CityLife

An Edinburgh Double Bill

THIS event's title suggested one of two things: Either I was in for an evening of Buckfast and deep fried haggis, or, I was in store for a couple of shows, varying in quality, with diametrically opposed content.

No surprise, despite the stage being located in a deli/wine shop, the latter proved true; two performances so different it boggles the mind how they found themselves sharing the same billing.

The venue oozed Fringe ambience, makeshift and intimate, with nothing to separate the performers from their audience.
 

The first act ‘Pigeon Man Apocalypse’ brought Andy McQuade to the stage to deliver a darkly hypnotic monologue, delving into the mind of Arthur, a boy abused by his mother, driven to the edges of reason and, ultimately, murder.

McQuade filled the space with eccentric, expressive energy, using his whole physical being to drive the disturbing story home.
 

After such intense, serious theatre, the second act ‘Stand Up Monkey Poet’ provided much necessary relief in the form of fast flowing humour and wry, satirical poetry.

Matt Panesh offered a hilarious insight into his perception of the modern world, providing a social commentary touching on nationalism, economics and Fleet St, give all an even handed bashing of wit.
 

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