I'm documenting my top ten Edinburgh Fringe 2012 shows, mainly so I can just forward people to this blog and not have to repeat myself when get asked my highlights. I reviewed theatre and spoken word for a magazine and saw some fantastic shows.

Recently I put up 10 - 6 and below are the top 5.

5. Red Like Our Room Used To Feel @ Summerhall

This was not so much a theatre performance but a poetry reading in a small red room decorated with photographs and curiosities. It was an intimate and personal experience where poet Ryan Van Winkle made you feel right at home by reading four poems in his own unique style. He even offered to make you a cup of tea, Coffee or prepare a glass of port. Overall a great way to spend twenty minutes and a fantastic Fringe experience.

4. Remember Me @ Summerhall

Lasting only twenty minutes long Remember Me felt like a short and energetic dream that progrssed into a dark fantasy. The venue itself was a large black tent with no windows, so when the lights went out the audience was in complete darkness. The physicality on show was immense with performer weaving and contorting. The visuals were reminiscent of Man Ray photographs, which created a surreal edge.

3. Mess @ Traverse Theatre

I saw the very last performance of this and was delighted that I caught it. Mess was as fun as it was touching. Taking the theme of anorexia and presenting it as a comedic musical piece is a very difficult act to deliver. The excellent performancse of Caroline Horton, Hannah Boyde and Seirol Davies made the experience touching, emotional and original. The set design was brilliant, with a carpeted umbrella and (what appeared to be a hill) adding to the quirkiness and upbeat tone. This tone however changed to deliver the serious message that was delivered with heart and integrity.

2. The Flaneurs @ Summerhall

I saw this in the last week of the fringe and wish I saw it sooner. The solo performance by Jenna Watt was excellent, but what made this piece stand out was the message. I actually left the theatre feeling like a better person. The concept of the show revolved around the bystander effect, where if an incident happens, the more witnesses would dictate that less people would intervene. The way the performance was presented was passionate and well presented and certainly made the audience question themselves and their ability to stand up to others.

1. Dead Memory House @ Summerhall

This was a excellent emotional piece of theatre. The performance took place in 3 small rooms, which were decorated to the minute detail to look like a student flat. A tension was created in the room through the interaction of the performers. This tension was so pure it lingered so heavily that you could cut it with a knife. The performance by the three young performers was faultless and this along with the set design created a fantastic and brilliant theatre experience. It was a pure joy and privilege to witness.