So let’s see what’s on offer as a great selection of shows go on sale to complete the Pleasance’s fantastic festival programme

The Pleasance is a place for experiences and, this year marks Pleasance’s boldest programme yet. From the funny to the sorrowful, the political to the magical, the Pleasance has always been a place for incredible stories and 2018 takes this tradition to a new level.

The phenomenal theatre programme includes: Revenants by the amazing Nichola McAuliffe which looks at oppression, prejudice and revolution; Terry Johnson’s Ken which comes to its spiritual home in Edinburgh celebrating the life of the maverick writer and theatre director, Ken Campbell; one of the greatest ever interpreters of Brel’s music in Peter Straker Sings Brel; comedian Frank Skinner turning his hand to theatre with his debut play Nina’s Got News; and Brexit, a new political satire by Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky (writers of previous Edinburgh sell-out hits Coalition and Making News), looking at what may be happening in the final stages of the Brexit negotiations in 2020!

Pleasance Courtyard

Pleasance is also renowned for its extraordinarily entertaining comedy programme. 2018 sees some big names returning to the Fringe including John Kearns, Matt Forde, Seann Walsh, Ciarán Dowd, Adam Kay, Jayde Adams, Robert White, Flanders and Swann, Iain Stirling and Rachel Parris. 

Tickets for the whole of  Pleasance programme is now on sale and it’s going to keep you busy and entertained.

Twitter @ThePleasance, #ThePleasance Facebook   Facebook.com/ThePleasance

Box Office Tickets for all shows are available at and 0131 556 6550.

Underbelly Festival, Jubilee Gardens, London SE1 8XX Wednesday 27th June – Sunday 18th August 2018

photo by Kurt Petersen

Circa comes to London with Peepshow, an exciting European premiere that turns cabaret on its head, literally.  Join ‘the rockstars of the circus world’ as they embark on a seductive dance through the hall of mirrors that is your imagination.

By makers of the smash-hit shows Humans, Beyond, Wunderkammer and Closer, Peepshow combines some of the finest acrobatic talent on the planet under the direction of circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz to create an exhilarating ride into the beautifully bizarre recesses of your mind.

Playing with the extreme physicality of this troupe of phenomenal acrobats, Circa blur the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus.  Exploring the concept of looking and being looked at, Peepshow uses circus to explore themes of gender and sexuality on the stage.

Yaron Lifschitz comments, I hope that Peepshow is one of those shows which is able to transform people’s expectations, bringing us new sensibilities with unexpected pleasures, and bridges the world between art and entertainment.  Peepshow is the latest in Circa’s latest postcabaret adventure. These take the form of cabaret and Circa’s medium of circus, add some extra ingredients (in Peepshow’s case a nightclub, a dream and ideas of looking) and shake. They shake so hard things break, stick together and turn wonderfully weird.  The resulting cocktail is a fantasia designed to thrill and delight. 

Peepshow’s music is an original track written by Ori Lichtik (Batsheeva Dance Company) with an interlude of Sweet Dreams (originally by Eurythmics).  Peepshow lets audiences see the world from the other side of the mirror.

Circa Contemporary Circus is one of the world’s leading performance companies.  To date, Circa has toured to 39 countries across six continents and in 2016 alone performed over 450 performances to over 180,000 audience members locally, nationally and internationally.  As a champion of live performance, Circa manages arTour and was the Creative Lead for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games arts and cultural programme.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Wednesday 27th June – Sunday 18th August 2018

Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ Tuesday 5th – Saturday 30th June 2018

Richard Fish

I AM OF IRELAND is an exciting new play by one of Ireland’s most perceptive writers, Seamus Finnegan (Act of Union, Soldiers, North).  Directed by Ken McClymont, the play examines the state of a divided nation and Ireland’s increasingly important role in Europe.

Richard Fish (Sherlock Holmes, The Invisible Thing, Tabard Theatre; Peter Hamilton’s Playground, Old Red Lion), Euan Macnaughton (The Crown, Netflix; The Replacement, BBC 1), Sean Stewart (Lone Star, Art’s Theatre; Coward, Different Productions), Angus Castle-Doughty (Loves Labours Lost, Rose Playhouse; The First Great Escape, Channel 5),

Saria Steel (Silent Witness, BBC; Flight Lessons, Jermyn Street Theatre), Shenagh Govan (The Bill, ITV; The Mill on the Floss, BBC)

Shena Govan

and Jerome Ngonadi (The Man in the Mirror, Channel 5; The Divine Chaos of Starry Things, White Bear Theatre) will complete the dynamic ensemble for I AM OF IRELAND at the Old Red Lion Theatre.

For some in Ireland, immigration and the border between the North and South have replaced sectarianism as central issues needing discussion.  As a result, aggressive, passionate personalities may intrude on those who want only calm, peace and generosity.  I AM OF IRELAND strives to remind us that there is still compassion and understanding in Ireland.

Through multiple storylines, the characters explore and examine the loss of religious faith, the disillusionment of Irish Republican ideals, the confusion of the Roman Catholic Church and the self-destruction of Ulster Loyalism.

Since 1998, Seamus Finnegan has worked closely with Scottish theatre director and artist, Ken McClymont. This has included seven productions at the Old Red Lion most notably Dead Faces Laugh, Disapora Jigs and Murder In Bridgport. For this state of the nation play, the Celtic duo reunite once again.

Director Ken McClymont comments, It is a great challenge and privilege to be asked to direct a new Seamus Finnegan play in the venue where we first met and worked together. Through the years Seamus’s works demand that we watch, listen and ask questions of ourselves, I AM OF IRELAND is this; a touching, funny, brutal and special play that provokes and seduces our emotions.

Tuesday 5th – Saturday 30th June 2018

As you bask on the beach, or around the pool, or collapse after a day in the garden we have a round up of books that might hit the spot.

The Case of the Fool by Daisy Waugh writing as E.V. HarteTT

Tarot reader Dolly Green, returning from a happy hols in St Lucia with her cracker of a police sergeant boyfriend, finds a Russian girl waiting for a reading. The charmless Marina is young and beautiful, everything to live for, but will she? The cards see other things ahead – death, but for whom?

This is an appetising read, nice, assured, with echoes of Agatha Christie. Don’t drip your ice cream on it.

The Case of the Fool by E.V. Harte

Keeping in the ethereal world:

Unquiet Spirits by Bonnie MacBird, an award-winning Hollywood screenwriter, and Sherlock Holmes fan.

How does she do? Rather well Frost thought as we join Holmes in December 1889 on his return from exposing a ‘ghostly’ house in Dartmoor. You know the one. He is invited to Scotland to pursue all sorts of mayhem, but chooses the South of France instead. Watson is nonplussed.

Mayhem is not to be escaped however and from France they are led to Scotland after all, and a conundrum to be solved. A good read for Holmes fans.

Unquiet Spirits. Pub HarperCollins pb & ebook and audiobook.

The Quarryman’s Wife by Elizabeth Gill

A warm evocative book, the second in the Weardale Sagas, set in the north-east, my old stamping ground. In this second of the series Nell Almond not only loses her daughter, but her husband, and her hopes rest in her grandson who is being cared for by one of the local families, and not very well it seems. See how these hopes are realised, or not – will he, or won’t he take his rightful place as heir to the quarry.

The Quarryman’s Wife by Elizabeth Gill. pub Quercus. Hb.

Blood Feud by Anna Smith

The first of a new series from the author of the Rosie Gilmour series. Blood Feud is in the mould of Martina Cole I felt, as Kerry Casey, strides back into a world she thought she had escaped. But no, on the deaths of her mother and brother she returns, and the girl is mad, and out to get even. Vigorous,  Blood Feud takes no prisoners.

Blood Feud by Anna Smith. Pub Quercus pb and ebook.

The City of Lies by Michael Russell

A fascinating book set in Ireland during the Second World War. The City of Lies is the third in the Stefan Gillespie novels and holds its place in the rankings. The City of Lies is just that, full of lies and mystery, and  double dealing as German, Irish and British concerns conflict. I liked it. It has pace, good scene setting and a great main character.

The City of Lies by Michael Russell. Pub Constable pb and ebook.

Milly Adams latest novel is the second in the Waterway Girls series. Love on the Waterways pub Arrow. Pb and ebook

The Union Theatre, Southwark, London

“When the show is good it is very good indeed!”

I always claim that I dislike musicals and, yet, when I go and watch them I am always surprised how much I love them. This show is a case in point. I know creating a new musical is a time-consuming task – and such a risk, both critically and financially. So full credit to the production team for their determination to get this show on. It started life some four years ago when the original lightbulb idea glowed and has obviously grown in confidence ever since; perhaps the story has been overtaken by real-life events, the absurdities of which have not been ignored by the talented creators. Even though H.R.Haitch is set in 2011, the topical jokes and references fly by at breakneck speed.

To have such a silly story work – the royal heir’s identity has been kept secret for twenty years, in the meantime he has fallen in love with a ‘commoner’ from Barking – means it has to hang on the skills and likeability of the cast.

Tori Allen-Martin – photography credited to Nick Rutter

Here it succeeds. The royal couple (mixed race and different class, no less) are played with supreme confidence by Tori Allen-Martin and Christian James. Tori plays Chelsea – a bubbly, joyous character – and manages to show a superb range of emotions and singing styles throughout.

Christian James – photography credited to Nick Rutter

She is matched by Christian’s Prince Albert – an idiot of Wooster proportion. Christian James not only handles the verbal jokes and physical slapstick, he has a voice to match the many styles thrown at him. He’s a young Michael Crawford and I thought his presence stole the show.

Tori Allen-Martin and Christian James – photography credited to Nick Rutter

The rest of the ensemble of six also have their own stunning solos. Emily Jane Kerr revels in the nastiness of Princess Victoria. Christopher Lyne’s publican Bryan is so touching and real, compared to his inept Prince Richard. Andrea Miller has the presents Vera (a lady of a certain age who still has an enormous sexual appetite), but sadly her showstopper just mis-fires – whereas her Queen Mary is an unforgettable foul-mouthed creation deserving of a right royal ‘bloody’ solo!

Andrea Miller – photography credited to Nick Rutter

Finally, Prince Plockey plays Uncle Vernon in Barking and Prime Minister Nathan at the Palace, rounding off a troupe of incredibly talented performers.

H.R.Haitch is billed as a musical comedy – and there it doesn’t lie. It’s a rags-to-riches tale that has its heart on its sleeve and its tongue firmly planted in the cheek. The laughs come freely and the songs are clever, witty and, in turn, surprisingly touching and emotional: some are very hummable! The show somehow lets itself down only on the some loose comedy timing and sticky choreography – but, let’s face it, when the show is good it is very good indeed!

Tori Allen-Martin, Prince Plockey, Christian James – photography credited to Nick Rutter

Photography:       Nick Rutter

Venue:                    Union Theatre, 204 Union Street, London SE1 0LX

Running:                Until Saturday 2nd June 2018 at 7.30pm (no Monday performances)

Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2.30pm

Running Time:    2hr30m (with an interval)

Tickets:                  £22.50 (£20 concessions, £15 U16)

www.uniontheatre.biz – 020 7261 9876

Age:                         13+

Producers:            Shrapnel Theatre and Iris Theatre

Director:                Daniel Winder

Book & Lyrics:     Maz Evans

Music:                     Luke Bateman

Choreography:    Lily Howkins

Set Design:            Justin Williams and Jonny Rust

These days children are exposed to constant stimulation from all angles – such as videos, all-singing-and-dancing toys, soft-play centres, computer games and television. Even my toddler grandson knows how to work an i-pad better than I do.

So how to keep them interested? Well the Hot Wheels Sharkruiser is a good start.

And what is a Sharkruiser? Well it’s a fusion between a fairly angry-looking shark with very large teeth, and a hot wheel car. As you can see from the picture it is bright and attractive.

The first thing kids look for nowadays is ‘the button’ – and the Sharkruiser, certainly has one. Press it and red lights shine from its large shark-mouth and from the cockpit on its back; its jaws start opening and closing and it propels itself backwards and forwards across the floor, chomping noisily as it goes.

Plenty of fun and stimulation there. In fact even Grandma enjoyed playing with it.

It is well-made and robust and the bright blue and orange make it stand out against the other toys.

Children vote with their feet, and my grandson definitely voted ‘Yes’ to this one.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

Long ago, in a galaxy far far…Ok, let’s not do that eh?  The latest book to honour the ever expanding Star Wars universe, does, however, take us back to the beginning – or rather episode 4, which is the first film you saw in 1977.  Bear with me…

Ask yourself then if you can bear to relive the events that started it all for us, but through the eyes and experiences of various minor characters.  For this is what Arrow books would have you do as Star Wars – from a certain point of view comes to a galaxy near you.  Instead of one cohesive narrative, you are presented with no less than forty short stories told from the perspective of different personalities.  Some are peripheral to the main drama (no kidding – the monster from the trash compactor) and others more crucial, such as Grand Moff Tarkin.

Forty different authors tackle this enterprise, some more ably and on tone than others.  The result is a largely successful, sometimes sad, alternative account of the original cosmic fairy tale.  As with all the canon, your enjoyment will depend on whether you embrace the universe or not.  I can see Fanboy’s/girls divided over this.

It is then, what it is, although I might have an interest in seeing the original film again with these backstories rattling around as accompaniment.

Published in paperback by Arrow on 3rd May 2018 – £8.99

Chris Donaldson is the author of Not a Girl: Short tales for Dark days

Image courtesy of Michael Rowan

When it comes to wine I have to confess to being something of a traditionalist, reds from autumn to the end of winter and whites for spring and summer. This year the winter has seemed endless, until somewhat unexpectedly, we enjoyed the hottest day in April for some 70 years.

Such hot days call for the crisp green notes that are to be found in a glass of Sauvignon blanc, because what else speaks more of summer than freshly cut grass, Asparagus, Gooseberries and crisp green apples?

With this in mind I did not need any further encouragement to try three Sauvignon Blancs from Villa Maria.

Also as a traditionalist, it will come as no surprise to learn that in my opinion New Zealand, Marlborough has consistently produced some of the best Sauvignon Blancs currently on the market.

Villa Maria Private bin 2017 is a beautifully crisp wine, where juicy acidity is balanced with flavours of melon, passionfruit and ruby grapefruit.

At a RRP of £11.85 this is a bit of a steal and would be perfect with grilled seasonal vegetables or perhaps a mild creamy cheese.

I then tried the Villa Maria, 2017 which is part of the cellar selection and the somewhat modest label belies a wine bursting with aromas of passionfruit, melon, nettles and fresh herbs. The palate is powerful and juicy, displaying vibrant grapefruit notes and has lively yet balanced acidity on the palate.

The RRP for this wine is £13. 85 and I would have no hesitation in taking this to a posh picnic or simply enjoying it with fish and shell fish.

Like children one really shouldn’t have favourites and I would profess to liking each of the wines equally, for their different qualities. However, if I could only take one of these to my desert island I confess that it would have to be the Villa Maria Clifford Bay Reserve 2017.

This is classic Sauvignon Blanc with powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, nettles and grapefruit. Dry and flinty with hints of melon and fresh summer herbs this is a wine to refresh the palate and would match pretty much any food that you might associate with summer.

It has a RRP of £15.95 so maybe best drunk on a desert island, sitting on a beach under blue skies and blazing sun. Best of all you wouldn’t need to share