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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Mixed results: Rhys Darby
Rhys Darby
Underbelly
***
Richard Herring
Underbelly
****
Edinburgh Comedy: The hit sitcom Flight of the Conchords has made a star out of Kiwi Rhys Darby, who plays inept manager Murray but he has not deserted Holyrood for Hollywood yet.
He is back in Edinburgh with a sold-out set that showcases his talents while also suggesting he needs tighter editing.
Darby’s people did not want this show reviewed in London last month, claiming it was a Fringe preview (despite non-warm-up prices).
It still feels like a work-in-progress, with the rubbery ex‑soldier chucking lots in with mixed results. There are characters, anecdotes, silly noises, physical contortions, everything except an appearance from Murray.
When I first saw Darby in 2004, his stand-out moments were his robotics and sound effects. They still are. Close your eyes and you’ll believe a hydraulic lift is in the room.
His bug-eyed characters, particularly his whale watcher, are well-observed if not notably witty.
His LA stories about movie-making have potential but need punchier pay-offs. It feels as if the hapless Murray is directing.
If Rhys Darby has difficulty filling an hour, Richard Herring has too much to squeeze into 60 minutes. His gag‑crammed show, Hitler Moustache, is an absolute Fringe must-see, both for Herring’s genuine Adolf ’tache and his thought-provoking unpicking of the sheer stupidity of prejudice. Read more about this when it surely gets a deserved London run.
Until Saturday/30 August (www.edfringe.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
