EDINBURGH FRINGE 2015
United Agents has some fantastic talent up in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival this year. Here's a full list of all our unmissable shows.
Adam Riches, Charles Booth, Liz Kingsman, Stevie Martin and Richard Gadd
21:45 (1 hr)
Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
Aug 12-30
Let's get ready to Volfsball as the Queen Dome Centaurs battle the Courtyard Lizards in the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award winner's brand new show that just so happens to be the greatest frickin' sports movie you ever done saw, live on stage! 'A triumph of cunningly crafted, high-energy character comedy' (Time Out). 'Will make you laugh yourself silly and what could be better than that?' (Telegraph). 'I rule in this' (Coach Coach). ***** (Telegraph). ***** (Independent). ***** (Time Out). ***** (Scotsman). ***** (Chortle.co.uk).
THE BEAU ZEAUX : AN IMPROVISED COMEDY
Marcus Brigstocke and Milly Thomas
17:45 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 13-18, 20-25, 27-30
Marcus Brigstocke, Thom Tuck, Pippa Evans, Rachel Parris lead the rotating cast becoming hilarious characters you won’t forget, creating hilarious stories before your eyes in this new improvised comedy experience. Wheels greased by Deborah Frances-White.
21:30 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon (Venue 14)
Aug 12-31
'When I'm on stage – it's a party,' quipped Bette Midler. So join in the fun, and catch Sue's Kelvin's rollercoaster ride through the Divine Miss M's fabulous career. Sue covers songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Rose, I'm a Woman and Wind Beneath Your Wings, accompanied by Tony Award-winning Sarah Travis. She explores how Bette inspired her to don seven inch platform shoes, and become a West End diva herself, starring in Wicked and Chicago. Oh, and the show also features an outrageous three minute puppet show version of Beaches. Simply divine!
Lily Arnold (Set Designer)
22:15 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61)
Aug 12-18, 20-29
World Record-holding beatboxer and acclaimed rapper Testament smashes together UK hip hop with the iconic poetry of William Blake to create his first original theatre show. Celebrating the greatest counter-cultural voices in British history, Blake Remixed fuses music and storytelling with a live DJ and interactive video. Made in collaboration with Scratch DJ World Champion DJ Woody, this is a coming of age story with a difference. Through a varied career Testament has worked with leading artists including Kate Tempest, Shlomo and Grammy winner Corinne Bailey Rae. 'Brimming with skills' (Soweto Kinch, Mercury Nominee and MOBO winner).
17:05 (1 hr)
Roundabout @ Summerhill (Venue 26a)
Aug 12-17, 19-24, 26-30
Eastern Angles and Unity Theatre, Liverpool present Chicken, a darkly comic new play by Molly Davies. Set in a dystopian future where people from the north and south are alienated from one another, London sits above the chaos as a sovereign state. Davies, whose previous credits include A Miracle and God Bless the Child (Royal Court), Shooting Truth (National Theatre Connections) and Orpheus and Eurydice (NYT/Old Vic Tunnels), has created a wonderfully twisted world where communities collide, families are fractured and the agricultural idyll is distorted beyond recognition.
12:55 (1 hr)
Southsider (Venue 148)
Aug 12-17, 19-24, 26-29
Word shouter Oh Standfast and Cassie Atkinson (E4's Drifters) offer the absurd observed. Megaphones, bad dancing, bags for life and Britpop included. 'Totally refreshing hilarious powerful performance' (Specialist Subject). 'Ones to watch 2015' (Angel Resident).
12:30 (55 mins)
Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68b)
Aug 12-17, 19-24, 26-30
Nottingham's third best lady female hip hop MC (from the Bestwood Park/Top Valley area) Dani Frankenstein brings her unique mix of sexy ballads and high energy beats to Edinburgh. A new show from Danielle Ward, Time Out award-winning comedian, writer and musician and brains behind Fringe hits Gutted, Karaoke Circus and Do The Right Thing. Heard on Radio 4's News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth and Dilemma (which she also invented), seen on Mock the Week, Newswipe and NBC's Last Comic Standing. 'Very funny' (Guardian). 'Tina Fey meets Ghostface Killah' (some drunk guy).
15:15 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
Daphne are a brand new sketch trio, who are Phil Wang, Jason Forbes and George Fouracres. The group has appeared in various incarnations on Channel 4; BBCs One, Two and Three; and BBC Radio 4. Witness the wise wit of Wang, the flawless physicality of Forbes, and also George, in the group's premiere hour. Praise for Phil Wang: 'Certain belly laughs' ***** (Times). Praise for Jason Forbes: 'Perfect comic timing' ***** (Tab.co.uk). Praise for George Fouracres: 'Manic vaudeville spirit' **** (Skinny).
17:20 (50 mins)
Just the Tonic at The Mash (Venue 288)
Aug 12-17, 19-30
Don’t be frightened, little deer, be fabulous! Charles Booth (one of Time Out’s Character Comedians to Watch and graduate of Second City) returns to Edinburgh with a brand new, one-man sketch show. Deer in the Spotlights is a wild solo extravaganza full of wit, warmth and some wondrous ballet. Expect an hour of dazzling originality and sweeping variety – there might even be a unitard involved! ‘Booth’s acting range is mightily impressive’ (Time Out). ‘A masterclass in restrained comic performance’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Utterly convincing and with genuine range…There’s a TV show in this one’ (LondonIsFunny.com).
17:30 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon (Venue 14)
Aug 12-18, 20-31
A tale of two British women, born 175 years apart. One’s a schoolgirl jihadi; the other a Victorian bluestocking. Both travel to the East to build Empires; both meet tragedy in blood-soaked lands. Timely drama, by lead Spitting Image writer Henry Naylor. His last play, The Collector won the Fringe First, and got nine four- or five- star reviews – including: ***** (Scotsgay), **** (Scotsman), ***** (ExeuntMagazine.com), **** (Metro), ***** ‘Fringe theatre isn’t just about performing on a budget; it’s an opportunity to present new, concise and thought-provoking works. Few are as stirring as this’ (TheGizzleMagazine.com).
ERIC MEAT HAS NO PROOF, ONLY MEMORIES OF PASTA
13:30 (50 mins)
Heroes @ The Hive (Venue 313)
Aug 12-30
Brice is back with a host of silly characters. Eric Meat is heartbroken, can't cook spaghetti, and out to do what he wants. Join him as he tries to find out exactly who he is. It could be disastrous. It will definitely be ridiculous. Come, join the fun! Be sure to bring your frog hats! ‘Joyously bonkers ... the perfect level of exaggerated oddness without tipping into the self-indulgent’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ’A twinkle-eyed, moustachioed comedy natural’ ***** (ShortCom.co.uk). ‘Completely bizarre... deadpan, yet totally off the wall’ **** (ThreeWeeks).
23:00 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-16
The Free Association is proud to present an hour of the finest and funniest improvised comedy on the Fringe. This 'hugely talented supergroup' (TimeOut) features members of Austentatious, Max and Ivan, Showstoppers, Lazy Susan, Boom! Chicago and the world famous UCB Theatre in LA. For each show, the FA players will be joined by a different celebrity special guest, and, based on the guest's stories, will spin spontaneous sketches and scenes to create an entirely new, entirely hilarious show every night! 'Expect high-quality made-up-on-the-spot funnies' (TimeOut).
14:00 (1hr 10mins)
Underbelly Potterrow (Venue 358)
Aug 12-16, 18-30
Blackmail... Harassment... Humiliation... How far would you go to get a table at the smartest restaurant in town? Sam Peliczowski is in demand, manning the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan's number one eatery, and everyone wants a piece of him. As he juggles scheming socialites, name-dropping wannabes, fickle celebrities and an egomaniacal boss, Sam also has to sort out his own life and flagging career. This blisteringly funny play features over forty characters in an unforgettable comedy tour-de-force. 'An immensely entertaining, scalding funny play about the bad behaviour that good food can inspire' (NY Times).
GABRIEL BISSET-SMITH TELLS THE MOST ORIGINAL AND FUNNY JOKE IN THE UNIVERSE
Vicky Jones (Director)
21:30 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61)
Aug 12-18, 20-30
Multi-award winning performer Gabriel Bisset-Smith will take you on a journey of intergalactic travel, strange sexual positions, bizarre dance routines, Kanye West and unhinged murder to deliver you ultimate hilarity (or will he?). 'Hilarious' ***** (EdFringeReview.com). 'Weepingly funny' ***** (Gay Times). 'Blade sharp writing' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Glorious' **** (ThreeWeeks).
Ti Green (Set Designer)
16:15 (1 hr 15 mins)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-16, 18-23, 25-30
A surprising tale of love and loss, set amidst the excesses of 1990s New York, adapted from Josh Kilmer-Purcell's bestselling autobiography. By turns brutal, funny and heartfelt this one-man show recounts a time when Josh found himself working as a drag queen, battling his own alcoholism, and desperately trying to make a relationship work with Jack, a high-class rent boy addicted to crack. Written and performed by Tom Stuart (Shakespeare's Globe). Directed by Nick Bagnall (Henry VI Trilogy, **** Guardian). Produced by Herald Angel award winners Fuel.
17:30 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61)
Aug 12-30
This is a show about: Love? Becoming a mother! Exes (all names may not have been changed). A stage version of Jessie's illustrations. 'A charming hour of character comedy and loving literary silliness.' (Independent). 'Cave has charm and an infectious enthusiasm' (Evening Standard). 'Great energy, wit and affection’ (ThreeWeeks). 'A fun, quirky, tumultuous hour' (Chortle.co.uk).
13:20 (1 hr)
Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
Seances, spirituality, immortality and magic. The true story of the deadly feud between Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Starring Phill Jupitus as Conan Doyle and Alan Cox as Houdini. By Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky, writers of previous Edinburgh smash hits Coalition: 'real class... don't miss it' **** (Times), 'terrific' **** (Metro), 'an absolute gem' ***** (Sunday Express), 'slick and funny' **** (Scotsman), Making News: 'barrel of laughs' **** (Sunday Express), **** (ThreeWeeks), **** (Times) and Kingmaker: 'sharply satirical' **** (List, 'hugely entertaining' **** (ThreeWeeks), 'brilliantly written' (BroadwayWorld.com). Directed by the multi award-winning Hannah Eidinow.
17:10 (1 hr)
The Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68b)
Aug 12-30
In 1964 at the height of Beatle-mania John Lennon released his first book In His Own Write. A zany, hilarious and sophisticated collection of stories, scenes and poems, it was beloved by critics and audiences alike providing a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the world's most famous wordsmiths. Baldynoggin Productions are delighted to present the entire book on stage for the first time and completely free as part of PBH's Free Fringe.
16:25 (1 hr)
The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4 (Venue 12)
Aug 12-16, 18-22
The star of Live at the Apollo, QI and The Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and hilariously funny Canadian returns to the Festival. Direct from a complete sell-out national tour throughout the UK and Australia, Katherine premieres her eagerly awaited brand new show. Put this at the top of your must-see list for this year’s Fringe. ‘Young, smart and acridly funny’ (Sunday Times). ‘Thoughtful, funny and just twisted enough’ (Times). ‘Warped wit … striking presence … killer lines … calm confidence’ (Scotsman). **** (Fest). **** (Independent). **** (Chortle.co.uk).
21:10 (1 hr)
Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68)
Aug 12-18, 20-30
In 2003 Lance Armstrong won his 5th Tour de France title, and a young boy in West Yorkshire believed in him. Now a character comedian, he (the boy) returns to the Fringe with a heartfelt and hilarious story of growing up, betrayal by professional athletes, and redemption. Star of What the Future, The Lentil Sorters (BBC Radio 4), not star but definitely in Siblings (BBC Three), Count Arthur Strong (BBC Two), Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa. 'Top five of the Free Fringe 2014' (Times), 'Elegant and impressive...really funny' **** (Fest), 'Hodgson is delightful to spend time with' (Guardian).
LETLUCE IN SEA MEN (A NAVAL TALE)
16:15 (1 hr)
Cowgatehead (Venue 32)
Aug 12-17, 19-31
Charmingly anarchic breakthrough duo LetLuce were wholly responsible for 2014 word of mouth hit Show Pony. Put your lovely armbands on for an absurdist, magical voyage and more 'excellent surreal mayhem’ (Sunday Times). ‘Skilful, joyful, old-fashioned clowning … the duo are great company ... wonderfully funny’ (Guardian). ‘Oddly delightful, too many moments of total brilliance, completely nonsensical yet an utter delight’ (List). ‘This breakthrough duo take the chaotic whimsy of The Boosh and raise it a notch or two ... stardom beckons’ (Sunday Times). 'Fantastic comedy' (Jennifer Saunders).
Adam Riches and Russell Bolam (Playwright)
14:00 (1 hr 10 mins)
Assembly George Square (Venue 17)
Aug 12-18, 20-30
Marriage: Institutional. Inevitable. Inescapable. Awful, isn't it? Gogol's delirious classic gets a fresh twist in a new adaptation by Tom Parry (Pappy's). Starring an all-star sketch comedy super-group including Adam Riches (Edinburgh Comedy Award winner), Ben Clark (Pappy's, Badults), and members of Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Lazy Susan and The Beta Males (Radio 4). Directed by Russell Bolam. 'A riotous adaptation of a classic' **** (Daily Telegraph, on School for Scandal).
16:15 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon (Venue 14)
Aug 12-16, 18-30
One of last year's best-reviewed shows at the Fringe (Comedy.co.uk) returns with another hour of slick sketch comedy. Fresh from this year's London Sketchfest, book ahead to avoid disappointment. 'This show couldn't get much better' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Quite unlike any other sketch show you will see’ **** (Scotsman). 'Remarkable!' ***** (TheNewCurrent.co.uk). 'Hypersonic comedic perfection!' **** (Skinny). 'We want more!' ***** (EdfringeReview.com).
MR SUSIE’S LAST CHANCE CABARET
21:00 (55 mins)
Just the Tonic at the Caves – Salvation Room (Venue 88a)
Aug 12-30
Mr Susie has one hour to save cabaret. Being from another planet he has no idea what cabaret is. Mark Davison (BBC Three's Cuckoo, C4's Toast of London and The Doctor Brown Show, he is also one third of online sketch trio The Exploding Heads) returns with last year's show updated with new content for 2015. ‘Promise to go to Mr Susie’s Last Chance Cabaret. This is a brilliant show’ (Guardian). Nominated for Best Newcomer 2015 at The London Cabaret Awards.
NATASIA DEMETRIOU AND ELLIE WHITE ARE MOTHER AND BABY
20:30 (45 mins)
Banshee Labyrinth – Venue 156
Aug 12-22, 24-30
Come and sit in a cinema and watch two dogs show you their tricks. By cult women Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White. As seen and heard on: Vic and Bob's House of Fools (BBC Two), Tim Key's Late Night Poetry Programme (BBC Radio 4), Sweat the Small Stuff (BBC Three), Dr Brown (Channel 4) and Top Coppers (BBC Three). ‘Undisputed stars’ (Fest). ‘Comic genius’ (Skinny).
17:45 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-17, 19-31
Award-winning idiot and quirky rising star Harriet Kemsley brings her much anticipated debut hour to the Fringe. Isn't she brave? As seen on the BBC Three's Comedy Marathon, BBC Radio 1's Comedy Lounge, Funny Rotten Scoundrels on London Live and as tour support for Katherine Ryan and Stephen Merchant. 'A very funny new stand-up' (Time Out).
19:30 (50 mins)
C Venues – C nova (Venue 145)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
Sin, sanctity and self are consumed in this post-dramatic tour of loss, life and love, featuring original music, choreography and film in a theatrical feast of narcissism and recollection. An internationally acclaimed success, As Thyself is part one of The Remnants, two plays by Isla van Tricht, storming up to Edinburgh from London's West End this summer. 'Sensitive and entrancing, harrowing yet beautiful; completely fascinating' (University Radio York). 'A bold success' **** (Nouse).
21:30 (1 hr)
C Venues – C Nova (Venue 145)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
Poetry, film and storytelling relate the chronologically jumbled, dysfunctional love story of two hearts that have finished colliding, underscored by original music. Threadbare is the second half of The Remnants, a double bill by Isla van Tricht storming up to Edinburgh direct from London's West End. Shrapnel Theatre is a new London based company committed to making reckless, dysfunctional theatre. 'Threadbare will be adored by fans of films like (500) Days of Summer' **** (Nouse).
20:00 (1hr 30 mins)
BBC @ Potterrow (Venue 25)
Aug 19
Comedian Isy Suttie presents three sketch groups performing at this year’s Fringe for the brand new series of Radio 4’s popular comedy showcase, Sketchorama. Come and see the rising stars of sketch comedy!
Vicky Jones (Director)
23:00 (50 mins)
Banshee Labyrinth (Venue 156)
Aug 12-18, 20-30
Fantastical absurd one-man sketch show. Imagination and reality collide in the world of Simon Slack, whose fantasy of the show is very different from reality. Late night comedy madness with music, dancing and special guests. Praise for Guilt and Shame: ‘Comedy gold’ ***** (Gay Times). ‘His performance is incredibly energetic and brilliant to watch’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Rob revels in exceptional physical comedy’ **** (EdFringeReview.com).
Lily Arnold (Set Designer)
16:00 (1 hr 20 mins)
Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
Aug 13-16, 18-23, 25-30
'It's not like riding a bike. Sex. It's far more complicated.' Phil and Alice are in love – familiar, flawed, ordinary love. Phil and Alice are on a journey, but this journey doesn't have an A to Z. Tender and compelling, this world premiere from award-winning playwright Jack Thorne is an unsettling play about loss and love. Jack Thorne recently adapted the cult Let the Right One In for the stage, while for television his credits include Glue, Skins and Shameless. All performances include audio description and creative captioning.
18:50 (1 hr)
Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
Aug 12-17, 19-31
Sketch comedy masterminds Massive Dad are back and they've brought a show with them. Join them for the absolute best of their material so far – 'even the throwaway jokes are hilarious' **** (Guardian). As seen at BBC Potterrow, Latitude Festival and BBC Radio 4. Best New Sketch Act finalists 2014 and Time Out Ones to Watch. Book now before they sell out or the festival ends. 'Outstanding' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'For a how-to-guide on sketch comedy, see Massive Dad' **** (Time Out). 'An idea of what comedy's future might look like' (Independent).
Russell Bolam (Playwright)
17:25 (1 hr 10 mins)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-16, 18-23, 25-31
John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sliding Doors, The Mummy) stars in this madcap comedy of illusion. Four tramps huddle together at an abandoned railway station, full of vodka-fuelled dreams of escaping on one of the passing trains. But the trains never stop. Until one day, a dishevelled stranger is thrown into their midst. He claims to be the great Houdini, and promises that together they will perform the most astonishing vanishing act the world has ever seen. A UK premiere by Hristo Boytchev (British Council International Playwriting Award) in a new translation by Steve King.
14:30 (1hr 15 mins)
C Venues (Venue 34)
Aug 16-31
A dark tale of violence and revenge. After ten years of bitter war, Rome may be ready for peace, but Titus Andronicus wants one more execution. Watch as schoolyard bullies and awkward nerds take on Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedy. As playground rivalries get out of hand, a chain of horrific events is set in motion that will wash the city in blood. Throats are slit, limbs are removed; power, revenge and cannibalism are all on the menu.
23:30 (1 hr)
Banshee Labyrinth (Venue 156)
Aug 12-16, 18-30
The troubled comedian returns to the festival for the third year running (Cheese and Crack Whores, 2013; Breaking Gadd, 2014) having received rave reviews, sell-out crowds, critical acclaim, two West End transfers, and a Skinny Fringe Genius Award nomination for Innovation and Originality 2014. ‘Exhilarating, upsetting, and appallingly funny’ ***** (Scotland on Sunday). ‘The king of indie anti-humour’ **** (Skinny). ‘Dementedly brilliant’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Bristling with dark, edgy creativity’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). 'One of the most truly alive things at the Fringe' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE : THE TENSION BETWEEN ART AND POLITICS
15:35 (1 hr 30 mins)
Underbelly Potterrow (Venue 358)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
World premiere of explosive political short plays by writers including Caryl Churchill, Neil LaBute and Timberlake Wertenbaker, followed by energetic post-show audience discussions with stellar panels exploring freedom of expression in the UK arts today. 'Superb ... An incredibly important production' ***** (TheMetropolist.com). 'Bravo! ... Truly entertains while challenging, and that is no mean feat!' (HuffingtonPost.co.uk).
12:15 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon (Venue 14)
Aug 12-17, 19-31
Based on true events. An engaging and unsettling drama in one act. Wasted explores the grey area in consensual sex and how outside pressures can blur the lines of what did happen and what we think happened. This dark drama puts the audience in the jury seat and forces us to make a judgement on a crime which is based on feelings and emotions rather than fact and evidence. Starring Will Merrick (Skins, About Time) and Serena Jennings. From the writer of Belfast Boy, 2014 Fringe Review Outstanding Theatre Award.
Ian Pattison (Playwright)
20:15 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon (Venue 14)
Aug 12-16, 18-31
Willie and Sebastian were friends. Willie was a theatre producer, Sebastian was, well ... Sebastian. Both squandered vast fortunes. Both were hopeless romantics. Both were crack addicts. Did I mention they happened to fall in love with the same girl? Well, they did. Hopelessly, of course. If you’d like to see how that worked out, do join us. Oh, and check your morals at the door. Written by Rab C Nesbitt creator Ian Pattison, starring Andy Gray, Grant Stott, Michelle Gallagher and directed by Sam Kane. From the 2013 Fringe First-winning Kiss Me Honey, Honey! team.
22:30 (1 hr)
Assembly George Square (Venue 8)
Aug 12-16, 18-30
Your friend and ours Andrew Maxwell is back and funnier than ever for his 21st appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He just can't get enough of you, and we know you feel the same! One of the planet’s most natural comics returns to Edinburgh for yet another thought-provoking, charming and hilarious hour. A masterful show where anecdotes and observations are interwoven with razor sharp political and social commentary. ‘Stand-up is rarely this politically well informed or thought provoking’ ***** (Scotsman). ‘Fiercely funny and utterly invigorating’ ***** (Times).
YOU LOOK TASTY! (A PLAY BY A. TIGER)
11:45 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Aug 12-17, 19-24, 26-31
The London Zoo Players are staging a play. But with a tiger loose and their dedicated/delicious cast missing, will the show go on? A carnivorous comedy for brave families and children aged 5+.