Theatre Things

Where and when: Pleasance at EICC (Pentland) at 20:15, 3rd-28th August

What it’s all about… NewsRevue is a cutting-edge, up to date, satirical, political, musical-comedy sketch show. We put celebrities and politicians underneath the comedic microscope and terrorise their poor decisions through funny sketches and songs and with some journalistic rigour. Sort of like if Andrew Marr wore big funny clown shoes.

You’ll like it if… Anyone and everyone will love our show. It caters to all comedic and political tastes, from Tik Tok to Tommy Cooper, from Corbyn to Kim-Jong Un.

You should see it because… Anyone who has ever been affected by any political decision should come and see it. Which is everyone, I imagine. But whether you’re politically minded or not it doesn’t matter, there’s something in it for everyone. If you haven’t heard about something awful a politician has done then you can find out through us, perhaps to the tune of an Elton John medley or something.

Anything else we should know…: One could argue that this show counts as a political protest, so due to recent law changes you might be lucky enough to watch us get arrested… and I think that alone is worth the price of admission.

Where to follow:
Twitter: @newsrevue
Instagram: @newsrevue

Ticket link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/newsrevue-2#overview

Where and when: Pleasance Courtyard (Above), 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ Wednesday 3rd – Monday 29th August 2022 (not 17th, 22nd), 13:05

What it’s all about… Tiger Lady is about the first female Tiger tamer, at the beginning of 20th century in America. A true story of how a woman led a way in a male dominated environment. Of course, a story of love and heartbreak…. Lots of Circus tricks, mystery elephant, tiger acts and some very bad acrobats performing as best as they can…

You’ll like it if… You like theatre with lots of visual imagery, live music, lots of humour and a bit of sadness at the end. Older kids and families welcome too.

You should see it because… Our story is played out through ensemble storytelling. We tell stories through humour and making the audience be part of our gang. Hopefully you open your heart to us a bit.

Anything else we should know…: We will be searching for some ferocious tigers in the audience so if you are ready to lend us a paw – you will be part of the show for 2 minutes. Only if you want to be.

Where to follow:
Twitter: @DeadRabbitsTC
Instagram: @deadrabbitstheatre
#TigerLady

Ticket link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/tiger-lady#overview

Where and when: Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), Potterow, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL Wednesday 3rd – Monday 29th August 2022 (not 8th, 15th, 22nd), 12:15

What it’s all about… Fanboy is about nostalgia, fandom and our relationship with our past selves.

You’ll like it if… You are fans of both theatre and comedy. There’s a lot of joy in the subject matter and the way it’s presented, with lots of jokes and impressions. And, without giving too much away (I hate spoilers!) the story is something that could only really be told in a theatre.

You should see it because… You will find joy in the way this story is told, and leave feeling hopeful. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes or video games (or all of the above!) then there’s a strong chance you’ll like this show. But you don’t have to be a fan of those things – the story is much more universal – about love, loss and friendship.

Anything else we should know…: The show explores the joy, connection and communities that people can find in fandoms, as well as the darker side that exists in some of them, and the potential cost of nostalgia.

Where to follow:
Twitter: @worklight_uk
Instagram: @joesellmanleava
Facebook: @worklighttheatre
#Fanboy

Ticket link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/fanboy#overview

Where and when: Summerhall (Demonstration Room), Summerhall Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 28th August 2022 (not 15th, 22nd), 19:50

What it’s all about… Dreams of the Small Gods tells the story of the awakening of Wild Woman. Naked, unaware and unselfconscious, she explores her surroundings, more animal than human. Her growing consciousness attracts the attention of a creature from the spirit world, a primal deity who sparks her curiosity and compels her to transform. She changes her physicality, drawing power from the merging of animal, human and spirit self. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of faerie tales, mythology and ancient ritual, Dreams of the Small Gods is a blend of aerial circus, masked ritual and performance art.

You’ll like it if… You have an interest in mythology, folklore and the lives of animals and plants. This show is interesting especially for women of all ages. It’s also interesting for those who want to see circus presented in an unusual way, or who like masked theatre or theatre which focuses on the body and has no spoken words.

You should see it because… It offers the opportunity to share in deep connection with Earth and with body. This show is for anyone who wants to see circus presented in an aesthetic that deviates vastly from traditional expectations. The audience will take away a little piece of primal memory.

Anything else we should know…: Dreams of the Small Gods is a blend of aerial circus, masked ritual and performance art. This show is interesting especially for women of all ages and explores the awakening of Wild Woman. I hope the Audience share in the deep connection of this show.

Where to follow:
Twitter: @scissorkickco
Instagram: @ scissorkickco, @zinniao.circusart

Book here: https://festival.summerhall.co.uk/events/dreams-of-the-small-gods/

Where and when: Assembly Rooms (Music Hall), 3rd-28th August (16:45)

What it’s all about… The show is an acrobatic tribute to the cult movie The Blues Brothers. Imagine Jake and Elwood, but as acrobats! In an elegant nightclub reminiscent of the Cotton Club, following the caprices of an extravagant vintage radio that plays rhythm ‘n’ blues music, the barman and servers transform into performers doing balancing acts, human pyramids, waving flags and acrobatics with fire. All the objects (seats, tables, coat racks, vases and even mirrors) become tools in breath-taking stunts within a constant audience engagement. The Black Blues Brothers is pure energy and fun!

You’ll like it if… We have done more than 700 dates all around the world and we saw a variety of different people coming to see the show. That’s because The Black Blues Brothers has something for everyone: the kids love the comedy; the adults enjoy the game between the movie and the acrobatic imageries; people interested in classic circus find a very high technical level, while the ones who prefer contemporary circus or theatre appreciate the rhythm and the mixture of disciplines. And everybody is amazed by the incredible acts!

You should see it because… Everybody should come and see the show because… everybody needs The Black Blues Brothers! Spectators pass an hour of entertainment with some of the greatest songs ever written. Every second the artists are doing something new and spectacular. The astonishment is the prevalent feeling, with the joy these Kenyan acrobats spread.

Anything else we should know…: We are thrilled to be back to the Fringe. After our first appearance in 2019, the show has improved and now we are confident that the 2022 version is more powerful than ever. During our world tour we have been in Australia (where The Black Blues Brothers was chosen as the best acrobatic theatre show) and we have the honour to participate in the Royal Variety Performance. But Edinburgh Fringe is always a great and unique emotion, and we want to share it with all the audience. Let’s dance all together!

Where to follow:
#BlackBluesBrothers
Facebook: @blackbluesbrothers
Instagram: @circoedintorni

Book here: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/the-black-blues-brothers