 The Insider
Zoo Southside - August 24-27 Look into the human face of greed – live acting, visuals and a binaural soundscape that gives you the chills. The Cum-ex tax scam: 50 billion GBP "robbed" from the treasuries around Europe! The use of headphones and 3D-sound creates an intimate connection with the cynical financier on stage when he is interrogated at a party in the club, in the shower, in a bank in Zürich. Did you know you were robbed out of tens of billions in something called the Cum-ex tax scam? I doubt it. The Cum-ex tax scam was a complex financial fraud scheme that exploited a tax loophole in several European countries, between the early 2000s and 2012. The scheme, which involved extensive coordination and manipulation of financial transactions, resulted in the misappropriation of billions of euros in wrongfully claimed tax refunds. Our insight into this world of corruption and the rats sneaking between the cracks amongst some of the biggest names in finance is played by Christoffer Hvidberg Rønjethe, a nameless insider, as the type of trim and well-dressed corporate man who is instantly recognisable to us all who uncovers the CumEx tax evasion strategy then finds himself seduced into being a key and willing participant. He is compelling to watch inside his literal and metaphorical box as we watch his fall from bean counter to allowing power and money to have him powdering his nose and then losing control towards his family and his grip on reality as he tries to balance the high wire act of massive corporate greed and attempting to justify it to himself and prosecutors. The audience wears headphones which allow us to hear other characters interacting with our insider, the pounding of the dancefloors where these criminals hide in plain sight, the scribble of a pen, and the sound of every bit of stress from elevated breathing, to manic movement straight into ears and allows every audience member to engage equally no matter where their seat is within the venue. The use of the large box on stage where the drama unfolds throughout was a very surprising choice for me as it immediately drew parallels with one of the most popular plays about financial greed, The Lehman Brothers. While slightly smaller the box in The Insider uses many of the same techniques from writing on the plastic, backscreen projection and one of the same minimal pieces of furniture in terms of a filing cabinet. The play is only an hour and can only uncover so much in that time and it takes the right approach to make the best use of the ticking clock by focusing on how and why someone could be such a willing participant in a scheme. Our insider comes from a part of Germany where he has no right to be as successful as he has and the opportunity to go from cultural outsider to exposed to the best in life and all the trappings is something that will get the audience wondering if that could be them and would they too would do the right thing when the moment comes. - Lee Hutchison 4/5 Book your tickets here > https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/insider  A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery - Murder on the Disorient Express
Aug 21-26 - theSpace @ Surgeons Hall - Theatre 1 A legendary detective killed aboard a famous train – but who had locomotive for murder? Award-winning mystery maestros Highly Suspect return with a new hilarious interactive murder mystery which the audience must solve! Featuring a fiendish plot, evidence to examine and cryptic clues to crack, can you deduce whodunnit? Fun, frivolity and fatalities guaranteed! ‘Providing plenty of laughs and a few twists… I challenge you not to feel exhilarated by Highly Suspect’s hugely successful production’ ***** (EdFringeReview.com). Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe 2022. Sold out, 2021-2022. I have some experience with murder mysteries shows - my wife runs a theatre company that produces murder mysteries, and we met when she hired me for a show (a story for another occasion!). So it is always interesting to visit another murder mystery company to see how they run their shows - and Highly Suspect does a great job. Set on a parody version of the infamous Orient Express, there is a cast of characters there to celebrate the retirement of a familiar detective. As the murder is discovered, the audience is given a folder of various clues to figure out the killer. At first glance, it can seem like your group is given a lot of work to do - but the puzzles are challenging, though not overly difficult. The cast knows how to handle audiences of all skill levels, with their characters mixing among teams, creating a friendly atmosphere, and happily giving out hints to make the experience fun, not frustrating. Whether you are successful or not in guessing the killer, this cast is there to have fun with the story and the audience. Definitely suggest going with a group of 3 or more. - Phillip Gilfus 4/5 Book tickets here > https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/highly-suspect-murder-mystery-murder-on-the-disorient-express  SCOTS
Aug 22-27 - Ghillie Dhu - Auditorium The musical history lesson that no one asked for but everyone needs! A Play, A Pie and A Pint shares the true(ish) story of our nation: its past, present and future, its triumphs and failures, all told by a figure who has seen it all... Scotland’s greatest invention and storyteller, The Toilet! From award-winning duo Noisemaker, Scots is an irreverent and rousing musical journey through the history of Scotland, that replays some of our nation’s most iconic (and forgotten) stories to answer the fundamental question: What makes a country? Ticket includes a pie and a pint. Part of MadeInScotlandShowcase.com. There are several Fringe shows that sound strange to describe - "You should go see this show about a toilet that sings about the history of Scotland. I mean, there are scenes that'll make you cry in your beer, and others that will make you cheer with joy. Also you get lunch." Yet this is SCOTS from Glasgow-based A Play, A Pie and A Pint that takes the audience on a trip through Scotland's people, from Kenneth MacAlpin to MSP Monica Lennon. Any historical telling can simply go through a catalogue of kings and queens, but SCOTS dives deeper into the people who charted the course of Scotland. There is a question posed on a back wall during the show - "What Makes A Country?" Is it the inventions produced by the people that changed the world? Is it the amazing women who made their voices heard? Is it social progress? It's up to the audience to figure it out - and to see how all this centers on those who use the toilet. As with all shows from this theatre company, the audience does get a pie and pint to enjoy during the show. Whether you're Scottish or not, this production is dynamic from all the players - this is one of the top shows you'll be talking about during the Fringe. - Phillip Gilfus 5/5 Book tickets here > https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/scotstickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/scots  52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals
Aug 18-28 - Pleasance Courtyard An expertly crafted examination of the complexities of identity and acceptance, this groundbreaking and unapologetic exploration of the trans experience is a triumph. The brilliance of the show lies in its ability to combine physical theatre with the power of collective stories in its exploration of the struggles, both internal and external, that many trans women face. These stories weave together a tapestry of experiences that touch on body image, love, acceptance, intimacy and self-discovery. At times the show is deeply confronting, but that is one of its greatest strengths and serves to highlight the show's commitment to authenticity. Our hosts, Charli and Laurie, are captivating, raw and unapologetic. Their unfiltered narratives supported by their seemingly unhinged dancing and a touch of baby oil, make for a truly mesmerizing show. Both women are adept at forcing the audience to face up to the very uncomfortable reality faced by trans people daily. However, the show is also peppered with moments of intense love and joy as Charli and Laurie shine a light on their own friendship. Against a backdrop of ever intensifying societal discourse on trans acceptance, this show stands as an important testament to the strength and resilience of trans people. - Aoife Burke 5/5 Book tickets here > https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/52-monologues-for-young-transsexuals  Drag Queen Wine Tasting
Aug 18-20, 23-27 - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre Indulge in mouthwatering wine and delicious entertainment at the hands of the enigmatic Vanity Von Glow and wine virtuoso Beth Brickenden. This year’s Drag Queen Wine Tasting event is a carnival of entertainment that engages audience members and leaves them enlightened. A tantalizing tryst between quality wine, low-toned humor, and beautiful ballads sung by Vanity Von Glow, leads to a concoction that delights the senses. The chemistry between Von Glow and Brickenden is palpable, and their cheeky comic timing and interactions with audience members keeps viewers engaged. The constant interplay of their wit, sprinkled with saucy sexual innuendos, adds a layer of mischief that's not only entertaining but also infuses the show with a seductive charm. Our two powerhouse hosts work seamlessly together, blending their individual strengths to create an experience that simultaneously entertains and educates. Our outstanding sommelier, Beth Brickenden, guides the audience through the tasting of three delectable wines, her vast knowledge and expertise shining through. Beth's ability to seamlessly blend education and entertainment is a testament to her passion and expertise in the world of wine. Vanity Von Glow, on the other hand, injects the show with an ample dose of glamour and pizzazz. She infuses each moment with a touch of extravagance, and her interactions with the audience add a wonderfully fun dimension that makes everyone feel like part of the spectacle. Her beautiful singing voice entrances and engages, though she’s not above stopping mid song to draw attention to a handsome man passing by the window! The show is a beautiful blend of merriment and enlightenment, made possible by the union of two wonderful talents. Vanity Von Glow and Beth Brickenden prove themselves to be the ultimate hosts, navigating the journey through wine with flair, fun, and some mischief. So, raise your glass, join the chorus, and immerse yourself in this vivacious celebration of all things indulgent and delightful. - Aoife Burke Book your tickets > Drag Queen Wine Tasting | Cabaret and Variety | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com) |
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