Features

Take Five … Edinburgh Fringe Shows with Girl Power

This year’s festival brings the best of theatrical women to an array of venues around the city. From heavy material dealing with female issues such as post-natal depression, to egotistical catfights to a quest to redefine public perception of female humour, the shows below all offer a dynamic female presence to the Edinburgh Fringe 2011.

1) The Yellow Wallpaper

Adapted from Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 semi-autobiographical novel, this one-woman play tells the story of a depressed woman, who is forced by ‘medical opinion’ into the confines of a bedroom in the country, with only yellow wallpaper for company. TheSpaces @ Surgeons Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW. 5-20 August 13:10

2) An Englishwoman, a Scotswoman and an Irishwoman

This trio of British comediennes aim to redefine the perception of female humour, with razor sharp from JoJo Sutherland, Viv Gee and Pauline Goldsmith. The Stand Comedy Club III & IV, 28 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EP. 15 August 16:25

3) Bette and Joan: The Final Curtain

Bette Davis finally confronts the ghost of Joan Crawford in this wry, feisty, irreverent look at two of Hollywood’s greatest icons, who are also arch enemies. Assembly George Square, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH. 3-29 August 12:15

4) Henna Night

A two-handed female play starring Lauren Garnham and Stephanie James which sees one woman contemplating whether to kill herself or dye her hair after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend. The plays is described as poignant yet witty. TheSpaces on the Mile, 80 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TH. 5-27 August 16:05

5) The Truth about Black Suburban Girls

An autobiographical coming-of-age story of a Black Latin-American teenage girl, who struggles to find her place in 1980’s white suburbia. TheSpaces @ Surgeons Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW. 22-27 August 12:50