THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 THISWEEKLONDON.COM
RASHDASH: TWO MAN SHOW
This summer at the end of the Edinburgh Fringe, after seeing them come up with brilliant theatre pieces year after year, we decided it was about time to award producing company RashDash one of our ThreeWeeks Editors' Awards. The accolade was aimed at honouring their entire body of work, but we'd also just given their 2016 offering 'Two Man Show' a highly appreciative five star review.

Said offering recently began a run over at London's Soho Theatre, so it seemed like an ideal opportunity to talk to Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen, aka RashDash. Read the interview here.

'Two Man Show' is on at Soho Theatre from 6 Sep-1 Oct. See the venue website here for info and to book tickets.



KAY MICHAEL OF EMPTY DECK: COSMIC FEAR OR THE DAY BRAD PITT GOT PARANOIA
The topic of climate change is a pretty thorny one, and it's a problem that we seem – as a global community – reluctant to face. Which is why my ears pricked up when I heard, up at the Edinburgh Fringe in August, about a play glorying in the rather eccentric name of 'Cosmic Fear Or The Day Brad Pitt Got Paranoia', which deals unflinchingly with this very issue.

Our reviewer loved the show, and the conversation it provokes us an important one, so when I heard Empty Deck would be bringing it to the New Diorama, I thought it might be a good idea to talk to someone from the creative team behind it. I spoke to director Kay Michael. Read the interview here.

'Cosmic Fear Or The Day Brad Pitt Got Paranoia' is on at New Diorama on 11 Sep. See this page here to get your tickets. Read Kay's interview with climate scientist Chris Rapley here.
TW:TALKS PODCAST WITH LUCY PORTER
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, Lucy Porter, who appeared on the cover of ThreeWeeks back in 2007.

Hear Lucy discuss her first ever Fringe experience, as a comedy dream-maker (and breaker) while judging for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Plus find out about her move from critiquing comedy to performing it, and why the Edinburgh Fringe remains such an important part of her year.

The latest edition of TW:TALKS will go live very soon right here.


FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

They Drink It In The Congo | Almeida Theatre | 12 Aug-1 Oct
It caused me several moments of extreme confusion when I realised that I did not, in fact, tip this show last month, at the start of the run, when I ought to have tipped it. Which is weird, because it was definitely on the list of shows to tip in early-mid August. What happened? Well, never mind, let's pretend I'm recommending it for those just emerging from the Edinburgh Festival bubble, and who haven't already heard about how flipping great this show is. See this page here for info and to book.

How To Date A Feminist | Arcola Theatre | 6 Sep-1 Oct (pictured)
Probably not what you'd expect from a show of this name, because the titular feminist is, in fact, the man in the portrayed relationship, whilst the woman is the antithesis of that – well, if you buy into the idea that cupcakes and lipstick are incompatible with feminism. This is a feminist piece, though, and I think it sounds fun, and funny. See the venue website here to see if you agree.

The Awakening | Jack Studio | 6-24 Sep
Julian Garner's award winning play had its UK premiere back in 1990, I think, and I reckon it will still be as good as it ever was. If you've not come across it before, here's a quick synopsis: "Released on parole from an abusive prison system, reformer Agnes secures him a place working on a remote farm. Here he unwittingly becomes embroiled in an old, unresolved grudge". Piqued? Head this way...


SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Rice Paper Tales | Deptford Lounge | 10 + 17 Sep (pictured)
This children's show offers what sound like a nice alternative to the standard fairy tales that we're all steeped in, and a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. The performance, which consists of traditional Vietnamese folk tales, is inspired by story teller Tiet Van Nguyen, and promises to be funny and captivating. See this page here for more info, and this page here to book.

Home Chat | Finborough Theatre |30 Aug-24 Sep
This one's been in cold storage for a quite serious amount of time, by the sound of it (first UK production in nearly ninety years, apparently) and I can't quite fathom why, because it sounds great. It's got very contemporary themes – it's a no-doubt witty comedy comedy about female sexuality and fidelity – and it's by Noel Coward. What could possibly go wrong? See the venue website here for more info.

The Rose Unfolds – Salon Season | The Rose Playhouse | 6-18 Sep
Argh, this another thing that was on my list of things to recommend that somehow got forgotten (see yesterday's tips if you are curious) and now you'll have missed loads. But better late than never. If you haven't come across it already it's a a festival celebrating pioneering woman playwrights of the restoration 1660 – 1720, and consists of a number of staged readings of rarely performed works. You've still got time to see three of them, have a look at this page here.


SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Cosmic Fear Or The Day Brad Pitt Got Paranoia | New Diorama | 11 Sep
This is only on for one night, so make sure and catch it today if you want to see it. And there are good reasons for seeing it – not least the fact that we saw this show in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago and gave it a very complimentary review. It's a show that examines the rather current threat of climate change and the fact that we are failing to do anything about it – possibly uncomfortable viewing, as our reviewer pointed out – but also darkly humorous, and probably also necessary. See the venue website here for more info.

27 – Rise Of A Falling Star | The Cockpit | 8 Sep-22 Oct
This isn't the first show inspired by the subject of the the seemingly high number of music stars who shuffled off the mortal coil at the age of 27, but it seems to have a different approach than the others I'm aware of, as it's a new musical, and it's about a fictional icon rather than the usual suspects, Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Morrison and Winehouse. Seems promising. For details, see this page here.

Giant | Greenwich Theatre | 11-13 Sep (pictured)
If you are in the mood for clowns, live music, puppetry, poetry and movement, then you won't go wrong with this show from acclaimed ensemble Human Zoo. But don't for a moment think that because I said 'clowns' and 'movement' that there won't be a plot. "Tommy, 22, lives with three generations of his family. They've learnt to ignore the strange things his nan says over dinner and the bizarre rumblings coming from the attic..." – it's a coming of age adventure that's won much praise. See this link for info and to book.


MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

The Fourth London Persian English Theatre Festival | Artsdepot | 12-18 Sep
I'm always keen to expand my experience of performance in all sorts of directions, and that includes taking in theatrical treats from cultures I'm not overly familiar with. Looks like this small festival will offer just that. The event, which takes place over six dates, brings drama talents from all over the world to stage aspects of Iranian culture in both Persian and English languages and features twenty plays and discussion sessions, plus a catwalk show featuring the work of well-known Iranian designers. See this page here for info.

Tom Ballard – The World Keeps Happening | 12-17 Sep (pictured)
The absolutely excellent Tom Ballard arrives at Soho theatre with a clutch of awards and nominations under his belt so you can pretty much guarantee that this show will be very much worth your time, especially if you like the sort of comedy that's incisive and political – this set is described as "response to all that global chaos you've probably been noticing lately: terrorism, drugs, neoliberalism, the refugee crisis". Head this way for more details and to book your tickets.

Horne Section – Jam Sessions | Soho Theatre | 12 Sep
Not sure I really need to go on about The Horne Section so much – I am sure you are aware of this very much established and much loved music-and-comedy format. But, you know, you might have missed that these 'jam sessions' are upcoming. These offer you the chance to see the "mixing process up-close". According to the blurb you can expect (and I am paraphrasing, or, perhaps, summarising here) stuff from the back-catalogue, classic Section skits, sneaky surprises, never-before-heard musical back-flips, and general pissing about. See this page here for more.


TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Laugh Out London's Pick Of The Fringe | The Old Queen's Head | 13 Sep
Oh, the summer has gone by so blooming quickly. And I can't really believe the Edinburgh Festival was over so fast. So depressing. Perhaps this will cheer me up (and you, if you are feeling like I am right now) and allow me to relive some of that sense of Fringe. There's a fab line up that includes a couple of well established TW favourites – Tony Law and Kieran Hodgson – as well as two more recently discovered comedians that we fell for in a big way in August of 2016, Rose Matafeo and Jordan Brookes. See this page here for more details.

Abnormally Funny People – Paralympic Special | Soho Theatre | 13-14 Sep
As you may already know, Abnormally Funny People is a collective of – as the name perhaps implies – primarily disabled folk, with one 'token' non-disabled act, and there are some very excellent comedians involved with this – the likes of Tanyalee Davis, Steve Day, Laurence Clark and Jess Thom. There are two dates for this Paralympic Special, which promises to show just how funny the topic of paralympic sport can be. See this page here for more info and to book.

Icarus | Arcola Theatre | 13-17 Sep (pictured)
This sounds good, the premiere of a new play from multi award-winning Iranian theatre and film director Hooman Shabahang, loosely based on the Greek myth: "trapped in a labyrinth and desperate to escape, Daedalus decides to build a flying machine. His son, the rebellious Icarus, thinks it futile. But once the machine is constructed, things start looking up. Will their newfound freedom herald an exciting adventure, or could it mean destruction?" See the venue website here for info.


WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

The Hogwallops | Jackson's Lane | 14-18 Sep (pictured)
Lost In Translation have performed this super show of circus, slapstick and storytelling for two consecutive years at the Edinburgh Fringe, and we love it. It's inspired by Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' and Ettora Scola's film 'Ugly, Dirty and Bad' and depicts the chaotic antics of a family of misfits. It's brilliant and funny and is suitable for all ages, so nice for a family outing. See this page here for all the info.

Stand Up For Syria | Union Chapel | 14 Sep
This is for a good cause and has a completely amazing line-up that entirely speaks for itself. Just look: Bridget Christie, Nish Kumar, Stewart Lee, Michael Legge, Josie Long, Eleanor Tiernan plus another guest that isn't named. That's six of my very favouritest comedians, right there. Apart from the unnamed guest, who could potentially turn out to be someone I don't like so much, but a) chances are slim and b) the other six acts would cancel them out. Quick, quick, get tickets here.

Where Do All The Dead Pigeons Go? | Camden People's Theatre | 14-15 Sep
This is another of those shows we saw in Edinburgh this year, and it could probably be described as a weird but absolutely wonderful affair. Performance artist Scott Turnbull tells a surreal tale of an ordinary chap on his way to a far-off space station and explores themes of loneliness in something of a fantastical flight of fancy... certainly unusual, and definitely worth seeing. Head this way for details.


THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Ross Sutherland – Party Trap | Shoreditch Town Hall | 13 Sep-1 Oct (pictured)
The excellent Ross Sutherland – who you may remember from 'Standby For Tape Back-Up' and other shows – has written a new play, 'Party Trap', which tells about events that unfold when a television journalist and a politican clash live on air – "a trap has been set: which side will walk into it?" Sutherland is always coming up with great stuff, so I expect great things from this. See the venue website here to book your tickets.

Wasted | King's Head Theatre | 14 Sep-8 Oct
This sounds kinda full on, and tackles the sadly ever-relevant theme of the results non-consensual sex, plus "tequila, clubbing, fights, lost friends and being sick in the toilet". Definitely relevant to younger audiences (and possibly their parents, unless their parents are hopefully keeping their eyes closed to facts). Head this way for more info.

Going For Gold Musical Theatre Festival | Tristan Bates Theatre | 14-17 Sep
If you are interested in non-run-of-the-mill-seen-a-million-times-before type musicals, then the Goldsmiths MA musical theatre students have a treat in store for you, this mini-fest of four different productions, each with interesting and multicultural themes. I think they all sound really good. See this page here for info about each one, and which dates you can see them.
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