Ginger DJ Rob

The beatboxing, multi-instrument playing music supremo was on top form. Loved his intro as he surprised the up-for-it crowd walking down past the audience and inviting interaction with the mic. He was joined with 3 guys doing visuals who mixed up searched for Google Images which worked well. I had expected to hear him mimic well-known dance tracks in his own beatbox style. Instead the show encouraged the crowd to shout out ideas of made-up song titles and musical styles to make up songs. This worked well up to a point but I sensed either the crowd were more used to his past shows of get-up-and-dance or were getting too drunk and leery with predictable suggestions. Don't get me wrong, his performance was excellent. I felt the show's format needed some variation and perhaps a standing room-only venue so people could dance. It might have been the wookie reggae song that was my favourite.

We've been seriously busy over the past week with practically every night out at a different Brighton Fringe show or Great Escape gig. More on that when I invent that time-machine. But first, a pair of sweaty fellas I've been looking forward to seeing (no, I don't mean the contents of my pants after a cycle ride). Tonight Matthew, Max and Iván were going to be 'The world’s greatest detective' tackling 'Chicago’s murky underworld'. It was going to be 'A prohibition-era tale of revenge, whiskey and javelins.' In case you're still confused I'm referring to the latest show from a pair of talented comedy actors who are a regular feature at the Brighton Fringe. Their previous shows used their own style of comedy sketch with their 2009 Televisionaires show (their Mario & Luigi meets Martin Scorsese was hilarious) then their 2010 show, simply titled Max and Iván (loved their bad stand-up comedian character with inner monologue). Unlike La...

I've only blogged about this Fringe event as it was organised by my employer and I helped out with the social media promotion and event photography. As a public event I was expecting some off-the-street nutters but they didn't really turn up. For a slightly academic debate we had an excellent turn-out with the Friends Meeting House caretaker having to put on extra chairs. Slightly random woman asking me who the speakers were but I let her off for being partially sighted. We had the Telepgraph foreign affairs editor and a Guardian journalist attending/speaking (pictured). At the end we had a Brighton Fringe rep turn up and requested a copy of my photos! The next day they were on the Facebook page - result! All the photos can be seen on Flickr .

I only discovered that the story was based on real events instead of the Michael Caine version that made it a British icon. With last year's excellent Breakfast Club still in my mind, I was expecting this show to use another Brighton and Hove public building. Instead there was a multi-level stage with pub bar, a single bed and a lounge. It started off with a telephone conversation with Carter saying he was going up North to bury his brother and investigate who killed him. Carter arrives at what I assumed to be a relatives house but only work out later that its his dead brother's spirit replaying old memories and giving the audience some background to keep the story on track. As well as the main scenes, instead of playing out the complicated action sequences, the actors would narrate to explain what they were doing or feeling - sometimes this over-simplified the situation. At other times, you glad of it as some of the actors didn't project their voice enough to be heard p...

Atters is a Brighton Chap legend who models himself on English scoundrel, Terry Thomas . His show is almost a PowerPoint presentation on his paranormal investigations then has special, sexy guests filling in with saucy acts. A kind of Carry on X-Files . Catchphrases involved 'swabs' and 'probes' etc. I loved his persona and caddish approach but you couldn't quite help thinking it was a bit unreheresed. The cabaret element was a little borderline at times especially the pant-wearing pervy female strippers giving the audience an eye-full more than expected. Perhaps the show would have been better on a Friday night at about 10pm. Since writing the above I've since discovered this video which is dated three years ago and is the same material. No wonder some of the audience were a little quiet, perhaps expecting some new jokes?

Location: Three and Ten Pub, Upstairs Theatre One of our favourite's from last year's Fringe returned with 99% new comedy sketch material. These five guys pack in some great laughs and seemed to have invested in some in-between videos as the next gag gets set up. The humour is low-brow, silly and childish in places but that's typically perfect for my level that's guaranteed to shock you into laughter. Highlights for me were the CCTV of one of the Gimp's mum and her bedroom plus the opening and closing musical numbers were brilliant. When will these guys get a TV break?! See the Late Night Gimp Fight website Related articles Fringe Review website - Late Night Gimp Fight Ginger DJ Rob: Late Night Gimp Fight 2010 review

Last year's Brighton Fringe highlight was Max and Iván's Televisionaries so their return to the Malborough Little Theatre was an instant purchase for us. Their classic Mario and Luigi sketch from the Televisionaries show started off the night and will probably go down as their own ' dead parrot ' in future. Although it was still very funny I was worried we'd see their material only remixed and relabelled for 2010. My worries soon went away as new sketches and characters appeared with the quality ranging from warm giggles to some red-hot hilarity. Although the whole show was excellent there were three highlights that really stretched the laughing muscles. The 'truth-jock' (bit like a shock-jock but went on about conspiracy theories ) who picked on Kerry or who should now be called 'Peace Gazelle' and says  neigh; the really bad comedian which we could hear his inner monologue (another question for Kerry or renamed as Julie to be embarrassed ...

If Brighton had its own Lonely Planet guidebook, Bom-Banes would be in it. Located in George Street in Kemp Town , its a shoebox of a cafe/restaurant/theatre/music venue that has the typical Brightonian personality being quirky, charming, hand-painted and talented. They have a regular 'musical' event which customers can dine on Belgian beers and food then be entertained by the hosts of Jane Bom-Bane and Nick Pynn who have a rich Fringe past. Expect a review for this at some point. For May's Fringe, Bom-Banes had secured some intimate gigs in their basement including one of our favourite festival comedians, Simon Munnery . I say intimate as there is literally only room for about 16 people where dining chairs have been rearranged, a sofa used in an alcove and a dining table/bench put against the opposite wall with cushions. ESSENTIAL TIP: go for the normal chairs otherwise you'll be very uncomfortable. If you sat in the front row, you would have to watch your feet if...

This was a bargain at just a fiver and one of the most memorable events of the Brighton Fringe. First, we got to avoid the normal £12.50 admission fee to the Sealife Centre to see some cool fishy goings on (loved the jellyfish under UV light); and two for possibly the geekiest comedy night we've ever been to. After a slightly confusing but very scenic route to the main auditorium we sat down in front of the main fish tank where sharks and turtles mingled. Apart from the cabaret band just in front of the pool, the main 'stage' was actually a floating pontoon so geeky excitment levels were high. This was Bright Club , described as 'the thinking person's variety night, making waves in London with a new mix of comedy, funny intellectuals and music. As part of the Brighton Festival Fringe they presented the subject of Sea with host, Rufus Hound , songstresses Strawberry & Cream, and a cast of scientists, archaeologists and funny people. An end-of-the-...

Our Brighton Fringe marathon continues and so far its going well but nothing to really to shout to world about until now. It was no surprise that with an act name to include the word 'gimp' it would attract a lot of attention and it was a sell-out crowd of mainly excitable students at our favourite upstairs small theatre above a pub venue, the Three and Ten on Steine Street . Late Night Gimp Fight 's entrance was so original (not giving that away) and their opening song introduced all the performers' characters and mischievous humour so very well especially the wheel-chaired guy. All their sketches were well-paced, timed to perfection and almost always surprised the audience either with their originality or their close to the knuckle subjects. It just goes to show that you don't need over-the-top costumes and expensive props to guarantee a shed load of laughs. I really hope these guys get picked up for a TV show as their talent deserves bigger recognition. For...

I'd only seen Andrew Maxwell a couple of times on TV (including his stint on the Secret Policeman's Ball ) in very short doses but what I did see was very funny. As part of the Fringe, he was appearing upstairs in Komedia , Brighton. It wasn't exactly packed though perhaps people were either voting or queuing up to vote Green (apart from our ward). We were half expecting a warm-up comedian but the little Irish fellow built up his entrance and really needed too as the crowd just seemed non-plussed as if they were expecting a political debate. Once on stage he did his best to charm us by some shouting, swearing and asking where people came from to prompt any stories or opinions he had to say. Again, the crowd really weren't helping with the best heckle in answer to a question was a polite 'Pardon?' and the energy levels didn't get any higher than that. Maxwell admitted he forgot to book a warm-up guy and took on the whole show himself delivering almost two ...

Freerange is the domed arena at the back of St. Peter's church that provided some of the more quality Fringe netertainment. It doesn't quite match the heady days of the Udderbelly (the Fringe isn't really the same without it) but does capture a little of the alternative festival magic the Fringe so desperately lacks. Outside is a cosy forecourt with double-decker cafe, some organic food and drink stalls and a decent sized bar. Inside the Freerange dome was a table and seating arrangment for a large carbaret in front of the stage where the bingo machine and prize table (see photo) was waiting for the main act, Ida Barr . She's described as an ex- music hall star turned OAP rapper that is known for her unique brand of Artificial Hip Hop as well as her skill in bingo calling. Chatting to those sat next to us, we discover that Ida Barr is in fact played by the entertainer, Chris Green who also plays Tina C , the leggy Southern belle country singer. Ida Barr he...

With last night's zombie related improv a disappointment, I wasn't expecting too much from Off the Cuff's Cuff TV . The self-proclaimed 'Brighton's Best Improv Comedy' performed Upstairs at the Three and Ten pub and certainly had its good moments. A good format of different scenarios and there were two or three key performers that had the imagination and humour to entertain. At best I'd summarise it as your funniest mates having a laugh on stage. The video below shows them off quite well. Related articles by Zemanta How to survive a zombie apocalypse at Komedia, Brighton (gingerdjrob.com)

Ok, so the show title is a winner. It got us to buy the tickets and Brighton Fringe events can uncover some hidden gems every now and then. Unfortunately, ' How to survive a zombie apocalypse ' at Komedia wasn't one of them. It was a low budget affair (not like their website) with not much thought or expense into their costumes. The four person cast didn't really achieve that much stage presence. The general concept was a seminar with a professor leading his 3 colleagues to explain how to survive and improvising suggestion made by the audience. To be honest we were expecting a lecture format with some funny PowerPoint slides but the improv style had become a bit stale for us as there's a lot more funnier performances out there. The funniest bit for me was how to recognise the sounds made between a zombie and live human climaxing in a, well funny climax if you know what I mean. Otherwise, it achieved only a few giggles. If you're a fan of zombie related fil...

Happy Birthday to Paul as we tried out some free all nighter at Al Duomo on Friday night. Can't quite say whether it will catch on having banging tech-house in a restaurant. The soapy Tuacas mostly put us off but mainly the decor and lighting stopped us from really going for it. Saturday was the always welcome visit to Wagamamas with a stop at the legal high shop in Sydney Street then down Paul's basement to try out my new laptop for DJing. Modern Toss Last Sunday we saw Modern Toss - A Night Of Edwardian Chamber Filth at the Old Market, Hove which was part of the Fringe entertainments. The evening cocked up before even seeing it as I got the location completely wrong so had to walk a mile across town thinking we'd miss about 20 minutes. Luckily, the ticket got the time wrong and we were able to get a drink and get a decent seat. It was Fantastic! Basically it was a clip show presented on stage to some classical music from a live string quartet and pianist. Simon Greenall ...

I've been playing catch up ever since we've been back for holiday adding a Peru entry nearly every day. Saturday was a Brighton Fringe play called Godfather Death . St. Andrew's church in Hove was a pretty venue though the pew benches drained the enthusiasm from the performance. The actors were excellent with some clever small touches but the story was a little too simple even boring. Then all of a sudden it ended. The evening was another Fringe do called Kanoti/Bamboozled seeing a free screening of various animated films from local producers (see Beastenders by Cyriak as an example). It was a nice feeling to see so many outside the town library watching the projected films. Pity the screen was a bit small but the films were excellent whilst trying to ignore the bemused hen and stag night tourists passing by. You can actually see us standing in the video footage they took of on the night on the website. Afterwards we headed over to Paul and Sarah's for a good local ga...

Our first Fringe performance for us and a really funny one at that. The Malborough Little Theatre was the humble venue which drew a small but appreciative crowd. The comedy duo really deserved a big audience and a bigger set production as I predict bigger things for them in future. Their show was an hour of short sketches each with a television theme. Each costume change and scene was like flicking through late night TV with 3 or 4 longer set pieces and dozens of quick fire sketches against a projected screen of animated drawings. Some of the highlights were the literal sense of Sky Sports, their quick and probably slightly deserved dig at Horne and Corden's BBC3 show and all of their songs were spot on for wit and their upto the minute topical referencing like their Credit Crunk (see below). For us though, their masterpiece was the Mario Brothers meets Martin Scorsese direction sketch which twisted all the right Italian plumber character references into a tense mob style drama wit...

Glow was an amazing multi-media and modern dance performance as part of the Brighton Festival. Held in Fabrica we were seated looking down at a white gymnastic white floor. The sound effects and eerie music kicked off and a dancer crawled out as if trapped in a padded cell. The projected light effects interacted with her as she squirmed, stretched and writhed around. Some of the lights were pulsing, other created a phased or shadowed pattern around her. The shadows were particular effective at simulating what could be described as demons possessing the dancer and actually scared the crap out of a small girl who's mum quickly took her away. Hopefully the YouTube video will give you a better idea. Saturday was more DIY with the evening watching the Euro-politics - what the f*ck is up with that! No wonder Terry Wogan is quitting. Sunday was a packed day of hosting mates and family to a lamb roast, killing and burying rats in the garden (found a large one amongst the flowers and anoth...

The Tom Tom Club had been on almost every day throughout the Fringe and, for a 2 for 1 ticket deal, it was one of the best for value and entertainment. We were half expecting a small crowd but all seats were taken for this hip-hop spectacular. The Aussie club were made up of a DJ, drummer/musician, human beat-boxer and a number of acrobats and kept the crowd entranced and pumped up with a high energy show. It was hard to pick what were the highlights as they were all so good but the beat-box bloke was incredible as he replicated a pitch perfect drum'n'bass DJ sound switching over to a hip-hop sound.

I can see why we chose this. The Terrible Infants was billed as: 'Roald Dahl meets Tim Burton in this award-winning show that blends puppetry, live music, storytelling and physicality into a highly sensory theatrical feast.' However, after ten minutes into the performance it was more like Playschool meets Jackanory. Don't get me wrong, the actors playing it were hugely talented all singing, all dancing, all acting, all playing an array of instruments. We just wanted something more adult. It was relief at the end though the same Fringe lovee who awarded the Moustache thing did the same at this show.