Greater Manchester Fringe Festival - Theatre Review

Underdog Theatre Company - Two Rucksacks and a Map of the World
Eagle Inn, Salford - 05.07.16

It's been a while since I seen some theatre, and I thought the Fringe Festival would be a great place to see some fresh writing and up and coming actors. With so much on each night, it's hard to decide what performance to go and see but Two Rucksacks certainly delivered.

The first thing that impressed me was the venue at the Eagle Inn. Who knew that this Holts pub on a back street in Salford had such a beautiful and intimate performance space hidden at the back?!

Two Rucksacks and a Map of the World tells the story of three characters with total different agendas and plans. Ryan is stuck in the middle - his best friend Carl wants him to go travelling the world with him before it's too late, but his new girlfriend Kerry wants him to stay and settle down. He ends up lying to both of them to keep the peace, but who will he choose in the end?

This short play gave the audience lots of laughs as the amusing plot unravelled. Highlights include the characters using an ironing board as a dining table and Carl giving his best mate some much needed and overdue sex ed. Overall it was well written, well paced and well performed, just like fringe theatre should be.

You can catch the last performance of Two Rucksacks on Thursday 7th July at 8pm. Of course there's plenty more to see during the Fringe Festival, which runs until 31st July. Check out the website for more details and to book tickets: http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/ 

Greater Manchester Comedy Fringe Festival - Opening Night Review

Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish - Egriega Productions
01/11/15, Albert Square Chop House

I'm a big fan of fringe festivals and a big fan of comedy, so I knew the city's comedy festival was something I'd be interested in. With so many shows taking place on opening night, it was hard to decide which to go and see but I finally settled for Egriega's Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish.

This comedic musical performance delved into the world of online dating, where of course there are plenty of opportunities for laughs. The piss taking is even more brilliant though, when the star of the one man show reveals he really does know what he's talking about - as he met his current partner on Plenty of Fish (and dated plenty more before that).

The stage was set with artwork titled 'Pussies I have known.'

It's fair to say that opening night (and the premiere) didn't go without a few technical glitches... it was a show where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, but it still felt so right. Pieter is an absolute natural when it comes to poking fun at mistakes, improvising and keeping the crowd laughing whatever happens. He's also a really talented musician and takes the audience on a musical journey which can only be described as a crazy collection of personal experiences - starting with the time he lost his virginity.

One of Pieter's most significant life experiences which he talks about is his stroke, which changed his life a couple of years ago. Re-learning how to play his instruments has been a huge part of his rehabilitation and recovery but of course he still managed to make a few jokes about it - such as his internet dating profile turning into an advertisement for a full time carer. Suffering a stroke has of course had a huge effect on Pieter's life, and it could have been the end of his music and painting talents. However he fought back, and as a performer in his own right, I don't think this show needs to be defined by that event. It's unique and funny and deserves to stand alone, although Pieter is of course an inspiration to other stroke survivors.

Image credit - Nigel Maitland

Cupid's Stunts and Plenty of Fish plays again 8th November at Taurus Bar, and I recommend you go and see it if you like new music with a twist and want to be entertained on a Sunday night.

There's also lots more to see as part of Greater Manchester Fringe. There's 5 or 6 shows to choose from every single day in venues across Salford and Manchester city centre so take advantage of the cheap laughs. Link to programme and tickets below. J x

http://www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/