Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013 Show Recommendations

Blog by Steve Roe, co-founder of Hoopla Impro. Beginners Improv Course, Performance Improv Course, Narrative Long-Form Course and Stand-Up Comedy Courses starting in September. Improv Comedy Club every Tuesday at The Miller in London Bridge. Twitter: @HooplaImpro. Facebook: HooplaImpro. Website: www.HooplaImpro.com.  

It's that exciting time of year when the Edinburgh Fringe programme thumps onto the doorstep. I've been working through the night like a massive comedy geek highlighting shows I want to watch. I'm mainly geared towards improv, but I've thrown in some stand-up, sketch and kids shows this year too. 

This is based on the first sweep of the programme. I'll be adding some more hot cookies later once I find them, and feel free to contact me with suggestions for shows to add. 

If you want more details on each show please click the link on each show to go through to the Ed Fringe website, which is main website for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

Hoopla's Hot Picks

These are shows that are new to Edinburgh that I think could potentially be a breakthrough hit because they are likely to be good. Previous Hoopla Hot Picks included Austentatious, Luisa Omielan's What Would Beyonce Do, Lady Cariad's Characters, Humphrey Ker and Josh Widdicombe, who were indeed all breakthrough hits that year. These don't include already well known shows, they have to be relatively new. 

The Play That Goes Wrong
Mischief Theatre
For years this group were The Scat Pack, performing improvised comedy and one of my favourite improv groups (also see Lights! Cameras! Improvise!). Now they've taken on scripted comedy and this is their first major production. Boy oh boy the buzz about this is incredible. It started out at a small theatre in London and has already transferred to the West End before its even got to Edinburgh. The reviews are already amazing, with The Times and more raving about it. The performers in The Mischief are some of the most charismatic, funny and talented people I've ever seen on stage.I'd buy tickets for this now if I was you.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/play-that-goes-wrong

Joseph Morpurgo - Truthmouth
This has recently been promoted to our hot picks section as five separate people in London have told me it's the best show they've ever seen following his previews. Loads of buzz building up about this. Joseph is also in Austentatious, which is an amazing show, and he's awesome in that too. First 1 hour solo show. Blatantly going for the Ed Fringe Best Newcomer Award. Go Joe!
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/joseph-morpurgo-truthmouth 
The Takeaway Story Show
The You & Me Theatre Company
A cool idea for a kids show where the actors improvise a story based on children's suggestions and props, and the kids then get to download a personalised storybook of the show they help make up. A neat idea and new way to use improv, and there is always a need for quality new kids shows. Directed by Matt Andrews who has done lots of improv at Edinburgh before and I think knows the audience really well. Should be a fun one, and I think worth watching even if you haven't got kids.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/takeaway-story-show


Also there are two (or more) improvised Shakespeare shows this year. See both, they both look awesome. 

The School of Night's Spontaneous Shakespeare
This one features Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido, Sean McCann and more from the Showstoppers and Ken Campbell school of improvisers I wish I could improvise like. In fact next time I go on stage I'm going to pretend I'm one of these guys. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/school-of-night-s-spontaneous-shakespeare

Impromptu Shakespeare
The new kid on the Shakespeare block directed by Jules Munns who has been doing awesome things in London with The Nursery Theatre and The Slapdash Festival of Improvisation, and whose improvised Shakespeare workshops recently ignited a massive interest in Shakespeare with huge impro spirit. I expect it to be fun and gutsy.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/impromptu-shakespeare


Random One Offs Not to Miss
 
Doctor Brown: Bexperiments
Ooohhhh this looks exciting. Clown Doctor Brown performs eight shows back to back over one day, each show taking the best of the previous until he creates the final complete show at the end. I'm sure people will be camped out for the entire duration, me included. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/doctor-brown-bexperiments

The Wrestling II
One year at Edinburgh I had a day off from watching shows, walked up a mountain, and found I had missed The Wrestling. For the whole of the next day every single conversation seemed to revolve around The Wrestling. 
"Dude we've run out of tea bags." 
"Did you watch The Wrestling?" 
"No. I had a day off."
"Maaannnn, you should have watched The Wrestling."
"I climbed a mountain."
"You missed out."
"I climbed a .."
"The Wrestling."
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/wrestling-ii

Improv

Aaaand Now For Something Completely Improvised
Racing Minds
For a couple of years I was put off this show by the alphabetical whore title, and then I realised it had Tom Skelton in it who is possibly one of my favourite improvisers to watch ever, and then I realised that it also had loads of great reviews. And then I kicked myself for judging a book by its title and not seeing it sooner. I'm going to watch this show for sure. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/aaaand-now-for-something-completely-improvised

Abandoman: Moonrock Boombox
Improvised hip hop from Rob Broderick and band, really good fun. I used to want to be Rob Broderick when I grew up, and then I realised that he was younger than me, and then I cried into my kebab.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/abandoman-moonrock-boombox

Absolute Improv!
To Be Continued...
Improv group that are actually from Edinburgh, support some local talent!
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/absolute-improv

Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel
Milk Monitors
This is such an awesome show. Improv crowds love it because it's great improv. Comedy crowds love it because it's really really funny. Jane Austen crowds love it because it's Janeaustenlike. Everybody loves it. I can't believe it's free again, people will be queuing around the block so get there early. Earlier than that. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/austentatious-an-improvised-jane-austen-novel

Baby Wants Candy: The Completely Improvised Full Bank Musical!
If you don't think improv is a massive thing then go and watch this and then change your mind. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/baby-wants-candy-the-completely-improvised-full-band-musical 

BattleActs! Improvised Comedy - Free
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/battleacts-improvised-comedy-free

Blind Mirth Improv Comedy
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/blind-mirth-improv-comedy 

Bristol Improv Presents...
The Bristol Improv scene has been growing even quicker than the London improv scene this year, well done them, and there are some awesome shows like this one coming out of it. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bristol-improv-presents-pbh-s-free-fringe

Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Adventure
Cariad & Paul perform some of the finest improv shows I've ever seen. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/cariad-paul-a-two-player-adventure

Improvabunga - Some Sort of Improv Show
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/improvabunga-some-sort-of-improv-show

The Improverts
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/improverts

An Improvised Improv Show - Free Show
Well done Luc Valvona for putting this together. If you're an improviser and in Edinburgh go along to this and you can perform and get to network with other improvisers and have a big old jam. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/improvised-improv-show-free-show 

Lights! Camera! Improvise!
Mischief Theatre
One of my favourite improv shows, I love this group. An improvised movie that is hilariously funny and tells a great story. They also made one of our Hot Picks - The Play That Goes Wrong. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/lights-camera-improvise 

The Maydays: Confessions
The Maydays are the first improv show I ever saw live, and first people who taught me improv, and the reason I fell in love with improv in the first place. Great show, and amazing what an audience will confess. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/maydays-confessions

Men with Coconuts
Improv FX
News just in! I'm guesting in this one! Fun Scottish improv show with sound effects. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/men-with-coconuts 







The Noise Next Door: Soundhouse
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/noise-next-door-soundhouse

The Oxford Imps
Imps alumni populate the elite of improv and comedy around the Universe, this is the show that starts them off. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/oxford-imps 

Paul Merton's Impro Chums
Guess what? Paul Merton grew up in the same area as me. So I'll be the next Paul Merton! So went my logic when I started out in improv. I blame Wikipedia for these illogical life choices. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/paul-merton-s-impro-chums

Quest For Comedy!
ShellShock!
Improv from the Durham University team that has spawned some of our favourite improvisers over the years, many of them end up in London after graduation and they are awesome so looking forward to this.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/quest-for-comedy

Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans - Wonder & Joy
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/sanderson-jones-and-pippa-evans-wonder-joy
 
The Shambles
Did a show with some of these a couple of years ago and they were loads of fun. That's more of a personal anecdote than a review, but this is a blog not The Guardian dammit. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/shambles 

Bespoke Comedy for the Discerning Family  
Foghorn Improv
An improv show for all the family, sounds good to me and there is a big market for family friendly shows in Edinburgh so it should do well. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bespoke-comedy-for-the-discerning-family

Shhhh - An Improvised Silent Movie
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/shhhh-an-improvised-silent-movie


The Showstoppers' Improvised Musical
Massive hit every year, and rightly so. Musicals made up on the spot that are better than musicals that aren't made up on the spot. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/showstoppers-improvised-musical

This Is Soap: The Improvised Soap Opera
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/this-is-soap-the-improvised-soap-opera

Upstairs Downton
Improvised period costume drama that has been building up well on the London improv scene all year and ready to launch itself on Edinburgh. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/upstairs-downton 

The Wireless Podcast - Free
Racing Minds
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/wireless-podcast-free


Sketch, Scripted Comedy

The Beta Males in ... Superopolis
Their show is becoming a must see every Edinburgh, it's really exciting to see what they come up with, always fresh and exciting. Like starting a school year with a new pencil case and a nice pencil sharpener. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/beta-males-in-superopolis 

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/faulty-towers-the-dining-experience 

The Durham Revue: Friends Without Benefits
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/durham-revue-friends-without-benefits

Four Screws Loose in Screwtopia!
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/four-screws-loose-in-screwtopia

Henson's Alternative Puppet Up!
The adults only wing of the Jim Henson puppet company. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/henson-alternative-s-puppet-up-uncensored

In Cahoots
Features Paul G Raymond and Luke Manning who are also in one of my favourite impro groups Shoot from the Hip. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/in-cahoots 

Joy of Sketch
Good way to see lots of top sketch acts in one night in one place. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/joy-of-sketch 

Knightmare Live
Cult kids TV show Knightmare brought to life on stage. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/knightmare-live

Max and Ivan: The Reunion 
Like The Beta Males also a real Edinburgh must-see and different every year. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/max-and-ivan-the-reunion
 
The Play That Goes Wrong
Mischief Theatre
For years this group were The Scat Pack, performing improvised comedy and one of my favourite improv groups (also see Lights! Cameras! Improvise!). Now they've taken on scripted comedy and this is their first major production. Boy oh boy the buzz about this is incredible. It started out at a small theatre in London and has already transferred to the West End before its even got to Edinburgh. The reviews are already amazing, with The Times and more raving about it. The performers in The Mischief are some of the most charismatic, funny and talented people I've ever seen on stage.I'd buy tickets for this now if I was you.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/play-that-goes-wrong

Shit-faced Shakespeare
Group attempts to put on a Shakespeare play. Different member of the group gets blind drunk every night. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/shit-faced-shakespeare

The St Andrews Revue
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/st-andrews-revue  

Thundebards
I saw one of them in the improv group Do Not Adjust Stage and thought I'd like to see him in whatever he was in. I didn't fancy him, he was just really good at the old improv and acting and comedy. So I've got a good feeling about this one. Edinburgh needs some new sketch groups too since Pappy's, Delete the Banjax and Penny Dreafuls aren't around so this should do well. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/thuenderbards 

Who Ya Gonna Call?
A bunch of my favourite improvisers in a tribute to Ghostbusters, sounds amazing. I can't believe I haven't seen it yet, really looking forward to watching in Edinburgh. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/who-ya-gonna-call


Stand Up, Clown, Solo

AAA Stand-Up
Bound & Gagged Comedy
Like Spank, another good option for checking out some good quality stand up with three top acts on one bill, different three acts each year. This year with Luke Graves, Max Dickins and Joe Davies. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/aaa-stand-up

Adam Buxton: Kernel Panic
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/adam-buxton-kernel-panic
 
Alexei Sayle
That's exciting, Alexei Sayle doing stand up again. When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut, Steven Spielberg or a 1980s alternative comedian. Alexei Sayle actually was one of those things, so I'm going to see him.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/alexei-sayle


Beardyman: One Album Per Hour
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/beardyman-one-album-per-hour


The Boy With Tape On His Face: More Tape
I love this show, I loved the way it made me, my Mum, my Dad and my girlfriend all laugh out loud at the same time at the same thing. How sweet. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/boy-with-tape-on-his-face-more-tape


Dear Ray
Max Dickins
Good to see an established stand-up doing something different and ambitious, branching away from his club routines to do characters, touching story and his first 1 hour show. I've met Max in improvland and he's awesome funny, especially at characters. Go Max!
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/dear-ray

Doctor Brown: Bexperiments
Ooohhhh this looks exciting. Clown Doctor Brown performs eight shows back to back over one day, each show taking the best of the previous until he creates the final complete show at the end. I'm sure people will be camped out for the entire duration, me included. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/doctor-brown-bexperiment
 
Employees of the Month: Glenn Moore and Friends
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/employees-of-the-month-glenn-moore-and-friends

Greg Proops
I like to pretend that I personally know the entire cast of Whose Line Is It Anyway and hang out with them all the time. I don't, so this will be as close as I can get. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/greg-proops


The Horne Section Live in a Cow
When I was last at Edinburgh people wouldn't stop talking about The Horne Section. "Have you seen The Horne Section yet? You have to see The Horne Section. We're going to The Horne Section tonight. Meet you at The Horne Section. Blah blah blah blah blah." So much so that I decided I would never go and see The Horne Section, just because. I'm sticking to this pointless stand, but you should go, because other people say you should. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/horne-section-live-in-a-cow


Gamarjobat (ga-ma-jo-bat) Rock Out!
Very funny physical comedy. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/gamarjobat-ga-ma-jo-bat-rock-out


Jerry Sadowitz: Card Tricks and Close Up Magic
Very offensive, very funny, and very magic. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/jerry-sadowitz-card-tricks-and-close-up-magic



A Lol-along-a Luc Valvona - Free Show
Late night comedy songs from a friendly bearded man you'd like to take to the West Country and drink cider with until the morning. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/lol-along-a-luc-valvona-free-show


Luisa Omielan: What Would Beyonce Do?!
One of our hot picks from last year that went on to have multiple sell out runs at The Soho Theatre and a nationwide tour. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/luisa-omielan-what-would-beyonce-do

Pun Run
Pun-based comedy club. I should really come up with a pun in this description but it's now 2:47 and I have toothache. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/pun-run


Rachel Parris: The Commission
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/rachel-parris-the-commission 

Ross vs Violich - Pistols at 3:55pm
Coming out of the successful improv show Fat Kitten James Ross and Steve Violich are now taking on stand-up. I've got a good feeling about this. I haven't seen it yet, but I've got a good feeling about it. James Ross knows his Edinburgh, and Steve Vioich is one of those chaps who is good at everything but you still love him. I think James Ross will make it big in stand-up or governments will topple. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/ross-vs-violich-pistols-at-3-55pm


Spank
Good place to go to when you're not sure what you want to watch, as you get to see loads of good acts for not much dosh. Proper walls sweating beer in plastic cups what the fuck am I doing here late night Edinburgh experience. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/spank

Theatre

Making News
New play from The Spontaneity Shop's Tom Salinsky. I've heard good things about the rehearsed readings in the build up. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/making-news


Kids

Bespoke Comedy for the Discerning Family  
Foghorn Improv
An improv show for all the family, sounds good to me and there is a big market for family friendly shows in Edinburgh so it should do well. 
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/bespoke-comedy-for-the-discerning-family


The Takeaway Story Show
The You & Me Theatre Company
A cool idea for a kids show where the actors improvise a story based on children's suggestions and props, and the kids then get to download a personalised storybook of the show they helped make up. A neat idea and new way to use improv, and there is always a need for quality new kids shows. Directed by Matt Andrews who has done lots of improv at Edinburgh before and I think knows the audience really well. Should be a fun one, and I think worth watching even if you haven't got kids.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/takeaway-story-show


I'll be adding to this list as I look at the programme in more detail. Feel free to contact me with recommendations. 


Blog by Steve Roe, co-founder of Hoopla Impro. Beginners Improv Course, Performance Improv Course, Narrative Long-Form Course and Stand-Up Comedy Courses starting in September. Improv Comedy Club every Tuesday at The Miller in London Bridge. Twitter: @HooplaImpro. Facebook: HooplaImpro. Website: www.HooplaImpro.com.