Up to Embra for a second bite at the Festival. Not an easy task to find good stuff on the Fringe-if it is good, word gets around and its booked solid. If you reserve seats on a hunch or a whim weeks ahead it is often rubbish and empty which makes for a miserable afternoon/evening/early morning. Any how we are going to Monty Python in French-yes, in French-Cette Parrote n’est pas morte-elle dorme seulement-or words to that effect. (My french spell checker ne marche pas) Plus a Jazz Quartet which was almost sold out so it should be good. At least we have not been tempted by ‘The Puppetry of the Penis’ two young Aussies wriggling their encyclicals –apparently . It has had mixed reviews –‘The performers rise to the occasion’ was one. ‘Stretching a point’ was a less enthusiastic endorsement. ‘Shadow Boxing without your Boxers’ (Gay News) . Next year perhaps.
I will look out for the favourite mendicant and his wee dog to see how he is beating off the seasonal competition. Last time I saw him he was looking tanned and fit presumably as a result of his two weeks in Monte Carlo following the Make Poverty History March which slowly filed past his pitch. Anyhow I hope he does better than the aggressive Bagpipe Beggars who are taking time off from their usual activity of selling Big Issues at knife point.
