Cabaret at the Fringe is never just feathers and jazz hands. It’s political, hilarious, chaotic, and deeply personal. This year’s lineup blends lip-syncs and lip service, apocalyptic ballads, surreal storytelling, and pop parody with real emotional punch. Whether you’re into big band sass or pickle-fuelled surrealism, these five shows prove that cabaret is still the genre to watch if you want your heart stirred and your drink possibly spat out mid-laugh.
PICKLED REPUBLIC
Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Summerhall 31st July–25th August (excluding 11th and 18th August)
What can’t pickles do? Perhaps you’ve fallen as deep into the electrolyte-gym-rat-rabbit-hole as me, and have been retaining your juice-filled jars, long after the pickles have been consumed, allowing your fridge’s shelves to be crowded with the things, because you’ve been promised this tangy nectar holds the secret to long life. This show might help you extend it, too – it is surreal and salty, and not just with the tears you’ll cry. From joy or heartbreak? Probably both.
FRISKY’S RESHUFFLE
Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens 30th July–24th August (excluding 11th and 18th August)
Frisky (from Frisky & Mannish) is back! The Matriarch of Twisted Pop Cabaret is hitting the stage with a full band and full heart for her first solo Edinburgh show. It’s bound to be a wild, interactive, musical ride that bounces all over the place – every show bringing something new and delightful.
http://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/963-friskys-reshuffle
ARE YOU THERE MARGARET? IT’S ME, GAHD
C ARTS, C Venues – C Aquila 11th–24th August
Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 queen Uma Gahd (everyone’s beloved unofficial auntie) serves up her solo comedy show, which tackles everything from awkward small talk to life’s biggest curveballs, plus celebrity culture, feminism, and spectacularly messy divorces. Packed with razor-sharp stand-up, killer lip-sync numbers, and moments that’ll have you laughing through the tears, Uma spills the tea on her wild journey from sneaking into dive bars with her bestie Margaret to clawing her way into showbiz with her growing family.
http://res.cthearts.com/event/34:5012
APOCALYPSE CABARET
30th July till 24th August (excluding 19th) Underbelly Bristo Square, The Diary Room
If you’re not sure what’s likely to happen when it all comes crumbling down… why not enjoy an American woman sing-explaining it to you. MTV’s MARY + JANE lead, Scout Durwood’s Apocalypse Cabaret is a one woman show but more than one song gal. Join her, before the final mic drop.
http://edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/apocalypse-cabaret-songs-for-the-end-of-the-world
PRISCILLIFIED
1st till 24th August Band Room at Laughing Horse @ Freddy’s
All that glitters isn’t always gold! Get a peak behind the heels and hierarchy of the Drag world. Starring of Priscilla the Musical, Dean Misdale (Two-time Fringe World Best Cabaret and Variety Show winner) hits Edinburgh with a new found friend…Adele (yes, the Adele, long story but the show is just Dean). Anyway, Dean is ready to spill all. Disco filled and spectacular. Fling yourself in!
Main Image Credit Steve Korn
