Edinburgh Fringe - Day 2
08/08/2006

Here are some reviews from Day 2 at the Edinburgh Fringe!

Animal Farm
Price: £12:00
Venue: St George's West Church
Time 11am (2 hours)

An updated version of George Orwell's classic which includes cameo appearances in the style of Tony Blair and others! The amazing thing about this 2 hour show is that it was a one man show. Yes, one performer recited the story, impersonated the animals (both vocally and physically), and kept the audience's attention.

He was dripping with sweat by the end of the show but what a performance. The round of applause at the end hardly seemed to justify his efforts! And with regards to props, he only had a large wooden box on which he would sometimes lie, stand on or hide behind.

The show was directed by Guy Masterson and has been shown at several Fringe venues over the years.

Slightly dearer than most shows on the Fringe and very minimalist but a thoroughly good experience!

Colin and Fergus - Rutherford Lodge
Price: £8.50
Venue: Pleasance (Beside)
Time: 18:20

A 'Pythonesque' romp with 3 comedy actors and a good additional support by the narrator who makes very dry interventions throughtout this one hour romp.

I have to say that I didn't particularly find it all that funny even though it is sold as a comedy show. It left me feeling that I had witnessed a very amateur and not yet polished performance. The ideas were okay but didn't seem to flow. Having said that, my friend thoroughly enjoyed the show as did 3 other people in the audience (judging by their laughter).

The plot involves a hero (Rutherford Lodge) and his attempt to stop his evil arch nemises from destroying 'Buildingtown'.

A good performance from the little guy in the trio (Fergus) and that's not just a biased view (well I am only 5ft tall myself!)

I think it's also important to point out that this show is held in a portacabin. I doubt they would be able to fill a larger venue to be honest!

Jim Henson's Puppet Improv
Price: £17.50
Venue: Assembly (Mound Place)
Time: 20:40

Jim Henson's puppets (and puppeteers!) bring their improve show to Edinburgh Fringe. I was thoroughly looking forward to this show having been an avid Muppet Show fan over the years. However, this show is strictly for adults. Imagine what might have happened when the cameras stopped rolling and you will probably get the idea!

An excellenty choreographed show which is really 2 shows for the price of 1. In show number 1, you get to watch the puppet characters. Show number 2 runs at the same time and you get to watch the puppeteers actually performing the show! Amazing to watch and see the interaction between puppet and puppeteer. The audience were quick to suggest some risqué situations and the puppets were not shy at performing in those situations!

Only minor disappointment is that none of the puppets were familiar but that didn't in any way attract from the enjoyment of this show.


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