Podcast Summary: Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Day 4 Reviews

Episode Title: Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Day 4 REVIEWS (Orpheus, The Great Gummy Bear War, Stamptown, and more)
Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey-Jo delves into his 21st show review at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, providing insightful critiques and appreciations of a diverse array of performances. From thought-provoking dramas to unconventional comedies, Mickey-Jo covers each show with detailed observations, notable performances, and personal reflections.

Beautiful Few Future at Traverse Theatre

Overview:
Beautiful Few Future, penned by Flora Wilson Brown, is a poignant exploration of the climate crisis through three distinct historical lenses. The play interweaves scenes from different eras, reminiscent of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, though focusing more on the thermodynamics of climate science.

Key Points:

• Structure: The narrative switches between three time periods:

  1. Historic: Dr. Eunice, a female scientist whose groundbreaking work is ignored by the Royal Society in London.
  2. Modern Day: A young couple’s budding romance unknowingly threatened by impending climate change.
  3. Future: Colleagues navigating a world devastated by the climate crisis.

• Performance: Strong scene work, compelling performances, and effective direction stand out, though Mickey-Jo notes a lingering uncertainty about the play's ultimate direction until the finale.

• Themes: The play serves as both an existential reflection and a call to action, emphasizing humanity's role amidst the climate catastrophe.

Notable Quote:
"It’s an examination of the humanity that exists at the centre of the climate catastrophe as it was anticipated, as it is being experienced and as it presumably will be." [04:35]

Recommendation:
Mickey-Jo highly recommends experiencing Beautiful Few Future firsthand at the Traverse Theatre for its blend of intellectual depth and emotional resonance.

Charlottesville: The Play Trump Doesn't Want You to See

Overview:
Charlottesville is a solo performance by writer and performer Priyanka Shetty, recounting the Unite the Right rally in Virginia eight years prior. The play merges elements of performance and journalism to critique the alt-right movement.

Key Points:

• Content: The show intertwines personal narratives with recreated interviews and witness testimonies, highlighting Priyanka’s academic mistreatment, suggestively tied to racial motivations.

• Performance Challenges:

  • Authenticity Issues: The portrayal of local accents and characters felt forced, impacting the delivery's naturalness.
  • Characterization: Priyanka’s Trump impression was criticized as resembling Jennifer Tilly more than the former president.

• Impact: Despite technical flaws, the play remains a significant and impactful work, urging audiences to engage with its critical message.

Notable Quote:
"While a personal route into this story can be very effective, you also run the risk of centering yourself." [07:15]

Recommendation:
A must-see at Pleasance Courtyard for its important commentary on political extremism and societal issues, despite some execution shortcomings.

God Is Dead and I Killed Him by Callum Patrick Hughes

Overview:
A captivating solo performance by Callum Patrick Hughes, God Is Dead and I Killed Him navigates his complex relationship with faith through personal anecdotes and original acoustic music.

Key Points:

• Performance Style: Hughes skillfully blends storytelling with musical interludes, using his guitar to enhance the narrative's emotional depth.

• Themes: The show examines faith in both divine and secular contexts, exploring Hughes' journey from seeking community in adolescence to experiencing grief and reevaluating his beliefs.

• Audience Engagement: Hughes fosters a sense of community, inviting audience participation and sharing personal stories, effectively creating an intimate and empowering atmosphere.

• Musical Elements: While the balance between music and storytelling could be adjusted, standout musical pieces like "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and "Gethsemane" add significant emotional weight.

Notable Quote:
"He crafts community in the room, easing the tension of the difficult memories that he is sharing and empowering the entire room to be able to withstand more and more emotional weight." [12:50]

Recommendation:
Highly recommended for its magical storytelling and ability to create a profound sense of connection, available at Pleasance Courtyard.

The Great Gummy Bear War at Zoo Playground

Overview:
An unconventional and hilariously poignant performance featuring puppeteered gummy bears engaged in a solemn war against dinosaurs, all performed in Italian with English subtitles.

Key Points:

• Contrast: The serious delivery of lines starkly contrasts with the absurdity of gummy bear puppets, creating a unique comedic effect.

• Characterization: Detailed and humorous descriptions of gummy bear characters like Dirty White, Raspberry Red, Apple Green, and Lemon Yellow add depth to the whimsical setting.

• Emotional Impact: Despite its comedic surface, the play effectively conveys the tragedy of war and parallels real-world international crises, leaving an unexpectedly powerful impression.

Notable Quote:
"There is something unexpectedly impactful and powerful about the Great Gummy Bears War." [13:45]

Recommendation:
An unmissable and surreal experience at Zoo Playground, blending humor with poignant commentary on conflict.

Standing in the Shadows of Giants by Lucy Barat

Overview:
Standing in the Shadows of Giants is an autobiographical solo show by Lucy Barat, exploring her life in the shadow of her successful brother and his collaborator from The Libertines, Pete Doherty.

Key Points:

• Personal Narrative: Barat candidly shares her struggles for validation, leading to self-destructive behaviors, while breaking the fourth wall to reveal the truth behind her story.

• Comparison: The show echoes themes from Nicola Wren’s solo show, focusing on sibling rivalry and the quest for personal identity amidst fame.

• Direction and Writing: Praised for brilliant direction and smartly crafted dialogue, the performance features memorable turns of phrase and insightful commentary on gender disparities in the entertainment industry.

• Themes: Beyond celebrity culture, the play delves into broader humanistic themes, making it a relatable and impactful piece.

Notable Quote:
"This one really surpasses that idea by highlighting that Lucy's issue was not only that she had a very successful brother, but also the disparate treatment of young men and young women in the entertainment industry." [14:30]

Recommendation:
A deeply moving and intelligently written performance, available at the Traverse Theatre, highlighting significant societal issues through personal storytelling.

Motorhome Marilyn at Gilded Balloon Patterhuss

Overview:
Motorhome Marilyn features Michelle Collins portraying Denise, a Marilyn Monroe impersonator struggling to maintain relevance in a declining industry while interacting with her pet snake, Bobby.

Key Points:

• Performance Issues: Despite Collins’ strong portrayal, the show suffers from a monotonous script and lack of staging variety, leading to audience disengagement.

• Character Development: The extended monologues to a pet snake feel forced and unnatural, detracting from the emotional depth intended.

• Audience Reception: Notable instances of audience members checking their watches and leaving early highlight the play’s shortcomings in engagement and variety.

Notable Quote:
"She is performing these extended monologues about her past to her pet snake. And if she talked to the snake that often, then the snake would know this already." [19:10]

Recommendation:
While a notable attempt, Motorhome Marilyn may not resonate with all audiences due to its repetitive nature. Available at Gilded Balloon Patterhuss for those interested in character-driven solos.

Falling in Love with Mr. Delamort

Overview:
A new musical titled Falling in Love with Mr. Delamort offers a gothic and romantic take on European musical theatre, featuring original acoustic music and spoken word poetry.

Key Points:

• Musical Style: Initially captivating with melodramatic elements and innovative orchestration, including a theremin that adds a unique, eerie quality.

• Mid-Show Challenges: The narrative becomes convoluted as characters’ insanity overshadows previous charm, leading to confusion and a disconnect with the audience.

• Final Act: Although the middle portion falters, the conclusion returns to an entertaining and wild state, salvaging the overall experience.

Notable Quote:
"Every character we met was insane, which stops being funny and just starts being weird." [20:50]

Recommendation:
An intriguing addition to the Fringe's musical lineup, despite some narrative inconsistencies. Available at SeaArts Aquila on the Royal Mile for those seeking innovative and experimental theatre.

Orpheus from Writing Granger at Summerhall

Overview:
Orpheus is a masterful reinterpretation of Greek mythology through musical storytelling, blending original acoustic music and spoken word poetry to create an accessible and emotionally resonant performance.

Key Points:

• Performance Quality: Exceptional theatrical experience with a balance between traditional storytelling and gig theatre, making ancient stories relatable to contemporary audiences.

• Community Atmosphere: The production fosters a sense of togetherness, transforming powerful emotions into shared communal moments.

• Accessibility: Designed to bridge the gap between classical theatre and modern performance, making it highly accessible and emotionally impactful.

Notable Quote:
"They find the beauty and the heartbreak of it, and they utterly democratize the theatrical experience so that we can share in those painful and powerful emotions as well." [21:45]

Recommendation:
An unparalleled theatrical experience at Summerhall, highly recommended for its innovative approach and emotional depth.

Stamp Town at Pleasance Courtyard

Overview:
Stamp Town is a chaotic and interactive comedy variety show, embodying the essence of Edinburgh Fringe's late-night entertainment with a mix of sound effects, character comedy, burlesque acts, and spontaneous audience participation.

Key Points:

• Performance Style: Highly unpredictable and dynamic, the show features a blend of structured acts and improvised chaos, including a memorable 10-minute hot dog food fight between audience and performers.

• Unique Appeal: Each performance is distinct, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience every time, though it may not cater to all tastes.

• Audience Engagement: The interactive nature creates a vibrant and immersive atmosphere, though it may be overwhelming for some, making it unsuitable for the faint-hearted or underage attendees.

Notable Quote:
"Every single show is unique and that's a huge part of why it's such a brilliant experience and why people keep going back." [23:15]

Recommendation:
A must-attend for those seeking lively and unconventional comedy, available at Pleasance Courtyard. Not recommended for those sensitive to chaotic and interactive performances.

Conclusion

Mickey-Jo’s comprehensive review of Day 4 at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 offers listeners a rich tapestry of theatrical experiences, highlighting the festival's diversity and the innovative spirit of its performers. From deeply personal narratives to absurdist comedies, the Fringe continues to be a vibrant hub for groundbreaking and impactful theatre.

Final Thoughts:
"Admittedly, I am nearly 30 shows into the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and I am in the midst of a nine show day. Today specifically, however, that was objectively insane." [16:00]

Mickey-Jo encourages theatre enthusiasts to explore these performances firsthand, emphasizing the unique and transformative power of live theatre showcased at this prestigious festival.

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