Fringe Top 15: Your pick of the best shows

DECIDED what to see yet? With so many shows to choose from where do you start? Here, in no particular order, is my Top 15 plays of the 2012 Fringe to help you make up you mind.

1 Planet Lem @ Old College Quad

All the way from Poland comes this outrageous, outdoor, science-fiction extravaganza. Worth seeing for the spectacle alone. 16-26 August

2 Maurice’s Jubilee, Pleasance Courtyard

Sheila Reid, best known as Benidorm granny Madge Harvey, joins Julian Glover and Nichola McAuliffe in this dark comedy. Until August 27

See Page 4

3 Strong Arm @ Underbelly

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Roland Poland - fat by name, fat by nature - is out to win the Mr Britain title. Provocative and painfully funny play about fitting in. August 26

4 People Like Us @ The Space, North Bridge

Stacey wasn’t even looking to date, let alone fall in love, until she met Simon... he promised never to hurt her, but even the most sincere promises are hard to keep. Until 18 August

5 Jigsy, The Assembly Rooms

Les Dennis stars as Jigsy, a jobbing comic. For more than 30 years, he’s worked with them all – and will tell you the stories. Until August 26

6 Educating Rita, George Square

Matthew Kelly and Claire Sweeney star in Willy Russell’s classic comedy. Rita, a brash, hairdresser, enrols with the OU, where her ideas challenge her lecturer, Frank. Until August 27

7 Back To School, Braidwood Community Centre

This site-specific, interactive comedy treats the audience like students attending Saint Dumbiedykes – enjoy an insect dissection, sex education lesson, school assembly, school dinners and end of term disco. Until August 26

8 The Agony And Ecstasy Of Steve Jobs, Gilded Balloon

Mike Daisey’s monologue will make you question what you thought you knew about one of the world’s greatest brands, Apple. One of the most talked about pieces of theatre from the United States. Until August 27

9 Dracula - Sex, Sucking And Stardom @ Paradise In The Vault

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last Chance Saloon revamp Bram Stoker’s Dracula with their own brand of the ridiculous to create absurd theatre comedy. Until August 27

10 Murder, Marple and Me, Gilded Balloon

She spent her lifetime making people laugh, but behind the dotty exterior of Margaret Rutherford was a tale of tragedy and heartbreak. Until August 26

11 Looby Loo: No Strings Attached, C Nova

Leave your childhood memories at the door. Andy Pandy, Looby Loo and Teddy will never be the same again. Until August 19

12 Pierrepoint - The Hangman’s Tale @ Sweet Venues

Martin Oldfield gives a skilled performance as the uncomfortably likeable Albert Pierrepoint. Britain’s last hangman. August 5-24

13 Clockwork Orange @ The Pleasance

In the best traditions of early players, this all-male troupe bring Burgess’ infamous work to graphic life. Until August 26

14 Appointment With the Wicker Man, Assembly Rooms

Am-drams, the Lochparry Players, are rehearsing their stage version of cult film The Wicker Man in this National Theatre of Scotland spoof. Until August 26

15 Macbeth on Inchcolm Island

Take a trip across the Forth for this al fresco recounting of the rise and demise of the Scottish king. Not for the sea-sick.

August 10, 11, 16, 17, 19

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

FOR full details of performance times and ticket prices pick up a copy of the 2012 Fringe programme from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Office at 180 High Street. To buy tickets visit www.edfringe.com or call 0131-226 0000

Related topics: