We have more Edinburgh Festival interviews and more Threes To See in this week's bulletin. Plus the latest Edinburgh Backstage articles focused on Festival developments behind the scenes and in the Edinburgh Fringe community.
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We will also be back in your inbox with the bonus extra edition of the bulletin on Friday, full of Edinburgh Festival coverage.
Meanwhile, here in the Tuesday edition of the bulletin we continue to cover great comedy, theatre and culture in London - with this week's London Threes To See coming up below the Edinburgh coverage.
So, let's get going...
ALFIE PACKHAM: MY APOLOGIES TO THE CHEF
Alfie Packham is back at the Fringe with new show 'My Apologies To The Chef', which - I'm told - is an hour of stand-up about "belonging, artists, nerds, retail workers, fruit farmers, friends, family and enemies". But, you should note, not chefs.
He's also a journalist and comedy writer, host of the regular South London comedy night Comedy Bandits, and he previously created a podcast called 'Gun And Wand: The Official Companion Podcast', all about a TV show that doesn't actually exist.
I was keen to talk to Alfie about his Edinburgh show and all that other stuff too.
CLICK HERE to read this Chris Meets interview.
Alfie Packham will perform 'My Apologies To The Chef' at Underbelly Bristo Square from 30 Jul - 24 Aug, find the edfringe listing here.
COUPLET: HONEY HONEY MOON MOON
There have been a few masters of musical comedy that have won my heart over the years and I love it so much when it hits right.
Edinburgh obviously attracts comedy acts of all kinds and so I get lots of opportunities to look for acts that will join the list of tuneful and funny favourites.
One of the latest to catch my attention is Couplet, a recently married (to each other) duo from the US who're headed to the Fringe this summer with their post-union show 'Honey Honey Moon Moon'.
The show is focused on the couple's attempts to organise a simple wedding, and it is, of course, punctuated by a host of songs. To find about more about Couplet - aka Marnina Schon and Micah O'Konis - I spoke to them pre-edfringe.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
Couplet perform 'Honey Honey Moon Moon' at Assembly Rooms from 31 Jul-24 Aug. Find the edfringe listing here.
TOM FORSTER: SUMMERHALL
We're currently talking to some of the people who run venues as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. This time Summerhall's Fringe Producer And Programmer Tom Forster, pictured above with Summerhall Arts CEO Sam Gough.
Read this Venue Director interview here.
EDINBURGH ROUND-UP: CANCELLATION CONTROVERSIES, RIDDELL’S BAILED SHOW, FRINGE VILLAGE
TW Backstage provides regular updates on key announcements and developments behind the scenes at the Edinburgh Festival.
This time, Jewish comedians speak out after Free Fringe shows cancelled; bail conditions force Susan Riddell to axe Fringe show; rooms still available in Fringe Village.
CLICK HERE to read this Edinburgh Round-Up.
THREE DYSTOPIAN PLAYS>>
1984 | Pleasance Courtyard | 30 Jul-25 Aug (pictured)
There are several '1984' adjacent shows actually and I picked out Box Tale Soup's version because our reviewers have a habit of loving their productions. So definitely see it. But I'd also suggest you take the time to see Talking Shadows' version at theSpace @ Niddry Street and the 1984 inspired 'Julia.1984' from withintheatre at Summerhall. Go on, do it to her, etc.
Ants And Other Strong Things | theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall | 18-23 Aug
A political, dystopian, queer, sci-fi, romance thriller (wow) set thirty years in the future in a high surveillance state where the authorities are waging war on the LGBTQIA+ community. It focuses on Charlie and Maya, who must choose whether they should stay hidden, or rise up and fight, and explores themes of love, identity and defiance in the face of tyranny. Info here.
The Last Madman | C alto | 30 Jul-24 Aug
"In the not-too-distant future, ecological catastrophe has ripped society's flesh clean off and civilisation is nothing but a rancid husk. From the ashes, one survivor rises. An advertising copywriter". Finally in the dystopia department: I'm very intrigued by this dark comedy from US talent Steven Phillips-Horst about an ad-man trying to rebrand the end of the world. Tickets here.
THREE MIGRANT SHOWS>>
Streets Paved With Gold | Braw Venues @ Hill Street | 1-12 Aug
Shows about migrants and refugees are usually in plentiful supply at the old edfringe in my experience, all with different perspectives and themes. This first one, set in the Windrush era, is the work of acclaimed actor, writer and poet Victor Richards and explores the experiences of Afro-Caribbean newcomers to the UK. Info and tickets here.
Miss Brexit | Underbelly Bristo Square | 20 Jul-24 Aug (pictured)
Onto an acclaimed musical satire about young migrants living in Britain and dealing with the consequences of Brexit, and life in a country that no longer welcomes them. We did a Q&A with co-director Alejandro Postigo about this show when it was on in London earlier this year, so you can find out more by reading that, which is here. Info and tickets here.
Dial 1 For UK | Greenside @ Riddles Court | 1-9 Aug
Mohit Mathur's one man debut explores the harsh realities that undocumented migrant workers face, and asks what happens to those who end up disappearing. It's about Uday, who is in New Delhi answering calls from a British helpline and creating a YouTube presence, and what happens when he finally leaves for the UK. Info and tickets here.
THREE TRUE STORIES>>
Down To Chance | Pleasance Courtyard | 30 Jul-25 Aug
There are always endless numbers of shows based on real lives and events at the Fringe, so is it ludicrous of me to pick out just three of them? Well, maybe, but these are all very promising. This one is set at the time of the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964, the largest in US history, and focuses on the relief effort that involved journalist and radio host Genie Chance. Info and tickets here.
Tilly No-Body | Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower | 30 Jul-24 Aug
A show about Tilly Wedekind and her famous and controlling husband, 19th/20th Century playwright Frank Wedekind, of 'Spring Awakening' fame. Reduced by his treatment of her, robbed of her acting roles, she attempts suicide, but goes on to reclaim her voice and career in a play that looks at why we stay in toxic relationships for too long. Info and tickets here.
Dreamscape | Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower | 30 Jul-24 Aug (pictured)
The tragic true story of the night Californian policemen shot dead nineteen year old Tyisha Miller as she lay unconscious in a car, re-imagined via a fusion of beatboxing, spoken word and hip hop dance. Expect a depiction of the teenager's innocent pleasures and hope for the future in a show that examines the relationship between race, the body and violence. Info and tickets here.
THREE SPY SHOWS>>
Spy Movie: The Play! | Pleasance Courtyard | 30 Jul-25 Aug (pictured)
Yay, I love spy shows and I love funny things, and this is a hilarious and family friendly homage to the Bond movies. The premise: a frustrated screenwriter, whose screenplay has been rejected by Hollywood, decides to stage a presentation of "The Greatest Spy Film (N)Ever Made" for an audience of specially invited producers (that's you guys). Info and tickets here.
The Spy Who Went To Rehab | Pleasance Dome | 30 Jul-25 Aug
A UK debut for Greg Ostrin's comic play about British super spy Simon Cross, who wakes up one day to find himself in rehab because of all of those habits we have a tendency not to judge James Bond for - womanising, drinking, etc. Could working his way out of toxic masculinity be his toughest mission yet? Stars comedy veteran Mike McShane alongside Satiar Pourvasei. Info and tickets here.
A Covert Affair | theSpace On The Mile | 11-23 Aug
A story set in Budapest at the height of the Cold War, in which two spies have been sent on a mission of seduction and espionage in order to discover state secrets. Unfortunately the two operatives, despite being closely monitored, fall for each other and end up giving up all the information that they have. Interesting, right? Info and tickets here.
CAMDEN FRINGE>>
I Believe In One Bach | Etcetera Theatre | 1-3 Aug
Hurrah, we're right at the start of the most exciting festival season of the year. Well, if you're me. For the Camden Fringe has begun and the Edinburgh Fringe is poised to begin, and we have a whole lot of related tips for you. So, up first at Camden Fringe, a dark psychological drama about an ageing violinist reaching for inspiration from Bach. Info here.
Tales From The Wasteland: Post Apocalyptic Improv | The Courtyard Theatre | 31 Jul-3 Aug
And we are sticking with Camden Fringe, of course, for this is a Camden Fringe tips section, and you know that we were always going to pull out at least one improv show from the stellar line up. I am especially attracted to this one on account of it's USP, which is that it's post-apocalyptic. Always enjoy a bit of dystopia, me. Click here.
Bloody, Bloody Kansas | Hen & Chickens Theatre | until 2 Aug (pictured)
Here's an intriguing one: a dive into a dark bit of American history based on the true story of the West's first known serial killing family. It focuses on Mary York, "a grieving widow turned relentless detective, piecing together a puzzle of violence, justice, and memory". I hate serial killing, obv, but I do find the subject compelling. More here.
MORE CAMDEN FRINGE>>
Romeo & Juliet: Out Of Pocket | The Courtyard Theatre | 1-3 Aug (pictured)
Hang on, what's this? A second section of Camden Fringe tips? You weren't expecting that, were you? Well, there are just so many good shows I couldn't help myself. And here we have a bit of a 'reimagined classics' theme. First up is this witty comedy in which a pair of academics rewrite what happened to Shakespeare's most famous lovers. Head this way.
The Musical Medea | Upstairs At The Gatehouse | 1-3 Aug
Okay, let's move on from bard-inspired (though not too far away - see next tip) for some classical Greek-based stuff. Here we have a new folk musical retelling of the story of Medea. "Leaving behind the safety of her homeland, Medea places her trust in Jason and his promise of a glittering future together. But is her faith well placed?" Details here.
Mercutio | Lion & Unicorn Theatre | 1-3 Aug
So, final Camden Fringe tip for the week and it's back to Shakespearey stuff, and more R+J in fact, really, as this is the young lovers' tale told from the perspective of a lot of people's favourite character, the ill fated Mercutio. It's set on a British council estate, shifting the setting from the wealth and privilege of the original. See the festival website here.
CHILDREN'S SHOWS>>
The Baddies | Cadogan Hall | 1-24 Aug
I thought it was a good time to reflect on the fact that it's the school holidays right now and therefore suggest some stuff to keep the small ones occupied during the next few weeks. Let's head first to Cadogan Hall for 'The Baddies', which is an adaptation of an inevitably highly popular work by that there Julia Donaldson. Book here.
Sunshine Tales | Chickenshed Theatre | 30 Jul-10 Aug (pictured)
There's actually loads of stuff coming up soon at Chickenshed for your tots, and this, an interactive show for children under six, was my first pick, but equally check out shows like 'The Scruffapillar', 'Tales From The British Library', 'Opera Blurgh' and 'Tales Big Day Out'. You can find links to all of them here, just scroll right using the arrow to see them all.
The Elves And The Shoemaker | Greenwich Theatre | 30 Jul-24 Aug
"Welcome to the greatest shoe shop in the world - well, almost! Times are tough, the rent is due, and the shoes just aren't selling like they used to. But when two mischievous, magical elves sneak in after dark, everything changes..." It's the classic tale, it's on for most of the summer, and it's suitable for ages three and up. Click here for more.
EDINBURGH PREVIEWS>>
For The Plot | The Glitch | 3 Aug
And now, because of course, the Edinburgh Festival is just about to begin (and some shows will have even begun by the time you are all reading this, even though it doesn't officially kick off until Friday), let's talk about shows that are yet to preview in London before heading north. This one's about a cute couple who go on a dating show. Find out more here.
Side Quest | The Hope Theatre | 3 Aug (pictured)
Anyone up for a choose your own adventure type fantasy show? I undoubtedly am, and feel pretty good about the idea of entrusting an evening to The Dirty 20, a Sheffield-based group of improvisers, comedians, musicians and actors. Go on, go help create characters for this whimsical journey, and expect giant dice. Info here.
Abhorrent Little Scrotum & Hunger | Drayton Arms Theatre | 1 Aug
This is good because it's a double, you basically get two edfringe preview shows in one. The first is a new "surreal, darkly comic cyber-thriller about fractured identity and broken friendship", the second is "the portrait of a starving writer in an unforgiving city", based on Knut Hamsun's modernist novel of the same name. All sounds good, right? Head this way.
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