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FAUST Silviu Purcarete’s wild adaptation of Goethe’s epic theatre poem is a macabre nightmare vision of one-man’s quest for the essence of life. In a part-promenade production, featuring a cast of over 100 performers and blending pantomime and industrial music, the audience is exposed to sensational scenes of torture, murder and orgies. Don’t miss our online review at www.list.co.uk/festival ■ Faust, Lowland Hall, Ingliston, 473 2000, until 22 Aug, 7.30pm, £20.
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David Benson has carved out an acclaimed career for himself portraying real lives on stage, from Kenneth Williams to Frankie Howerd and Noel Coward. As he prepares to get under the skin of one Samuel Johnson he applies his talents to our Q & A 5 words to describe Doctor Whom? My Search for Samuel Johnson Introduction to a friendly genius. 4 shows you’re looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh this August Barbershopera II; The World’s Wife with Linda Marlowe; Britain’s Best Mates; Alistair McGowan and Charlotte Page. 3 things you love about Edinburgh in August Seeing old friends, making new ones, endless distractions from myself. 2 things you hate about Edinburgh in August The final week and losing money. 1 word that sums up how you feel about performing Lucky. ■ Doctor Whom? My Search for Samuel Johnson, Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, 22–31 Aug (not 26), 3.20pm, £11–£12 (£10–£11).
Hitlist FESTIVAL THEATRE *
✽✽ Barflies Grid Iron’s smart, accomplished exploration of drink-sodden creativity. See review, page 58. The Barony, 228 1404, until 31 Aug (not 21 & 22, 28 & 29), £16 (£11). ✽✽ Precious Little Talent A winsome, sophisticated show scripted by the talented Ella Hickson. See review, page 68. Bedlam Theatre, 225 9893, until 29 Aug (not 23), 2.30pm, £8.50 (£6.50). ✽✽ The Interminable Suicide of Gregory Church Daniel Kitson turns in a rip- roaring performance in this 90- minute monologue. Traverse Theatre, 228 1404, until 30 Aug (not 24, 29), 10.15pm, £14–£16 (£10–£11). ✽✽ The Tartuffe / The Trial Belt Up Theatre have wowed our critics with their five-star adaptations of two literary classics. Grab a ticket while you can. See review, page 66. C Soco, 0845 260 1234, until 31 Aug, 8.55pm (The Tartuffe), 11.20pm (The Trial), £9.50–£11.50 (£8.50–£10.50). ✽✽ Trilogy Feminism is given a fresh, dynamic spin by Nic Green in this life-affirming show. St Stephen’s, 0141 565 1000, until 31 Aug (not 25), 7.30pm, £12 (£9). ✽✽ The Hotel A daft and exhilarating hour of interactive, site-specific theatre penned by comedian Mark Watson. Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 31 Aug, 4.15pm, £10.50–£13 (£9–£10). ✽✽ Private Peaceful Impeccable one-man show that questions the executions of soldiers during World War I. See review, page 68. Udderbelly’s Pasture, 0844 545 8252, until 30 Aug, 2pm, £11–£12 (£9–£10). ✽✽ The Last Witch Rona Munro’s play deals with the last ever woman to be executed for witchcraft. See feature, page 56. Traverse Theatre, 228 1404, 23–29 Aug, 7.30pm (27, 29 2.30pm), £10-£25. For venue addresses see index page 80.
20–27 Aug 2009 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 55