Edinburgh Fringe 2022

[Crabwalk]

Greencalx was sadly never seen again and I can't help but feel partially responsible.

[Crabwalk]

I've tried to forget what those lockdowns were like but Tim Key brought the full horror flooding back with his special combo of confrontation/charm. Laughed my balls off. I like to think greencalx was in there too somewhere, chuckling away, and not drowning in a gutter outside, gurgling CaB usernames into the filth.

[Crabwalk]

DP

[DrGreggles]

FAO: Whoever said Sam Campbell's new show was 85% ready

He's found the other 15%

[DrGreggles]

Nice to have a couple of beers with Crabwalk and greencalx too, in the glorious evening sunshine.

[greencalx]

Rumours of my death are exaggerated. It was great not going to Tim Key with you DrG: it was every bit as good as you said it was going to be. I don't see much comedy these days, but this was a huge highlight. A great stage presence, excellent audience management and a gentle sophisticated humour.

[dissolute ocelot]

Saw Sam Nicoresti and Sheeps, both of which were lots of fun in very different ways. Although both were self-referential and full of energy.

Heidi Regan gives birth live on stage or your money back didn't live up to the title but was a warm and sympathetic show about relationships, considering having a baby, time travel geekiness, etc. I'm indifferent to the thing where a comedian harps on endlessly about a joke they admit is not working, but some other nice stuff.

Andrew Nolan work in progress was fairly basic stuff about Irish Catholic sex education and poo, but lots of laughs.

Yesterday (Monday 15th) was wet though. I worry about basement venues when it's like this. If you're in a cave, there's nowhere for the water to go.

[Crabwalk]

Nice to have a couple of beers with Crabwalk and greencalx too, in the glorious evening sunshine.

Likewise. It really was like being on the French Riviera, if you had fallen into the sea.

[Small Man Big Horse]

FAO: Whoever said Sam Campbell's new show was 85% ready

He's found the other 15%

Ah, that was me, and it's great to hear. And I didn't really mean it as a criticism, more that Campbell himself was very aware that certain parts didn't really have an ending when I saw him, but I'm really glad it didn't take him long to finish them, and I'm such a huge fan that if he plays London post Fringe I'll definitely see him again.

[An Actual Propeller]

In previous years, there was an aggregator of fringe show reviews, does anybody remember what this was and whether it's about this year? Might have been The List website who did it or something? It's always entertaining to see the reviewers' consensus as to who is/was the best (and worst) at Edinburgh.

[CaledonianGonzo]

It was The List and it doesn't appear to be there any more which is annoying as it was pretty useful.

[An Actual Propeller]

Shame. Always fun to see who is actually getting worse reviews than Lewis Schaffer.

[CaledonianGonzo]

This year that's Sophie Duker


(not really....but I have seen a few pans)

[DrGreggles]

I haven't seen Duker, but neither of the 2 people I know who have thought it was much cop.
Sold out weeks ago too.

[edwardfog]

Yeah it's a big disappointment after her debut

[greencalx]

Just out of Lara Ricote (although she seems to call herself Lala). Horrid, horrid venue, as she acknowledges herself. Possibly the most uncomfortable chair I've ever sat in. As CG says, an excellent and assured performer, one of those people where you know you're in safe hands from the get-go. I was anticipating that she would maintain the same manic energy of the first few minutes, but am glad she didn't as that would have been exhausting. It's a show in the 'ragbag of things' mould, loosely connected by the theme of being Mexican, a girl and deaf. But very, very loosely. She flubbed her lines a few times, but was so good natured about everything it didn't matter. I expect she will keep refining her craft and, again as CG says, I would expect her to become a name quite quickly. EDIT: although maybe not here, because it turns out she does live in the Netherlands and mostly performs there.

I was a bit confused by the ticketing policy - was charged for the ticket but also asked for cash on the way out. Wasn't entirely sure what to do. Is this very common?

[Twilkes]

Thank you, will have a look at these.

Dragons & Mythical Beasts was great but I wouldn't bother with Chores unless the children are maybe 6 or under. My 5 year old liked it but it felt at least 15 minutes too long.

[edwardfog]

Just out of Lara Ricote (although she seems to call herself Lala). Horrid, horrid venue, as she acknowledges herself. Possibly the most uncomfortable chair I've ever sat in. As CG says, an excellent and assured performer, one of those people where you know you're in safe hands from the get-go. I was anticipating that she would maintain the same manic energy of the first few minutes, but am glad she didn't as that would have been exhausting. It's a show in the 'ragbag of things' mould, loosely connected by the theme of being Mexican, a girl and deaf. But very, very loosely. She flubbed her lines a few times, but was so good natured about everything it didn't matter. I expect she will keep refining her craft and, again as CG says, I would expect her to become a name quite quickly. EDIT: although maybe not here, because it turns out she does live in the Netherlands and mostly performs there.

I was a bit confused by the ticketing policy - was charged for the ticket but also asked for cash on the way out. Wasn't entirely sure what to do. Is this very common?

Glad you enjoyed it. The "tipping" thing at the end of shows is very common because at any given show there are often plenty of people who didn't pre-pay, whether because they walked in without booking or got some kind of press pass.

And then half of it is probably just an acknowledgment of the ruinous costs of performing at Edinburgh, so every little helps if the patrons are feeling generous

[lipsink]

https://twitter.com/mattforde/status/1559517801269846017?t=xdBP3EN1pdeAqvHIIX9YOg&s=19

This is quite funny. If it was anyone else I'd feel for them but the fact it's Matt Forde (and the wording of his tweet reading like a supply teacher telling off his class) it couldn't have happened to a better cunt.

[Crabwalk]

The prick's poster is everywhere up here.

Lesson for Matt Forde: If you put literal clowns on your poster and in the name of your show, don't be surprised if some people show up with infants.

[lipsink]

Yeah, every time I walk past his poster (and Iain fucking Dale's) I feel a bit of sick in mouth.

[JCR]

Colt Cabana and John Hastings are playing the Monkey Barrel this Friday-Sat-Sunday, that will be a really good show, been performed so many times they've got it perfect.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Paul Currie's still doing the bread fight?

(Great review 😉)

[up_the_hampipe]

The prick's poster is everywhere up here.

Lesson for Matt Forde: If you put literal clowns on your poster and in the name of your show, don't be surprised if some people show up with infants.

That's some strange logic you have there.

[edwardfog]

Paul Currie's still doing the bread fight?

(Great review 😉)

Haha I didn't know that was old gear. Should have knocked another half star off

[Crabwalk]

That's some strange logic you have there.

I think anyone that takes an under 12 to his show should sue him for false advertising.

[Crabwalk]

Over 12s should have no complaints, however. Forde clearly states on his poster that he is surrounded by comedians and entertainers in Edinburgh, but is incapable of bringing joy to an audience himself.

[DrGreggles]

Forde's is the only poster I've seen with abuse written on it.
But, to be fair, my pen ran out shortly afterwards.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Anyone got any hot tips, good vibes or industry buzz for the dreaded circa 6-ish pm slot.  Current contenders include:

Micky Overman
Ted Hill
Sarah Keyworth
Sindhu Vee
Mark Silcox

[godber]

Anyone got any hot tips, good vibes or industry buzz for the dreaded circa 6-ish pm slot.  Current contenders include:

Micky Overman
Ted Hill
Sarah Keyworth
Sindhu Vee
Mark Silcox

Michelle Brasier is on at 6.25 in George Square - very funny (and incredibly talented) singer/standup with a moving show about her family's health.