Monday 18th August 2008
The Corn Exchange

Often, despite best efforts, where there is room for error something will go wrong. And when this happens, just acknowledge it; deal with the problem, then come back stronger – something the success of which Maximo Park aptly demonstrated when a technical fault threatened their set.

Luckily for them, before they had even made it to the stage the Corn Exchange’s otherwise dull, pasty walls hummed with the chatter of an audience anticipating an exciting evening. So when the amps buzzed and all but cut out as the band belted out their first song, Girls Who Play Guitars, it wasn’t a huge surprise that the audience still loved it, cheerfully yelling the lyrics along with Mr Lead Singer.

And when the fault was fixed and Mr Lead Singer came back on to another round of raptuous applause, offering to play Maximo Park’s most recent hit all the way through again with better sound this time, the audience loved it even more.

What followed was an hour-long set with more energy than you’d expect from a Duracell Bunny who’d drunk a crate of Red Bull. As a result, even I, someone who was knackered from a hard day of Fringe labour and who possesses only limited knowledge of Maximo Park’s albums, was sucked in by the band’s enthusiasm. It was a joy to watch our frontman, dressed more sharply than a butcher’s knife, bound across the stage, swinging his microphone above the audience’s heads in order to pick up their word-for-word chants and just as brilliant to see the response: the rhythmic bouncing of an almost equally enthusiastic crowd.

Accompanied by snazzy lighting and performing in front of a massive, sparkly silver banner displaying their name, Maximo Park gave a lot and got a lot back, playing a range of songs old and new. The older songs were delivered with as much punch as you’d expect from having heard their records and whilst the newer stuff had a slightly more mature feel to it, the audience received it just as well and it promises to be just as exhilarating. I had come on the promise of entertainment and a good show, and in that respect Maximo Park certainly proved their worth.

Run Ends Monday 18th August 2008

Review by: Amy Brewer

Monday 25th August 2008
Liquid Rooms

Having missed out on a ‘Mercury’ nomination Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip are fervently attempting to reach number one. For this performance, however, such efforts are needless as not only has everyone memorised all the lyrics, they mimic hand gestures too. With some familiar faces in the crowd they are aware of their own popularity yet their performance never slackens and Scroobius even risks a bit of blank ‘floetry’. Although this is received by mixed applause he handles the hecklers with a similar charm to festival favourite, Tim Minchin, closing the Fringe with a timely comical act. Gimicks aside the combination of beats and poetry is gripping. This is their first Edinburgh gig and it is not a moment too soon, ‘Thou shalt always kill’ was NME’s t
rack of the week back in April 2007, surprisingly, it is not a sell out, next time around it most definately will be.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: DJ Wally

Monday 25th August 2008
Assembly @ The Queen’s Hall

Just pure flamenco, from the first clap until the last one. A well known company in many theatres around the globe. One hour and forty five minutes of energy and quality spread on the stage. Now I understand why this company has been internationally awarded.

It was a well structure performance, beginning with "La Llamada" (The call) as a clapping and singing warming up followed by "La Dama del Mar" a mix of drama theatre with contemporary flamenco dance.
After, we were delighted by the most deepest styles of flamenco: Solea, Martinete and Sigueriya. Perfectly executed, capturing skilfully the truth of flamenco. The dancers left the audience astonished, no one was able to leave the eyes away from quick and slow movements and the balance of their bodies, everything synchronized with the complex rhythm of flamenco.

It was their latest show of the festival,because the theatre was not full, some spectators moved to the free side seats, to be able to see the feet of the dancers, really important in this style. I missed the sound of the hammer during the Martinete, as there is no guitar accompanying the singer.
There was a pinch of humour at the end with a “Final party”, all standing up singing and dancing.

If you have the opportunity to watch them, do not miss it, the best flamenco performance that I have seen during the festival.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: Ivan Martin

Friday 22nd August 2008
Gilded Balloon Teviot

An other year with the gratifying presence of Gamarjobat, Ketch (red Mohican) and Hiro-pon (yellow Mohican), in the Fringe's comedy section.
No words were needed during the show. Is incredible how this funny couple can communicate so much making faces, noises and body movements.
The venue was nearly full, 80% more or less. In the stage, just them and a suitcase, that was the sign of the beginning of the show. We enjoyed some highlights of their firsts street theatre shows. They managed to make the audience cooperate arousing the improvisation of the comedians, creating a warm atmosphere, then “The Western” show started. With all the ingredients expected form the genre, horses, guns, the “beautiful lady”, and the music box… laughs were following one after an other. They are definitely high skilled actors.
I didn't like some allusions to a famous drink and food brands, is kind of indirect advertising. During the Western section there is a birthday party, that wasn't as funny as any of the other parts of the show, I would say that it didn't contribute too much to the plot.
A part from that, the performance is full of ingenious ideas to make people have a good time with few little things, using mimic as their best allied.
Recommended for all ages, a must seen show.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: Ivan Martin

Thursday 21st August 2008
Edinburgh Corn Exchange

After a really long queue, and the security check, I managed to get in the concert hall. People were already shouting and dancing at the beats of the Dj, warming up the crowd before Pendulum's live performance. The first rows were packed of teenagers, waiting to see the musicians as close as possible. I decided to be more in the middle to enjoy a good stereo image from the speakers and a nice view of the band.
When they started playing there was literally no space for dancing, but I wanted to be there, with all their passionate fans. It's recommended to jump at the time of the ones beside you no to be smashed.
The venue has an excellent sound and lights system, what added to the perfect execution of the musicians made an impeccable show.
They played many songs from the album "Hold Your Colour" like "Fasten Your Seatbelt" or "Slam", Prodigy's remix "Voodoo People", and the last CD single "The other Side" between others.
I was allowed to go up to the balcony at the back of the hall where the view of the stage and the multitude enjoying the music was spectacular, close to what the band is able to feel from the stage.
I really enjoy the show and not only myself, definitely a band to see, they managed to open their Drum'n'Bass sound to a larger audience while not falling into mainstream.
The concert finished after 90 minutes of excellent beats and outstanding tunes.

Run Ends Thursday 21st August 2008

Review by: Ivan Martin

Friday 15th August 2008
Belly Dancer

James Dowdeswell is a nice guy, he was before this show and continues to be so after. The purpose of the show for him is to try and convince the crowd that he can be assertive when pushed however the fact that he was overlooked for the role of Gareth in The Office for not being geeky enough tells you that’s going to be a tall order.

The audience, instead, are regaled with tales where he has wanted to react in a more aggressive way to situations only for it to backfire pathetically on him. In recent times he has been accosted by a group of 10 year olds in a swimming pool changing room, mugged by a kid on a bike and threatened in his local chip shop. A genuinely funny story teller who has a perfect grasp on self deprecation, he manages to get the crowd on side almost immediately and they stay with him throughout the hugely entertaining hour of light hearted comedy.

Run Ends Sunday 24th August 2008

Review by: John-Paul Mason

Wednesday 13th August 2008
Underbellys Baby Belly

Rob Deering’s advertising this year cannot fail to spark interest, seeing his head rather disturbingly adorning a pair of rather lovely pair of breasts, is an image that stays with you all the way to the box office. This interest is well rewarded from start to finish in this absolute cracker of a show. Rob introduces his show as a social commentary on the state of women in society today, a theme which is stuck to very loosely.

Rob Deering is a brilliant stand up comedian but his comedian is brought above the mundane by the addition of his musical stylings. Deering makes excellent use of his musical talents and his witty rewrites of popular tunes are very funny. Deering copes well with the space he is given filling it with his talents and his big if slightly self depreciating personality.

This show is an excellent way to spend an hour on the fringe and audiences are well rewarded by Deering’s talents and passion his instruments and entertaining. Deering shows a natural ability for stand up and the versatility of his act will be hard to better.

Run Ends Sunday 24th August 2008

Review by: Phoebe Myles

Saturday 16th August 2008
Gilded Balloon Teviot – Billiard Room

The Mish-Mash is a brilliant variety show consisting of young comics joining together to have fun on stage and ensure the audience has a good time too. The main host Andrew Stanley comes into his own more so than he does in his solo show and his co-host Fred Cook is an excellent addition to the show.

The show consists of a variety of sketches, a little improv and a lot of audience participation, particularly when it comes to biscuits. Stanley and Cook, with a little help from their friends, spend an hour bounding around the stage full of energy as they do various sketches; one of the highlights of the night was 80’s myspace.

This show is a great way to round of an evening at the fringe. It’s a variety show that does not fail to entertain and is what the fringe is all about, young comics showing off their talents and having a fun time doing it. This is a brilliant variety show and one well worth a look.

Run Ends Sunday 24th August 2008

Review by: Phoebe Myles

Saturday 16th August 2008
The Gilded Balloon Teviot – Balcony

Andrew Stanley is a very likable comic and his stand up is made up of a variety of stories about his life. He oozes enthusiasm for what he is doing and the audience takes to him immediately as he regales them with stories of his childhood.

The highlights of the show include two of Stanley’s best stories, reminiscing about the games of Knick Knacks he used to play as a nine year old and the best moment of the show has to be when he reveals the secrets of the hairdresser to all the men in the audience. Whilst Stanley is a brilliant comic it would be irresponsible not to warn you of the perils of sitting in the front row – it’s not for the faint hearted.

Whilst Stanley’s show really is very good it never reaches its full potential as some of his stories become overly long and his mile-a-minute pace can become a little over whelming.

Stanley’s show is a good example of Fringe stand up and is very entertaining, well worth a look if you fall for the good all Irish charm and are a fan of clever and witty stand up.

Run Ends Sunday 24th August 2008

Review by: Phoebe Myles

Wednesday 13th August 2008
Underbelly

Debut shows at the Fringe can be a bit hit and miss. Thankfully Welsh stand up Lloyd Langfords debut show is a well crafted hour of comedy.
He is happy to let the audience know that when hes not performing he is really a shy lad who would rather run than fight. Despite this fact he is still able to engage in some good banter with the audience and deliver more than a few killer jokes. Langford is a like-able and honest comic with a sharp wit and great delivery. A man who I susspect will be around for many a Fringe to come.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: HP

Monday 18th August 2008
Pleasance Above

Justin Moorhouse’s latest show draws on the perils of the Facebook age where you find yourself surrounded by just too many friends. Throughout the show Moorhouse sheds the unwanted friends whilst guiding you through the process by which he decided to discard those excess to requirements.

This stand up is lifted from the mundane by his excellent use of the audience. Rather than just being passive they contribute to his act and he seems genuinely interested in what they have to add to his show. Moorhouse’s likability is only enhanced by his insistence to shake each audience members hand when they left. As Moorhouse begins to reduce his friends you learn more about him personally and he makes no apologies for his attitudes and opinions and you like him all the more for that.

Moorhouse is an excellent comic and this show is well worth a look. Though there are many stand up shows on at the Fringe this really is one of the best. Its clear structure makes it flow well whilst leaving room for audience participation. See it – its good!

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: Phoebe Myles

Wednesday 20th August 2008
Pleasance Beside

There are few words I can think of to describe Zimbani. It is a show unlike any other I have seen at this years Fringe. It can best be described as an excellent spoof of the spy movies of old, especially Bond. All the misogynistic and testosterone fuelled undertones that make these movies so classic are wrapped up in this absolutely brilliant, if slightly demented, comic adventure story.

The characters in this show represent all those typical to the classic adventure movie – the ‘hero’, his boss and the silent, but most intelligent, receptionist. The stars of the show, Colin Hoult, David McNeill and Clare Ward do an absolutely brilliant job of playing these roles and do so whilst clearly enjoying themselves immensely and the audience cannot help but become infected by the enthusiasm and sheer good humour. It’s hard to pick out a single highlight but look out for the Norwegians.

This show is very very funny. It is so difficult to categorise but I do urge people to go, you will be hard pushed to spend a funnier hour at the festival. An absolutely excellent contribution to the Fringe it deserves to be shared with as many people as possible.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: Phoebe Myles

Wednesday 13th August 2008
Underbelly

You know that feeling after seeing a mind-blowing film at the cinema when you are incapable of talking to another human being for at least half an hour after? Well this one man play had that effect on me.

Broderline, written and performed by Rob Benson a man who lived it large in the 1990s club scene and was lucky to come out the other end in one piece. Some of his friends however weren't so lucky, this play explores the come down for the 1990s club generation.

With only a solitary wooden chair as a set, Benson rushes round the stage at breakneck speed mixing poetry, monologues and physical theater bringing to life the soaring highs and crashing lows of the drug experience. The audience is taken on an emotional journey from pub to club to mental heath ward to drug dealer's seedy flats as the main character wrestles with the psychotic episodes brought on my his prolonged drug use.

This play is a true gem of this years Fringe, one not to be missed.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: HP Neilson

Friday 15th August 2008
Gilded Balloon, Teviot.

Clarkson and Crouch’s comic debut show, Away With the Fairies, was a pleasant success from the unlikely pair with a background in acting. I was intrigued by their innovative idea of merging the supernatural with comedy and was looking forward to their final result.

The set of sketches turned out to be fast and furious; being jammed packed with ideas and characters that sent all of the audience members into hysterics.

The highlights of the numerous sketches include the Pearl and ‘Chelle sketch. In which Clarkson and Crouch superbly take the role of two Cockney women who chatter over tea and plot to gain revenge upon Pearl’s neighbour, Darren Brown, for his magical, if rather noisy, bedroom antics through the use of mind power classes.

The intelligent sketch based upon the poetry of Byron and Shelley is set in an advertising agency, where Clarkson and Crouch wittily impersonate the dead poets and enact ideas for a sanitary towel range. Crouch takes on the role of Byron and laconically suggests a tagline for the campaign that will put a “plug” in the “crimson piper that plays at a woman’s gate during Blow Job Week”.

A few sketches, admittedly, go over my head mainly due to my lack of knowledge about Superheroes, especially Spacecats. But Clarkson and Crouch swiftly move on to a new scenario, and set the scene alive again with their satire about Tramps.

Clarkson and Crouch displayed magnificent acting skills as they transferred from scene to scene with a professional ease. As well as successfully executing their various and differing character roles, Clarkson and Crouch also showed that they are actors who can deliver a cracking punch-line just as well as the professional comedians on at the Edinburgh Fringe.

This is definitely a must-see show of the Fringe, for the innovation of adapting modern urban life to an outer-world experience. So prepare yourself to be intensely entertained for the hour.

Run Ends Monday 25th August 2008

Review by: Sara D’Arcy

Wednesday 13th August 2008
Acoustic Music Centre

Deaf Shepherd were performing tonight with an unusual 7-piece line up with pipes, whistles, 2 x fiddles, bouzouki, song, guitar, bodhrán and bass peddle played by the various members of the band. Originally the hot young things of the folk scene, the question was “can they still cut it” with the answer being “of course”! The tune sets were tight – despite usual fiddler Jenna Reid being substituted by Gillian Frame, with some interesting arrangements. It’s a relief not to have a band all playing the same melody from start to finish. The pipes, fiddles and whistle drop in and out during the tunes, different instruments take melodies and harmonies but the whole time a storming beat is kept. The songs were as strong as ever – their version of “The Gowden Lock O’ Anna” remains my favourite treatment of this song and their three-time signature-treatment of “Duncan Grey” also deserves a mention as a feat of organisation, timing and memory. There were a number of Deaf Shepherd “classics” mixed in with a lot of new material which is presumably heading for the new album. The audience were with them all the way throughout the gig and a splendid time was had by all. There hasn’t been a lot of output from Deaf Shepherd for some time but this was a definite re-establishment – watch out for the Deafies!

Run Ends Wednesday 13th August 2008

Review by: Paul Murray