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THEATRE REVIEW Barb Jungr: Sex, Religion and Politics
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lungr than yesterday: Barb belts them out
Barb Jungr spirits her audience from Brecht to Fay Weldon by way of Paul Simon; her show is nothing if not eclectic. Though the spoken material is a little patchy, the woman herself is captivating, brimming over with the unaffected wit and charisma that won her the Perrier in 1987; and her singing voice is a spine-tingling force to be reckoned with. Even when the stories drag, her enthusiasm is infectious, and the songs more than compensate. Whether belting out Gershwin or doing Greek myth in the style Of The Fast Show, she's invigorating, provocative and delightful to watch. (Hannah McGiIl)
3 Sex, Religion and Politics (Fringe) Barb lungr, Calders’ Gilded Balloon /I (Venue 36) 226 2 757, until 37 Aug, 8pm, £8 (E 7).
SLAM POETRY PREVIEW Sage
In Britain, performance poetry can equate with overly rad art terrorists disappearing up the black hole of their own pretension. In New York, they have slam poetry, vibrant forums where dangerous pen slingers prove themselves and trade verses like boxers.
Sage is one such word worker. A regular on the Nu-Yorican Cafe slam scene, he drinks in the world and spits out his observations in a mind-bending brew set to the rhythms and beats of dance music. 'MOst poets take life too seriously,’ he contends. 'They're as much fun as a barium enema.‘
Sage’s observations are as accessible as a public park. His weapons are humour and a wit sharpened on the raucous exchange Of the Nu-Yorican scene.
But this boy from New York City is a closet anglophile. ‘I love it here,’ he explains. 'You get Off the boat and you're not in Kansas anymore.’ (Jonathan Trew)
m Sage (Fringe) The Attic, Whist/ebinkies, Christie’s Comedy Club, Negociants, Bongo Club, Canon ’5 Gait, 77—27 Aug, various times & prices.
THEATRE REVIEW Saturday Night Forever in a it:
Being gay is, in these thankfully enlightened times, perfectly acceptable, but Roger WIlliams' new play tackles the more contentious issue of being gay and Welsh. Those easily shocked by leeks and daffodils should stay away from this one, but bear in mind a strong solo performance by Sean Carlsen, who tells the story of Lee, a young gay man in contemporary Cardiff, with an aversion to clubbing. His narrative of lost and new-found love, and the possibility Of violence in
theatre ° dance 0 comedy
8pm -10pm
COMEDY PREVIEW Peppered With Smut
Soap opera: Peppe
red With smut
For those still suffering posttraumatic stress from Wilson Phillips, an antidote is at hand. New Zealand's Manic Opera are an allofemale a capella trio whose comic earthlness is exemplified by such numbers as Big Turd. an elegiac reflection on the moment where one produces an enormousvbog baguette at someone else’s heuse. 'And what do you do?‘, asks trio member Jen Calthorpe. 'Keepon flushing? Try and chop it up? Climb out the.
window?’
But. just as the dilemmas'a're not all scatalogical. the songs are not simply in one style. Anahera Higgins, who leads the Hakka which opens the show. asserts their eclecticismz-‘T he songs go from disco right through to country and blues. Their subject matter ranges through bodily functions.bodily parts, relationships. beer. exercise and even ego.‘
This last topic will be their song about Michael Flatley. Calthorpe explains: 'lt's based on Lord Of The Dance, and called 'Lord Of My Pants'. It's a bit cruel. but lets face it, he was up far it and he's been nailed.’ There is much instruction in the finer arts ofgliving from these three - see this before your
next dinner party poo. (Steve Cramer)
m Peppered With Smut (Fringe) Manic Opera, Spiegeltent (Venue 26) 558 8010, 20—24 Aug, 9pm; 25—30 Aug, 7 0.30pm, £7 (£5).
Sage: he knows his poetry onions
gay Wales, is rich in astute, comical everyday observation, if ten minutes too long. There is also much in the play which explores the aesthetics of love, whether straight or gay. (Steve C ramer) a Saturday Night Forever (Fringe)
cf 7.theatre. com, Harry Younger Hall (Venue 73) 226 5738, until 75 Aug, 8.20pm, f 6 (£5).
THEATRE REVIEW
Acts Of Union
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As Scotland prepares for its first parliament in 300 years, Locus Theatre presents a historical counterpOInt with the Union Of 1707. At least, that seems to be the original idea. What you actually get Is two hours of Open-air promenade performance from a bunch of actors playing Commedia Dell'arte characters (Harlequin, Columbina, etc) playing renowned and obscure figures from Scottish hisIOry with the Braveheart clansfolk providing some additional duelling actIon. Despite the occasional effective set piece and witty ad libs, the production is far too bitty, confusing and sprawling to make any coherent point. A bit less script and a bit more rehearsal could turn this into worthwhile Fringe viewing. (Fiona Shepherd)
m Acts Of Union (Fringe) Locus Theatre Company Moray House Institute (Venue 72) 558 6278, until 22 Aug (not 76) 8pm, £8 (£5).
COMEDY REVIEW The Very Best Of Scottish Comedy
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Well it's close. Stand regular, Susan Morrison was our host for this evening and did an excellent 10b of creating an enjoyable atmosphere in a packed room. First on was John Gillick, an inconsistent Glaswegian who can have you checking your watch one moment and laughing the next. It’s always good to see Bruce Morton and tonight was no exception, it would be even better if he could learn to let go of some of his old material.
Future shows will offer a different (and possibly larger) selection of homegrown talent including Frankie Boyle and Parrot. You could phone ahead if you're picky, but for only a fiver, this show is a bargain that never descends to being bargain basement. (Rory Ford)
a The Very Best Of Scottish Comedy (Fringe) The Stand Comedy Club (Venue 5) 558 7272, until 30 Aug (not 77) 9pm, £5 (£4).
STAR RATINGS
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