Articles by John Murray

Arlene! The Glitz. The Glamour. The Gossip.

Introduced by Jacquie Storey – who once successfully auditioned for the group that later became Hot Gossip (and turned them down) – we first see a short video from The Kenny Everett Video Show which first introduced the world to Arlene Phillips’ Hot Gossip dancers...

The Joni Mitchell Story

The Symposium Hall is an ideal venue for an acoustic music show with great views from the whole of the theatre. The Joni Mitchell Story follows the early career of Canadian nine-time Grammy Awards winner song writer Joni Mitchell whom we learn was born Roberta Joan Anderson...

The James Taylor Story

The James Taylor Story is one of a series of shows at the Fringe under the Night Owl Shows, the company created by Dan Clews. The format follows the chronological career of the artist along with video and stills relating to the story both during and preceding the songs...

Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden: Just the Two at Six

In terms of comic legends, and certainly in terms of comic writing, the name of Barry Cryer is right up there. The fact that he still has a long running comedy radio series and can demand sell out audiences for his own shows, only confirms his high status in British Comedy...

Frigid: A Musical Worth Melting For

Napier University Drama Society returns to the musical stage after selling out last year. This is particularly worthy as these are not necessarily drama students but enthusiasts out for experience and fun...

Best of the West End

theSpace at Symposium Hall is an ideal setting for music appreciation. After being here last year the American Performing Arts International return for two shows. Best Of The West End is their lunchtime slot with a selection of hits from British musical theatre...

In Conversation With… Rab Noakes

The In Conversation series at New Town Theatre in George Street is an hour of chat with a celebrity guest each day. Hosted by Glasgow based arts group Fair Pley, their impressive listings for the Fringe includes Jeremy Corbyn, David Hayman, Val McDermid, Judy Murray and singer Amy Macdonald...

Nicholas Parsons' Happy Hour

To say Nicholas Parsons is a legend, and this being his sixteenth season at the Fringe I imagine he must see this like his own version of an annual end of the pier summer show where a TV star hosts a variety bill for holidaymakers...

Techies: The Musical

The descriptor for this Fringe production should appeal to anyone involved in theatre. Techies are the crew who make shows happen. From scene shifters and lighting crew to the sound desk, the techies are that faceless crew who dart about in no sense of panic dressed in black, and make sure the show actually happens...

Victoria Jeffrey: Dancing With Jack

Review
★★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
SpaceTriplex
22nd Aug, 2016

Previously known for her well received part as a Totally Naff Tart, this is Victoria Jeffrey solo and talking about life. She is a seasoned actress and producer but this venture is all new for her combining character, storytelling and original songs...

Sinatra and Me

There are certain shows at the Fringe that build a reputation even during a short run and this one easily falls into that category. Initially booked in for just ten shows on the Free Fringe it was always going to be popular – so much so that this reviewer could not get in (after booking a space) due to the capacity being reached and all this during a lunchtime slot at 13:00...

Music to Watch Girls By

Review
★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
Le Monde
22nd Aug, 2016

Pete Sinclair returns with a brand new show titled after an Andy Williams hit. The plush Le Monde on Edinburgh’s trendy George Street has all the hallmarks of a Vegas supper room; cocktail bar, chandeliers, soft seats and a variety cabaret shows at the pre-cocktail hour of 5:15 pm...

A Case of You: The Music of Joni Mitchell

Breezing in as part of the Made In Adelaide initiative after a sold out run there, I had high expectations of this presentation. It’s quite a challenge to emulate the great Joni Mitchell with her huge career which spanned many years...

The Raunch

As Underbelly at George Square grows arms and legs, an expansion into the Meadows was inevitable. Still within walking distance of the major players, Underbelly Circus Hub is home to this year’s The Raunch...

Grant Stott's Tales from Behind the Mic

Grant Stott is well known around the Edinburgh area. Initially as local radio presenter with his daily show on Forth One his interest in theatre landed him with a now established panto villain role at the Kings Theatre Edinburgh...

I Ran With the Gang: The Story of Alan Longmuir, the Original Bay City Roller

Review
★★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
Le Monde
8th Aug, 2016

Now in its third year at the Fringe, I Ran With The Gang written by Liam Rudden for his company LR Stageworks returns this year to the cosy yet lavish surroundings of Le Monde in uptown George Street...

The Marvellous Mechanical Mesmerist

The title looked like something from a Victorian sideshow. P.T. Barnum himself would not be out of place at a show billed as a steampunk driven comedy play with hypnotised people. Produced by Diversity Theatre Company and members of the Academy of Hypnotic Arts as HypnoArts, I expected quite a spectacle from thisArts Council England supported show...

Time at the Bar!

Beardman production Time At The Bar was written and directed by Kieran Mellish and follows the story of The Duck’s Beak pub, whose future is uncertain. By their own admission, they need to improve or close up, promising their customers the five ‘C’s’ – comfort, company, and class, with the addition of cholera and chlamydia on disco nights...

Lydia Trueblood: The Black Widow of the Atlantic Coast

Review
★★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
SpaceTriplex
25th Aug, 2015

Traveling Showcase from California bring their musical cabaret to the Fringe for the first time as Lydia Trueblood The Black Widow of the Atlantic Coast takes centre stage at the tiny Studio within The Space Triplex...

Oh Gumtree

Review
★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
C venues - C nova
22nd Aug, 2015

Oh What A Lovely War (musical), Oh Calcutta (nude theatre) – but what is Oh Gumtree? The title says nothing of the play behind the poster really but deserves further investigation...

Ian D Montfort: Under Sciencey Conditions

Tom Binns has a huge reputation to protect. His flyers are littered with laurels and 5 star reviews, some of which must be credited to his most famous character – hospital radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury...

Willie and Sebastian

Review
★★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
Gilded Balloon
18th Aug, 2015

Expectations were high in a crowded Dining Room at the old Gilded Balloon, with a profusion of Scottish media lending support or checking out the latest and most challenging new work from a well known duo...

The Wedding Reception

Review
★★★
Edinburgh Fringe
B'est Restaurant
14th Aug, 2015

The Wedding Reception is billed as an immersive comedy. It starts in the courtyard outside the venue where members of the cast engage with the waiting ‘guests’ (the audience). This is an impossible task with a full house though, leaving some confused and others to chat among themselves...

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