First 5* review

Cyclops and I had a big sleep then went out in the afternoon for more Fringey times.

Fringe show 30: (title of show) (4*)
A musical about some people writing a musical, and their journey to Broadway. It had wonderful elements to it in that it was postmodern, tongue in cheek and the singing was outstanding. It was a musical lover’s musical, with a few bits and pieces of references in there. Some of the songs were catchy, I’m still humming ‘I’d rather be nine people’s favourite thing than a hundred people’s ninth favourite thing’. But somehow the whole thing lacked a bit of emotional connection and depth that might have made me love it more.

Fringe show 31: If these spasms could speak (4*)
I’ve met Robert Softley through work and I loved his previous production Girl X so I thought I’d give his Fringe show a look. The subject was disability, including performed monologues from people that Robert had interviewed, and chat from Robert himself. How people are the same and different and what their lives are like. Funny, saucy, mundane, frustrated, touching. The hour flew by, one of the fastest this year. Robert is so likeable and engaging, and the show was very interesting in its content. I imagine some people directly identified with it, whereas others were introduced to some ideas that they may have never thought of before. Either way it worked very comfortably. An undercurrent of being informative, without detracting from Robert’s performance. Actually I’d like to see a whole hour of Robert-on-Robert (ok that sound weird) as he is a very intelligent and impressive performer and I can imagine something a la Richard Herring working very well.

Fringe show 32: Aurora Winterborn's Candid Cabaret
We have been to see a show at this venue arranged by Aurora Winterborn before, so we thought we’d have a go of her festival show. I must say it was an extremely enjoyable hour and a half, preceded by a live band. Really really good value for money at £5. And the intimate venue and up-for-it crowd created a very good atmosphere. I thought the compare (Elizabeth Hotson as Julie Jones) was excellent and I enjoyed all of the acts. Jollyboat for a third time, but their pirate songs are funny and they did a different second song (and they are easy on the eye) so I’m alright with that.

Fringe show 33: The Noise Next Door Comedy Lock In (5*)
[First 5* review from me!] Oh, Noise Next Door. Lovely lovely Noise Next Door. So very very funny. In this late night show the Noise Next Door do a bit of improv and have some comedy guests in. This time Chris Martin and Joe Lycett. The comedians do a quick bit of standup and then join in with the improv games. Brilliant, brilliant format. Works so well and hats off to Noise Next Door for making it appear so seamless. What this format also highlights is how good Noise Next Door are at their jobs. Because, obviously, Chris Martin and Joe Lycett were not as good and not as quick and not as witty. They were out of their comfort zones of course, but good sports and had a go. Chris Martin in particular was quite good. But Noise Next Door managed to make themselves look good in comparison, whilst creating a warm and appreciative environment for the other comedians. Nice guys. Consummate professionals. Plus they are hard working these Noise Next Door, doing two shows and all over the compilations. I like that too. They deserve lots of success. And the purple one is hot.