Those with a lower attention span, or who simply enjoy the short form in theatre have a few short play-based shows to choose from at this year’s Fringe. Here are a few of our early choices.
Low Bar Theatre presents “Four More Short Plays Loosely Linked by the Theme of Crime,” a follow-up to their previous five-star show. This production features a variety of crime-themed stories including cowboys, forgery, suburban Macbeth, and the return of the gangster duo Ronnie and Johnny. Charles Edward Pipe, noted for his comic style, directs the show. Performances are scheduled from August 2 to 24 at different times and prices.
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The Big Bite-Size Breakfast at Pleasance is a regular favourite at the Fringe for lovers of short plays. Edinburgh greets the morning here with a diverse selection of 10-15 minute comedies, eccentric performances, and mini-dramas, each changing regularly. Writers from all over the world submit their plays for inclusion in this fringe institution. These shows are accompanied by complimentary tea, coffee, croissants, and strawberries, offering for early risers an ideal start to the day. And there are different menus on different days so you can go more than once.
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind fr om Los Angeles Theatre Initiative offers 30 plays in an hour. Yes, you may have done a double take, but it is true. “Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and you’ll never see it the same way again! As a viewer, you have the power to choose how the show will unfold each evening. You pick the order of 30 short plays, then watch our troupe create a story right before your eyes in only an hour! No two shows are the same, so you can keep coming back for more – we won’t stop you! Join us for an evening filled with laughter and fast-paced fun.”
Summer of Harold comprises three short plays, billed as ” is a trio of comedies about clinging and letting go. Janet recounts her summer of ’84 when on a gap year in London she finds herself housekeeper for the playwright Harold Pinter. Gareth is an embittered ceramicist who, tonight, takes revenge on his rival. Rae and Jonathan meet at a lookout in the Blue Mountains – for the very last time.”
Even longer form plays at the Fringe tend to come in at under an hour (due to venue costs and many venue’s passion for squeezing in as many ahows as possible in a day. This results in cut down versions of longer plays the the Edinburgh Fringe and that doesn’t always work out perfectly. But it also means editing has become a form of high art at the Fringe and you can get to see very well (re-written) and reworked more concise versions of much longer shows.
We’ll add some more recommendations here as they emerge from our programme perousal.
