Music

Possibilities for my Fringe26 ptII

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The Edinburgh Fringe programme has a section Spoken Word, it makes me smile, I mean, duh, yeah, unless it’s mime (probably in Dance, Physical theatre and Circus) or sung (covered in Music and Musicals and Opera). It seems to be a grey area, when are words just spoken?… monologues just seem to be placed wherever the performer best thinks the title will catch the eye, does Spoken Word sound a trifle too dry to them? Comedy and Theatre take in performances alluding to being more, even Cabaret (I would expect a certain pazzazz there), but those are big categories to compete for attention. A good title may actually stand out better in this smaller category filled with interview shows and talks/lectures; the lists of these go on a fair bit – there’s just short of a hundred, nope, not for me. Only three shows piqued my interest…

Call me old-fashioned, I like large paper maps, I still have all the Official Tourist Maps that I bought for various holidays back over the years. X marks the spots of various campsites and pubs, well, you never know, I might still make it back that way some day! So when I saw Mistakes on Maps I immediately reached for the scissors, a show about historical maps each with a fascinating flaw? I could go for that. Let People Like You had me at “expect saucy ostriches”, Free Fringe too, a definite possibility. The third I’ll admit is just a vague possibility but I think worth cutting out so that I’ll remember it’s on. Adorable Comedians Performing Funny Poetry and Telling Lovely Stories has the potential to be a warm fuzzy hug of a show or somewhat cringey, depending on the line-up, a foremention on who’s on each day might entice me (or not).

I don’t really expect to see anything much in Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus but I’ll always check through it (well, my fomo makes me). The blurb for Final Queen mentions “blood-soaked hula hooping”, horror and it’s antipodean (always a bonus point); it’s a full run so I can watch out for reviews before deciding. There’s only three performances of The Masquerade, I have no idea what the picture is about, a masquerade deity lives in someone’s stomach?! Hmmm, but I found myself cutting it out, okay.

Now was the time to go to the beginning, Cabaret and Variety. I just got curious there, when did this section appear? I was sure it didn’t use to be there, hmm. A quick dive into the shelves behind me and indeed, Cabaret first got it’s own section in the programme in 2011, Variety was added to it in 2015 (were there meetings debating whether such nuances should be recognised? handbags and hissy fits thrown?!) I wonder, will Magic and Burlesque be next? There’s an awful lot of magic in C&V, plenty of which appears under PBH’s Free Fringe, yay (please remember while these shows are free entry, only a real schmuck would leave without giving anything, don’t be that person). The busiest magician on the Fringe is back with two shows, full runs not a single day off, David Alnwick always puts on a great show. The blurb shows that one goes for humour, while the other, as Alnwick likes to do, is more theatrical, that one’s in the Speakeasy at the Voodoo Rooms (a great setting for a spooky show).

Another magician who’s played the Fringe plenty is Charlie Caper, I’ve never gotten round to seeing him before; his key words are magic and variety, maybe this year? The Cult of Astaroth promises magic and horror at the Banshee Labyrinth, a fitting venue! A title that immediately held my gaze was Dan Bastianelli: The Boy Who Drew Doors, magic with storytelling, I get an impression of whimsiness, no bad thing, as is the venue theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall (a place that I’ve seen plenty of great shows). One more magic show cut-out, this one illustrates my earlier point as The Man With the Golden Hands – Stuart Lightbody was listed under Theatre in 2024; it tells a true story of a magician recruited by the CIA, yeah, a possibility.

There’s plenty and allsorts of musical choices in C&V, of course. Fingers Piano Bar is the place for ABBA singalongs, and for two nights only Alice Cooper – Welcome To My Cabaret Nightmare, that could be excellent fun (or really naff). I do quite fancy the tribute to Tom Waits in the Voodoo Rooms, will it be a dip into everything, or the more accessible? (some of his stuff I really can’t get). Last but definitely not least, that grande dame of fruit is back, the incomparable Dame Granny Smith is once again in The Wee Coo in George Square Gardens. No doubt there’ll be a song or two from her, let’s hope her voice holds out as she’s on from the first preview day right through until the (real) final day, Monday 31st, with only one day off.

So far so good, my pile of possibilities isn’t ridiculously large, yet. Just the big two, Theatre and Comedy are left; the Theatre section alone is thicker than the whole of the 2001 Fringe programme, yikes. How’s anyone supposed to choose these days?

Toodle pips!

A moose and a Dame

I’ve made a start, finally

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I didn’t start at the very beginning, instead I decided that Music was a very good place to start, it’s the dark orange edged segment in the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe 2026 programme. Starting the cutting up possibilities stage is similar to initially figuring out scoring levels watching the Eurovision Song Contest. It would be easy to go silly and cut out every remote possibility, some years I’ve started quite harshly and had to go back through with a less critical eye. There is a balance, and once the Fringe gets under way there’s always going to be shows previously skipped over that bubble up to the surface; I just have to trust my Fringe-dar to point me right.

Of course, The Blueswater are back for just five late night shows at The Jazz Bar, while Nicole Smit and Jed Potts are in there for five midafternoon shows. I notice that two bands playing Stramash are listed, these are appreciation shows for the music of the Allman Brothers and of JJ Cale; yeah, I get why they’re in the programme. Just down the road at The Caves with a full Fringe run is Bad Santa and the Angry Elves, I’m amused and intrigued! It says musical theatre and rock, maybe I’ll wait to see some reviews.

Across the road in Bannermans Fringe stalwarts Attila the Stockbroker and John Otway are reviving a show they did together back in 1991, Cheryl – A Rock Opera (I didn’t see it myself but I can think of a few old acquaintances who I’ll bet did) it’s a PBH’s Free Fringe show, I’d say its a fair possibility I’ll rock up one afternoon. Meanwhile back at The Jazz Bar on drums, guitar and electric trombone (!!) there’s Soundbone plays Led Zep, just two shows, but hey, electric trombone, I’m tempted.

I’ve cut it out, I love the name, Dancing Mice – The Truth are playing in the sweatbox that is Leith Depot. See, that’s a lesser possibility but worth cutting out, the blurb says “irresistibly weird pop, crooked grooves….full of joy”, further investigation required. Trotting back up Leith Walk to Valvona & Crolla, incredible year round Deli and each August a Fringe music venue, has Sekoya (Carl’s incredibly talented backing band) for two shows at the end of the Fringe.

Next section in the programme is Musicals and opera, it’s a short one, just two caught my eye long enough to warrant the scissors. The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis, ha, love the title, it’s down as physical theatre and horror, it’s at Assembly Roxy, usually a good bet and it’s a full Fringe run, nice. Lastly, labeled as dark comedy and hilariously bleak is The Spy Who Came in From the Park, I liked the picture, my Fringe-dar says yay.

Of course, these are all just possibilities, but hey, not a ridiculous number. Next time, a flick through three more categories. You know, I think I’m starting to feel that Fringe buzz 😊

Toodle pip!

On a rainy night in Graz

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Hello you! I know, it’s been a while since my last post but I do have an excuse for May and hey, five posts in April up to that point, a blooming record for me outside of Fringe! The excuse? I’ll get back to that, for now a quick trawl through the last third of April…

I hinted at the end of my last post that Louis Crosland may play guitar alongside blues harmonica player Giles Robson again sometime; it’s definitely happening, folks! That’s through August (and into September, I think), so fairly extensive through the UK. Hmmm, if it ends anywhere northish I may have to go, that should, will, be pretty damned awesome. That’s if the tour does go through to September, I have priorities, you know.

He may not be around Edinburgh in August, but July sees Louis’s debut at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival where his Trio will be playing as one of three bands at a Blues Afternoon in the George Square Spiegeltent. Yes, a whole afternoon of blues (I think they have them each weekend of the Festival), you can catch the Louis Crosland Trio on Sunday 19th July. [Quick edit, there’s also a gig 12th June at Pilgrim in Newcastle]

That will probably (or possibly, you can never quite tell with musicians) the last time the Trio as it is, play together. Louis is planning on taking stock of things, a good time to, what with being away awhile with Robson. It will fun speculating what the new autumn season outfit will be. The final Whistlebinkies gig was great, a very lively crowd, cracking tunes and I love that of late Rob Henderson‘s bass line has been up in the mix, Max was on fine form on drums too. A decent finale for Binkies.

I said final gig, so was surprised when it was on Instagram that Louis was playing Binkies, huh?! Definitely wasn’t scheduled (mind, it was Binkies), ah, a last minute call up. Last minute, so it was a trio but for all the combinations I’ve seen, this was new. It may have been, who the hell is available now? The universal forces played ball, and how, it worked well, better than well, for a first time? it was ridiculously fine; and they weren’t done after Binkies, immediately packing up double quick to play at the Jazz Bar straight afterwards! Of course I went along! Already, just a second time round things were gelling nicely. Will this be a one night only (both musicians are usually very busy), certainly the three played together and Louis was clearly enjoying himself. It will certainly have added another dollop to the mulling mix; this cake could be sublime.

I could finish this post here, but as I’ve just poured myself another glass of a rather nice grüner veitliner, I shall continue…

Last post Carl Marah was about to take part in the semi-final of Mam Talent! this time taking a band with him. He didn’t make it through to the final, but no matter, it was a great experience and will have definitely opened up new avenues for him; and he used the opportunity to play his newly released single (just the day before, nicely done) You’re Always Right. The video is also out with Carl not only wearing his love for the Beatles on his sleeve, it’s more like an arm tattoo (done with such charm and gentle grace, tis a wonderful thing).

The Edinburgh launch of the new EP had been announced before, but now all the dates for the EP tour have been announced, which is how I came to be tapping this out on my phone in Austria. The first gig is Tuesday 19th at The Finsbury in London, aha. I’ve been meaning to get round to using an Interrail Pass that I bought end of last August when there was a discount, meaning to, but never quite succeeding; Carl’s London gig gave me an anchor point, yay. I’ll be on a Eurostar back to London on the Monday afternoon, Carl on Tuesday evening, next day a train back to Edinburgh in nice time for two Logan’s Close gigs, how excellent is that?!!

My glass is just about empty, time to sleep. Next time, probably a postcard or two.

Auf wiedersehen, meine Freunde!

A little splash of cabaret

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Time to look through the cut-outs I’ve gathered from Cabaret and Variety before the behemoth that is Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe. There’s only a few, and three of them are for the same chap! Yes, he’s back, the busiest magician on the Fringe.

David Alnwick is performing three shows everyday from Saturday 2nd until Sunday 24th August, no rest days! The first is at the Liquid Room Studio, I love the title Objectively the Best Magician, haha, well he is rather excellent. From there it’s along to the Banshee Labyrinth for Occult Illusionist; he does like a sense of theatre, I suspect there’ll be plenty in this one. From the supernatural to horror (with plenty of dark humour, no doubt), The Dare Witch Project in the Voodoo Rooms. All three are under the PBH’S Free Fringe banner but be warned, there will be queues.

Another magician now, oh, there’s plenty of them at the Fringe, The Great Mysterio has piqued my curiosity. Another with PBH’s Free Fringe down at Uno Mas on Picardy Place (I’ve been in during a previous incarnation of the place). I do like a spot of magic, you know, preferably with humour rather than shiny pizzazz; with a natural lustre rather than a polished gleam.

Of course, shiny pizzazz does have it’s place, especially in cabaret; sparkles and sequins and accordions, darling. Well, one accordion, yes, he’s here again after wow-ing audiences in Australia, New Zealand and Glastonbury, Accordion Ryan is back with his Pop Bangers, yay! This time he’s bringing the joy to Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower. I wonder what this year’s selection of bangers will be, and he was asking for suggestions of Scottish and gaelic songs on Instagram, he does love a challenge (Ryan makes a point of finding songs from the local culture wherever he travels, quite the musical linguist!)

More music of a very different texture in The Ballroom at The Voodoo Rooms. The gloriously charismatic Aidan Sadler presents Moonage Rhapsody, a love letter to Freddie Mercury and David Bowie; Aidan certainly has the pipes for it, I expect nothing short of fabulous. Dammit, how am I meant to shorten my list of possibilities with all these treats before me?! How can I make a decision against going to An Evening with Dame Granny Smith? Yes, I saw her last year, should I pass her up for something new? But it was such a wonderful hour spent with her.

Ho hum, I’d be absolutely crap at choosing my Desert Island Discs. Time is marching on, only ten days to go. Honestly, after tea I’ll get on my Comedy cut-outs. Y’know, it does actually help, talking through my options with you. Thanks for listening. Toodle pip!

It’s in 5/4 time, you know

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I’ve come to realise that I first heard Carl perform Roll the Dice in the Auld Hundred last October, I have a vid clip of it, but later couldn’t remember if that was one of his own or a cover, ha. I thought it was, but didn’t want to put it on Instagram and have folk point out that it was actually an old Paul Simon number! There is an air of Graceland about it (as Carl is happy to acknowledge), I’m excusing my cautious lack of surety as a compliment to Carl’s ability to write timeless songs that defy being placed in any particular decade.

Do check it out, Roll the Dice is available on the usual streaming platforms, a few listens and you’ll soon find yourself tapping out bits of the rhythm at random moments of the day (or is that just me?). Carl plays all the instruments and was his own backing choir on the studio recording, everything except the drums, and who better to lay down a jaunty 5/4 rhythm than fellow Logan’s Close member, Gavin Lamont (really, no one!).

There’s an official video too, featuring Carl, his fiancée Klaudia, Piccolo the Dog and a cameo appearance of the Edinburgh Monopoly board and pieces. Our troubadour pops up all around the town looking for his lady, will they ever be on the same space together? A sweet, delightful film that’ll warm your cockles! And you can play identify the places in this montage of Edinburgh spaces. [And if you’re part of an acapella choir visiting Edinburgh this Fringe, why not do an acapella arrangement of Roll the Dice in one, or a few, of the spots? Carl would love that!]

Of course, there’s not been just the single and video released this last week, Mr Marah also started another promotional tour, kicking off in the Voodoo Rooms last Sunday evening, the Ballroom no less! Very nice it was with tables and chairs laid out in a relaxed fashion; we had been warned that there was no support i.e., don’t be late! The Jefferson Airplane classic White Rabbit heralded Carl’s arrival on stage, a fine choice.

For starters we had Siren Song but, oh my, the lad’s gotten into looping! With guitar, keyboards, percussive knick-knacks, this was Marah MkII; this time round the sound is fuller, richer. I really enjoyed his songs the first time round, but wow, to hear them again switched up, it’s great hearing the progression. What will they sound like by the third single tour?! I’m looking forward to that already.

Fourteen songs, including a new work-in-progress, Me, Myself and I, some sweet chord progressions there, I’ll admit I was more engrossed by the music than the words, next time. Carl played 39 without any introduction, a beautiful song, the natural slight melancholy timbre of his voice adds to the poignancy of the lyrics. You’re Always Right was played on the keyboards this time (with added percussive loop); about halfway through it hit me, Lynsey de Paul, mid 1970s, that’s what it now reminded me of! Yeah, okay, you’re probably thinking, who? But for those of a certain age I’ll put up a vid of it on Instagram, I’m sure you’ll get what I mean!

Oo, and Cat’s Eyes, this time around by the end of the guitar break I was like, oh wow, John Martyn, by the end of the song I could almost hear his voice. I mentioned it to Carl afterwards, haha, he understood what I meant; Carl does wear his influences proudly and unashamedly on his sleeve (he knows where he’s come from and has a fair idea where he wants to go). After Cat’s Eyes it was time for the final song, the second single Roll the Dice.

First the build-up of the loop, shaker, tambourine, hand claps (interesting with it being in 5/4 time, did I mention that before?!), drum beat, and to great cheering, triangle (Would any other nation do this? Pure, silly glee at the sight of a lowly triangle?), oh, and backing vocals. While the studio version is great, a live version built up to over an evening, oh my heartses! A wonderful climax to the evening, Marah MkII was a great success! After the crowd had called out for more (we couldn’t just leave at that, we needed to be gently brought back down), Carl obliged with a cover of Squeeze’s Up The Junction.

I do fully intend to catch the show at least one more time, but right now I really need my bed. Goodnight, sweet dreams!

Some musings on music coming soon

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It’s late, very late, but I’m determined to write something before I sleep as tomorrow will be another full-on day here in Yorkshireland. Yes, I’m down again, long-time followers will be aware mid to late June is one of my annual trips. It’s ridiculously hot here, Saturday is promising to be 29°C, I’m melting!

I’ll be pooch-sitting for a few days next week, always happy to help out, just as long as I get away by Friday morning at the latest. Well, Jed & Nicole are at Whistlebinkies at 7pm, sooo, well, you know; Saturday afternoon sees the Scat Rats in there too, sweet, but it gets even better!

On Sunday 29th June Carl Marah kicks off another tour for the release of his second single Roll the Dice, this time in the Voodoo Rooms. After Edinburgh there’s London and Glasgow, then three nights on the trot, Ullapool, Inverness and Aberdeen, a fair bit of mileage there. I was kinda tempted by the Ullapool gig, but early July? The midgies will be out in full force, erm, it needs more mulling.

Then, mid July it’s time for the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, sadly there’s no Mardi Gras in the Grassmarket on the Saturday but the Carnival is back on the Sunday in Princes Street Gardens. I’ve had a ganders through the programme, noticed the wonderful Nicole Smit has a show on Wednesday 16th July in the Famous Spiegeltent (this year at St Andrew Square), nice. Her regular music buddy Jed Potts is in there two evenings later, along with the Hillman Hunters.

I was scrolling through the daily schedule on my phone and paused on Those Dangerous Gentlemen, hmm, just something about the name, and then the fact it was at the Leith Dockers, yes, I was right, another pie for Mr Potts! A few weeks later he’s back at this year’s Fringe, five shows with The Blueswater and five with Nicole Smit all scattered through August, so plenty of chances to catch them.

There’s even more chances to see Nicole at the Fringe; she has 1 Gig, 2 Drams, for six nights (I’m intrigued by the song choices to accompany two whiskies!?), and Coven – Major Arcana Energy where the set list is chosen by tarot cards (as its a coven, Nicole is one of three spell weavers). She will also be singing at the next SoundBite evening at Leith Arches, along with Rue Marie and Ailsa & The Seahorses on Thursday 31st July.

It’s really late now, I must away to sleep, just one last thought, Carl’s new single Roll the Dice is released next Friday (Friday 27th June), why not pre-save it now? It’s a great song with an intriguing jaunty rhythm. Honest, you’ll love it!

Another great poster from Mr Marah

Sweet dreams 😴

A new year, hello

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Errr, Happy New Year everyone! Yes, I know, it’s appalling, ten days into the new year, sorry! I’ve kept meaning to write something, but Gotham keeps getting in the way. I reclaimed my three season boxset from a sibling at Christmas; it’s actually impossible to only watch one episode I’ve decided. No matter how determined I am, it can’t be done. So I’ll at least start something now before I stop for tea and the Scat Rats at Stramash at seven.

It’s now only a week to go until the next full Logan’s Close outing at The Caves, yay. The last update this afternoon said there’s 20 tickets left so I doubt there’ll be any left on the night, just sayin’. On ticket sales, did I mention that the talented Mr Marah has announced a small solo tour, tickets now available? Well, more like quick darts around Scotland and England, so far; if anyone has a sweet local space where he could do his thang, just let him know, help him spread the gospel according to Carlos!

It’s a solo single tour – his first single Siren Song is coming out on St Valentine’s Day, five days before the first show at Sneaky Pete’s (where else!?). You could pop along to Carl Marah on social media and pre-save it, why not? And it turns out, my Instragram reel of Carl playing in the Auld Hundred in December is the Siren Song! See, I just know a great song when I hear it.

More music news, the band previously known as Ol’Times will be back over in Edinburgh next week. Now known as Amos Moses they’ll be supporting Edinburgh band High Fade on their UK tour, but before that starts Amos Moses will be playing in Whistlebinkies on Tuesday night before the Scat Rats at midnight, sweet!! Well, at least that’s what Binkies are saying, for now, you know why I’m a little dubious.

Why the change of name? A slight change in line-up, sadly Gabriele (singer) has moved on, it looks like Colm, guitarist and occasional singer has taken over on lead vocals. But will the new sound move me like the Ol’Times did? Gabriele was charismatic with a raffish charm, exciting to watch; Amos Moses will be a very different band. AC/DC after Bon, Van Halen after Dave, Marillion after Fish; for me, once amazing bands that then barely registered in my ears. But kudos to the band for the name change, it’s a good way to underline the fresh start. Yeah, I’m quite keen to see this new band!

Anyhoo, it’s getting on (did you spot where I broke off for tea?). I could just fit in one episode of Gotham before I turn in. I’ll leave you with my customary New Year Arthur’s Seat pic, my meeting a snowbaby as I headed back down, and Carl Marah‘s tour dates.

My slightly delayed start to the New Year
Even a slight smattering of snow and they appear!!

See, there’s room to squeeze in a few more!

Happy Christmas!

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It’s just after midnight on Christmas Eve, I really should already be tucked up asleep, big day tomorrow. Well, I’m not, so just a few quick words; I meant to write something earlier but there was a good Christmas movie on telly, Die Hard, so naturally I had to watch it (oh yes it is). I did get some presents wrapped while I watched, not really last minute as they’re for relatives I won’t see until the 27th.

I’m back down in Yorkshireland, it was a long grey drive down, buoyed up by festive tunes from South Park and Michael Bublé. In fact that was the first time I’ve played my Bublé christmas cd this year, up until then I’d mainly been listening to The Piano man at Christmas by Jamie Cullum (the double cd edition). They’re both fine musical feasts, then so is Mr Hankey’s Christmas Classics, honestly Eric Cartman’s version of Oh Holy Night is something else (once heard never forgotten).

On musical feasts, Blue Christmas on Sunday night was very sumptuous. Once again, Jed Potts and friends played through many old classics (23 in all); and how great to hear Christmas Island, it was one of my mother’s favourites. I’ll put up a couple of clips on Instagram, there is one already up in my Advent Calendar highlights (day 22). That was fun looking back over the year for favourite clips, needless to say Messrs Marah and Rough turn up a lot! The final one tonight was taken at the gig in Munich in May, it was a close call between the clip I used and Scotty throwing shapes to hardcore German techno. Maybe one day, I’ll show those!

Anyhoo, it’s even later now. Goodnight and have yourself a lovely Christmas 💛

The final weekend, again

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It’s late-ish on the final Friday of the Fringe, the sounds of the traffic let me know it’s very wet out there. Yeah, I’ve no wish to go out, and I do want to be up early tomorrow (really, it will happen, it will). I’d say there’s still three more nights to go, but we all know that’s a joke! Oo, I can hear the bangs and crackles of the end of Tattoo fireworks, you know I haven’t seen them at all this year, at one time I would make tweaks to my evenings just so I would be on the Royal Mile to see them!

I was out late last night to see The Blueswater at The Jazz Bar, a mighty fine time, the joint was swinging! If you like a ginger beer, then definitely try their mix; it’s not just a ginger beer from a bottle or can, this is The Jazz Bar’s Ginger Beer, wow, it kicks! At £14 this is the most I’ve spent on a Fringe show ticket – but that is ninety minutes of the best sounds, so worth it. Indeedily ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Earlier yesterday evening I went back for more electrically distorted ukulele with John Robertson: The Human Hurricane. God, he is so much fun!! Every show is so unique as he plays around with the audience, this time there was a chap with a melodica, he kind of, em, tried to menace John with it?! Of course, it was taken up on stage where John attempted to play it and his ukulele at the same time. See, if Laughing Horse @ The Counting House continued until the final Monday, The Human Hurricane would be a great show to end my Fringe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was also back the Delhi Belly in the Underbelly yesterday morning, my third show there (Bishops and Dr Dolittle), how would Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror measure up? After such quintessentially British shows, Infinity Mirror is brashly American. Mind, I did wonder if I’d gone into the right show at the start, as he was on stage making sandwiches! No worries, his character Mitch Coony works in a deli, he had a story to share with us…

It’s a rise and fall tale of a young actor and his brother (who’s a horse), and trying to get into the VIP rooms at Tom Hanks’ sex parties (did I mention it’s a tad surreal and silly?) The story arc is good, sometimes overtaken by the sketches, but the payoffs are great, very nicely done. Kunze interacts well with an audience, but it was when he was shooting off one-liners that he had me in stitches. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been think of my Fringe end, honestly, so much is over and already packing up on the Monday. I could finish with a bang on Sunday night, there’s The Human Hurricane, then I could catch Accordion Ryan’s Pop Bangers (note to self, would have to remember to queue in good time, he’s so popular he’s having to turn folk away!) Later on to the Alternative Comedy Memorial Society? It’s the final one, so awards time, very very silly awards ’til about three in the morning. Well, it’s a plan, and not too bad for making Will BF‘s final Moon Team IIIV just after noon on Monday.

G’night!

A few more notes

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Music. Not content with popping up a lot in Cabaret & Variety, and on occasion in Comedy, it has its own category and an extra one just for Musicals & Opera. I rarely see anything from either category but, always have a look through, just in case….

Oh my heartses, there’s two shows listed on the first two pages of Music featuring the divine Nicole Smit! On the first Sunday evening of the Fringe, she’ll be in the reopened Jazz Bar, for not just sixty but ninety minutes of jazz; I guess it needs to be that long, the show’s called “26” Songs Nicole Cassandra Smit Wants to Sing. Oh, it’s gonna be good!

Nicole is back in The Jazz Bar mid Fringe, this time with Jed Potts doing their thang with country, blues and jazz numbers; there’ll be some sweet, sad, sassy and maybe just downright silly stuff in there, depend how they’re feelin’! There’s two chances for all the out-of-towners to see Aaaah Look Who It Is: Jed Potts and Nicole Smit, Again! The Jazz Bar also sees the return of The Blueswater for five late night shows spread over the Fringe, yay! Which night to pick?! Another chance to see Jed play, and no doubt Nicole will be up for a number or two.

Much as I love all that stuff, I have other needs, heavy heavy riffs and disco (yes, I’m a moose of many musical tastes). Luckily there’s a show that covers both … in Bannermans, they’re back for two nights, Tragedy: All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees and Beyond. It’s gonna be hot and sweaty, and gleefully, wickedly OTT!!

But have any Musicals caught my eye? Just three have tweaked my curiosity…..

It’s late, I’m pooped. A look through one of the big ones tomorrow, ooo. Sweet dreams!