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What to see at Edinburgh Festivals 2024

The Office Watch head honcho, Peter Deegan, isn’t just a Microsoft Office nerd for over 25 years. He’s been a theatre junkie for even longer and goes to the famous Edinburgh Festivals each year. And each year he’s asked for recommendations and tips so now here’s some short reviews of shows that he’s seen and liked, to help you choose from the thousands of shows available.
Check this page regularly, Peter will add shows as he sees them.

Get the most for less money (and hassle) at the Edinburgh Festivals

What I’m looking forward to at this year’s Edinburgh Festivals

A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God; Whoever Reads this First

Two boys yearning for masculinity in 1960s America an idolised time of summer camps, solemn oaths taken with a spit handshake, illicit communions and The Beatles on harmonicas. All enhanced by clever wordplay and subtle callbacks.

It’s a bit tiring to watch the powerful  performances from two enthusiastic performers (Natasha Roland and Xhloe Rice) to say nothing of milage clocked up by a multifunctional truck tyre.

It seems like a jolly nostalgic romp to Mayberry but the layered and emotional impact creeps imperceptibly as the hour goes by. 

Highly recommended. Edinburgh Fringe  until 24 August. theSpace @ Niddry St – Upper Theatre.

Not in Edinburgh? Good news, the show is coming to London at the King’s Head Theatre in September

Hold on to your Butts

Who needs Steven Spielberg and $63 million to make a dinosaur story when you have three talented people, a box of props and a black curtain?

Hold on to your Butts is the original Jurassic Park movie recreated before your eyes and at a breakneck pace.  All the iconic scenes are there from a glass of water to a life-saving T-rex.

Sam Neill’s character is played just with a pair of Aviator sunglasses. The annoying boy is a backpack.  Making fun of Jeff Goldblum … naturally.  Watch out for the dancing DNA.

Keep an eye on the sound effects or Foley table on the side of the stage.  Sounds that you might assume are prerecorded are done live right in front of you.

Anyone who remembers the original and best Jurassic Park movie will love Hold on to Your Butts.  I wonder what someone who has never seen the film will make of it.

Hold on to your Butts is a Recent Cutbacks production, at the Edinburgh Fringe until 26th August.  It’s at the dreaded Pleasance Courtyard, the Forth venue is far down the back, past the non-existent signage (ask the long-suffering staff instead).

Great but gone

Some shows that were really good but now ended their Edinburgh in August run.

Phil Hammond

Thirty years as a doctor, stand up comedian, broadcaster, investigative journalist … Phil Hammond is always both funny and informative. This year talking about how to pleasure yourself — only somewhat veering into innuendo.

If nothing else I learnt that it’s possible for a man to have more than one hole in his penis!

Mahler Inside Out

Fantastic.  An casual exploration of Mahler’s Fifth with explanation by the conductor and snippets from the orchestra.  Orchestra is spread out in the body of the hall with some audience on bean bags.

Mahler In

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