Edinburgh Spotlight loves living in ‘Festival City’ and already has all these dates in its calendar – here’s the rundown of 2012′s festivals.

Mary King’s Ghost Fest TBC for 2012

Paranormal investigations, celebrity ghost hunts and other spooky goings on at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Ceilidh Culture 16 March – 25 April

Edinburgh’s traditional arts festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling and more.

International Science Festival 31 March- 13 April 2012
The International Science Festival features a host of fun and educational events, lectures and attractions celebrating all things scientific.

Beltane Fire Festival 30 April 2012
Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival and Edinburgh plays host to some colourful and exciting celebrations to mark the date.

Imaginate Festival 7 – 14 May 2012
The Imaginate Festival is Edinburgh’s children’s festival and has loads of plays, activities and fun things to do for youngsters of all ages.

Leith Festival 8 -17 June 2012
Come and celebrate all things Leith at this festival, featuring music, dance, art and other exciting events.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 June – 1 July
The Edinburgh Film Festival is an internationally-renowned event on the movie festival circuit and attracts premieres and stars from all over the world.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 29 June – 6 July 2012

2012 will see Edinburgh host the third International Magic Festival with a range of performers show-casing their magical talents.

Edinburgh Art Festival August 2 – September 2
Edinburgh Art Festival celebrates the visual arts in all its diversity, from world-class exhibitions to strikingly original installations.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 28 July – 6 August 2012
Get your gladrags on and party to the sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, a popular event which attracts international talent.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 3 - 27 August 2012
Getting bigger, better and – some may say – weirder every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the highlight of many a festival-goer’s calendar.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 3 – 25 August 2012
Selling out months in advance, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event taking place on the Castle Esplanade.

The Edge Music Festival TBC 2012
Adding alternative music to the August festival mix, The Edge Music Festival attracts A-list bands as part of its programme.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace TBC 2012

The Festival of Spirituality and Peace features music, dance, talks and other events highlighting humanitarian issues and causes.

Edinburgh International Festival 10 August – 2 September 2012
The one that started it all, the Edinburgh International Festival is a feast of world-class music, dance and theatrical performances.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 11 - 27 August 2012
This literary event attracts major names in the writing, publishing and political fields to the serene Charlotte Square Gardens setting.

Edinburgh Mela Festival 31 August  - 2nd September 2012

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, the Mela Festival brings colour and exotic flair to Edinburgh in August.

Scottish Story Telling Festival 19-28 October
Celebrating the great Scottish oral tradition, the Story Telling Festival showcases the talents of national bards, poets and tale-spinners.

Edinburgh’s Christmas TBC – late November – End Dec 2011
Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas and features events, attractions and shows for all the family to enjoy during the festival season.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30 December 2012 – 2 January 2013
End the year with the biggest street party in the world!

The Interminable Suicide Of Gregory Church sees a welcome return to The Traverse from Daniel Kitson, the Perrier Award winning standup who first performed this charming and insightful monologue at 2009′s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

With typically self-effacing manner, Kitson is alone on the stage as he recounts the fictional tale of piecing together the fragments of the late Gregory Church’s life, after taking possession of thousands of his letters. And from the midst of this daunting paper maelstrom, he begins to pluck out details of a man, initially driven to suicide by crushing loneliness; then finding the will to carry on as people begin to slowly reply to his initial batch of ‘farewell’ letters.

Kitson is a born and compelling storyteller. His monologue is engrossing, and as the touching details of the story begin to emerge, the sell-out audience at the Traverse are hanging on every well-delivered word. During the performance’s 90 minutes, he leaps off on tangential anecdotes only once or twice; and it is testament to the strength of Gregory Church’s tale that everyone is impatient for him to return to the story.

Kitson’s piece is at its heart a celebration of the human condition; of the priceless value of relationships, whether transient or lifelong. It is also an examination of the redemptive – and addictive – power of communication, and the irony is not lost on anyone when Kitson briefly pauses mid-performance to lightheartedly chastise an audience member for checking messages on their phone.

Daniel Kitson’s The Interminable Suicide of Gregory Church plays at The Traverse again tonight, 20 May. Details on the Traverse website.

Brand new comedy project

“We’re going to start tonight’s show by freaking the shit out of you”, says Colin Mcleod, one third of The Colour Ham. Another third, Gavin Oattes, appears and proceeds to Morris Dance ‘invisibly’ in a Python-esque manner.

There’s still no sign of the other third, talented magician, Kevin McMahon, but as a result of the first mentalist demonstration, he appears in an unusual manner and launches into a magic routine.

Audience participation is crucial to the show working, but the packed-out house are willing to get involved.

There’s no doubt that the three friends are a talented bunch, who’ve brought their skills as a mentalist, magician and comedian-compere into this brand new comedy project.

Oattes shines in between sketches and has an excellent sense of comic timing and Mcleod blows the audience away with his mind-reading capabilities.  McMahon’s magic skills have been given a comedy slant, but doesn’t make his sleight of hand skills any less impressive.

There’s a good chemisty when all three of them are performing together, including an impressive finale trick which left the audience gobsmacked.

It is a strange mixture of comedy routines, mind reading and magical tricks, but one that had the audience chuckling along.  Considering it was a debut show, it was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend two hours.

“You don’t have to be good at art to enjoy it!”

Dr Sketchy's Edinburgh

Miss Honeypenny is describing Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, the local branch of the worldwide phenomenon started by former artist’s model Molly Crabapple in New York in 2005.

“Molly’s great,” says Miss Honeypenny, who has been involved with Dr Sketchy’s Edinburgh for two years now and producer since August. “It’s her business but she’s happy for anyone to franchise the idea for a minimal amount – as long as they do it justice.”

From pencil sketches...

“Burlesque can be seen as cliquey,” says Siân , who has been hosting the Edinburgh events for the past six months. “We want our events to be seen as inclusive: everyone from experienced artists to those who come along because they’re curious.”

“We’re trying to make art fun and interesting again!” says Miss Honeypenny. “We want it to be unimtimidating and create an atmosphere where people aren’t afraid to laugh.”

And with the emphasis firmly on the fun and interesting side, a typical Dr Sketchy’s even is comprised of three ‘acts’.

“We start off with an intro and some quick poses to get everyone limbered up,” says Miss Honeypenny.

“Then the model will usually change costume and strike some longer poses. After a short break, they’ll then pose for a little longer – giving everyone the chance to create something decent.”

The model at an event is always a burlesque or cabaret performer. Siân works hard at bringing the audience and performer together, getting rid of the any barriers between them and making it fun for everyone.


“Most of our performers are great,” she says. “They get it straight away.”

...to chalk & charcoal

“Some people are there to develop their portfolio,” says Siân. “But people of all abilities turn up; and the experienced artists are great at encouraging the others.”

“We’ve even had prizes for the best stick figure!” adds Miss Honeypenny. “Or for the most creative use of colour or best background. And we provide all the materials: pencils, chalk, charcoal – we’ve even used pipe cleaners before!”

“We get all age ranges too, from young art students to mature artists. We have twenty or so regulars and the rest of the artists are new. It’s always busy.”

“Get there early!” says Siân, laughing.

Siân has a background in cabaret and comedy and regularly appears at venues like The Stand and as her burlesque alter ego Mme MyFanwy. Miss Honeypenny is originally from Australia and has been based in Edinburgh since 2004, where she exercises all of her management and admin skills for Dr Sketchy’s. Both are in love with Edinburgh.

“It really is wonderful,” says Miss Honeypenny. “I honestly don’t know exactly what it is I love about it, but the last time I came back here after being away I went all wobbly-kneed as soon as I walked out the station!”

“I get defensive about Edinburgh,” says Siân. “It’s a great sized city and I love the way everything’s within walking distance.”

They also both feel Edinburgh has woken up to the burlesque and cabaret scene, but are worried about the threat of venue closures and cutbacks.

“We’re currently based in the Jazz Bar,” says Miss Honeypenny. “It’s so cool, really wonderful.”

“And we’d love to see the plans for The New Victoria succeed,” says Siân. “There is still money out there.”

Wherever they pitch up with their cheeky chalks and charcoals, Siân and Miss Honeypenny are bringing an artistic touch of flair to the Edinburgh scene with their original and fun-filled events.

You can keep up to date on Dr Sketchy’s creative endeavours on Facebook and Twitter.

They are now resting their pencils over the festive period, but will be returning in February for an artistic and fun Valentine-themed experience.

The Mating Ritual

A boisterous and fun romp through the ages, The Mating Ritual explores the time-honoured relationship between man and woman via a series of brilliantly-choreographed burlesque routines, songs and dance.

Performed by burlesque superstars Gypsy Charms and Chris Wilson, Blond Ambition’s show is a titillating treat from start to finish.

We were fortunate enough to catch this show at a successful run at London’s Brickhouse recently and can attest to it being big, bold, bawdy – and brilliant.

So, why not spend Thursday evening in the company of some of the biggest stars of the UK’s ‘cabaret explosion’ and learn all about the birds and the bees, burlesque style?

The Mating Ritual is at The Voodoo Rooms on 22nd July, 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets can be booked online here and are £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

In Edinburgh today

Edinburgh Spotlight spoke with the excellent Reginald D Hunter today in town, as he prepared to head over to Dunfermline for his show tonight.

I could listen to his Georgia accent all day and saw him last year at The Stand and was very impressed.  You may have seen him on television on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks or Have I Got News for You. 

Reginald told us that he is performing at this years’ Fringe and is looking forward to the madness that normally ensues in Edinburgh during the festival.

We’ll be previewing his show soon and look forward to seeing him perform in the capital later this year.

Hosted by Kevin Bridges

Waverley Care comedy gala has now sold out  

The Edinburgh Fringe 2010 Comedy Gala tickets have recently gone on sale via the Edinburgh Festival Theatre website.  This performance by all the best comedians in town for the Fringe is always a sell out, so buy your tickets now.  Tickets are £25 and all proceeds go to Waverley Care.

This year, the show is being Hosted by Kevin Bridges who had his festival debut last year.  Michael McIntyre  has hosted this event in previous years, but his bouncy hair and talk of trams will be replaced by the near-local boy Bridges.

The line-up is never known until the night, but previous appearances have included Adam Hills, Rich Hall, John Bishop and Rhod Gilbert.  Around 12 comedians do a short stint on stage, normally of their funniest material.

This is always my comedy highlight of the Fringe and I have been checking the EFT website on a weekly basis waiting for these to come on sale.  I have purchased my tickets and I suggest you grab yours sharpish as well. 

On slightly later this year in August, the show will also give you a glimpse of individual shows and allow you to buy tickets for their full shows before the end of the Fringe.

Highly recommended from us.

*updated 12th June with full performers list*

-David O’Doherty
-Andi Osho
-Jack Whitehall
-Sean Lock
-Holly Walsh
-Shappi
-Andrew Lawrence
-Jon Richardson
-John Bishop
-Simon Evans
-Jason Byrne
-Adam Hills
-Justin Moorhouse
-Mark Watson
-Tom Wrigglesworth
-Mick Ferry
-Seann Walsh
-Carey Marx
-Phil Nichol
-Stephen K Amos
-Tom Stade
-Jimeoin

Long gone are the days of waiting for the launch of the Edinburgh Fringe programme in June, working your way through the programme for a few days and then waiting for the tickets to go on sale. 

It’s April, but some tickets have been on sale since March.  Tickets for sale already are detailed below with links (more to be added).  Full Fringe programme launch in June 2010. 

Comedy Gala in aid of Waverley Care at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 24th August 

Jason Byrne @Assembly Hall    – tickets here 

Mark Watson @ Assembly Hall – tickets here 

John Bishop @McEwan Hall – tickets here 

Danny Bhoy @McEwan Hall – tickets here 

Jim Jefferies @McEwan Hall – tickets here 

Rhod Gilbert @Venue150 (EICC) – tickets here 

Jason Manford @Venue150 (EICC) – tickets here 

*Updated May 5th* 

Simon Callow – Shakespeare @ Assembly Hall  tickets here 

Busting Out @Assembly George Street tickets here 

34 shows for The Stand Comedy Club are on sale now tickets here   This line up includes Sarah Millican who was sold out last year, so don’t delay for her show.

*Updated May 6th*

Faulty Towers Dining Experience at B’est Restaurant – tickets here

Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s - tickets here

Selection of Udderbelly shows including Flawless

Edinburgh Fringe 2010

I have seen all of the above comedians (Jason Byrne – Jason Manford) over the years at the Edinburgh Fringe and would hazard a guess that the shows they put on this year will be pretty funny.  Jim Jefferies is not for the faint hearted, he swears a lot as he tells long tales from his life experiences. 

Jason Manford has made a meteoric rise from the Big Value Comedy Show at the Cafe Royal years ago and deserves to have such a good billing as he has gone from funny to funnier. 

Other Festival regulars Rhod Gilbert and Mark Watson have never disappointed me in any performance I have seen over the years.   John Bishop has also appeared in Edinburgh before and has made a lot of television appearances recently so his tickets will probably sell out fast. 

If you could only buy one ticket from the above, I would suggest choosing Jason Byrne.  He’s Irish, crazy and also swears a lot, but it’s all in context   Even Jason doesn’t know what he’s going to say before he gets on stage, but it’s sure to be a fun filled hour of laughter. 

We will update this entry in due course with information on ticket sales as we get it.  It will be the first year that the McEwan Hall has been used as a comedy venue (has been used for the Silent Disco at previous Fringes), but both Assembly Hall and Venue 150 at the EICC are of the more ‘luxurious’ end of Edinburgh Fringe venues and ones that Edinburgh Spotlight love.

Spamalot the musical is heading for a short run at the Edinburgh Playhouse in October.  It will be the first time that the production has been seen in Scotland with the story based around the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail comedy film.   Eric Idle wrote the story and he also created the score with John Du Prez.

Spamlot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.

Coming to Edinburgh

I have seen versions of Spamalot in New York and Melbourne and recommend you buy a ticket as it will be worth every penny.  It is still not known at this time who is going to appear in this touring show, but I will update details as soon as they are become available.  It certainly helps to know the background of the film to understand all of the jokes and songs, but not a necessity to enjoy this comedic musical feast.

Just beware of the killer rabbits and the Knights who say Ni!

Runs nightly 18th – 23rd October (plus matinee on 23rd at 2pm).  We’ve got our tickets for opening night and can’t wait to see this version.

I attended the Scottish premiere of  ‘For the Love of Mrs Brown’ at the Edinburgh Playhouse this evening.

This is the fourth installment (of the trilogy!) covering  the antics of Mrs Brown’s life, starring Irish comedian Brendan O’Carroll.  This production is not for those who are easily offended as strong and vulgar language is used throughout. 

Agnes Brown

In previous productions, we have followed Agnes Brown’s unconventional family through many traumas.  This time, one of her daughters wants cosmetic surgery to impress her boyfriend in the hope that he will propose.  This storyline is intertwined with Agnes setting up an internet date with a man she knows as ‘Hairy Harry’ as the fierce Dublin Mammy doesn’t wish to be alone on Valentine’s day.   

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the Usher Hall to see the Big Yin himself, Mr Billy Connolly.  I used to listen to the records of his shows growing up and I have always been determined to see him live.

It was also the first time I had been to the Usher Hall since it was refurbished and it’s looking rather swanky inside the stage area, but the unfinished corridor paintwork and photocopied signs to the stalls need to be corrected.

Billy really is a larger-than-life manic Glaswegian who opened his 2009 tour this evening by bursting onto the stage in some fetching black and white breeks.  He was warmly welcomed with clapping and cheering but due to some microphone malfunction, we couldn’t hear a thing he was saying.  It was soon sorted with improvised comedy to keep us amused.

The Big Yin did not disappoint his audience and I feel that my stomach has done a full work out from laughing throughout and I had to gasp for air several times.  To say he went off on tangents was an understatement, but always came back to the original story.

All topics were covered, huge theme of Scottishness throughout but I don’t really want to give any more of the show away for those that will be reading this clutching a ticket for an upcoming date.  Of course, that’s on the assumption that there is some kind of plan to his routine, I have a feeling it could be different every night.

My only criticism of the Big Yin tonight was his laughing.  I felt it sometimes spoilt the stories he was telling and that I didn’t pay to see him laugh at his own jokes.  I know comedians use this technique from time to time, but felt Billy took it a little too far. 

There was definately Billy Connolly gold as the show progressed and it was well worth the money.  The 2 hour non-stop show meant that people were in and out their seats the whole performance going to the toilet (why are the ones those seated in the stalls use so far far awy ??).  Also, there didn’t seem to be a ban on photographs, therefore there were also non stop flashes from the audiences’ phones and cameras.

You could also stock up on Billy Connolly merchandise if you so desired, but £15 for a black t shirt and £5 for a fridge magnet was a little steep.  Will keep my ticket as a souvenir instead.

His Usher Hall run is officially sold out, but if you are desperate for a ticket, try ebay, gumtree or hang about outside, people had spares this evening (genuine, not touts).

Not quite Billy Connolly, but The Stand at York Place has a lot of good comedians coming up over the next few weeks, the link takes you to the what’s on page.  Reginald D Hunter is on my hit list as I missed him at the festival.

At Home with Holly is one of the more unusual shows I have seen in the Fringe over the years.   Holly Burn, who is an exceptional comedy actress invites you into her home  for the festival.  You can buy tickets in advance from the Fringe office,  the Five Pound Fringe / GRV box office, or you can pay on the door as many people did today – a bargain at £5.  Starts at 15.07 hours.

Her home is 22A  Albany Street, a short walk from Queen street and well signposted.  You are warmly welcomed by her flat mate Sam who is in charge of tickets and shown into the house and the show begins.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away so just go with the flow and allow her to show you around her home with all that’s involved    It’s quirky, it’s crazy, it’s interactive (without embarassment) and had everyone laughing.  The end of the show has the most unique, random ending I have ever seen that left audience members chuckling as they walked away.    Bonkers but brilliant !

You would be silly to miss this completely unique show and I have no doubt that Holly Burn will be a very well known name in the future due to her talent.  At £5 full price, this is an absolute steal and a great way to spend an hour in the afternoon.  Buy your tickets NOW.

5 stars from me, highly recommended

Holly first came to my attention as part of Mark Watson’s cast in The Hotel and had me in stitches in her well excuted role.

Jason Byrne is a festival favourite of mine and tonight (his opening night) he didn’t disappoint.  Despite a 35 minute delay in starting, the audience were receptive to his madness from the start.

He loosely talked about two injuries he has sustained in his lifetime, but obviously went off the beaten track in true Jason Byrne style.  Audience participation was included as usual, but a 15 year old boy who had hurt his hand in the past gave Jason lots of material on a plate 

There were just so many jokes out there, my sides were sore from laughing.  The finale of the show had EVERYONE in stitches – worth going to see that alone, but thankfully Jason doesn’t disappoint with the show beforehand

HIGHLY recommended from me and I give it 5 stars.  Get your tickets now before they’re all sold out !

Kevin Bridges is a firm favourite of mine and I was really looking forward to tonights’ show.  The venue, Joker Dome is VERY small and hot. 

This show has pretty much sold out its’ entire run at Joker Dome apart from tix available for extra dates which have just been added, which I would grab whilst you can – they will sell out.

Tonights’ audience were all Scottish apparently, no one outside the country was willing to state their origin in fear of slagging off.  With KB, that is not the case, it’s friendly banter, but even Mr Melbourne who was sitting right next to me was not for saying a word depsite digs in the ribs from me at the threat of outing him for some Aussie material !

There was a strange atmosphere at the gig, no drunks (it was 9pm) giving lots of material for KB who is more than capable of on the spot jokes and no one really biting at any of his audience questions.  Unfortunately for KB this is required for him to progress onto his jokes, but he battered on with them anyway without the smooth links.

He did come out with some absolute classics that had the audience laughing hard, but since the front row (medical students and a podiatrist) weren’t for engaging in much conversation, I don’t know why he didn’t move further back to get some fodder.  He even explained a couple of his punchlines which just wasn’t necessary, we got them ! 

I thoroughly recommend taking any chance you get to see KB, he is very talented and perhaps the people with the tickets for the rest of the run can do more than just stare at him.   I’m putting the performance down to preview show nerves and a quiet audience and give it  4 stars (out of 5)

Last night saw the final show of the Leith festivaland it was none other than my favourite comedian of the moment – Kevin Bridges

Held in the basement of Cruz which was absolutely boiling, the audience set up was intimate, but this only added to the atmosphere.  Everyone was there for a good time, no need for a warm up.

Kevin did two sets with a break in between and I can honestly say that I didn’t stop laughing once.  Once he had sussed out that pretty much all the audience were local, he kept the show locally themed & Scottish, using some belters of expressions that I haven’t heard in a long time.  Most of them are not suitable for this family friendly blog!

It was a bonus that it was this kind of material as I will definately go to see him at the Edinburgh Festival this year for his show as he will be catering for a wider audience. 

Kevin did involve members of the audience who all took it in their stride, but not in a way where you would rather curl up and die – it was friendly banter.

He even got a bit of help when he was trying to explain to someone who Susan Boyle was.  He was looking for the right word when a woman called her a less than politically correct name.   A very funny moment along with all the others.

There was swearing in last nights’ show, but the clip below is from his a recent TV appearance on the Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow which is clean cut for the BBC and gives you a taster of his humour.  This guy is going to go far.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeyajsCZej8]

I went to see Ivan Brackenbury at The Stand comedy club on St Patrick’s Day.

I first saw Ivan at the Edinburgh Festival in 2007 when he was an Intelligent Finance Comedy Award nominee (formerly Perrier awards)

His comedy is new and refreshing and to my knowledge no-one else does this kind of show.  Ivan is a hospital radio DJ and plays music requests to in-patients.  I really can’t give an example without ruining the jokes if you were to see him, but he chooses a patient with a particular ailment and then plays a snippet of the most unappropriate song / lyrics.

It really is orginal and although some of the subjects are a little ‘out there’ it’s great that the act is not spoilt with unecessary swearing, in fact, he doesn’t swear at all, it is hospital radio after all.

He uses old style jingles that used to be on radio in the 70s / 80s and has had celebrities including David Hasselhof do a voiceover for his show saying “you’re listening to Ivan Brackenbury’s disease hour on hospital radio”  Some of the names involved are quite impressive, but they obviously have no idea he is a spoof DJ.

He's Bonkers

The whole audience was in fits of laughter and his set was over all too soon.  There was a bonus question and answer session with the host Bruce Devlin which let us see the softer side of Ivan and he took questions from the audience.

Suitable for disabled ?     The Stand is down a set of stairs in York Place, but they pride themselves on their policy for disabled customers.  The staff will carry / assist you down the stairs if necessary and reserve suitable seating (one of our party was disabled).  The toilets are down the stairs, but if you have mobility problems, they allow you to use the staff / performer toilets on the ground floor.  The staff are extremely friendly here