The Stage / Edinburgh Reviews

The Lie-In, the Itch and the Whore's Robe, Rocket - Demarco Roxy Art House

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:36:29 +0100

Time never drags in this entertaining and watchable, though insubstantial, physical theatre piece.

Flamenco, Flamenco!, Pleasance Dome

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:19:00 +0100

Fascinating flamenco music and dance, with guitarist Ricardo Garcia.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical, C

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:13:07 +0100

Trailer trashiness triumphs in a musical bound to become a cult hit.

Deca Dance 2008, Edinburgh Playhouse

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:04:56 +0100

Excerpts from works choreographed by Ohad Naharin, bursting with vitality and wit.

Hollywould ...But Doesn't Think She'll Bother, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:46:26 +0100

Deliberately naive and brutal comedy which breaks all the rules but still succeeds.

Damian Callinan in 'mmm...They're Small', Gilded Balloon Teviot

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:43:15 +0100

Beautifully paced comedy about male infertility.

Devil's Ship, The Hub

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:01:43 +0100

Talented foreign company let down badly by weak production values.

I Went to the House but Did Not Enter, Royal Lyceum

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:58:48 +0100

Performance does texts no favours, but emerges as an exceptional event in itself.

An Evening Without Dignity, C Central

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:48:46 +0100

Quirky ideas let down by lack of finesse and too few laughs.

Will Hodgson: Chippenham On My Shoulder, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:27:46 +0100

Hodgson maturing into a comedic force to be reckoned with.

Tony of Arabia, Pleasance Dome

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:52:52 +0100

Cleverly constructed musical skit on Tony Blair and Downing Street after his departure.

Nick Mohammed is a Character Comedian, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:30:56 +0100

Crudely constructed characters that nevertheless have an appealing student-orientated charm.

Jim Rose Circus, Udderbelly's Pasture

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:01:55 +0100

Freak show shocks without crossing the line.

The Riot Showgirrrls Club, Gilded Balloon Teviot

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Maria Hodson) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:36:00 +0100

Talented singers let down by a show lacking polish.

The Pirate, The Potato and The Camel - In Space, The Space @ Venue 45

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Brian G Cooper) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:22:54 +0100

Top Edge finds the right formula again with a fine family show.

The Axis of Awesome Comeback Spectacular, Gilded Balloon Teviot

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:19:57 +0100

Surreal, infectious, hilarious songs delivered with great charm.

Pot Noodle the Musical, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:16:22 +0100

Silliness not enough to save a tacky piece of nonsense.

Maeve Higgins - Kitten Brides, Gilded Balloon Teviot

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Maria Hodson) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:14:17 +0100

Razor-sharp wit lies below a delightfully dappy persona.

Krol Roger, Festival Theatre Edinburgh

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Brian G Cooper) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:18:57 +0100

Highly satisfying modern-dress version proves an apt parable for growing consumerism.

Invasion Festival:The Self-Murder, ClubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:10:53 +0100

Believable characters let down by a narrative thrust that suffers from overly angst-ridden writing.

Class Enemy, Royal Lyceum

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:06:15 +0100

Adaptation's switch to Bosnia succeeds in harnessing energy of ensemble.

Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray, King's Theatre

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:15:49 +0100

Bourne enters exciting new territory with a sophisticated, sexy creation.

365: One Night to Learn a Lifetime, Edinburgh Playhouse

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:10:03 +0100

David Harrower's play is a disappointing attempt to depict the lives of children leaving care.

Andy White - I Think Therefore I Joke, Laughing Horse @ The Argyle

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:11:57 +0100

Engaging but too few laughs are compounded by comic's discomfort with audience.

Invasion Festival:Dance Without Movement, ClubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:55:54 +0100

Elegantly performed, well-directed play that could be improved with more focus on present emotions.

P.I.E., Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:08:29 +0100

Disappointing detective tale fails to live up to high expectations.

John Bishop: Cultural Ambassador, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:06:16 +0100

Everyman observational humour makes for pleasant if joke-light set.

Holdin' Fast, Zoo Southside

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:01:45 +0100

Innovative dance work is beautiful, but lapses with odd interludes.

The Space Between My Head and My Body, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:24:09 +0100

Strong performances are unable to bring enough coherence to the narrative.

Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams, Underbelly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:21:14 +0100

Mucky-mouthed puppet show is involving, but eventually wears thin.

Paul Kerensa - iPaul: The Great Playlist Challenge, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:17:35 +0100

Geeky musical exploration has a touching, simple message.

One More Than One, C Central

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:12:13 +0100

Stylish dance routines stay in the memory, though the dialogue falters.

Invasian Festival:It Ain't All Bollywood, ClubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:08:41 +0100

Misguided script and caricatured characters let production down.

Brendon Burns in Fk You I'm Brendon Fking Burns (Again) Part IV, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:02:35 +0100

Confrontational, foul-mouthed Burns largely lives up to expectation.

Accidental Death of an Accordionist, Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride's

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:58:56 +0100

Superb, light-hearted entertainment that ensures a great night out.

The Search for Sunshine, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:10:39 +0100

Story of Death's boredom that has interesting ideas but needs guidance from an external source.

Matt Kirshen - Keep Smiling, Matt. Just Keep Smiling, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Maria Hodson) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:51:08 +0100

Good-humoured, quality material from a likeable comedian, but could be improved with more focus.

Joan Rivers - Work In Progress By A Life In Progress, Udderbelly's Pasture

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:38:28 +0100

Well-constructed show that merges stand-up with drama and reminiscence.

Supper, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:30:14 +0100

Concept piece with pre-recorded monologues that would have worked much better on radio.

Johnny Candon: One Careless Lady Owner, The Stand Comedy Club II

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:17:24 +0100

Well-written observational comedy that deserves more than this hesitant delivery.

I Can't Sleep by David O'Doherty, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:29:34 +0100

Genius comic theatre for children, with natural performances and skilful audience involvement.

The Aluminium Show, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:25:18 +0100

Downright bizarre and inane fun involving a series of passable dance routines.

Esoterica, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Maria Hodson) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:20:15 +0100

Magician Eric Walton combines showmanship, wit and skilled sleight of hand.

Jeff Green: Life Ache, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:19:35 +0100

Easy and uncomplicated comedy focusing on the every-day, rather humdrum, experiences.

I Lost My Laugh In The Revolution, Sweet Teviot Place

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:13:15 +0100

This misguided performance of a tedious monologue is mercifully brief.

Cloudcuckooland, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Brian G Cooper) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:09:48 +0100

Energetic and surreal children's theatre with an eco-friendly message.

Chris Cross - Escaping From Reality (!), Nicol Edwards

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:06:45 +0100

Contortionist and escapologist that succeeds in creating an atmosphere of complete lunacy.

Andy Zaltzman Boldly Unbuttons the Cloak of Civilisation, but is Perplexed and Perturbed by what He Finds Lurking Beneath, The Stand Comedy Club

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:01:12 +0100

Sharp and sassy show with satirical political observations.

Bully, Gilded Balloon Teviot

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:56:37 +0100

Understated monologue of a man who isn't the bully he fears he might be.

Lloyd Langford: Not A Lover, Not A Fighter, Underbelly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:26:03 +0100

Endearing, laconic stand-up shows early promise and is a natural comedian.

The Weepers, The Zoo

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:37:00 +0100

Beautiful and atmospheric Czech physical theatre about the aftermath of a death in the family.

The Angel and the Woodcutter, Zoo Southside

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:32:30 +0100

Highly accomplished physical theatre based on a Korean folk tale – refreshingly good.

Sushi Tap Show, Greenside

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Brian G Cooper) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:09:54 +0100

A delightfully varied programme of comic sketches, mime, juggling and puppetry.

Jason Byrne: Cats Under Mats, Having Chats with Bats, Assembly @ Assembly Hall

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:04:37 +0100

A show that promises to be different every night, but equally wonderful and witty.

Elvis Hates Me!, The Zoo

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:39:09 +0100

A surreal and amusing look at mental health and the cult of celebrity.

Mortal Engine, Edinburgh Playhouse

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:20:37 +0100

Stunning choreography and impressive technology combine in an explosive performance.

Regretrosexual - The Love Story, Sweet Grassmarket

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Thom Dibdin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:08:01 +0100

An entertaining and endearing story about a metrosexual man and his relationships.

James Campbell's Shut Up Stupid, Sweet ECA

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Susan Elkin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:47:26 +0100

A cheerfully subversive look at a dysfunctional married couple.

Reception, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Nuala Calvi) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:34:17 +0100

Hilarious and surreal comedy from an assured duo with strong rapport.

The Magic Tree, Assembly @ George Street

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:49:42 +0100

Weak play that at its best rises to the level of a TiE production.

Rosas Steve Reich Evening, Festival Theatre Edinburgh

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Maria Hodson) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:45:05 +0100

A lengthy evening showcasing seven pieces of work, requiring a calm, meditative mindset.

Rob Deering - Boobs 2008, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:37:57 +0100

Rob Deering is more effective in song than trying to tell jokes.

Potency, Squash Courts @ Edinburgh Sports Club

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:34:07 +0100

This site-specific play has strong performances but an unoriginal script.

On the Waterfront, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:30:59 +0100

Translated brilliantly to the stage by Steven Berkoff, this is a polished and fully-realised show.

Mong Yeon (A Love in Dream), C

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:22:54 +0100

Evocative live music and imaginative staging that captures powerful moments of passion and loss.

Luke Toulson: There Are So Many Things I Can't Do, Pleasance Courtyard

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:18:08 +0100

Amiable comic whose audience rapport is stronger than his material.

Another Kind of Silence, Hill Street Theatre

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:15:49 +0100

A moving, timely and believable evocation of Rachel Carson.

Lost in the Wind, The Zoo

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:12:33 +0100

Lack of technical proficiency with no real plot that is not quite as original as it thinks it is.

Auditorium, C

noreply@thestage.co.uk (William McEvoy) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:57:09 +0100

Plenty of audience interaction with some strong comic performances.

Beth Becomes Her, Underbelly's Baby Belly

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:50:00 +0100

A successful combination of good story and gifted delivery.

Apes Like Me, C Soco Urban Garden

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Duska Radosavljevic) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:42:16 +0100

Fun-packed and relaxed hour of comedy banter that will send you home enlightened.

Plague! The Musical, C

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:29:28 +0100

An unlikely topic produces a delightful tongue in cheek musical.

Jumping The Shark, C Cubed

noreply@thestage.co.uk (Gerald Berkowitz) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:24:37 +0100

A sketch show with a nicely skewed sense of humour.