Edinburgh Fringe highlights: Star Trek actor's play heads for Capital

Household names such as Britt Ekland, Michael Barrymore and Leonard Nimoy (aka Mr Spock) ready to make an impact at this year's extravaganza.

SIXTIES sex-siren Britt Ekland, troubled gameshow host turned actor Michael Barrymore, and a play by Star Trek's Mr Spock are among the highlights of the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, revealed today.

As previously reported, veteran funnywoman Joan Rivers will be joining the bill of the biggest arts extravaganza in the world, along with Any Dream Will Do contender Keith Jack, The Gentle Touch star Jill Gascoigne, actor Simon Callow and Clive James.

For all the sparkle, this year's Fringe promises dark content, with hard-hitting dramas tackling everything from the death of a young soldier at Deepcut Barracks to the US massacres at Columbine and Virginia Tech.

This year's programme, announced this morning, include plays tackling the London terrorist bombings of 7/7 and one in which the last moments of doomed flights, as recorded on black box recorders, are relived.

Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy's play, entitled Vincent, will be staged at the Assembly Rooms on George Street, and follows Vincent Van Gogh a week after the death of his brother.

Other productions focus on the impact of social networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook. The play Free Outgoing, from London's Royal Court Theatre International Playwrights, emphasises the destructive nature of new technology as an Indian girl comes to be hated by the nation after a clip of her with a boy is texted across the country.

Speaking ahead of this morning's launch of his inaugural programme, Jon Morgan, director of the Fringe, said: "It's the artists and writers who decide exactly what shows make up the Fringe programme.

The wide range of shows that connect with current issues in our world shows the Fringe is an incredibly flexible platform for artists. The Fringe was founded on the principle of open access for all performers and it continues to be the best place to perform new work."

The 2008 Fringe boasts 2088 shows at 247 venues, including 838 world premieres, 350 free shows and a cast of performers from 46 countries from Austria to Zimbabwe.

In the year that 90 per cent of Fringe comedy has been rebranded as the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, laughter becomes the dominant influence for the first time in a number of years with 660 comedy shows and 599 theatre productions.

The music strand also takes on a new look this year. There will be no Meadowbank gigs, but replacing the now defunct T on the Fringe will be The Edge Festival, with Kate Nash, Digitalism, Maximo Park and Plain White Ts among others.

Dave Corbet of DF Concerts, promoters of The Edge, said: "I'm looking forward to announcing a host of additional acts including a couple of very special guests, which will be unveiled in July."

Local drama groups taking part in the Fringe will again be eligible for the Evening News Drama Awards, which will be announced shortly. Recognising their input into the long-running event, Mr Morgan added: "Local drama groups and performers have been part of every Fringe for the past 62 years and they are a very important part of the Fringe."

• The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from August 3-25.

COMEDY HOT TICKETS

With more than 18,792 performers, the 2008 Edinburgh Festival fringe will showcase the talents of more actors, comedians, dancers and musicians than ever before. In excess of 31,000 performances of 2,088 productions will take place across 247 venues. Here, Evening News Arts and Entertainment Editor LIAM RUDDEN highlights the shows not to miss when the biggest arts festival in the world comes to town.

CELEBRITY HOT TICKETS

A Work in Progress By a Life in Progress
US comedy icon Joan Rivers makes her Edinburgh Fringe acting debut in this self-penned autobiographical play.
• Udderbelly, Bristo Square, Aug 7-25, 3.45pm, £10-£35, 0844-545 8252

Britt Ekland – Britt on Britt
Join one of the 20th century's most beautiful women and former Bond girl, as she looks through her remarkable life revealing unknown truths from Sweden to Sellers and the glamour of Hollywood.
• Assembly, George Street, Jul 31-Aug 25 (not 20), 6.30pm, £5-£11.50, 0131-623 3030

Surviving Spike
Michael Barrymore and Strictly Come Dancing contender Jill Halfpenny star in a funny and intimate insight into the life of Spike Milligan and his turbulent relationship with his manager Norma Farnes.
• Assembly, George Street, Jul 31-Aug 25 (not 11), 6.15pm, £10-£20, 0131-623 3030

Sister Cities
International TV star, best known as Maggie Forbes in the ITV cop dramas The Gentle Touch and Cats Eyes, Jill Gascoine makes her Fringe debut in this dark comedy in which four sisters reunite for their mother's alleged death. Wise, warm and full of heart and humour.
• Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square, Aug 1-24 (not 11, 18), 6.45pm, 0131-668 1633

Only The Brave
Keith Jack, the Dalkeith-born star of the BBC's talent search Any Dream Will Do, makes his professional Fringe debut in a new musical inspired by true events. Featuring a cast and live orchestra of more than 30.
• George Square Theatre, Buccleuch Place, Jul 31-Aug 25, 6.15pm, 0131-662 8740

A Festival Dickens
Simon Callow revives two of Dickens' mono-dramas. Forgotten for 150 years, these tales peopled by dwarves, giants and toffs are pure Dickensian gold.
• Assembly, George Street, Aug 7-25 (not 11, 18), 2pm, £17.50-£20, 0131-623 3030

Look At What You Could Have Won
Back by popular demand, the legendary Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen hosts an entertaining lunch time chat show, with different guests every day. Plus, join in the daily darts throw and you could win Bully's special prize.
• Udderbelly, Bristo Square, Aug 1-25, 12.30pm, £12.50-£14.50, 0844-545 8252

Clive James In Conversation
The writer, broadcaster and raconteur who has been a British institution for longer than her cares to remember chats with the literati and Glitterati of Edinburgh's festivals. Guests change each day.
• Assembly, George Street, Aug 19-24, 4.30pm, £13-£15, 0131-623 3030

Goodbye Mr Chips
Roy Walker, the King of Deadpan, makes his Fringe debut. From humble beginnings to hosting one of TV's best loved game shows, Walker will treat audiences to his own laid back stand up routine followed by a game of, what else....Catchphrase.
• Assembly, George Street, Jul 31-Aug 5, 6pm, £10-£15, 0131-623 3030


THEATRE HOT TICKETS

Deep Cut
Pte Cheryl James died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut Barracks. Her parents still wants answers from those responsible for her care. Crafted from original source material and first hand testimonies this hard hitting piece by Philip Ralph is not to be missed.
• Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Jul 31-Aug24 (not 11, 18), various times, £10-£16, 0131-228 1404

Charlie Victor Romeo
A unique and riveting performance derived entirely from the Black Box transcripts of real life airline emergencies. A rare insight into the tension filled cockpits of actual flights in distress.
• Udderbelly, Bristo Square, Jul 31-Aug 25 (not 12), 7.40pm, £8-£14.50, 0844-545 8252

Pornography
The Traverse Theatre Company and Birmingham Rep present a shattering new play by Simon Stephens that captures Britain as it crashes from the euphoria of winning the 2010 Olympics to the devastation of 7/7 some few hours later.
• Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Aug 2-24, various times, £11-£18, 0131-228 1404

Architecting
The National Theatre of Scotland Workshop present a multi-media experience in association with two time Fringe-first winners The Team. Scarlett O'Hara pageant contestants crash into anarchist architects, presidential grandchildren and a creepy boy genius. An American saga about the reconstruction of nations and selves.
• Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Jul 31-Aug 24 (not 4, 11, 18), various times, £10-£16, 0131-228 1404

On The Waterfront
Hot on the heals of its unanimously critically acclaimed and sold-out run at Nottingham Playhouse, theatre legend Steven Berkoff brings the stage version of the classic film to Edinburgh.
• Pleasance Grand, The Pleasance, Jul 31-Aug 24, (not 5, 12, 19), £7.50-£15, 2pm, 0131-556 6550


COMEDY HOT TICKETS

Bill Bailey – Tinselworm
Fringe legend and Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain Bill Bailey brings his critically acclaimed arena show to Edinburgh for one night only – Book now to avoid disappointment.
• Gilded Balloon @ Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Aug 14, 8pm, £25, 0131-668 1633

Stephen K Amos – Find The Funny
A firm favourite at the Fringe, selling out year after year, the inimitable Stephen K Amos is back for his seventh time with his new show.
• Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance, Jul 30-Aug 25 (not 6, 13), £8-£15, 0131-556 6550

Jimeoin On Ice
Internationally acclaimed as one of live comedy's masters, the Irishman from Oz and Fringe veteran is back after a year's break (due apparently to the arrival of a new baby) with the show that received incredible reviews in London earlier this year.
• Glided Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square, Aug 1-25 (not 10, 18), £6-£14, 0131-668 1633

Paul Merton's Silent Clowns
Join Paul Merton as he screens extracts from the very best silent comedians in some of their funniest films. With world-renowned pianist Neil Brand
• The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Aug 8-16 (not 12), 2pm, £13-£14.50, 0131-228 2688

Ali Cook – A Touch of Vegas
The award winning magician who has starred in many high profile television series including Monkey Magic, Psychic Secrets Revealed with Derren Brown and the darkly twisted Jerry@Trick Sketch Show with Jerry Sadowitz was also the star of Channel Four's critically-acclaimed late night show, Dirty Tricks. This August, catch him live.
• Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Square, Jul 30-Aug 25 (not 11), 9.15pm, 0131-668 1633

Rhona Cameron
After her incredibly successful sell out run at the fringe last year, Musselburgh's very own funny lady returns, for one week only. With her unique observational humour and engaging candour she tackles modern life and her ridiculous struggles with it.
• Gilded Balloon Teviot, Aug 18-25, 7.30pm, £11.50-£12.50, 0131-668 1633


THE EDGE HOT TICKETS

Dizzee Rascal
The walls of the Liquid Room will shake to the sounds of East London rapper Dizzee Rascal as the Mercury Music Prize winner brings to the Capital his critically acclaimed album Maths & English.
• Liquid Room, Victoria Street, Aug 21, 7pm, £tba, 0131-225 2564

Scouting For Girls
Platinum-selling indie-popsters, whose debut album reached No.1 in January, come to town to delight fans with a set list including the top ten hits She's So Lovely and Elvis Ain't Dead.
• Corn Exchange, Aug 7, 7pm, £tba, 0131-477 3500

Maximo Park
Newcastle's finest export since the famous brown ale, Maximo Park will provide a thrilling assault on the senses. With both their albums hitting the Top 20, these Geordie boys sure know how to belt out a cracking tune.
• Corn Exchange, August 18, 7pm, £tba, 0131-477 3500

Kate Nash
The tart-tongued British popstrel's tongue-in-cheek look at life, love and relationships has truly captured the hearts of the nation. As such, her biggest Capital gig to date looks set to be a sell-out.
• Corn Exchange, August 25, 7pm, £tba, 0131-477 3500

Michael Franti and Spearhead
In 2006, Michael Franti and Spearhead turned the Corn Exchange into a party zone. Their blend of reggae, folk, funk, hip-hop and jazz is guaranteed to bring the crowd to their feet on their return to the Capital.
• Corn Exchange, August 20, 7pm, £tba, 0131-477 3500


LOCAL COMPANIES HOT TICKETS

The Full Monty
Local musical Theatre company Tempo present the tale of six unemployed workers who decide to make some easy cash by forming a strip troupe. From the winners of last year's Evening News Drama Award.
• St Oswald's Hall, Montpelier Park, Aug 9-16, 8.20pm, £8-£12, 0131-220 3234

Stramash at the Store
Take a trip back in time with Edinburgh People's Theatre. It is 1962, the week before the State Visit to Edinburgh of King Olav of Norway, the first such visit since the Union of the Crowns. Meanwhile, in Bread Street Store, the Cameras Department has a new assistant and a mysterious box turns up in the basement.
• St Peter's Church Hall, Lutton Place, Aug 2-23, 7.45pm, £9, 0131-226 0000

Jekyll and Hyde
After previous Fringe sell-outs, Forth Children's Theatre return in an exciting new production of the powerful and gripping Broadway musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic tale of a split personality.
• Inverleith Church Hall, Inverleith Gardens, Aug 8-12 (not 10), various times, £8, 0131-538 6077

Ane Wee Touch Of Class
Leitheatre present Rikki Fulton's comedy set in Edinburgh in 1820. Erchie has made his fortune and moved into the New Town where he attempts to climb the social ladder with hilarious results.
n St Serf's Church Hall, Clark Road, Aug 2-16 (not 10), various times, £8, 0131-467 7185

Masquerade!
Last year it was Disney, this year Edinburgh Music Theatre turn their attention to the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber in this celebration of Broadway and the West End.
• St Andrew's and St George's Church, George Street, Aug 4-7, various times, £10, 0101-226 0000


PHYSICAL THEATRE/DANCE HOT TICKETS

Caesar Twins
Fringe favourites Pablo and Pierre Caesar, the extraordinary identical twin stars of The Royal Variety Performance and La Clique, are back with a new take on their unique, breathtaking, high-octane, cutting-edge acrobatic variety show.
• Udderbelly, Teviot Square, Jul 21-Aug 25, 5.50pm, 0844-545 8252

The Judgement of Paris
Inspired by the Greek myth The Judgement of Paris, in which the first ever beauty contest occurred, and informed by the stage directions of the Baroque Opera, The Judgement of Paris marks New York dance troupe, Company XIV's UK debut.
• Rocket @ Roxy Art House, Roxburgh Place, Jul 31-Aug 25 (not10,17), 8.15pm, £5-£10, 0871-750 0077

Obong-Akwa-Cross-River Dance Company
An exciting world premiere as Nigeria's legendary company make their Fringe debut with Whirlwind of Dances – a stunning and energetic blend of 11 traditional dance stories, showcasing the true beauty and power of Africa's dance heritage. Suitable for all ages.
• Udderbelly, Teviot Square, Jul 21-Aug 25, 1pm and 4pm,


MUSICAL HOT TICKET

Big Bruvva – The Musical
A house, a big chair and a shower room. Add some bright young things who are not all that young, not all that bright but are definitely things and you have the basis of this new musical. Welcome to the Big Bruvva gaff.
• George Square Theatre, Buccleuch Place, 3pm, Aug 5-25 (not 19), £5-£9.50, 0131-662 8740

The Grease Lightnin' Drag Show
After the success of last year's Drag Sound of Music the Australian 'girls' are back and now totally devoted to Sandy and Danny in this sing-a-long Rydell High parody.
• Gilded Balloon Teviot, Bristo Place, Jul 30-Aug 25, 10.15pm, £6-£12, 0131-668 1633


KIDS HOT TICKET

Robin Hood
Join the outlaw of Sherwood Forest and pelt the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in this piece of interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit there and watch but be in the middle of the action on stage. Suitable for 5-12-year-olds.
• The Merchant's Hall, Hanover Street, Jul 31-Aug 17, 1.30pm, £5, 0131-220 5911

WHERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS

• Fringe Box Office: Book all tickets on 0131-226 0000 or buy online at www.edfringe.com from next Monday.