Last week was the week I watched the fastest ukulele playing I have ever seen, a sailor run on stage butt naked, Albert Einstein become rapper MC Squared and an Aussie beat-boxer making trumpet sounds from his throat. All of the above without exception have been glorious for one reason or another.
The ukulele playing was by the Hot Potato Syncopators who played a range of 20s, 30s and 40s songs, such as Keep Young and Beautiful (if you want to be loved), with lots of larking about on stage and done, impressively without losing their rapid pace.
Meanwhile Brighton writer Sara Harman-Clarke reviewed Half a Cod a Day, and was struck by the unjustness of the situation for Hastings fishermen. "These men – for it is a male dominated community – work hard and dangerous hours, put their lives at risk on a daily basis, just to chuck tons of their catch back overboard, dead and useless to all."
Another Brighton writer Rosie Davis reviewed The Ladyboys of Bangkok and had mixed feelings towards "the Benny Hill music, midget being chased and dressed up as a mouse; occasionally it was as if Radio 1 had been left on by mistake, but then a Dolly Parton tune would take over, and I was the first to join in."
The butt naked sailor was the character in Liam Rudden's new play Thief, which although hard hitting was brilliantly done evoking pathos in me.
From darkly disturbing to an Aussie with long locks and a great singer-songwriter in Jamie MacDowell. During his show, in collaboration with beat-boxer Tom Thum he released his mid length hair, with a spotlight on his face, Tom aimed a hair dryer at him, making his hair flow backwards, while Jamie sang 'I Will Survive'.
Further silliness was to be had at John Hinton's Albert Einstein the musical, which proved that yes physics and comedy can work in the same show.
So, what next? Join me for some St Lucia on the Fringe tonight, or check out some comedians that look like they might deliver some top notch laughs.
St Lucia on the Fringe: Launch Reception
Venue: The WaterBar, Category: Events and Film
19 May 20:30 Free, ticketed [3hrs 25mins]
Celebrating the launch of 'Fringe Saint Lucia! There will be Carnival Queens dancing at 8pm. Come early to get your free lime cocktail and Caribbean mini-eats. Followed by St. Lucian actor and singer, Victor Romero, SBS singers, flautist, Keith Waithe. Meet award winning poets and performers from Saint Lucia and UK. Bring your ticket for a chance to win a hamper.
Rob Auton: The Sky Show
Venue: The Burrow at The Warren, Category: Comedy
24, 31 May, 1 June 17:00 £8.50 (£7) [1hr]
How about the sky and the things in it (you know, clouds, birds, weather, etc.) by poet / comedian Rob Auton. This show is suitable for people who have seen the sky and enjoy looking up. “We need him.” (The Scotsman). Following on from last year's 'Yellow Show', which I missed, but heard was very good, I'm keen not to make the same mistake again. Enough said.
The Colin Hoult Shows
Venue: The Burrow at The Warren, Category: Comedy
23 May 20:00 25 May 17:00 £8.50 (£7, £35 All Burrow Shows) [1hr]
Master character comedian and star of 'Derek' and 'Being Human' performs all his critically acclaimed, sell-out, weirdly wonderful comedy shows, fresh from his hit Radio 4 series. Featuring bizarre, yet familiar characters, stand-up, song and sketches. Meet monsters, villains and heroes in the original Carnival trilogy. Go on a mystical journey to Snottingham in Characthorse and see his brand-new show, a heart-warming story about death. A highly imaginative and hilarious series of comedy shows.
For more Brighton blogging previews and reviews check out my blog.
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