I am Ashley Elsdon

someone who's doing some things

Category: Theatre

Shows, plays etc. I do love theatre in lots of different forms. If you like theatre you should also check the Edinburgh Fringe category too.

Edinburgh Fringe: Anthem for a Doomed Youth

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Poetry, Theatre

I’m a big fan of Guy Masterson’s work. His “Under Milk Wood” was incredible, so when I’m in Edinburgh I always make an effort to see whatever it is that he’s in. This year the only thing that he was doing that coincided with my time at the fringe was “Anthem for a Doomed Youth”. His readings of World War 1 poetry. It was very good. Very powerful, and as always with Guy Masterson, full of emotion and meaning and at times, even humor.

At some point I’d love to see his “Under Milk Wood” again. I really hope he performs it somewhere I can get to at some point.

Edinburgh Fringe: The Hive

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

Another really good show this year at the fringe was “The Hive”. This was a sort of post-apocalyptic piece about a society where everyone was separated from each other. A set of interesting and somewhat compelling ideas, but most of all I enjoyed how it was presented. The music, set and physical nature of the show were excellent, and whilst I think it suffered from a lull towards the end, it was, on the whole, really well put together.

The performances were also very well executed and I think that the company producing it have a lot to offer.

Edinburgh Fringe: Bromance

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

A truly astounding piece of dance / physical theatre. Visually it was totally amazing and I loved it. I’m not sure I entirely got what the piece was actually about, but then that’s true of a lot of dance pieces I go to, so probably says more about me than the piece itself or the performers. Having said all that, I can safely say that I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this or even anything close before. It was unique as far as I’m concerned, and thoroughly enjoyable too.

I’d certainly take the opportunity to see it again.

Edinburgh Fringe: Shakespeare for Breakfast

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

This is one of my favourite shows at the Fringe. One of those that I always go to see. Which ever play, or indeed, whatever number of them are mashed up it’s always good. Always fun, always inventive. This year was no different at all. It was a great show, lots of popular culture references and plenty of mentions about the referendum too.

Shakespeare for Breakfast has become an institution and long may it continue.

National Theatre: Medea

Posted by on in Theatre

This has got to be one of the best productions I’ve seen in ages. When I say seen, what I actually mean is that I saw it via the National Theatre Live rather than being there in person. Having said that, it’s a pretty good experience. It isn’t as good as actually being there, but it is a very very close second.

The production itself was, in my opinion, flawless. The music, the individual performances, the set, the choreography, all completely brilliant. But by far the best was the lead play by Helen McCrory was stunning. It isn’t often you see a performance with this depth and conviction. Completely believable and completely stunning. I was mesmerised.

Also the music was excellent and worked so well with the physical elements of the production.

In hindsight, I wish I had actually been at the NT to see it, but it wasn’t possible. However, it has made me much more aware of other productions that I really should try and get to.

Edinburgh Fringe: The Ukulele Evangelists Bang One Out

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

This show was one of those that you really only get to see at Edinburgh. Unique is the only word to describe it I think. It was a joy to watch. Inventive, funny and just full of surprises and fun. I did get the impression that the audience didn’t entirely know what to make of it, which in itself was quite funny. But I loved it, and I think that it’s shows like this that are what keep the Edinburgh Fringe fresh and alive.

Edinburgh Fringe: Beowulf The Blockbuster

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

This was a truly wonderful one man show. Executed beautifully with incredible craftsmanship. I loved every minute of the show and I can’t think of anything even remotely negative to say about it at all. Perhaps if you were expecting a performance of Beowulf that was very close to the text you might be disappointed, but if you’d been to the fringe before you probably wouldn’t have those kind of expectations of anything.

I loved it, and I’ll certainly be looking out for something by the same company next year.

Edinburgh Fringe: The Bunker Trilogy – Agamemnon

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

IMG_2548

This was one of if not the best show I saw in Edinburgh this year. The Agamemnon is one of my favourite plays, as is the Orestia as a whole, but this version, set in a World War One bunker was incredible. The audience was actually placed inside the bunker with the cast and the proximity and intensity of the production made this a completely one off experience.

The performances were excellent. The set was brilliant. Yes, it probably was the best thing I saw all week.

Edinburgh Fringe: Sherlock Holmes The Hound of the Baskervilles

Posted by on in Edinburgh Fringe, Events, Festivals, Theatre

This was a great one man show. I do like some Sherlock Holmes and this performance really delivered. Great accents and characterisation with a minimal set. I always find it interesting to see how different companies interpret Holmes. From the TV versions in the US and the UK, to the films, all of which I like in their own ways. However, I do think that stage is a great way to see Holmes, and this was a lovely production. Really well done.