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Edinburgh Fringe 2008: 7 August

Posted on August 8th, 2008 by bryan.
Categories: Restaurants, Theatre.

Thursday 7 August

After my second visit to the dentist in as many days (this time for a filling !!!), my sister and I went for tea and scones (with post-filling dribblings) at Colinton Kirk, where my dad’s partner started recently as a volunteer. I think we helped her to score some Brownie points with the other volunteers and it was a good opportunity to demonstrate that we’re not evil ’step-children’ (which, for the record, I’m certain she doesn’t think). It was then onto The Gyle for some window shopping, before I joined G in town for an afternoon and evening of Fringe frivolities.

‘Joan Rivers - Work in Progress by a Life in Progress’ (venue: Cow Barn) was different, but very special. It’s a play based around her life, interspersed with comedic and moving monologues direct to the audience. It charts her career(s) as a struggling actress, late-night TV sensation, bankrupted widow, ‘red carpet’ Dame and QVC Queen, each with its own jokes, personalities and intimate revelations. Admittedly, Rivers is not a great actress, but she makes up for all that and more with her humour and insight into life as a Hollywood star. A theme throughout this ‘play’ is that age should not be a bar to anyone or anything - at 75, Rivers more than demonstrates why this should be the case. Rating - *****/5.

‘Adventures of Pink Peter’ (venue: Sweet Teviot Place) stars Stuart Miles, former Blue Peter presenter turned ‘comic’. He plays four women, offering advice on topics ranging from fashion, diet and cosmetic surgery - a bit of a change from his days as a children’s TV presenter. Some of his gags were funny, but it was all a bit too ‘gay’ for me, as though he had decided to leap forth from the Blue Peter ‘closet’! Rating - **/5.

We had dinner at Katie’s Diner, an ‘American-style’ restaurant in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh. It’s operated by husband-and-wife couple, Geoff and Kate Ness, who have built-up a strong following. The food, particularly the steaks and burgers, are excellent, always cooked to perfection and very filling. The restaurant is licensed, but it also has a BYOB policy. Geoff Ness, who leads front-of-house, is an accomplished (and slightly eccentric) host, who will always make you feel welcome. This time I had the scampi platter for my main course and G had a bacon and cheese burger - both were very good, but I was jealous when I saw G’s plate. For quality food, in good portions and at reasonable prices, you will struggle to find a better restaurant in Edinburgh. Rating - ****/5.

‘Les Miserables’ (venue: Church Hill Theatre) stars the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF), regulars at the Edinburgh Fringe. Unlike the version that’s been playing in London’s West End for 22 years, the whole Les Mis story is told in 90 minutes - no mean feat. All of the cast are young actors, some of whom sang and performed beyond their years: particularly those in the roles of Javert, Valjean and Eponine. Although the speed detracted slightly from the story, making it harder to follow for Les Mis first-timers, this was a great performance of a classic musical. Rating - ****/5.

‘The Improverts‘ (venue: Bedlam Theatre) have been enticing packed crowds with improvised comedy for 19 years, with the ‘players’ performing spontaneous sketches based entirely on audience suggestions. I first saw The Improverts when I was a student, at their regular Friday night shows; I have been a fan ever since. Rating - ****/5.

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