On the Fringe: The Ash Girl

Cast your memory back to childhood and remember Disney's Cinderella. Remember that one? With the cute talking mice and the grandmotherly fairy godmother? Ok, now think of the exact opposite of that and you'll have The Ash Girl. Disney's Cinderella was basically a Stepford Smiler who didn't seem to really mind the horrific abuse she was living with. The Ash Girl is suicidally depressed, lives next to a forest inhabited by the seven deadly sins, and is nearly accidentally raped by her own father (it's also hinted that her father married her stepmother because he had certain 'needs' and his daughter was getting just a little too pretty.) It's dark and disturbing as hell, but it's also pretty awesome. Read the full review here

On the Fringe: Female Gothic

It was, with some reluctance, that I traded a sunny day (there have been so few this summer) for a dark theatre on Friday, but I did it for Female Gothic, because dammit, I'm a reviewer now and sacrifices must be made! And that sacrifice was well rewarded with an interesting, thought-provoking, beautifully acted play that entertains while commenting on women's art, status, and struggles during the Victorian period. Learn more and read my full review here.

Spot the Tourist/Spot the Local

 The Fringe Festival is starting up, which means this city is FULL of tourists. I've heard so many American accents lately it's like I never left the U.S. Old Town and the most central part of New Town is where they tend to gather, which means a walk down Prince's Street is a great opportunity to play "Spot the Local/Spot the Tourist". How do you tell the two apart? Here are a few clues.

Tourist: Stopping to take pictures of Edinburgh Castle
Local: Slamming into them while texting

Tourist: Dressed in sensible shoes and suitcase-friendly, anti-wrinkle clothes
Local: Dressed in black stockings, high heels, and a short skirt

Tourist: Bundled up like it's January because it's only 62 degrees out
Local: Wearing shorts and a tee shirt because it's 62 degrees out!

Tourist: Looking befuddled by the weather
Local: Carrying an umbrella even though it's perfectly sunny out

Tourist: Taking pictures of double decker buses and the Royal Mile
Local: Riding one and steering well clear of the other

Tourist: Looking up whiskey tours
Local: Grabbing a bottle from their local corner shop

Tourist: Wondering why there are so few kilts on the street
Local: Wearing a non-traditional kilt mostly around their neighborhood or renting one for a wedding or other special occasion, because the full kit is seriously expensive

Tourist: Thinks the pasties and sausage rolls at Greggs are "English Food"
Local: Thinks the pasties and sausage rolls at Greggs are "drunk student food"

Tourist: Tripping over cobblestones
Local: Tripping over cobblestones (some things are just universal)