“V'l- 10m-Iah theatre comedy dance music books
meme Beverley **** COMEDY
Full-on filth from Natasha Garth Marenghi's Fright Langridge
Knight Hunk
Screaming/y funny late-night
horror-fest
There are two things you need to
know about this late-night horror-
fast. The first; it’s not the least bit
frightening. The second; It's
hysterically funny. Garth
Marenghl, for those not familiar
with his work, Is a prolific horror
writer In the vein of James
Herbert. Shaun Hutson and the
like. He discusses the inspiration
behind one of his novels by taking
on the role of one of his creations,
a horror writer named Hack, and
dramatislng the events which led
him to a face-to-face
confrontation with the Fright
Knight. He is aided in this Journey
into madness and mirth by his two
trusty assistants, who appear in
various guises including Garth's PR
manager, assorted demons and
spirits, and other characters
pertaining to the tale. One of
these performers has great
difficulty keeping a straight face
during the show (and who can blame him?), but Marenghl himself manages admirably; his dead-pan delivery while uttering the most outrageously cheesy lines is nothing short of genius. The comic timing of all three performers is impeccable, and they ham their
Getting her kicks with porn, pills, pigs of men and polished kitchen units, Beverley’s not shy of sharing a few stories. She's an extrovert after all and, as we gradually suspect, desperately lonely and searching for fulfilment. This one-woman show, written and directed by Natasha Langridge is ridden like a wild steer by the vivacious Valerie Frances, who straps us to her debauched rollercoaster ride through women’s so-called ’liberation' to reveal that happiness is not a purchasable commodity. Granted it’s nothing new to say that a hedonistic life leads ultimately only to a degraded sense of self-worth, but never has it been so vibrantly explored. (Catherine Bromley) I Beverley (Fringe) Utopias Whores, Komedia O Southside (Venue 82) 667 2272, unti/27 Aug, 10.45pm, £7 (£5).
MUSIC
Gordon Grahame *ttt Acoustic country magic at Christies Well-placed in the strong country tradition north of the border, Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter Gordon Grahame plays acoustic versions of his latest material to an intimate and attentive crowd.
So attentive in fact is the audience that during the more sombre numbers some downright rude members of the audience are chastised at the front of the crowd, a good indication that Grahame is in strong command of the room. At ease with his whisky near at hand and graced with inspired
movements. (Tim Abrahams)
I Secrets Unveiled: The Passion Of Bellydance (Fringe) Troupe Dhyanis, The Garage (Venue 87) 22 i 9009, until 28 Aug, 17.30pm, £9 (£8).
own own clothing line: Divine Design Goddesswear), but the choreography is a refined blend of Middle Eastern and modern
songwriting talent, he alternates between toe-tapping, rip-roaring belters and delicate ballads that recall the bittersweet beauty of Chris , Isaacs. (Catherine Bromley) ’ I Gordon Grahame (Fringe) WJ. Christies (Venue 706) 227 7099, until 26 Aug, 70.30pm, £3.
MUSIC Bruce Mathiske - The Guitar Sensation **** Instinctive and impressive guitar work This softly spoken Aussie really is a guitar sensation. Simultaneously playing bass, rhythm and melody, his fingers span as wide as the Golden Gate Bridge. His harmonics trip like dew-Spangled fairies and he imitates a 505 rock ’n' roll bass, or a harp,
DANCE/PHYSICAL THEATRE If
Secrets
Unveiled: The ”
Passion Of
Be" dance
** *
Bel/y good
As Dhyanis kicks off
by listing to us the virtues of this
ancient art in her calming Californian
tones ('Bellydancing relieves tension
headaches and menstrual cramps’),
you wonder whether you are
about to witness another
folk tradition
rendered banal by
the New Age. These fears
“Maw .
occasionally at the same time.
are totally X Unfortunately, the lighting’s unfounded " crap, and Bruce really should though, just let his fingers do the
talking. But his numbers
include a tenderly vicious 'Eleanor Rigby’; an ironically
‘ melancholic ‘What A Wonderful
‘1’. World'; Ouadrophenia meets
flamenco; and his own original
because this is a great show performed by eight women whose passionate performances convince you with their straightforward honesty. Not only are the costumes superb (Dhyanis has her
Garth Merenghl goes for mirth over murder here
roles up for all they’re worth. You will be screaming during this show, but it will be with laughter rather than terror. (Kirsty Knaggs)
fl Garth Marenghi’s Fright Knight (Fringe) Pleasance (Venue 33) 556 6550, until 28 Aug, 11pm, £5-£7.
compositions combine major and minor to spine-tingling effect.
(Gabe Stewart)
| Bruce Mathiske (Fringe) C (Venue 34) 225 5205, until 27 Aug, 10.20pm, £7.50 (£5.50).
COMEDY
The Cuban Brothers - Good Morning Havana **** The Latin lotharios give a ’touching’ performance
It is difficult to convey what makes The Cuban Brothers so pant-dampenineg funny. Their cabaret act consists of a live DJ playing funk and soul, unique renditions of well-known songs, some truly awesome breakdancing, and a ’live' satellite link-up with Havana. A bizarre, even slapdash mixture, but it works.
However, all this combined with their dazzling array of utterly ridiculous outfits (peach-coloured towelling shorts and white plimsolls anyone7), drawn-on sideburns and ridiculous accents is not the main reason why the Latin lotharios are so amusing. it is the fact that beneath all the layers of cheese there is more than a modicum of talent and wit. Do as they say: touch yourself. (Dawn Kofie)
I The Cuban Brothers - Good Morning Havana (Fringe) Gilded Balloon (Venue 36) 226 2157, until 27 Aug, midnight, £8/f 9.
STAR RATINGS HM at it Unmlssable *vak Very ood it e * Wort a shot a it Below average it You've been warned
50 THE UST FESTIVll GUIDE 24 Aug—2 Sep 2000 '--r~~