EDFEST.COM, a joint initiative between Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and
Underbelly celebrates twelve years of working in partnership, with the launch of its
new programme for 2019. The EDFEST venues are an integral part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The group grows year-on-year and in 2019 will collectively bring 948
shows to perform in 107 spaces across 24 venues in Edinburgh.
John Robins: Hot Shame
7.30pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard 2017 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, digital DJ, vibe-magnet, yells into a well. Soul-bearing, self- lacerating, piping-hot shame. “He fills the room with complicated joy” Guardian
Bryony Kimmings: I’m a Phoenix, Bitch
5.30pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard Following a critically acclaimed, extended run at Battersea Arts Centre, Grand Hall and an Offies 2019 win, I’m a Phoenix, Bitch hits the festival as part of the British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2019.
Backbone
5.00pm, 31 Jul – 26 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square A high-octane spree of physical virtuosity, Backbone tests the limits of strength: physical, emotional, individual and collective. Sexy, sincere, raw yet disciplined, Backbone is proof you can’t do the impossible without spending a little sweat.
Manual Cinema’s Frankenstein
2.45pm, 31 Jul – 26 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square Love, loss, and creation merge in unexpected ways in this thrilling gothic tale conceived by internationally renowned multimedia company Manual Cinema. Stories of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley and her monster expose how community and education shape personhood.
Ruby Wax: How to be Human 4.00pm, 18 - 24 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard
Based on her bestselling book, Ruby’s new show answers every question you’ve ever had about evolution, thoughts, emotions, addictions, relationships, sex, the future and compassion. A blend of brilliant comedy and insightful life lessons.
Elements of Freestyle 4.00pm, 3 - 25 Aug, Pleasance at EICC
An adrenaline-fuelled explosion of extreme sports, music, dance and theatre, ISH fuse breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, BMX and freerunning to create breathtaking poetry with every single movement. “Sparkles with pleasure” Theaterkrant, Amsterdam
Symphonic Ibiza
9.00pm, 15 – 17, 22 – 25 Aug, Underbelly Central Hall Featuring some of the most famous club anthems from the last 30 years, Symphonic Ibiza fuses thrilling live orchestra with high tempo beats from renowned DJ Andy Joyce and musical genius Steve Etherington. A party like no other!
Marlon Davis: Emotional Black Male 6.50pm, 31 Jul – 25 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square
As seen on Live at The Apollo and Comedy Central’s Comedy Store Live, Marlon returns to Edinburgh with a hilarious new show. ‘A compelling storyteller whose anecdotes carry the elusive stamp of urban authenticity’ (Scotsman).
Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang
8.00pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard Phil Wang is back with a new hour of absolute gold. This one is about self-obsession and what it means to be good. Also, like, dating and being Chinese and that. Classic Wang stuff.
Fishbowl
1.00pm, 31 Jul - 26 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard The hilarious misadventures of three eccentric and lovable anti- heroes crammed in their wacky rooftop bedsits. The funniest show in Europe comes to Edinburgh after a sell-out tour. Molière Award for Best Comedy Play. Physical comedy extravaganza! Le Monde
Fags, Mags and Bags 4.40pm, 1 – 26 Aug, Underbelly George Square
“Shop is the world... and the world is shop”. Award- winning Radio 4 sitcom Fags, Mags and Bags finally brings the Wall of Crisps and its peculiar brand of Shop Logic (TM) to the stage.
Stevie Martin: Hot Content
6.35pm, 31 Jul – 25 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square Stevie Martin returns with a lovely bit of business involving sketches, talking and absolute bangers (jokes). For anyone who likes their content hot (and their bangers stone cold). ‘Pure entertainment’ Entertainment-focus.com