Venue 33, Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance One,
3rd-24th Aug (not 15, 22), 1.30pm-3.00pm
"A vibrant, stimulating showcase of talent."
TUESDAY 22nd AUGUST 2023
Pleasance One, Venue 33
12.40pm-2.10pm
Tickets: £15.00
Bird
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (dance, physical theatre)
A stage sequel to our critically acclaimed dance film, Catch the Bird Who Won't Fly. Bird explores 'What happens when you run away from domestic abuse?', a question posed in fear of the cultural stigma at those who escape it, or try to. A trio of dancers weave the story to a specially commissioned live music score by Jonathan Mayer.
Joe McTernan: Life Advice That Won't Change Your Life
Comedy (stand-up)
Hugely anticipated debut hour from the Scottish viral sensation who's amassed over 30 million views online. Joe is fed up with seeing inspirational life advice online so join him as he lambasts this motivational nonsense and offers an alternative view which will encourage you to live life to the adequate amount. Joe has performed on BBC's The Comedy Underground, supported Tom Stade on tour and co-created the online (Scottish Comedy Award-winning) sitcom MUFF alongside Daniel Sloss and Craig Hill. Expect high energy, observational stand-up that’s 'sure to delight’ (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).
The Standard Short Long Drop
Theatre (drama)
In York, 1885, Lewis "Ludley" Thornhill, is a young man condemned to die. His luck seems to change when he is offered a stay of execution but only if he will serve as the hangman for his cellmate, Alistair. Over their last days together, Ludley tries to get to the bottom of Alistair's mysterious past and supposed crimes. The Standard Short Long Drop is an exploration of class, cost of living, and the ever-looming threat of the end framed by the final days of two unlikely friends.
The Quality of Mercy: Concerning the Life and Crimes of Dr Harold Frederick Shipman
Theatre (new writing, true-life)
From his cell in the early hours of the morning, Dr Harold Shipman records a confessional tape as he prepares to end his life. Patiently fashioning a crude noose, he reflects on the choices, compulsions and fascinations that cemented his place as the most prolific serial killer in British history. Exhaustively researched, this multiple award-nominated drama interrogates society's attitudes towards death, justice and compassion, and is written and performed by Edwin Flay, the grandson of Shipman victim Renee Lacey.
What If They Ate The Baby?
Theatre (absurdist, lgbtq+)
There are three rules every housewife knows: never return a dish empty, always have dinner ready by the time he gets home, and some things are best kept under the table. After all, you never know who’s listening. You’ve heard whispers of absent husbands? Missing children? Spaghetti recipes? Or was it green bean casserole? You just can’t trust everything you hear through the walls these days. From Fringe First 2022 winners Chloe Rice and Natasha Roland.
Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0
Comedy (stand-up)
Viral Nurse Georgie Carroll's gloves are off for this award-winning power hour. Hospital-grade humour from everyone's favourite nurse-turned-comedian. This is going to hurt, but it will make you better. As seen on Just For Laughs Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Would I Lie to You, and The Project. Winner of Best Comedy Show at the Adelaide Fringe and following on from a 110-date tour around Australia, including a sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Don't miss Nurse Georgie Carroll as she performs her debut season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023.
2020 The Musical
Musicals and Opera (musical theatre, new writing)
You think you know this story. You don't. This brand-new musical celebrates human resilience in every form. From the West End stage to the shelves of Lidl, care homes to the doors of Number 10, these are the uplifting and unexpected true stories of everyday heroes as you've never heard them before. Featuring unprecedented levels of talent, you're invited to a heart-warming, show-stopping party. And unlike Downing Street, everyone's invited. 'Refreshing and nostalgic... the one thing 2020 was so desperately lacking – just a bit of fun!' **** (MusicalTheatreReview.com).
Mervyn Stutter
Host and Compere
Mervyn has been in the entertainment industry since 1974. He started in theatre where he acted, wrote scripts, songs, and directed for around 14 years. In the 1980s, he became the 'regular topical song bloke' on the BBC TV's first ever daytime show, 'Open Air', fronted by a thin Irishman called Eamonn Holmes. Over the years he has performed weekly topical songs on many TV current affairs programmes and more of the same on radio. In the late 1980s, he took his comedy songs onto the Comedy Circuit and then touring theatres. Merv's first Edinburgh Fringe was in 1986 and he has been every year since. 'Pick of the Fringe' started life as 'Have you seen anything good?', a show to help answer the perennial Fringe-goer question. The title was changed to 'Pick of the Fringe' in 1994 and it he has built it up into one of the must-see Fringe shows.
“Mervyn Stutter is very, very good as compere of this chat show, for to make such a showcase work requires skill, talent and quick reactions. Stutter works the crowd like the showman he is.”
THE OBSERVER