guys, i haven't watched a movie in ages. i'll put something in here... eventually.

"A coterie of misfit vampires establish dominion over a small, quaint town." - from Dropout description.

My thoughts tbc, HOWEVER, I love it so very very much. Emily Axford and Siobhan Thompson I want to be you when I grow up.

"Mind-blowing, twisted and wildly entertaining, Earthlings asks: how far would you go just to be yourself?" - from blurb.

review tbc

"A millennial turned magical girl must combat climate change and credit card debt in this delightful, witty, and wildly imaginative ode to magical girl manga." - from blurb.

this was a very quick read and a very fun one too! there's a really lovely message in here about how all us, even as non-magical adults, have the power and responsibilty to shape the future. also features lovely illustrations by Kim Sanho

"Women have innate talents and exceptional abilities that go unnoticed by our society, and that even women themselves do not fully appreciate. If every woman were to listen closely enough to her own secret song--not simply with ears, but with eyes, heart, spirit, and soul--she would discover a power that she has carried within since before the beginning of time." - from blurb.

My thoughts tbc.

"The original late-night show returns with stellar line-ups of your favourite acts from the festival, hosted by the best MCs in the country, every single night of the Fringe." -blurb from EdFringe website.

this was a classic "we were trying to go home but were given free tickets, what a shame!" fringe experience, so can't complain too much, but this was BAD. two of the three performers we stayed for were ok, the third was really not. also often felt just mean-spirited. didn't catch their name and can't figure it out which is a shame because I am so curious as to what their actual show is.
highlight was the tequila rose shots at the bar beforehand.

"Reuben Kaye is back. Sharper, sexier and more political than ever. Expect glitter, guts and the kind of biting comedy only Kaye can deliver." -blurb from EdFringe website.

I've seen many Reuben Kaye shows and he's always been amazing. He's just an incredible mind and showman. Beyond that, I have some thoughts:

1. I can't believe he was on the gay cruise with patti lupone (presumably not when it got turned away from turkey as he didn't mention it). a ship - a magnificent ship - full of gay men. and patti lupone. and apparently reuben kaye, at some point. in my mind that was such a huge queer event, but he made no mention of it, so maybe it's just me who thinks about this instagram post everyday.
2. at a couple of points he talks about Scotland in a way that makes me slightly uncomfortable. don't get me wrong - he's being complimentary - but it got a bit close to a kind of Scottish-execptionalism that I worry makes us complacent about issues that we do have here. for example, at one point he (to paraphrase) compares Scotland and England to a pair of twins in uterus where England is draining all of the resources/good things, which to be clear is a sentiment I don't necessarily disagree with, BUT I think people (scottish or otherwise) often attribute Scottish racism, homophobia etc. to England, while I know that Scottish people are perfectly capable of being cunts all on our own and I think it's dangerous to believe otherwise. Notably we (attempted to) colonise the world almost as much as England, we just weren't as good at it, and we don't get nearly as much flack.
   towards the end of the show Reuben suggests that there may be hope for Scotland in the fight against facism, more so than in England or Australia or the States. as much as I enjoy the sentiment that our slightly rough around the edges, blunt, kind-but-not-necessarily-polite nature might somehow innoculate us from the modern rise of facism in the west, I find it a bit hard to agree when just recently we had folks openly doing nazi salute in the centre of Glasgow. Or the spate of attacks from young teenage boys carried out predominantly against Asian women in Edinburgh. Or any number of the Scottish TERFs. I understand leaving on a positive note, and that it's probably not productive to send everyone from your host country away thinking "my country is shit", or getting their hackles up, or whatever, but it's just getting a wee bit to close to "we solved racism!" for me.
   All of that being said, I'm glad Reuben has seemingly had a positive, safe experience of my country.

Anyways, I think Reuben Kaye is basically a Fringe legend at this point. Also, the band is great!

"In 2016 an unprecedented wave of fake news exploded across our screens. Public trust was devastated as Brexit, Trump and an ever-powerful far right emerged. The masterminds? A few teens in a former socialist republic that even experts struggle to find on a map: Macedonia. Join Nadica, a driven Macedon/Brit on the ground floor of this gold rush who will stop at nothing to build her empire of lies as she defies tech giants, Covid lockdowns and a crumbling economy to champion Britain’s eager and ready supply of Racists, Recessions and Revolutions!" -blurb from EdFringe website.

really interesting, well executed, one-woman, one act play, with a subject matter I don't know too much about. definitely fringe-y. I'd be interested to see it brought to a wider audience.

"Step into an unforgettable experience with The Palestinian Circus! Inspired by the traditions of Palestinian folk dance Dabkeh and its iconic rhythm Wahdeh w Nos, this uplifting circus show is a cultural spectacle for all ages. Through a unique physical language, we celebrate life and togetherness in an inclusive demonstration of heritage, identity and collective freedom. The Palestinian Circus is a non-profit organisation bringing hope and connection to communities across Palestine through circus. Blending Dabkeh with contemporary circus, this unique artistic language becomes part of our dance, daily life and resistance." -blurb from EdFringe website.

I've never really engaged with circus stuff too much before - pretty sure I went to some in the Fringe when I was wee, but certainly not recently. I've been really missing out - this was right up my alley!
obviously all of the performers are incredible, talented etc.
the story behind this circus company is fascinating too. one man wanted to found a circus school in Palestine, and now, 20 years later, they work with 4000 Palestinian children. I would definitely go again if the opportunity arises.

"Just before Fringe 2024, Linus Karp was the victim of a homophobic attack. The case never went to trial... Until now. Linus Karp was hit with an umbrella. The attacker shouted that he would've killed him. The show retells the events and the aftermath – the police investigation, the public response, performing at Edinburgh Fringe days after and the heroic acts of Joseph Martin, and then dramatises the trial that never came to be... It's also funny." -blurb from EdFringe website.

this, I think, may be my favourite Fringe show of the year. it was constructed so interestingly in the use of audience participation and real world comments in the aftermath of Linus' attack. I don't honestly have much to say beyond that I liked it a lot, it was joyful despite the desperately depressing subject matter and that I'm glad that Linus loves the Fringe because I really look forward to seeing what he brings next time.

"Everyone's favourite ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody!" -blurb from EdFringe website.

it's shrek burlesque. obviously it's a good time. I thought that shrek was a lovely lyrical dancer.

"Film Noir Frog, gripped by a dirty sense of morality, continues their pledge to clean the crime-ridden city. Finding themselves the number one webbed suspect of a recent arson attack on a city landmark, The Bowling Alley, they seek to wash the city with a slippery, slimy hard truth." -blurb from EdFringe website.

Just simply a good silly time! Special mention to my gal who played ~4 characters in each scene.

"There is one rule in the game. And it needs to be broken. There is one goal. And when you attain it, you die." - description from Steam store page

I've been wanting to play this game for years, ever since seeing it in Izzzyzzz's video. I've found playing the game more relaxing than I thought I would; it is a bit eerie, but not frightening if that makes sense. So far I've only played the three youngest girls, and I think I might wait a while to finish it, only because I think it would be a nice game to play on a chilly autumn evening. Will maybe update then.

"Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire in her new unlife among the unsuspecting townsfolk. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?" - description from Steam store page

I really love the atmosphere in this game! The artstyle, the story and the setting kinda feel like they were designed specifically for me lol. It is a bit buggy, and I've been unable to complete a couple quests because of that, but I don't even mind too much because I am so happy to replay and try again.