In his first guest post for Culch.ie, EOIN KILKENNY, Edinburgh Fringe veteran (and working at it this year *jealous*), offers some indispensable advice on where to go and what to see. Warning: this post will make you wish you were in Scotland.
With over 2500 shows and events in one city, the place to be this August is Edinburgh. And with the world’s best comedy and theatre on display, in over 250 venues, just an hour away there is no reason not to go. Having been to the fringe for the last 5 years I know that there is absolutely something for everyone and for any length of stay. I’m going to take a brief look as some of the Irish artists on display as well as some recommendations on what to do.
Irish Theatre
From the company that just finished “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”, Making Strange present “Luck”. It’s the critically acclaimed one-woman show based on performer Megan Riordan’s own life as the daughter of a professional Vegas gambler. This show won the Bewley’s Cafe Theatre Award at the 2008 Dublin Fringe Festival takes the shape of a quiz show come cocktail party where the audience’s luck determines the show they will see. It’s a fantastically fun hour and is the essence of what the Edinburgh fringe is all about.
Little Gem by Elaine Murphy is another award winner from the Dublin Fringe last year (Best Writing and Female Performance). This Gúna Nua/Civic Theatre Production takes place in what is generally considered the best theatre venue during the Fringe - Traverse Theatre (its almost won as many awards for its bar as it has its theatre!).
Amber has fierce bad indigestion and the Sambuca’s aren’t getting rid of it… Lorraine attacks a customer at work and her boss wants her to see a psychiatrist… Kay’s got an itch ‘down there’ that Gem can’t scratch…but maybe Kermit can… Paul - the bollix - uses Amber as just a ‘handy hole’ until he can get to Australia… The hairy man fancies Lorraine but fails to rise to the occasion… And Gem doesn’t like the neighbours coming in to ‘mind’ him. And if all that isn’t bad enough, little Gem makes his presence felt and…well…life is never the same again!
Its not all at the fringe as there are 6 festivals running concurrently during august. In the Edinburgh International Festival, Dublin’s Gate Theatre will be presenting its world renowned Friel Season: Faith Healer, Afterplay, and The Yalta Game. Originally staged for the Sydney Festival it features some fantastic stars such as Ingrid Craigie, Kim Durham, Owen Roe, Francesca Annis, Niall Buggy, Risteárd Cooper and Rebecca O’Mara. Critically acclaimed for producing classic Irish productions, the Gate is perfect for celebrating Friel’s 80th Birthday.
Irish comedy
Dead Cat Bounce have already made huge waves in Ireland and around the world and their new show Wired is absolutely one not to be missed. A perfect mix of rock, roll and sketch comedy. ‘A sketch show with a brain and a black sense of humour - **** (Chortle.co.uk).
Winner of the best comedy award in the world (if.comedy) at edinburgh last year. The man with the tiny keyboards comes returns with an all new show. A masterful wit and wonderful musical whimsy.
A new star of RTE’s The Panel, Jarlath’s nice guy style of comedy is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon at the fringe. ‘Side-splitting stuff’ - **** (Metro). ‘The perfect tea time show’ (Chortle.co.uk).
Best of the Rest
Clearly there isn’t nearly enough time or space to mention every show I would like to. However with over 2500 shows there is something for everyone from world famous comedians like Jimmy Carr to children shows like Les Enfants Terrible or musicals like RENT. For recommendations check out Fringe website www.edfringe.com or
The Scotsman or just arrive with an open mind and see what happens. To catch the best in theatre I would recommend the Traverse Theatre which has over 10 shows a day. For comedy your best going to the Gilded Balloon or Pleasance . For a nice mix head to Underbelly or Assembly. Having said that Edinbugh is a great city for getting lost in and is the perfect size for walking. So moving between venues for different shows is effortless.
Practicalities
With 4 flights a day with both Ryanair and Aer Lingus and a fast and frequent airport bus getting to Edinburgh couldn’t be easier. Once there head towards the Royal Mile and Old Town, pick up some flyers and review sheet and get to the box office. Most shows cost are around £10 so getting to see the best comedy or theatre is also good value. If your so inclined you could get to 9 or 10 different shows a day or kick back, enjoy some of the great bars and restaurants and just catch one of the many award winning shows on across the day.
Useful Links
www.edfringe.com - For Show info and tickets
If you can go and see Glen Wool, brilliant Canadian comedian
well done Eoin. Great guide. Exactly what it said it would do….. make me wanna be there. bulaidh bós mór
Eoin, a great first post. I’d love to be heading over to Edinburgh with you.
Hey guys, come and support DOLORES at the Space @ Jurys 6-29th at 5.30pm, we are Fringe newbies and need all the Irish support we can get!
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