Fringe Reviews
BUXTON FRINGE LAUNCH PARTY - Underground
The 47th Buxton Festival Fringe kicked off last night with the Launch Party hosted by Underground Venues and compered by the irrepressible Edy Hurst who himself has two shows in the Fringe. Suitably refreshed audience and compere set off for an evening of fun pretty much all the way. For those new to the Fringe the launch party is a great way to get a taste of what’s on offer each year and like the Fringe the party is a mixed bag.
The first act was Gill Sweeting who performed some well-known classics playing the ukelele in her own inimitable, quirky, humourous style. None of these songs, or the ukelele I believe, will be in her show ‘Both Sides Now’ which opens tonight (8th) at this venue.
Next up was Luke van Coot giving us an introduction to his play ‘I always walk alone’. Set in 2040, the play considers the phenomenon of male loneliness which has become an increasing familiar situation for many young men. Don’t be put off, it has a comedic side to it too. Luke’s show also begins tonight (8th) at the same venue.
Skye Lilly followed, with an excerpt from her spoken word show ‘The FOMO Show’. If you’ve been living under a rock all these years, FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out. Could be anything as we can’t do everything can we? Expect humorous musings, festival portaloo love and more. Skye returns on the 24th if you wan to catch her show that weekend!
In the midst of all this a voice of reason appeared among us, helped in no small part by ChatGPT. Tom Crawshaw, Fringe favourite and stalwart since he had his own fringe (thank you Tom!), entertained and informed. Ever gracious, the backroom/tech people got a shout out to generous applause – they have a hectic three weeks coming up!
Following on from this we had Siobahn Healey giving us a glimpse of her new play Unleashed. It’s unashamedly about sex, our attitudes toward it and how if forms part of who we are. The tale is told from the point of a Dominatrix opening up about her clients and their foibles and more. There may be an appearance by the gimp. Expect audience interaction! There are three performances on the 12-14th at the BWMC.
Stepping out from the shadows again will be Dylan Howells, this time presenting a show on magic and memory. It looks to be a hoot, so if your memory is showing signs of degrading, this could be the show for you! You can catch his show on the 9th, 14th and 21st of July at Underground in the Springs.
Hot on the heels of Unleashed came Pump Room Cabaret which features magic, comedy, burlesque and more. Sounds like the whole Fringe in one show doesn’t it? Possibly the most revealing show in the Fringe… you can catch it tonight (8th) 16th and 17th at The Pump Room!
Anyone out there fancy a game of bingo featuring audience participation, 90s pop, innuendo and a Primary School music teacher? Then the Secret Diary of a Bingo Call Girl 2: The Balls Are Back In Town is for you! Your call girl is Fringe favourite Angela Bra and her own incomparable style will carry you off to who knows where! Eyes down is in the 8th and 12th July at the WMC.
Last but by no means least we were treated to a set by Fred Rolland – make a note of the name because he didn’t and its not on his flyers! Ah well, he’s been to so many Fringes in many guises you’ll probably recognise him on sight. His show is called ‘The Anything Could Happen But Might Not Show’ if you want to seek it out and will be performed tonight (8th), 15th and 24th July in Underground at the Springs.
So, a fun and entertaining evening and thanks again to Underground Venues and Buxton Working Men’s Club for everything last night and the next three weeks!
Ian Parker Heath
