Issue #19 - Wednesday 25th August - FREE

MORE INSIDE...Alex Horne interview

Sarah Bennetto’s faux pas

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SPECIAL RESERVE COMEDY BENEFIT

Started in 2004, the Charlie Hartill Special Reserve has provided a performance platform for fifteen shows and numerous individuals. The fund supports new writing and comedy created by performers within five years of full-time education.

Tonight, the fund’s annual benefit gig, The Special Reserve Comedy Reserve, takes place in Pleasance Beyond. On the bill are Jack Whitehall, Greg Davies, Tim Key, Idiots of Ants and Tim Fitzhigham.

They will joined by a rising star from this year’s Comedy Reserve show, Daniel Simonsen. Daniel has been performing along with three other sparkling new comics nightly in the Pleasance Jack Dome. Daniel, winner of the 2008 So You Think You’re Funny New Act competition, is exactly the type of young talent that the Special Reserve sets out to support.

“Instead of giving a grant” explains Pleasance founder Christopher Richardson, “we provide the support necessary for them to perform at the Festival. It is a vastly important scheme.”

The fund supports both comedy and theatre, which this year includes The Comedy Reserve along with two plays, The Meeting and Territory. Each receives financial support to cover a portion of production costs, along with the backing to perform at the Pleasance.

The original 2005 Comedy Reserve

“This is a vastly important scheme”

show featured four acts, two of which are back here at the Pleasance in 2010. Simon Brodkin attracted attention five years ago, and is now enjoying success both live and on television with his Well Good Show as character Lee Nelson. Roisin Conaty, too, has enjoyed success following the same 2005, back now in 2010 with her debut solo show. The fund has also aided many more of Pleasances’ 2010 programme, including Gareth Richards, Jack Whitehall, cabaret legend Des O’Connor and Doc Brown.

In fact, as Christopher points out, the fund is not merely altruistic, since successful acts and companies have a history of returning to the Pleasance. “We’ve had almost enough come back to keep the investment running” says Christopher.

Since the Special Reserve began, £65,000 has been raised for the fund,

much of which is generated by the annual comedy benefit, taking place tonight.

The Special Reserve Comedy BenefitPleasance Courtyard

25 Aug 22:30

Christopher Richardson

See Tim Fitzhigham at tonight’s Special Reserve Comedy Benefit

The Idiots of Ants and friends entertain a lucky guest diner

2010: THE YEAR OF THE CABARET

Three shows this year: 1) What is Odds about?That’s my main one. It’s about gambling. Well, that’s the main thing, among others. The main thread is historical bets which I re-enact with the audience. There’s a few jokes in it, but mainly a lecture. It’s quite funny. But also educational. I actually wanted to do a show about golf, but then realised that golf was the least funny thing I’d ever tried to write about.Where do you conduct research for the show?Books, rather than internet. My logic is that if it’s on the internet then everyone knows about it. I don’t particularly gamble much myself. I do have a few bets, but they are quite involved. When I was twenty I made

a bet with my friend who reckons there will be a sail-thru macdonalds by the time he’s fifty. I don’t think there will be. The bet is still on.Does Odds educate?There’s definitely information in it. Maths and science. I’ve been trying to learn about some things recently, like quantum mechanics. I found it quite interesting, so I stuck that in. It’s a froth of science. Three jokes, but it’s mainly science.Your shows feature graphics, do you do those?Yeah, that’s my favourite bit. I think visual aids are useful if you’re not good at performing. So they are extremely useful. I’m still very self-conscious

onstage, so it’s nice having something else for the audience to look at.Show 2) The Taskmaster?Ah, yes. I’ve set challenges to 20 comedians for a year, and have been quite dominating over them, which I’ve enjoyed. Tasks like ordering them to put on as much weight as possible since Christmas. I will reveal the results on Friday. Comics are quite competitive. Not about awards, but if you set them some maths tests or something, they’re very competitive. And how has the music/comedy fusion of 3) The Horne Section worked out?It’s the first time music

and comedy has been combined, and I think it works. Standup comedians do whatever they want to, and have full control of a live jazz band. It’s versatile and wonderful. The performers have fun and hopefully audiences do too.

Alex Horne: Odds, Alex Horne:

The Taskmaster, The Horne Section

INTERVIEW - ALEX HORNE

So 2010 really has been the year of cabaret on the Fringe and we raise our glasses to the revival of cheeky, quirky, good old-fashioned fun! Comedy, music and variety have always had a special place in the hearts of the British and the spectacular renaissance of cabaret has been blessed with a delicious international twist at The Pleasance this year.

As well as stunning main-show performances from Peter Straker, Frances Ruffelle, Merrill Grant, Michael Zegarski,

Denise Black, The Organ Grinders and Cabaret Chordelia, the Pleasance, thanks to Vive le Cabaret, has thrown its doors open to a wide array of quirky, dazzling, thrilling, exhilarating talent from all around the globe.

Gravity defying acrobalance, hilarious left-field magic, high-octane hula-hooping and spectacular musical comedy from artists such as Meow Meow, Pete Firman, Norman Lovett, Piff the Magic Dragon, Pippa the Ripper and Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer

have brought audiences flocking to the Ghillie Dhu; a brand new venue that has already gained a reputation as being the beating heart of cabaret on the Fringe.

With one week left of the Edinburgh Fringe 2010, Desmond O’Connor and Julie-Ann Laidlaw are tearing their hair out trying to pack in as many dazzling performances as possible from their talented cabaret family and the wealth of big name performers who are clamouring for a spot on the show. Details of the daily line up can be found

in the Pleasance Times and at Pleasance Box Offices every day.

Vive Le CabaretPleasance at Ghillie Dhu

4-30 Aug 21:30

@ThePleasance#pleasancetimes

RT @KevinhunterdayArthur Smith’s show at The Pleasance includes my son, three brilliant singers and a naked lady on a segue. Now that’s culture, Kirsty Wark.

RT @johnbeecherSaw Keepers @ThePleasance today. A great play, beautifully staged. Does anybody know if lighthouse keeper is still a profession? #edfringe

RT @PeteFirmanThe ‘Horne Section’ with @alexhorne is simply fantastic. Catch it at the Pleasance Dome if you can.

Last week during my show, my top fell off. Literally, actually, properly off. To contextualise the full ludicrousness of the situation: in my show I spend an hour talking about a fancy party I once went to at Prince Charles’ house. With fancy people. And fancy conversation. And fancy snacks (not a cocktail stick in sight). And here I am - a lady who’s once laughed knowingly with the future king - standing in front of a paying audience, breasts blowing in the wind. I’m still waiting on the reviews for that day’s show to come in. (I dread to think; “A great pair”, “More than we bargained for”, “A rare glimpse into the mind, soul & body of a comedian”). And there’s no use pretending I’m cool. I might as well admit it: I’m a goofball of the highest order. Here’s a list of (some of ) my worst faux pas: >> I once threw a tampon in the face of a cashier at Primark. I was simply opening my purse to reach for some change, when it flew out, hitting her in the head at alarming speed. I don’t know how it happened, but it happened (turns out those things are very aerodynamic). Did the cashier swiftly toss aside the offending object, with an empathetic wink? Did she whisper, “Don’t worry, it’s happened to

SARAH BENNETTO’S GREATEST FAuX PAS

us all” in a moment of discreet, yet momentous solidarity? Did she hell. She screamed loudly and recoiled in shock. The long queue of fellow thrifty Primark shoppers behind me looked up to see a sanitary item rebounding from the cashier’s visage. They all gasped. One lady even accused, “Why would you do that???” As security was called over, I fled the scene.>> Right here in Edinburgh, I once went to the toilet in front of people. It was like some sort of grim performance art installation – and I wasn’t even being paid. I was simply availing myself of the unisex loos in the (quite excellent) Edinburgh café Beanscene last year when a man pulled on the door, and horror of horrors, it opened. I sat there, exposed to the entire coffee shop, screaming, “Please! I’m in here, please shut the door!” But he continued talking on his phone, holding the door open, oblivious to my predicament. But oh: the rest of the coffee shop had noticed me; people on sofas & stools & in booths looked on in horror. The barista even scrunched her nose up in distaste – that’s charity for you. “Shut the door!” I beseeched, “Please!” After about 30 seconds, the man hung up the phone, turned to

see me and remarked, “Oh, you’re in here.” “I know! Now please… please shut the door.” As he pushed the door shut, he smugly retorted, “Sure, but lock the door next time, yeah?” As the door closed, a round of applause & laughter echoed from the café outside. After 30 minutes of hiding in the locked cubicle… I left via the toilet window.

Sarah BennettoSarah Bennetto: The King & I, Pleasance Dome,

4-29 Aug 13:30 / Storytellers’ Club, Pleasance Courtyard, 26-28 Aug 22:00

RT @brightgeeDrinkies at The Pleasance, flopped into comfy and chairs and was entertained by Al Murray on his day off. Fine looking chap. #whoknew

RT @stephenartus#edfringe Show2 No Son of Mine, Pleasance. Very funny with some great set pieces. Deserves to sell out.

RT @redladdertheatrIf you’re in Edinburgh go and see OTHERS by @The PaperBirds in Pleasance Above at 3.20. I can’t stop thinking about it - a good sign!

RT @threescompanyWhat’s @jimmycarr doing in our auditorium? He doesn’t seem to be helping with our get-in... @ThePleasance #Reverie #edfringe

WESNESDAY 25THBBC COMEDY PRESENTS

Pleasance Dome 23:00SEANN WALSH

JOSIE LONGANDI OSHO

ROB DEERINGADDY VAN DE BORGH

DANNY BHOY

BEST OF EDINBURGH: THE SHOWCASE SHOW

Pleasance Courtyard 13:10MC SIMON EVANSPAUL B. EDWARDS

PAT BURTSCHERCAROLINE MABEY

MICKEY FLANNAGAN

THE SPECIAl RESERvE COMEDY BENEFIT

Pleasance Courtyard 22:30TIM FITzHIGHAM

GREG DAVIESJACK WHITEHALLIDIOTS OF ANTS

TIM KEYDANIEL SIMONSEN

JUST FOR lAUGHS SHOWCASE

Pleasance Dome 22:40HOST JARRED CHRISTMAS

JOSH HOWIESAM SIMMONS

CARL DONNELLYABANDOMANIMRAN YUSUF

Please note that all line-ups are subject to change. Check the Box Office for the latest information.

MERvYN STUTTER’S PICK OF THE FRINGE

Pleasance Courtyard 12:55ANTONIO FORCIONE

THE JIVE ACESPAUL FOOT

FRESHER THE MUSICALNEXT!

STATIONARY EXCESSROSS SUTHERLAND

RONNA AND BEvERlYPleasance Courtyard 17:45

ALI MCGREGORJOSH HOWIE

TAlES FROM THE CROW’S NEST

Pleasance Courtyard 23:00RACHEL ROSE REIDTIM FITzHIGHAMTERRY SAUNDERSSARAH BENNETTO

THE MUSICIANS OF SILENT CANNONFIRE