Adam Robinson - Page 2

A murder and a major movie star: the media are in frenzy. What happened and why? Sunset Boulevard is the tale of aspiring writer Joe Gillis, who falls into the life of former silver screen siren Norma Desmond. Once in her web, there is no surrender. The audience watches rapt as this twisted love story unravels and burns out like an old film reel.

Cool kids, high school identity issues, a whole lot of singing and the starting of engines. Grease may have been the word, but hunty you are not in Rydell anymore. It is 2016 and while the world is in turmoil, the life of an American teenager is no smooth catwalk. Social outsider Matthew comes untucked when they decide it is time to step out the shadows and shine, by running for prom queen.

People, people who need musical revivals, are the luckiest people in the world. And no musical has been overdue a return as the classic Funny Girl. A show based on the life and career of quirky Broadway performer Fanny Brice.

Ripped torsos, fake tan, a man in a dress, gay anthems and flippers…No Priscilla Queen of the Desert has not drove its bus back to Edinburgh, Mamma Mia! has strutted its way to the capital. The Playhouse has transported itself from Australia to Greece, via Sweden for this year's festive residency.

Straight from selling out in London comes a King's Head Theatre play by Joe Dipietro. F*cking Men is a modern interpretation of Schnitzler's 19th-century play La Ronde.  A play which caused great controversy at the time now retold through the lives of men who have sex with other men. Gay, Straight, Married, and Escorts, all interlinking characters have one connecting trait, they all agree "Why does any dude have sex with strangers? Because it feels fanfuckingtastic" as one character puts it. Three actors play the multi-character script, switching between roles like a well-oiled machine. Each is skilled and versatile, even though some very unnecessary badly chosen accents can leave you distracted.

The Briefs brand is on the rise at the Edinburgh Fringe. After touring the acclaimed macho in mascara mashup original show Briefs in all its drag, circus and comedy glory, 2016 sees the introduction of the 5-star Hot Brown Honey, and this new late night addition Sweatshop.

A one-woman show is hard to do for any artist. Standing alone trying to fill a stage while getting an audience on your side. Amelia Ryan does not make it easy on herself with her show Lady Liberty combining singing, storytelling, silliness and a slice of self-help. Fortunately, her talent is as big as her dreams.

Each Edinburgh Fringe there are one or two shows that get it all right. They go beyond mere theatre into something with much greater value and significance. Hot Brown Honey is one such show. From the creative team behind Australian cabaret sensation Briefs, comes an all-female dynamic variety show. Ariel work, dance, poetry and song all explore the story of what is means and feels to be a woman of colour in todays society.

Strap on your boots, tie your horse up outside and get in line because the circus has come to town. Blowing in from London comes The Raunch. A naughty variety show with a cowboy twist.

In a time of great diversity awareness, media discussion, and societal polarisation, James Wislon-Taylor is ready for his voice to be heard. To light the flame for his red haired revolution. Though years of bullying and historical percussion do highlight valid points throughout, Ginger is the New Black is a hilarious insight into one man's plight to end myths, and put the roaring hot 'gr' back into Ginger.

One of the most wonderful things about the Edinburgh Fringe, and comedy itself, is the room for all types of acts and you don't know what to expect next. Off the wall comedians like Beth Vyse can test out material, free the silliness in all of us, and let their freak flag fly high.

History class at school can be a marmite subject to many. Covering historical moments and movements of great importance do heighten our ability to evaluate events of today, but many can feel like a task rather than a joy. Thankfully the Edinburgh Fringe can provide extra curriculum knowledge that opens our eyes to historical figures that you wish you had heard of decades ago.

Whether you grew up on Fred Astaire, seen a street busker hot shoe shuffle, or became obsessed with a children's film about a dancing penguin, at some point we have all been impressed by the talent of a tap dancer. The Tap Pack bring this timeless dance skill straight up to date, while still celebrating icons from the past.

Colin Cloud, the self-confessed psychic cynic from Scotland is a showman on the rise. From an almost unknown, he has gained a global following online from his appearances on shows like This Morning. His third Edinburgh Fringe show Expose, is a mind bending adventure with tricks to leave even the biggest sceptic baffled.

Deep in the pulsating heart of 80's London at a time of great excess and egos, three best friends make a pack to go out and forget all of life's heartaches. However, the friends are three of the most iconic names and well known faces in the UK. The idea of Freddie Mercury, Kenny Everett and Princess Diana going to a gay club in Vauxhall sounds too incredible to be true. According to Cleo Rocos book, it is very much the truth. This gives the premise to Royal Vauxhall. A mini musical sharing that infamous night and the emotions that led up to it.

When it comes to cabaret, and especially camp cabaret, Australia reigns supreme. So much so that the stars on their flag should be replaced by sequins. Following the high heeled footsteps of those who have twinkled across the ocean like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Miss Kylie Minogue, comes the controversial but kick ass kitsch Briefs.

Scottish siren Michelle McManus won the nation's biggest talent contest Pop Idol in 2003 to some controversy. She was every inch the popstar, but 80's icon and judge Pete Waterman took umbrage with her taking the crown.

They say don't judge a book by its cover, and same can be said for Edinburgh Fringe show titles.

The Australian outback did not know what it was in for when Lady Colin Campbell entered last year. And neither did the vast majority of I'm A Celebrity viewers. Almost instantly she became the favourite with killer one liners and strong opinions. It is this reignited fame which has brought A Cup of Tea With Lady C to this year's Edinburgh Fringe.