On 15th August I posted an article extolling the virtues of good storytelling theatre and gave some examples of the best that I had personally seen. We are now well into the final week and here are few more examples, given in order when I saw the production.

Laundry Boy – A saucy comedy examining one lonely young man’s search to find his identity

Penny Dreadful’s Etherdome – a comedy based on a true version of events to discover a way to relieve pain during surgery

The Games – a comedy set in Ancient Greece at the time of the Olympic Games

The Matchmaker – a comedy set in southern Ireland in the 1950’s

 

In addition, here are a few solo performances worthy of mention

Pip Utton is Charles Dickens – a master raconteur and Fringe stalwart in witty and conversational style

Nicholas Osmond in ‘Phys Ed’ – a sporting theme of aiming to be the best

 

What I have noticed in the past few weeks in terms of audience numbers is that plays which can be classed as avant-garde or experimental are not attracting audiences in big numbers. Perhaps in times of economic uncertainty people want to be entertained and uplifted rather than be taken on journeys of self- indulgent angst. After all, the Fringe is part of a Festival! A family taking in a few shows will not see much change from £100.or so. No wonder they are primarily seeking out enjoyment.

Posted by Ben on 23rd August