THURSDAY 25 AUGUST 2016 THREEWEEKSEDINBURGH.COM | THISWEEKLONDON.COM
  Hello once again! So, here we are at the final weekend of the Edinburgh Festival 2016 - and here we go with another TW Weekly guide to all things Edinburgh Fringe, plus the upcoming week in London.

For those of you at the Edinburgh Festival, don't forget to pick up our Week Three edition for all the latest features - plus check out a new interview, column and three to see below - and you can read every review we've published so far here online. We'll keep reviewing in the TW Daily through to the end of the weekend.

For those of you in London, all our usual tips can be found below, with so many great shows incoming over the next week. There are also lots of Edinburgh shows transferring to London in September, and we'll let you know about those in future TW Weekly bulletins, plus I'll be chatting to the people behind some of them when the Caro Meets Q&As return next week.

And finally, don't forget the all-new TW:TALKS podcast! We've got four more interviews we recorded here at the Fringe to share with you, and this week it's TW favourite Brendon Burns. Look out for it going online later today.

Caro Moses
Editor, ThreeWeeks Edinburgh and ThisWeek London
TW:TALKS PODCAST WITH BRENDON BURNS
To celebrate 21 years of ThreeWeeks covering the Edinburgh Festival, we launch our all-new TW:TALKS podcast by interviewing five former cover stars. This week, Brendon Burns, who appeared on the cover of ThreeWeeks back in 2006.

Having first performed at the Fringe during ThreeWeeks' first year at the Festival in 1996, at the free shows venue that led to the creation of the Free Fringe, Brendon has been an Edinburgh regular pretty much ever since.

In this candid interview he discusses the highs and the lows, his approach to comedy, and what brings him back to Edinburgh each summer.

The latest edition of TW:TALKS will go live later today right here.
 
GIDEON IRVING: FOR THE LIVING ROOMS OF THE WORLD TO THE EDINBURGH FRINGE
Gideon Irving can usually be found performing his music in the living rooms of his audience. But occasionally the multi-instrumentalist and raconteur is persuaded into a more conventional performance space, which is good news for us here at the Fringe.

Having performed at last year's Festival with his friend and occasional collaborator Hubcap, this year he is performing solo show 'Songs, Space Travel And Everything In-Between'. We caught up with Gideon to find out about the show, his music making, and why the living room makes such a great venue. Read the interview here.

My Name Is Gideon: Songs, Space Travel And Everything In-Between is on at Pleasance Courtyard until 29 Aug.



ORLANDO BAXTER: FIVE LIFE LESSONS FROM A US HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
So well done to all those teens down in England who got their GCSE results today. Assuming they were the kind of results that deserve a "well done". Though even with A* grades, have you really been taught anything useful about real life? 

Bonafide American high school teacher Orlando Baxter is doing comedy at the Fringe this year, and here are the six things he'd teach his students about what to expect out there, if he was ever given a free rein in the classroom. Read his column here.

'Orlando Baxter: Suspensions, Detentions And Summer Vacations' is on at Pleasance Courtyard until 29 Aug.
Three to see at the Edinburgh Festival this week...

The Tiniest Frog Prince In The World | C | 1.15pm (pictured)
This "joyous retelling of the famous fairytale" comes from Korea's Brush Theatre and is a definite highlight of the Fringe's children's programme. "The cast beautifully explore the story with such dynamic vitality that its predominantly Korean script doesn't impede the audience's understanding", says our reviewer. "A charming delight, that'll be cherished by children and parents alike".

I, Who Have Hands More Innocent | Zoo | 7.25pm
The late Croatian poet Vesna Parun's verse is "profound existential nostalgia wrapped in raw intensity", says our reviewer, and "Vesna Mataĉić's delivery of this vocally and physically demanding role is remarkable". Go see.

Jayde Adams: 31 | The Voodoo Rooms | 10.30pm
One of our favourites from the Edinburgh Comedy Awards newcomer shortlist, our reviewer dubs Adams "a truly generous entertainer" before adding that "this performance may be titled like an Adele album, but this highly personal show is no tribute act".

Get Three To See at the Edinburgh Festival daily. If you're not already signed up to the TW Daily bulletin you can do so here - or check out our daily recommendations here online.


FRIDAY 26 AUGUST 2016 >>

Hotel Black Cat | London Wonderground | 26 Aug
Wonderground Regulars Black Cat Cabaret present Hotel Black Cat, a show which promises a "bohemian melée of prima ballerinas, daredevil acrobats, miraculous musicians and other stylish reprobates" also known as acts such as Dusty Limits, Katharine Arnold, Bowjangles, Nathan & Isis and Dimitri Hatton. See the venue website here for more info.

The Dowager's Oyster | Arcola Theatre | 26-27 Aug
This sounds fun, a new full length operetta by Louis Mander and Jack Cherry with a style described as "Gilbert and Sullivan meets Agatha Christie". It's a funny murder mystery, set in the 1920s, in which Cynthia and her mother the Dowager, are on holiday on the French island of Oleron, where gossip and confusion abounds and out of control events ensue... see this page here for all the details.

Mr Jordan's Funeral – In Absence Of His Memory | Etcetera Theatre | 26-28 Aug (pictured)
Another from the ever-excellent Camden Fringe for you now, and this one sounds rather interesting: "A physical exploration that uses daring imagery, energetic performances and messy, yet vulnerable moments to turn the conventions of a funeral upside down", offers the blurb. I'm up for that, says me. Click on this link if you are as piqued as I am.


SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2016 >>

An Audience With Harry Deansway | Aces & Eights | 22-28 Aug (pictured)
"This show is for anyone who's been sued three times, fired from every job they've ever had and run their own nationally distributed comedy magazine that got £30,000 in debt". Well, that kinda speaks to me, to be honest. But if you're not the sort of person that runs niche publications and gets fired all the time, you might like it anyway, as the blurb goes on to point out. See this page here for info.

The Listies | Soho Theatre | 24-27 Aug
Today's your last day for getting your kiddiewinks along to this show from Aussie favourites The Listies, whose latest offering is '6D (Twice As Good As 3D)'. Expect haunted backpacks, ninja grans, vomiting puppets, alien attacks, toilet-paper cannons and an actual 6D movie filmed every show. Not one for toddlers, I don't think, but your younger school aged children should love it. See the venue website here.

No Fit State/Motionhouse – Block | Bell Square | 27 Aug
Hugely acclaimed circus ensemble No Fit State and leading dance company Motionhouse bring their no-doubt utterly compelling collaboration 'Block' to Hounslow's Bell Square this weekend, and, given that I am pretty sure the weather will be okay this weekend, it seems like a really good time to take in a show that's in an outdoor arts space and kinda resembles a giant game of Jenga. Hurrah. Details here.


SUNDAY 28 AUGUST 2016 >>

A Clock Face Exhibition | Rabbit Hole NW3 | 27-28 Aug
This sounds possibly unconventional yet very interesting, a piece of new writing from poet Georgie De Suys which examines the lives of a number of recovering drug addicts. I'm usually quite hopeful when poets turn to play-writing because it often leads to very lovely, lyrical output. Have a look here for more info on this Camden Fringe event.

Stella Graham – StellaGram | Camden Comedy Club | 26-28 Aug
This is another Camden Fringe thing, and that's allowed, because this one is comedy. If you're a long term reader, you'll know how we like cheesy puns and amusingly titled shows, so this had me at the name 'StellaGram', though I appreciate those of you young enough to have never actually heard of telegrams may not get it. Never mind, go see this charismatic and easy-going comedian anyway, more details here.

Counting Stars | Theatre Royal Stratford East | 26 Aug-17 Sep (pictured)
This play is the work of acclaimed yet still young playwright Atiha Sen Gupta, and is set in a London nightclub, telling the story of a love match between toilet attendants. As you might expect, as well as dealing with the heart-warming topic of romance, it gets onto some serious themes. See the venue website here for more.


MONDAY 29 AUGUST 2016 >>

Akio Suzuki | The Asylum Peckham | 29 Aug
I have the feeling that this might be a bit 'out there' for some, but I can't help wanting to experience the work of this pioneer of sound art. Given the name 'Conceptual Soundwork', it's part of Thirty Three Thirty Three's Japan:London series. More about the strand here, and more about this particular show here.

Once Upon A Time | Kogan Academy of Dramatic Arts | 27 Aug-2 Sep
Sofa Productions is the company made up of students from the Kogan Academy, and they're regulars at the Edinburgh Festival, which is how I know about them. Plus, they've also been doing stuff at Camden Fringe. This month in London, they stage a sixteenth season of fairy tale stories for little ones, at a very reasonable price. See this page here for info.

The Scarecrows' Wedding | Leicester Square Theatre | 25 Aug-4 Sep
And another children's show, one which will ring a bell with pretty much any parent who has provided a small child with a book. Acclaimed and busy children's theatre makers Scamp present their well practiced adaptation of 'The Scarecrows' Wedding' by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. I've not seen this show, but I guarantee, through experience of their other work, it will be a very bright and professional affair. Details here.


TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016 >>

Heartbeats And Algorithms | Soho Theatre | 30 Aug-3 Sep (pictured)
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is in its last week, and over the coming months a lot of good stuff will be heading to London for tour dates following performances in the Scottish capital. This, however, is one of 2015s success stories, a show which our reviewer praised as a "a fascinating show unafraid to explore challenging ideas". See the venue website here for more info.

If We Got Some More Cocaine I Could Show You How I Love You | Old Red Lion | 30 Aug-24 Sep
And here we have a contender for our annual show-with-a-ludicrously-long-title award. Just kidding, I've seen shows with much longer titles. Oh, and we don't actually have a long title award. Anyway, enough mucking about, this debut play sounds highly promising, an unlikely romantic drama set on top of a roof. Follow this link here for details.

Bedtime Stories | London Wonderground | 30 Aug-4 Sep
Now, this actually is a show that was at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, and it's one we've been following with interest, having interviewed its creator last summer. It's a lovely family show from Circus theatre pioneers Upswing, which mixes aerial theatre with dance, music and stunning visuals. See this page here for more.


WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 >>

Throwback | Jackson's Lane | 31 Aug-1 Sep
Were we talking about shows heading to London following a run in Edinburgh? Oh yes, I think we were, in our recommendations for the 30 Aug. Want some more? I thought you might. 'Throwback' is an exciting circus show with very strong themes exploring the power of collective memory and nostalgia, Highly entertaining, see this page here.

Axis Of Awesome – Won't Ever Not Stop Giving Up | Leicester Square Theatre | 31 Aug (pictured)
Woo hoo, the utterly brilliant Axis Of Awesome – leaders in music comedy, legends of Fringe and possessors of a YouTube plaque – stop off for one date only at London's Leicester Square Theatre after spending the bulk of August in Scotland. Don't miss them because they are entirely, well, awesome. See the venue website here for more info.

La Boheme | King's Head Theatre | 31 Aug – 8 Oct
A passionate affair, a couple on a collision course with disaster... will it end in tears? This production promises a "radical take" on the Puccini classic opera, from the highly capable team of Adam Spreadbury-Maher and Becca Marriott. For more info and to book, head right this way.


THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Burning Doors | Soho Theatre | 31 Aug-24 Sep (pictured)
Belarus Free Theatre, banned from performing by its own government, is known for its shows with heavy political themes and this show will be no exception. Here, joining forces with Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina, they explore the experiences of artists living in dictatorships, drawing on their own experience of state oppression. Not in English, but surtitled, and important, so don't miss it. See the Soho Theatre website here for info.

Labyrinth | Hampstead Theatre | 1 Sep-8 Oct
"1978, New York. John Anderson is barely out of college and has landed himself a job on Wall Street. His dreams of unimaginable wealth, travel and power are made a reality as he jets around the globe selling loans to developing countries eager to borrow." At least one date is sold out already, so get your skates on and get your tickets booked for this exciting sounding play by Beth Steel, a thriller set against the backdrop of financial crisis. Head this way to get your tickets.

Tom Walker – Beep Boop | Soho Theatre | 31 Aug-7 Sep
If today is not the day for serious politics, or a retro thriller, then perhaps it might be the day for some quality clowning? Critically acclaimed Australian Tom Walker presents his debut solo show, which he has been performing this month in Edinburgh, and which, I believe, won him Best Newcomer award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2016. Surreal and utterly hilarious, apparently, and I can't wait to see him in action. See this page here for all the details.
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