TheGayUK reveals it's Top Picks From the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe
by Becky Harper | 10th August 2013
Rhys Nicholson:
★★★★
Best Newcomer at Sydney Comedy festival Rhys Nicholson, brings his brand of dark humour to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Rhys, a distinctive looking character, uses a projector onstage to talk us through his life, from a chubby childhood to his coming out in small town Australia, the onset of bulimia and his treatment. Despite the bleak subject matter, Rhys' cleverly constructed act has the audience in stitches, with his self deprecating humour and frequent sexual references and foul language. If you are easily offended this show is definately not for you. But it certainly tickled our oesophagus. Catch him now while you have the chance, 10.45pm at the Gilded Balloon. Twitter @rhysnicholson
Not the Messiah:
★★★★★
On entering the venue, a portakabin outside the Pleasance Grand, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are queuing to see a young stand up comedian's first show. However we are about to take a journey into the life of one of the most famous British comic actors and LGBT activist, Graham Chapman of Monty Python fame. Portrayed beautifully by the superbly talented George Telfer, a charming and charismatic performer who builds up an incredible rapport with the audience, we start at the very beginning and meet Graham as a child, all the way up to the end of his life. Most moving is the account of him coming out to his friends, family and colleagues. He was widely regarded as the first openly gay entertainer and lived much of his youth during a time when homosexuality was still illegal, reminding us all of how far we have come, and yet how far we still have yet to go. I cannot reccomend this show enough, it was the highlight of the festival for me and despite the great atmosphere that came from being in such an intimate venue, I can only hope this show is offered a west end transfer onto a bigger stage. 1pm at The Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance This.
Mixed Doubles:
★★★★
There is no shortage of comedy sketch show's on the fringe and many of them blend into each other. However I was lucky enough to catch Mixed Doubles, a new comedy foursome who are bringing a fresh new energy to the scene. Made up of two boys and two girls, this slick, fast paced show introduces us to a range of strong characters and the impersonations of Jools Holland and Andy Murray are absolutely spot on. The best thing about the show however is how even the material is between the boys and the girls, the girls really getting a chance to shine with their superb comic timing. Having only been together for 12 months, they are already winning awards, most recently Best new sketch act, Gilded Balloon. One to watch for sure. Just the Tonic at The Caves 6pm twitter @mixed_doubles
The Lady Boys of Bangkok:
★★★★★
Upon entering the venue, the big top in the meadows, you feel a bit like you have been transported to Butlins, surrounded by a mainly middle aged audience who are out for a night of drinking and dancing, ready to be entertained. And the Lady Boys certainly don't disappoint.
I can honestly say, that this show is hands down, the campest show I have ever seen. It could't be any more camp, than if Elton John and Barbara Streisand came out to sing a duet accompanied by Liberace on keys. The costumes have more glitter and sparkles than you can shake a stick at, and the elaborate costume changes are truly spectacular, assisted I imagine by an army of dressers backstage. The numbers themselves, made up of old and new pop hits are mimed by the cast while they perform relatively simple yet effective choreography, made more impressive by the height of their heels. Their rendition of 'I'm Sexy and I Know It' was a particular favorite of mine. Throw in a Shirley Bassey tribute act and a victor/victoria performance of Mary Poppins, you spend the majority of the show, mouth agape and laughing throughout.
Without resorting to too many tired cliches, this show really does have the feel good factor and I defy anyone to not go to this show and enjoy it. All the audience are up and dancing at the end it would be a great night out for a group, the big circular cabaret tables seating between 8-10 people apiece. You will leave singing and dancing and ready to party on.
The Meadows Big Top twitter @TheLadyBoys
Other top picks of the fringe:
Knightmare Live!:
So all you 80’s kids, remember the TV show? On between Art Attack and Mike and Angelo? Well Objective Talent with Tom Bell, Paul Flannery and Amee Smith have bought the live version up to the fringe. In what is guaranteed to be a hit, they have a panel of visiting comedians directing a member of the public wearing the helmet of justice through the dungeon. Lots of audience participation creates a great atmosphere, it’s a must for nostalgia fans. Gilded Balloon, 5.30pm.
Morgan and West: Magical twosome use their considerable talents to perform tricks and puppetry to enchant the audience, perfect entertainment for all the family, 4.15pm at the Gilded Balloon.
Dandy Darklys Gory Hole: 'Supernatural Sleaze and Homosexual Horror!' Neil James brings his unique and memorable alter ego to the fringe, using his energetic storytelling skills and considerable showmanship to take you on a journey of the dark and disturbed! Not for the fainthearted! Space Cabaret V54, 8.30pm.
Tell me the truth about love: Jamie McDermott performs cabaret songs by WH Auden, Benjamin Britton, Conor Mitchell and Mark Ravenhill. '...an intimate cabaret that comes a little queerly from the heart' Udderbelly Topside, 7pm
Morgan and West: Magical twosome use their considerable talents to perform tricks and puppetry to enchant the audience, perfect entertainment for all the family, 4.15pm at the Gilded Balloon.
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