F E S T I VA L C A B A R E T | Hitlist
CABARET HITLIST
Arusa Qureshi picks out the best cabaret to check out in week two of the Fringe
GINGER JOHNSON’S HAPPY PLACE
In a valiant, ridiculous attempt to cope with the increasing horror of everyday life, Ginger Johnson packs her bags and poses the question: how far are we willing to run to escape reality, and at what cost? A show is crammed full of songs, chats, puppets, music and an acute awareness of how messed up everything is. See feature, page 45. Pleasance Dome, until 26 Aug (not 12, 19), 9.40pm, £10–£12 (£9–£11).
REUBEN KAYE Reuben Kaye finally returns to Edinburgh with his solo show which just won the prestigious Green Room Award for cabaret in Melbourne. Prepare for an explosion of high camp and filthy humour as Kaye delivers drama, stage presence and scandalous storytelling in equal measure. See review, page 46. Assembly Checkpoint, until 25 Aug (not 7, 21), 9.30pm, £13–£14 (£12–£13).
JUST DESSERTS Join Michelle Pearson, the creator of the
award-winning Comfort Food Cabaret, for the UK debut of her new show. Featuring a live soundtrack, this sensual chanteuse explores empowerment, social pressure, our obsession with perfection and desire through song, sex and sugar. Includes dessert! See review, page 46. Underbelly Cowgate, until 11 Aug, 10.40pm, £14.50–£15.50 (£13.50–£14.50).
ASK A STRIPPER Join Morag (aka Gypsy Charms) and Stacey Clare (The Ethical Stripper) for an X-rated exposé of their industry. With 30 years of combined stripping experience, a PhD, a TED Talk, a book, three properties and several ex-fiancés, the creative team behind Illicit Thrill bare their souls, not just their bodies. Heroes @ Bob’s BlundaBus, until 25 Aug (not 14, 21), 7.50pm, £5.
COLIN CLOUD: SINFUL In Sinful, Colin Cloud will charm the demons in your head and reveal whether you are saint or sinner. With special guest Chloé Crawford, Colin will reveal why it’s so much more fun to ask for forgiveness than permission. See preview, page 41. Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug (not 13), 8pm, £15.50–£17.50 (£14–£16).
Reuben Kaye
MY LAND The List The Scotsman British Theatre Guide Edinburgh Guide Edinburgh Reporter Voice Magazine Fest Magazine The Wee Review One4Review
Paris de Nuit Broadway Baby Voice Magazine One4Review The Reviews Hub Across the Arts The Wee Review The Scotsman
42 THE LIST FESTIVAL 7–14 Aug 2019