The first week of Fringe mirth
MARK THOMAS Spiky comic feels like mucking about
Every country needs its creative rabble rousers. And if anyone has roused more creative rabbles in the UK than Mark Thomas, we’ve yet to hear from them. His previous malarkeys have included forcing big corporations into backing out of the controversial llisu Dam project, and threatening to bring the British government to justice over its stance on war and UN resolutions.
This year, with Mucking About, he’s telling it like it is on diverse subjects such as crusties, Coca Cola and court appearances and taking time out to pop into Saughton prison for a spot of Johnny Cash-like posturing. I Bongo Club. 5.5-7
In the first of a four-part series, MARC BLAKE. AKA Helmut‘s Half Hour, revives German myths and debunks them quicker than it takes JUrgen Klinsmann to dive without a defender within five yards. This issue: ‘Germans have no sense of humour’
'A man walks into a pub. He is an alcoholic whose drink problem is destroying his family.‘ This is a typical example of German humour: efficient. informative and droll. Just because the British have a long tradition of pantomime and satire does not mean that the Fatherland cannot produce a chuckle. ‘Why do Germans build such high quality products? So that they won't have to go around being nice while they fix them.‘
German humour is a product of We/ianscnauung, their philosophy of life. which is dour and practical. and evident in the many amusing events that occ-ur in the united German nation. One example is the thief from DL‘isseldon who faked a heart attack to escape custody. He was taken to hospital from where he later escaped half-nude. The police chief commented: ‘He gave a convincing performance and you cannot be too careful in these situations.’ Or the councillors from Krov who created uproar by naming their new community centre the Nacktarscna/le: the Naked Arse Centre. And finally, DUsseldorf, possibly Germany's dullest industrial town. is twinned with Reading.
I Underbelly, 0870 7453083. 7—29 Aug (not 70. 7 7), 7.50pm, [9—870 (28—89). Previews 586 Aug, E5.
13—12 Aug 200-1 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 21
‘Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face’ - Victor Hugo
. .L - Nancy Cartwright Ever wanted to see the voice behind TV’s cheekiest child? Ay carumba: Bart's a woman! Check out the full amazing story. Assembly Rooms, 226 2428, 6—30 Aug (not 70, 77), various times, 2 7 4—2 7 6. 50
(£7 3/27 4).
Reginald D Hunter Last year’s Perrier nominee returns with another thought-provoking and damn hilarious set about race and identity. See preview. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 7—30 Aug (not 70, 77),
8. 75pm, 89. 50—2 7 0. 50 (28—29).
Sarah Kendall Australia’s wittiest woman (OK, Germaine Greer may stake a claim) gets down, dirty and dandy with more acutely-honed. occasionally surreal material. See preview. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 7—30 Aug (not 70, 77), 9.35pm, £9.50—E 70.50 (88—29).
Alun Cochrane Armed with a bell and an arsenal of delicious stories and words, this year's bright young thing could quite easily be described as the Fringe‘s man of letters. See preview. Gilded Balloon Teviot, 668 7633, 8-29 Aug (not 75), 6.45pm, 28—89 (E7438).
Wendy Spero New York's latest comedy sensation and, yep, friend of Demetri Martin. recalls her torrid teenage years with a frank and funny set. See preview. Assembly Rooms, 226 248, 6—30 Aug (not 70, 77),
5. 75pm, 270—27 7 (29—870).
Simon Munnery Two shows for the price of, well, two, from the former Urban Warrior as he gives us an AGM in one, and revels in a certain headgear, the noble bucket. with another. See preview. Simon Munnery’s AGM, Stand, 558 7272, 7~30 Aug (not 76), 4pm, £7.50 (£6.50); Bucket/mad, Assembly Rooms. 226 2428, 6—30 Aug (not 7 0.
77), 6.30pm, $70—$77 (SQ—E70).