Yesterday I posted a list of 24 cabaret shows to look out for at Edinburgh Fringe 2015.
That was all about the shows in the Cabaret section of the Fringe programme. But there are plenty of other shows I’m looking forward to that have a cabaret flavour – either because of their subject matter or their form – but are found elsewhere in the programme.
As with yesterday’s list, these are shows I’m looking forward to but haven’t actually seen yet. And all show details can be found via the Fringe website.
Here goes then – 10 sort-of-cabaret picks in alphabetical order.
Camille O’Sullivan – Brel
O’Sullivan is one of the leading voices in contemporary chanson and while her versions of Cave, Waits and Weill are sensational, her renditions of Jacques Brel take the cake. A treat then to see her bringing 90 minutes of Brel material to this year’s fest.
Queen’s Hall, Aug 11-16
Christine Bovill’s Piaf
Combining personal narrative with the timeless songs of Edith Piaf – and tales from her life – Bovill’s show is fast becoming the stuff of Fringe legend. She’s also accompanied by the superb Michael Roulston, which doesn’t hurt.
Famous Spiegeltent, Aug 9, 12-16, 19, 21-22, 26-30
Come Together: Barb Jungr and John McDaniel Perform the Beatles
The superb Jungr always brings a unique depth of emotion and intellect to her delivery. Taking a break from Dylan and Cohen, she turns to the Fab Four, alongside Grammy and Tony award winner McDaniel.
Assembly Rooms, Aug 19-21
Fake It ’til You Make It
Bryony Kimmings made this show with her real-life fiancé Tim Grayburn, and it’s rooted in his history of chronic depression. Kimmings is great at making serious work probing “public secrets” that’s moving, light of touch, wildly inventive and very accessible.
Traverse Theatre, until Aug 30 (not 10, 17, 24)
Le Gateau Chocolat: Black
Best known for his colossal baritone and penchant for Spandex all-in-ones, Gateau Chocolat moves into more personal territory with this memoir show about eating, emigrating and indeed depression. Boasts an unexpectedly devastating Whitney Houston number.
Assembly Hall, until Aug 30 (not 17)
Miss Behave’s Game Show
Back at the Fringe after conquering the world, this lo-fit gameshow is triumph of cardboard aesthetics, a microcosm of society and a big bag of fuck-off fun. Miss B and Harriet oversee a joyous free-for-all in which consumerist critique meets Lord of the Flies.
Assembly Checkpoint, til Aug 29 (not 9-10, 16-17, 23-24)
Penny Arcade: Longing Lasts Longer
Penny Arcade has been performing for nearly half a century and she’s still ahead of the curve. This new show offers a rousing, heartfelt response to the gentrification of her beloved NYC and spaces beyond. (I interviewed her about it for the Guardian here.)
Underbelly, Cowgate, until Aug 30 (not 17 or 24)
Piff the Magic Dragon – Breakfast at Piffany’s
London’s grumpiest dragon is in danger of running out of reasons to be cheerless: these days he’s doing great in his new home, Las Vegas, and storming America’s Got Talent. But he’s back at the Fringe so go remind yourself why he and Mr Piffles are riding so high.
Underbelly’s Circus Hub, Aug 14-29
Die Roten Punkte – Haus Party
The beautifully bonkers German rock siblings are hosting a weekly cabaret party night with tunes, games and guests. Elsewhere, their alter egos Daniel Tobias and Clare Bartholomew present a more serious piece, The Orchid and the Crow.
Assembly Checkpoint, Aug 9, 16 and 23
Tina C: Herstory
A chance to get a sneak preview of the queen of C&W rock reading from her upcoming autobiography, Complete and Utter Country. Expect down-home truths, geopolitical musings and songs out the wazoo. She’s even considering a White House run in 2016…
Underbelly Potterow, until Aug 17
PLUS!
Forest Fringe
This isn’t a show but a whole venue – and a very special one, combining live art, experimental performance and crazy fun times. This year’s line-up includes Scottee, Lucille McCormack, Figs in Wigs, Eggs Collective and Brian Lobel’s Sick of the Fringe.
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Aug 17-30. Details here.
PLUS AGAIN!
Check out these three preview features I did about shows at the Fringe for the Guardian last month – one about shows engaging with trans subjects, one about poignant, humorous shows inspired by Hollywood blockbusters and one about Penny Arcade (as mentioned above).
