A pleasure to be at the Pleasance Opening Gala

It is a highlight of the opening days of the Fringe to go to Pleasance for their Opening Gala.

In today’s balmy weather it was no exception to watch excerpts from some of their many shows.

The programme at Pleasance is full of theatre and comedy and there are many shows which will be big hits this year.

Kicking off the programme in front of sponsors and press the audience was entertained by a queer reimagining of classic ballet with Giselle: Remix.

The host Thanyia Moore gave a snippet or two from her own show August which is about mental strength, the female body and how awesome the NHS is in Scotland. (but she did not get any bubbles on stage as Pleasance director Anthony Alderson did…).

Alderson was poetic (the most poetic speech we have heard from any of the producers so far). He focused on bubbles during his address. He said: “Bubbles. They’re strange. They’re beautiful things, weightless and delicate, effervescent, brief and brilliant. They shimmer with color. They reflect the world around them, and they vanish almost as quickly as they came. And yet, for the briefest, briefest of moments, they are beguiling and full of magic. It reminded me of this place, friends, artists, bubble blowers, bubble chases alike. It is so wonderful to welcome you back to the pleasant we are, once again, bursting with joy to be back again. At the very heart of our bubble are our brilliant artists.”

He took time to thank the generous patrons, the trusts and foundations who support the Pleasance Theatre Trust and the Pleasance Futures, saying: “Thank you. You ensure that our that our bold ideas don’t just rise, but they soar because of your backing.”

And he reminded the audience that the Pleasance does not “float alone” but it is “only now glistening orb in this swirling galaxy” along with The Fringe Society, the Gilded Balloon where Karen and Katie Coren are celebrating their 40th anniversary. He also thanked the founder Christopher Richardson who was in the audience.

But he reminded everyone that bubbles are also fragile and so is the festival which only lasts for 27 days. And he waxed lyrical by saying: “So let us protect it, let us treasure it. Let us keep this glorious bubble afloat.”

The fresh innovation from Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material, explosively political Blaze FM and global physical comedy sensation TAPEFACE – just as funny as he ever was. Las Vegas headliner TAPE FACE has become a global sensation and we were treated to a sneak preview. Physical comedy, mime, and silent stand-up collided in an unforgettable performance that left us you laughing, gasping, and lost for words.

More teasers came from Young Pleasance Company’s breathtaking performance Ghost Light, as well as LSQ Theatre New Comedian winner Sam Nicoresti’s latest stand-up show. The Chortle Awards nominee made sure everyone will be rushing to buy tickets for their show. A glistening new stand-up show about losing your mind, finding it again and the hunt for the perfect skirt suit. During a stressful house move, burgeoning trans icon Sam Nicoresti felt themselves leave their body. From a comedy night in a care home to the standing stones of Cornwall, this is the story of the journey home.

Closing the launch was the new musical World’s Greatest Lover. Direct from New York this wildly entertaining and seductively heartfelt production rounded off the Opening Gala. Now it is over to the audiences to vote with their feet and reward the boldness of acts and shows which are innovative, funny and entertaining.

Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

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A pleasure to be at the Pleasance Opening Gala

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