Those of you who have read my blog for some time will know that I try to get through to Edinburgh for the Fringe at least once during August. This year's trip was in the company of Kelsey who was staying with my Aunt Moira during her visit over from Utah. I thought she'd maybe like to see what the Fringe was all about, get to see some of the Street Performers and some parts of Edinburgh itself. Sadly, it didn't work out that well as it rained from our arrival just before lunchtime until around 6pm.
When we arrived on the mile, there were no buskers to be seen anywhere, which was a real pity. So, we made our way to the various places we had to go to so we could collect the tickets we had ordered for the shows we were going to see. The first one, to be honest, I thought Kelsey would not understand - mostly because it was about 3 of the shows that I watched as a very small child - Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley. The show was entitled "Trumptonshire Tales" and was hosted by Phill Jupitus along with Brian Cant - the voice of the 3 shows and a major part of my early childhood as he was also a presenter on Play School and Playaway. Luckily, Kelsey enjoyed it - but nowhere near as much as I did. The characters, the shows, the songs. Everything. Heck, Brian Cant even lead us in a singalong! An ambition from when I was a child finally fulfilled - in my early-30s!!! I want to do it all again!
After the show, we waited outside just in case I had the opportunity of a photo and an autograph or 2. Well, I was really, really lucky - I got to meet both Phill Jupitus, officially one of the nicest people in all of entertainment, and Brian Cant, which was a real bonus as, apparently, he wasn't feeling too well that day. Gentlemen both and they were both willing to spend some time answering questions, do autographs and have some pictures taken - even if it was raining! Thank you both.
After Trumpton, it was time to go and see Gamarjobat from Japan. A mix of mime and physical comedy, I had seen clips of these guys on YouTube and was really impressed with what they did. The show - during which not a single word is spoken - was entitled "Rock 'N' Roll Penguin" and that's what the first half was about - the 2 of them being dressed up as over-sized penguins in a rock band (and these guys can play!). It doesn't sound much, but there was too much in this part of the show for me to remember. Really really funny. The second half saw them come out in their suits and my personal highlight came at the very end this part. Remember the old gag of walking behind a low wall as if there was a flight of stairs behind it? Well, these guys have taken that to a whole new level. I have seen people doing this gag as if there was an escalator behind the wall/screen, but this was on a whole different level. Brilliant! If you ever get the chance to see these guys live - GO!
Speak soon.
The Cardman :-)
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