Morning events are a welcome change of pace. I was thankful to the Pleasance for having their press launch at
the not-too-early time of 11am. The late nights (or more probably all the wine consumed) were really starting to get me.
With tea and biscuits on arrival, the atmosphere was a lot more laid back than
previous launches; this may be due to the fact it is the Pleasance’s 24th season, or maybe they were just slightly more prepared.
My expectations of the Pleasance were very high indeed. Having
really grown up there (I attended an Acting
School there) the place
always brings back fond memories, and some of the stuff I have seen in the past
has really blown me away. But their selection this year really seemed to lack
the punch that I expected.
Throughout the showcase, we were treated to the effortless
comedic stylings of Stephen K. Amos. He managed to reduce everyone to laughter
with his stories about what have happened to him so far while being up in Edinburgh. Along with
making jibes at the continuing ticket problem which has crippled many of the
venues this year. I was informed that there had been 200 tickets oversold for
Jason Byrne in the Assembly Rooms. This seems to be a common problem this year,
so maybe check with a venue before you head into town, just in case you don’t
get a seat. Amos also thanked the "unsung heroes" of this year's Festival. Fair
play to him, he may have encountered some who continue to help even on one
hour's sleep, but my encounters with many an unpleasant staff member has left a
bad taste in mouth. I won’t name names.
As I said in a previous piece, some of the complete sketch shows
may have been in the wrong to dissect their show for a five minute slot. This definitely
can’t be said for theatre, and in particular Steven Berkoff’s adaptation of the
Marlon Brando film, On the Waterfront. A truly inspired piece of physical
theatre that, for the five minutes on display, had the hairs on the back of my
neck standing to attention. If you are looking for a piece of daring, truth and
power, then this is definitely a must-see.
We were then shown six sketches in six minutes; three were
good, and the other three, not so much. Will & Greg (Stars of Channel 4 TV
show Blowout) showed us that even counting to ten could be funny. Who ever
would have thought it? The way that they bounce off each other is wonderful to
watch, and the anticipation of what will happen next is sure to keep you
guessing.
An excerpt from Black Stuff, left me rather confused. The
synopsis reads that it’s about “a Mexican holiday that goes horribly wrong . . . Absurdly
inventive comic theatre.” From what we were shown, it was neither funny, nor
really that inventive. With shades of the film Wolf Creek,
it may have the potential to be something more when watched in full. A mention
must go to the man playing the owner of the petrol station, coming across as a
helpful man to this stranded couple, but also something a lot more sinister
that we never really saw enough of.
Last on the bill was the UK debut of Ilan Azriel’s The
Aluminum Show (pictured). The cast came on with tin foil on their heads, reminding us of the
do’s and don’ts before the performance. It reminded me of a poor version of
Starlight Express. We were warned not to be worried if the aluminum hit us in
the face, and I was still unprepared when it shot from the stage directly for
me. The most impressive part was watching the dancers in full aluminum suits,
dancing like slinkys to explosive dance music. Although we have seen this done
many times before, it’s something that never really gets old, or become any
less enjoyable. A definite must for all the family.
As we made our way out of the Pleasance Grand, the tea had
been swept away and more booze had taken its place. I decided, for once, to
pass up the opportunity of free wine. Instead, I opted for some delicious food
that was on offer.
I did feel slightly let down by what we were shown, but who
does the Pleasance have anything to prove to? Their perfect setting and
atmosphere could leave you wanting more whatever the weather.