At the end of this performance of 'Bath Time', the actor/writer Ruaraidh Murray (it's a one-man show) shook hands with everyone in the front row, and very sincerely thanked everyone for coming - the venue is called the Wee Room so there was plenty of scope to make eye contact with the whole audience, and all in all, he came across as a genuinely lovely and grateful chap.
I don't know much about Shakespeare, and I knew even less about Titus Andronicus before seeing this version by Smooth Faced Gentlemen, the UK's only all-female Shakespeare company. But one would hope the work of 'the Bard' should be accessible without much prior knowledge, and it's to the company's credit that this production very much is.
'Blood Ties', by cast members Anika Johnson and Barbara Johnston, seems to have had quite a journey pre-Fringe. Written when the two were at theatre school, the musical has since featured in various festivals and five years later, its fourth draft arrives in Edinburgh in what appears to be a final hurrah for the show.
'Between' is packing them in. Its poster design is a fine example of how to attract your intended audience, with two nubile young men in a topless clinch. And indeed, the audience is almost exclusively male, and it's a capacity crowd, so full marks to the marketing.
A magic show with a twist, "Morgan And West: A Grand Adventure" features a duo of Victorian magicians on an epic quest in an era of hot air balloons, gentleman thieves and fantastic facial hair. Morgan and West make an endearing double act, adding plenty of personality to even the most classic of tricks, and it is their personalities that drive the story around which the show is structured.
An exciting and engaging piece of political theatre, 'How To Occupy An Oil Rig' is a show that leads its audience from fun interaction with plasticine to serious advice on the most dangerous protest situations, through strong performances and a largely effective script.
The European Premiere of Stephen Cole and David Krane's autobiographical musical The Road to Qatar has been shortlisted for a coveted Musical Theatre Network 2013 Award.
"Life isn't your oyster - it's your lobster and it's being boiled alive." It's probably the most memorable quote from Undeb Theatre's shed-based hot ticket - so hot they're all gone - and it gives an indication of the kind of mood this gardener is in.
Picking a musical to see at the Fringe is always tricky, especially with brand new shows, and lack of name recognition must be something of a liability here, but it also helps to make Between Empires the immensely enjoyable surprise it is.
Written in 1979, Martin Sherman's spotlight on the persecution of gay people by the Nazis still packs a punch today. Table 9's latest take on BENT confirms that this tale of love and self-acceptance still has the power to move audiences.
"Brendon Burns and Colt Cabana Sit in a Fifty-Seater Around Midnight and Provide the Commentary to Bad Wrestling Matches" may be the longest show title on the Fringe this year, but it certainly ensures that you know what you are getting with your ticket. Brendon Burns, Australian stand-up comic and Fringe veteran, has formed a comedy tag-team of sorts with Colt Cabana, one of the best-known independent professional wrestlers in the world. Together, they are spending an hour each night mocking some of the very worst clips of pro-wrestling, as shown on a big screen in The Stand 2.
Tom Paine - a famous political author, a source of inspiration during the American War of Independence, the supporter and later prisoner of the French Revolution, and now the subject of a new one-man show. In "The Bridge That Tom Built", Dominic Allen portrays Paine from his youth in Thetford through to his death, as well as the influential figures that crossed his path, including Benjamin Franklin and Georges Jacques Danton.
Altered Skin/Escalator East to Edinburgh present: Power Games, an interactive, narrative dance-theatre from exciting new company. Think you're in control of your life? Think again. Power Games is the debut Fringe show from Altered Skin, the new company created by Shane Shambhu.
Christmas came early for Childrens' Theatre company Talegate Theatre who are performing 'Father Christmas Needs A Wee! The Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
It's the selection for World Cup 2018, and David Cameron has pulled out the big guns to win the bid. Along with Beckham and Prince William they are THE THREE LIONS, set behind the scenes at the Zurich hotel as they take part in last minute lobbying to bring the world cup home.
The horror of the first world war is the inspiration for Les Enfants Terribles' latest production THE TRENCH by Oliver Lansley. Puppets, projections and live music combine to produce a powerful poetic exploration of the futility of conflict.
It's the end of the era and it seems like the end of the world is happening just outside the window. Ella Hickson's BOYS sees its characters facing that difficult time at the end of university. The world is at your feet...but what if you're not ready to grow up?
FOUR SCREWS LOOSE come running onto stage fanfare of loud music and high energy and this sets the tone for a fast-paced frenetic hour of musical sketch comedy. These four talented boys combine pop music, singing, rubber faces and traditional sketches with such charm that it's impossible not to be swept along in their enthusiasm.
This political comedy is the story of a student Revolution Society, an extracurricular group annoyed at the system and wanting to change things, only without a concrete idea of what they want to change and how to go about it. From complaints about the shrinking size of Snickers bars and the cliches of being student revolutionaries, through to debate on what should be done with the stock market, 'Revolution Society' follows a group of young people who move from drafting polite letters to the Prime Minister, to setting up their own country.
Chekhov's THREE SISTERS is the inspiration for this accomplished multi-discipline work from LA company Theatre Movement Bazaar. TRACK 3 sees time zones and locations in permanent flux as we see the sisters trapped and forever yearning for the mythical Moscow, doomed to remain out of reach. Physical theatre, dance, and music combine superbly to create an engaging 21st century retelling of this Victorian classic.
Actor, Comedian and Writer Emma Packer will present her brand new comedy show 'The Emma Packer Show' at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, playing at Mood Night Club from tonight 14 August to Saturday 24 August 2013 as part of Edinburgh's Free Fringe Festival 2013. Full listings below.
Saturday morning in Brisbane, in the middle of winter. I got up a little early to treat myself to one last Aussie cafe breakfast, worth it. It was beautifully sunny, I had to keep reminding myself that it is, technically, winter.
What is funny, and what drives people to try and make others laugh on stage. Ross Ericson's new comedy PUNCHLINE tries desperately to find the answer - and never quite succeeds.
You're late. We're out of snacks. Now put on this hat and pretend to enjoy yourself. Join Sad Faces as they put the fun and social into socially dysfunctional.
