Theatre Things

Where and when: Pleasance Courtyard (Beside) at 14:10, 3rd-29th August

What it’s all about… Today I Killed My Very First Bird is a semi biographical, poetical rendition about growing up in South East London. It started off as a poem written at a bus stop, and has been developed by piecing together a series of poems to create this epic story which follows a gangster for the last 24 hours of his life. It explores childhood trauma and the environment in which that child grew up in, taking away his innocence only to create a beast. It’s fast paced with no holds barred and says it exactly as it is.

You’ll like it if… I would imagine it would appeal to people from all walks of life however, I would definitely recommend being 16 years old or over.

You should see it because… Everyone should come and see the show. It’s an insight into the gritty criminal underworld of South East London. I would like audiences to take away a piece of my soul and a greater understanding of how trauma affects everyone especially children.

Anything else we should know…: I think it’s important that people who are not necessarily from theatrical backgrounds are heard. This story comes from lived experiences and opens up the debate on a number of issues that plague our society such as childhood trauma, addiction and crime. The play hopefully gives an insight into the root causes of these problems.

Where to follow:
Twitter: @voodoo_monkeys, @TRPlymouth,
#TodayIKilled

Ticket link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/today-i-killed-my-very-first-bird#overview

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