TFA August 2017

Free | Issue 34 | August 2017 WeAreTSA.co.uk

THE FESTIVAL

ADVERTISER

PAGE 6

PAGES 20 – 21

TRUMPAGEDDON

KATE O’DONNELL YOU’VE CHANGED!

SHAZIA MIRZA

FESTIVAL INTERVIEWS

PLUS PAGE 8

FRINGE’S MOST UNUSUAL VENUES, MADE IN ADELAIDE DESCENDS ON SUMMERHALL & EDINBURGH’S CITY GUIDE GINGZILLA

THRONES! THE MUSICAL

THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK

3 WORLD PREMIERES

ADAM

eve

Conceived & directed by Cora Bissett, written by Frances Poet, music by Jocelyn Pook

Written by Jo Clifford and Chris Goode, directed by Susan Worsfold

The remarkable true story of a young trans man’s journey across borders and genders.

A deeply personal reflection on one trans woman’s journey starring Jo Clifford.

Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre / 6-27 Aug / £21.50 (£16.50) traverse.co.uk Stirling, Macrobert Arts Centre / 5-6 Sep / £14.50 (£12.50) macrobertartscentre.org Glasgow, Citizens Theatre / 13-16 Sep / £10.50-15 citz.co.uk

Traverse Theatre,Traverse Edinburgh / /4-27 /£21.50 £19.50(£16.50) (£14.50) traverse.co.uk Edinburgh, Theatre 6-27Aug Aug / traverse.co.uk Stirling, Macrobert Arts Centre / 5-6/ Sep / £14.50 Macrobertartscentre.org Citizens Theatre, Glasgow 14-16 Sep (£12.50) / £10.50-15 citz.co.uk Glasgow, Citizens Theatre / 13-16 Sep / £10.50-15 citz.co.uk

how to act Written & directed by Graham Eatough A provocative double-hander about art, truth and ethics from award-winning Graham Eatough Summerhall, Edinburgh / 4-27 Aug / £15 (£13) summerhall.co.uk

@nationaltheatrescotland Adam is part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.

@NTSonline

nationaltheatrescotland.com The National Theatre of Scotland, a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (SC234270) is a registered Scottish charity (SC033377).

It's time to get

FREE | Issue 34 | August | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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dis bedient Joe's NYC Bar Courtney Act: The Girl from Oz

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Hans: Mein Camp Sasquatch, The Opera Mindy Raf: Keeping My Kidneys Romy Nordlinger: Places

contents

FRINGE COMEDY – THRONES! THE MUSICAL FRINGE COMEDY – Trumpageddon FRINGE COMEDY – Shazia Mirza brings ‘With Love from St. Tropez’ to the Fringe Weirdest Shows at this year’s Fringe FRINGE THEATRE – How To Act What’s on at The Bedlam Theatre FRINGE THEATRE – Playwright Eleanor Bishop’s Jane Doe Civil Disobedience brings rock, folk, and drag superstars to the Edinburgh Fringe Unusual Venues at the Fringe FRINGE THEATRE – World Premiere of Locker Room Talk FRINGE THEATRE – EVE, performed by acclaimed playwright and performer Jo Clifford FRINGE THEATRE – Kate O’Donnell ‘You’ve Changed!’

FRINGE CABARET AND VARIETY – The Lady Boys of Bangkok Made in Adelaide descends on Summerhall FRINGE CABARET AND VARIETY – Late Night Lip Service presents GINGZILLA What’s On for Pride 2017 Free Pride Pride Party Playlist Veggie and Vegan Friendly Joints During the Fringe Inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend is even bigger Meat and Music Festival announced for the Capital Outside the FRINGE Outside of Edinburgh Holy Fuck play Doune The Rabbit Hole Gigs of the Month Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Ultimate Gig Guide New Hellfire Club’s Pick of the Month – REBEKAH

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DISCLAIMER This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed without the written permission of The Student Advertiser and the publishers. The proprietors of this publication are publishers and not agents, or sub-agents of those who advertise therein. They cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication. The Student Advertiser takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. We consider our sources reliable, and while every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate at the time of print, reporting inaccuracies can occur, therefore readers using this information do so at their own risk.

Tomás Ford: Crap Music Rave Party / Craptacular Michael Griffiths: Sweet Dreams Carla Lippis: Cast A Dark Shadow Danny Condon: Tales from the Black Sheep Michelle Shocked: Truth vs Reality Alive: Music for Night of the Living Dead Peter Michael Marino: Show Up

wearecivildisobedience.com @wearecivildisobedience @wearecivildisobedience @weareohsocivil We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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‘

The writers have their work cut out for them because there’s a new one every week, but I think they love it,’ said Tim Sniffen, veteran Baby Wants Candy cast member. ‘The bulk of the script stays the same for the whole run, but we have to learn the new lines pretty quickly. Many of us come from improv, which changes every night, so you have to keep your mind agile to bring the new things in. We’ve done sketch comedy, in which you never want to be too beholden to the script so you can keep it fresh, so we’re all used to working in a similar process, and we enjoy the challenge.’

Although Thrones! creators roll out fresh updates each week, audiences don’t have to be made up solely of fans of the TV show.

The play takes place at a Game of Thrones party where Linda, having never seen it, is forced to watch as her friends re-enact all six seasons to catch her up. Naturally, if you’re wary of spoilers then this might not be the show for you…

Along with GoT, the cast helpfully include spoilers to Harry Potter, The Usual Suspects, The Sixth Sense, and others, before advising that The Wire only takes two and a half seasons to appreciate. However, this doesn’t stop tickets from selling out.

!

S E N THRO SICAL U M E TH EDY

FRINGE | COM

Baby Wants erformed by p d n up, a d e c u Prod l improv gro a ic s u m d e cclaim Candy, the a y returns to usical Parod M e h T ! s e n r its third Thro ge festival fo n ri F h rg u b the Edin dated and ar with an up e y e v ti u c e s ed show. con f the acclaim o n io rs e v d extende efore m five days b e th t e m A S ll being When T show was sti te u in m 5 7 e s season opening, th up-to-date. A it p e e k to d eekly tweake hrones airs w T f o e m a G attle to 7 of HBO’s , the group b n ru e g n ri F eir isodes. alongside th ost recent ep m e th to s d throw in no

Thrones! has completely sold out its entire Fringe runs at the previous two festivals, along with shows in Chicago and Los Angeles in the last seven months. Tickets for Thrones! at this year’s festival are already selling out, with celebrated improvised musical Baby Wants Candy doing just as well. The same cast perform the parody at 4:55pm before the improv musical at 9:30pm, for the entire festival.

Despite the demands of two shows every night, the cast thrive off the buzz of performing.

“Personally, I don’t feel a lot of difference,” said actor Megan Reilly, who appears as fan favourites Daenerys, Joffrey and Ygritte. “I’ve been doing a lot of improv for the last four years, so I haven’t really done a scripted show for a while.

But it’s been great fun to have someone else create the words you get to bring to life. The Thrones! process is unique because it goes up so quickly, so the techniques we use to get into character have to be jacked up, heightened and at their best.”

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“The team element is totally different: we’re all dropped in to rehearsals for both shows at the same time, but we live together so get to spend a lot of time together.

It totally helps everyone to get to know each other and get used to each other. It’s crucial for the shows: you want to know the ebb and flow

what’s on | FRINGE

of the people on stage with you, their strengths and weaknesses, what they like and don’t like to do.”

With an improv group performing a scripted show, it may seem easier to let the script do the brunt of the work when performing, but where improv encourages actors to take the lead to allow fluidity to the show a script’s structure means the

cast are far more reliant on each other.

“There’s a saying in improv: don’t be polite. Don’t wait for someone else to do something, be the person that does it, because honestly the person that does it is the person that’s helping,” Reilly said.

Sniffen agreed, saying that the “Improv show is like playtime.

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Don’t worry we have heaters to

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With Thrones! you have to do it somewhat correctly or you ruin the show. If you’re suddenly not saying a line for someone else to react to then you’re screwing them over; I’m glad we do his one first because our second show is just ‘no rules’, but the script for this one is great and a lot of fun.”

The parody follows the same personfocus as Martin’s novels and HBO’s adaptation; the cast clearly value knowing each other both on and

off stage, and the strength of those relationships is what keeps audiences returning more each year. Winter is coming, and so are the fans, so act quick to catch the show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Thrones! The Musical Parody runs from 5th-28th August for £15pp at Studio One, Assembly George Square. Baby Wants Candy runs from 5th-27th August for £15pp at Studio One, Assembly George Square.

open from June to September!

Head down to

Bar 50’s new

GARDEN

Free comedy shows from the 3rd – 27th of August 500ml bottles

of Old Mout

£4.00

Sign up for 20% student or 10% local discount Food served till late | drinks promos www.bar-50.co.uk | www.freefestival.co.uk |

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N O D D E G A P M TRU R O F E M O C S A H E M I THE T

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what’s on | FRINGE

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We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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S

hazia Mirza returns to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017 with a brand new tour. With Love From St. Tropez follows her critically acclaimed 103 date, sell-out tour The Kardashians Made Me Do It, which began life as 2015 Fringe show The Road to Al Baghdadi. Once a high school chemistry teacher, the now celebrated comedian focuses on lies and truth.

Can you tell us about the new show?

It’s about the state of the world.

There’s a bit about Brexit, racism, and the rise of bigotry and things like that. I also then use the periodic table and relate it to the world.

All the answers to the issues of the world are in the periodic table. I’ve got a bit about the banning of the burka on the French beach and how I don’t understand modern feminism.

Do you mind going into more detail on that?

I don’t really understand what modern feminism is. Donald Trump said that he grabbed pussy and women all over the world got angry and they marched the streets.

Obviously I don’t agree with him, I don’t agree with what he said and I’m not condoning it, but I just don’t think it was that bad.

I think feminism is a white thing by white middle-class women for white middle-class women, who like signing petitions and campaigning.

In the show I point out that Muslim women are the most oppressed minority in the world and nobody signs petitions for our pussies. There was no worldwide march for us; when you have Muslim women who are sent off to Pakistan to marry 65 year-old men or have acid thrown in their face, and there’s never a worldwide march for them. I thought that feminism is not just what you do for yourself but what you do for all women.

FRINGE | COMEDY I have a 23 year-old Muslim friend who wears the niqab. I was going to do a gig for international women’s day when her mother said “what is that?” and my friend responded with “it’s that thing white women celebrate once a year”, and I thought “oh my God”. That was the first time I’d heard it and I thought that this must be what a lot of women who aren’t white think. This was the first I’d heard it so I thought I must go and write something about it because there must be loads of women who think like her.

Did that form a large part of your motivation for the show?

No, it’s actually only a very small part of the show that I end on. I’ve only got fifty minutes and it isn’t enough, but when I go on tour I can do an hour and a half, then it’ll be much longer.

Is this your first time performing the show?

Well I’ve done loads of previews, which went well. There are obviously people who won’t agree with what I say, especially in Edinburgh given it’s the domain of the white middle-class, and there’ll be a lot of people who will probably say that it’s not right to say Trump wasn’t that bad because it kinds of takes away from how awful that is. But it didn’t warrant a worldwide march.

SHAZIA MIRZA

Do you feel any pressure following up the international success of The Kardashians Made Me Do It? Maybe, but I don’t think of it like that. It was a great show and people really liked it, but I’ve got other things I want to talk about now and other things I want to say. It’s totally different from my last show.

Given that you had to change the title of the The Road to Al Baghdadi to The Kardashians Made Me Do It when you took it to London, do you ever feel the need to suit different attitudes or censor yourself?

No, I don’t feel that I do, especially not in Edinburgh. There are obviously people who are going to be offended, but if you think about the audience and worry about what they’re going to think then you’ll never do a true piece of work.

The promotional material for St. Tropez includes the lines “the truth is so 1980s”. Would you mind explaining that?

I just talk about lies, Brexit being based on lies, and Trump being based on lies, and how people actually prefer to hear lies than the truth, because there’s more comfort that way. It comes in to how I use the periodic table in the show. It brings back horrific memories for some people to see it, but it’s based on scientific facts and how everything can be related to the way that the elements are mixed and congregate by themselves. The left of the table and the right don’t mix, and when they do… It’s generally a metaphor for the world.

What’s the plan for after the Fringe?

I’ll be doing a few dates before Christmas, then I’ll start the main UK tour in March or April. I’ve also just filmed Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls with Mark Watson and a few other people. That starts August 28th on Channel 4. It was very difficult, but a life changing experience.

Shazia Mirza’s new show With Love From St. Tropez is on 2nd-28th August at the Billiard Room, Gilded Balloon, 7:30pm for £6-£13

by Callum Creaney @CallumC3275

reelfilmlife.wordpress.com

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what’s on | FRINGE

WEIRDEST SHOWS

AT THIS YEAR’S FRINGE Interested in witnessing many mind-boggling shows which leave you puzzled and yearning for more? Well, look no further than the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This year’s Fringe will be showcasing some rather outlandish performances. We’ve gathered the top five shows that cannot be missed this year:

BUBBLE SHOW FOR ADULTS ONLY C venues – C (Venue 34) Aug 13-28

Naughty bubbles, acrobatics, juggling and rude jokes with Disney themes throughout... what more could you ask for? The Australian group Kurt Murray and Lulia Benze will leap across the stage and reveal all about their sex life through the form of BUBBLES in this quirky yet impressive show at Venue C.

ADVENTURERS WANTED: A 250-HOUR EPIC TABLETOP ROLEPLAYING GAME Sweet Holyrood (Venue 94) Aug 6-23, 26-28

Ever fancied escaping from a lava covered volcano, slaying a dragon or hunting for golden treasure?

Well, this performance could be for you. This informal, upbeat and exciting performance involves role-play so be prepared for some mystical fun. The show is relaxed and suitable for all viewers.

WANK BANK MASTERCLASS

Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14) Aug 6-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-26 This wacky Australian performance involves an insightful yet entertaining look at the male reproductive system... you may learn something new about your parts as you sit in a circle with a carrot or cucumber at hand.

THE MARRIAGE OF KIM K

C venues – C (Venue 34) Aug 6-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-28 Ever wondered why Kim K and Kris’ marriage didn’t work out? Well, perhaps this musical can help. This seamless musical take on Kim K’s divorce from world-famous Kris Humphries and Mozart’s Figaro involves the stories of three couples each with different love stories and all suffering from the same problem of how to love without heartache. Can they do it?

WILD BORE

Traverse Theatre (Venue 15) A ​ ug 8-13, 15-20, 22-27 This upbeat theatre show from Soho Theatre and Malthouse Theatre involves three performers who combine funny performance with politics: Zoe Coombs Marr, Ursula Martinez and Adrienne Truscott play critics at their own play. This show is everything heart-warming, funny and exciting.

by Sophie McLean

sophiemcleanblog.wordpress.com

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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FRINGE | THEATRE

A

ward-winning artist and director Graham Eatough returns to the Edinburgh festival with the playful and provocative How To Act. Performed by Robert Goodale and Jade Ogugua, the play explores the contemporary realities of personal, cultural, and economic exploitation by pitting internationally-renowned theatre director Anthony Nicholls (Goodale) against aspiring young actress Promise (Ogugua) in Nicholls’ masterclass seminar.

Following his celebrated production of Alasdair Gray’s Lanark in 2015, Eatough writes and directs this new play, a drama where the confrontation between the two characters leaves audiences questioning who gets to define power and truth.

Following on from the successes of Lanark in 2015, what sort of pressures do you feel in returning to the festival?

How To Act is a very different show to Lanark. In some ways, it’s a conscious response to that and other large-scale projects I’ve done over the past few years.

I wanted to develop something on a much smaller scale that allowed me to re-examine some fundamentals of my theatre making.

I’ve been developing this project with the National Theatre of Scotland for a few years now and the festival at Summerhall seemed like the perfect context to show it. It started with workshops with various different performers and then a consolidated writing and drafting process from about 2 years ago. And then finally a four-week rehearsal and production period before opening at Summerhall.

Having worked with a variety of media, why did you decide to use theatre, rather than film or another artform?

I wanted to make a fundamentally theatrical show rather than one that involved other artforms such as visual art and film. I’ve done a lot of that recently so it felt great to get back to basics with two actors, very little set, and just rely on the writing and performance.

The play involves the developing relationship between an esteemed director and an aspiring actress, addressing the nature of art, ethics and truth. What prompted you to write about these issues?

The idea came from two different bits of research. One was an ongoing interest in Greek tragedy and what a contemporary drama might look like that drew on some of those principles.

The second was an interest in the West’s reliance on natural resources such as oil, which we depend on for our relatively luxurious lifestyle, and our relationship with the countries from which we take these resources. These two ideas coalesced into How To Act. How far is the character of Antony Nicholl inspired by your own experiences as a director and artist?

Nicholl is probably a bit more of a purist than me, in terms of his methods. I like to work in lots of different contexts and collaborate with people working in different artforms.

Also, he’s much more famous than me.

How To Act will play at Summerhall (Venue 26) from 3 – 27 Aug

HOW TO ACT 10

what’s on | FRINGE

Given the intention to have audiences’ question their understanding of truth, how far is Nicholl intended as an embodiment of the audience’s reaction to the play?

That’s a big question, but you’re right that the show can be seen as the collision of two different versions of the truth. Both characters have their own incompatible idea of what the truth is and, in a way, they are both ‘right’. I wanted the audience to see the validity of both these perspectives, and the inevitability of the conflict that arises from them and feel implicated in that conflict in some way.

The play touches on western relationships to other countries, specifically Nigeria. Was there any deliberate effort to appeal to the current international political climate?

I think we (me included) can be conveniently blind to the realities of how we get to live the lives we lead.

The consequences of oil exploitation in Nigeria really have been horrific in many ways even though it has created great wealth for some. And it is this oil, as well as other resources drawn from different places, that drives our society’s very high levels of consumption and relatively affluent lifestyle. So there’s a question the play asks about whether our ability to lead these kinds of lives depend on the poverty and exploitation of others and what our culpability in that process might be.

In discussions with other press, you’ve discussed a plan to tour How to Act. What shape do you see that tour shaping and what else have you got planned for the foreseeable future?

Hopefully we get to show the work more generally in Scotland and the rest of UK, and then there’s talk of international touring next year. The festival is a great opportunity to showcase the play and generate future interest.

If you get the chance, are you planning on seeing any specific acts at the festival?

I’ve already seen a bit of the Traverse programme, which I’ve really enjoyed.

One of the great things about being on at Summerhall is that you get to see the other work there. It’s such a vibrant venue with some brilliant work.

by Callum Creaney @CallumC3275

reelfilmlife.wordpress.com

BEDLAM VENUE 49

2017

BEDLAM

THEATRE RICH HERITAGE AND FRINGE FAVOURITES Since 1843, the church that is now known as Bedlam Theatre has stood at the foot of George IV Bridge, formerly frequented by the parishioners of the New North Free Kirk. A century after its founding, with attendance falling, the Kirk was abandoned and sold to the University of Edinburgh at a rock-bottom price. For decades it stood as a glorified broom cupboard, piled high with dusty benches and desks for examinations. It was not until 1977, when Richard Crane’s musical adaptation of Master and Margarita, (performed in the chaplaincy) went on to win the Fringe First award that things began to change at Bedlam.

Having proved its potential as a theatre venue, Bedlam Theatre was finally born in 1980. Named after the ruins of Edinburgh’s notorious sanatorium upon which the church was built, Bedlam quickly garnered notoriety. From allnight lock-ins – justified to concerned university staff as “fundraisers” – to blasphemous adaptations of the life of Christ, the EUTC (Edinburgh University Theatre Company) chewed up the rulebook and spat it out. Bedlam Fringe has, for years, pushed back against mediocrity and has garnered a plethora of Fringe First and Perrier awards to prove it.

FRINGE SHOWS To this day, Bedlam is a by-word for unparalleled performances that test their audiences – they do not shy away from taboo. This year their line-up is no different. Among a vast array of acts, they have festival favourite’s The Improverts, the longest running show in Fringe history, returning for their 28th year. Sofie Hagen, the comedian on everyone’s to-see list is there for a full run of her show Dead Baby Frog, and they will be showcasing Sugar and Salt, a brand new play from the company that brought the Fringe Firstwinning 8 to the festival in 2008. Princes of Main bring biting sketch comedy back to the stage, and The Other Room Theatre reveal their challenging new drama Seanmhair (pronounced shen-avar) to the Fringe audience. And as always, every evening their Late Night Cabaret brings together a selection of the very best comedy at the Fringe.

Bedlam does not only have brilliant comedy on offer. In what is fast becoming a tradition, they are proud to serve the cheapest pint anywhere at Fringe venues. They have a fresh new menu to go along with a drinks menu produced in participation with Scottish locals Porter’s Gin, and a renovated outdoor seating area that provides an opportunity to take in the sunshine.

They have even teamed up with local gelateria Kitsch to serve their delicious homemade ice-cream on Bedlam’s doorstep. Whether it be the shows in their auditorium, or the drinks served in their bar, they want to improve on the already stellar reputation of their little

TSA Advertorial

august 4th - 28th

@bedlamfringe /bedlamfringe www.bedlamfringe.com

11 NEW SHOWS

CATCH THE FUTURE OF FRINGE

AT BEDLAM THEATRE

theatre by ensuring people have a great time coming there.

Bedlam Theatre has had a storied past. Over one-and-a-half centuries Bedlam’s history has been punctuated by changes: a building that was once a church now seats an undeniably different congregation. So as they look to their history and admire the bravery and creativity of generations passed, they also look to the future. For Bedlam, the future is built on bold new ideas that rest on that storied past.

Bedlam Theatre is back for yet another Fringe, but they never really left.

Conor Marlborough, Venue Manager Bedlam Theatre

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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Jane Doe will play at Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17) from 3 – 28 Aug

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ne in ten women in Scotland have experienced rape and one in five women have had someone try to have sex with them without their consent.

In many cases, the outcome has been that the victim was “asking for it” or “too drunk” instead of looking at the perpetrator and why they thought it was ok.

The term ‘Rape Culture’ is an American pro-feminist term which aims to address the societal attitudes which normalise sexual violence and brainwash people into believing that aggressive attitudes towards rape and the sexual objectification of women is ok. Today, rape culture can take forms in anything from music, jokes, tv shows, laws, social media and language which can potentially cause a sexually abusive notion towards women.

Eleanor Bishop, a director and writer from New Zealand has written an audience participatory theatre show called Jane Doe which aims to discuss the issues surrounding rape culture, sexual abuse and feminism, featuring interviews and documentaries from real people affected by these societal attitudes. The interviews took place in colleges and universities across the US and New Zealand and will tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this month.

The show will feature direct audience responses to sexual abuse cases.

PLAYWRIGHT ELEANOR BISHOP’S

JANE DOE

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FRINGE | THEATRE

“I arrived in the US in 2013, in Pittsburgh to start my MFA in Directing at Carnegie Mellon. The issue of sexual assault on college campuses was blowing up all around me. The Hunting Ground had just come out, the Obama administration was pushing really hard on it. I spent hours on the internet reading rape cases and then I started talking to undergrads about sexual assault, street harassment, sex education and dating culture. I tried to make really comfortable, warm spaces to have difficult conversations, and that tone is a big part of the theatre work.”

“It started at Carnegie Mellon but now has had life at many other US colleges, in New Zealand and now the UK” We asked what the performances aimed to address and what feminism means to Bishop. “The word and identity of being a feminist makes me feel powerful because I feel the support of women throughout history behind me. Women before me lifted me up, and so I will use the power I have to lift up other women. Jane Doe is built as a show that responds to the place it is in. And I think that specificity makes it more engaging to audiences. I wanted the show to feel like something we all did together so audience members can read the trial transcript with Karin (Jane Doe) and text in their responses at various points.

In the show there are interviews with young people from the US, New Zealand and now the UK on questions such as do they feel safe in London? Have they ever felt objectified?”

“Sexual violence has been framed as a women’s issue, because women are disproportionately affected by it. But I believe, it is up to all of us to end it.

For this reason, the show welcomes everyone.”

requires me to make the audience feel safe. My training in sexual violence prevention definitely helps that.

“I think it also gave me a pretty good analysis for all the issues we cover in the show, which made collaborating with Eleanor on changes easier. That background makes me feel more in control of the show, which is a good thing, because there are lots of moving parts. At first ‘Jane Doe’ was a fictional character that was remote from me. But after I performed a few shows I realised she was me, and she was Eleanor, and she was everyone that we interviewed.

She’s all of us, kind of. So now, when I’m performing, I am Jane Doe, and she’s me.”

“...when I’m performing, I am Jane Doe, and she’s me.”

When asked what both women felt needed to be done to change the narrative in today’s society, Eleanor and Karin both agreed the problem stemmed from education: Eleanor:”Compulsory consent education would be huge in helping change rape culture. On an individual level, men standing up to sexism in everyday life sends a huge message and changes culture.

Karin:”Mandatory consent education in all schools, everywhere. That would benefit everyone, not just young women.

Literally everyone should have that education.”

As a successful woman in the creative industry, what advice would you give to young women everywhere?

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Eleanor Bishop:”Find women you admire, write to them why you admire them, and ask to learn from them. Find female peers that support and excite you. Support other women who are awesome. This way you will always be supported by those around you and we will all go far together.”

BEEN LET DOWN? PROBLEM SOLVED

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We contacted Karin McCracken who is the sole performer of Jane Doe about the show and what it means to her as a female. “I did theatre through high school mostly because it was the most fun – I felt like the stars had aligned a little when I was offered the part. I used to be a lawyer, and I’m also a sexual violence prevention educator, so it sort of felt like no other show was more suited to my background than this one. I think the work the show is doing is important, it’s a point of solidarity for women and it feels really rare. A lot of the show

“Sexual violence has been framed as a women’s issue, because women are disproportionately affected by it. But I believe, it is up to all of us to end it.”

PR

Eleanor found her inspiration for the show when she moved from New Zealand to the States:

3-3a West Maitland Street, Edinburgh EH12 5DS 0131 229 5432 / 5431

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at the Edinburgh Fringe

Civil Disobedience brings rock, folk and drag superstars to the Edinburgh Fringe Live arts production company Civil Disobedience has hit the deck running at the speed of light this Edinburgh Fringe, working across a portfolio of 15 companies and 17 shows.

Based in Scotland’s capital, Civil Disobedience was set up by Barry and Josef Church-Woods when Barry left the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society last May, after eight years as their Venues and Companies Manager. Fast-forward to January, and Josef has joined the team full time as producer, along with part time associate producer Louise Oliver.

Their 2017 Fringe season is veritable smörgåsbord of politically engaged events and world-class work, exploring the human condition. Shows include Courtney Act’s The Girl from Oz; Sasquatch, The Opera by Roddy Bottum (of Faith No More fame); Human Head’s Obfuscation; Metta Theatre’s Pixel Dust/Wondr, both starring Simone James (EastEnders); and Joe’s NYC Bar, created by Christian Kelty.

“Joe’s NYC Bar will always hold a special place in our hearts”, says Barry. “It’s the show we set the company up around last year, and it has since taken Edinburgh, Orlando and NYC by storm. We’re incredibly excited to have teamed up with Assembly this year to bring this immersive theatre happening back to Edinburgh, with two daily performances.”

That’s not to say that the other shows in their programme are any less important, Josef explains: “We’re hugely proud of all our artists and their work, and thrilled to be involved with so many fantastic shows. We just took a bunch of people to see Obfuscation, by New York-based Human Head Performance Group, and it was such a great conversation starter.

It’s a 35-minute, site-specific, satirical theatre piece, dressed up as ‘weaponised language seminar’. Brilliant!”

FESTIVAL DATES AND TIMES “We have more delicious Americana in our programme,” Josef adds, “ in the shape of Sasquatch, The Opera – Roddy Bottum’s dark and twisted love story that’s getting everyone very excited; Grammynominated artist Michelle Shocked’s Truth vs Reality; and Modern Robot’s Alive: Music for Night of the Living Dead, a masterfully intense live score to Romero’s cult zombie horror. And in keeping with the tradition of excellent New York solo performers, Peter Michael Marino (Show Up), Mindy Raf (Keeping My Kidneys), and Romy Nordlinger (Places) are all presenting superb new work.”

Barry continues: “We also have an amazing portfolio of Australian artists.

Carla Lippis’ Cast A Dark Shadow is a really brilliant and unique cabaret experience at The Boards, Edinburgh Playhouse, with the most stunning vocals and live music. We’re bringing the very talented Michael Griffiths back to the Fringe (but for three shows only), and Tomás Ford too – for whom we’ve partnered with the awesome team at Gilded Balloon. New to the Edinburgh Fringe are Danny Condon, with comedy cabaret Songs from the Black Sheep; Hans: Mein Camp – a fabulously camp feast of pop hits, live music, hilarious sass, sequins and glitter; and of course RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Courtney Act, who’s hitting the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time ever.”

CARLA LIPPIS “CAST A DARK SHADOW”

VENUE: The Boards (Venue 59) DATES: 2 – 26 Aug

COURTNEY ACT “THE GIRL FROM OZ”

VENUE: Underbelly’s Circus (Venue 360) DATES: 13 – 26 Aug

DANNY CONDON “SONGS FROM THE BLACK SHEEP” (European Premiere) VENUE: The Boards (Venue 59) DATES: 2 – 26 Aug

HANS “MEIN CAMP”

VENUE: Underbelly Med Quad (Venue 302) DATES: 3 – 28 Aug

JOE’S NYC BAR

VENUE: Assembly George Square (Venue 17) DATES: 2 – 28 Aug

MICHAEL GRIFFITHS “SWEET DREAMS”

VENUE: The Boards (Venue 59) DATES: 9 – 11 Aug

MICHELLE SHOCKED “TRUTH VS REALITY”

VENUE: The Boards (Venue 59) DATES: 2 – 16 Aug

MINDY RAF “KEEPING MY KIDNEYS”

VENUE: Gilded Balloon (Venue 76) DATES: 2 – 28 Aug

MODERN ROBOT “ALIVE: MUSIC FOR NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” (European Premiere) VENUE: Zoo (Venue 124) DATES: 4 – 28 Aug

PETER MICHAEL MARINO “SHOW UP”

VENUE: Laughing Horse (Venue 170) DATES: 3 – 27 Aug

RODDY BOTTUM “SASQUATCH, THE OPERA” (World Premiere) VENUE: Summerhall (Venue 26) DATES: 2 – 27 Aug

ROMY NORDLINGER “PLACES” (European Premiere) VENUE: New Town Theatre (Venue 7) DATES: 3 – 27 Aug

TOMAS FORD “CRAP MUSIC RAVE PARTY AND CRAPTACULAR”

VENUE: Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14) DATES: 3 – 27 Aug

METTA THEATRE: PIXEL DUST/WONDR

VENUE: Assembly Roxy (Venue 139) DATE: 3 – 28 Aug

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For more details go to wearecivildisobedience.com

UNUSUAL VENUES

AT THIS YEAR’S FRINGE Working out what to see at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be a daunting task. With over 3,000 performances due to take place over various venues in the city, it can be hard to narrow it down.

If you like shows that are interactive and are set in a quirky setting, then we have picked our top events that will take place in the most unusual venues.

GURU DUDU SILENT DISCO WALKING TOUR Grassmarket East (Venue 165) Aug 4-6, 8-13, 16-20, 23-28

Guru Dudu returns to Edinburgh with daily tours of spontaneous flash mobs through the streets, interpretative dance around local landmarks, group singing and lots of fun interaction with onlookers. Everyone wears headphones (supplied) and can hear the hilarious commentary from Guru Dudu and the dance mix of uplifting favourites from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. Accessible for all ages and ability. Warning: your cheeks may hurt from smiling! It’s so contagious!

Edinburgh’s famous fossil shop Edinburgh’s famous

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SÉANCE

Summerhall (Venue 26) Aug 3-26 Those with a nervous disposition may want to avoid Séance, but it does make for a truly immersive show. Taking place in a pitch black shipping container, located in Summerhall (Venue 26), Séance explores the psychology of a group of twenty people who have been inundated with suggestive material for fifteen, potentially terrifying, minutes. Séance is Glen Neath and David Rosenberg’s latest project that builds on the success of their previous shows, Ring and Fiction.

BRODSKY STATION

Novotel Swimming Pool (Venue 188) Aug 21-27 Brodsky Station is a watery, imaginative space where Joseph Brodsky’s poetry helps characters to tell a story of the struggle against circumstance, finding one’s place in the world and discovering the will to find freedom. This is the story of personal revision induced by the chaos of love and disappointment, and the dichotomy between ordinary physical existence and the high-octane essence of the human spirit.

CHAMBER POT OPERA

Assembly Hall (Venue 35) Aug 4-5, 7-8, 10-11, 13, 19-20, 22-23, 25-26 A uniquely intimate production, Chamber Pot Opera will be performed in a public ladies room. In traditional opera, female characters are generally classed as one of three types; they’re either witches, bitches or breeches. Chamber Pot Opera skewers this age-old trope, granting its all-female cast the agency, power and potential to tell their own stories, solve their own problems and express themselves in a unique way.

TRAINSPOTTING LIVE

Venue150 at EICC (Venue 150) Aug 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-27 Acclaimed immersive staging of Irvine Welsh’s classic, direct from world tour. In a tunnel opened exclusively for Trainspotting, the audience are literally part of the action, including the notorious ‘worst toilet in Scotland’ scene. A ticket to ride you won’t soon forget. Choose life.

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FRINGE | THEATRE

GARY T MCNAIR

he Traverse Theatre will host the World Premiere of Locker Room Talk on August 21 by awardwinning playwright and Traverse Associate Artist Gary McNair during Traverse Festival 2017 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Directed by Traverse Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin, Locker Room Talk is a provocative piece of event theatre.

Inspired by Donald Trump’s leaked sexually aggressive comments, the show is a confronting exploration of the phenomenon the then presidential candidate later dismissed as ‘locker room banter’.

McNair uses these comments as a creative catalyst, provoking and gathering hundreds of conversations with men and boys about women. These recordings are relayed via headphones and performed verbatim by a cast of women.

A vital part of each performance is a post-show conversation, inviting the audience to examine the issues raised: Just how prevalent is this misogynistic language? And how much ownership of the current situation do we need to take before seeing change?

TSA caught up with Artisitic Director, Orla O’Loughlin to find out more about the anticipated show:

Gary McNair’s Locker Room Talk will play the Traverse Theatre as part of the Traverse Festival 2017 on August 21 at 14:45 and 19:00

Generally the media focus has moved on from Trump’s misogyny to his stupidity and ineptitude, what are your thoughts on this?

He’s fair game for so many reasons. Trump is clearly such a disfunctional human being and his misogyny hasn’t stopped. It’s one of his many dangerous defining features. And sadly we’ve started expecting it and worse accepting that this is part of who he is.

After listening to hundreds of men discuss their attitudes to discussing women, what effect do you think the elevation of Trump to power has had on these conversations?

It has for some legitimised the position that bragging about sexual assault can be dismissed as ‘locker room talk.’ If the president of the USA behaves like this and says it’s ok, then for some that means it is.

You chose to have four women perform the words of hundreds of men, why four, why not two or eight?

When we programmed the project we thought 4 felt right. Enough performers to ensure a diversity of representation and enable them to play a large number of roles which is an important part of the theatrical form of the piece. To date, 10 different women have been part of the company, my ambition is to do a version with 56 women which is the number of men who appear in the production.

Does the audience discussion after the performance give feedback into future performances?

Definitely. It’s a chance to reflect on what we’ve shown and enable a public conversation that there is evidently an appetite for. The Traverse audience is up for engaging with big and challenging ideas and the debate about both the form and content of this show has been unprecedented and is still live. The production continues to evolve as a direct result of the discussions had in the post shows and still ongoing. There has been such magnificent investment from our audience and we have a responsibility to hold that and carry it with us as the work continues.

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EVE Eve, performed by acclaimed playwright and performer Jo Clifford, offers audiences an authentic and intimate insight into the real life experiences of a trans person. The performance is a profound reflection on one trans woman’s life, from an oppressive 1950s boyhood to the present day.

“It is remarkable that now in 2017 my show is one of two trans narratives being produced by Scotland’s National Theatre Company. People are now open to this in a way that would have perhaps been unthinkable even five years ago,” Clifford states. Following her turbulent life journey through a time of huge personal, social and political change, Eve celebrates the victories of survival and selfactualisation.

It was discrimination, personally and professionally that first motivated Clifford to put pen to paper. “I suffered from a lot of prejudice throughout my life and career, and

FRINGE | THEATRE

VENUE. Traverse Theatre (Venue 15.

DATES: Aug 6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27

I wanted to do something about it. Telling my story in a way that enables people to empathise is the best weapon against prejudice that I know. I’ve been working on Eve for the last three-and-a-half years with my wonderful co-writer Chris Goode and my beautiful director Susan Worsfold, and it has happened to come at the same time as Cora and her team were working with Adam.”

Adam, the companion piece to Eve, tells the remarkable, true story of a young trans man and his journey to reconciliation; with himself, those closest to him, and the world as he knows it. From Egypt to Scotland, it charts Adam Kashmiry’s fight across borders and genders to find a place to call home. “We both have an amazing story to tell. Myself and Adam’s experiences are both incredibly different and yet they come from the same place. Both are plays about someone coming to terms with their past, which we all have to do.” And unlike her previous

play, Clifford is performing her own story, offering a truly vulnerable and engaging theatre experience; are the challenges and rewards of performing one’s own story onstage of equal measure?

“I do what I always do: take my experiences and put them on stage.

What’s different about Eve is that I haven’t disguised these experiences and put them into the life stories of other characters. I speak them and I accompany them with photos from my past. Together with my co-writer Chris I have shaped them and given them form just as we always do.”

Clifford has carved herself a profoundly successful career in telling trans stories; she was the first openly transgendered woman playwright to have had a play produced on London’s West End stage and earlier in 2017 was welcomed into the Saltire Society’s ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ community. Transitioning later in life, Jo has seen the fight for transgender rights span over decades, witnessing the ebbs and flows of equality her community has experienced. “There has been a gradual move to being able to tell trans stories openly and honestly in recent years, from the efforts of activists like myself and my colleagues. The fact that we exist at all is also a part of a deep sea change that is occurring all over the world.

However we trans people still face so much prejudice when it comes to employment. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to be queer, but even in the performing arts, in the mainstream, things are still very tough.” Trailblazers like Clifford and Kashmiry, baring all to highlight diverse trans stories, have never been more important.

It is in telling this broad range of stories, Clifford contends, that true equality can begin to be achieved; “Our stories need to be told, and told well, in every medium. Telling stories well changes things. I hope these shows enable cis members of the audience to empathise with a trans person’s story. And I hope they allow trans members of the audience a chance to see ourselves respectfully and authentically portrayed on stage. There are precious few opportunities for this. I hope too that it reminds everyone in a positive and life-affirming way that we all need to discover our authentic selves in the end.”

With trans rights under threat globally, legendary playwright, performer, father and grandmother Jo Clifford tells a story both gentle and passionate, intimate and political, to remind us that the journey towards our real selves is one we all need to make, wherever it leads us. “These are plays about someone trying to see past what they were told as a child and reach a full understanding and acceptance of who they truly are. And we all have to do that too.”

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

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what’s on | FRINGE

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FRINGE | THEATRE

YOU’VE CHANGED Award-winning transgender artist Kate O’Donnell challenges the idea that genitals equal gender in a brand new show about the ups and downs of transitioning. In the follow up to hit show Big Girl’s Blouse, Kate shines a light on the ins and outs and ups and downs of transitioning. Through song, dance, hard-won wisdom and hilarity You’ve Changed looks at the so-called ‘trans tipping point’ and asks if the world is changing fast enough, or whether we are still stuck in the dark ages as far as gender is concerned.

KATE O’DONNELL What is exciting you most about bringing your latest show to Edinburgh?

We’ve just had a meeting today and we’ve realised, it’s kind of where everybody is. It’s a hot bed of artistic activity. And when you tour shows, like we do, it’s quite nice to just set it up and have people come to us. We’ve spent years touring shows round the country, so it’s so nice we get to sit still and the countries coming to us, it’ll be quite a unique experience for us. Though we are definitely looking forward to our national tour this Autumn too!

In the 14 years since you transitioned, what have been the most noticeable differences in trans visibility?

I think this whole idea of losing shame in the community and not hiding. I refer to that quite a lot during the show, living in stealth vs not living in stealth.

Even 3 or 4 years ago, I was quite worried about putting on a transgender show. I was worried there wouldn’t be audiences interested in coming to see it.

And now the dialogue is so much more relaxed about how people talk about

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being trans. That idea of things being hidden and saying it under your breath seems to be shifting. Especially with my work, it’s really disappeared. I go in there with that on the front, “Trans Creative”.

You don’t have to dig so deep now to get to our identity.

Despite any progress that has been made, do you believe there is still a fixed, cut and dry attitude towards gender binary in public consciousness?

I think it applies to everybody, not just trans people. I think what’s happened is that trans people and the growing visibility of the community, we’ve reignited some debates and arguments, and lots of different sides of the gender discussion, and I think we’ve all started to question it again. I think a lot of

people feel stuck in their binaries, but when you’re transgender you really do – you’re almost pushed into that binary. If you want to transition to be a woman, then you have to go over there and be “like a woman” and look “like a woman” and sound like “a woman”, but what is that? It doesn’t actually exist in real life, it’s all made up, it was made up in the 1950’s to sell things. I think that trans people are here to free everybody up, and I think that hasn’t been tapped in to enough yet.

Binaries are not fixed, and I’m certainly experiencing that. For example, when

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

I got my hair cut short – I was always growing long to look “like a woman” for years, and then as soon as I got it cut short, I felt more me. In the show I talk about working so hard to reach the other end of this binary and getting there and realising some of the things that come with that, and how I realised that wasn’t my goal at all.

Your work is uplifting and playful but explores important themes; why do you feel using humour, music and positivity conveys your messages more effectively?

I think, and not to contradict what I’ve just said, but even though there’s more visibility and people kind of listening more, I feel like you need to engage people. There are lots of people for whom those gender conversations might still be out of their realm, so you find ways to bring them in. Reel them in and then hit them with the message.

I’m a very theatrical person, so last time I worked a lot with singing, collaborating with LGBT choirs across the country on my tour. This time, I wanted to work with dance, which is part of my background, I trained as a dancer in my youth, and am reigniting that in my 50’s, which is kind of ridiculous thing to do! It’s exploring what you’ve got and how you tell stories. Creative ways to tell stories, that’s what I play with and definitely utilise a lot in this show.

From people like yourself, and Nadia Almeida in the UK to the divisive Caitlin Jenner, what power do you believe trans men and women in the public eye hold? Who are some of your LGBT+ heroes?

I think if we take hold of our stories, that’s our power. Not to let everybody else have say over our stories. The more we can own our stories, and tell our stories and be proud of out stories, I think the less chance there is for other people to take them over and do what they often do with them. In terms of LGBT heroes, I’m always really impressed with people who have a real bit of grace about their journey and a real peace with how they’re doing things. Recently I’ve worked with Jo Clifford and she has a real honesty about how she works (she has a show on at the Traverse called Eve). We worked together for SPARK festival, (a brand new trans arts festival Trans Creative ran alongside the Sparkle Weekend in July) and I love her work.

She’s very honest about being a woman, a Dad and a Grandma all at once and I love that. For me, my heroes are more like people who just get on with it who maybe don’t have the easiest ride. I feel sometimes the showbiz trans people are all a bit beautiful and fabulous and I sort of feel like we have showbiz to play with, which can almost keep us safe in a bit of a bubble where we can get away with things more than other people. I’ve met people who have literally transitioned on building sites and run construction companies. I find those people really exciting and inspiring.

Has performance, onstage and drag, throughout your career shaped or developed your identity?

“...THERE’S A REASON WHY I’M ON STAGE, AND I THINK IT HAS HELPED ME EXPLORE SOME OF MY GENDER JOURNEY, I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT FROM HAVING DONE IT!” I imagine it has, I think from when I was little. I used theatre and performance and it did shape me, as it gave me space to explore my identity and my gender by being on stage. I went to an all-boys school and was gifted with playing all the girls parts. It’s quite nice to revisit it, and it’s really interesting performing, because though I am quite loud and cheeky in real life, it’s different on stage.

You have a different persona because you’re performing your stories and this show in particular, I’m not always looking for the laughs, so that’s been challenging, as it’s a stepping out of my usual comfort zone. Some of that’s from having done Shakespeare this year (Kate recently made casting history as the first trans woman to play Feste on the main stage in Jo Davies acclaimed Twelfth Night at The Royal Exchange), and getting used to being on stage without people laughing their heads off at you all the time. Although I played the fool, they weren’t necessarily

VENUE: Sumerhall DATES: Sat 5 – Sat 26 August Keep updated on Trans Creative Theatre’s upcoming projects @transcreativeuk

the one looking for the jokes. I think it’s definitely mixed in – there’s a reason why I’m on stage, and I think it has helped me explore some of my gender journey, I feel more confident from having done it.

You’ve been celebrated for your contribution to making your city of Manchester safer and more progressive; as we approach Glasgow Pride, what can people do to celebrate and protect the rights of our trans brothers and sisters?

It was the Be Proud Award and it was worded as being awarded to me for “making my community happier and safer” which was the biggest honour.

I think for me, there are the two sides which I think are interesting – one is about getting people to feel more confident and positive. We run a trans theatre company and one of our aims is to be trans positive, and to actively look for the positive stories. There are lots of people having difficult times,

but sometimes people need to see the positive stories, which don’t generally get a lot of air time. For lots of people transitioning is really positive, but it doesn’t often get highlighted. It might be difficult, but it’s actually the best thing. And I think the safer side is really quite different, but it’s about connecting more with communities like police, allies and other people in the community and making people feel safer in a more practical way. I think its having the right personality to go in and talk to cis people about what trans people need so they feel comfortable and happy. We’re

calling it “transing up Manchester” and we hope that, and it should feel safe for trans people. It seems ridiculous that it’s not, how it wasn’t safe for black people walking around America in the 50’s – that now seems really unnerving and odd. I think it’s a shame that we have to keep talking about safety. We definitely do, but I don’t like to over dwell on it.

Let’s hold our heads up – let’s face the music and dance why don’t we?

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Y D A L E H T F O S BOY KOK D L R O G W N E H A T S B N U R O WH

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T THE MOS TUDDED, SEQUIN-S SING, MESMERI TING, INTOXICA ES GOOD-TIM TO TION CELEBRA RINGE! F E H T T I H

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what’s on | FRINGE

MADE IN ADELAIDE DESCENDS ON SUMMERHALL Made in Adelaide delivers to Edinburgh a taste of Australia’s festival city This year’s Edinburgh Fringe will share some insight into Australia’s art and cultural scene in Scotland’s Capital City. The Made in Adelaide festival will allow talent to branch out from both parties and spread awareness of gifted performers from the other side of the globe.

This year’s Made in Adelaide Fringe themes will be everything from visual arts, creative writing to TV and Film. Shows that will allow for various performances and styles to blend together and will take place in Edinburgh’s Summerhall courtyard.

Adelaide, a small Southern Australian city is known for it’s sunshine and of course it’s festivals. Every year performers, artists, producers and presenters come together for this eccentric festival in parks and empty buildings. This festival is well known for it’s setting and climate.

The Australian government has funded it’s talent previously in 2016 when a pilot program took place to boost performer’s profiles and following that this year’s Summer festival will feature ten other shows which aim to build a platform for professional performer’s talent.

The main events brought to you from Adelaide include:

MUSIC MADE IN ADELAIDE VENUE: Summerhall, Dissection Room (9 Aug) Panel Discussion: 6:15pm, Live Music Showcases: 8:15pm In 2015 Adelaide was designated a City of Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Adelaide is a creative city, with music as its heartbeat, outward looking and internationally engaged, enriching the whole state of South Australia.

Made in Adelaide has partnered with

Scotland’s music business, Born to Be Wide, to present an evening that begins with a panel of representatives from the Edinburgh and Adelaide festivals, discussing different ways they can provide a platform for emerging musicians.

It will be followed by an opportunity for people from the respective music and arts scenes to meet, socialise and enjoy live showcases by South Australian acts Carla Lippis, Wanderers and MANE.

MADE IN ADELAIDE CABARET GALA VENUE: Summerhall, Dissection Room (13 Aug) Cabaret Gala: 4:30pm, MANE: 8:30pm Hosted by cabaret darlings Amelia Ryan (Lady Liberty, Storm in a D Cup) and Michael Griffiths (Cole, Sweet Dreams), this showcase of Adelaide talent and cameos from some of those who’ve ‘made it’ in Adelaide is not to be missed.

Produced by leading Adelaide producer Zac Tyler, the night will span Adelaide music, cabaret and comedy plus some international special guests who’ve graced Adelaide stages from elsewhere.

Then, stick around for some smoky vocals and electro-pop stylings with a full-length set from MANE.

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LGBTI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LATE NIGHT LIP SERVI Donald Trump has stated that he does not wish for transgender soldiers to fight in the US military, wishing to reverse Obama administration regulations allowing all men and women, regardless of gender identity, to serve their country. In a move that defies completely the supposed American ideology encouraging equal opportunity for all, Trump has declared his intention quite

randomly, stating on Twitter that “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.” In one devastating swoop – forgoing rationale, data or military intelligence – the leader of the free world has demonstrated real contempt and disregard for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Legislation preventing UK gay and bisexual men from donating blood is en route to changing. They will be allowed to donate blood three months after sexual intercourse instead of a year. Sex workers, who were previously banned from donating, will be subject to the same three-month rule. Advances in testing for blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, prompted the advisory committee on the safety of blood, tissues and

organs to recommend the reforms to the government, which ministers accepted. The panic and uncertainty of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s led to an outright ban, but that was cut to 12 months in 2011. The rule changes on blood donations will be implemented from November in Scotland, and early 2018 in England.

Now it is far from ideal and remains discriminatory, but I have faith that a complete ban on such blood donation laws is a realistic goal.

St Mary’s Cathedral in the west end of Glasgow is set to be the first Anglican church to conduct a same-sex marriage, following the Scottish Episcopal church synod’s vote to allow its churches to host ceremonies. Provost of St Mary’s Rev Kelvin Holdsworth, who himself is gay, contends “The church was always a place that was

good for me when I came out. It was a very supportive place and it seemed to me important to get the church to tell the truth that it was accepting about people in same-sex relationships and then gradually members in this congregation started to help in the push for gay marriage.” What an inspiring and progressive move towards equality.

The Media, Diversity & Social Change Initiative at USC Annenberg examined the 900 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2016, analysing 39,788 characters for gender, race/ ethnicity, LGBT status and disability.

The report states that femalespeaking characters comprised less than one-third of the total (29.9%), reaching 31.4% in 2016.

African-American, Hispanic, Asian or mixed-race/”other” characters made up 29.2% of all characters

in the top-grossing films of 2016, flat with 2015. LGBT-identified characters represented just 1.1% of all speaking characters in 2016, roughly flat with 2015. From 2014 to 2016, an LGBT lead or co-lead character appeared in just three films of the 300 studied. This lack of diversity serves as a disheartening reminder that representation matters and more needs to be done to make Hollywood more inclusive.

Fans of The L Word may have all their dreams come true as the much-anticipated return of the TV show seems to have been greenlit by Showtime. This likely sequel to the hugely popular lesbian-themed show will feature a new ensemble cast, but the three key original cast members – Jennifer Beals, Kate Moennig, and Leisha Hailey – will serve as executive producers as well as appearing as Bette, Shane, and Alice, respectively, tying the old show to the new one. There is also potential

for other past cast members from the original L Word to return. The L Word, aside from being a right of passage for many LGBTQ+ readers of a certain age, was way ahead of its time in portraying lesbian and bisexual women as multifaceted and complex characters that reject lazy stereotyping. Also completely compulsive viewing: do not begin to watch ahead of an important project or you will fail at it completely.

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GINGZILLA F erocious queens and fierce divas of the world, unite!

Hosted by Gingzilla – the giant, ginger, award-winning Glamonster – Late Night Lip Service features a rotating cast of the wildest acts from across the fringe, lip-sync battles, debauched drag, catwalk-offs and midnight madness. With three of the most dizzying, demented and daring acts from the Edinburgh Fringe taking to the hallowed floors of Gingzilla’s unholy church each night, immerse yourself in an evening of entertainment, music and dance where – quite literally – anything goes…

Gingzilla is “the 7ft tall bearded Goddess that your daddy always warned you about.” Fresh from a smash-hit, sell-out season at Adelaide Fringe 2017 – where she scooped the coveted Adelaide Fringe Innovation Award & Weekly Best Cabaret Award – Gingzilla sat down with TSA to talk beards, spanx and Geri Halliwell.

As a fellow bearded homosexual, I love your beard. What do you believe it brings to Gingzilla’s persona?

I’ve always had a beard as Gingzilla!

When I first started a year ago my beard wasn’t as big but I found the bigger it got the more impressive it became. What I like about Gingzilla is that I border on the line of femininity and masculinity. I worked at this club in London when I first started and my make up was big, typical big eye brow drag make up. But as I’ve started to find a more natural looking face, people reacted to me differently. I think the beard adds colour!

So tell me, how are you feeling about Fringe?

I’m so excited! I just had a tech rehearsal for Late Night Lip Service last night, which I’m hosting and curating. The venue itself is incredible. Have you seen Interview with a Vampire? Remember that scene where they have that weird vampire play? That’s what the venue reminds me of, a beautiful church that has been painted black. The lighting in this is some of the best lighting in the Fringe. It’s going to be really fun.

What has been your experience of performing in Scotland so far?

I was just here a few weeks ago to do Surge Festival, which is a physical theatre festival in Glasgow. And last year I did a couple of spots as Ging

when I first started, which was mainly me flyering in different outfits during the day!

So what is the premise of the show, is it different to Glamonster Vs The World?

Glamonster was a complete show, more of a character piece. It was like a 1950s drive in movie experience.

You discover Gingzilla in this 50s world and she’s trying to become a woman but the world keeps telling her she’s not. The first part is set around “How To Be A Good Wife” and she tries all the things and obviously fails. She rebels, rips all her clothes off and embraces her monster self, totally channelling all those 50s B movie horror films. Like a cabaret theatre piece. I clown. I lip synch and sing; I was a professional singer before I became Gingzilla.

ICE

characterisation, I have Lucy living inside me. Coming from clown school, when I put heels on this stupidity comes out! I never did drag in Australia, I kind of saw it initially as a lower art form; but when I moved to London, I saw the most creative and innovative work.

A

How would you describe the drag scene in London? It seems completely vast and diverse.

It has pockets of totally different styles; out east, it’s…kind of hairy!

It’s not about being a woman, more using femininity to be creative. In the west end, they’re all musical theatre all singing and dancing, south is a little grungier. The best thing about the UK is that drag is so embedded in the culture. You have Little Britain, Mrs Brown’s Boys, League of Gentlemen pantomime. When is RuPaul coming here?!

What can people expect from the show?

FRINGE | CABARET AND VARIETY

“...THAT’S THE THING I LOVE ABOUT DRAG THE MOST, IT GIVES ME A LICENSE TO DO ANYTHING!”

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

Why do you think lip synching is such an important part of drag?

Drag was initially about emulating a woman; like in Shakespeare’s day. Then ever since then with pantomime dames and such we began embodying the best and most fun parts of feminine form. It all started with all those amazing divas of the 50s that men wanted to emulate.

What is your all time favourite lip synch song, and what song would you actively avoid?

Oh, Finally by CeCe Peniston! It’s the best. Could possibly be featured in my show...I hate anything with lots of words. Lip synching is hard!

People don’t understand; when you’re singing, your mouth is just kind of floating along but when

you’re lip synching you have to articulate everything. I love a ballad; open mouth words and vibrato. Like Detox!

I like Manilla’s cross eyed lip synching.

It’s so funny how all these Drag Race girls have their own iconic style of lip synching. Mine is more characterbased. I piece together spoken word texts in with song, like a mash up of Nicki Minaj’s Monster verse then quotes from Catwoman and Alien.

“Get away from her, you bitch!”

Strong, iconic heroines.

It’s interesting how drag is such a platform to emulate the women we find so powerful. Do you feel drag gives you license or confidence to do whatever you want?

Completely. I think that’s the thing

I love about drag the most, it gives me a license to do anything. Women come up to me after a show and tell me “You’re so beautiful, you’re so sexy.” I’m like, “It’s not real, I’m using what you have! Girl, put on the spanx and the fake tan!” Drag’s history lends itself to allowing us to do anything, people expect us to.

Everyone complains about my chest hair! I do try and look like a woman but am obviously a man. I’m 7ft tall.

The point is to bring the best of both worlds.

Who are some of the inspirations behind Gingzilla?

Definitely Lucille Ball; when I started, I looked back at the glamorous women of the past. I always wear suspenders and lingerie; it was an era where people dressed in a way that emulated sensuality. As for

Lots of lip syncing, a cat walk; from me they can expect high drag, moments that willl gag you. It’s going to be pretty f****g fun. Apart from me, we have some of the coolest acts of the Fringe coming on, a really eclectic mix of acts. Expect the unexpected; we have an adult bubble show, with a striptease in a bubble.

Drag kings like King Biff (who TSA were lucky enough to interview a few months ago), circus acts like Tara Boom…

You’re spending the month in the most ginger country in the world. Who is your favourite celebrity ginger?

Can I tell you a funny story first?

When I first arrived in Edinburgh two years ago, I was served by five separate gingers in the same café. I saw whole families of gingers, it was amazing. Anyway, ginger icons…I would go with Ann Margaret, who I think is killer. Then Jessica Rabbit, anyone who has a little sex appeal.

There’s a drag queen who bases herself on Ginger Spice…you can have her.

Any closing remarks?

Expect the unexpected. I’m ready to serve the children and make them eat it. Literally. I used to do a bit where I sang Big Spender while eating a bucket of chicken. It was the most grotesque thing you’d ever see; you may never eat fried chicken again.

Venue: Main Theatre (Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre) 5-6th, 12-13th, 19-20th & 24-26th August We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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23-24 GREENSIDE PL. | EDINBURGH EH1 3AA 0131 556 9331 | info@ccbloomsedinburgh.com

Glasgow Pride 2016

PRIDE GLASGOW 19th & 20th AUGUST 2017 I had the best time at Pride 2016: my whole family joined us in the march, I didn’t vomit on a rollercoaster and I danced to Kylie behind a float full of drag queens during the Pride march.

It is time to start getting excited for this year’s Pride Glasgow celebrations.

Each festival offers something totally unique to each location, and our city’s own is no exception. Pride Glasgow is Scotland’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride festival, and takes place between Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August.

My favourite part of a Pride celebration is of course the march, which sees thousands take to the streets of Glasgow and celebrate everything we love about the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Parade is one of the most exciting and vibrant parades in the city’s calendar, as one of the few parades still to go through the city centre it is seen by around 100,000 people and with over 4,000 people talking an active part in the parade. The Route is the same as 2016 and starts at Glasgow Green continuing onto Greendyke St, Saltmarket, Trongate, Albion St, Ingram St, South Frederick St, George Sq South

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Aspect, St Vincent Pl, St Vincent St, Renfield St, Union St, Jamaica St, Clyde St, Bridgegate, Steel St, Turnbull St and Greendyke St before arriving back at Glasgow Green. The Parade starts at 12pm and participants must be at the Parade Point in Glasgow Green by 11:45am at the latest. Everyone is encouraged to wear bright colours, hold banners and show off what Pride means for you.

This year’s line up features Irish cult heroes B*Witched, the four piece pop group who brought us ‘Rollercoaster,’ ‘To You I Belong,’ and a little ditty called ‘C’est La Vie.’ Joining them are Finnish Eurovision pop sensation Saara Aalto, most famous for coming in second in this year’s The X Factor, and dance music icon Kelly Llorenna, whose tracks ‘Set You Free’ and ‘Tell It To My Heart’ were probably the highlights of your primary school discos (provided you’re as old as this humble writer…).

This year also sees the return of the Pride Dog Show, the amazing Pride March and an expansion of the Village Square. And the fair ground, which is pretty much my favourite part.

The history of Pride celebration can be traced back to the Stonewall riots, an event largely agreed to have launched the LGBTQ+ rights movement in 1969. Taking place at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, the six day riot came as a result of impending friction between the authorities and LGBTQ+ civilians. The first event, fittingly, was the LGBT Pride March in New York on 2nd November 1969 and ever since the festival has become a global event to celebrate being proud to be LGBTQ+. Whether the march is largely political or a celebratory, Mardi Gras-style affair, there is no better way to unify people behind the cause of equality.

Our community faces much adversity, even in 2017; 74 countires still ban homosexual relationships, women (straight and gay) continue to objectified and vilified in the media and the leader of the free world just stated he does not want transgender soldiers protecting his citizens. Pride may not be for everyone, but there’s no argument to suggest we don’t need it anymore:

B*Witched and Saara Aalto headline Pride 2017

while we in the UK and the rest of Western Europe have achieved so much in the way of LGBTQ+ equality, it’s too easy to overlook countries in which being queer can cost you your life. Pride Uganda 2014, for example, went ahead despite homosexuality being illegal and the recent invalidation of the Kill the Gays Bill. We shouldn’t take Pride for granted: it’s the perfect platform to celebrate queer culture and al we have achieved as a community. Also, face paint.

Pride is massively important. We need space to promote inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate the progress we have made in achieving equality for all and ensure future generations do not take their history for granted. Whether you join the parade, take part in one of Glasgow’s various Pride celebrations or, as our house will be doing, creating the gayest playlist known to humanity and throwing an enormous Pride Party of our own, take this opportunity to show pride in yourself and your community.

ON A BUDGET? Head to Free Pride

Looking for a different way to celebrate your Pride this year? After a hugely successful sophomore celebration in 2016, Free Pride returns for another weekend of events promoting LGBTQ+ culture with an emphasis on inclusion.

Free Pride is a Glasgow-based collective of intersectional and inclusive LGBTQ+ aiming to provide an accessible and inclusive alternative to mainstream Pride celebrations.

On Saturday 19th August, Free Pride will be at the Art School, not just to make a radical stance against pink– washing but also to give people an educational and intellectually stimulating environment; with talks, live music and stalls followed by a night event of DJs and live performances, Free Pride aims to offer a broad range of events to broaden people’s perspectives and ideas. There will be an emphasis on accessibility, with BSL interpreters and a wheel-chair friendly venue with gender-neutral toilets.

In a conscious defiance of charged mainstream Pride celebrations across the country, Free Pride aims to bring back LGBTQ+ grassroots activism by placing a spotlight on voices that are not often heard within mainstream LGBTQ+ community. Free Pride is about emphasising the changes that are still needed to make society safe for us, while actively contributing to making those changes ourselves. In short, they refuse to be silent.

There are several highlights throughout the day to inform and challenge visitors; there will be a huge variety of stalls fronted by the likes of LGBT Health & Wellbeing, Sex Workers Open University, Rape Crisis and many more. As well as these stalls, there will be discussions and workshops, ranging from talks from Fearless Domestic Violence, an LGBTQ Disability workshop and introductions to zine making and coding.

The celebrations will finish with night

time performances from Sgaire Wood, Gloria and many more.

In the lead up to Free Pride, the group is holding a screening of documentary Who Killed Marsha P. Johnson? as a fundraising event on Thu 10 August in CCA at 19.45. Johnson was a key player in the Stonewall riots of 1969, when resistance to police intervention spear-headed the modern gay rights movement in New York’s Greenwich Village. Johnson and fellow icon Sylvia Rivera co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR); together they were a visible presence at gay liberation marches and other radical political actions, as well as providing food and clothing to help support young drag queens, trans women and other street kids living on the streets. When the beloved, self-described “street queen” of New York’s Christopher Street died in 1992, the NYPD called her death a suicide. Protests erupted but the police remained impassive and refused to investigate. Now, twenty-five years on, documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson examines Marsha’s death and her extraordinary life.

There is no need to book, instead just attend on the night and make a suggested donation of £5. Guests are welcome in the CCA bar afterwards for informal chat about the film. Accessible toilets will be available, the film will be shown in English language with English captions and there are discussions of violence, sexual assault, and suicide featured in the film.

Free Pride is an important and inspiring addition to Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ community landscape; our city needs a compelling and thought-provoking platform that actively promotes diversity and accessibility within our community.

Free Pride is a radical and inspirational alternative to mainstream Pride celebrations dedicated to giving a voice to those who are silenced.

‘WOMAN’S WORLD’, CHER

PRIDE PARTY PLAYLIST Aside from Halloween (gay Christmas), Pride is one of my favourite days of the year. My boyfriend and I have created, tweaked and perfected our prime pride celebration, which sees us march gaily throughout the streets of Glasgow, head to our favourite Merchant City haunt for post-march drinks and back to our flat for the queen of pride parties. But what do you need to host your own sublime pride celebration?

Really all you need is snacks, a few rainbows around the house and a strict BYOB policy. Your playlist, however, has the power to make or break the affair.

But worry not: we have expertly compiled some of the best songs to include in your Pride Party Playlist (PPP) and leave you to worry in advance about how you’re going to get so much glitter out your carpet.

Your party is incomplete without Cher, period. And I am in no way suggesting you have one Cher song on your PPP, but ‘Woman’s World’, a blazing dance anthem that sees Cher patch her unworthy ex-lover, is a left field alternative to the more famous ones you will hear at every other pride gathering. The eternal Goddess of Pop sings “Torn up, busted, taken apart I’ve been broken down, left with a broken heart/ But I’m stronger, strong enough to rise above.” If that doesn’t belong on your PPP, I don’t know what does.

‘WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?’ SPICE GIRLS So many of the Fab Five’s back catalogue could make the cut, but this is my favourite and without a doubt the best to dance to assert your dismissal of the patriarchy. The lyrics may not be overtly political, relative to LGBT+ life or even logical; but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve its place on your PPP. No-one will be immune; everyone will dance and sing Mel C’s adlibs at the end in glorious unison.

‘IT’S NOT RIGHT, BUT IT’S OKAY (THUNDERPUSS MIX)’, WHITNEY HOUSTON Anyone else who enjoyed the season nine finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race will have joined me in playing this remix incessantly since it aired, having been Sasha Velour’s winning lip synch. Aside from the fact that a great song was made even greater, Whitney has rarely sounded more confident, powerful and sick to the back teeth with your shenanigans.

Infectious and empowering, strangers will cut short their awkward small talk to dance to this.

‘IT’S RAINING MEN’, WEATHER GIRLS/GERI HALLIWELL. Obviously. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which version is better, as long as it gets played.

‘SUPERMODEL’, RUPAUL It was like Sophie’s Choice deciding which Ru song would make the cut; between ‘Sissy That Walk’ (which will encourage guests to form a space to conduct your own mini ball), ‘Born Naked and Die Tomorrow’, there feels like an endless list of songs to pad out your PPP. But in this case, we endorse the song that launched a thousand (plus) drag queens and made a star out of Mama Ru.

‘MIGHTY REAL’, SYLVESTER

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

The Queen of Disco! My mum’s favourite song, ‘Mighty Real’ is the epitome of high energy disco sung by one of music’s most flamboyant, underrated icons. The lyrics and infectious beat will make your guests grab their significant other/whoever they fancy in the room onto the dance floor and profess your undeniable attraction through the medium of dance.

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VEGGIE AND VEGAN FRIENDLY JOINTS DURING THE FRINGE So you’ve mapped out every minute of your time at the Fringe to make sure you fit in as many acts as you can, but realistically did you give yourself time to grab something decent to eat along the way? Keep up your stamina levels by dropping into these veggie and vegan friendly joints.

The Baked Potato Shop 56 Cockburn Street Quick, versatile and pretty healthy with the right toppings. The Baked Potato Shop is just a quick nip off from the Royal Mile and Waverley Bridge and their big tatties are just the job for on the hoof dining. Not really a place to mill about in, there’s only one table inside this tiny place so you’ll not be alone in wandering around trying not to spill molten beans down your chin. Everything in here is veggie and there’s loads of vegan options too.

Cafe Hula 103-105 West Bow, Grassmarket One for when you’re needing a detox from last night’s retox. Down Grassmarket way so it’s handy for loads of venues. They do serve meat but the majority of the menu is veggie or vegan or can be adapted to suit. The Rainbow Bowl changes every day and is sure to be filled to the brim with all manner of colourful veggies.

Jordan Valley 8 Nicholson Street When you know time really is going to be in short supply, nip into Jordan Valley and stock up on a few of the vegan pastries from their fridge. Stick them in your bag for later and you’ll be all set for skipping about town with minimal eating fuss. The Spicy Lentil Pastry is filling and tasty and the Mexican Bean variety is the bees knees (does not contain actual bee’s knees). They’re only just over a quid a go so they’re nice and easy on the pocket too.

Pret a Manger 51 Hanover St, 56 Shandwick Place and 30 North Bridge Street There’s a few of them around so they’re usually handy if you’ve only a quick 30 mins between acts. Their commitment to providing decent veggie and vegan grub is to be commended. Super Greens and Reds sandwich is a classic and they often have imaginative ‘Chef’s Specials’ too. As a quick and cheap pick me up their black filter coffee is hard to beat at only £1 a time.

The Caffeine Drip 10 Melville Place For when you’re properly needing to soak up last night’s drink The Caffeine Drip serve up massive tasty burgers with toppings that ooze out the sides with some style. It’s an omni establishment so not one for the purists but for filling you up without slowing you down their West End Signature burgers are just the dab. They do vegan breakfasts too and boast one of the best plates of scrambled tofu on toast around.

Inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend is even bigger The Capital’s cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that more bars and pop-up spaces have been revealed for the inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend, 6th – 8th October, with new bars including Whistle Stop Barber Shop, Brewhemia, WestRoom, The Villager and Usquabae Bar. New additions take the total number of bars taking part across the city to over 50, with each designing a brand new signature cocktail, which ECW wristband holders can enjoy exclusively for just £4. Each cocktail has been developed in partnership with brand ambassadors and the city’s top mixologists to guarantee they are shaken, stirred and strained to perfection.

Organiser Gary Anderson said… “Since announcing Edinburgh Cocktail weekend last month we have been blown away by the excitement around the event. We knew it would be popular – who doesn’t enjoy cocktails?! – but the response has been really amazing, so we decided to add another five bars. It’s going to be Scotland’s biggest ever cocktail celebration!”

Organisers have also revealed their first pop-up space as the SKYbar on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, which will open

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during the event exclusively for ECW wristband wearers, who can relax with SKYbar’s signature cocktail while taking in spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s skyline – the perfect selfie opportunity!

As well as enjoying £4 cocktails and entry to exclusive pop-up spaces, wristband holders also have the chance to attend free masterclasses and tastings at the likes of The Refinery, the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, Malmaison, Epicurean and many more, plus free entry to top late night venues and additional perks around the city. Other participating bars include Tigerlily, The Printing Press, Harvey Nichols, Copper Blossom, The Raeburn, Badger & Co and Juniper.

A full list of signature cocktails will be announced four weeks before the event along with masterclass registration opening. Priority registration is given to those who have already bought a wristband, so advance purchase of wristbands is recommended by organisers. £6 wristbands are now on sale at www. edinburghcocktailweekend.com and can then be collected from the Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend Hub during the event.

Then it’s time sip, sample and socialise your way around the city! #ECW17

t e G ! r e h s e Fr Ok, that’s the last of the stupid puns.

Meat and Music Festival announced for the Capital A new ‘Meats & Beats’ festival, themed around meatylicious street food, and music from the past five decades, has been announced for the Capital, 20th – 22nd October.

The event will transform the city centre Assembly Roxy into a carnivores’ paradise, where attendees can feast on a smorgasbord of street food – mainly the sticky, juicy, BBQ’d variety – while getting their groove on to all the top hits from the past 50 years.

Organiser Richard Servranckx commented… ‘Meats & Beats is a mash-up of my two favourite things – great food and great music. The festival is as much about music as it is about the food – so be sure to bring your appetite and your dancing shoes – but most importantly it’s about having a great night out with friends. I like to

think of it as a street food festival with a Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack.

We’re ditching the knives and forks and throwing our table manners out the window, this festival is all about eating with your hands, tearing strips of meat from the bone, and wiping away the BBQ sauce moustache away with the back of your hand, while busting moves on the dance floor.’

Sizzling steaks, sauce-dripping tower burgers, racks of sticky ribs, buckets of chicken wings, and corn dogs are just some of the tastebud-tantalising dishes visitors can tuck into at communal feasting tables in the main hall, each perfectly portioned so multiple dishes can be tasted without bursting attendees’ trousers or bank balance.

Confirmed collaborations with The Pitt, Fox Hole BBQ House, The Mac Shack

and Rib-Aye Steakhouse promise a mouth-watering line-up, with more vendors being revealed closer to the event.

Every hour the bell rings and the musical decade changes, as Disk Jockeys take festival-goers on a journey through the pop classics of the 70s, the 80s Disco anthems, dance tunes of the 90s and pop band hits of the noughties, right up to 2017, with playlists compiled from festival-goers’ song requests before and during the event.

Book your place in the biggest Freshers Guide around.

Call 0141 222 2202

Pop-up bars from Stewart Brewing, The Cocktail Kitchen and Villeneuve Wines will serve craft beers, cocktails and wines, while chicken-wing-eating competitions, dance-offs, and retro TV Game Shows such as Blind Date, Catchphrase, Blankety Blank and Blockbusters in the upstairs theatre provide a trip-down-memory-lane entertainment. £6 earlybird tickets are on sale now at www.meatsandbeats.co.uk We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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OUTSIDE THE FRINGE

If you’re at all familiar with Edinburgh, you’ll know that the city has a boundless array of cultural must-sees. If you’re completely new to the city and have arrived here for the Fringe we’ve helped you out with a quick guide of Edinburgh’s must sees outside of the Fringe.

PENTLAND HILLS

Climbed Arthur’s Seat but can’t get enough of those gradients? Never fear, Edinburgh and its surrounding area has plenty of inclines to tackle, and amongst the most scenic are found in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, south of the city. You’ll find lots of routes from various starting points but a popular one is the Capital View Walk, from Hillend Country Park – an easy three-mile circuit that allows you ample opportunities to admire the turrets and spires of Edinburgh’s skyline in the distance.

JUPITER ARTLAND

NORTH BERWICK

For an alternative arts experience, journey into Jupiter Artland, one of the most unusual places to visit near Edinburgh – an outdoor complex of avant-garde sculpture, installation and landscape art set in beautiful parkland to the west of the city. A rotating programme of exhibitions, nature walks and craft workshops caters for all ages and children in particular will love the sense of fun in this expansive, large-scale artistic playground.

It’s well worth taking a day trip out to North Berwick, especially in the summer months, when you can make the ferry crossing to bird-watcher’s paradise, the Bass Rock.

Now one of David Attenborough’s favourite spots and famous as the roost of more than 150,000 gannets, this strategically-placed island was once fought over by Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as being the site of a fortress prison.

DEAN VILLAGE Walk about ten minutes from the hubbub of Princes Street and you’ll suddenly find yourself in what looks like a Bohemian country village, complete with stone bridges, gabled houses and only the sound of the Water of Leith to keep you company.

This is Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s hidden attractions. Walk one way alongside the water to get to the National Gallery of Modern Art (signposted), or stroll in the opposite direction to Stockbridge, another idyllic, well-to-do area of town virtually untouched by festival fever.

ROSSLYN CHAPEL Possibly Edinburgh’s most popular attraction that’s not actually in Edinburgh, the success of the book and film The DaVinci Code (filmed on location here) has brought many a curious visitor to this beautiful church, looking for clues to the mythical Holy Grail.

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PORTOBELLO

Edinburgh’s seaside and affectionately known as ‘Porty’ by Edinburghers, this former Victorian resort has plenty of faded charm and – crucially during August – the chance of a bit of peace and quiet.

Of course, on hot days you’ll be sharing the beach with rapidly reddening locals desperate for some sunshine, but on most days you can claim a patch of pebbles for yourself.

CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE Within walking distance of the major Edinburgh attractions but far enough that you can block out the sound of the Royal Mile street performers, this ruined Medieval fortress is awash with bleak Scottish drama and wind-battered turrets. Although no longer habitable, it’s a remarkably wellpreserved fifteenth century castle,

ARGYLL GATHERING

Argyll and the isles have historic castles, seaside villages and stunning beaches and every year the family friendly event, Argyll Gathering takes place. The event has announced a final annual line-up for 2017 on the 19th and 20th of August. Meet the locals and immerse yourself in Scotland’s culture. This event will share Scotland’s culture and art through performances in the best traditional and contemporary music, food and drink.

The best locally sourced food will be on offer, such as Loch Fyne Oysters, Single-origin coffee from Home Ground

OUTSIDE OF

Coffee, handmade Scozzese pizzas, home roasted lamb stovies, Loch Ridden salt marsh lamb, wild venison and Duntarrin Pork.

Performances will include some of the most energetic musical groups, from the most famous bagpipe band in the world, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Runrig’s Donnie Munro and the Scottish Celtic Rock foot stompers, Treacherous Orchestra.

So if you want to escape the madness of the Fringe for a couple of joins, why not join the madness in Helensburgh.

EDINBURGH

STOWED OUT This boutique and arts festival will highlight an array of interesting and exciting arts and music with Spoken word award winning performers, Circus Skills.

It will be held on the 25th and 26th of August 2017 in the village of Stow in the Scottish Borders.

This event welcomes all age groups and is only a one minute walk from Stow Station on the New Edinburgh and

Tweedbank line. It aims to attract a 6 music audience with acts such as The Boy With The Lion Head, The Sea Bass Kid and The Van T’s, Emme Woods, The Little Kicks, Orkestra Del Sol, The Youth and Young and The Dull Fudds.

Join in this fun packed two day festival with low-cost drinks available. Tickets cost £12 for Friday and £20 for Saturday U12’s go free.

BUY YOUR

JELLYBABY TICKETS HERE

**OFFERS VALID WITH STUDENT I.D TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY**

89p vodka mix 89p shots / 89p bombs 89p peach shnapps bottle of bud £1.50

285 SAUC HIEHALL ST We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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HOLY FUCK Electronic pioneers and TSA’s favourite Canucks, Holy Fuck are rightly regarded as one of the best live bands around. In a rare visit to Scotland they’ll be bringing their euphoric Casio Tone melodies and processed beats to a field nearish you when they play the Saturday at this year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole. Their live sets are a testament to the excitement of bands truly living on the edge of control, placing them in a different universe from the press play and pretend to twiddle your knobs knobs that ruin the genre for everyone else.

Really looking forward to your Doune The Rabbit Hole gig. In particular the track ‘Chains’ from the new EP sounds like a proper 2am in a field type track to me so really looking forward to hearing that live in field even if not at 2am.

Rad! Thanks. We’ll do our best to channel a 2am vibe.

There was a pretty big gap between Latin and Congrats, not sure how many people were expecting a new set of tracks from you a year after Congrats. Actually is it the shortest window between releases for you as a band?

How did that come about?

We were expecting a gap between Latin and Congrats just knowing that we wanted a bit of a break and also wanted to take our time recording. But there were unforeseen logistical reasons why it was delayed. Boring stuff, like finding new management and new label and all that. It’s a drag but releasing records takes a long time now – just waiting in the queue for vinyl to be pressed can hold up a record for half a year.

So this time we wanted to make sure we circumvented all of that. Why not

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just take four songs we love and mainline them to people’s ears via streaming and digital download. If we took time to craft another obligatory six songs and got in the usual queue for vinyl and had an army of people trying to build a clever ‘campaign’ it could’ve easily taken another two years. We want to set a precedent for ourselves. We want music to be more free-flowing.

Was there a particular idea or strategy behind the EP? Aside from wanting to follow up Congrats quickly, we also felt that the vibe of Bird Brains was what we wanted at this stage in the band. We like that two songs are strong, potential singles, another is a giant behemoth that would’ve weighed down a full length. And the fourth is something else – a moody soundscape. Everything had purpose in this compact release. It wasn’t b-sides or filler. There will always be room out there for a b-side as a bonus track or something. But we wanted this to be more.

Can you tell us a bit about how collaborating while living in different cities worked for you?

It isn’t ideal – not for us because we have always been the type of band that connects together in one place, one room, making music together. Commonly

producers work remotely and share files. That’s not our kind of project. So it has slowed down how often we get together to make music. But it has also focused those sessions into being productive – we don’t take our time together for granted. So now we take sabbaticals to various retreats where we can not only be creative but also record and actually work on the final product. It’s fun in that regard. We have self-imposed rock camp.

How are the new tracks developing as you play them live with an audience?

For us the new tracks are the ones coming next. We try to sprinkle a few of them throughout our set.

But we’re building such a large body of work at this point where it’s hard to kick one song out to make room for a new one. So we introduce new material slowly, um, like poison in your food.

What’s your favourite piece of kit these days?

For me it’s still the mixer. The hub where not only everything gets plugged in but also the ‘instrument’ I play the most. Though not typically an instrument I use it wired in such a way that it is constantly feeding back and morphing sonically with everything I plug into it. So it’s my instrument I guess – it’s my version of a guitar or drum kit.

Catch Holy Fuck at Doune The Rabbit Hole on Saturday 19 August.

Gig Guide: Music & Comedy Cabaret

5-27 AUGUST TOM CROSBIE: YOU CAN’T POLISH A NERD An insignificant amount taller than Tom Cruise, Tom Crosbie is the nerdiest comedian at the Fringe and will Rubik’s Cube race anyone that claims otherwise. Join him for 3,333 seconds of fun... if you dare.

To be honest, you should probably come even if you don’t dare – it’s not that dangerous.

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 12:10 – 13:05

t e G ! r e h s e Fr Ok, that’s the last of the stupid puns.

Book your place in the biggest Freshers Guide around.

Call 0141 222 2202

5-12 AUGUST GARETH’S SUBURBAN GADGET GAME SHOW Come celebrate all things suburban, with household gadgets and prizes worth more than £1! Expect songs, laughter and a bit of gossip from the neighbours.

This suburban themed cabaret show is hosted by Gareth Edward.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 12:15 – 13:10 5-27 AUGUST BEN DALI: TAKE A TRANCE ON ME The festival’s best hypnotist returns with an hilarious new show where audience volunteers find themselves in unforgettable hypnotic scenes inspired by the madcap Edinburgh Fringe. From flyering on the Royal Mile to the “haunted” Edinburgh Castle and our special ‘Edinburgh’s Got Talent’, anything goes!

Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 13:35 – 14:35 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST JASMINE VEGAS Indescribable Jasmine Vegas, wowing audiences since 1987 in New York, Paris and beyond with wide-ranging, heartfelt vocals, mixes original tunes, covers and hilarious stream-of-consciousness outbursts whilst man-handling accordions or other accoutrements.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll hire her for your upcoming apartment renovation ceremony.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 13:45 – 14:35 5-27 AUGUST THE TIME MACHINE Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman present H.G. Wells’ sci-fi masterpiece, reborn as a brand new musical adventure. Original songs, a riproaring score and live sound effects from 800,000 years in the future!

“Breathtaking” **** (The Scotsman).

“A tour-de-force” **** (The Skinny).

“Impeccable” ***** (MusicalTalk).

“Wonderful” (Stephen Fry).

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 13:45 – 14:45 5,6,8-13,15,16 AUGUST T.C. COSTELLO TALES OF A PUNK ROK ACCORDIONIST T.C. Costello, The US’ most obscure punk rock accordionist, tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world. Old-world melodies, footstomping rhythms, and stories of bad decisions. The US’ premier punk rock accordionist tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world.

Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 14:00 – 15:00 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST ROSIE SINGS: FACTS ABOUT ME! Join Rosie for an afternoon of musical theatre, stories about her journey to Scotland and why things feel good in her mouth.

‘Voice of an angel, mouth of a sailor’ (Jamie Anderson, Cabaret Confidential). www.Rosie-Sings.com Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 15:10 – 16:00 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST ELSIE DIAMOND: THE SENSIBLE UNDRESSER Elsie Diamond is back, this time letting you know all the truths about the so called glamorous world of Burlesque. A comic, naughty and honest piece told through song, sumptuous costumes and of course striptease!

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 16:15 – 17:10 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST GENREFLUID Cut-and-paste chamber music open-mic. A unique, innovative, and genre-bending “playlist” every day. It could be loop pedal lutes, jazzy J.S Bacharach, or a cappella Sgt Pepper: style on shuffle; no repeats.

Quench your thirst for eclecticism with a pint of genrefluid, featuring phenomenal guest musicians from the Fringe.

Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 17:30 – 18:30 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST RUSSIAN ROULETTE Who will risk their life tonight? A rotating bill of bang-up performers from all over the Fringe, hand-picked by your charming belly-dancing Russian hostess. Safely bet on a mind-blowing evening full of magic, variety, comedy and circus!

Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 18:35 – 19:35 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST MERRY FRIZMAS! Friz Frizzle (The Now Show, Musical Comedy Award Finalist 2017) is going to ruin your favourite Christmas songs. There’ll be festive cheer and mince pies. It’s Christmas in fucking August. I don’t expect this to go well.

Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 18:40 – 19:30

at the Edinburgh Fringe

5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST HOW EVA VON SCHNIPPISCH WON WWII An action-packed, spy-thriller, one-woman musical. After hair-raising missions in France and Russia, Eva embarks on a love affair to end all love affairs and de-bunks the bunker story once and for all! ‘A filthy, flirtatious romp’ (Chortle) ‘Gut bustingly funny, daring & witty’ ***** (EverythingTheatre) CC Blooms (Venue 171): 18:45 – 19:45 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-26 AUGUST COREY PICKETT: CIRCUS & OTHER TIME WASTERS! A Collection of utterly unnecessary feats that will excite and delight. Corey has devoted copious amounts of time throughout his life, mastering tricks and skills that are guaranteed to enthrall and entertain. This show will take you from juggling and balance to cartoon-esque physical comedy and big circus stunts.

Silk Room 2 Middle (Venue 444): 18:50 – 19:40 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST IT’S A SMALL FRINGE AFTER ALL The best comedy, magic, and variety acts on the fringe in one place every night! Handselected, and sure to be fun. Hosted by Alaskan opera singer Chelsea Hart.

Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 19:50 – 20:45 5-14,16-26 AUGUST AAAAAAA! SUPER SCOTT’S TOTALLY SCRIPTED UNIMPROVISED SHOW Super Scott returns to the fringe with his own unique blend of comedy juggling and magic. Expect the unexpected!

Recommended by his mother!

Silk Room 2 Middle (Venue 444): 20:05 – 20:55 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST VIVA GLASVEGAS BURLESQUE AND CABARET SHOWCASE Join the Glasgow Festival of Burlesque team for an hour of the finest burlesque and cabaret! Hosted by Scotland’s very own GlasVegas Showgirl Roxy Stardust!

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 20:45 – 21:45 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST NAUGHTY EVER AFTER A Disney inspired burlesque show presenteer by Belgium’s Club Burlesque Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 21:00 – 21:45 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST THE CREATIVE MARTYRS: KABAKUNST Odes to modern complacency and hubris: self-surveilling, Brexit-fearing, peace-bombing, Nazi-punching, trumping satire, all in a jaunty vaudeville fashion. Join us and be implicated. ‘In the hands of the Martyrs we can all die laughing’ (Skinny).

Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 21:00 – 22:00 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST A TUTTIFRUTTI CABARET Tragic diva Nina Divina has assembled her favourite fierce females for a world premiere comedy cabaret. Expect a very fruity, juicy variety show you will not forget!

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 21:15 – 22:15 5-15,17-27 AUGUST THE SINGING PSYCHIC GAME SHOW The Singing Psychic returns, now with 70s team games and prizes! Her spookily accurate (fabulously bonkers) audience readings reveals the hidden songs in your heart. Funny Women 2016 Best Show nominee. ‘Gloriously entertaining’ **** (FemaleArts.com). ‘Can work a crowd like no other’ **** (GrumpyGayCritic. co.uk).

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 21:30 – 22:25 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST JACINTA & CHARLIE’S CABARET! Join professional socialites Jacinta and Charlie for a refreshing hour of variety. Come be delighted and entertained by the eccentric duo and their eclectic friends. Expect anything from burlesque to magic to comedy, with plenty of raunchy songs in between. All parties welcome at OUR party!

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 21:40 – 22:40 5-26 AUGUST THE NOT SO SECRET SOCIETY The team behind the legendary Bongo Club Cabaret and hit Not So Secrets in London and Glasgow welcome you to this not-particularlysecret variety show, which may feature Mentalist host Ben Dali and involve comedy, theatre, magic, music, burlesque and oddity. You just need the password...

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 21:55 – 22:55 5-16 AUGUST THE BELGIAN REVUE

BY LE SASSY CABARET What do you know about Belgium? Where is it?

What is it? Why are Brussel sprouts so bad? Are they even from Belgium? Dive into a world of chocolate, burlesque, eroticism, waffels, drag and comedy with this all Belgian, English speaking, star cast.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 22:30 – 23:30

5-16 AUGUST THE RUBY DARLINGS: LIL’ DARLING’S LADY POWER This one woman show promises a generous dose of sexual hilarity, thinly-veiled inyourendos and a comprehensive vagina education.***** Broadway Baby ***** Views from the Gods **** One4Review **** Funny Women ‘I laughed my ass off’ London City Nights ‘Hilarious’ TheFWord Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 22:30 – 23:30

8,9 AUGUST THE NOT SO SECRET SOCIETY The team behind the legendary Bongo Club Cabaret and hit Not So Secrets in London and Glasgow welcome you to this not-particularlysecret variety show, which may feature Mentalist host Ben Dali and involve comedy, theatre, magic, music, burlesque and oddity. You just need the password...

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 16:40 – 17:40

5-15 AUGUST HARTCORE CABARET - TAKING YOU TO A DARKER SIDE Hartcore Cabaret will take you on a Journey of Tease, Burlesque, Boylesque, Gorlesque, Sideshow, Freak-show, Spoken Word, Magic, Comedy, the darker-side of Cabaret, and the Twisted Arts. We bring you the best Cabaret, Burlesque, Boylesque. Sideshow, Magic and Comedy. So expect the unexpected as we take you in to our twisted world Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 22:50 – 23:50

8,15,22 AUGUST EDINBURGH HORRORSHOW! Horror, gore, supernatural and paranormal themed variety nights. Only three shows during the Free Fringe and that’s it! A regular on the Edinburgh variety scene, Edinburgh HorrorShow is bringing its unique style of showcase to this year’s festival.

Silk Room 1 Ground (Venue 444): 20:50 – 21:50

5-27 AUGUST MAGIC FARAWAY CABARET Always packed, this ‘fab lil’ cabaret party’ (Time Out) returns for its sixth year. Magic, variety, burlesque and sideshow acts are gift-wrapped for you by host Ada Campe – ‘very, very funny’ (Edinburgh Magic Circle). ‘Talented and funny... Look out drag queens, the dowager duchess is in da house’ (Kate Copstick) Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 22:50 – 23:50 5-14,16-26 AUGUST CIRQUE DE WHATEVER Anti-cabaret show for peope who hate cabaret. A midnight lock-in where hosts Paul Savage (MC) and Lottie Depresstival (Accordion and Dronecore accompianist) invite comediand, magicians and burlesque artists to get weird. And possibly naked.

Don’t expect the unexpected or you’ll be disappointed Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 00:00 – 01:00 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST THE CABARET AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE Back for a triumphant fifth year! Climb aboard our filthy time machine (high concept, eh?) as we bring you the best cabaret acts of the past, present and future! Expect the most debauched and raucous nightcap we can bring you without being arrested.

Music, burlesque, comedy, magic and more!

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 00:05 – 01:05 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST THE LOCK-IN CABARET The Lock-In Cabaret is back for its fourth year at Edinburgh Fringe! With a different line-up of top Fringe acts every night, hand-picked by hosts Griffin and Jones, this ever-growing institution is the late night variety show!

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 01:00 – 01:55 6-26 AUGUST POP! Pop! is a witty comedy cabaret about life and failure.

Isa Bonachera used to like the future when it was about normal people dressed as Eurovision contestants, but that excitement is gone because she belongs to the worst generation to ever walk the Earth.

The Street (Venue 239): 14:45 – 15:40

11,21 AUGUST BEN DALI: TAKE A TRANCE ON ME The festival’s best hypnotist returns with an hilarious new show where audience volunteers find themselves in unforgettable hypnotic scenes inspired by the madcap Edinburgh Fringe. From flyering on the Royal Mile to the “haunted” Edinburgh Castle and our special ‘Edinburgh’s Got Talent’, anything goes!

Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 15:45 – 16:45 10,11 AUGUST T.C. COSTELLO TALES OF A PUNK ROK ACCORDIONIST T.C. Costello, The US’ most obscure punk rock accordionist, tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world. Old-world melodies, foot-stomping rhythms, and stories of bad decisions. The US’ premier punk rock accordionist tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world.

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 16:20 – 17:20 13,14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST FOOLPROOF FOLK-ARET! The Best of Fools bring you the best of folk, performing assorted songs happy and sad, silly and serious, about lovers and sailors, soldiers and strike-breakers, accompanying themselves on the guitar and violin. Join this foolish duo for a show of shanties, shenanigans and more!

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 21:15 – 22:05 14 AUGUST BEN DALI: TAKE A TRANCE ON ME The festival’s best hypnotist returns with an hilarious new show where audience volunteers find themselves in unforgettable hypnotic scenes inspired by the madcap Edinburgh Fringe. From flyering on the Royal Mile to the “haunted” Edinburgh Castle and our special ‘Edinburgh’s Got Talent’, anything goes!

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 16:15 – 17:15 14-26 AUGUST MORE THAN ONE HAT Chanteuse Woodstock Taylor returns for umpteenth Fringe. New solo show featuring songs from sublime to ridiculous. And some hats.“Pitch perfect” (List); “Fine quality songs” (Scotsman); “Woodstock Taylor, resplendent as the chanteuse of a certain age” (reviewiststage); “Brilliant songs… What a f**king treat” (Bubblepop); “Covfefe” (Donald Trump) The Street (Venue 239): 17:15 – 18:15

7,23,25 AUGUST BEN DALI: TAKE A TRANCE ON ME The festival’s best hypnotist returns with an hilarious new show where audience volunteers find themselves in unforgettable hypnotic scenes inspired by the madcap Edinburgh Fringe. From flyering on the Royal Mile to the “haunted” Edinburgh Castle and our special ‘Edinburgh’s Got Talent’, anything goes!

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 18:15 – 19:15

10,17,24 AUGUST THE NOT SO SECRET SOCIETY The team behind the legendary Bongo Club Cabaret and hit Not So Secrets in London and Glasgow welcome you to this notparticularly-secret variety show, which may feature Mentalist host Ben Dali and involve comedy, theatre, magic, music, burlesque and oddity. You just need the password...

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 18:15 – 19:15

7,14,21 AUGUST POP! Pop! is a witty comedy cabaret about life and failure.

Isa Bonachera used to like the future when it was about normal people dressed as Eurovision contestants, but that excitement is gone because she belongs to the worst generation to ever walk the Earth.

Pilgrim Bar Back Lounge (Venue 100): 18:45 – 19:40

14,21 AUGUST THE TIME MACHINE Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman present H.G. Wells’ sci-fi masterpiece, reborn as a brand new musical adventure. Original songs, a riproaring score and live sound effects from 800,000 years in the future!

“Breathtaking” **** (The Scotsman).

“A tour-de-force” **** (The Skinny).

“Impeccable” ***** (MusicalTalk).

“Wonderful” (Stephen Fry).

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 19:40 – 20:40

7 AUGUST THE CREATIVE MARTYRS AND THE ACQUIESCENT ORCHESTRA The Creative Martyrs, Weimar-tinged cabaret duo and purveyors of Satire, Surrealism and Song are augmented this evening by a ragtag fankle of musicians and artistes picked up from dark nooks over 134 years of performing. Do Join us...

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 19:40 – 20:40 7 AUGUST T.C. COSTELLO TALES OF A PUNK ROK ACCORDIONIST T.C. Costello, The US’ most obscure punk rock accordionist, tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world. Old-world melodies, foot-stomping rhythms, and stories of bad decisions. The US’ premier punk rock accordionist tells stories and songs of people on their worst behavior from all around the world.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 21:00 – 22:00

17-27 AUGUST PAUL RICHARDS AND SOMETHING THAT VAGUELY RESEMBLES A CHOIR PROUDLY PRESENT: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF POP IN AN HOUR 1 hour, 1 lanky host, a lovely mismatched bunch of singers and musicians, the ENTIRE history of pop music. Expect very special guests every night and far too much Spandau Ballet.

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 22:30 – 23:30 17-27 AUGUST THE SANCTUARY OF SIN The Convent of Corruption invites you to worship at our late night services of debauched, depraved and downright naughty Cabaret performance. Only the most subversive sinners are granted entry into our sanctuary. Leave your innocence at the door....18+ CC Blooms (Venue 171): 22:30 – 23:30

20,22-27 AUGUST THE MECHANISMS PRESENT: THE BIFROST INCIDENT The space-pirate troubadours return with their newest tale: a mass-murder mystery set on a locomotive shot through a man-made wormhole. Expect story, song and a trail of destruction in their wake... ***** “awesomely talented group of musicians and actors” -Broadway Baby **** “profoundly beautiful” -Three Weeks Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 12:15 – 13:15

Comedy

5-27 AUGUST THE FULL IRISH The increasingly annual Full Irish is back with “Irish” acts to make your morning presented by Chris O’Neill. It will be fun. and there will be “food” Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 11:00 – 11:55 5-13,15-27 AUGUST LOTS OF COMEDIANS With so many comedians performing in Edinburgh, here’s the perfect starting point. The funniest folk in the festival, all hand-picked by your hosts - Steffan Alun (excitable, friendly and Welsh), and Chris Chopping (witty, pedantic, and tremendously clever).

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 12:00 – 13:00 5-27 AUGUST JOE WELLS : I HOPE I DIE BEFORE I START VOTING CONSERVATIVE Joe Wells (Radio 4 Extra, support for Frankie Boyle and Alexei Sayle) is determined to grow up without selling out his political ideals.

“Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian” - Guardian Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 12:05 – 13:05 5-26 AUGUST SNAKES An audience with comedians having breakfast. Come join us for breakfast! No Outside food.

Join us for breakfast! You have been warned. Join us for breakfast! They’re performing to you, not talking to each other. Join - in fact, I’d prefer if you didn’t eat during the show whatsoever.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 12:05 – 13:00 5-12,14,15,17-26 AUGUST MEN WITH COCONUTS One of the UK’s leading improv comedy shows! 60 minutes of improvised comedy games culminating in an entirely improvised Broadway-style musical. Unplanned, unscripted and unbelievable! ‘Laugh until you cry, go see Men With Coconuts!’ (Cabaret Nova). Number one Free Show of the Fringe 2015 (Daily Record) La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 12:15 – 13:15 5-27 AUGUST STREETBEAT COMEDY FREE LUNCHTIME STAND UP SHOWCASE Streetbeat Comedy, London’s friendliest Open-Mic show, brings a host of talent to this Free lunchtime showcase in the heart of Edinburgh.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 12:15 – 13:15 5-27 AUGUST LOVE, HATE AND SOME OF MY MISTAKES After a 2016/17 tour of hit shows in the UK, Australia and USA, Scott Adams shows you his world of Love, Hate and numerous mistakes that have turned him into the numpty he is today. ‘A barrage of rapid fire jokes’ ***** Voice Mag ‘A real comedy treat, loved it!’ **** Threeweeks Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 12:20 – 13:05 5-26 AUGUST CHILDREN & OTHER MISTAKES Why are we making more people? We have enough people. Daniel John Smith has decided not have have children and yeah, that does make him better than you. The show won’t be preachy though, as it’s mostly an excuse to joke about his mum.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 12:30 – 13:25 5-12 AUGUST UGLY BABIES MAKE ME LAUGH - GEORGE ZACHAROPOULOS George (“Truly Terrific” - Melbourne Herald (OZ), “Huge Laughs” - Broadway Baby,) is back with a questionably titled show defending accidental racism, attacking pigeons and advises what to do in a plane crash. As seen on BBC1 (This Week, The One Show) and Sky One. 52 Canoes (Venue 366): 12:30 – 13:20 5-27 AUGUST PETER BRUSH: A WORM’S GUIDE TO IMMORTALITY A show about evolution, the dog Russia sent into space, and those things we’ll leave behind on social media after we die. ‘An hour of killer gags, with no let up in quality’ - Fest ****1/2 – Chortle Tour support - Stephen K Amos Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 12:50 – 13:45 5-26 AUGUST AIDAN GREENE & DAVEY REILLY - CAVAN THE CRAIC After last year’s success, Davey Reilly and Aidan Greene bring their massively popular, yet poorly titled show, back to the Fringe. Join these school pals as they welcome some of the best global acts the Fringe has to offer.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 13:00 – 13:55

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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Gig Guide: Music & Comedy 5-14,16-27 AUGUST LORD FARR’S LOUNGE-A-PALOOZA Noted raconteur and bon vivant Lord Farr curates a choice selection of his favourite acts from around the Fringe.

Comedy, magic, music and more, all for the viewing pleasure of you lovely cads, bounders, dandies and ladies who (liquid) lunch. Bottoms up!

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 13:00 – 13:55 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST LAUGH BEGINS AT FORTY Original comedy candy from grown-up comedians. A pick and mix bag of deliciously hilarious comedians with one thing in common: they’re all over forty.

Allergy information: skinny jeans free, no hipster beards guaranteed, traces of grey, may contain life experience Southsider (Venue 148): 13:05 – 13:55 5-18 AUGUST NAUGHTY COMEDY FOR NAUGHTY BOYS Introducing a new line-up, the RHUL Comedy Society are at the Fringe once again!

Learn about life according to Royal Holloway’s funniest students with a cheeky mixture of music, poetry and story-telling that will have you in stitches. It’s the Naughtiest of Comedy for the Naughtiest of Boys (everyone welcome!).

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 13:05 – 14:05 5-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST ANDY ONIONS - POWERPOINTLESS Highoctane stand-up comedy show. Andy Onions (Resident MC of the Time Out recommended Freedom Fridge) takes you on a nonsensical multimedia journey. ‘Some say Andy put the compoop into nincompoop. I say he put the nin in there too’ (Tim Shishodia).

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 13:10 – 14:00 5-26 AUGUST ACOMEDYTAPAS AComedyTapas presents 10 fresh comic tapas every day so you can pick your favourites. A menu helps you find your fun. Served in time order. Concocted

by Chris O Neill.

Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 13:15 – 14:05 5-13 AUGUST MISIRLOU THE SUPERHEROINE A superheroine diva philosopher clown is lecturing about the philosophical consideration of death.

Clowning,physical theatre, cabaret, quantum physics, pelvic movement, glitter, surreal. **** “ground breaking comedy” Mumble Comedy, “ fell for it” A younger theatre.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 13:15 – 14:15 5-20,22-27 AUGUST ROBIN BOOT’S ROCKOMEDY: PUNS OF ANYKEY Darkly surreal lyrics, clever wordplay, bags of innuendo, tasty guitar skills, percussive feet and beautiful hair – rock‘n’roll has never been so funny!

‘Voted one of the top three New Comedians of 2016’ (Lastminute Comedy) Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 13:15 – 14:10 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST WYATT NIXON-LLOYD: PARALLEL UNIVERS-ITY Join us for a university lecture set in alternate dimensions. It’s sliding doors meets Ricky & Morty in a polytechnic.

Combining sketch, song and storytelling, it’s an afternoon out of this world. “A hyperactive & eclectic mix of nonstop laughs” **** AusTimes “highenergy charisma” – **** PerthCulture Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 13:15 – 14:15 5-27 AUGUST LAUGHTERNOON DELIGHT Laughternoon Delight is the brilliant comedy show hosted by two of Ireland’s funniest comedians Rory O’Hanlon and Danny O’Brien.Each day joined with the best acts the Fringe has to offer.This show is the perfect antidote to the Scottish weather.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 13:30 – 14:20 5-13,15-26 AUGUST EPOCH Join your pals Maddie Campion (One to Watch Funny Women) and Andy Storey (BBC New Comedian of the Year Finalist 2015) as they share with you moments, discoveries and ponderings. Expect a fun time and upbeat humour.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 13:35 – 14:25

5-26 AUGUST THE 1ST ANNUAL BLACK COMEDY SHOWCASE (A.B.C.S) No black comedy showcases in Edinburgh?! Not any more! Come and check your privilege for nowt.

Cabaret stalwart Earl T. Grahame presents two world class black comedians, and a token act from the white circuit (just to give those guys a chance). #BlackComedyMatters Bannermans (Venue 357): 13:45 – 14:40 5-12,14-19,21-26 AUGUST WISEBOWM: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL Wisebowm presents the world’s first urban poetry musical: Chronicling his heroic struggles with addiction (to gluten), his attempts to win the heart of middle class beauty Samantha and how mindfulness came to his rescue; it’s no surprise that Wisebowm is on his way to becoming an urban poet superstar.

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 13:45 – 14:45 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST YIANNI AGISILAOU POCKETS OF EQUALITY Yianni accidentally wore his girlfriend’s jeans and discovered that when it comes to pockets, women are far from equal. A funny show about men, women and society’s double standards. Nominated: Best Comedy, Perth Fringe 2017 “A master class” ***** Lotswife.com. au ‘Hilarious and powerful’ ***** Comedyfestival.com.au Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 14:00 – 15:00 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST SHIPS: DR AUDREY’S FATAL MISTAKE Debut show from Michelle Fahrenheim, “tremendously charismatic” (The Stage) and Cathy Young, “outstanding” (Independent). Audrey makes a hilarious but fatal error and is stripped of her pride, job, and identity! What will she do next?! Join SHIPS on this hilarious musical journey of self-discovery, silly characters and some dark humour.

Southsider (Venue 148): 14:05 – 14:50 5-26 AUGUST I CAN CURE...

Cough. The origin and evolution of homosexuality explained by Dr Mark Silcox (straight man) applying American psychologist Marshal Rosenberg’s philosophy of needs, strategies and the language of non-violence. In this experimental show, Silcox suggests a medicine for cough and shares his view of the future of sexuality, provided we all survive.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 14:10 – 15:10 5-11,13-27 AUGUST PAUL RICHARDS: ONE MAN AND A BOX 36, losing the plot and has recently tried to impress a girl by drumming a 5/4 groove on her thighs, join drummercomedian Paul for more stories, rants and ‘songs.’ “Paul Richards constantly makes you smile” – Get Reading magazine.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 14:15 – 15:05 5-13,15-26 AUGUST ZERO QUEST 3: AUDIENCE WARS First they fought for survival. Then, they fought for baked goods. This year its Audience Member vs Audience Member in a hilarious battle for randomly generated prizes, I dunno, probably vouchers or something.

Semi-improvised fantasy comedy with comedian of small renown: Calum MacInnes Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 14:15 – 15:05 5-13,15-27 AUGUST ADRIAN MINKOWICZ: BEST NEWCOMER A comedy show about the drive to win the Best Newcomer Prize, with film, music & stand-up at its core. Unexpected bonus track: a bunch of Adrian’s New York comedian friends like Ari Shaffir, Dan Soder & Mark Normand giving their wining “advice” on screen!

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 14:20 – 15:20 5-11 AUGUST RACH WHEELEY & LEE WILSON: AWESOME Two 30 minute sets from comedy’s hottest non-couple.

Lee is doing his best against a world not out to get him. Rach just wants to get away from it all. “I Wheeley like her” - Bec Hill, “Delivers a torrent of gags” - Chuckle Pit Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 14:25 – 15:25

5-26 AUGUST CLASH OF THE TIGHT TENS Andy Quirk presents the finest fringe acts performing their most triumphant ten minutes. Expect a mix of stand-up, musical comedy and sketch with different acts on every day. You’ll be “poseid” yourself with the “trident tested” material!

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 13:45 – 14:45

5-27 AUGUST #JOLLYBOAT: PIRATES OF THE KARAOKE A wild Jollyboat appears! It uses musical comedy. It’s super effective! Jollyboat present their best comedy songs from 8 years at the Fringe. ‘If you like Flight of the Conchords, you’ll f*cking love Jollyboat’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ***** (GeekChocolate.co.uk). ***** (InformedCities.co.uk).

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 14:30 – 15:15

5-19 AUGUST FARLEY AND LINSELL Farley and Linsell is a new sketch comedy double act performed by Amanda Farley (The Free Association) and Alistair Linsell (Science Channel, Heretical Productions) who both perform regularly on the London improv circuit. Their collaboration is the product of a BBC Writers’ Room sketch comedy initiative.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 13:45 – 14:40

5,6,8-13,15-20,22-26 AUGUST METAMORPHOSIS Ever taken a good hard look at yourself?

Rich did and he didn’t like what he saw.

What followed next was a calamitous journey of atonement with bucket loads of hilarious self-improvement! If you enjoy laughing then this is the show for you.Guaranteed to change your life or your money back!

Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 14:30 – 15:30

34

music | gig guide

at the Edinburgh Fringe

5-20,22-27 AUGUST PETER DOBBING: ELECTRIC PLUM Electric: having or producing a sudden sense of thrilling excitement. Plum: gently derogatory English colloquialism – idiot, fool. Further explanation from defrocked futurologist. ‘Pretty funny’ (Bruce Dessau). ‘Brilliant’ (ThreeWeeks).

Mutiple comp Finalist including New Act of the Year, So You Think You’re Funny Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 14:30 – 15:20 5-27 AUGUST TIERNAN DOUIEB MISERABLY HAPPY ‘Very friendly but fiercely political’ (Time Out) comedian Tiernan Douieb tries to work out what anyone actually wants anymore, what does being civilised actually mean and whether he’ll ever be able to persuade his wife to like tomatoes. A new hour of gags from ‘Opinionated yet likeable’ (The Guardian) Douieb Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 14:30 – 15:30 5-27 AUGUST WORST SHOW ON THE FRINGE - FREE Russell Howard, Miranda Hart, Tim Minchin... what have they got in common? They all once received one-star reviews. Now in its fifth glorious year, this show presents a fresh daily line-up of one-star wonders who’ve proved their reviewers wrong.

Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 14:30 – 15:30 5-16,18-27 AUGUST GARETH RICHARDS: IDIOT WIND Join Gareth Richards, Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards best newcomer nominee 2010 for his seventh show of hilarious standup, and comedy songs. As seen on Russell Howard’s Good News on BBC 3, and heard on BBC Radio 1, 2 and 4 and Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio show.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 14:45 – 15:45 5-26 AUGUST RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, THE FACT IS THIS IS TOM LITTLE Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2015. BBC Radio New Comedy Award Finalist. Was in Pleasance Comedy Reserve and Big Value: Early Show. ‘Loudly awkward… completely inventive’ – Gigglebeats. ‘Hilarious’ ***** – The Mirror.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 14:45 – 15:35 5,7-12,14-19,21-27 AUGUST AUSTRALIA: A WHINGING POMS GUIDE The funny side of Australia. British comedy veteran Dan Willis moved to Australia six years ago. Now he’s got a bag of jokes, experiences and hangovers to share.

“55 minutes of side-splitting laughter” ***** Plains Producer.

Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 14:50 – 15:50 5-7,9-14,16-20 AUGUST THE FALL OF BYRON MONTROSE; POET, GENTLEMAN, LOVER. Pun filled comedy story telling with breaks for bad poetry with sex, violence and an opium addiction. Think Don Juan meets Milton Jones. “Like a Spike Milligan Book...

Delightfully Different.” Notts Comedy Review.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 14:50 – 15:50 5-13,15-27 AUGUST CHRISTOPHER BLISS: WRITING WRONGS Christopher Bliss writes two to three novels a day, and he’s fairly well known amongst his family and friend. “One of the best character shows we’ve seen for a long time” BRITISH COMEDY GUIDE. “Consistently, pant-wettingly funny” **** FEST Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 14:55 – 15:45 5-16,18-26 AUGUST LAURA BYRNE - END OF DAZE Irish award-winning stand-up comedian Laura Byrne presents her debut solo show about the end of the world, being a naturally disastrous person, and how she woke up to reality by following her dreams.

As seen on Irish YouTube channel Facts., MTV, and Buzzfeed.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 14:55 – 15:45 5-26 AUGUST MARK SIMMONS: ONE-LINERER This show is for people that like jokes. ‘Master of one liners’ ***** (One4review.co.uk). ‘A talented comic with an artisan’s grasp of jokewriting’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). Seann Walsh and Rob Beckett tour support. As seen on BBC Three’s One for the Road.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 15:00 – 15:50 5-26 AUGUST ROSIE JONES: INSPIRATION A clear audience favourite’ (Steve Bennett, Chortle. co.uk). Funny Women finalist, Amused Moose semi-finalist and one of Metro’s 9 Hilarious Women To Look Out For In 2017 makes her debut appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 15:00 – 15:45 5-27 AUGUST TREVOR LOCK’S COMMUNITY CIRCLE (SLIGHT RETURN) The no-two-shows-the-same, expectation-defying classic that never actually starts... continues... exactly as before. Warning: Contains Nothing!

‘The most fun you can have without taking your clothes off’ ***** Mirror ‘A show like no other’ Scotsman ‘Utterly improbable, absolutely entertaining’ Independent Bannermans (Venue 357): 15:00 – 16:00

5-15,17-27 AUGUST ANNA MORRIS: BITCHELORS The creator of last year’s award-winning international sell-out ‘It’s Got to be Perfect’ returns. Four characters compete for the Woman of the Year Award, hosted by Georgina the Bride (YouTube: Comic Relief’s ‘Bride Aid’, ‘Georgina’s Wedding Blogs’). ***** Edinburgh Guide ***** Funny Women **** Scotsgay **** Herald **** The Stage Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 15:10 – 16:10 5-14,16-27 AUGUST PEOPLE PLEASER A stranger asks a small favour. Seems so mean to refuse. But everything has consequences. And when it’s too late, it’s too late. The compulsive Irish over-thinker returns.

From Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience and RTÉ’s Irish Pictorial Weekly. ‘A distinctive inspired comic mind’ (Scotsman).

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 15:10 – 16:05 5-18 AUGUST WHERE’S MY PORRIDGE Race, Sex and Fairy Tales: the thoughts of a Bangladeshi man from Birmingham. See him vomit out his frustrations in the dangerous world.

Boshir is a man Ricky Gervais would buy a drink, Rusell Brand would steal a joke from and Peter Kay would complain about his name dropping.

Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 15:10 – 16:00 5-26 AUGUST BETTER LATE THAN PREGNANT (WORK IN PROGRESS) + SUPPORT Lulu Reubens’ work in progress... Much like her life and figure.

An enigmatic portrayal of existence in all its shit, diets & unused cells of life; Intertwined with the surrealistic magnificence of cheap hair dye and Pokémon Go. Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 3 (Venue 32): 15:15 – 16:00 5-26 AUGUST RORY O’KEEFFE: RORYTELLING Rory returns with a show about losing his faith and his bag (but mainly his bag). Join the ‘intelligent youngster’ (Time Out) for his second hour of jokes and stories. Or, as he narcissistically calls them, ‘rories’. **** Fest **** Broadway Baby **** Edinburgh49+1 **** EdFringeReview Southsider (Venue 148): 15:15 – 16:10 5-26 AUGUST NICK HALL: SPENCER Spencer Percival has one claim to fame.

He’s the only Prime Minister ever to be assassinated. Unfortunately no one’s heard of him. 205 years later, Nick Hall tells his story. As seen on BBC Two, BBC Three, and BBC Radio 4. ‘Brilliant’ (The Times).

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 15:20 – 16:15 5-9,11-26 AUGUST MAKING SENSE Áine Gallagher (Funny Women Runner Up 2014) is commonly known as the Queen of Offbeat. Come to ‘Making Sense’ and learn how to take the stress out of social interactions, gain an enhanced understanding of sex appeal, and leave speaking the Irish language fluently. An mhaith ar fad!

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 15:25 – 16:15 5-27 AUGUST CALUM STEWART AND FRIENDS Join Calum Stewart every afternoon at Bourbon Bar as he introduces some of the best up and coming acts on the comedy circuit.

Stand up, characters and musical acts there’s something for everybody! There’s also a pro headliner at every show so come on down, you absolute legends!

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 15:30 – 16:20 5-27 AUGUST CHRIS COLTRANE: MAKE LOVE AND SMASH FASCISM Comedian and activist Coltrane returns with another hour of uplifting, friendly, Tory-smashing comedy. If you love the NHS, libraries, kindness and joy, this show is for you. World-class punchlines guaranteed*. *Not legally binding. ‘The future of UK political comedy’ (Mark Thomas) Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 15:30 – 16:30 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST FRIZ FRIZZLE GETS HIS ORGAN OUT Friz Frizzle (The Now Show, Musical Comedy Award Finalist 2017) is a Songruiner.

Armed with a piano, he’ll take the tunes you know and love and mess about with them until you don’t want to know or love them anymore. It’s better than it sounds.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 15:30 – 16:25 5-26 AUGUST MORE JOKES ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD Irish comedian Martin Angolo’s debut fringe show is an hour of one-liners and silly observations from one of Ireland’s best joke writers.

“An act to watch out for” –Krank.ie “Very funny. Good original material.”

–The Stand Comedy Club Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 15:30 – 16:25 5-26 AUGUST TWO GIRLS AND A LOT OF CARROTS Fresh from Rose Bruford, Two Girls and a Lot of Carrots take over venue 449. With an afternoon of absurd comedy sketches filled with epic dance routines and musical interludes. 15+ Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 15:35 – 16:20

5-10 AUGUST MAGPIE AND STUMP Heralding from Trinity College, Cambridge, Magpie and Stump is a student run stand-up society. Join us as we present a selection of our comedic highpoints from the year. We promise there will be laughter, bewilderment, revalation, and a mildly cultlike devotion to our patron, His Majesty The Bird!

Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 15:45 – 16:45 5-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST NORTHERN POWER BLOUSE Three feisty northern lasses present a right good sketch show that’s full of heart, silly songs, larger than life characters and highly flammable 80’s blouses. Between them, they’ve written sketches for BBC Radio 4, Comic Relief, were Leicester Square Sketch Off semi-finalists and finalists for BAFTA and Funny Women awards.

Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 15:45 – 16:30 5-27 AUGUST OBIE: THE FUCK IT LIST. Obie is a Scottish comedy legend who is highly regarded as one of the most naturally talented comedians on the circuit today. He will take you on a surreal journey filled with laughter.

This show is about getting out of your comfort zone. You’re only one fuck-it away from changing everything.

Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 15:45 – 16:45 5-27 AUGUST QUILLARIOUS: A NEW EXCITING COMEDY FORMAT. It’s game show meets comedy workshop as Alastair Sadler leads teams of audience through rounds designed to make the funnies flow, collective creating five minutes of stand up. Will we succeed? Who knows, but we’ll have heaps of fun along the way. Experience required None! Awkwardness None!

Embarrassment None!

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 15:45 – 16:45 5-27 AUGUST STUART GOLDSMITH: LIKE I MEAN IT Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2017.

“Consistently, dependably and utterly funny” ***** (Three Weeks), “Expert stand-up” (Times), “Master of the form” (Independent) Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 15:45 – 16:40 5-14,16-26 AUGUST COMEDY SHORTS Back for its second year! Tom Short presents short comedy sets from some of the best acts at The Fringe!

Start the Fringe here!

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 15:55 – 16:55 5-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST MANDY KNIGHT - “THE DARK KNIGHT” Like an iron fist planted firmly in a velvet glove, Mandy’s jokes will leave you gutpunched. Nothing escapes her rapier wit, from her own abortion to village fetes! After wowing the comedy circuit for twenty years, she’s finally come to The Fringe. 4PM never felt so edgy.

“Brutally funny” – The Guardian.

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 15:55 – 16:45 5-27 AUGUST DAVEY REILLY DOUBLE DECKER BUS Following sold out shows in Dublin, London, and New York, Davey Reilly returns to Edinburgh with a new show about death, the absurdity of existence, and custard tarts.

As seen on BBC, RTÉ, MTV, Buzzfeed, and star of “Best Irish YouTube Channel” Facts.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 16:00 – 17:00 5-10 AUGUST FRANK EDGINGTON: NORTHERN POWERHOUSE (WIP) Nothing is more important than Health & Safety and luckily Frank is here to guide you. From the Nicaraguan jungle to loft conversions in Devon, Frank knows safety and now, so will you!

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 16:00 – 16:50 5-15 AUGUST AARON SIMMONDS + (LITERAL) SUPPORT ACTS Sit down comedian Aaron Simmonds picks his favourite Stand-up comedians so he can find the funniest carer possible. Help him choose who should become his comedic and literal support act and who wouldn’t be able to care for themselves (probably all of them).

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 16:05 – 17:00 5-13,15-27 AUGUST ABI ROBERTS: FAT GIRL DANCING - (WIP) Radio 4’s Abi Roberts returns with a new work-in-progress show flicking a V-sign at the consensus. Sacred cows will be prodded and there’s a finale guaranteed to send you away shouting FREEDOM! “Genius!” - GQ. ***** Ed Fest Mag Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 16:15 – 17:15 5-26 AUGUST AWKWARD CONFESSIONS OF A HOMELESS SEX GOD Are sex and drugs as fun as they sound? Even when you have no place to call home? George found out, so you don’t have to. “Truly Terrific - Herald Sun (Australia)” Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 16:15 – 17:05 5-26 AUGUST DANNY WARD EXTRA DATES ADDED He’s back! The Amused Moose People’s Champion returns with another hour of upbeat, fast-paced and hilarious stand-up.

There is nothing quite like Danny Ward live! ‘Delightfully clever punchlines’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘The whole room is laughing’ **** (Fest, 2015).

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 16:15 – 17:05

5-10 AUGUST GETTING PAST GARDEN SHRUBS Funny Women finalist Rosana Bosanac finds herself in a spout of consistent misadventures and defeats on the quest for greatness.

‘Spooky poise and the compelling weirdness of a female Daniel Simonsen’ (The Independent) Bannermans (Venue 357): 16:15 – 17:00 5-14,16-26 AUGUST MATT HUTSON & ROB COPLAND: PACK IT IN YOU TWO Third place in the Musical Comedy Awards 2017, Matt sings about love, friendship and loss (‘It’s proper songwriting, not a cheap lyric swap’– Chortle). Rob is an energetic absurdist, wrestling with life’s problems through his own style of high-octane whimsy.

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 16:15 – 17:15 5-14,16-26 AUGUST TASH GOLDSTONE AND SAM LAKE: QUEENS A regal stand up showcase from two up and coming comedians.

Tash and Sam have appeared on Vice.

Tash has been described as “one to watch, something very unique” (Broadway Baby) and Sam has been heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 16:15 – 17:10 5-9,12-27 AUGUST BIG HOWARD LITTLE HOWARD: MAN & BOY The world’s first Perrier-Nominated, Writer’s-Guild-Award-winning, human/ cartoon double-act returns. A battle between two shows and several sides of one man’s personality. It’s the most entertaining mid-life crisis you’ll watch at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Ages 18+. ‘Incredibly, achingly funny’ Daily Mail.

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 16:20 – 17:10 5-15,17-26 AUGUST GALPALS: BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT’S WHAT WE’D LIKE TO BE KNOWN AS Colour-coordinated GALPALS Sarah King and Emma Moran bring you a frantic hour of absurd characters and witty sketches that teach the true meaning of friendship. It’s gonna be totally rad.

Southsider (Venue 148): 16:30 – 17:20 5-13,15-26 AUGUST OUTDOOR HEATED SWIMMING POOL Lovely Welsh Comedian brings his debut hour to the fringe this year. With a show that covers everything from frubes to David Icke, come and enjoy whimsical comedy from a man who ‘Makes comedy look simple, a sign of true talent’ - Fosters comedy.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 3 (Venue 32): 16:30 – 17:20 5-9 AUGUST WEEGIE HINK AE THAT? PRESENTS: WHERE YE FAE? To make all the S***e in the world seem a little less S***e… Wan Sketch at a time.

From politics to Scotch pies, from fitbaw to songs aboot seshin, we cover it aw.

Through the use of Scottish culture and humour.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 16:35 – 17:15 5-7,10-27 AUGUST DOMINIC HOLLAND IS ECLIPSED While his son, Tom Holland appears as Marvel’s new Spider-Man in packed cinemas across the world, his old man is reappearing on the fringe and doing a free show. Now that is funny and so is this show.

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 16:40 – 17:25 5-26 AUGUST ALIVE? Join Irish Comedian Keith Fox as he tries to get the most out of modern living, or at least an understanding of it. Tired of being sold everyone else’s ideals of life, Keith is looking for his own answers.

Kilkenny Cat Laughs 2016 & Vodafone Comedy Carnival 2015/16.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 16:45 – 17:40 5-13 AUGUST CONTEXT, PEOPLE!’ Waste hours online amazed by ridiculous niche products? Seek creative ways to get revenge on those you love? Value the work of questionable action heroes? After selling out at Nottingham Comedy Festival, Jeanette Bird-Bradley is here to share your shame, doubt your choices and put things into perspective!

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 16:45 – 17:35 5-13,15-27 AUGUST RICHARD BROWN: HOLD TIGHTLY TO THE WALLS. Everyman’s nihilist Richard Brown returns with a show he claims he’d kill himself before attempting.

So here we are. “Comedy needs Richard Brown. More than it knows.”

- Scotsman “ ...engaging, creative and subversive.” --EdFestMag Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 16:45 – 17:40 5-17,19-26 AUGUST UNCOMFORTABLE ENCOUNTERS A unicorn walks into a bar... Ouch! Get it? We don’t. Come to our sketch show and explain it to us afterwards. Our jokes are better than that one anyway. Join us for the latest comedy instalment from Southampton Comedy Society.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 16:45 – 17:35

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

5-27 AUGUST #JOLLYBOAT: WHY DO NERDS SUDDENLY APPEAR? These are the droids you’re looking for. Fringe legends Jollyboat are back for their eighth year with a collection of new songs. Arrive early – Jollyboat sell out more than Metallica. ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ***** (TheatreReviews.co.uk). ***** (LSMedia.co.uk).

Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 17:00 – 17:45 5-20,22-27 AUGUST ANDREW O’NEILL’S BLACK MAGICK FUN HOUR What happens when you invoke Mercury, trickster god of the spoken word? A show that’s ‘absolutely hilarious’ (Neil Gaiman). Highly anticipated return of a Fringe favourite.

Off Buzzcocks, Saxondale and his own BBC Radio 4 show Pharmacist Baffler. ***** (ScotsGay.co.uk). **** (Chortle. co.uk).

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 17:00 – 17:55 5-27 AUGUST MID-LIFE CLIMAX: IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE. Australia’s Mick Neven and England’s Dan Willis join forces to make the world a slightly grumpier place.

“Unpretentious, informal, belly-laughsa-minute stand-up” **** Three Weeks Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 17:00 – 18:00 5-13,15-26 AUGUST MOJO & FITZ: LET YOU IN Comedian Lew Fitz “Engaging comic...smart and freshly funny material” - (Kate Copstick, The Scotsman) crashes a house party being thrown by MoJo - Mo Omar (Amused Moose Semi-Finalist, 2017) and cockney cherub Josh Trebilcock. Expect tears and beers with a split hour of irreverent stand up from three of the UK’s most exciting comedy talents.

Kilderkin (Venue 227): 17:00 – 17:55 5-26 AUGUST RORY O HANLON -GETTING SERIOUS Rory o Hanlon “Getting serious” is exactly what it says it is .A stand up show about Rory trying get serious, or at least pretending to be. Hilarious stories about attempting to learn a new language or having an interest in politics. Perfect conversation tools for that dinner party.

Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 17:00 – 17:50 5-27 AUGUST THE BIG C Good news: you’re going to be a father! Bad news: you’ve got cancer! Che got both bits of news within a fortnight. Hear how he juggled the 1-2-3 of pregnancy with the ABC of chemotherapy - and why ATOS were the big C. Not a typical dead dad comedy show.

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 17:00 – 17:55 5-13,15-26 AUGUST GEORGE RIGDEN: COMIC SANS GIRLFRIEND (A WORK-IN-PROGRESS) Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee GEORGE RIGDEN brings his unique & needlessly hostile brand of musical comedy to Edinburgh for this 40 minute show! Expect laughs, tears and a mean-spirited, slightly overweight man questioning why he’s still alone. ‘Very funny stuff.’ - Steve Bennett, Chortle Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 17:05 – 17:45 5-15,17-26 AUGUST FUN TIME FRIENDS Hot, new(ish) sketch comedy trio. Bored of white guys? They’ve got an Asian man! Bored of men?

They’ve got a lady! (Note: There’s also a white man.) 2017 Leicester Square Sketch Off Semi-Finalists (pretty close); ‘Bouncing with energy, wit and genius comic timing’ Broadway Baby; **** EdFringeReview.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 17:10 – 18:00 5-26 AUGUST ALEX SMITH: REAL MAN After spending 28 years of being told he isn’t one, Alex Smith has set out to figure out exactly what constitutes a “Real Man”. As seen on The Chris Ramsey Show and Live at the Electric.

‘Exquisitely, horrifically, hilarious’ -Chortle.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 17:15 – 18:15 5-27 AUGUST JENNINGS AND BUCHANAN: SOME LAUGH Two of Scotland’s best new comedians, Marc Jennings (‘astute observer’ – Chortle) and Stephen Buchanan (‘truly hilarious’ – BuzzFeed) are back with an hour of killer stand-up. Strongly tipped to go onto much bigger things, join them in a show that is sure to be some laugh.

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 17:15 – 18:15 5-7,9-15 AUGUST THE WARWICK REVUE: NIGHT SHIFT The Warwick Revue are back, with a brand new show that’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Finding themselves low on funds, the group decides to take a Night Shift at a dark and mysterious Warehouse. Step inside, what could possibly go wrong...

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 17:15 – 18:15 5-27 AUGUST CHRISTIAN REILLY: LOLTERNATIVE ROCK Perrier award-winning musical comedian gives LOLternative facts, yuge laughs and bigly hits. “Blisteringly funny” (Stage) “Hysterical” ****(ThreeWeeks) “Hyperventilating with laughter” ***** (Student) “Amazingly high-quality” **** (BroadwayBaby) “The comedy equivalent of Motörhead slamming straight into Ace Of Spades” (Scotsman) Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 17:20 – 18:20

5-18 AUGUST AUSTRALIA: STILL FUCKED Kieran Butler (**** The Scotsman) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, for the sequel to his sold out cult hit ‘Australia is Fucked’.

Since then, Australia’s penchant for torturing refugees, genocide and climate change denial has inspired Brexit and Trump. Now, everyone is fucked! www.kieranbutler.com Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 17:30 – 18:30 5-26 AUGUST HARRIET DYER DYERGNOSIS MURDER Harriet Dyer (BBC Radio 4 Extra, BBC OUCH and that idiot that didn’t cook her chicken on ITV’s Dinner Date) for purposes of this show is Detective Dyer. Expect the ending of lives, a menagerie of tomfoolery and tentacles. So many tentacles.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 17:30 – 18:25 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-26 AUGUST HARUN MUSHO’D: HARUN WITH A VIEW Political, religious and personal stand-up comedy. NOT suitable for those with committed faiths in religion or Brexit. ‘A great comedian’ **** (Views From The Gods) ‘Provocative’ (Chortle) ‘Likeable and funny’ (The Reviews Hub).

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 17:30 – 18:25 5-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST KNEE PADS & LEMONS I used to work in a Zoo. Doesn’t matter, does it? You’d think, as a comedian, that I’d have stuff on that, but I haven’t. Doesn’t matter ...

“If there were a school of comedy in the UK, Brimson would be top of the class” Sydney Sunday Herald Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 17:30 – 18:20 5-14,16-26 AUGUST PAUL SAVAGE IS SET TO SELF DESTRUCT Paul Savage likes to get himself into great situations, then ruin it for himself. Witness one man’s capacity for self sabotage (with jokes). Tour Support for Brendon Burns. “genuinely brilliant, an all round hoot” The Guardian. “Brilliantly delivered extended gags. ****” COMEDY CHORDS 52 Canoes (Venue 366): 17:30 – 18:25 5-26 AUGUST SCRAP Character comedy lampooning stupid young people?! Yes. Standup? Yes. Bad vibes?

NO! Come chill at this merry af work in progress show. Flora might even flash you a cheeky bit of potential. “Very Funny” Illegitimate Theatre, Finalist Laughing Horse New Act of the Year, One to Watch” Funny Women.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 17:30 – 18:15 5-13,15-20,22-26 AUGUST THE LASTMINUTECOMEDY CLUB Legendary compere Paul B. Edwards introduces three of the best acts plucked from this year’s Fringe. Line ups change daily and expect the odd surprise guest. Don’t pay for a single show until you’ve been here first! Now in its 7th packed out year.“Brilliant” 100% Biker Magazine.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 17:30 – 18:20 5-13,16-26 AUGUST CHUMBAGS An hour showcase of brilliant stand-up with Morgan Rees (Chortle Student -Finalist), Jeremy Flynn (So You Think You’re Funny Semi - Finalist) and Lulu Popplewell (Leicester Square Comedian of the Year - Finalist). ‘Excellent’ – The Scotsman.

Southsider (Venue 148): 17:45 – 18:35 5-13,15-26 AUGUST KILLING IT Australian Comedian Mick Neven is killing his darlings, killing his bad ideas and killing the little voice in his head that says ‘don’t say that’. So now he’s back at Fringe and Killing It. Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 17:50 – 18:40 5-26 AUGUST SUCCESS Timothy Montague de Fleury has it all and he wants to share it.....with the squalid masses, to scatter his free-market seed across their ravaged and barren public sector gardens. 60 minutes of satire with broad laughs as well as political and social content.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 17:55 – 18:55 5-26 AUGUST GARETH MORINAN: BREXITOCRACY (EXPLAINED WITH GRAPHS) Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit non-partisan graphical comedy Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit death Brexit Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 18:00 – 18:55 5-27 AUGUST KRISS FOSTER. THE MUG TREE A man from Lancaster who sees the marvellous in the mundane.

Songs and stories about puffins, pencils, Scrabble and mugs. For fans of Flight of the Conchords, Frank Sidebottom and John Shuttleworth. ‘Sweet, mild mannered… very funny’ (Scotsman). ‘A great disappointment’ (his Gran).

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 18:00 – 18:50

5-14,16-26 AUGUST THAT’S WHY Since her first existential crisis, age 6, Irish Comedian Eve Darcy has learned much in this life including; the merits of porridge, the pitfalls of mindful eating, having Jeremy Kyle as a role model, how to get more drugs from your doctor and the magical power of dance!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 18:00 – 18:50 5-15 AUGUST YOU NEED PEOPLE LIKE ME In his Edinburgh Fringe debut, Dean Hendry tackles shame, vulnerability, self esteem issues and singledom lols, in an honest and hilarious hour. ‘You need people like me’ is a hilarious account of life half way to 70. “He belongs in the stage, hilarious!’ (Dean’s gran) Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 18:10 – 18:55 5-15,17-27 AUGUST CAREY MARX, THE AFTERWIFE Carey swapped his wife for a guitar and wrote songs about his loneliness. Now the guitar wants a divorce. “Anecdotally debauched” Herald ***** “A comic at his gleeful best” Edinburgh Evening News ***** “Sharp, sweet, cheeky, cynical, romantic and rude as he ever was.” Chortle **** Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 18:15 – 19:10 5-14,16-26 AUGUST MARJOLEIN ROBERTSON: RELATIONS Shetland comedian Marjolein explores relations including political, familial and sexual. Observational comedy on the outside world from a small islander’s perspective. She’s spent the last 6 months in New Zealand researching, using Tinder on a larger landmass than Shetland. “Charming, intelligent, self-deprecating in the best way.” ArtMurmurs.nz Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 18:15 – 19:10 5-27 AUGUST QUIZ IN MY PANTS Panel show returning for its eighth year! Special guests every day - previous guests include Joe Lycett, Henning Wehn and Miles Jupp. “A clever experiment which pays off...Definitely funnier than any quiz show you’ll see from your sofa” (ThreeWeeks) **** (BroadwayBaby) Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 18:15 – 19:15 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-26 AUGUST THE EDINBURGH REVUE: JAMBOREAVEMENT The Edinburgh Revue is back in black, bringing you sketch comedy straight from the horse’s mouth. If a horse was three people. On a bad camping trip. Where there are no more snacks. Also a murder. Maybe.

‘Comic talent of the future’ (The Skinny) **** ‘Five kisses from Mum’ (Mum) xxxxx Kilderkin (Venue 227): 18:15 – 19:10 5-12,14-26 AUGUST THE RISE OF A COMEDY DICTATOR President Obonjo returns to Edinburgh to perform his new show, In the age of Trump, populism and the General election in Britain; the world probably doesn’t need another bloated ego pretending to give easy solutions. Thankfully what we need is a comedy character.

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 18:15 – 19:15 5-13,15-20,22-26 AUGUST TONY BURGESS - CRIMBO What a proper mad one. Christmas, 2003 - Tragic?

Messy? Yep. And then Tony had to adopt his 10 year old autistic nephew, without knowing much himself about real life. “..extracts the comic from difficult situations…” (The Guardian) “well crafted jokes” (Times). As seen on BBC’s Ideal.

Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 18:15 – 19:10 5-13,15-26 AUGUST RICE KRISPIES WITH KETCHUP Los Angeles standup comedian Kirk Smith has performed in over 1000 venues on five continents.

A regular at some of the best clubs in NYC and LA, he also has toured Australia and Europe. This standup show covers: his wife’s depression, his child’s autism, travel and unicorns. And yes, it is funny, not sad.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 18:20 – 19:15 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-26 AUGUST ANDY QUIRK’S GOT FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS East London’s premier rapper of first world problems invites you to join his crew for a chart rundown of fist pumping therapy for modern living. Expect to shout, clap, and stamp your way through the little things that are sent to try us all.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 18:25 – 19:15 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST ROSS SPAINE: DARREN! I AM NOT FORM EARTH Darren has arrived to explore Earth when unexpected circumstances leave him stranded. Told by Ross Spaine an idiot with props, a low budget and a love of sci-fi. Comic theatre combining clown, physical comedy, storytelling and original music. Trained by Philippe Gaulier.

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 18:35 – 19:30 5-27 AUGUST ROSS HEPBURN IS BEETLEJUICE’D Most 7 year olds don’t pick a ghost as a role model. But Ross Hepburn wasn’t like most 7 year olds.

Discover the story behind his strange and unusual choice of a hero!

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 18:40 – 19:25

5,6,8-13,15-20,22-26 AUGUST AMSTERDAM’S FUNNYSHOP Catch Amsterdam’s highflying comics and special guests at the Funnyshop, a compilation of comedy, guaranteed to be wild, different line-ups every night. www.facebook.com/ funnyshopcomedy Pilgrim Bar Back Lounge (Venue 100): 18:45 – 19:40 5-26 AUGUST HIM, HIM & HER Three of the Southwest’s most upcoming comics are coming together for a split bill. Calum is a young Welshman who loves Barbara Streisand. Stasia is half Polish, half Irish with the voice of an angry East End Fruit Salesman and Darryl spends his life in a truck, frustrated by the world around him.

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 18:45 – 19:40 5-26 AUGUST KEEPING IT CLEAN Every day a variety of 4 different comics will be keeping the jokes clean. Armed with only their wits and talent and not their crass they will entertain you. It’s OK to bring your Grandma and the teenagers to this one; come and enjoy good clean comedy.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 18:45 – 19:45 5-26 AUGUST QUALITY IRISH COMEDY Quality Irish comedy proudly presents some of the best up and coming Irish talent, showcasing a mix of comedy styles varying from upbeat to offbeat to surreal. Week one features Andrew Dorman and Seamus Stackpoole, week two features Elaine Gallagher, and week three features Pauline Shanahan and Lar Whitty.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 18:45 – 19:35 5-20,22-26 AUGUST THE COMMITTEE: IMPROVISED COMEDY London’s hottest improvised comedy group, The Committee, create a hilarious new show everyday at the Fringe. All based on your suggestions and made up on the spot by performers as seen on BBC1, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 18:45 – 19:40 5-20,22-26 AUGUST THE TWINS MACABRE: DOUBLE FEATURE Dark comedy horrors The Twins Macabre (BBC3, BBC R4) bring you two shows on alternate days! Witness the 10-yearolds in their murderously manic sketch cabaret ‘Playtime’ (Mon/Weds/Fri/Sun), and see them pursued by D.I. McKeith and Sgt. Jones in chilling comedy thriller ‘Crime Doesn’t Play’ (Tues/Thurs/Sat).

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 18:45 – 19:40 5-26 AUGUST (500) DAYS OF STAMMER Award-winning Irish comedian Aidan Greene always wanted to meet the one, but his stammer always seemed to get in the way. In a classic tale of boy-meets-speech impediment, come learn why Aidan’s stammer may have been the best thing to ever happen to him.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 18:55 – 19:50 5-13,15-20,22-26 AUGUST THE WEDDING GUEST The Wedding Guest is an award winning solo charactercomedy chronicling the ups and downs of two idiots, Juan Dominguez a thick-moustached general, and J’VaAnN a lovesick poet as they pine for the love of one woman; Leela. ‘Eminently Charming…This is a great show’ www. theasy.com Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 18:55 – 19:55 5-20,22-26 AUGUST JESTLIFE Award winning Irish comedian Danny Ryan’s entire life has been one big joke and as a result he doesn’t have any lessons to teach you or messages to carry, just a big bag of laughs to dish out. You won’t learn a thing but you’re guaranteed to leave smiling.

Southsider (Venue 148): 19:00 – 19:50 5-26 AUGUST CONFIDENT IDIOTS An Englishman, a Scotsman, and a Welshman walk into a bar, but who are these anonymous and humble geniuses?

It’s Patrick Spicer, Steph Browne, and Cam Davies of course! Confident: Yes. Idiots: What? A stand-up comedy show for people who like thinking, but don’t want to.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 19:05 – 20:00 5-12,14-26 AUGUST A TIME SLOT WITH GER STAUNTON Conversational style comedy from “One of the best comedy writers in Ireland” - The International Comedy Club, Dublin.

“Weaving stories in the true tradition of Irish comedy.” - Cosmic Comedy, Berlin.

“Incredibly funny” - The Examiner.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 19:15 – 20:10 5-27 AUGUST CHRIS CHOPPINGPREMATURE EMASCULATION A pithy, witty show full of petty insecurities, impotent rage and a certain amount of erudite smut. Chris blends hilarious stand up with bold character comedy to explore every possible facet of male insecurity. “This show is a hazmat suit for toxic masculinity.”-Trente Percente Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 19:15 – 20:15

5-14,16-27 AUGUST FORNIKATERESS I thought the apocalypse would involve more sex than this, didn’t you? So, instead of my usual highbrow political satire, I’m doing a show about being polyamorous. Spoiler alert: it’s going to get political… award-winning, as seen on, etc.

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 19:15 – 20:15 5-13,15-26 AUGUST MARC JENNINGS: SMART-FUNNY Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist Marc Jennings tackles the struggles of life and the world from his perspective as a working-class Glaswegian with an intellectual bent. “An astute observer who’s accomplished at channeling his frustrations into a wider social critique” (Chortle).

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 19:25 – 20:15 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-27 AUGUST 07800 834030 - THANK YOU FOR HOLDING Call the number, leave a message. This is a show about what happens when you tell people to call a number and leave a message.

Again. ‘A show that embodies the true spirit of the Fringe and of humanity to boot.’ Fringe Review Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 19:30 – 20:30 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST COMEDIANS AGAINST HUMANITY HOSTED BY YIANNI AGISILAOU The underground hit of the Fringe returns to Edinburgh after sell-out shows in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Audiences wielding cards from smash hit game Cards Against Humanity challenge guest comedians to create material on the spot. ‘Mad, offensive and utterly hilarious’ **** (TVBomb. co.uk) Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 19:30 – 20:30 5-26 AUGUST FUNNY LASSIES Funny lassies return to the Fringe bringing you three hilarious female stand up comics.

Natalie Sweeney Potter, Lady Shona and Daisy Shepherd host the evening with guests from the Scottish comedy circuit.

Expect an hour of storytelling and a liberal dose of oversharing as feisty women take to the stage to entertain.

Kilderkin (Venue 227): 19:30 – 20:25 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-25 AUGUST NICK DOODY - INTERESTING TIMES They say comedy is tragedy plus time.

Unfortunately, this shit is happening now. ‘The best unadulterated, gimmickfree hour of pure stand-up I’ve seen so far this Fringe’ ****(Chortle.co.uk) ‘You will see many shows before you see another comic hit so hard with such grace’ ***** (Scotsman).

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 19:30 – 20:20 5-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST PAULY & MANDY’S MID LAUGH CRISIS! Veteran comedians Paul B. Edwards and Mandy Knight present an old-school slice of brilliant club comedy with daily guests from the UK and International circuits. Expect more laughs per minute than those young’uns can generate...

Being over forty never felt so funny.

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 19:30 – 20:20 5-13,15-26 AUGUST MORE FREE STANDUP: STEFFAN ALUN + SUPPORT The excitable, warm and Welsh Steffan Alun returns with a brand-new 40-minute show - and this time, it’s a love story. Romantic comedy, if you will. “A powerful voice amongst the new breed of Welsh acts” (Noel James). PLUS: a guest comedian every day, hand-picked by Steffan himself.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 19:35 – 20:35 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST HILDA & THE SPECTRUM An exciting, absurd, kitsch comedy from Elf Lyons and Ryan Lane. Mixing clown, improvisation and drag to create a ridiculous story about two strangers meeting on an allotment in Cricklewood that is as dark as it is surreal. Expect niche film references, ping pong, the DDR and Angela Lansbury.

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 19:50 – 20:40 5-27 AUGUST SPONTANEOUS SHERLOCK An entirely improvised Sherlock Holmes comedy play, based on your title suggestions! Performed by three of the country’s most criticallyacclaimed comedy improvisers, with live Victorian musical accompaniment.

‘Raucously funny!’ - TV Bomb (****), ‘If you’re a fan of Sherlock, you must see this show’ - BroadwayBaby (****) Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 19:50 – 20:50 5-27 AUGUST BIG FAT GAY Martin Dixon returns to the Fringe with his new show. This is comedy about being gay and fat and totally fine. In candid and heinous style, Martin is vicious, foul but desperate to be liked. His unfiltered internal monologue is liked by adults of all ages and persuasions, so long as up the butt stuff doesn’t offend you.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 20:00 – 20:50 5-26 AUGUST D’LUCKS IRISH COMEDY Sit back, grab a drink and enjoy some of the finest stand up comedians of the Irish Scene for an evening of craic, laughs...and absolutely no stereotypes...

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 20:00 – 20:55

5-26 AUGUST ELVIS WAS RACIST? What do you do if your kids’ heroes are terrible? What if your heroes were worse? Cosby and O.J. sure...but Elvis?

Racism, sexism and class, all solved in under an hour with comedy, Top Trumps and chocolate.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 20:00 – 20:55 5-15,17-26 AUGUST PLANET CARAMEL: HOT, SEXY, KIND AND DESPERATE TLB (three lovely boys) seek EP (entire planet) for friendship and maybe more. Can offer sketch show and FREE TUNNOCK’S CARAMEL WAFER. GSOH. “Glimmers of comedy genius.” (ThreeWeeks) “One of the most memorable comedy routines we’ve seen.” (The Skinny) **** (WOW 24/7).

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 20:00 – 21:00 5-26 AUGUST THE SHOW BETWEEN SHOWS SHOW New for 2017! Not featuring televised comedians or fringe legends, just friendly unknowns being friendly. It’s like that feeling of getting into bed with clean sheets after having an effective shower.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 20:00 – 20:55 5-26 AUGUST THE SMOKY MONKEYS’ IMP-REVISED HISTORY OF THE WORLD What happened when Buddha met Bieber? 2016’s full-house Fringe sensations the Smoky Monkeys are back rewriting history with a different improv comedy show every night, based on audience suggestions.

Get ready for hilarious impersonations and inaccurate historical knowledge. ’Funny and enjoyable’ (TheWeeReview. com).

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 20:05 – 20:55 5-14,16-26 AUGUST DAVID MCIVER: STOP IT DAVID WE ARE HAVING TOO MUCH FUN David McIver is one of the most fun guys around these days.

Expect DIY props, silly characters and stupid nonsense from this nice idiot.

‘Charming and playful... delightfully ridiculous’ (Chortle.co.uk). Selected for the BBC New Comedy Award 2017. As heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Southsider (Venue 148): 20:15 – 21:00 5-10 AUGUST MINISTRY COMEDY SHOWCASE With a changing line up of stand up comics every night there is something for everyone at the Ministry Comedy Showcase. Back for our 4th year at the Fringe. Come and see our portfolio of comedy talent for FREE before they all get too famous and start charging!

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 20:15 – 21:15 5-13,15-26 AUGUST SELF, INDULGED One man talking about himself for roughly an hour... but funny? Join Richard Massara as he delves into the depths of his mind to deal with issues he can’t afford to get therapy for.

Hilarious and insightful. ‘Very funny’ BHS Magazine Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 3 (Venue 32): 20:15 – 21:05 5-26 AUGUST TRIPLE A: GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Heyyyyyyyyy! Witness this anarchic musical comedy about former rockstars reliving their glory days. The 5th & 6th most talented ex-members of band Six Shooter, award-winning comedians Alan McElroy and Alan Hurley (Triple A!) will take you on a laughter-filled aural odyssey!

Black Market Room 7 (Venue 399): 20:15 – 21:10 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST THE MATRIARCHY EXPERIENCE Tired?

Depressed? Your gender getting you down? Experience what this world would be like as a matriarchy! Like a holiday for gender binary! Lasting results! From hotly-tipped new character comedian Cam Spence.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 20:20 – 21:05 5,6,8-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST BALD MAN SINGS RIHANNA Ever heard a Bald Man sing Rihanna? Fresh from performing at the World’s biggest comedy clubs including Caroline’s on Broadway NYC and Yuk Yuk’s Toronto, Scottish Balday Gary Sansome (“Exceptionally Funny” Mark Dolan Balls of Steel) – takes an irreverent look at music and popular culture in one hilarious fun packed show.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 20:30 – 21:20 5-8,10-15,17-22,24-26 AUGUST GARY MICHAELS - ROCK N ROLL COMIC Performing since the age of five for people who wanted him to... and people who didn’t. Failed rockstar Gary Michaels is opinionated, bitter and sometimes even charming....always brutally honest.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 20:30 – 21:20 5-27 AUGUST THE THREE AMIGOS One hour of stand up comedy split between three amigos. Each one doing their own 20 minutes, its like three shows for the price of none.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 20:30 – 21:30

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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Gig Guide: Music & Comedy 5-14,16-27 AUGUST WTF HAVE I DONE This multi award winning comedian struggled to raise 3 children during the financial crisis, and for some reason has decided its a good idea to have another one in these uncertain economical times. Has he made a mistake? (“Absolutely Hilarious” Comedystore) Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 20:30 – 21:20 5-14,16-20,23-26 AUGUST ERIC, KAT AND JOE: GIG TOGETHER, DIE ALONE Eric, ‘intriguing and amusing’ (Chortle.co.uk), Joe, ‘compelling’ (TheReviewsHub.com), and Kat, ‘truly original’ (RecklessComedy.co.uk), are pretty lonely. Weird considering they spend all their time together. They cover everything from being unlucky in love to being terminally single. An hour of quirky comedy that’ll probably only be a little bit sad.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 20:35 – 21:35 5-13 AUGUST CHURCH OF PHIL RECRUITMENT SEMINAR Fire Donkey Productions presents a definitely fictional absurdist comedy cult seminar based around a 90’s child-star called Phil. Join one of the world’s most progressive spiritual movements.

Involves a slick slideshow presentation, puppetry and a raffle. (“Best Original Piece” - Swindon Fringe Festival 2017) Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 20:40 – 21:40 5-14,16-26 AUGUST LAUGHABLE CONTENT COMEDY NIGHT Fancy a laugh? So do we. Come and see a selection of great stand up comedy talent which, like a chameleon bird, will be changing its bill regularly in order to survive in the Edinburgh jungle.

Natural Food Kafe (Venue 415): 20:40 – 21:30 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST A TO Z IMPROV COMEDY & SPECIAL STAR GUESTS Join A to Z for their 5th year with Special Star Guests every night.

For a rip-roaring rollercoaster of a ride of improvised comedy. In the style of Who’s Line Is It Anyway? You make the suggestions and we provided the fun.

We are unbelievably, unstoppable and unmissable!

Kilderkin (Venue 227): 20:45 – 21:45 5-27 AUGUST CLUSTERF**K Join the Clusterf**k, an anarchic variety night featuring sketches, stand-up and improv. The funniest acts at the Fringe are kidnapped and given an audience who love to laugh. Time Out Top Ten Free Comedy Shows. Why the f**k not?

Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 20:45 – 21:35 5-26 AUGUST MARGA VILLALONGA & ROSS SPAINE: EL TRADITION Why do we do traditions? You’ll find out in this show. In the follow up to their debut sold out show Save Me A Balloon this comedy duo bring their clowning and chaos to Edinburgh for the first time! ‘Full of joie de vivre’ (FringeReview) Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 20:45 – 21:40 5-13,15-27 AUGUST PAUL ‘SILKY’ WHITE: INDOOR FIREWORKS 2016 SELL OUT SHOW. BCG Top Tip Of The Fringe. ***** Three Weeks. **** Herald. ‘I swear to God, Keith, if another over-confident idiot pushes a flier into my face I won’t be held responsible for my actions.’ @ paulsilkywhite www.silkythecomedian. com Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 20:45 – 21:40 5-27 AUGUST HARMON LEON INFILTRATES TRUMP AMERICA NY comedian and VICE contributor, Harmon has made a career out of infiltrating extremist groups in Trump America. He leads you undercover into the world of Trump America: armed anti-immigration vigilantes; Christian conversion therapy; and protesters outside of Planned Parenthood. Plus songs! A stand-up version of Louie Theroux’ (BroadwayBaby.com) Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 21:00 – 22:00 5-12 AUGUST BAWHEID Laugh and find out more about life in Glasgow, be it weddings, diseases , mothers dealing out justice, girls, married life or whatever, courtesy of Brian Mooney, one of Glasgow’s heid Bawheids. Please note this is a non discriminatory show – both bawheids and non bawheids welcome !

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 21:10 – 22:05 5-14,16-26 AUGUST ALASTAIR CLARK: HERDING CATS Comedy man Alastair Clark returns to Edinburgh with a wonderful and ridiculous show of jokes, props and content. ‘Massively funny’ ***** (TheSphinx.co.uk). ‘Exceeded all expectations’ **** (TheTab.com).

‘Intelligent and ambitious’ **** (LiverpoolSoundandVision.co.uk).

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 21:15 – 22:15

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5-11 AUGUST I WORK THE LINE Like jokes? Geoff has lots. He’s been a finalist in Old Comedian of the Year and Dave’s UK Pun Championship: “... robust gagsmith …deliciously mean …solid punchlines.” Steve Bennet, Chortle. “He has a clever and original comedy brain and does very funny (occasionally naughty) jokes.” Hazel Humphreys, Promoter.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 21:15 – 22:10 5-12 AUGUST SHIVANI THUSSU: IN BUSINESS A coupla characters, coupla guests, coupla free business advice.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 21:15 – 22:00 5-27 AUGUST THAT ONE SOUNDS GOOD A variety of stand-up and sketches from different comedians each day, from big names (well, long ones) to names you won’t have heard before (well, you might have, there are only so many names). Hosted and run by the Edinburgh Revue.

Canons’ Gait (Venue 78): 21:15 – 22:10 5-18 AUGUST UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER COMEDY SOCIETY PRESENTS: ‘YOU HAD TO BE THERE’ After the rip-roaring success back in Manchester (you can’t prove otherwise), we’re hitting the road. Come and witness your childhood be violated, possibly along with your faith and appreciation of the fine arts in our annual sketch show.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 21:15 – 22:15 5-14,16-26 AUGUST RYAN CULLEN – GUANTANAMO BAE Known for his internet divilment, award-winning Irish Comedian Ryan Cullen returns with his trademark subversive comedy. “Oneliners with dark twist, could write for Frankie Boyle/Jimmy Carr” - The Stand.

Star of YouTube Channel FACTS. As seen on RTE, MTV, BBC. Black Market Room 7 (Venue 399): 21:30 – 22:20 5-26 AUGUST SMALL TOWN FOOLS Are you from a small town? Have you ever been to a small town? Then this show is for you. Three comics, Cressida Wetton (thoughtful and witty), Dylan Dodds (whimsical jokes) and Calum Ross (cynical) present a show about provincial life and what comes after.

Southsider (Venue 148): 21:30 – 22:25 5-12,14-26 AUGUST SARAH KEYWORTH: WHY NOT? (WIP) Rising star Sarah Keyworth explains why there might be more than one good reason why the world is not Generation Y’s for the taking. ‘Charming’ (Independent).

‘Excellently deadpan’ (Huffington Post). ‘The funniest of bones’ (Shappi Khorsandi).

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 21:35 – 22:20 5-26 AUGUST THE BEST OF IRISH IMPROV The Best of Irish Improv showcases some of the finest Improv troupes performing in Ireland today, with members from an international background, all bringing something wonderful to the stage. Week one features Plink Plink Fizz, week two features The Jess’s’s, and week three features Auto-Correbt.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 21:45 – 22:35 5-11 AUGUST THE CUTTING ROOM Improv comedy where audience suggestions drive rapidly folding scenes.

As if by magic players draw a story out of the chaos. An improvised comedy play that can literally go anywhere.

Driven by the audience, steered by the players, guaranteed to go where it has never gone before.

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 21:45 – 22:40 5-27 AUGUST WRONG COMEDY WITH BOB ‘WALSHY’ WALSH AND THE WRONG CAST. 6th CONSECUTIVE YEAR ! It’s just WRONG ! Walshy and his pals bring an hour of mental standup and musical comedy that varies from oo-er missus to the darkest of dark, but it’s ALWAYS FUNNY 1ST. Strap in, let go and join us. ‘10 Most Controversial Shows Edinburgh Fringe 2016’ - Huff Post Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 21:45 – 22:45 5-13 AUGUST MATCH OF THE STICK In science, the fire triangle requires three elements: heat, fuel and an oxidising agent. “Match of the Stick” is much the same, with rules of three combining to create the spark of comedy. Some of the country’s best alternative comedians battle to win... a stick.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 21:50 – 22:50 5-19 AUGUST SELF HELP Self help is a one man character comedy show, which will see Freddie Sandilands take the guise of life guru Chuck Kowalsis, to help his clients board the ‘success train’ all the way to ‘Winnersville’.

Natural Food Kafe (Venue 415): 21:55 – 22:45 5-9,11-13,15-18 AUGUST FOUR HORSES: A STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE The end is neigh. But Four Horses is here to make it better with some cutting-edge comedy from the finest comedians from St Andrews— Annie Leverton, Bobby Innes, Joe Irvine and Tom Caruth. “anarchic and genius in equal measures” – Owl Eyes Kilderkin (Venue 227): 22:00 – 22:55

music | gig guide

at the Edinburgh Fringe

5-13,15-26 AUGUST MOLOTOV COCKTAIL PARTY The end of the world is nigh. Come and toast marshmallows over the embers of Western civization with last year’s double Malcolm Hardee award winning Becky Fury. “Finest sticks of comedy dynamite to be found for love or a suggested donation”. Scotsgay **** Black Market Room 8 (Venue 399): 22:00 – 22:50 5-14,16-21,23-27 AUGUST SHOULDA KEPT MY MOUTH SHUT Solid nogimmicks stand up from award winning international comedian and master of disaster Ro Campbell. ‘Campbell is the hidden gem of the Fringe - one hour of pure hilarity’ **** RipItUp. com.au ‘One of the funniest blokes I know’ - Kevin Bridges ‘Great stand-up and exceptional story teller’ **** The Skinny Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 22:15 – 23:10 5-13 AUGUST THE ROLEPLAYING COMEDY HOUR Four comedians go through a new adventure every night with only dice to help them. It could be an adventure in a fantasy world, the wild west or a distant future! Our heroes won’t know which adventure awaits until the show begins.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 22:25 – 23:25 5-26 AUGUST SINGLE COMEDIANS TRYING TO IMPRESS YOU! Single comedians from around the Fringe will try to laugh their way into your hearts in this unique compilation show - the only show in Edinburgh where everyone’s guaranteed to be on the pull!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 22:30 – 23:30 5,6,11-13,18-20,25,26 AUGUST SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT Manic depressive and standup comedian, James Beazley takes you through a day in his life: from drugs to drink; religion to relationships; and sex to disappointment. You’ve seen the stats, now see what life is really like for 1 of the 1 in 5.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 22:30 – 23:20 5-17,19-23,25,26 AUGUST WILLIS & VERE AFTER HOURS George Vere and Adam Willis (and also Ian) from The Starship Osiris sit down with different Fringe comedians every evening to discuss comedy over smooth jazz.

Check willisandvere.com/afterhours for a schedule of guests. Reviews for current work: ***** (ThreeWeeks) ***** (Broadway Baby) ***** (LondonTheatre1) 52 Canoes (Venue 366): 22:30 – 23:30 5-18 AUGUST WARWICK COMEDY SOCIETY: THOUGHTS THAT COUNT The Warwick Comedy Society present their not-so-debut stand-up show, ‘Thoughts That Count’: a mixed bill night of student comedians who maybe one day will actually count for something. Until then, here are their thoughts.

Canons’ Gait (Venue 78): 22:40 – 23:40 5-26 AUGUST AA-AA THE ADVENTURES OF RICH AND MORTY (THE ‘A’S ARE SILENT) Coming from dimension AA-AA are Irish Rich and Egyptian Morty, stand-ups in Amsterdam with similar chips on their shoulders. Dark, racially inclusive and politically incorrect. ‘First-class comedy, and a Fringe must-see’ (Pepa Byrne).

Southsider (Venue 148): 22:45 – 23:40 5-26 AUGUST AL ABOUT AL Words cannot describe this show except for the words, “words cannot describe this show.” And names describe this show much better than words. Especially the names, “Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel, Al Lubel”.

Black Market Room 7 (Venue 399): 22:45 – 23:45 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST ANARCHY CABARET III Steve McLean returns with the finest quirky, musical, character and sketch comedy around, No two shows will be the same. A late night show that promises laughter and mayhem. Daily Mirror, Pick of the Fringe 2015.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 22:50 – 23:40 5-14,16-26 AUGUST TOM WRAGG: GOES MAINSTREAM Am I my own mother? Is my father his only father?

Is single plural? Tom Wragg: Goes Mainstream ‘Odd, and entirely original, comedy’ (Ed Fringe Review) ‘Madcap, Beckettian… stole the show’ (Sussex Badger) Website: tomwrgg.com Twitter: @mrtomwragg Instagram: @ mrtomwragg Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 22:55 – 23:55 5-7,9-14,16-21,23-26 AUGUST BRAIN RINSE An immersive comedy show starring you the audience. Mike Raffone invites you to join in with sketches that express the whole gamut of human experience. Love, suicide, Beethoven and much more. Not a brain wash but a light rinse. Light entertainment gestalt therapy. Interactive, spontaneous and fun.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 23:00 – 23:55

5-13,15-20,22-27 AUGUST ROB CAWSEY: JUST CRUISING Unhinged physical comedy on dating, sex and trying to find love. From the man who brought you Simon Slack: The Fantasist. Directed/co written by Gabriel Bisset-Smith “Stupidly funny… an extraordinary mix of comedy genres” Kate Copstick **** The List Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 23:00 – 23:50 5-19 AUGUST DUTCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING What happens when a concert pianist, a German psychologist, an almost doctor, a sculpting physicist and a bunch of strangers escape the Netherlands and put on an improvised show in Edinburgh? Lots of things! But more specifically an exciting whirlwind of improvised comedy with music, madness and laughter.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 23:05 – 00:00 5-17 AUGUST I AM THE SEX! Cassandra doesn’t just know the sex she is the sex! Join her on an odyssey through online dating, poetry and rusty pipes!

Black Market Room 8 (Venue 399): 23:15 – 00:05 5-27 AUGUST IMPROV PROVOCATEUR Imagine ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ had a baby with ‘Jackass’.

Different players every night compete to beat the ‘Improv Provocateur’ and host Alex Leam. Our players are put through various rounds of edgy and near the knuckle improvised comedy games, designed to test the bravest of performers.

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 23:15 – 00:15 5-15,17-26 AUGUST UCL COMEDY CLUB: AFTER THE WATERSHED 5th-15th: Bad Fiction brings you Worse News: stories you just couldn’t make up, in an hour of sketch comedy.

17th- 26th: The Blank Slates improvise an apocalypse. How will our heroes bring down the harsh, post-apocalyptic regime? ***** (Pi Media) Kilderkin (Venue 227): 23:15 – 00:05 5-15,17-26 AUGUST LUKE STEPHEN: TAKING CARE OF BUISNESS Luke Stephen feels as though life is passing him by. Surrounded by friends who have taken control of their life while he is still just as irresponsible as he was in twenties. Sell-out Brighton & Edinburgh 2015/6. “Slick, well-crafted, and very funny.” – Broadway Baby **** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk.)

Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 23:20 – 00:20 5-14 AUGUST CHRIS COLTRANE: MAKE LOVE AND SMASH FASCISM - EXTRA SHOWS! Want a late-night show that’s friendly, not rowdy?

Then join Coltrane for his new hour of uplifting, Tory-smashing political comedy. If you love the NHS, libraries, kindness and joy, this show is for you.

‘The future of UK political comedy’ (Mark Thomas) Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 23:30 – 00:30 5-26 AUGUST THE DRUNK AND HECKLE SHOW Veteran Canadian comic David Tsonos hates one thing, The Drunk Heckler. Once the sun goes down in Edinburgh they come out, and since he can’t beat them, he is joining them. Watch David compere with 3 different guests each night taking on the hecklers.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 23:35 – 00:35 5-26 AUGUST MAD FOX EXPLOSION Come see Madrid’s hilarious international comedy bubble explode at Edinburgh! I’m Chris Matus and I do standup, improv, and feminist sketch-shows. This is me and two dozen super talented performer friends from Madrid’s comedy scene. Click facebook. com/foxjokes to see what’s on each night, or come try your luck!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 6 (Venue 32): 23:45 – 00:35 5-27 AUGUST LATE WITH KATE The very best of Late With Kate, the Free Fringe’s intimate late night comedy and cabaret showcase. Expertly hosted and acts lovingly hand-picked by Kate Smurthwaite off the telly box. Consider yourself invited.

Canons’ Gait (Venue 78): 00:00 – 00:55 5-26 AUGUST THE HYPER BOWL Three comics go head to head in a competitive carnival of silliness.

Featuring magic, bread, dancing, pens on sticks, and bread. You pick the winner of stranger and stranger rounds as chaos descends. It’ll be fun, friendly, and utter nonsense.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 00:10 – 01:05 5,11,12,18,19,25,26 AUGUST COMFLICKS Returning to the PBH Free Fringe for the seventh year it’s the show where comedians roast a bad movie they love. WARNING: Contains drunkeness.

Previously known as: As Narrated By Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 00:15 – 02:00 5-11 AUGUST IMPROV DRINKOV! GUEST EDITION Two parts improvised sketch. Two parts alcoholic beverage.

A dash of audience suggestion. Mix with a blend of concise storytelling and inspired lunacy and leave on-stage for 50 minutes. Add a few talented, and inebriated guest improvisers and you have the perfect Improv Drinkov Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 00:15 – 01:05

5-27 AUGUST JAY HANDLEY’S FAT PENGUIN LATE SHOW The consistently excellent Fat Penguin Late Show is back for its 5th year! 4 or 5 knackered comedians attempt to muster the strength to entertain you into the wee hours of the morning! Hosted by Jay Handley Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 00:45 – 01:45 6-11,13-18,20-25 AUGUST IT’S NO JOB FOR A NICE JEWISH GIRL Her face shouts “Xmas” but her heart screams “Hanukkah!” Rachel Creeger has always felt like she has a foot in two worlds. A debut solo stand up show exploring the drive to fit in, with a bit about being a pop star.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 13:40 – 14:35 6,13,20 AUGUST THE ASHES: COMEDY SHOWDOWN Australia’s top comedians take on England’s best in a five test comedy series to claim the Comedy Ashes. The old enemies go head to head to prove once and for all which country is funnier. ‘Hilariously funny, no knowledge of cricket needed’ Herald Sun. Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 14:50 – 15:50 6,7,9,10,15,17,18,20,23-25 AUGUST MEN WITH COCONUTS: IMPROVISED BOND The awardwinning Men With Coconuts present a fully improvised Bond film onstage!

There’ll be villains, gadgets and femmes fatales galore – all improvised based on your title suggestions! ‘Hilarious!’ **** (EdFringeReview), ‘One of the best improv shows I’ve seen. Skilful and hysterical’ (Jo Caulfield).

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 16:30 – 17:30 6-13 AUGUST THE LOL WORD A comedy mixed bill featuring some of the scene’s hottest new stand-ups and 400% more queer women than average. Featuring: Chloe Petts, Chloe Green, Jodie Mitchell and hosted by Shelf! Collective praise: ‘blindingly obvious comedic talent’ - The Skinny. ‘not only hilarious but witty and insightful’ - Funny Women. ‘lesbians’ - ScotsGay The Street (Venue 239): 17:15 – 18:15 6-11,13-18,20-25,27 AUGUST RO CAMPBELL’S PICK OF THE FRINGE The best free showcase in Edinburgh returns for the 10th consecutive year. Fringe veteran Ro Campbell hosts a changing line up of the best UK and international comedians. Previous years have included top TV acts and the best circuit pros.

‘Top Notch’ Scotsman Bannermans (Venue 357): 17:30 – 18:30 6,20 AUGUST BIG HOWARD LITTLE HOWARD: MAN & BOY The world’s first Perrier-Nominated, Writer’s-GuildAward-winning, human/cartoon doubleact returns. A battle between two shows and several sides of one man’s personality. It’s the most entertaining mid-life crisis you’ll watch at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Ages 18+. ‘Incredibly, achingly funny’ Daily Mail.

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 18:15 – 19:05 6-11,13-18,20-25,27 AUGUST BAD GIRLS SHOWCASE Back for the 4th year! Variable All Female bill with a token boy! A mix of the best up and coming and established acts each night in a mischievous playground of dark humour! “A hilarious and fascinating parade of brilliant women” - Arthur Smith Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 18:30 – 19:30 6-10 AUGUST QUITE THE CATCH Award-winning comedian Freddy Quinne brings us his debut solo show.

Having performed to sell-out audiences at both the Nottingham and Leicester comedy festivals, this debut hour from a bona-fide funnyman is already receiving rave reviews and is set to be one of the smash hits of 2017.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 19:05 – 19:50 6-11,13-18,20-25,27 AUGUST JOCKS, GEORDIES & AUSSIES. The finest Geordie and Scottish comedians come together for a fantastic hour of stand-up comedy, joined this year by Australia’s finest. Presented by Newcastle’s Dan Willis, Scotland’s Obie and the most Australian man alive Mick Neven.

Unpretentious, informal, belly-laughs-aminute stand-up.’ **** Three Weeks.

Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 19:45 – 20:45 6-8,10,11,13-15,17,18,20-22,24-26 AUGUST WOMEN I ADMIRE What happens when you realise you’re not Beyoncé, Florence Nightingale or Tina Fey…? This one-man play tells of a chubby homosexual’s humiliating life as he tries to become an adult.

The effeminate and naive Ryan seeks guidance from inspirational women but finds himself severely lacking…

The Street (Venue 239): 21:00 – 21:55 6-11,13-18,20-25,27 AUGUST JAY HANDLEY: HANSPLAINING Borderline drug-casualty Jay Handley arrogantly inflicts his worldview on the public.

“Moments that can go toe-to-toe with the best stand-up I’ve seen.”

EdFringeReview.com Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 22:00 – 22:55

6-11,13-18,20-25,27 AUGUST TOP JOE’S OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY BID WORD LAUNCH Liverpool Echo Comedian of the Year 2016, Top Joe, has invented a new word. It came to him in a fitful dream.

Can he get it in the Oxford English Dictionary? “Expect the unexpected from this strange and wonderful gentleman” - The Skinny.

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 23:10 – 00:05 6-10,22-24 AUGUST COMEDY MINDF*CK Comedy Mindf*ck is a showcase of the brightest and most f*cked-up comedians on the circuit today. Each set is a journey through the dark recesses of the comedian’s mind, from the topical to the downright Freudian Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 00:15 – 01:10 7,14,21 AUGUST AUSTRALIA: STILL FUCKED Kieran Butler (**** The Scotsman) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, for the sequel to his sold out cult hit ‘Australia is Fucked’.

Since then, Australia’s penchant for torturing refugees, genocide and climate change denial has inspired Brexit and Trump. Now, everyone is fucked! www.kieranbutler.com Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 14:00 – 15:00 7 AUGUST MISIRLOU THE SUPERHEROINE A superheroine diva philosopher clown is lecturing about the philosophical consideration of death.

Clowning,physical theatre, cabaret, quantum physics, pelvic movement, glitter, surreal. **** “ground breaking comedy” Mumble Comedy, “ fell for it” A younger theatre.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 18:00 – 19:00 7,14 AUGUST SLASHERS PREFER BLONDES Comedy! Horror! Improv!

Everyone Gets A Trophy presents “Slashers Prefer Blondes”, an improvised comedy horror film. Witness a neverbefore-seen macabre masterpiece where YOU decide the title. Join us in a place where the car won’t start, sex will get you killed and there’s no free wifi.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 18:45 – 19:35 7,10 AUGUST ANDREW O’NEILL’S HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL Acclaimed show back for more acclaim!

Andrew O’Neill (Buzzcocks, R4, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle) knows more about metal than you’ve had hot dinners. Come and watch an extremely funny (multi award nominated) comedian talk about the thing he loves most in the world.

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 20:00 – 21:00 7,14,21 AUGUST REMEMBER THE TIME? Ever wondered how someone could go to jail over a kumquat? Or how a penguin could make you believe in love? Each show comedians improvise “memories” from audience suggestions.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 20:30 – 21:25 7-11 AUGUST THE NATURE OF THE BEAST Irish comedian Colm McGlinchey makes his return to the Fringe with an hour of stand-up comedy in which he examines his own flawed morals.

Renowned for his crowd work and cutting edge material McGlinchey ‘has the crowd in the palm of his hand,’ Chortle.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 21:45 – 22:40 7 AUGUST MC HAMMERSMITH’S MAGICAL FREESTYLE FACTORY MC Hammersmith (a.k.a. Will Naameh, the tall skinny one from Men With Coconuts and Spontaneous Sherlock) is an award-winning freestyle rap comedian.

A one-night-only spectacular of completely improvised hip hop comedy from the 2017 UK Improv Champion.

‘The funniest rapper in the world!’ Culross Festival Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 00:10 – 01:10 8,15,22 AUGUST KILLING IT Australian Comedian Mick Neven is killing his darlings, killing his bad ideas and killing the little voice in his head that says ‘don’t say that’. So now he’s back at Fringe and Killing It. Southsider (Venue 148): 14:05 – 14:55 8,15,22 AUGUST BIG FAT GAY Martin Dixon returns to the Fringe with his new show. This is comedy about being gay and fat and totally fine. In candid and heinous style, Martin is vicious, foul but desperate to be liked. His unfiltered internal monologue is liked by adults of all ages and persuasions, so long as up the butt stuff doesn’t offend you.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 16:15 – 17:05 8-25 AUGUST GARETH COOPER: NERD ROCK Rock. For Nerds. Are you a nerd? Do you like rock? Then this is the show for you. It’s a musical comedy show written and performed by award-winning comedian and songwriter, Gareth Cooper.....but, y’know, way more ROCK than that sounds. @ garethcooper82 Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 16:35 – 17:35

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

8,15,22 AUGUST AUSA COMEDY SOCIETY: MOST OF THESE FLYERS WILL END UP IN A BIN Join the Aberdeen University Comedy Society for an hour of stand up and improv from the best up and coming talents on the Aberdeen Comedy Scene!

Silk Room 1 Ground (Venue 444): 17:05 – 18:05 8,15,22 AUGUST LOVE AND LOVELL’S COMEDY LOVE-IN Alex Love and Nigel Lovell are comedy’s answer to Ant and Dec, well, one of them is. The other thinks they are still called PJ and Duncan. They are having a love-in for comedy lovers everywhere.

So, Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble!

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 20:20 – 21:20 9,16 AUGUST LOVE AND LOVELL’S COMEDY LOVE-IN Alex Love and Nigel Lovell are comedy’s answer to Ant and Dec, well, one of them is. The other thinks they are still called PJ and Duncan. They are having a love-in for comedy lovers everywhere. So, Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 16:15 – 17:15 9 AUGUST MISIRLOU THE SUPERHEROINE A superheroine diva philosopher clown is lecturing about the philosophical consideration of death.

Clowning,physical theatre, cabaret, quantum physics, pelvic movement, glitter, surreal. **** “ground breaking comedy” Mumble Comedy, “ fell for it” A younger theatre.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 17:30 – 18:30 9,16,23 AUGUST PAUL RICHARDS: ONE MAN AND A BOX 36, losing the plot and has recently tried to impress a girl by drumming a 5/4 groove on her thighs, join drummer-comedian Paul for more stories, rants and ‘songs.’ “Paul Richards constantly makes you smile” – Get Reading magazine.

Opium Downstairs (Venue 96): 17:30 – 18:20 9,17,24,25 AUGUST BIG HOWARD LITTLE HOWARD: MAN & BOY The world’s first Perrier-Nominated, Writer’s-Guild-Award-winning, human/ cartoon double-act returns. A battle between two shows and several sides of one man’s personality. It’s the most entertaining mid-life crisis you’ll watch at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Ages 18+. ‘Incredibly, achingly funny’ Daily Mail.

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 20:00 – 20:50 9 AUGUST THE UNLIKELY GIGOLO Glen Maney looks back on how he started in comedy and how growing older affects your life, from dating to sleep and indeed, your sense of humour.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 20:30 – 21:20 11-15 AUGUST EMOTIONAL DRAMA AND MUSIC WORKSHOP - UNDER 30S ONLY Release your inner thespian in an UNsafe environment with the help of Drama teacher (Rada grad) Miss Golddust and Music teacher (Uni of Life) Mz Flow. Find your spirit animal, connect with your emotions, feel afraid.

Participatory workshop. FREE. Bannermans (Venue 357): 16:15 – 17:00 11-14,16-18 AUGUST IMPROV NINJAS SAVE THE WORLD Our NEW show ‘The Improv Ninjas Save the World’ will last for approximately 50 minutes and will be created before your very eyes. The world is threatened by a dreadful and implausible threat. Will the Improv Ninjas save the day? The Improv Ninjas are one of Glasgow’s hottest improv troupes.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 19:05 – 20:05 11-15 AUGUST THE CORK COMEDY CO-OPERATIVE For the first time in EdFringe history The Cork Comedy Co-Operative presents an eclectic mix of award winning (and losing) comedians from Ireland’s second city. Come enjoy this collection of off-kilter comedians from the Rebel County and discover why Cork is the real capital of Ireland.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 19:30 – 20:25 11-15 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinder-est ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 20:15 – 21:05 12 AUGUST THE UNLIKELY GIGOLO Glen Maney looks back on how he started in comedy and how growing older affects your life, from dating to sleep and indeed, your sense of humour.

Globe Bar Arch 1 (Venue 161): 14:15 – 15:05 12-19 AUGUST LAST, JEFF WISEMAN (SORRY, ‘AT LAST’) With his outlandish tales, Jeff’s comedy keeps one foot in reality whilst the other hops to absurdity, with topics like the threat of spa weekends, falling in a penguin enclosure, and pet issues. (He gave his cat some Go-cat last week, and it went.)

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 14:25 – 15:25

12-20,22-26 AUGUST THE OXFORD REVUE: WITCH HUNT An American, a Scot and a woman walk into a bar – they’re three of the Oxford Revue’s finest returning to Edinburgh with an hour of character comedy.

They’ve got a suitcase full of wigs and they’re not afraid to use them. ‘Is there anything the Revue can’t do?’ *****(EdFringeReview.com) Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 15:45 – 16:40

14-26 AUGUST SPONTANEOUS WRECKS IMPROVISED COMEDY Back in Edinburgh after their successful Free Fringe debut last year, Newcastle’s Spontaneous Wrecks are ready to make it all up… again! Using your suggestions, we’ll perform games and scenes made up on the spot, where anything can happen (and usually does)! Classic improv, done right.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 13:15 – 14:05

14,21 AUGUST SUSPICIOUSLY CHEAP COMEDY: FREE FRINGE FREE-FOR-ALL (FOR MIND) The biggest and best mixed-bill night in the country roars into Edinburgh for two nights only, in aid of MIND. Previous acts include Daniel Kitson, Greg Davies, Tim Key, Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe.

‘Ridiculously good’ (TimeOut). ‘Terrific’ (Independent).

Voodoo Rooms Ballroom (Venue 68): 00:10 – 01:10

12-26 AUGUST THE CUTTING ROOM Improv comedy where audience suggestions drive rapidly folding scenes.

As if by magic players draw a story out of the chaos. An improvised comedy play that can literally go anywhere.

Driven by the audience, steered by the players, guaranteed to go where it has never gone before.

Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 16:20 – 17:15

14,21 AUGUST MAXINE JONES: NEVER BEEN 61 BEFORE In Eastern tradition, 61 is regarded as the beginning of a new life cycle. With sons gone and job gone, Maxine suspects that it is - especially when she develops surprising new skills. ‘Knocks it out of the park … hilarious and moving’ Limerick Fringe ‘Outstandingly funny’ entertainment.ie Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 14:30 – 15:20

16-26 AUGUST GEARÓID FARRELLY: THINGS Comedian Gearoid Farrelly loves old things: vinyl, grandparents, grudges. Everyone has that box of keepsakes or potential ‘Cash in the Attic’ that they are just too mortified to clear out. But there comes a time when you have to change for the better; declutter, shred, read half a self-help book without rolling your eyes. A standup show that will spark joy.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 17:15 – 18:10

15-26 AUGUST SHELF: BOYS Shelf is a comedy double act with an honest approach to sexuality, mental health, and gender in a “winning hybrid of sketch show and stand-up” (EdFringe 2015). Finalists London SketchFest 2016. As seen at Bestival 2016 and London Pride 2016. “cool and relevant” The Skinny 2016. “lesbians” ScotsGay 2016 Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 16:00 – 16:50

16-26 AUGUST MY 19-YEAR GAP YEAR A 19-Year Gap year, a near death experience, a show about finding ourselves in unexpected places, no, not a sweaty room in Scotland trying to make a group of strangers laugh, just generally.... Gap years: they’re not all tickling tranquilised tigers in Thailand, you know.......

Black Market Room 7 (Venue 399): 17:45 – 18:35

10-26 AUGUST MAXINE JONES: NEVER BEEN 61 BEFORE In Eastern tradition, 61 is regarded as the beginning of a new life cycle. With sons gone and job gone, Maxine suspects that it is - especially when she develops surprising new skills. ‘Knocks it out of the park … hilarious and moving’ Limerick Fringe ‘Outstandingly funny’ entertainment.ie Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 16:35 – 17:25

14-27 AUGUST SI DEAVES - LEAVES WITH A D In Leaves With a D, Si recounts bizarre scenarios from his life, whilst questioning everything he thinks about. From people’s misunderstanding of primary school level grammar, to why Goldilocks is a terrible granddaughter.

All the while, bemused and amused by his own fears and neuroses.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 2 (Venue 333): 16:45 – 17:40

12-26 AUGUST GOATS ON TOUR Birmingham Footnotes Comedy society returns for the sixth year with their stand up performance, showcasing the best comedians the university has to offer. With a different line-up every day, this is a show you can watch again and again and again.

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 17:00 – 17:55

14,15 AUGUST VIVIENNE WESTNORWOOD’S PUNK ROCK MENOPAUSE. Found objects fashionista and biscuit replacement therapist brings you pant wetting, punk based mini ballads from a different post code. Bring your Tena bondage trousers and strap in for a slightly magical, slightly painful ride down mayhem street. Over 15’s only.

Southsider (Venue 148): 17:45 – 18:45

12-19 AUGUST THE APOCALYPSE RADIO SHOW A stand up show set 10 years after the end of the world.

Brought to life by a pick of comedians from all across the fringe, playing a range of characters from the quirky to the downright bizarre. ‘Comedy like you’ve never seen before’ - The Bristol Post Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 21:15 – 22:15

14 AUGUST AARON SIMMONDS + (LITERAL) SUPPORT ACTS Sit down comedian Aaron Simmonds picks his favourite Stand-up comedians so he can find the funniest carer possible.

Help him choose who should become his comedic and literal support act and who wouldn’t be able to care for themselves (probably all of them).

Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 18:15 – 19:10

12-27 AUGUST APOCALYPSE LIVE WITH PROFESSOR JACK DARCY It was the Brexit of times, it was the Donald Trump of times, welcome to Apocalypse Live. Musical comedy from the star of The BBC New Comedy Show (nominated for The Best Radio Sketch Show Award in The British Comedy Guide 2016).

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 21:45 – 22:35

14 AUGUST EVERYONE’S A COMEDIAN Stuart Goldsmith of “The Comedian’s Comedian” podcast presents a crowd-sourced hour of comedy, submitted by listeners, collated by a friend and performed with no preparation! A one-off event, a voice for the voiceless, a world first, a trainwreck? COME AND SEE. (“Consistently, dependably, utterly funny” ***** ThreeWeeks) Subway (ex Movement) (Venue 56): 19:30 – 20:30

12,13 AUGUST FACES OF FACTS. Fresh from landing the Gold Creator Award for a million subscribers, the comedians of Irish YouTube sensation Facts. come to Edinburgh for a limited run! Featuring Davey Reilly, Ryan Cullen, Laura Byrne, Martin Angolo, George Fox, Bláithín de Burca, and more!

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 21:45 – 22:45 12-20 AUGUST D&D COMEDY: ROLLIN’ WITH WAINWRIGHT AND HOARE Dorian Wainwright (“Stand Up For Cider” Finalist 2016 and 2015) and David Hoare (“One To Watch in 2017” - We Are Cult) invite you to an hour of jokes, stories, and comedy songs from two of Bristol’s most exciting new stand up comedians.

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 00:15 – 01:10 13-19 AUGUST ABOUT TO TURN 30 Too old for Bieber, too young for Bowie and their patience has started to fall like the Berlin Wall. Dimitri Bakanov and Lucas Jolson are about to turn 30.

Watch two of Britain’s young(ish) standup comedians explore awful part-time jobs, family pressures and perpetually getting asked for ID. Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 12:15 – 13:05 13-18 AUGUST CHLOE DRIVER CAN’T DRIVE Chloe Driver Can’t Drive is Chloe Driver doing some stand up which includes balloon animals, magic and some funny stories! Free balloon for audience members!

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 12:30 – 13:15 13 AUGUST THE UNLIKELY GIGOLO Glen Maney looks back on how he started in comedy and how growing older affects your life, from dating to sleep and indeed, your sense of humour.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 19:15 – 20:05 13-17 AUGUST OH BOY, COMEDY! Late night alternative comedy. Come and see award-winning character comedians, sketch groups, clowns and stand-ups. Expect weird, absurd, experimental, silly and playful comedy from new and established acts. Previous guests include Richard Gadd, Mat Ewins, Ben Target, John-Luke Roberts & Bec Hill.

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 00:15 – 01:15

14,21 AUGUST IT’S NO JOB FOR A NICE JEWISH GIRL Her face shouts “Xmas” but her heart screams “Hanukkah!” Rachel Creeger has always felt like she has a foot in two worlds. A debut solo stand up show exploring the drive to fit in, with a bit about being a pop star.

Waverley Bar Upstairs (Venue 438): 19:30 – 20:25 14-20 AUGUST HURRICANE KATIE Like the most memorable of UK gales, Katie Pritchard is blowing over the patio furniture of comedy, partially damaging the garden fence of genre and dropping a large, sturdy branch onto the car bonnet of musicality.

“Sometimes surreal, often unusually perceptive, and always original and entertaining” **** (Female Arts Magazine) Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 20:40 – 21:25 14-20 AUGUST IMPROV, SHE WROTE Trinity College Dublin’s premier improvised comedy troupe brings you an hour of priceless (free) entertainment using nothing but audience suggestions. Nothing is planned, nothing is rehearsed and every show is different. Never seen short-form improv? Never seen long-form improv?

Never laughed your socks off? Now’s your chance!’*****’ - Tn2.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 21:45 – 22:45 14-20,22-26 AUGUST ROBERTS & HOLT: THE HORSE SHOW From horsey puns to political satire, horse love stories and an epic rap battle, there’s something for everyone... but particularly those with a taste for horse.

Come get some meaty equestrian comedy on the Black Market. Produced by award winning company People Zoo Productions. WeArePeopleZoo.co.uk Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 21:50 – 22:45 14-26 AUGUST COLLINS, MCGRATH AND MORGAN ARE...WELSH Wales is a spectacular nation. It contains natural beauty, world famous sport and a rich culture. This is not us. Commingling the musings of three Welsh eccentrics who probably don’t belong near a microphone, this show brings a corner of Wales to Edinburgh minus the smell of manure or the peril of flying rugby balls Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 22:25 – 23:25

15 AUGUST THE ASHES: COMEDY SHOWDOWN Australia’s top comedians take on England’s best in a five test comedy series to claim the Comedy Ashes. The old enemies go head to head to prove once and for all which country is funnier. ‘Hilariously funny, no knowledge of cricket needed’ Herald Sun. Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 18:35 – 19:35 15 AUGUST THE UNLIKELY GIGOLO Glen Maney looks back on how he started in comedy and how growing older affects your life, from dating to sleep and indeed, your sense of humour.

Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room (Venue 156): 19:15 – 20:05 15 AUGUST CHRIS COLTRANE TRIES TO LEARN HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE WORD SQUIRREL, PART 3: TOKYO DRIFT How has Chris not learnt how to say this word yet? Please come and help Coltrane nail it for good.

Previous guests include Mark Thomas and Josie Long. Warning: this show will seriously test your patience.

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 19:30 – 20:30 15,20,23,27 AUGUST #JOLLYBOAT: PIRATES OF THE KARAOKE A wild Jollyboat appears! It uses musical comedy. It’s super effective! Jollyboat present their best comedy songs from 8 years at the Fringe. ‘If you like Flight of the Conchords, you’ll f*cking love Jollyboat’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ***** (GeekChocolate.co.uk). ***** (InformedCities.co.uk).

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 20:00 – 20:45 15-26 AUGUST IMPROV CAGE MATCH Improv Cage Match pits two teams of brilliant improvisers against each other as they battle for the affections of you: the audience. Who will be declared the Fringe’s best longform improv team? You decide! This is an improv show you haven’t seen before.

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 20:30 – 21:30 15 AUGUST SLASHERS PREFER BLONDES Comedy! Horror! Improv!

Everyone Gets A Trophy presents “Slashers Prefer Blondes”, an improvised comedy horror film. Witness a neverbefore-seen macabre masterpiece where YOU decide the title. Join us in a place where the car won’t start, sex will get you killed and there’s no free wifi.

CC Blooms (Venue 171): 21:15 – 22:05 15 AUGUST ELVIS PARSLEY - ‘A HUNKA HUNKA BURNIN’ LOVAGE’ Really wish the King was still with us?

Uh huh huh? Well, experiencing Elvis Parsley is as close as is imaginable to actually being in a room with The King and some parsley. Dig this crazy songbook, and feel like new potatoes...

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 22:15 – 23:15 16-26 AUGUST EDINBURGH SAFARI Still alive, the famed Raconteur and Big Game Hunter, Sir Charles EcclestonForbes, looks back over a lifetime of Adventure. In this somewhat dull SlideLecture, he takes us around the Globe, randomly shooting anything that moves.

This show is especially timed for people who havn’t been to bed yet.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 11:15 – 12:00 16 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinderest ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 15:00 – 15:50 16-26 AUGUST MARTIN PILGRIM: SADULTHOOD Martin Pilgrim was recently voted slightly less funny than Morph in a list of the 50 funniest Bristolians. In Sadulthood, he tries to come to terms with his own mediocrity.

Can an unspectacular life still be a happy one? “Adept and funny”- The Guardian Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 16:05 – 16:55

16 AUGUST AARON SIMMONDS + (LITERAL) SUPPORT ACTS Sit down comedian Aaron Simmonds picks his favourite Stand-up comedians so he can find the funniest carer possible. Help him choose who should become his comedic and literal support act and who wouldn’t be able to care for themselves (probably all of them).

Sneaky Pete’s (Venue 437): 19:30 – 20:25 16-26 AUGUST AJ HILL: KETTLED Stuck in the 9 to 5 grey ties & caffeine highs of corporate culture? Brewing up to avoid the mid-life crisis? Life promised adventure before the dentures? AJ has a motivational speech to make you feel a little better or at least improve your tea making skills...

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 19:30 – 20:30 16 AUGUST THE UNLIKELY GIGOLO Glen Maney looks back on how he started in comedy and how growing older affects your life, from dating to sleep and indeed, your sense of humour.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 2 (Venue 32): 20:00 – 20:50 16-26 AUGUST AV’ A BUTCHERS Patricia has passed over and is waiting for love in limbo. Will love turn up? Join Patricia Butcher for an intimate evening propping up the bar, be privvy to her secrets and search for love. Stand up story telling performed by comedienne Marianne Chase.

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 20:10 – 21:00 16-26 AUGUST THE GANG OF NAMES This is a gang, it is an app and it’s very future.

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 20:15 – 21:15 16 AUGUST BEDTIME STORIES VARIETY NIGHT A dreamy collective showcase of the fringe’s brightest stars of alternative comedy, sketches, standup, musical comedy and theatre.

Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 21:30 – 22:30 16 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinderest ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 22:50 – 23:40 16-27 AUGUST COMEDIANS PLAY SUPER MARIO MAKER (WITH CHRIS COLTRANE) Want to chill out for an hour with some lovely nerdy fun? Then come join Chris Coltrane and pals as they play Expert Mode on the most fun and creative platforming game ever made: Super Mario Maker!

Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room (Venue 156): 23:30 – 01:30 17-20,22-27 AUGUST ELDERFLOWER CHORDIAL Olley Matthews has never taken a guitar lesson but that won’t stop him from giving a musical masterclass in sardonic cynicism. Come for the songs, stay for the songs, leave when everyone else does Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221): 14:00 – 14:45 17 AUGUST THE FULL IRISH The increasingly annual Full Irish is back with “Irish” acts to make your morning presented by Chris O’Neill. It will be fun. and there will be “food” Whistlebinkies (Venue 158): 14:45 – 15:40 17 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinderest ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

Bourbon Bar & Nightclub Room 1 (Venue 333): 16:00 – 16:50 17-20 AUGUST DUANE DOOGAN & FRIENDS: ARE WE ALLOWED IN? Duane decided to move to the UK from Ireland the week that people voted in favour of Brexit. When they voted to leave he thought he’d have the place to himself. Like his own massive desert island. But there’s millions of people still here so he’s struggling to adjust. Joined by a different guest each night.

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 22:50 – 23:35

18 AUGUST #JOLLYBOAT: ADVENTURING PARTY The interactive comedy show in which YOU are the hero! A major hit on the comic-con circuit, Adventuring Party is a nerdy party-show where the audience members shout out ideas, act out battles and generally steal the show.

Let’s all pretend to be elves!

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 18:15 – 19:15 18 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinderest ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 22:30 – 23:20 19-26 AUGUST WHERE’S MY PORRIDGE Race, Sex and Fairy Tales: the thoughts of a Bangladeshi man from Birmingham. See him vomit out his frustrations in the dangerous world.

Boshir is a man Ricky Gervais would buy a drink, Rusell Brand would steal a joke from and Peter Kay would complain about his name dropping.

Black Market Room 4 (Venue 399): 13:05 – 13:55 19,20 AUGUST AUSTRALIA: STILL FUCKED Kieran Butler (**** The Scotsman) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, for the sequel to his sold out cult hit ‘Australia is Fucked’.

Since then, Australia’s penchant for torturing refugees, genocide and climate change denial has inspired Brexit and Trump. Now, everyone is fucked! www.kieranbutler.com Silk Room 2 Middle (Venue 444): 13:50 – 14:50 19-26 AUGUST ALICE AND DAN ARE SPLITTING THE BILL Dan Offen (Amused Moose Semi-Finalist) has been putting up with Alice Burden (Funny Women’s One to Watch) for almost a year. Now they are putting their relationship to the ultimate test - by performing a comedy show together!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 3 (Venue 32): 19:00 – 20:00 19-26 AUGUST SABAN’S MIXED MEZE Do you like Mixed Meze? Do you like stand-up comedy? If so this show is for you ! Join Saban Kazim for a wacky light hearted stand-up comedy show featuring himself and a mystery guest each day to discuss Meze and other funny stuff. Meze not included.

Ciao Roma Basement (Venue 283): 19:05 – 20:00 19 AUGUST COLIN J AMIS: PHONE ETHICS Songs of the smartphone’s subjugation of society, from the tinderest ballad to the ringtone-catchiest chorus. Hopefully I won’t run out of selfie-steam.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 21:15 – 22:05 19-26 AUGUST THE LIVERPOOL REVUE Original sketch comedy from Liverpool University’s premier revue!

Come guffaw at a mix of ridiculous current events and our own depraved imaginings; featuring our very best sketches from a year-long tirade of nostalgia, regret, and whimsy. “simply genius” **** “a hilarious success” **** - Ed Fringe Review 2016 Kilderkin (Venue 227): 22:00 – 22:50 19-26 AUGUST THAT THING IS COMEDY London based ‘That Thing is Comedy’ returns to Edinburgh with a new compilation show. Hosted by MC Martyn Hill who brings friends from all over to entertain you. Featuring new and old comics on the circuit, this is a great addition to an evening of laughs.

WARNING: Sides May Split.

Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 22:10 – 23:05 19-27 AUGUST AUSA COMEDY SOCIETY: MOST OF THESE FLYERS WILL END UP IN A BIN Join the Aberdeen University Comedy Society for an hour of stand up and improv from the best up and coming talents on the Aberdeen Comedy Scene!

Canons’ Gait (Venue 78): 22:40 – 23:40 20-25 AUGUST NICK HODDER’S EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING Nick had two paying gigs last year. Share in his success by investing in the newly founded Nick Hodder Comedy Corporation. At this hastily arranged EGM, Nick will present details of past performance, growth plans, and make the case for further investment / hold out a bucket.

Black Market Room 3 (Venue 399): 11:40 – 12:40 20-26 AUGUST ANOTHER EDINBURGH SHOW Another Edinburgh show is two Irish comedians doing our first Edinburgh show. Padraig will be talking about the struggles of coming out to his parents and wondering if it is possible to come back in now. Brian is a student from a farm whose accent is a punchline in itself.

Come on down!

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 13:45 – 14:35 20-26 AUGUST THE VENTSHOW Fun for the whole family! Kids and grown ups will love our characters with the world’s worst sniffer dog and a ww2 comedian and grumpy alien!

Daylight Robbery (Venue 449): 14:25 – 15:10

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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GigGuide: Guide:Music Music&&Comedy Comedyat the at the Edinburgh Fringe Gig Edinburgh Fringe 20-26 AUGUST GEEK SALAD Harvested locally in the South West by confused farmers, Up The Antics present a lightly tossed salad of sketch comedy and stuffed pop culture all topped with a delicate dressing of absurdity. Served daily.

Silk Room 1 Ground (Venue 444): 14:35 – 15:25 20-26 AUGUST CHUCKLING INTO THE VOID Why does Stand-Up exist?

How does it help? Oh, and what the hell is going on in this bloody universe?

The answers to all the above, plus some puns, ego-stroking and fast-paced comic songs are in this debut fringe run from upcoming cult classic Finlay Sleath.

Black Market Room 1 (Venue 399): 14:40 – 15:30 20 AUGUST COMEDY HISTORY 101 W/HARMON LEON & SCOTT CALONICO NY comedians Harmon Leon and Scott Calonico bring you a very special live recording of their wildly popular podcast: Comedy History 101.

Harmon and Scott bring you some of their favorite comedy influences, cult classics, video clips and all things comedy history.

Black Market Room 8 (Venue 399): 17:00 – 17:45 20-27 AUGUST TINDERELLASRELATIONSHIP STATUS: IMPROVISED Improvised comedy. Taking audience suggestions to create scenes around dating and the trials and tribulations of everyday life. If you think you’ve been on some odd dates, then you haven’t been on a date with the Tinderellas!

Swipe right and let us play with your hearts and minds!

Voodoo Rooms French Quarter (Venue 68): 21:10 – 22:00 20-26 AUGUST JAMIE SAVES THE WORLD An award winning epic tale, a one man Sci-Fi adventure, taking us on a “hero’s journey” through wormholes, romance, veganism, semantics, danger, Bruce Springsteen, comedy and the fate of the universe! Jamie and his trusty sidekick, ‘Computer’ guide you through the year ‘2016’ and beyond!

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 1 (Venue 32): 21:15 – 22:15 20-26 AUGUST SPON TREK: THE NEXT IMPROVISATION As if 726 episodes and 14 movies wasn’t quite enough Star Trek, Real Positive Poles presents a brand new episode of the cult sci-fi classic every night. Inspired by audience suggestions, this comedic parody is suitable for all levels of Star Trek enthusiasm.

52 Canoes (Venue 366): 21:15 – 22:05 21-26 AUGUST BARRY & SIAN BS Barry & Sian BS ‘A master-class in character comedy’ Hold on tight as Barry & Sian take you through a panoply of different characters, situations and shenanigans guaranteed to make you laugh! Winners BEST New Comedy Act BoomTish! and Finalists in Leicester Square Sketch Off this show is not to be missed!

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 14:50 – 15:40 21 AUGUST CHUNKS: TOPICAL REFERENCE THAT HOPEFULLY ISN’T OUT-DATED BY AUGUST Good words for CHUNKS: “fast growing into a full scale comedy movement” The Skinny “the ultimate ‘you had to be there’ experience of the Fringe” Ed Fest Mag “a juvenile, two fingered salute to conventional entertainment and social decorum” Chortle Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy (Venue 68): 18:55 – 19:55 21,22 AUGUST FACES OF FACTS. Fresh from landing the Gold Creator Award for a million subscribers, the comedians of Irish YouTube sensation Facts. come to Edinburgh for a limited run! Featuring Davey Reilly, Ryan Cullen, Laura Byrne, Martin Angolo, George Fox, Bláithín de Burca, and more!

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 20:35 – 21:35 21-26 AUGUST REFORMED PARTY GIRL Lori McCarty is “REFORMED” Party Girl. Redheads rule the world! We are the TRUE 1%! Burned at the stake and labeled as the first “undesirables”.

Waking up to doom and gloom and turning it all around with Crown Whiskey perfectly placed under her driver’s seat while smoking Marlboro Reds on her way to High School Calculus.

Black Market Room 6 (Venue 399): 20:40 – 21:40 21-26 AUGUST DEAKINS OF THE CHURCH Matt Deakins traveled all the way from the USA to bestow his blessings of crude comedy. Join him for an hour of stand-up comedy that’s probably mildly more entertaining than Church.

Black Market Room 5 (Venue 399): 21:45 – 22:45 21-26 AUGUST THE VERY NICE IMPROV SHOW The Very Nice Improv Show returns to the Edinburgh Fringe! ‘Fantastic improvisers’ **** (Broadway Baby) are ready to cook up sketches, scenes and one liners on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience! (We aren’t a cult, by the way).

Black Market Room 2 (Venue 399): 00:15 – 01:00

38

22 AUGUST AUSTRALIA: STILL FUCKED Kieran Butler (**** The Scotsman) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, for the sequel to his sold out cult hit ‘Australia is Fucked’.

Since then, Australia’s penchant for torturing refugees, genocide and climate change denial has inspired Brexit and Trump. Now, everyone is fucked! www.kieranbutler.com Opium Upstairs (Venue 96): 15:45 – 16:45 22 AUGUST SOME MEN ALL BISCUIT 2 - MORE BISCUIT The remarkably well attended and under-rehearsed Half Man Half Biscuit tribute show returns, in a possibly oversized venue. Fringe comedians belt out their favourite HMHB tracks with a live band. All proceeds to the British Red Cross.

Liquid Rooms Warehouse (Venue 276): 18:35 – 19:35 22 AUGUST ANDREW O’NEILL’S HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL Acclaimed show back for more acclaim!

Andrew O’Neill (Buzzcocks, R4, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle) knows more about metal than you’ve had hot dinners. Come and watch an extremely funny (multi award nominated) comedian talk about the thing he loves most in the world.

Liquid Rooms Annexe (Venue 276): 19:30 – 20:30 23 AUGUST THE FRENCH COMEDY HOUR For One Night Only bring your Wine and Baguette and Cheese to the French Comedy Hour. We will have French Comedy with Comics from all over the world, trying to turn the language of love into the language of laughter.

Bar-Bados (Free Fringe) Room 5 (Venue 32): 20:30 – 21:30 23,24 AUGUST ANDREW O’NEILL’S HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL Acclaimed show back for more acclaim!

Andrew O’Neill (Buzzcocks, R4, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle) knows more about metal than you’ve had hot dinners. Come and watch an extremely funny (multi award nominated) comedian talk about the thing he loves most in the world.

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 23:30 – 00:30 27 AUGUST THE LASTMINUTECOMEDY CLUB Legendary compere Paul B. Edwards introduces three of the best acts plucked from this year’s Fringe. Line ups change daily and expect the odd surprise guest. Don’t pay for a single show until you’ve been here first! Now in its 7th packed out year.“Brilliant” 100% Biker Magazine.

Bannermans (Venue 357): 16:15 – 17:05 27 AUGUST MERRYFERRY: SPAIN’S PREMIERE JOLLYBOAT TRIBUTE ACT (WITH SUPPORT FROM JOLLYBOAT) MerryFerry are the finest Jollyboat tribute act in Spain! Since they formed four years ago, they have dedicated their lives to spreading the magic of Jollyboat. Come see them play all the hits!

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 18:15 – 19:15

Music

5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 11:00 – 11:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Two stages of music and entertainment at this new venue with Irish roots, but the music will come from everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including Scotland, England and Ireland. Eat, drink, relax, listen, enjoy.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 11:30 – 12:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT BARRELHOUSE BAR & GRILL Newly refurbished Bar, Diner with secluded beer garden. The main bar serves lunches, dinner, coffees and all day snacks. During the fringe PBH Free Fringe musicians will be providing an array of blues music in the beer garden and main bar areas from 12Noon-10pm.

Barrelhouse Bar & Grill (Venue 400): 12:00 – 13:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Music every day on the roof of Waverley Mall, overlooking the bustling city, with refreshments and our ever-changing selection of Free Fringe musicians Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 12:00 – 12:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT SCOTSMAN LOUNGE Welcome to the historic Scotsman Lounge in Edinburgh. We are open 9am until 1am Monday until Saturday, midday on a Sunday with live PBH Free Fringe music each day from 12noon-4pm Scotsman Lounge (Venue 455): 12:05 – 12:55

music | gig guide

5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 12:15 – 13:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 12:30 – 13:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 13:00 – 13:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT SCOTSMAN LOUNGE Welcome to the historic Scotsman Lounge in Edinburgh. We are open 9am until 1am Monday until Saturday, midday on a Sunday with live PBH Free Fringe music each day from 12noon-4pm Scotsman Lounge (Venue 455): 13:05 – 13:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 13:15 – 14:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Two stages of music and entertainment at this new venue with Irish roots, but the music will come from everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including Scotland, England and Ireland. Eat, drink, relax, listen, enjoy.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 13:30 – 14:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Music every day on the roof of Waverley Mall, overlooking the bustling city, with refreshments and our ever-changing selection of Free Fringe musicians Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 14:00 – 14:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT BARRELHOUSE BAR & GRILL Newly refurbished Bar, Diner with secluded beer garden. The main bar serves lunches, dinner, coffees and all day snacks. During the fringe PBH Free Fringe musicians will be providing an array of blues music in the beer garden and main bar areas from 12Noon10pm.

Barrelhouse Bar & Grill (Venue 400): 14:00 – 15:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT SCOTSMAN LOUNGE Welcome to the historic Scotsman Lounge in Edinburgh. We are open 9am until 1am Monday until Saturday, midday on a Sunday with live PBH Free Fringe music each day from 12noon-4pm Scotsman Lounge (Venue 455): 14:05 – 14:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 14:15 – 15:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 14:30 – 15:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 15:00 – 15:55 5-12,19,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC AT STRAMASH Comfortable and centrally located on Cowgate, Stramash is home to the Free Fringe’s bands and solo artists of the Music section. Our high standard Music section presents an eclectic mix of all sorts of styles, Jazz, Rock, progressive Folk, even Classical.

Come, relax and see what’s on. Food available all day.

Stramash (Venue 342): 15:00 – 15:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT SCOTSMAN LOUNGE Welcome to the historic Scotsman Lounge in Edinburgh. We are open 9am until 1am Monday until Saturday, midday on a Sunday with live PBH Free Fringe music each day from 12noon-4pm Scotsman Lounge (Venue 455): 15:05 – 15:55

5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 15:15 – 16:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Two stages of music and entertainment at this new venue with Irish roots, but the music will come from everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including Scotland, England and Ireland. Eat, drink, relax, listen, enjoy.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 15:30 – 16:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Music every day on the roof of Waverley Mall, overlooking the bustling city, with refreshments and our ever-changing selection of Free Fringe musicians Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 16:00 – 16:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT BARRELHOUSE BAR & GRILL Newly refurbished Bar, Diner with secluded beer garden. The main bar serves lunches, dinner, coffees and all day snacks. During the fringe PBH Free Fringe musicians will be providing an array of blues music in the beer garden and main bar areas from 12Noon-10pm.

Barrelhouse Bar & Grill (Venue 400): 16:00 – 17:50 5-12,19,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC AT STRAMASH Edinburgh’s finest home-grown bands mingle with the many musicians visiting the Fringe. An ever-changing lineup. Stig Of The Dub. Mission to the Watchers, Venus as a Boy, The Alan David Ross Show and many others will be taking their turns in the line-up. Food available all day while you listen.

Stramash (Venue 342): 16:00 – 16:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 16:15 – 17:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 16:30 – 17:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 17:00 – 17:55 5-12,19,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC AT STRAMASH Comfortable and centrally located on Cowgate, Stramash is home to the Free Fringe’s bands and solo artists of the Music section. Our high standard Music section presents an eclectic mix of all sorts of styles, Jazz, Rock, progressive Folk, even Classical.

Come, relax and see what’s on. Food available all day.

Stramash (Venue 342): 17:00 – 17:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 17:15 – 18:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Two stages of music and entertainment at this new venue with Irish roots, but the music will come from everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including Scotland, England and Ireland. Eat, drink, relax, listen, enjoy.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 17:30 – 18:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT BARRELHOUSE BAR & GRILL Newly refurbished Bar, Diner with secluded beer garden. The main bar serves lunches, dinner, coffees and all day snacks. During the fringe PBH Free Fringe musicians will be providing an array of blues music in the beer garden and main bar areas from 12Noon-10pm.

Barrelhouse Bar & Grill (Venue 400): 18:00 – 19:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Music every day on the roof of Waverley Mall, overlooking the bustling city, with refreshments and our ever-changing selection of Free Fringe musicians Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 18:00 – 18:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 18:15 – 19:00

5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 18:30 – 19:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 19:00 – 19:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 19:15 – 20:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Two stages of music and entertainment at this new venue with Irish roots, but the music will come from everywhere from Argentina to Zimbabwe, including Scotland, England and Ireland. Eat, drink, relax, listen, enjoy.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 19:30 – 20:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Music every day on the roof of Waverley Mall, overlooking the bustling city, with refreshments and our ever-changing selection of Free Fringe musicians Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 20:00 – 20:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT BARRELHOUSE BAR & GRILL Newly refurbished Bar, Diner with secluded beer garden. The main bar serves lunches, dinner, coffees and all day snacks. During the fringe PBH Free Fringe musicians will be providing an array of blues music in the beer garden and main bar areas from 12Noon-10pm.

Barrelhouse Bar & Grill (Venue 400): 20:00 – 21:50 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 20:15 – 21:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE: M2 Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: M2 (Venue 420): 20:30 – 21:25 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT FESTIVAL VILLAGE Hosting a mix of lively acoustic sets and cover bands whilst showcasing a variety of home grown, up and coming artists. Surrounded by the best views of the Edinburgh some of Scotland’s top street and seafood dishes the country has to offer.

Festival Village: Malones (Venue 420): 21:00 – 21:55 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 21:15 – 22:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 22:15 – 23:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED Always good live music among the hay-bales at The Cowshed, including sets from Cari Q, Van Tastik, Jenny Laahs, Alex Hendrie, Hugh Kelly, Lyndsay Shields, Voodoo Guys and more.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 23:15 – 00:00 5-27 AUGUST MUSIC AT THE COWSHED The famous Cowshed Bar on Cowgate pops up again with a wide selection of musicians for your afternoons and evenings, including The Rising Soles, Rachel Zylstra, Aaron Wright, The Jackels and Huw Joseph.

The Cowshed Bar (Venue 423): 00:15 – 01:00 6-11,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC AT STRAMASH Edinburgh’s finest home-grown bands mingle with the many musicians visiting the Fringe. An ever-changing lineup. Stig Of The Dub. Mission to the Watchers, Venus as a Boy, The Alan David Ross Show and many others will be taking their turns in the line-up. Food available all day while you listen.

Stramash (Venue 342): 18:00 – 18:50

6-11,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC AT

STRAMASH Comfortable and centrally

located on Cowgate, Stramash is home

to the Free Fringe’s bands and solo

artists of the Music section. Our high

standard Music section presents an

eclectic mix of all sorts of styles, Jazz,

t e G ! r e h s e Fr

Rock, progressive Folk, even Classical.

Come, relax and see what’s on. Food

available all day.

Stramash (Venue 342): 19:00 – 19:50

6-11,21-23,27 AUGUST MUSIC

AT STRAMASH Edinburgh’s finest

home-grown bands mingle with the

Ok, that’s the last of the stupid puns.

many musicians visiting the Fringe. An

ever-changing lineup. Stig Of The Dub.

Mission to the Watchers, Venus as a

Book your place in the biggest Freshers Guide around.

Boy, The Alan David Ross Show and

many others will be taking their turns in

the line-up. Food available all day while

you listen.

Stramash (Venue 342): 20:00 – 20:50

Call 0141 222 2202 19 AUGUST SONGS FOR NON-

BELIEVES Join London’s foremost

secular choir for rousing choruses from

the songbook of unbelievers, including

classics from bands such as Madness

and Fleetwood Mac, and comedy

favourites from Monty Python and Tim

Minchin.

La Belle Angèle (Venue 301): 11:00

– 11:45

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

August PICK OF THE MONTH

It’s no great secret that Scotland’s music scene is a thing to be proud of. So we here at TSA have teamed up with Scotland’s very own New Hellfire Club to bring you a monthly pick of who we think are doing epically well right now. Keep your eyes out for these up and coming bands. This is TSA and New Hellfire Club’s ‘Pick of the Month’.

REBEKAH

Hi there Rebekah! Glad to have you in for this month’s Pick Of The Month in collaboration with the TSA and ourselves, NHC, I just realised that you are possibly the youngest musician we have had gracing this interview page, so I will try and mind my P’s and Q’s. So, start us off then by telling us a wee bit about yourself, like when you started down the musical road and what got you inspired to take up the guitar in the first place?

need to be playing the guitar and singing as much as you can at the moment, or is it more to do with your love for performing that keeps you as active on the circuit as you are?

I definitely feel that continuously doing gigs and putting up videos is essential at this stage in my career as you need to get your name out there as much as possible and you can’t let people forget about you after spending so much time building up your profile. I’d say it was a bit of both, of course I love doing what I’m doing but I believe it’s crucial to be playing whenever I can – even if it is just a live video or something like that just to keep up the momentum.

Tell us a bit about your musical influences then, do they affect your own songwriting and playing? Do you often hear other musicians that you yourself love bleeding through a bit in your own music? Was there anyone outwith the musical sphere who inspired you to take up the guitar and pursue your dreams?

I am very inspired by Stevie Nicks and I like to think that she has influenced the way I write although I am also very inspired by Fiona Apple and I think some of my music is quite similar to her style.

Outwith music my dad influenced me taking up guitar and always encouraged me to learn it but my mum has also really encouraged me to pursue my career in music. They’re not the type of parents who tell me to ‘get a proper job’ because they fully support me and I couldn’t be more thankful for all of their help.

Who else, in your own opinion, should we be looking out for in the Scottish music scene right now, is there anyone that you love playing alongside yourself that we should be taking notice of too? Feel free to name drop some talented friends, we love a bit of name-dropping!

I definitely believe you should be looking out for Liam Doyle, he has some really great songs and is very talented, also Mandulu & Hephzibah/Kodak Ghosts as they are two great singers and have a very unique style.

What would you say is the best venue to play in Glasgow? Why this choice?

Are there any venues that you specifically want to aim at playing one day soon, why this choice?

So far, my favourite venue I have played is Òran Mór because I really love the atmosphere in the place but the people make it that much better too. I’d love to play the main stage at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut someday because there is just such a good vibe in the place and so many great bands and artists have played there so it’d be cool to follow in their footsteps.

So, tell us about the rest of your year and beyond then, what’s next for Rebekah Kirk? Any big plans in the pipeline you can share with our readers? Any big gigs coming up later in the year we should know about?

The floor is yours!

I have a support gig coming up on Tuesday 26th September in the O2 ABC2 supporting Kawehi who has nearly 200,000 subscribers on YouTube and I have the Big Cartel link for the tickets pinned to the top of my Facebook (www. facebook.com/officialrebekahkirk) and my Twitter (twitter.com/rebekah_kirk).

I was also asked to headline a night of King Tuts Summer Nights this year but couldn’t because of my age... however I am looking forward to doing it as soon as I can! In the next year I am hoping to record and release my first EP which I am very excited about and can’t wait to get more of my music out there.

Well I started singing at the age of 8 when my auntie found a week-long theatre summer school where I ended up getting my first ever solo (up until then I hadn’t ever sang or was even that interested in singing) and it’s just went on from there. I’ve been gigging for the past 7 years and writing songs for the last 6. I started taking up guitar because I grew up listening to a lot of bands like Foo Fighters, Queens Of The Stone Age, Blur etc. and I wanted to be as good as that – I’m not quite there at the moment but I’m still working on it!

You attend quite a lot of open mic type events across the city, as well as your gigging and live music videos.

Do you feel that these different avenues are important to keep up at this stage in your career? Do you IN PARTNERSHIP WIITH

We A r e T S A . c o . u k

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