FRINGE REVIEW: “Ann Chun: Asian Divorce”

Ann Chun: Asian Divorce – Venue 16: Greenside @ Riddles Court – Clover Studio – 5.15pm IMAGINE that you are living in a different country, and you travel home to visit your parents only to discover that one has moved out – next door. This was the case for New York-based comedian Ann Chun after…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “See You”

See You – Venue 22 – Dance Base – Studio 1 – 5.30pm A ROSTER of stunning shows has been brought to the Fringe this year by Taiwan Season, and contemporary dance company Hung Dance and choreographer Lai Hung-Chung’s psychologically-charged See You tops my list of best performances. Each of these incredibly capable dancers’ movements…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “Shamilton”

Shamilton – Venue 17 – Assembly George Square Studios – Studio One – 5.30 pm LIN-MANUEL Miranda’s hip-hop musical Hamilton is a modern classic, adored by fans world-wide. So, it is no surprise that Baby Wants Candy’s improv spoof Shamilton would be just as well received. Outfitted in near-matching costumes, the performers took the stage…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “Six stories”

Six Stories – Venue 43: theSpace @ Symposium Hall – Amphitheatre – 10.40pm IN THIS stunning performance presented by the Korean Cultural Centre, Korean band WeMu forged together different instruments and rituals, combining tradition and modern music to break down shamanic customs into “six stories”. Each song was introduced by one of the band members…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “Tom Lucy: Melt”

Tom Lucy: Melt – Venue 33 – Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs – 9.45pm TOM LUCY delivered a very funny, very slick show. His material covered various issues facing a sensitive young man in his 20s, from father issues to appreciation of fine furniture to later life circumcision. There was a lot of family-centred material throughout,…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “Friendsical”

Friendsical – Venue 20 – Assembly Rooms – Music Hall – 7.55pm THERE is likely no television show as universally known as Friends, so it was very ambitious for the actors of Friendsical to step into these beloved roles. The cast were introduced onto a replica Central Perk set as they twirled umbrellas in a…

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FRINGE REVIEW: “9 Circles”

9 Circles – Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Two – 1.30pm THE title is structured around the nine rings of Dante’s Inferno. Watching this gritty, hard hitting, and at times raw and troubling production leaves you rattled. That’s good theatre in my book. The play is based on a US serviceman called Steve Dale…

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Festival fringe review – Games

Games is described in the publicity as a play set against the background of “Europe is fractured; economies faltering. Anti-Semitism and right-wing populism are surging.” Recognise any of that today? With unintentional timing, Games tells the true story of the talented female Jewish fencer, Helene Mayer, struggling with herself as a Jewish sportswoman representing Germany…

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Festival fringe review – Elise

If this is the standard of production from a young troupe of actors, writers and directors, the future of British theatre is in safe hands. Elise tells the story of the troubled life of Elise Cowen, a member of the Beat generation of the 1950s. Whilst alive she was troubled by mental health issues and…

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