QX Magazine

One of our favourite events of the year is already in full swing. The RVT present their alternative accompaniment to the Edinburgh Fringe, the Hot August Fringe, featuring some top established and up-and-coming-talent. We decided to take a look at some of their most intriguing acts this season, some you may know, some you may not… 

Oliver Meech
When Magic and Science Collide
Wednesday 15th August, 8:30pm

We’re intrigued by ‘Magic boffin’ Oliver Meech, who returns to the Hot August Fringe returns to meddle with forces we barely understand. Oliver is a 28-year old Oxford University Psychology graduate who creates advertising campaigns when he’s not creating illusions and you can expect to see amazing tricks inspired by astounding science. He’s also an author who’s written a number of books and he once acted in a “chaotic phone sex scene”. Noice!

Holestar
Take Me On
Thursday 16th & Friday 17th August 2012

Entertainer, popstar and Tranny with a Fanny, Holestar, is bringing a parody of the hit TV show ‘Take Me Out’ to the Hot August Fringe. She is aiming to match gay men of all persuasions who are looking for love with the man of their dreams. Good luck, love! She’s also decided to take not one but two huge challenges on, as QX Editors Cliff Joannou and Lee Dalloway will be contestants! There’s still time to apply to be a contestant: simply fill out the form at: http://holestar.webs.com/takemeon.htm.

Menno
The Undutchable, Tales of the Nether Regions
Appearing: Friday 17th August, 7pm

Introducing Menno, who boasts “songs and stories, fingers in dykes, faggots and whores, equal opportunity shaggers and the vagaries of sexual frustration”. You can expect to hear a multitude of musical genres such as doo-wop, blues, ballads and mash-ups all wrapped up in a bundle of comedy and feel-good warmth.

What does Menno have to say about his first solo show since 2008? “I’ve never performed at the RVT and I’m, scared shitless – be great to see you there”. Have no fear, Menno, you’re in good hands!

Eddie Safarty
Wedneswday 22nd August, 10pm

New York comedian and author Eddie Sarfaty will present a hilarious evening of good-natured sarcasm, self-deprecation and razor-sharp observations. Describes as “Candid and caustic, a natural storyteller, and his rapier wit and instinct for the ridiculous effortlessly captures the everyday absurdities of life”. Not just a comedian, Eddie has also written a book called ‘Mental: Funny in the Head’ and the first story from it, ‘Second-Guessing Grandma’ has been made into a short film! Multitalented, dear!

Chris Fitchew
Jack of all Trades
Thursday 23rd August, 7pm

Fit by name, fit by nature, Jack of all Trades sees Chris bring together a fast and furious comedy show with an array of fun loving and hap-hazardous characters. We should expect: “breakneck and side-splitting sketches and his usual sharp witted and caustic stand up… with a few songs thrown in, too”. As well as being a theatrical producer and events impresario, from big celebrity shindigs, film premieres, gay civil ceremonies and arena shows, he’s also ‘The Wedding Planner’ on Channel 4 show, ‘Wedding House’.

Mzz Kimberley & Son ofa TuTu
Sister Acts
Thursday 30th August

Two of the finest and feistiest entertainers on London’s glittering cabaret scene finally join forces in ‘Sister Act’, conceived especially for the Hot August Fringe. Expect the show to: “highlight the bonds that bring sisters together and the cogs that ultimately tear them apart”. We saw these girls act together in pantomime ‘Fairy Tales’ last year and they were a HOOT! Can’t wait to see them together on stage for their own show.

• The Hot August Fringe runs until Friday 31st August at RVT (372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY). For details of the full line-up, head over to hotaugustfringe.com