LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL PREVIEWS FESTIVAL COMEDY
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KIDS TV STARS Seen these folks on the box? You must be a parent then Dan Wright Fans of Big Cook, Little Cook may not recognise Mr Wright, who played the latter, given that he’s no longer 3” tall. Curiously, his Fringe show has a childlike theme; it’s about his 25-year obsession with modern- day Peter Pan, Michael Jackson. Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, 4-26 Aug (not 13), 9.30pm, £9–£10 (£8-£9). Previews 2 & 3 Aug, £5.
Luke Toulson If last time you saw Luke was in Space Pirates, you haven’t been at the Fringe, given that he’s performed solo shows as well as award- nominated sets with double- act buddy, Stephen Harvey. Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, 4-26 Aug, 9.05pm, £9.50– £10.50 (£8.50-£9.50). Previews 2 & 3 Aug, £6.
Chris Corcoran & Elis James Ex history teacher Corcoran stormed the Fringe in 2004 with his Welsh Assembly then ‘disappeared’ to present Doodle Do, mucking about with Dib-dab and Stick. In The Committee Meeting, he teams up with Elis James, whose natural enthusiasm makes him perfect for kids TV. Underbelly, Bristo Sq, 0844 545 8252, 4–27 Aug (not 14), 1.30pm, £9–£10 (£8–£9). Previews 2 & 3 Aug, £6. Marcus Brigstocke OK, yes, he’s done plenty adult things (if you consider Argumental as grown-up), but there will be many who only know Brigstocke from Stupid! where he played King Stupid. Assembly Hall, 623 3030, 4–25 Aug (not 13), 9.10pm, £12–£14 (£11–£13). Previews 2 & 3 Aug, £10.
Iain Stirling London-based, Edinburgh lad Stirling (oh, that’s potentially confusing) makes his Fringe solo debut and wonders whether playing the clown was a good thing or not in his young days on CCBC. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, 4-26 Aug, 9.40pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7-£8). Previews until 3 Aug, £6. (Brian Donaldson)
2–9 Aug 2012 THE LIST 45
SARAH KENDALL Pole dancing, politics and parenthood
That she was recently picked as one of Robin Ince’s 11 favourite comedians may yet prove more relevant to Sarah Kendall’s career than being nominated for the Perrier Award in 2004. The Aussie was the first female stand-up to be nominated for the gong since Jenny Eclair’s victory in 1995, but once the milestone had been passed, she said, it was business as usual. ‘I think that it had a shelf-life of about 11 months. It was a nice thing to put on the posters, but I think, ultimately, what happens in Edinburgh stays in Edinburgh.’ What has been more important to Kendall’s career of late, and certainly to her show this year, is the time she
spent away from stand-up. ‘I’d had enough of myself and I felt like I had run out of things to say. I started so young and by my early 30s the only thing I had done was stand-up.’ So, to get away from it all (and herself) Kendall travelled, wrote a screenplay (‘that inevitably went nowhere’) and
had a baby daughter, an event that has loosely inspired her new show, Get Up, Stand Up. ‘I never wanted to do a show that talked about my kids but she kick-started this one. I am not talking about her as such, but the world in which we are raising girls.’ Pole dancing classes and R’n’B music are two of the comedian’s targets. ‘R’n’B is such a parody of itself now. I
find myself thinking “I like this song”, and then I see the video and I realise I have a dilemma.’ Taking a ‘political not polemic’ approach, Kendall promises a show that is as fun for her to do as it is for the audience to hear. ‘This is the best I have felt coming to Edinburgh. I’m just happy to perform, which is really the only reason you should do the Fringe.’ (Julian Hall) ■ Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 4–27 Aug (not 13), 8.30pm, £10–£11 (£9–£10). Previews until 3 Aug, £5.
ISZI LAWRENCE Skirting around the other ‘f’ word
‘The one thing I’m not going to say is it’s about gender identity, which is totally what it is about.’ So, technically, we probably weren’t meant to quote Iszi Lawrence on that, but rest assured Wotnot isn’t going to be a man-hating rant, nor all about pink fluff and girly kittens. ‘If you say “gender identity” people think “oh it’s about girls”. It is about that, but you can’t talk about the “f” word: not the fun “fuck” one, the bad one.’
Given the reputation she’s built in the several years she’s been performing stand-up, you can guarantee what she produces is going to be an intelligent yet accessible and witty dissection of a complex topic.
‘The show is really about the aspects of a person that are linked to gender and those that aren’t. Just be aware blokes, I do mention cars, OK? It’s about cock just as much as it is about pussy. I’m not sure, but I don’t think it has the word “cunt” in it,’ laughs Lawrence. ‘But it’s a really funny, touching show.’ (Marissa Burgess) ■ The Stand II, 558 7272, 3–26 Aug (not 13), 1.10pm, £8 (£7). Preview 2 Aug, 1.40pm, £7 (£6).