Everything happens in a cabaret, it’s a land mapped with discovery, exploration, delightful silliness, plus loads more that defies containment. It’s arguably what the spirit of the Fringe is all about.
For a 1930s style of cabaret, combining political satire with a darkly delightful existentialism, look no further than PBH’s Free Fringe and seek out The Creative Martyrs, playing at Fingers Piano Bar. It’s a perversely feel-good night with heady gothic depths.
Sex, Camp, Rock ‘N Roll, from Ryan Patrick Welsh is a musical cabaret fantasy found at theSpace on Niddry Street. Meshing together anecdotes of RP’s experiences as a sex worker, with singalong opportunities to favourites like Donna Summer, Talking Heads and Nina Simone, this is torch song diva energy with a dazzling house band.
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For award-winning cabaret frolics look no further than Adults Only Magic Show, from Justin Williams and Sam Hume. Having picked up several Best Magic awards at the Adelaide Fringe over the years, these guys have packed together a tasty cocktail of comedy, illusions, stunts, plus a cheeky splash of nudity for their show at the Assembly George Square Studios.
If you prefer your magic a little more spooky, mosey over to Assembly George Square Gardens to check out Ben Hart: HeX. The conjurer, known for combining original magic with storytelling, returns for his tenth year at the Fringe with a show that’s cherry-picked all of his favourite bits from the last decade and also brought in a few new ideas from the laboratory.
Combining high camp, song and dance, with a gorgeous familiarity twisted into something new, Dizney In Drag bring their new show Villains for its much anticipated debut – taking tunes you grew up with. and pairing them with a fairytale story structure to produce high jinx, saucy antics and highly choreographed fun. The show alternates with last year’s hit show Once Upon a Parody in Assembly’s Gordon Aikman Theatre
And if you were after something if a similar ilk but more ogre-infused, Swamplesque occupies the Assembly Hall, taking the non-conformity of Shrek and pairing it with the body-positivity of burlesque and drag for a flamboyant extravaganza in the swamp.
Sarah-Louise Young is a phenomenal performer, combining humour and pathos with brilliant originality. This year she premieres a brand new interactive choose-your-own-adventure cabaret show in the Voodoo Rooms as a part of PBH’s Free Fringe: I Am Your Tribute, A different bespoke tribute act every night? What’s not to enjoy. She also brings back the award-winning An Evening Without Kate Bush to Assembly, paying gleeful tribute to the music, fans and mythology of Ms Bush.
For late night shenanigans you’ll never forget, check out The Kaye Hole hosted by Reuben Kaye. With sold out runs for the last two years, this is a chance to see tasters from some of the riskiest and most diverse acts in the Fringe on this single bill. You can also catch Kaye’s solo show Reuben Kaye: Live and Intimidating – both in the Palais du Variéte tent in Assembly George Square Gardens.
You’ll find eye-popping behind the scenes revelations from the world of adult entertainment in Ask a Stripper: No Holes Barred with Stacey Clare, author of ‘The Ethical Stripper’, and Gypsy Charms, creator of ‘The Illicit Thrill’ at Dragonfly. Practically the dictionary definition of drawing back the curtain on an industry built on taboo, our hosts open up for questions from the floor answering welcome enquiries – from the downright silly to the intellectually sublime.
And finally, for something completely different somewhere completely different, check out the Harvey Nichols Variety Show. Taking place in the Fourth Floor Brasserie of the iconic store, with majestic views over the city, this is a Sunday night treat (every Sunday except August 4) that welcomes you with a complimentary glass of fizz and an elevated evening of variety performers.
All shows, dates, times and prices can be found at https://www.edfringe.com
