From magic to mirth and singing to sumo is what the annual Edinburgh Fringe is all about.
Celebrating its 79th year with a bang, the world’s largest and most popular arts festival, which runs until 31st August has a range of different and wacky shows to watch across its 258 venues and here’s a taster of what’s not to miss.
The Oxford Gargoyles, Jazz A Capello
There’s nothing like a wee bit of finger clicking and swaying to easy osy jazz tunes to brighten up the morning.
And the super talented members of The Oxford Gargoyles were on top form as the black tie dressed youngsters entertained with seven sunny songs at The Gilded Balloon Patter House.
The university’s only jazz vocal ensemble was founded by Divya Seshamani and Hannah Harper in early 1998 and have gone on from strength to strength with 13 talented sopranos, mezzos, altos, tenors, baritones and basses winning a worthy top reputation.
Today’s members, Matilda Bates, Scarlett Peacock, Sadie Bosher, Sam Chichester Clark, Joe Rudge, Tiger Li, Evie Holder, Anneka Vetter, Divine Simbanegavi, Kasper Lootens, George L’Estrange, Nicholas Olson and Charlie Bach are the latest singers keeping up the excellent performances.
And The Fringe audience was entertained with a selection of favourites including Frank Sinatra classics “Fly Me To The Moon” and “That’s Life”.
For a truly uplifting and fun performance, visit: www.theoxfordgargoyles.com and www.tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk.
Anna Thomas: How to Juggle a Ferret
Imagine returning home after university to find your bedroom has been turned into a makeshift rhubarb laboratory.
That’s what happened to Welsh comedian Anna Thomas, who turned her life changing experience into a debut at The Fringe.
Best known for her writing and performing in the short film, Lady Bigfoot, Anna was full of fun at her show at Monkey Barrel – Cabaret Voltaire.
There were laughs a plenty as Anna described being back at home with her mum as she watches friends move on to marriages, mortgages and motherhood while she navigates loneliness and rhubarb. Anna also starts to avoid dating and quietly wonders if she might be turning into a hermit.
After losing several close friends in a short space of time, Anna finds herself confronting grief in ways that feel disorienting and, at times, darkly funny. From crying next to vending machines to imagining the impossible, her attempts to carry on as normal only make life more surreal.
And then there’s her obsession with the ex-footballer Wayne Rooney. Go see Anna: www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com.
The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA
Big Baby bounced into the ring and with incredible skill bashed opponent Matsu out of the ring.
This brilliant insight into Japanese wrestling at The Underbelly was full of thrills and spills as three retired sportsmen showed off their skills.
The hour long show aims to educate and entertain and Toma, Matsu and Waka did just that. With Christian Eduardo Parraga Ramirez as translator, the performance is split into three parts named after the principles of spirit, body and technique.
Once the rules are established, the powerful trio show off their wrestling skills and it’s time for energy, passion and deft moves.
Three matches are held in the makeshift ring before the champion is crowned and members of the audience are given the chance to dress up in sumo suits and take on the titans themselves.
Entertaining and inspiring, for tickets check out: www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk and www.hirakuza.net. And for more information on this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, you can visit: www.edfringe.com.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
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