Edinburgh Fringe picks 2012: political cuts

 

We've banged on enough about the lack of politics in comedy - here are the comedians who are doing something about it.

 

 

Also in our Free Fringe picks)

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Dome, 3-26 August, 14:00

 

The big-name cast has helped it win enough buzz to already sell out a few nights, but this play about a Lib Dem deputy leader who's looking at a collapsed coalition in two years' time has a long way to go to make a real lasting impression: word from the previews has been it doesn't entirely dazzle. Read our interview with writer Robert Khan here. 

 

It's 2014 and Britain's coalition government has only six months left to run. The Conservative Prime Minister and his Lib Dem Deputy haven't spoken for months, the economy’s flat-lined and government MPs are threatening to defect right, left and centre. Lib Dem leader Matt Cooper has to make a series of last, desperate gambles to save his party. A fast-moving comedy satire starring Thom Tuck, Phill Jupitus, Jo Caulfield, Alistair Barrie, Jessica Regan, Jamie De Courcey, Phil Mulryne and Simon Evans. 'Witty, fast-moving and hugely enjoyable ... a terrific script' (David Haig, Independent). By Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky.

 

 

The Voodoo Rooms, 4-18 August, 12:20

 

A nice lunchtime slot for the Free Fringe panel chat: a good way to ease yourself into a day of Fringeing by catching up with what's happening in the world in the most irate way possible. 

 

Get your daily helping of bite-size news packed full of wholegrain comedy nuggets. Politicians and commentators join the Fringe's best comedy acts for political chat, show snippets and special daily features. Brought to you by leading left-wing blog Bright Green, and political comedy production company Lampoon Apathy, as part of PBH's Free Fringe 2012. Join panellists such as Josie Long, Chris Coltrane, Tiernan Douieb (to name but few), as well as politicians, campaigners and journalists, to discuss how the powerful are ruining everything that's good. And then mock them - we are at the Fringe after all!

 

 

Ciao Roma, 4-25 August, 15:20

 

The Free Fringe standard returns, as comedians do battle in the festival's longest running political panel show (we think). Read our interview with host Kate Smurthwaite here.

 

The most popular live political panel show in Britain. Back at the Fringe for the fifth year. Hosted by Kate Smurthwaite with team captains David Mulholland and Rick Molland and special guests every single day. Free, arrive early. ‘There is very little for me to write here. Honestly. Nothing at all. It really was that good... Unbelievably jealous of all those of you that are in Edinburgh to the end of the month and can catch this show every day’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘This really is a superb show’ ***** (Scotsgay).

 

 

Ciao Roma, 4-25 August, 20:20

 

Hands-on, principled, and always slightly ragged around the edges in approach: while other comedians make lukewarm sub-Mock The Week jokes on the cabinet being a bit posh, Kate Smurthwaite goes for the jugular and actually seems to know what she's talking about. Sure, it may not always hit the target, but as one of the few acts trying to keep the truly satirical flame alive at the Fringe, there's room for the odd misfire. Weird trivia: she was apparently on Channel 5's dating show The Bachelor earlier this year.

 

Kate Smurthwaite presents a new hour of left wing satirical comedy about the news, being in the news, and being on the news. Also known as ‘that atheist b*tchslap woman’ from YouTube. Features arguing with idiots Nadine Dorries (MP) and Melanie Phillips (misogynist). As seen/heard on BBC One's The Big Questions, BBC Radio Four's Woman's Hour, BBC Radio Two, Radio 5Live and many regional stations. ‘A powerhouse of observational wit’ (Spectator). ‘A brilliant comedian’ ***** (Scotsgay). ‘An excitable, slightly irresponsible head girl luring impressionable fourth formers into some illicit fun’ **** (National Student). www.thenewsatkate.blogspot.com. @Cruella1.

 

 

Underbelly Bristo Square, 3-26 August, 14:00

 

Andre Vincent and the divisive Brigstocke return with the festival standard based on chatting about the day's newspapers. Make the most of it: when we get to 2015 and they're discussing what's been upvoted on Reddit it probably won't have the same ring.

 

They say no news is good news, right? Wrong. No matter how bad the news is, it will become comedy gold once it falls into the hands of the very funny Marcus Brigstocke, Andre Vincent and guests. The Early Edition is a live comedy panel hosted by these two top comedians in which they tear into the tabloids, bash the broadsheets and unravel the spin. A show based on the day's newspapers - you won't find anything more topical. Previous guests have included Phil Jupitus, Adam Hills, Frankie Boyle, Shappi Khorsandi, Micky Flanagan and John Bishop.

 

 

Assembly George Square, 3-26 August, 12:30

 

Are you doubting Indy political columnist Steve Richards' rock'n'roll credentials? Last time we saw him was at the loos at Latitude, the man's got it covered. Comedy? That's a different matter. There's a horrid tradition of newspaper folk falling flat when trying live work, but given how much we bang on about the dearth of people doing politics in comedy who actually know what they're talking about, I guess we can't have it both ways. Worth a shot.

 

Award-winning Independent columnist and BBC broadcaster, Steve Richards, takes you behind the scenes of British politics, bringing the great dramas and characters to life. What makes Cameron tick and Osborne buzz? Is Clegg doomed? Can Miliband win? How has Salmond made fools of them all? What role does the media play in their lives and ours? In the great Shakespearean drama of modern politics are our leaders comedians or tragic heroes and heroines? Laugh, ask questions, take part in this topical show at a time when politics is all shook up.