Fringe Review: no no no please no god no, nevermind i’m fine

Sarina is a dynamic storyteller with impeccable timing, says Megan Amato.  ★★★★ A small room, a dark space. One woman dramatizing her ‘life-changing’ experience of trying LSD. We have all met that person. The one who tried a psychedelic and claimed it opened the fourth realm of the universe, and they’re sorry we will never…

Read More

International Festival Review: Ustatshakirt Ensemble

Megan Amato’s first experience with Kyrgyz music doesn’t disappoint. ★★★★★ My first experience with Kyrgyz music did not disappoint. Ustatshakirt Ensemble, a group of musicians reviving traditional Kyrgyzstan music with the Ustatshakirt Centre and the support of the Aga Khan Music Programme. Not only does the centre inspire a new generation of musicians but it…

Read More

Fringe Review: Jazz Emu, Knight Fever

Alister Tenneb says Archie Henderson’s production is the most creatively original he’s seen this year.  ★★★★ I’m usually not a big musical comedy fan but thought I’d randomly give this show a go. I’m glad I did. Archie Henderson is the man behind Jazz Emu and Jazz wants to become a knight, badly.  Very slick,…

Read More

Fringe Review: Afrique en Cirque

Afrique en Cirque is an exhilarating performance with a cohesive story that combines Guinea culture with classic circus acts, says Megan Amato.  ★★★★★ Nature and bird calls fill the auditorium, cool purple lighting gently illuminating the beautifully decorated stage. The band enters – a saxophonist, drummer and a guitarist – to their respective spots under…

Read More

Fringe Review: Harry Stachini – Grenade

Alister Tenneb on Harry Stachini’s polished performance.  ★★★ Mancunian and very likeable Harry Stachini performed his show Grenade to another sell out show at The Underbelly, Bristo Square. Themes throughout the show included relationships, honestly in those relationships, being single and parental guidance. We all face moral dilemmas in the way we deal with people…

Read More

Fringe Review: Yoah

Japanese circus group Cirquework calls itself a contemporary circus and Yoah certainty deliveres, says Megan Amato. ★★★★ There is nothing like the anticipation of waiting for a circus to begin. What magic box full of wonders will they bring? What tricks do they have up their sequined sleeves? What story are they going to tell?…

Read More

Fringe Review: Love’s Concordia Bar

A clever piece of storytelling that’s often silly, sometimes tender and surprisingly heart-breaking, says Megan Amato. ★★★★ ‘Have I just unwittingly walked into a introvert’s nightmare?’ were my first thoughts when I walked into the venue and saw that I might be in for a more interactive show than I had anticipated at 9:20 pm.…

Read More

Fringe Review: ARI – The Spirit of Korea

ARI: The Spirit of Korea is a touching story about music’s capacity to connect us, says Megan Amato.  ★★★★★ Some shows start and you know almost immediately that you are going to be taken for a ride. And what a ride ARI: The Spirit of Korea was. As the actors filled the stage in colourful…

Read More

Fringe Review: Taiwan Season, I Am The Boss

I Am The Boss demonstrates this childish power play as three siblings play cat-and-mouse with each other, says Megan Amato.  ★★★★ Anyone with siblings will understand that feeling – that moment when your parents leave and the battle for dominance begins. Taiwan Season’s  I Am The Boss demonstrates this childish power play with hilarity and…

Read More

Fringe Review: Comala, Comala

Comala, Comala will stay with you long after the performance, says Megan Amato ★★★★ A dimly lit room with warm lighting. Three tables set up with various props displayed, including candles, wooden bowls and bottles filled with mescal and water. Several music stands and one piano. These are the things I noticed as I found…

Read More