Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Top cabaret shows so far

Published on 09/08/2012 12:35

Our reviewers’ pick of the cabaret shows at this year’s Fringe so far includes an ode to ageing

Dusty Limits: Post Mortem (free), Laughing Horse @ The Counting House (Venue 170)

A lyrical examination of ageing, fuelled by 40-year-old Dusty’s obsession with obituaries, that also takes in marriage equality (via the medium of a Cockney music hall-style song) and a wicked reworking of Mr Greedy aimed squarely at bankers and the coalition.

What we said: “Not only is Dusty a feast for the eyes, capering in his cutaway tails, but, as ever, he is a delight for the ears. His vocal range is admirable, and his musical choices - including the “contractually obligated by the laws of cabaret” Weimar-era song – are inspired, including Sondheim, Yazoo, Joni Mitchell and David Bowie. If only the show was twice as long, and lasted the run of the Fringe. Do. Not. Miss. This.”

Until 19 August. Today, 8.15pm

Star rating: * * * *

Lady Sings it Better, Gilded Balloon teviot

This all-female group take matters into their own hands and give their reinterpretations of a range of works by male composers. Version of songs by Michael Jackson, Leonard Cohen, Nine Inch Nails, Bon Jovi and Queen all feature here.

What we said: “Whether it’s one woman taking the lead or several harmonising, the result is never less than stunning. And while the songs are filtered through a feminist lens, it’s with a wry eye rather than an angry stare.”

Until 27 August

Star Rating * * * *

Brazil Brazil Presents: Latin Live, Assembly Rooms

Bringing a hot Latin flavour to the Fringe, Brazil Brazil ain to get temperatures soaring with South American music, singing, dancing, and a touch fo audience participation.

What we said: “The line-up of this show will change as the Fringe progresses, especially when the capoeira dancers arrive after taking part in the Olympics closing ceremony, but the vibe will remain the same: hot. Latin Live, we’re told during the introduction, has never happened before and will never happen again – so catch it while you can.”

Until 26 August

Star Rating: * * * *

Ian D Montfort: Unbelievable, Pleasance Courtyard

Tom Binns brings his mysteriously talented comic creation to the Fringe. While there are plenty of laughs from this comedy spiritualist, Ian D Montfort will nonetheless astound his audiences with an apparent gift for ‘speaking to the other side’. You’ll laugh like never before, yet you’ll still find yourself asking ‘how did he do it?’.

What we said: “Although he introduces himself as a spirit medium, Montford is obviously a top-class comedian. Yet not at one point did he break character. His “messages”, delivered in the style of the popular stage 
mediums, were side-splittingly funny. So far, so good. But just as you are settling down to enjoy the parody of his spiritualist persona, he suddenly starts telling individuals things about themselves that he genuinely could not possibly know. “

Until August 27

Star Rating: * * * *

Lady Rizo; Assembly George Square

New York’s Lady Rizo brings a blend of comedy, covers, and original songs to her first Edinburgh Fringe.

What we said: “Backed by keyboard, drums and bass, Rizo’s Grammy award-winning voice soars; she stretches her hand to the skies, wriggles, blows kisses and flirts. She is sexy, but she is bonkers, over the top, send-yourself-up sexy and it works.”

Until August 27

Star Rating: * * * *

The 27 Club, Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s

The 27 Club is a celebration of those musical artists who departed this Earth at the age of 27. Featuring songs from the likes of Joplin, Jim Morrison, Robert Johnson, Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain.

What we said: “the acid test of any show like this one is the music. Here, they don’t disappoint, delivering convincing cover versions of classic songs. Angie Darcy (Janis Joplin), Chris Freer (Jim Morrison), Nicky Elliot (Kurt Cobain) and Frances Thorburn (Amy Winehouse) are all excellent. The seven-piece band proves itself more than capable of cranking up the volume for a big rock number such as Hendrix’s Foxy Lady.”

Until August 27

Star Rating: * * * *

Sharron Matthews Superstar: Gold, Pleasance Courtyard

A stunning array of musical mash-ups as well as a streak of comedy a mile wide,

What we said: “In a voice as big, beautiful, and varied as her native Canada, Matthews rips through a series of musical mash-ups that not only showcase her pipes, but also her intellect, as she has a knack for finding connections between songs by exploring their lyrics for secondary meanings. She also provides hilarious running commentary while she’s singing them. “

Until August 27

Star Rating: * * * *