Dr Brown: Becaves
After seeing huge success in Prague, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Dubai and a heap of other international cities Dr Brown brings his unique show to Edinburgh. The alternative, silent comedy Dr Brown has to offer gives the audience a unique experience and insight into the obscure, genius mind of the Doc. With a swift injection of silly comedy, remember you’re in safe hands, it’s what the doctor ordered!
edfringe.com/doctor-brown-becaves
Mathew Kelly
Describing himself as one half of Terry Christian in the mid-nineties Mathew Kelly (not to be mistaken for Matthew Kelly) does not disappoint. When he’s not performing at 50 Bar in Cowgate, Mathew can easily be spotted on the city streets complete with two foot high hair and a very eccentric sense of dress. In his half hour show you get the lot; music, lazers, smoke machine and a four foot high box with installed disco lights called Ooo. Mathew had a message for the i-D online readers: “Well hello there. Besides coming to Edinboro to extend my run of previews in time for the biggie – The Ham On Rye Folk Festival – I’m also here as support for Cliff in his full hour children’s show where he sits atop an umpire’s chair to commentate an invisible match between him and Sue Barker whilst simultaneously deconstructing their break up. A sobering affecting ride!” Sold?
Singles Collection
Down in the Cowgate lies Opium Bar, enter through the side entrance and follow the dark alleyway (the lightbulb is broken). After this sinister sounding entrance you’ll be pleased to happen upon the perfect stand-up comedy venue and a delightful show courtesy of Tim Shishodia and Andy Davies. When i-D online paid a visit there was not an empty seat in the house. The show begins with an energetic, dynamic and lively performance from Andy, following which Tim takes to the stage with an alternative form of comedy, think few words but clear punchlines. Tim and Andy told i-D online that the joy of their show is that “no two performances are the same, it’s evolving, changing, anyone who sees one show will not see the same one again. It is in continuous flux”. With no charge for tickets you’d be mad to miss it!
edfringe.com/singles-collection
Edinburgh Camera Obscura
Far from just offering comedy, stage shows and all that jazz, a permanent fixture on the city’s cultural scene is the Edinburgh Camera Obscura museum. Located in the shadows of the castle, the museum has five floors of optical illusions, offering mind trickery galore! After i-D online nearly came crashing to an end on the Vortex Tunnel the Camera Obscura is an exhibition that has to be seen to be believed!
camera-obscura.co.uk
Armstrongs
If you want a getaway from the festival and fancy a bit of retail therapy, this is your one-stop shop. Armstrongs in the Grass Market is one of i-D online’s favourite vintage shops. Established in 1840 it’s definitely one of the best vintage/retro/fancy dress shops you’ll ever visit. The prices are low and the quality is high. We managed to have a quick chat with shop manager Dominique Wardell who told us “Armstrong is unique because of the history and heritage behind us. A wealth of clothing from kilt wear, retrowear to eveningwear.” The shop looks like an innovative Aladdin’s Cave and it has just as many treasures!
armstrongsvintage.co.uk
