FRINGEY STUFF 

Jane Eyre Convention | The Hope Theatre | 24-25 Jul
Hey everyone, we are starting with Fringey stuff because there are so many shows happening this week in London that are going to be heading up to the lovely edfringe next month! The first to command my attention, because I am a Bronte-head, was ‘Jane Eyre Convention’, which is a farcical, comic work about Jane Eyre aficionados, which I think sounds rather promising. More here. 

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella | Park Theatre | 23-25 Jul (pictured)
We always like whatever Linus Karp does at the Fringe (and we like it when those shows go on in London too, obv), so it’s a safe bet that this show will be worth seeing, and seeing now, especially if you’re not able to make it up to the Scottish capital next month. It’s about a homophobic attack that really happened, which is awful, but the show will be excellent, and also funny. Book here. 

Play Dead | Camden People’s Theatre | 24 Jul   
“Echo has a broken heart. A gutted-from-the-inside, cut-off-your-toes broken heart. Help is just a phone call away, but he opts for a classical (feral) form of revenge”. I like shows inspired by myths and classics, so this darkly comic play offering a queer take on Ovid’s myth of Narcissus sounds great, especially as it features a dog crate and a job lot of grapefruit. Not sure why. Click here. 

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FUNNY STUFF

Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour | Soho Theatre | 24-25 Jul     
Okay, on to some funny London stuff for you to consider. But yes, who am I trying to kid? These three picks are also going to be on at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival. We did a Q&A recently with this well established music-comedy act, so you’ll know all about them, I dare say, but now you have the opportunity to develop your acquaintanceship by seeing them in action this week. Details here. 

11 ½ Angry Men Edfringe Comedy Previews | The Playground Theatre | 22 Jul-1 Aug
This is not just a show that’s going to Edinburgh, it’s a whole season of events over at the Playground, most of which will be repeated up at the old edfringe: there’s the ‘Twelve Angry Men’ spoof starring many comedians, and many of those comedians will be previewing their Fringe hours, plus there’s also a gala. Go to the venue website here and see everything that’s on offer. 

Top Gunchained | OSO Arts Centre | 23-24 Jul (pictured)
We’re very well aware of the talent that is Richard Marsh, known for his slam-poeting, Fringe First winning works, and hugely successful epic poem version of ‘Die Hard’, ‘Yippee Ki Yay’. So you’ll be pleased to hear that he’s doing another Hollywood homage, this time to well loved fighter pilot yarn ‘Top Gun’. Don’t miss this chance if you’re not going to Ed this year, book here. 

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MORE GREAT STUFF 

Hofesh Shechter: In The Brain | Southbank Centre | 22-25 Jul
And finally, more great stuff, and also, finally, a show that is not going to be on in Edinburgh this summer, so make sure you see it before you go north, if you are going. Hofesh Schechter needs very little introduction, probably, and this part rave part ritual performance that promises a “fevered, all consuming experience” is selling very quickly, so hurry up and book here.  

Tiny Planet | Little Angel Theatre | 28-29 July (pictured)
There’s a Puppet Festival going on at the Little Angel Theatre over the next few weeks, which feels like a good way to keep small ones occupied, so here’s a recommendation for the first event, ‘Tiny Planet’. It’s is an awesome, space themed show, that’s only on for two days, presumably because… yes, it begins a run at the edfringe’s Pleasance Dome on 5 Aug. Book here.

An Audience With Virginia Woolf | Tabard Theatre | 27-28 Jul 
This is a show that I didn’t initially realise was headed to the Festival, but, yes, it is. Written and performed by Lucy Stevens, the show offers an intimate encounter with highly influential literary icon Virginia Woolf via her novels, essays and personal writing. Expect reflections on art, identity and the role of women in society, as well as extracts from famous works. More here.