Bella’s Pick of The Fringe

STORM

Sunday 15th August, North Berwick

I have long adored puppets, and if the concept of a 10m tall beautiful god monster wandering the quaint streets of North Berwick thrills you as much as it does me, then STORM might be the event for you. Made by Vision Mechanic’s out of entirely recycled materials, the giant puppet Storm is an omen from the ocean. This free outdoor theatrical event will see her, aided by no less than eight puppeteers, visiting the East Lothian town as part of Fringe by The Sea.

Shiva’s Camino

6th – 12th August, MultiStory

If, like me, you get childishly hyped by dance-offs, then you’ll probably like Shiva’s Camino. A dance show that celebrates cultural connection and exchange, it is a medley of Flamenco, traditional Scottish dance, Indian classical, Bollywood and contemporary dance, all performed to exhilarating live music.

Kathleen Jamie, Peter Mackay & Don Paterson : Heavenly Scottish Poetry

25th August, The New York Times Theatre

Three of Scotland’s leading poets will join together for this one event, to talk about the history of Scotland as a haven for poetic excellence and their new anthology – The Golden Treasury of Scottish Verse. Kathleen Jamie, Peter Mackay and Don Patterson will be reading from the book and discussing the reasons for their selections.

1 Man 8 Mile

23rd – 29th August, Canon’s Gait

Improv comedy can be the most milk-curdling of cringes, unless, of course, you are in the trusty hands of a pro, which in the case of 1 Man 8 Mile, you certainly will be. MC Hammersmith, aka Will Naameh, is the best middle class improv comedy rapper out there, perhaps even the only one. Naameh presents an entirely improvised hip-hop comedy show based on audience suggestions. “You’ll leave utterly astounded at the speed of his brain, the spontaneity of his jokes and the stability of his upbringing”.

My Car Plays Tapes

6th – 29th August, Summerhall

My Car Plays Tapes is the new storytelling show by poet and writer, John Osborne, about getting older, jobs, cars that don’t really work and how to make big decisions in your life. John comes to the Fringe every year with a new story, and they are always delightful, always humble, funny, moving and charming. I can guarantee you will have a very pleasant hour indeed.

Shooglenifty

25th – 26th August, Multistory

Acid croft icons Shooglenifty are hoping to blow away the Covid cobwebs with their first live Edinburgh performance since 2019. Once of Scotland’s best and most cherished bands, Shooglenifty have been fusing traditional melodies with beats and bass lines, and spreading the joy, for over thirty years. The Shoogles will be appearing at new outdoor Fringe venue Multistory, and I can not wait to have my face melted, though, having to remain seated during their set will be, I imagine, quite the challenge.

Lament For Sheku Bayoh

25th – 28th August, The Lyceum

Hannah Lavery’s artistically interesting, grief-stricken response to the death in police custody of Sheku Bayoh returns to The Lyceum. Lament For Sheku Bayoh is a look at the human behind the headlines, and the issues of racism and identity in Scotland. An important and beautifully constructed play is finally getting the live audience it deserves.

An Evening With Issy Suttie

August 18th, YOTEL

Okay, so this one might be a bit cheeky, but what is being an Arts Editor for if not promoting your own gigs? I will be appearing at An Evening With Issy Suttie, supporting the multi-hyphenated and multi-talented Issy Suttie, and poet and author Salena Godden, in this warm evening of poetry, book-based conversation and belly laughs.

 

 

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