The iconic Fringe festival is set to consume Edinburgh once more, with thousands of performers billed to ply their trade from Friday until the end of August. The University of Exeter have a rich history of success at the Fringe, and our student groups and societies often make the annual pilgrimage up the A1 to perform at the world’s largest arts festival. This year Exeter will be represented by no less than seven groups, ranging from a cappella to theatre and stand-up comedy. So, who’s going?
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Semi-Toned
Show name: Game of Tones
Genre: A Cappella
Venue: theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Venue 43)
Dates & Times: Aug 7-16 at 15:05 (except the 9th which is 13:05)
In their own words: “In the Game of Tones, you win or you die… or you sing! Semi-Toned are the University of Exeter’s all-male a cappella ensemble, and they’re returning to the Fringe after two years of five-star performances to prove, once again, that you don’t need instruments to make a fool of yourself in the name of entertainment. Recently back from their debut USA tour, Semi-Toned are the only a cappella group in history to win a prestigious Bobby Award, and this year they’re set on winning fifteen. Come along for outrageous mash-ups, nonsensical choreography and inadvisably tight trousers.”
Our verdict: A must-see! After almost selling out last year’s ‘*****’ show, book soon to avoid disappointment.
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The Exeter Revue
Show name: Sketchup
Genre: Comedy
Venue: Ciao Roma (Venue 283)
Dates & Times: Aug 8-12, 14-19, 21-26, 28-29 at 14:10
In their own words: “Returning to Edinburgh following their five-star 2014 Fringe show Sketchy At Best, up-and-coming student sketch troupe The Exeter Revue present a hilarious new show packed-full of inventive sketches and songs. Expect daft scenarios, big characters, and witty dialogue. ‘More professional feel than any of the other student sketch shows’, ‘Verged on brilliant’, ‘They had a full house who were kept laughing throughout’ (Audience Reviews, EdfringeReview.com). ‘A comedy masterclass … belly-laughing is unavoidable’ (Exepose). ‘Young talents whose undeniable energy is a joy to watch on stage … Superbly witty, wonderfully imaginative and marvellously clever’ ***** (Yuppee.com).”
Our verdict: Hilarious last year, and we expect there to be more side-splitting humour. Oh, and it’s free.
EUTco
Show name: The Kitchen Sink by Tom Wells
Genre: Theatre
Venue: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall (Venue 53)
Dates & Times: Aug 17-22 at 12:05 and 24-29 at 15:35.
In their own words: “EUTCo invites you into the lives of a Withernsea family for whom things aren’t going to plan. Pieces are falling off Martin’s milk float as quickly as he’s losing customers and Billy is pinning his hopes of a place at art college on a revealing portrait of Dolly Parton. Sophie’s dreams of becoming a Jiu-Jitsu teacher might be disappearing down the plug hole. Amid the drama and dirty dishes, something has to give; will it be them or the kitchen sink? A young, vibrant theatre company brings you comedy with a punch.”
Our verdict: An extremely talented company who always deliver. Prepare to be mesmerised for an hour.
Sweet Nothings
Show name: Unwrapped
Genre: A Cappella
Venue: theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Venue 43)
Dates & Times: Aug 7-8, 10 -16 at 16:05
In their own words: “Following the huge success of last year’s debut Fringe run, Exeter’s finest all-female a cappella group is back! Sassy, sensational and just that little bit sweet, these girls have firmly landed themselves on the a cappella map, having reached the semi-finals of national and international competitions. One of the best groups in collegiate a cappella, their show promises tight harmonies, breathtaking soloists, innovative dance moves, the cutting edge of a cappella. From Pendulum to Usher with some classics in between, this show is truly unmissable. ‘Fierce’ (@TheVocalCompany). ‘Near magical’ **** (Platform-Online.net).”
Our verdict: Fast becoming one of the best all-female groups in the country.
The Bluebelles
Show name: Get Jazzy On It!
Genre: A Cappella
Venue: SpaceTriplex (Venue 38)
Dates & Times: Aug 7-8, 10-15 at 15:10
In their own words: “Hailing from the rolling hills of Devon, The Bluebelles are Exeter University’s finest female a cappella group. Taking songs old and new and transforming them into jazz and female barbershop wonders, this show will take you on a journey from Ella Fitzgerald to Taylor Swift and back again. No instruments allowed – just voices, a dollop of cute and a whole lotta rhythm. You’ve never heard a cappella like this before. Presented by critically acclaimed About Turn Theatre Company, veterans of the Fringe – with 23 productions since 2002.”
Our verdict: The new girls on the block. Great fun to listen to and will only grow their fan base over the coming years.
Pentagon Theatre Company
Show name: Forever House
Genre: Theatre
Venue: Greenside @ Infirmary Street (Venue 236)
Dates & Times: Aug 17-22 at 23:10 and 24-29 at 17:20
In their own words: “Richard is plotting his escape to art college, just as lecturer Graham settles in. Laura has big plans for her forever home – if only Becci will sell it to her. Marine expert Mark is coming to terms with unpredictable Lucy’s odd mating rituals. Glenn Waldron’s debut play, Forever House, is a thoughtful comedy-drama that tests the tension between the tug of the past and the pull of new beginnings. Set in a terraced house in the playwright’s hometown of Plymouth, the three scenes span 13 years, during which three unlikely couples negotiate fresh starts.”
Our verdict: Lively cast with buckets of talent. If they perform to their potentials, they could receive some great reviews.
Lyons Productions
Show name: Party
Genre: Theatre
Venue: Paradise in The Vault (Venue 29)
Dates & Times: Aug 24-30 at 19:30
In their own words: “Party by Tom Basden is set in a humble garden shed in deepest suburbia, where four young idealists have decided to form a new political party to save the world from itself. The new fifth member, Duncan, sets about saving the world from them. Party is a comic play about small minds tackling big issues – China, sex trafficking, cycle lanes, unfair trade coffee, whether to call the party The Friendly Party or Gladios. And when, exactly, they should break to eat a cake.”
Our verdict: Young, ambitious and devilishly talented, this up-and-coming company are one to keep an eye on in the future.
So, there we have it: an artistic feast waiting just across the border. If you are based in Edinburgh, or know people who are, do recommend these shows to them. These students have all put a vast amount of work into making their shows Edinburgh-worthy. Help to give them the audiences they deserve!
Rob Cross, Sports Editor
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