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Fringe 2007 Reviews (27)
The Ugly Kid: A Sketch Show
By Ugly Kid
Ugly Kid
Gilded Balloon Teviot
****
Completely un-PC, non-topical sketch comedy that deconstructs expectations.
Full of witticisms and great characters like a marriage counsellor who
tries to steal her clients' husbands, a child intent on getting a scary
story from her granddad, and two late-night revellers, each as putridly
drunk as the other - and clearly soulmates.
The performers, whom I'm sure I've seen doing standup from time to
time around town, are comfortable with their material, though once or
twice their pace seemed to falter. The appeal of some thoroughly Scottish
humour - a Glaswegian woman who describes a series of events taking
place outside her window, in particular - is refreshing and even more
so because the company's sketches don't pander to the image of Scotland
as a boozy drug-ridden hole. While some traits may be emphasised, many
of these characters are universal - as, I have the feeling, is the company's
appeal.
While not mind-blowingly original, The Ugly Kid does what it
says on the tin, and in an altogether enjoyable manner.
Rachel Lynn Brody
Can of Worms
Strange Bedfellows
Baby Belly
**
Billed as "an appalling, unforgivable assault on all we hold sacred",
Strange Bedfellows' BAC-developed piece looks at torture, loss of identity
and official deception in the political world of today. While the odd
good line is thrown in from time to time, for the most part this is
public school revue does political satire with a bit of slapstick thrown
in for good measure. A mish-mash of derivative style and substance,
even the strongest piece, the tale of "473" and his reversal
of fortune from foot soldier to commander (via the assassination of
his leader) is nothing new in form or content and the piece lurches
uncertainly from slapstick to absurdism to naturalism.
Strange Bedfellows are commendably ambitious in their choice of subject
matter, and perhaps given time they will find a voice of their own,
but Can of Worms is a mismatch of things we've all seen done
a bit better before.
Louise Hill
Puppet
Directed and choreographed by Choi Du Hyuk
Daegu City Modern Dance Company, Korea
Zoo Southside
*****
A dance company of 29, plus ten musicians, on the Fringe? While not
unheard of, it's unusual enough to attract attention. When that company
is Korean and their speciality is contemporary dance, the it becomes
a must for dance fans.
Blending elements of classical ballet, contemporary dance, traditional
Korean dance and Korean martial arts, Puppet has a strong narrative
line which tells the story Gyeonu and Jingnyeo, outcasts of society,
who come into conflict with both established authority in the form of
the police and a group of what are essentially gangsters, leading to
tragedy. It is a piece of dance drama in nine parts and runs for an
hour.
Choi Du Hyuk, director and choreographer, is the pioneer of
dance drama in Korea and this piece has made a major impact in Daegu
City. Now it is making an impact in Edinburgh. The skill, control and
sheer energy of the entire ensemble is hugely impressive and when the
stage is filled with the rapid movements of the whole company, the effect
is stunning, bringing many in the audience to their feet at the end
- and standing ovations are not something one normally associates with
the Fringe.
A thrilling and exciting dance experience.
Peter Lathan
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