FESTIVAL COMEDY LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
E D I N B U R G H F E S T I V A L F R I N G E 3 – 2 7 A u g
DR BROWN With a barnstorming kids show to his name already (see review, page 67), Phil Burgers gets stuck into some quality hushed clowning work for an adult crowd with surprisingly tender results. See review, page 40. Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug (not 13, 20), 9.05pm, £10.50–£11.50 (£9.50–£10.50).
✽ HITLIST
Shit-Faced Shakespeare Only the Fringe could get away with hosting a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a different cast member each night, sozzled off their pie. See review, page 53. C, 0845 260 1234, til 27 Aug (not 13), 10.20pm, £9.50–£11.50 (£7.50–£9.50).
Ali e Brown Could the future of stand- up comedy actually be safe after all? A scintillating and challenging hour from this guy would suggest it’s getting back on track. See review, page 50. Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 6.25pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50). Eddie Pepitone He’s just off the plane from NYC and directly into our affections as the imposing comic and actor lets us dip our toes into his Bloodbath. See review, page 47. The Tron, 556 5375, until 26 Aug (not 14), 11.40pm, £8–£10.
Billy the Mime A little bit controversial, a little bit moving. Vignettes from the mime guy, about art history and WWII, and the tragic demises of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. See review, page 48. The Caves, 556 5375, until 23 Aug (not 14, 17–19), 6.15pm, £6–£8.
Nick Helm Shouting for his supper once more is the man who gave us the funniest joke of last year’s Fringe. A man called Dave told us so. See review page 53. Pleasance Dome, 556 6550, until 27 Aug (not 14), 5.30pm, £12.50–£13.50 (£11–£12.50).
Hannibal Buress Fresh from writing duties on 30 Rock, Buress aims to follow up his Best Newcomer nomination with more straight-down- the-line funny stuff. See review, page 45. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 27 Aug (not 13), 9.45pm, £10–£10.50 (£9–£9.50).
Rhod Gilbert The wired Welsh dynamo is back complaining about the big things in life. Such as his annoyance at being forced into getting a tattoo. See feature, page 36. EICC, 0844 847 1639, 15–26 Aug (not 20 & 21), 7.40pm, £20.
TOP 5
DOUBLE ACTS Two is both company and also the perfect number for a double act. Here are i ve pairs
SHIRLEY & SHIRLEY The Shirleys are Unleashed this festival as they pour their comedy characters all over our eyes. Not quite Fringe veterans, not exactly August virgins. But what then are they? Inventively funny is what they are. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, until 27 Aug (not 13), 4.10pm, £10–£11 (£9–£10).
JACK & NIKKI This pair are Killing Machines as Heal and Blemings deliver a seminar on how to dispatch someone for cash. Dark stuff, possibly, but all done with a crazed smile. Jack Heal’s other show is called Murderthon. Have you spotted a bit of a worrying pattern? Voodoo Rooms, 226 0000, until 14 Aug, 12.05pm, free. MAX & IVAN Fresh from winning an award in 2011 for their inspired notion to have a massive comedy wrestling match, the boys are this year being Con Men. Hands on wallets as you enter the premises. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 27 Aug (not 14), 3.30pm, £9.50–£12 (£8–£10.50).
CROFT & PEARCE This rising pair with the backing of none other than Alistair McGowan, are set to Do it Like a Lady. As in, do comedy like a lady. We think. Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 27 Aug (not 15), noon, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50). PAJAMA MEN An ampersand-free duo who are going big on the impro game this festival. Just a few dates left to see this acclaimed north American pair lark around in an ad-lib fashion. And in their civvies, apparently. Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 12 Aug, 9pm, £14–£15 (£13–£14).
9–16 Aug 2012 THE LIST 35