I really liked that venue the day before - a small pub just off West Nicholson street that created as many rooms as it could to host the Free Fringe shows. I saw Ellie Taylor there the day before so I thought I would hit another winner at the same venue. Unfortunately, I lost this one - it was essentially 3 high school guys who were very hung over and not very funny. The show was a small group too and there was another show going on next door with a much larger crowd that sounded like it was a lot funnier as well. Overall, not impressed, but with the Fringe, you win some, you lose some. This one was 40 minutes I couldn't get back.
After that, I tried to go see a show closer to the Royal Mile, only to find out it had been cancelled and then I tried to hit another free show on Nicholson street:
The day got very entertaining with this show. The Free Fringe sets up in just about any business that will take them; this one happened to be at an Indian restaurant at noon. Curry and comedy anyone? Unfortunately for Simon Caine, I was the only one who showed up for his show, so I got to meet him and have a proper chat. He lives in London, has a day job (escapes me - I think a programmer) and is trying to make comedy his living. He decided to cancel the show (making it clear that I was worth it, but it would be awkward with one person) and then quickly asked me if I was a reviewer from a newspaper.
I pointed out that I have a blog my mom reads, if that counts as a reviewer - which made him laugh! I made a comedian laugh! Anyways, I got some good hints from him on what else to see, things to do when I move to London and advice on living in London. It was a really nice chat and I'm glad I attempted to go to his show. He apparently does the Comedy Store in London, so I'll try to catch an actual show of his there.
Then I had a nice lunch (food trucks!) with a fellow traveler from Canada, who gave me some more hints on what to see. He was really nice (what Canadian isn't?) and I took him up on some of his tips which played out really well. He did chastise me for not staying in a hostel, which I am very stubborn about not doing...sticking to my guns on that.
Then it was off to what turned out to be the best show of the day:
Out of the Blue appeared on Britain's Got Talent a few years ago; a very nicely put together a cappella group that completely blew the previous day's group (Alternotives) out of the water.
Set list included some great classics, including In the Jungle. I love that song - great memories from being a kid listening to it in the car. They covered some newer hits as well - I knew every song this time. Very professionally done; I can see why they did well in BGT and I think they were sold out most of the Fringe.
After that, I headed to the next venue that I had a ticket for and saw an impromptu show waiting for the next one:
Neil started off slow - I'm not sure the crowd knew what to expect with his brand of humour. But as the show picked up, he got VERY funny. His stories about his kids were slap your knee funny. Unfortunately, in the last 10 minutes of the show, the bouncer stopped watching the door and 2 very drunk people got in and heckled. He handled it really well, but it was just unfortunate. You could tell how hard he was working and really wanted to just make everyone laugh. Thankfully, he did an extra 10 minutes after they left to make up for it and it was hilarious. The venue was really cool too - cut into a cave. Very strange set up, but perfect for a comedy show.
After that, it was off to my ticketed show in the same venue for the Alchemist. This was my one theatre show, and to be honest, I might have missed on this one as well. The venue was good again - a different cave this time and the crowd was pretty large. But the play was in "old English" meaning I really had to pay attention, which I just didn't care enough to pay attention that close. There were funny moments, but if you asked me to explain what the play was about, I think I could give you the basic outline (3 shamsters who steal a lot of money from people) I think I could, but I can't give you anything more than that. I did feel smarter just for going, but it wasn't a highlight for me.
After that, it was off to a bigger venue for some sketch comedy done by The Oxford Revue. The group is three people who do about 15 different sketches in an hour. The crowd was pretty large for this show and it was funny. Definitely would recommend it.
After that, I made the smart decision to get dinner before the next Tattoo night which I didn't leave time for the day before. I had a craving for curry, so went back to the restaurant where I attempted to see Simon Caine (that's why they host the shows!) and enjoyed some butter chicken. Then it was off for the Tattoo!
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