audience. A folding ladder and newspapers were imaginatively used to represent a mountain as well as varying the proximities of the limited performing area. However, didactic undertones which challenged the portrayal of rowing parents, blaming each other for their off-spring's behaviour, were cleverly weaved around the overall action. The threat to a little boy by the arrival of a new baby. In order to gain attention, his creation of an imaginary monster only further adds to his parents' 'not now, Bernard' attitude. Further stress envelopes the youngster as in his confusion a the belief that his parents have become, in his words 'the big monsters' is ultimately resolved when his parents stop squabbling and recognise their child's needs, needs that cannot be met with bribery but by love and understanding. It was no wonder then that when the final scene had been played and the audience left the enclosure, there were very happy, chatty children and a few watery-eyed adults! REVIEW : Laura Black Goes Farming'Laura Black Goes Farming'Fringe Guide : Page 12 Venue: Pleasance Courtyard Cellar (Venue 33) Address : 60 The Pleasance, EH8 9JT Reviewer : Sylvia A performing flea called Maisie, and the acquisition of a golden egg, which ultimately saves the day, this show was generally well received by young and old alike. The production, introduced as the 'first ever sketch show for kids' moved along smoothly with the two principal players, ingeniously and energetically between them, played the multiple characters involved in the make up of the storyline. Built around the quest to save a farm from a corporate takeover, costume, masks and vocal variants were cleverly used to carry the action. However, in view of the theatre's close proximity, a more interactive effect could have been achieved through the use of young audience participation. REVIEW : Happiness - How Much Does It Cost?'Happiness - How Much Does It Cost?'Fringe Guide : Page 151 Venue: C Central (Venue 54) Address : Cartlon Hotel, North Bridge, EH1 1SD Reviewer : Graeme Entering to find an audience numbering the grand total of nine (including ourselves) may have been an indication of what was to come. To find two of them dozing off after twenty minutes confirmed that I was not alone in finding this show perplexing to the point of boredom. In his first attempt at play writing, Daniel Vivian stars as Dugi, a Yugoslav fleeing his country as it begins its demise into war. The monologue follows him as he travels from his native country to Italy, then later to Canada, where he re-discovers his family, before accidentally ending up in London (UK) while aiming for London, Ontario. Upon arriving, he swiftly marries an English woman, who he later separates from after a loveless marriage. While Vivian has, in fact, been on a journey through these countries himself, his portrayal of Dugi was not entirely believable. He seemed to avoid any of the difficult issues surrounding asylum, as well as the hardships asylum seekers face in their quest for happiness. Indeed, everything seemed to fall perfectly in to place for him. It seemed that the story was written so as to allow it to run in exactly the way he wanted it to, rather than allowing it to develop naturally. While his performance was suitably enthusiastic, it did not ensure the audience was drawn in for long enough to keep them interested. His English, difficult to comprehend at times, draws you away from a story of asylum that really skirts around the issue. REVIEW : After The End'After The End'Fringe Guide : Page 129 Venue: Traverse Theatre (Venue 15) Address : Cambridge Street Reviewers : Graeme and Christopher "After the End", the new play from Dennis Kelly tells the story of Mark (Tom Brooke), the quintessential office geek; ignored and ridiculed by all who come across him and Louise (Kelly Condon), the popular girl who gets much attention from the men. The performance begins with a shock of blue light, revealing an intriguing set, which turns out to be a nuclear bunker that Mark just happens to have in his back garden. We are told of a terrifying atrocity unfolding above ground: a nuclear bomb has been dropped, yet, miraculously, the two have survived after Mark carried Louise to the bunker. What ensues is an odd state of affairs, as the relationship between the two becomes increasingly tense until Mark begins denying his companion of food due to her lack of interest in playing Dungeons and Dragons. Soon, he is chaining her up "for her own good" and, eventually, he rapes her. Towards the end, just as Mark is about to kill both of them, the hatch to the bunker is opened, and we discover that, in fact, there has been no nuclear explosion. Mark had imprisoned Louise in the hope of seducing her, but his infuriation at her rejection led him to his own prison cell in the outside world. "After the End" attracted an audience of wide demographic spread and we did not come across anyone who did not enjoy it. The acting was superb, particularly Tom Brooke's portrayal of Mark. The story line, while a little predictable, still drew the audience in from the outset and kept them gripped throughout. A fantastic show that comes highly recommended. REVIEW : Manzillworld - Let's Start Again'Manzillworld - Let's Start Again'Fringe Guide : Page 44 Venue: Smirnoff Underbelly (Venue 61) Address : 56 Cowgate, EH1 1EG Reviewers : Diana and Catriona The show "Manzillworld..." is about Sirus, a man who lived in the woodlands to make friends with all the creatures in a hut he built from solid pine. He learns that the government had removed all the real animals and plants and replaced them with mechanical ones, which have been put there to record our every move. In his comic story, Sirus teaches us how to destroy all the mechanical plants and animals and how to make our own ones from our household waste. We personally didn't find "Manzillworld..." particularly funny. Our high expectations of a comedy were not satisfied. Sirus was trying to make himself look funny by singing songs and wearing his huge glasses. But the story was totally made up and we did not appreciate it. However, of the dozen in the audience (aged between 25 and 40), most of them seemed to have enjoyed the play. 1 and a half stars out of 5 By Diana and Catriona REVIEW : All By Myself'All By Myself'Fringe Guide : Page 18 Venue: The Zoo (Venue 124) Address : 140 The Pleasance, EH8 9RR Reviewers : Diana and Catriona All By Myself is a story about Linda Trayers, a 40 year old woman who is searching for love wherever she goes. There is not a particular story line, and Linda is improvising what she says most of the time (and she does it well), However, the show seems to be quite entertaining. Linda tends to involve the audience by asking them various questions and then interprets their answers in a funny way. We do not recommend this show to Under 16's, as there is use of strong language and sexual references. Our rating: 3*** REVIEW : Heaven Eyes'Heaven Eyes'Fringe Guide : Page 11 Venue: Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 53) Address : 60 The Pleasance, EH8 9JT Reviewer : Laura Hi my name is Laura and I am 16 years old and I went to see Heaven Eyes. It was about three kids (ageless) one who never knew his mum or dad the other whose Mum died and someone who they never told us about that much. I think the story was about love and being happy. The author of 'Skellig' wrote the story and it was suitable for ages 8+. I think it was boring and would never take any one to see it. It was held at Pleasance Courtyard, at 60 The Pleasance. It's on for one hour and five mins. I would give it one star out of five By Laura. REVIEW : Cheaper Than Therapy (Session B)'Cheaper Than Therapy (Session B)'Fringe Guide : Page 151 Venue: Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House (Venue 115) Address : Lady Glenorchy's Church, Roxburgh Place, EH8 9EB Reviewer : Jonny and Caroline 2 monologues by Michael Scirrotto and Collin Palomares each bringing their own exciting style and flair to the Fringe this year. 'Dancing With Myself' (Michael Scirrotto) is an energetic flash dance mixed with zany humour as a young man battles his sexual demons, trying to make it to the Prince concert and 'Ad Infinitum' (Collin Palomares) a dark tale of one man's isolation and torment at the hands of his captors. Filled with captivating tongue twisters that will have you gawping on the edge of your seat. A brilliant performance, not to be missed. REVIEW : Happiness - How Much Does It Cost?'Happiness - How Much Does It Cost?'Fringe Guide : Page 151 Venue: C Central (Venue 54) Address : Cartlon Hotel, North Bridge, EH1 1SD Reviewer : Christopher 'Happiness how much does it cost?' Is a one-man show about a man and his experiences living and working in different countries and the people he meets. Written by the actor Daniel Vivian who plays Dugi this show is his play writing debut and it shows! Half the play is unbelievable - for example, who would cut the TV in half with a chainsaw because they are angry with their wife?! The play follows the story of Dugi (Daniel Vivian) as he escapes Yugoslavia to work in Italy were he is found to be a good basket ball player. After a while he decides to leave and emigrate yet again to Canada where his family have found work. He finds work shovelling snow. When he first gets his Canadian passport he, by mistake, ends up in London UK because he booked the wrong flight. On his second day in the UK he marries a girl he met in a club. In short she has an affair divorces him, then it all ends very quickly and we are prompted to clap by the front of house as Vivian takes a bow. Vivian has been to each of the countries he used in his one-hour performance and gives a sample of the culture and traditions of each country. One thing that I can say about Vivian's performance is that it is energetic and he jumps in and out of characters quickly and well. The scene changes are done well with music and lighting to enhance the change and make it less boring. Happiness is technically very good music selection for each location Beatles in the UK and traditional Italian music in the pizzeria. However the fact that two members of the audience were asleep is a warning to you not to spend £7.50 on his show. If this has not put you off then you will find 'Happiness how much does it cost?' on page 151 of your fringe guide.
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