This summer the Famous Spiegeltent has returned to the Capital. After a few years abroad, the pre-Fringe icon returns to Edinburgh, bringing with her the popular La Clique- Encore!
The Famous Spiegeltent itself is run and owned by David Bates, and it boasts is apparently one of the first Belgian mirror tents, the likes of which have hosted performers such as Marlene Dietrich since the 1920s.
Spiegeltent events during the Festival Fringe this year feature many varied concerts from cabaret, funk, American folk to blues and African.
Acts include Peter Straker, voice of the British stage, cabaret star Isabelle Georges, the inimitable Christine Bovill and Australian singer-songwriters Archie Roach and Paul Kelly. Meanwhile, the 7-piece ‘folkNroll’ band, Holy Moly and the Crackers, promise three memorable, funky performances.
In addition to the Fringe lineup, the Spiegeltent will feature a full programme throughout August, featuring award winning productions by Captivate Theatre (an amateur theatre group for young people).
Evenings mean the return home of La Clique, featuring family favourites and emerging new artists alike.
The Famous Spiegeltent is situated in St Andrew Square Garden.
THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT MUSIC LISTINGS EDINBURGH FRINGE 2016
4 – 11 Aug 7.45pm Peter Straker Sings Brel
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening of the heartbeat. Peter Straker loves to sing Jacques Brel. Hailed as one of the great voices on the British stage: Straker recorded with Freddie Mercury, starred in the notorious musical Hair and the original Phantom of the Opera. Expect a barnstorming performance of the songs of Brel.
A privilege to watch, one of the must see shows of the Fringe Scotsman
12, 13, 15, 18-21 Aug 7.45pm Christine Bovill’s Paris
Award-winning chanteuse, Christine Bovill has built her reputation on the massively successful sell-out show, Piaf. In Paris, she beckons you back to the golden age of French song: a demi-monde of heroes and outcasts, cynics and bruised romantics. With drama, pathos and pizzazz, the show casts a sepia-tinged spotlight on the songs and stories of Jacques Brel, Edith Piaf, Barbara, Juliet Greco, Charles Aznavour and more.
Come, be transported into a Parisian scented twilight world of song.
Bovill is a great storyteller… brings the songs to life with terrific panache and dramatic flair List
23 – 29 Aug 7.45pm Isabelle Georges: Oh La La
Parisian cabaret star Isabelle Georges returns to Edinburgh with her trademark soaring vocals, theatrical delivery and a stunning all-star band. Georges leads us through a repertoire of French, English and German songs featuring the music of Brel, Bécaud, Piaf, Aznavour and more. Along with musical director and vocalist Frederik Steenbrink, Georges’ sultry resonating voice takes us through stories of love, survival and dreams in an unbeatable mixture of jazz, cabaret and pop. This is cabaret at its most sultry with music to melt the soul. Georges’ music is what feelings sound like.
14 Aug 7.45pm & 20 Aug 12.20pm Michelle Burke: Step Into My Parlous
Step Into Michelle’s quirky, memorabilia-bedecked living room and let this warm Irish folk songstress, former Cherish the Ladies lead vocalist, charm and beguile you. Step Into My Parlour takes its audience back to Michelle’s great grandmothers era, with its delicious selection of parlour songs.
Join Michelle and a complement of Scotland’s finest musicians led by James Ross. Part of Made in Scotland 2014. Burke takes each song by the scruff of the neck and makes it her own Irish Times
Daft and heartwarming Scotsman
15, 16, 18 Aug 11pm Holy Moly and the Crackers
7 piece ‘gypsy folkNroll’ band from the UK. The band has performed at major festivals in Europe and the UK, including Hop Farm Festival, Secret Garden Party, Boomtown and Cornbury Festival, where they opened for Jools Holland. Their influences range from the honest grit and gravel of Woody Guthrie, the gypsy bone-cage burlesque of Gogol Bordello through punk, ska, reggae, folk, blues, honky-tonk and Balkan. A unique mash-up of folk/blues, waltz tempos and hoe-downs and french zazou in outlandish carnival style. Loud, funky and fun.
16 & 17 Aug 7.45pm Archie Roach
A singer, songwriter and storyteller in the tradition of his ancestors. Archie shares intimate real-life stories through song. Singing for the love of his people, his country and culture, Archie’s songs go to the heart of the Australian story. Archie is an extraordinarily gifted Australian artist with a truly visionary talent. His voice springs from the broken heart of a broken nation, which only makes his message of hope and love more powerful.
22 Aug 9.30pm & 23 Aug 11pm Paul Kelly in concert
Paul Kelly has recorded over 20 albums as well as several film sound tracks. His deeply influential career spanning more than 30 years, has provided the soundtrack to generations of Australians. He has been the subject of a film documentary Stories of Me and a work of prose – his own ‘mongrel memoir’ How to Make Gravy – featured in audio readings readings by Cate Blanchette, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman,
Ben Mendelshon and Judy Davis. An evening with Paul Kelly is a treat anywhere in the world but in The Famous Spiegeltent it will be another night never to forget.
CABARET, BURLESQUE AND CLUB LISTINGS
3 – 29 Aug (not 22 Aug) 9.30pm La Clique Encore! 4 – 29 Aug (not 10, 17, 24 Aug) 11.30pm Club Spiegel
The Famous Spiegeltent St Andrew Sq Garden Edinburgh
EH2 1AF
Box Office
In person at St Andrew Square Garden Phone 0131 558 9005
Online www.outstandingtickets.com
