Richard Stamp | The Wee Review
@FringeGuru
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Co-founder of Fringe Guru and Editor-at-Large at @TheWeeReview . I'm a theatre reviewer, editor, and sometimes an awards judge. But I'm lovely really. (He/him)
Edinburgh, UK
Joined May 2009
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I love hearing about
#EdFringe
shows, and you're more than welcome to tell me about yours. I can't reply to every message, but I promise I do read them all - and I've often picked shows to review that I first learned of here. Just so you know, I mainly cover theatre.
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I love hearing about your EdFringe shows, and you’re very welcome to tag me with details. I can’t respond to everyone, but I promise I do read them all - and I do sometimes review shows I heard about here.
Just so you know, I mainly cover theatre and musicals.
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It's August! It's Edinburgh! Here we go again!
As always I'll be part of the fantastic team at
@TheWeeReview
, on a mission to hunt out the lesser-known treasures at this year's Fringe.
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I love hearing about
#EdFringe
shows, and you're very welcome to tweet me to tell me about yours. I can't respond to every message but I promise I do read them all. Just so you know, I mainly cover theatre.
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I'm getting a few messages from EdFringe shows asking "is it too late to get reviewers in?"... so I'm just putting it out there that I haven't booked a single ticket, scheduled a single show, or even made a long-list yet.
That's the way I roll. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
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A tip for companies still hoping for reviews: if you would welcome us with open arms right up to your last show, it's worth saying so. I know a lot of EdFringe reviewers - even some on
@theweereview
's team - who feel it's somehow "cheeky" to book in right at the end of a run.
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As always - respect and thanks to the hundreds of shows who braved the queues to speak to us at Meet The Media. It’s a huge privilege to chat and to share your passion for your work, and I’m humbled by your talent and your integrity.
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So, here's a thing: if you tweet or email to let me know about all the fantastic reviews you've already got, you're actually making it less likely I'll come to see your show. Nothing personal. It's just that there's so much great work out there that's had no coverage at all.
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I enjoy hearing about
#EdFringe
shows, and you're welcome to tweet me to tell me about yours. I don't always reply, but I do read all of them.
Please be aware, though, that not all reviewers feel the same way. Try not to bombard my colleagues on their personal accounts. Thanks!
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Me on day 1: I’m going to have a quieter Fringe this time. Take it easy, smell the flowers. Give all that fantastic work the space it deserves to mature and settle in.
Me on day 9: WAAAAH FIVE MINUTES TO GET TO THE PLEASANCE
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Protip: if you bump into a reviewer immediately after they've seen your show, resist the impulse to blurt out an apology for everything that went wrong. This happens so often, but 90% of the time I hadn't even noticed. You are much better at covering up than you think you are.
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A few people are asking me "are you fully booked already?", so here's the answer - no, I haven't booked a single ticket yet. I have a list, sure, but I'm not going to lock anything down till after Meet The Media and I only plan a few days in advance in any case.
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It's the time of the Fringe for my standard warning: telling me that three other publications loved your show might persuade me to buy a ticket, but won't make me want to review it. I want to find the stuff that other people haven't.
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I don't know what proportion of show don't have any reviewers *booked in* yet, but it is certain to be high. At
@theweereview
- and I believe most independent reviewers - we add new shows to our lists right up to the end of the Fringe. It is Day 3! There is still plenty of time.
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This is, officially, the first day of the Fringe. And yes, I *did* say that yesterday was day -1, so we’ve gone from -1 to 1 without stopping at 0. That’s how anarchic and rebellious the Fringe truly is.
Good luck to everyone who’s starting today. Or break legs, if you prefer.
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3
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I'm toying with the idea of having a "quickfire round" - a day or two packing in shows I wouldn't otherwise have time to cover, not for a formal review nor a star rating, but a few words here on Twitter. Fringe participants, I invite your feedback on whether this is a good idea.
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They say: "We didn't process your ticket in time because of the sheer volume of bookings we're handling."
I hear: "Someone's missed out on a review because our large and well-funded venue doesn't spend enough on staffing its press office."
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3
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The Fringe can be the most inspiring place in the world, but it can also be a horrible pressure cooker. If you're struggling, then asking for help is a sign of strength - it shows you have the courage to take back control. And I'll leave it at that for a while.
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Here's a nice EdFringe story. Sixth-form group comes up from Guildford for a one-week run. Queue up to see me at the Meet The Media. I go along out of an avuncular desire to be nice to the next generation. And it turns out it's bloody brilliant
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Well, *this* is more like the Edinburgh experience we know and love. I’m eating a soggy baked potato in the drizzly rain, and I genuinely don’t think I could be happier.
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So, tomorrow's Meet The Media - for me, the most iconic day of the EdFringe calendar. I'll be there for the whole afternoon, on behalf of
@theweereview
this year. This is maybe my 10th time being "met", so I thought I'd do a thread with some tips (and some warnings).
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You know, I think I might actually be ready for the Fringe to happen. And it's still only Sunday.
This can only mean that I've forgotten something huge.
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Today, Wednesday of Week 1, is famously the worst of the entire Fringe. If it’s your first time here and you’ve suddenly sold no tickets, at least know it’s not you. It’s because people have been filling their boots during the 2-for-1 days and are having a bit of a rest just now.
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We're getting to the point now when it's too late to see a show and get a review out before the end of the Fringe. If that doesn't matter to you - say you need something to show funders, or honestly genuinely cross-your-heart want outside feedback - it doesn't hurt to say so.
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Idea to tackle EdFringe congestion: pedestrian carpool lanes, open only to those giving or receiving a piggy-back
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I have a few reviews still to wrap up and publish so we're not quite done yet, but I'd like to recognise once again our amazing team of writers at
@theweereview
. It's been such a pleasure this year to see the coverage coming in.
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1
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Well, that was a day and a half. As always I'm humbled by the breadth and depth of talent on display at Meet The Media, and thanks to everyone who queued up to talk to us. Thanks also to the Fringe staff for running it all so smoothly and uncomplainingly. It's a huge undertaking.
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1
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OK, you all seemed to like the idea, so I’m giving it a whirl… today’s a
#QuickfireRound
. I’m packing in as many shows as I can which I wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see, with instant(ish) reactions here on Twitter.
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Well, here we go again. The performers of the world converge on Edinburgh, and I awaken from my deep, silent slumber. Like King Arthur! Or Cthulhu. You decide.
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So I think the only constructive thing I can say is this: I'm not going anywhere, and nor I'm sure are my colleagues at
@theweereview
. It's our vocation to find and support the incredible talent that emerges at every EdFringe - and we'll be doubly determined to do that in 2021.
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All the venue press offices are being very helpful and efficient this year... they've saved our blushes by fast-tracking last-minute requests on several occasions. We grumble when things go wrong so we should say when things go right as well. Many thanks, it's hugely appreciated.
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I've just done a big batch of scheduling, and I'll soon do some more. So... tell me about your show. You have my permission. I won't reply to everyone but I'll read them all.
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I'm starting to fantasise about all the wondrous things I'm going to do once the Fringe is over. You know, things like cooking my own dinner, or having a really long bath or just lying spread-eagled on the ground for a while
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1
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We have made it out the far side of
#MeetTheMedia
- congratulations, one and all. As ever, I'm both honoured and humbled by how many people are willing to queue up for so long to come and talk to us. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended.
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For the first time in 20 years, I'm at the Edinburgh Fringe without actually *living* in Edinburgh. If I start to do those annoying up-from-London things, like claiming it always rains or being astonished the laws are different or calling it "the 'burgh", please do warn me.
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1
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And that’s a wrap. I’ve seen so many great shows today - thanks to everyone who welcomed me in, and to
@GreensideVenue
and
@theSpaceUK
for facilitating it. I may well do it again but for now, I’m dead on my feet. Over and out.
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Ideas for tackling the "silent" disco menace:
1. ASBOs
2. Signal jammers
3. A silent counter-disco to kettle them in Bristo Square
4. Underbelly takes responsibility and pulls the plug
One of these four ideas is clearly crazy.
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Well, Meet The Media was all kinds of epic. Many thanks to the Fringe Society for organising such a mammoth event, and to everyone who queued up to speak to us. It's genuinely my favourite day of the year - the creativity and passion is electrifying.
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This year, I'm starting to think for the first time about the impact of engaging with so much weighty theatre in such a short space of time. It's vital and rewarding and a privilege to write about, but still... the abyss stares back.
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Fringe participants, let's talk about Meet The Media. This will be a long thread.
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Off to an event for newly-arriving shows at
@theSpaceUK
. It can be tough to start in Week 2 - particularly missing the media events at the very start. If that’s you, reply to this tweet with info on your show and though I can’t respond to everyone, I promise I’ll read them all.
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Achievement unlocked: witness two actors get engaged live on stage at the end of a Fringe show. I’m not sure any surprise emotional twist will ever top that one. Perhaps I shed a discreet tear.
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Do say hello if you see me - it's always welcome, pitches can happen anywhere. Except in a toilet. At this one thing I must draw the line.
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We at
@theweereview
have 31 reviews scheduled for today. What an enthusiastic crew! And thank you to all the press offices who make the tickets happen... We couldn't do it without you
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A thing I should really have grown out of: taking flyers for shows I've already reviewed to see if there's a bit of me stapled on
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If 2020 had gone to plan, I'd be at Greenside right now for the start of EdFringe Press Launch Season. My favourite week of the year! Ah well. Let's make the most of what we do have.
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Let's all talk about the beautiful sunny day we're having in Edinburgh and make everyone who isn't up here jealous.
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We’re go for Meet The Media. I know none of us wants to see one of these things ever again, but if you’re a colleague of mine and about to spend 5 hours sitting face to face with 200 different people… maybe worth considering.
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Some big news from us...
Fringe Guru is joining forces with
@TheWeeReview
at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. We'll have a single team of reviewers and editors, and we'll publish our joint coverage on The Wee Review's website. More details:
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Hello, arty Fringey people. Do we still hang out here? Or am I just bellowing into the void? Do I have to learn to TikTok? Please don’t say I have to learn to TikTok.
Anyway I’m at
@buxtonfringe
! Maybe for the first time since covid? I think so.
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And that’s it from Greenside. The answer to “what could go wrong?” turned out to be “nothing” - they got through 22 extracts in exactly an hour, with zero visible hitches. Massive respect to the tech team.
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It’s just occurred to me that there will be a whole generation of Fringe-goers who are entirely unaware of Mosquekitchengate. Just so you know where I am on the subject, in my opinion the Mosque Kitchen is the kitchen that is at the mosque.
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1
32
A new phase begins for me now... I saw my first actual show tonight, and it was a cracker. My first review for
@theweereview
will follow shortly!
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On that subject, I've had a few people asking whether it's too late to get a reviewer in now. I can't speak for everyone but as far as TWR is concerned, no, it isn't. I've held back some slots specifically for Week 3 shows, or those that have previously slipped below the radar.
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On the final day of the Fringe, The Wee Review's Managing Editor
@Peaky76
and I have written companion pieces on the future for organisations like ours. Here's mine. If you value what I've been doing this August, please give me a few minutes of your time:
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Dear
@theSpaceUK
, it's kind-of annoying that you're tweeting a pull-quote each (good) review that comes in, but aren't actually linking to the review itself. It's like if I shared a 5-second clip from each of your shows, and didn't bother to mention where to see the whole thing.
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I’m at Army @ The Fringe for the first time this year. I have to say, it’s become one of the most customer-focused venues there is. And it has by far the cheapest bar.
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31
More generally, I've been inspired and maybe a little humbled by how so many people have put so much effort into specials for
@buxtonfringe
- not because it's a stepping stone to anything else and certainly not because it pays anything, but just, well, because. 5* to all of you.
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6
30
Reviewing my notes from Meet The Media and the venue press launches. As is customary, all the shows I most want to see are on at exactly the same time.
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1
30
My first 5* of this year's Fringe! Letter to Boddah features two exceptional performances, and an insightful, layered script. About disenfranchisement, the long shadow of childhood trauma, and how hard it can be for young men to show or receive compassion.
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8
29
Someone in the street saw my orange lanyard, and said "I'm going to try to get you to review my show by giving you a fan with a picture of me on it, and no other information".
I absolutely do not advocate this approach, but just this once, I'll play. Twitter:
#findthemanonthefan
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Ok, I’ve been very gently reminded that while I’m puppy-dog excited, there are plenty of people out there climbing the wall with nerves. Good luck to everyone who’s starting tomorrow. And I hope you do have pleasant dreams.
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I am holed up in the
@PqaVenues
yurt, which I happened to be passing when rainpocalypse occurred. It looks like I'll be stuck here for ages. There will never be a better time to bombard me with tweets about your show.
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So if I do this again, I'm going to allow more than 20 minutes between shows and I'll remember I need a slot for lunch and... oh who am I kidding, we all know I'll never learn. I've seen three great shows so far. Let's have a catch-up.
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0
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Well I'm nowhere near as ready for the Fringe as I'd hoped to be, but it's clearly far too late to do anything about that now, so hooray! Bring it on! Starting with the
@BedlamFringe
press launch this evening, which I'll be live-tweeting as usual.
3
2
27
I can recommend Honey's Happening at
@GreensideVenue
as the cure for Fringe ennui. Some party games to warm you up, a couple of loveable characters, a simple but big-hearted message at the end, AND you get cheese and pineapple on little sticks. Just what I needed on every level.
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7
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Now, last year there was a bit of grumpiness around about use of social media - and whether it was OK to contact reviewers directly to pitch your shows, or whether that came across as harassment (or worse). So here's a nice clear statement I can pin to the top of my profile:
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Thanks to everyone who queued up for so long to chat to me today... it's genuinely humbling that people put themselves through that.
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So… is this thing still on? Do I have any followers any more? Do people even still use Twitter? If I start posting again, will I just be shouting into the void? Not that that’s ever stopped me before.
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Thanks also to the
@EdFringe
staff who work so hard to make the event a success. They make all the difference, and it's deeply appreciated.
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I'm seeing a fair few tweets at the moment from shows which are sad that they haven't had any reviews yet. For some perspective: we monitor more than 30 major publications' websites on behalf of the Fringe Society. According to our stats, 96% of shows don't have any reviews yet.
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It's barely noon and already I've seen a stunning piece of theatre. The future belongs to they who get up in the morning
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And yes, that *was* an invitation to tell me all about your lightweight theatrical tomfoolery. I seek a farce, a caper, perhaps even a shenanigan.
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I am flagging. It would be very sensible for me to go home right now. But I am not that particular kind of sensible.
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If you only read one of my reviews this year, please make it this one. Locusts, a deeply moving exposé of so-called "conversion therapy", is as powerful as it's understated; tender and touching performances, crisp direction, a finely-tuned script. 5*:
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25
Today's an admin day for me, and I'm a bit punchdrunk from hearing pitches (don't worry, I'll be back on form tomorrow). So today, ask me anything *except* to review your show. Want to know how press comps work? How we allocate reviewers? What PRs really do? I'll answer if I can.
10
1
26
The
@BuxtonFringe
online edition is starting today. Now I have to admit, I haven't been particularly on-board with ersatz online festivals up to now, but I've read through the programme and I'm genuinely excited for this one. Here are some of my highlights...
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8
24
After almost a week of media events, it's time for some reviews. I was specially blessed this year - the very first show I saw was a 5*... (and the first I'd heard about it was when they pitched to me that very morning, so all those meet-and-greets really are worthwhile).
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I've seen 75 shows in all. Some of my personal highlights, in alphabetical order: A Place That Belongs To Monsters; Concept For A Film; Gulliver; Let's Talk About Philip; Macbeth The Musical; Oedipus Electronica; and The Poetical Life Of Philomena McGuinness.
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I'm all but dead on my feet and it would really be far more sensible for me to stay at home with a Lemsip, but when has the Fringe ever been about being sensible? Never! I promise to be sensible in September.
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As of today, Fringe Guru has a shiny technological innovation which means I can never, ever, ever again request a press ticket from the wrong venue or for a date when the show isn't actually on. Oh my God the relief. If I had a bottle of champagne I'd honestly open it right now.
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Oh dear. The person at the pizza stand inside Pleasance Dome now knows my name without asking.
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So to everyone who's tweeting "it's comedy and I know you review theatre, but come anyway" - are you sure? Are you REALLY sure? Are you certain you want someone who'll interpret your stand-up set as an intriguing quasi-immersive subversion of conventional narrative form?
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For Fringe Guru, this is the next step on a journey we started in 2007. Together with
@TheWeeReview
we'll cover more shows, from more companies, across more genres. The Wee Review shares our ethos and our vision, and our commitment to quality and independence remains unchanged.
1
1
24
Delighted to see that Grandmothers Grimm from
@SKOTheatre
is selling out. Do book for later this week (it's only here till Sat). A highly entertaining reframing of selected folk tales, with a serious message about the erasure of the people - usually women - who first told them.
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5
24
But this is the right moment for me to thank my diligent and hardworking team of reviewers; the press officers and other staff who do so much to smooth the path for us; and most importantly everyone who generously accommodated us in their shows. We don't take it for granted.
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0
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Such a pleasure to catch up with my new colleagues and to talk about how we're going to do it even better next time. Big team, big plans, big love.
There are an awful lot of people who have done an awful lot of work not pictured but we had a lot of fun at Wee Review end of
#edfringe
drinks tonight. Thanks to
@GreensideVenue
for having us. And thanks to all the performers who've welcomed us to their shows.
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1
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0
2
24
We're coming up to the first weekend of
@BuxtonFringe
. If you don't know it, it's a lovely event to visit - lots of high-quality work, but a much more chilled atmosphere than Edinburgh or even Brighton. Here are some picks from this first week's programme:
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8
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That's Meet The Media done for another year. It's always a humbling experience, and my sincere thanks to everyone who braved the queues to talk to me and my colleagues. Thanks also to the Fringe Society - the logistical challenge is immense and they work so hard to support us.
2
0
24
But now - I’m on my way to
@GreensideVenue
for the first press event of 2022. We’ve all been waiting so long for this. Can’t believe it’s finally here.
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1
24
Right! Here I am at
@GreensideVenue
for the second launch of the season. Always a popular one... I see colleagues here from
@FringeReview
@broadwaybaby
@fringebiscuit
and of course, plenty of us from
@theweereview
...
1
2
23
Big old queue here at
@theSpaceUK
for Antigone: The Musical. Obviously I’m not the only one to be attracted by that, let’s say, *unusual* premise.
1
2
23
A phrase which could only ever be uttered at the Edinburgh Fringe: "Unfortunately the absurdist frog show isn't doing Mondays"
1
1
23
It’s reminded me how much this kind of spectacular visual oddness defines the Fringe for me. Theatre is what I love most, and the only thing I really understand, but it’s the high-concept wacky stuff that I see here and nowhere else. More more more.
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1
23
My thanks to everyone who told me I’d enjoy The Ice Hole - you were so, so right. The poster really wasn’t doing it for me but where they go with the concept is hilarious, and just a bit magical. So glad I caught it right at the end.
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2
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We've finally arrived at the point of mathematical impossibility: 7 shows I want to see in a particular timeslot, only 6 days remaining. The dream of scheduling perfection is dead. It's surprising it lasted this long.
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