The Fringe gets underway with a roster of preview shows
Underbelly and Assembly held their preview shows last night with around 20 shows on display for the audience and the press to think of going back to see more.
At The McEwan Hall Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood, directors of Underbelly called former councillor Steve Cardownie “the best councillor that ever was” (he was in the audience to hear) – and they gave a lengthy shout out to former members of their staff in this their 25th anniversary year. Bernie Dieter masterfully compered the show, but all cameras had to be put down when Garry Starr appeared on stage.. naked from the waist down. If you can get past the nudity this is a clever show involving Penguin books (he is a penguin…suspend your disbelief). Brown Girls Do it Too is also a clever take on being Asian and having a mother who emigrated to the UK from Pakistan with all the helicoptering that entails. The Ugly Duckling is (surprisingly) a children’s show and is a sweet blend of acrobatics and storytelling.
At Assembly the dapper (dressed by Aubin) Jason Byrne berated members of the audience, particularly those from Glasgow and Assembly director Bill Burdett-Coutts berated the council and whoever else is to blame for the high cost of accommodation in the city for Fringe artists, and Oasis for coming to Edinburgh during the festival. He explained that Assembly is part of a conglomeration of producers which calls itself EdFest. He said: “We created defeat.com to put offers for all our shows and run ticket sales for the joint venues. The idea is not to compete with the Fringe Society but very much to use the site for offers. We have something like a million tickets to sell each week of the festival.”
The best act of all that we saw was Jess Robinson who sings Elton John songs but transforms into Barbra Streisand or Britney at the shake of a sequin. Tickets here. We are sure she will be popular.
There’s more later with a Press night at Gilded Balloon, as well as the launch of the Zoo programme.
If you have seen a show of any kind which is worth seeing please send us your short review – with stars out of five if you can. You may either submit your short article here or by email to [email protected]
Moredun Library’s 50th birthday
The library is celebrating its 50th birthday and needs help in creating a display of photos of Moredun Library over the last five decades.
Coburg House Open Studios
Over the weekend 1-3 August Coburg House in Leith will be open for the public to buy arts and jewellery from all the artisan makers who have a space there.
This year the studio is marking its 20th anniversary.
Robin’s tour
81 year-old Robin Dow who is co-founder of Salvesen Mindroom Centre will start a 25 mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle on Saturday 2 August to celebrate the charity’s anniversary and also raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children and families.
Robin – who was recently diagnosed with stage-4 cancer – will once again embrace his experience as a marathon enthusiast for a deeply personal and inspiring fundraising event to commemorate 25 years to the day since he and journalist and author – and Robin’s wife – Sophie Dow, founded the charity.
Robin Dow said: “I’m incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful wife and four caring and considerate children: Fiona, James, Annie and our Charity, Mindroom. Sophie and I brought Mindroom into the world on 2nd August 2000. During the past 25 years, it has developed from an infant with unknown potential to a mature entity with a heart, a soul and a spirit which has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of neurodivergent children, families and those who support them.
“Mindroom is now an adult, personified by an excellent team of Trustees, run by a multitalented and dedicated staff team and funded by a broad base of statutory, trust, corporate and individual donors. My 25-mile walk, taking place on the day that the Charity was founded, is my thank you to everyone who has contributed to the upbringing of this amazing organisation.
“Advancing years and the big C mean that this is my last major endeavour on behalf of Mindroom and those whom we help. Please show your support by donating to a fundamentally important cause, while also spurring me on as I walk 1 mile for each of the 25 years of the life of Mindroom. And let’s hear it for the next 25!”
Mindroom 25: Anniversary Menu – 25 powerful ways your donation will help change lives.
Mindroom 25: Introduction – A snapshot of the charity’s work, their impact, and the challenges faced by the 29 specialists who deliver support every day.
For donations to the charity and to sponsor Robin’s incredible initiative, please click this link, including the opportunity to donate anonymously.
Every pound matters — no donation is too small, nor too substantial!
For more information about Mindroom and the work they do, visit: Salvesen Mindroom Centre
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