EDFRINGE SUCCESSES

Jeezus! | New Diorama Theatre | 21 Apr-9 May (pictured)
Given that we ran our first edfringe Q&A of the year last week, and have another one this week, I think it would only be right to focus first and foremost on some shows that had past success at our beloved Scottish festival. First up, ‘Jeezus!’, a musical about a boy from Peru with a penchant for The Lord, and our reviewer gave it a delighted 5/5. Click here. 

Hold The Line | The Hope Theatre | 21-25 Apr  
I love a medical drama, or a medical comedy, so this comedy-drama based on real experiences on the NHS 111 frontline was always going to appeal to me, and our reviewer was very impressed by it too. It’s the work of Sam McGregor, who also appears in the show, and sees a routine call spiral into a life or death situation. More here.  

Cody & Beau | Jack Studio | 21-25 Apr
“In 1889 Texas, Cody and Beau have one goal: to become cowboys. But when the boys plot an escape into the desert, the reality of the West proves far more complex than their magazine-fed fantasies”. Another show that earned a lot of love in Edinburgh, one that offers an exploration of masculinity, friendships and the darker truths of America’s past. Details here. 

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FUNNY WOMEN 

Marjolein Robertson: Lein | Soho Theatre Dean Street | 17 Apr (pictured)
Now, to be fair, these next three are all acts we’ve also seen and loved in Edinburgh, so we’re actually continuing with that theme. But they are also all from funny women. This is the final installment of an excellent trilogy by Marjolein Robertson and I guarantee that her beautiful blend of stand-up, storytelling and folklore will absolutely knock your socks off. Maybe not literally. Info here. 

Sikisa: Serving Justice | Soho Theatre Dean Street | 20-21 Apr
Next up, the very excellent Sikisa, who you no doubt know all about, and who, again, won the very high opinion of our discerning reviewer at last year’s edfringe. Expect “a bold, thought-provoking hour exploring truth, identity, and what justice looks like in love and life”, and head to the venue website here to get your tickets booked. 

Stevie Martin – Clout | Bloomsbury Theatre | 16+25 Apr
We first became aware of Stevie Martin when she was performing as one of sketch troupe Massive Dad and have been enjoying her ever since, and get to see more of her now that she’s popping up on screens so much in things like ‘Taskmaster’ and ‘Mitchell And Webb Are Not Helping’. Anyway, don’t miss her, basically, book tickets here. 

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BIOGRAPHICAL STUFF 

Two Halves Of Guinness | Park Theatre | 20 Apr-2 May (pictured)
Yes, truly, three whole shows about real people. Though I can’t guarantee that they’re all based on truth, so, remember I said that. First up is a show written by Mark Burgess about Alec Guinness, who feared his long and distinguished acting career would be eclipsed by that one role as a Jedi knight. More about it here. 

Please Please Me | Kiln Theatre | 16 Apr-29 May
“When Brian Epstein steps into the Cavern Club, he finds more than just a band – he finds his life’s calling. Captivated by the charismatic frontman, John Lennon, Brian sets out to make the Fab Four the most famous group on earth”. The story of the hidden struggles of the ‘fifth beatle’. Find our more about the show right about here. 

Vincent In Brixton | OT On Screen | 21-24 Apr 
I wanted to tip the live show of this when it was on, but it was pretty much sold out when I was about to, so I didn’t bother. But now you can stream it if you want to, which is great news! As you’ll probably have gathered, it’s a revival of Nicholas Wright’s Olivier-winning 2002 play offering a fictional account of Van Gogh’s real year in London. Click here. 

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ADAPTATIONS 

Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde | Hoxton Hall | 15-18 Apr 
And now for a few adaptations, starting with an excellent looking staging of Jekyll And Hyde. I saw this and thought “oh, that will be ideal for GCSE students” and then realised that yes, that’s actually the whole point, it’s touring alongside other set texts. So, high quality entertainment for your revising teen, right about here. Can I go too, though? 

The Waves | Jermyn Street Theatre | 16 Apr-23 May 
“Rhoda. Bernard. Susan. Neville. Jinny. Louis. They begin by the coast. Then, school. Youth. Forming. Swelling. Terror. Joy. Working. Falling. Fame. Grief. Alone. Together”. Flora Brown WIlson adapts Virginia Woolf’s highly regarded 1931 novel about a group of young people growing up together. See the venue website here to find out more. 

Biff To The Future | Wilton’s Music Hall | 20-25 Apr (pictured)
Yeah, OK, this is not an adaptation, it’s a comedic reimagining of the events of ‘Back To The Future’ told from the perspective of villainous bully Biff Tannen. And, yes, this acclaimed work created and performed by Joseph Maudsley could have featured further up in these tips, because it is another edfringe success. Quick, book here. 

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MORE GREAT STUFF

Chloe Flower | King’s Place | 20 Apr (pictured)
And so to more great stuff, because although we’ve managed some quite distinct categories this week, these three are not easily connected, but definitely worth seeking out. First up Korean-American pianist and composer Chloe Flower, who is on a mission to make classical music more relevant for the younger generation. Click here. 

Shaken Not Stirred | Rosemary Branch Theatre | 17 Apr
Oops, this one’s done well at the old edfringe too. But let us forget that for the moment and just talk about our love of improv shows, especially the ones with a special hook. And as the title has probably let you know, this one’s hook is that your improv will be delivered in the style of a James Bond narrative, so expect much fun. Book here. 

14/48 London | Cockpit Theatre | 17-18 Apr 
Finally, over to 14/48, possibly the world’s quickest theatre festival: fourteen plays are written, cast, directed, rehearsed, scored, designed and premiered in 48 hours. If you are intrigued by this idea, click on this listing here and read about how the process works, and also book your tickets to go and see the resulting new work.