Shouldn’t be on this blog but a few August days in Edinburgh. Six shows, an art exhibition and a few bits and pieces. Our tale as it happened.
Best of John Betjemen – St Cuthberts Church – It’s not advertised as in 2 parts. We only went to the evening performance and discovered that this covers the latter part of his life. Can’t say I’m well up on JB so it was enough. Lance Pierson the actor who recites the life story and poems does a good job of making them come to life and I think is a member of the John Betjemen Society. Good show for showing how poetry can be brought to life, broadening knowledge and a sense of culture if you want that but don’t like JB much.
Art Exhibition – Spain – National Gallery – I’m not a particular fan of Spain but this awoke some interest. It tells a story through art of the links between Britain and Spain. Whether through art itself or through military and political events that have resulted in art. The different styles and art of Goya and Picasso, with some El Greco and someone beginning with a V, as well as British and Scottish artists who lived or visited.
John Hegley – Pleasance – I’m a fan of JH. This year was an improvement on last years and very good, although he might be overplaying his French family background. His props are good especially the ironing board and Henry. These are one of his strong points as well as his trademark turns of mood. Even up against a baby making sounds right through the act – can’t think how anyone would bring a baby into a show like that – I can probably understand the PC arguments for it even if I don’t agree. Ban the baby.
4 poofs and a piano – Pleasance – A late choice and thought it would be in a small place. No, it’s in a big place. Pretty full as well. One of the best shows for entertainment and upbeat. A bit doubtful at times bringing you into their world of 4 poof behaviour. I’d recommend this to anyone who won’t be upset about their world.
Rhod Gilbert – Pleasance – Big place, full, big build up. Fast talking bad tempered show. Pretty good, a lot of laughs although you might agree that going insane about a washing machine isn’t worth the bother. Seems to build up to about 10 minutes from the end and then starts to go downhill with a levelling end.
Clive James – Assembly – Conversation with Garrison Keillor around midday in a large hall. This was a late choice and probably my favourite show. Never heard of Garrison but he was interesting. Clive looked a bit worn and admits to being close to death with his creased clothes and walking stiffly and breathlessly across the stage. You might not agree with what he says and sometimes he seems to be just wrong but somehow whatever comes out of his mouth is interesting and entertaining and I want to hear more.
Paul Merton Impro Chums- Pleasance – Sold out and this year we got tickets at last. If you like party games you’d like this and most of the audience seemed to. Personally I hate party games and Paul and his chums were witty at times but it seemed a bit pointless. Wished we’d seen Grave Situation instead by Young Pleasance, I think, their costume and props looked good.
Life of Lola Mendez – New Town Theatre – A youngish cast playing a true (I think) story about a Flamenco dancing lady from Spain or was it Ireland. This was a typical Fringe theatre show and the sort I like to see at Edinburgh. Well played, if overplayed, by people you’ve never heard of with plenty of imagination. Shame we didn’t see more like it.
Went in Canongate Kirk and there was a rehearsal for a Chinese Music Show featuring a counter-tenor. After the hubbub of the Royal Mile this was an oasis of relaxation in a nice church. The rehearsal sounded good and different.
Book Festival – We like to nosey in here and would like to hear a talk but I’m more interested in technology and so my wife has to find something that will be at least tolerable for me. This hasn’t happened yet although I did enjoy hearing Garrison Keillor talking to Clive James so I can feel an in on this.
Meals: David Bann – good veggie meal, staff seemed to be going through the motions. Pizza Express near Holyrood – smart building a bit echo and squeaky, pleasant service. Hendersons Café – OK veggie, well worn but cheapish, friendly chappie cleaning tables.
We’re foot sloggers and came home well worn. Pleasance – Assembly Hall and back becomes a chore – needs a tram line. Princes Street dug up for trams – makes it quiet though. Other thing is watching big names makes you want to queue and this sucks your time. Also long queue at the Fringe Booking Office, I’ll do all my booking on the internet next time.
Overall a good visit – must see more theatre and less ‘names’. What would I see again: Clive James, John Hegley and 4 poofs so negating my previous sentence but I’d add in an unheard of or two.