Fun and Laughter in a Purple Cow
On my arrival in Edinburgh, I was a bit gutted. The main reason being, that the sun wasn't out. I'm sad I know. So, with no rays of sunshine, but still laced with a heat, I made my way to the first media preview launch of the evening.
I put myself in good stead, arriving fifteen minutes before it was meant to start, only to find that nobody was there. I began to panic, as there seemed to be more than one Underbelly, and clearly I was at the wrong one. Just as I was about to make yet another stressed phone call, a member of staff pointed me to where I should be.
Making my way along to the right venue, I was anticipating a major buzz. Edinburgh at Festival time is something that so many thrive on. But the excitement seemed to be reserved for over-zealous staff, instead of an over-zealous public.
Not to worry. I made it to the upside down cow in the nick of time, and as I entered Udderbelly's Pasture (for the first time), collecting my drinks tokens, I found where the buzz was.
After pushing my way through to the front of the bar, free booze makes people a bit nuts, I took a seat. Before entering the upside down cow, we were treated to the musical delights of Adam Page Solo, with the dancing supplied by State of Matter. The venue was declared open by country singer Tina C, who just wanted it all to look ‘pretty for Jesus.'
A theme for the evening seemed to be waiting, not that I was really complaining, I still couldn't get over what was really going on. Having no knowledge of what was to come, I was genuinely excited to see what Underbelly will be offering this Fringe. After a brief introduction from Jim Bowen, Jim Rose of the Jim Rose Circus was to be our MC for the evening. His West Coast drawl grated through me and I found his need to shout into the microphone a bit too much. I'm pretty sure he could have done without it. His humour was a bit off the wall, and as Jim Bowen pointed out in his introduction, he is crazy.
Highlights
For me, one of the highlights of the night was the comedy delights of Dan Nightingale. A short man, with thick-rimmed glasses who can create jokes out of the smaller things in life, without having to be brash and over the top.
Another highlight was the comic talent that is Jim Jeffries (pictured). With a beer in hand, he offended the paparazzi and the Osbournes, without even breaking a sweat. These guys are two completely different types of comedy, but are both very, very funny with it.
In saying this, the stand-ups had it easy. Some of the other comedy acts, clearly looked a tad uncomfortable having to slice a five minute section out of their hour long shows. And for a couple, it didn't work to their advantage.
Dark Grumblings seemed to try their best, but their story and jokes seemed to be lost on an audience that didn't seem to care what happened to their mate, Phil. In saying that, I just don't think that the lesser known acts benefited from having to take small pieces out of something which could be appreciated more as a whole piece.
Second last on the bill were The Wau Wau Sisters. The dynamic duo wowed the audience on their trapeze, drinking cans of beer while spinning through the air, hanging from each other and creating such a euphoria that you couldn't help but be amazed with what you were seeing.
Lend me a sharpie
Lastly, it was back to Jim Rose and one of the members from his Circus. Without saying too much, nothing says welcome to the Fringe like shooting paint out your ass onto a canvas. Blue paint. And I will never look at a Sharpie pen the same way. Ever again.
Even though the sun wasn't shining the selection of what's on this year made up for our random weather, with some things being more standout than others. My tips would definitely be Dan Nightingale and Jim Jeffries. Both acts had the audience laughing out loud. And when the room is filled with the press, that can't be an easy thing.