Soooooooo if you are reading my blogs then you know that I was just up in Edinburgh taking part in the forest fringe. If this is my first blog you have read now you know.

So after 10 days in Edinburgh I thought I'd post a bit about shows that I'd recommend and places worth visiting.

I think I will start with recommending a few shows. Top of my list would be 'Sex Idiot' by Bryony Kimmings. The show is about Bryony retracing her sexual history after contracting a STI. The show is full of humour but also has some genuine touching moments. The show is in The Roxy art house in the den. Bryony shares her stories in a way that makes it easy for the audience to engage and empathies with her. Be prepared to get involved to laugh and to be moved by this show, I can't recommend it highly enough.

I would also recommend a show called 'The Buffoons' if you like dark humour this show is for you. Sort of Bouffon meets sketch show, it's fast paced delivery and taboo subject matter make for belly aching laughs. The young cast are high energy and there is very little filler in the show. I won't tell you a lot about the subject mater as I would not be able to do the sketches justice, I will just say we open with Jeremy Kyle and end with a gangsta rap music video. The Show is at C venues Soco in studio 1.

If your looking for something in the free fringe I would suggest going to the counting house where there are a variety of good free acts. Abigoliah Schamaun is very funny with a show about the battle between being a yoga instructor and enjoying the unhealthy things in life. Very funny show from a very nice person. Her show starts at 22.15.

Those are the shows, but I think my biggest recommendation has to be get yourself to the Forest Cafe for the Forest Fringe. Andy Field and Deborah Pearson have put together a program that has something for everyone. The Forest Fringe is probably far closer to the spirit of fringe theatre than anything else in the Edinburgh festival. Where stand up comedy has taken a strong hold on so much of the festival, the Forest Fringe gives a breath of fresh air.

Now I understand that my opinion is biased as I was part of a show hosted by the Forest Fringe, but in my opinion it really is the best way to see refreshing shows with people trying new things. Be it James the space man on his 30 day trip up a ladder to get to space or the love calculator that aims to find you your perfect match. The attitude around the Forest's Festival is very relaxed and friendly, it feels like a place where every one is working together for a common cause. So if you are looking for something a bit different or want to escape the madness of the Edinburgh fringe festival then make your way to Forest cafe and enjoy the variety of shows, most of which are free however donations are welcome.

The forest cafe has a awesome nightlife, they find the cream of the crop and let them lose on you in the evening. So when the shows are over stick around.

If your are off to Edinburgh I hope you enjoy yourself and that you found this blog useful. If you do find yourself in forest cafe say hi to James the space man for me.

Brent

P.S. If anyone would like more information on the shows I watched up there leave a comment and I will leave a review of the shows.