The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of my favourite events in the annual burlesque and cabaret calendar. This will be my third year in a row attending and as usual I’ve booked a fistful of show tickets, ranging from comedy and improv shows to drunken Shakespeare (yes, its totally a thing!). If you’re looking for a little Fringe-spiration this year, I’ve compiled a list below of some of my top picks of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019…
Mark Watson: The Infinite Show at The Grand in Pleasance Courtyard – After watching him take part in the Taskmaster show, I’m really excited to see Mark Watson live. He’s a slightly awkward, endearing nerd, who talks about anything and everything all at the same time. His Edinburgh act ‘The Infinite Show’ isn’t about it being never-ending, but rather boundless imaginable endings to which it could turn to.
Frisky & Mannish’s PopLab at Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete in Assembly George Square Gardens (Venue 3) – A firm favourite from my days of photographing Wam Bam Club at Cafe de Paris, Frisky & Mannish have had a sell-out show in Edinburgh for the last 10 years. If pop music with a side of comedic banter is your thing, this is absolutely the show for you! The Spiegeltent Palais du Variété is also an incredible venue; intended to be a travelling entertainment venue, it’s constructed from wood and canvas! The interior is spectacular and well worth a visit!
For Robin Williams: A Benefit Gig in aid of Mind and SAMH at Gordon Aikman Theatre in Assembly George Square (Venue 8) – A benefit gig in the name of Robin Williams, raising money for both MIND and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health.) It’s always an incredible line up of comedians, but this year has both Nish Kumar and Sofie Hagan – two INCREDIBLY talented and funny comedians.
Shit-Faced Showtime: Alice Through the Cocktail Glass at Cow Barn in Underbelly Bristo Square – Honestly, if there’s one show you have to make your MUST-SEE show at the Fringe, this is the one. There is honestly nothing funnier than watching one drunk actor try to hold it together on stage and repeat lines, whilst surrounded by a completely sober cast. I’ve raved about them before so much that Sali, my social media queen, has booked to see them in the Autumn too!
Abandoman AKA Rob Broderick – The Road to Coachella at Udderbelly in Underbelly George Square – An exploding mix of hip-hop and piercing wit, Abandoman’s improved show is different every time. I’d go watch all of them if I could! Quite how his brain reacts and rhymes that quickly is unreal, but it’s a sensational show. You’ll be amazed and entertained.
The Five-Thirty Cabaret at Grand Hall in The Stand’s New Town Theatre – Touted as “A show for the cocktail hour that costs less than a cocktail”, this early evening variety show is perfect to get you in the mood for your evening of Edinburgh Fringe shows. They pack in a great deal of variety, cabaret and crooners for their hour’s entertainment, and it costs you just £6.00!
Little Death Club at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – The Beauty – Dark and dangerous, Little Death Club’s variety and cabaret performance have been described as ‘funniest and most debauched kabarett club this side of Berlin!’ Grab yourself a large drink and enjoy the breath-taking circus acts, fire-breathing and let Bernie Dieter and her merry band of punks truly entertain you.
Mat Ricardo’s Varieties at Underbelly, Bristo Square – Ermintrude – I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Mat many times over the years and his craftsmanship is excellent. He’ll have your eyes wide open and jaw on the floor – and that’s before he brings out some of the very best special guests!
Off to the Edinburgh Fringe this year? Let me know what shows you’re going to, and if you check any of these out based on my recommendations!
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