Festival Theatre list.co.uk/festival
music@list.co.uk
VIEUX CARRÉ The Wooster Group returns to Edinburgh with this typically inventive new take on Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical play set in a dilapidated boarding house in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The production draws on the improvisational films of Warhol collaborator Paul Morrissey and the stylised performances of Ryan Trecartin to create a new mode of expression for Williams’ work. ■ Royal Lyceum Theatre, 473 2000, 21–24 Aug, 7.30pm, £10–£27.
5THINGS
Virtuoso close-hand magician Lewis Barlow introduces Fringe audiences to the seven basic elements of magic in his exciting new show. Here he offers five crucial pieces of advice to his fellow performers 1 The quality of your performance is more important than your marketing strategy. The Fringe grapevine is particularly lush, and word will quickly spread if your show is worth watching. Having said this, targeted flyering also genuinely works! 2 If your show uses audience participation, treat your volunteers with respect and good humour. They have paid to see your show and have become part of it, so the very least they deserve is not to be humiliated on stage. 3 Never underestimate the importance
of a good sound and lighting assistant. Nobody else has the power that a tech does to make, or even break, your show. A complimentary beer or two is never a bad idea, just not before the show! 4 Set aside time each day to reflect and perfect your show. Be brave about trying new ideas and ruthless about pruning ones that you’re not comfortable with. It’s also important to rehearse your show build-up and pull- down, rather than risk getting penalised by your venue for overrunning. 5 Practise, rehearse, practise, rehearse, practise, rehearse . . . especially if you are planning to teleport an object into an audience member’s hands in a flash of fire . . . ■ The Seven Wonders of Magic, C aquila, 0845 260 1234, until 30 Aug, 6.15pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50).
Hitlist FESTIVAL THEATRE *
✽✽ My Romantic History Witty, sharp take on contemporary relationships from playwright DC Jackson. Traverse Theatre, 228 1404, until 29 Aug (not 23), times vary, £15–£17 (£12–£13). ✽✽ Caledonia World premiere of Alistair Beaton’s satire, which draws parallels between the disastrous Darien expedition and the recent banking crisis. Anthony Neilson directs. See feature, page 64. King’s Theatre, 473 2000, 21–26 Aug, 2.30pm (Sun, Wed & Thu) & 7.30pm, £12–£27. ✽✽ The Gospel at Colonus Theatrical maverick Lee Breuer brings his enduring fusion of Greek tragedy and gospel music to Edinburgh for the first time. See feature, page 16. Edinburgh Playhouse, 473 2000, 21–23 Aug, 2.30pm (Sun/Mon) & 7.30pm, £8-£30. ✽✽ Extinguish Must-see linguistic rollercoaster ride through the lives of an expressionist painter, insurgent farmer, French clown and many more. See review, page 74. theSpace on the Mile @ Jury’s Inn, 0845 508 8387, until 28 Aug (not 22), 4pm, £7 (£5). ✽✽ The Fragility of X Funny, enormously moving and thought-provoking portrait of the relationship between a single mother and her autistic teenage son. See review, page 66. Underbelly, 0844 545 8252, until 29 Aug, 4.10pm, £6.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50). ✽✽ Celebrity Autobiography Hilarious dramatic readings of celebrities’ self-penned memoirs. See review, page 72. Udderbelly Pasture, 0844 545 8252, until 30 Aug, 7.25pm, £12.50–£16.50 (£11–£15). ✽✽ Lockerbie: Unfinished Business David Benson’s powerful monologue focuses on the human tragedy behind the terrorist atrocity. See review, page 66. Gilded Balloon, 622 6552, until 30 Aug, 2.30pm, £9-£10 (£8-£9). For Festival index please see page 128.
19–26 Aug 2010 THE LIST 63