STARBURST’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019 Picks

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been going strong since 1947 and every year features thousands of acts.  We’ve trawled through the very long list to pick out shows that will appeal to fans of cult entertainment from all walks of life.

Questing Time
1 to 11 & 13 to 25 August. 10:50pm (60 mins) – Venue 23 Pleasance Dome

Join comedian Paul Foxcroft as he takes a team of the Fringe’s best performers through their paces via a game of Dungeons & Dragons. See what happens when one of the UK’s highly lauded improv talents decides to take us all on a ridiculous adventure. Brilliant stuff and an instant cult classic. See it before it gets famous.

Quintessence
12 to13, 15-20 & 22 to 25 August. 1:20pm (45 mins) – Venue 188 Sweet Novotel

Emily Carding is a staggeringly talented actor, with her one-woman version of Richard III being quite rightly praised for its power and performance. Her latest work, Quintessence, is an interesting blend of sci-fi and classic theatre.  Inspired by Shelley’s Frankenstein, it’s the tale of AI who has been left to rebuild the entire human race. With only the complete works of Shakespeare as a guide, can it recreate the human spirit?

John Robertson The Dark Room
1 to 24 August.  9:15pm  (60 minds) – Venue 14 Gilded Ballon Teviot

The Dark Room has become something of a cult. A mix of improv comedy, nostalgia, video game pastiche and creepy vibes, it’s a thing many return to again and again.  The premise of the show is that you, the audience, are trapped in some twisted 80’s style computer game. Solve the puzzle and escape the Dark Room and win big, but if you don’t, well, death is certain. But first you must find the light switch. If you haven’t experienced it yet, do make the effort.

JRR Tolkien’s Leaf by Niggle
1st, 2nd & 3rd August.  4:00pm (75 mins) – Venue 30 Scottish Storytelling Centre

How do you improve Tolkien? Why with puppets, of course. The Puppet State Theatre Company’s brings us a splendid take on JRR Tolkien’s classic short story.Niggle is an artist, struggling to complete a curious painting of a tree but plagued by constant interruptions. Unluckily for Niggle, the world has other plans in mind and he has a very reluctant journey to take. Gorgeous, haunting stuff.

We Apologise for the Inconvenience
9 to 16 August. 11:30am  (45 mins) – Venue 277  PQA Venues Riddle’s Court

It is the summer of 1984. Douglas Adams is struggling to write his next novel, the latest in the Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy series. Douglas, having already heard the whoosing noise as he missed his deadline, has been locked away in a London hotel room in order to get the thing finished. But they are so many distractions. Including a talking plastic duck. An absolute must for sci-fi fans.

Jollyboat – Bards Against Humanity
3 to 25 August. 5pm (50 mins) – Venue 276 Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse

Bards against Humanity is jukebox of Jollyboat’s funniest songs.  Laugh along as the two pirate-themed brothers perform outrageously funny songs which are sure to appeal to fans of Cult Entertainment. A must for those who like Fannish Filk and geeky parody songs.

Boar
31 July & 1 to 11 & 13 to 25 August. 10:45pm (60 mins) – Venue 33 Pleasance Courtyard

We love a bit of fantasy over in Starburst Towers, and Boar sounds like a lovely mix of classic fringe theatre and folklore. Set in the Kingdom of Skadi, this one man show tells a tale of an epic quest. When a king’s daughter is captured by an evil dragon, then the call to adventure must be answered. Lewis Doherty is always a delight, this should be legendary.

Father of Lies
2 to 4, 6 to 11, 13 to 18 & 22 to 25 August. 1:20pm (45 mins) – Venue 188 Sweet Novotel

When horror hits the right note, it can make for stunning theatre. Father of Lies tells the chilling tale of a mysterious, unsolved murder in West Germany, 1973. This tale of woe features haunted priests, jealous widowers and satanic cults.

In Space…
12 to13, 15-20 & 22 to 25 August. 1:20pm (45 mins) – Venue 236  Greenside @ Infirmary Street

Apparently, In Space No One Can Hear Sing. Fortunately this show is in Scotland. This musical comedy is set on StarShip Unsinkable II.  Alas, the crew have woken up to find themselves stranded in space. A fun show produced by the Napier University Drama Society.

Fright Bus Service
1 to 25 August. Times Vary (60 mins) – Venue 115  Necrobus Stop

Sightseeing bus tours are a famous part of the Edinburgh experience, so of course they’ve joined in with the fringe.  Come aboard this theatrical sightseeing tour and take a 1960s Routemaster bus into the darker side. Learn the history of the city whilst being scared witless by professionals. Sounds fun.

Moon: We Cannot Get Out
31 July & 1 to 11 & 13 to 25 August. 9:30pm (60 mins) – Venue 33 Pleasance Courtyard

Two comedians who should know better, trapped in their own venue. Are supernatural forces involved? Is it a rogue AI? An ancient curse? Incompetence? A hackneyed plot device? We have no idea. What we do know is that comedy duo  Moon are always worth a chuckle or two.

This article has been edited to remove dead links.
You may want to check out our previous guides from 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

FrightFest & FAB Press Get Hairy With the Werewolf Guide

frightfest werewolf

After the hugely successful previous volumes, FrightFest and FAB Press have teamed up again to bring you another FrightFest Guide – this time under the spotlight is Werewolf Movies.

Committed to exploring the Dark Heart of Cinema, author Gavin Baddeley has written the latest in the series of guides, which – like the predecessors – will be launched at Arrow Video FrightFest in August.

From the press release:

For more than a century, a diverse pack of lycanthropes have memorably manifested onto our screens, in many hair-raising shapes and sizes. Within these colourful pages we will encounter reluctant wolfmen, shapeshifting sadists, Nazi werewolves, werewolf nuns, big bad fairytale wolves and lycanthropic nymphomaniacs.

Acclaimed author, broadcaster and occult historian, Gavin Baddeley, finds fresh perspectives on established classics, uncovers neglected gems, and even examines a few howlers among the two hundred-odd werewolf movies reviewed. In the process Baddeley shows how the myth has transformed; whereby werewolves become analogies for alcoholism or adolescence, or ciphers for sexual awakening or serial murder.

Gavin said today: “I was flattered to be asked – I’m among pretty distinguished company with the other FrightFest Guide authors and contributors – and it seemed an ideal opportunity to explore why I’ve been so fascinated by werewolves since childhood, As a lifelong lycanthropy obsessive, an excuse to watch hundreds of werewolf films under the pretext of work was always going to be impossible to resist!

Renowned director, writer and producer Neil Marshall – whose brilliant debut Dog Soldiers reinvigorated the werewolf for the 21st Century – contributes the foreword.

The official launch of the book is at Arrow Video FrightFest, with official signings taking place at Cineworld, Leicester Square (22 to 27 August). Both Gavin and Neil will be in attendance. The FrightFest exclusive hardcover will be on sale for just £20 from www.fabpress.com

The book’s international street date is October 1st, 2019. Paperback price: UK £17.99 / US $26.95

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2019 Preview

Manchester Fringe

Manchester is a city filled with invention and creativity, so it makes sense that The Greater Manchester Fringe is filled with new talent and experimental acts. It’s a city where you get to see the next big thing first. Now in its seventh year, The GM Fringe always has new delights to offer.

While you’re enjoying the Manchester International Festival, try not to forget the fringe runs throughout July and tickets are usually less than a tenner.  Let’s take a look at some of the cult entertainment style shows on offer in 2019.

And don’t forget to visit STARBURST’s favourite bar, Fab Café, for some pre-show drinks beforehand.

Mistress To The Midnight

19th, 20th and 21st July 2019. 7:30 pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

Join the Sinema Society for a live stage comedy homage to the classic British horror movie.  This loving swipe at Hammer Horror style flicks takes us to a mysterious foreign land. There, the strange Madame Zozanov lures an unsuspecting lawyer into her lair. But all is not as it seems as every cliché in the horror movie handbook seems to be involved here.  Written and performed by award winning comedians and purveyors of terror – Jack Robertson, Jacob Lovick and Chazz Redhead. An evening of hilarious horror is pretty much guaranteed.

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen

6th and 7th July 2019. 3:00Pm (60 mins) – Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

The Baron and his tall tales are a gift to talented improvisers and comedians. After all, we all know the Baron has never knowingly told a lie and every single thing he says is true. Including the story about the elephant and that thing about the castle made of cheese.   Utterly engaging and fantastic stuff. Award winning fringe theatre aimed firmly at children but just as likely to delight the young at heart.

Kasterborous in Bolton

9th, 10th and 11th July 2019.  9:00 pm (70 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

It’s 1999. Doctor Who is just another cancelled TV show, but the fans are still going strong. Kasterborous is their chance to meet their heroes, even though the stars in question might not feel terribly special.  Two fans, a faded actress and a writer who’s glory days have long since passed make a recipe for nostalgia and adventure.  Created by 2018 fringe award winning writer Jonathan Hall.

What Remains

29th & 30th July 2019. 7:30 pm (75 mins) –  Salford Arts Theatre

Speculative fiction in a world very close to our own. What Remains is set on an Earth that has ran out of naturally harvestable materials.  Introducing Regenerate Waste Systems, an organisation that intends to save the planet by recycling the 90% of waste that can be recycled.  All it needs is you. And lots of other people. As many people as they can recruit, anyway they can. Thrilling new writing that showcases the sort of thing fringe theatre is all about

Tomorrow

15th and 16th July 2019. 8:00pm (45 mins) –  The Kings Arms: Studio 1

DMT Theatre presents a journey through time and space, exploring the intricate connections that make up the human experience and the power of the individual. Join Adam as he leads us through history and into the future, from VE Day to the distant shores of 2389. Learn the value of time and human meaning in this 45 minute show.

Scottish Falsetto Socks: Roll Up!

12th July 2019. 9:00 pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Theatre

The award-winning Socks are a staple of the International Fringe scene and it’s always a joy when they come to Manchester. Essentially one man with a variety of squeaky voices, a very small tent and a pair of socks, it’s a totally amazing show and absolutely a must see.  This year’s show promises to be filled with extraordinary circus-themed stunts and we can well believe that a sock can walk a tightrope.  Brilliant stuff.

Isa Bonachera: The Great Emptiness

14th July 2019. 6:00pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms: Studio 1

Isa wants to be an astronaut. Isa is obsessed with outer space. Isa has dreamed of going to space her entire life. Is she any closer to her goal? Will she ever touch the void?  Let Isa Bonachera take you on a tour of the cosmos without actually leaving the pub.  A hilarious routine of wild ambition and broken dreams from one of the most exciting comedians in the UK today.

Gary Starr Conquers Troy

27th, 28th and 29th June. 7:30pm (60 mins) – The Kings Arms Theatre

Though technically not part of the Greater Manchester Fringe, it’s worth an honourable mention. Gary Starr is a one man show that pokes fun at the whole idea of theatre with incredible energy and joy.  Quick, clever and frantic, the performer goes all in to skewer audience expectations and create a brilliant and unforgettable experience.  You will laugh very hard and smile an awful lot, whilst being constantly surprised by the inventiveness of this show. Oh, and it’s Greek themed this year.

Mandy Kaling and Marvel Have Had Ms. Marvel Talks

Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan

With Carol Danvers having now swooped in to help save the literal fate of the universe in Avengers: Endgame – not to mention get her own all-kinds-of-fun origin picture – now comes word on possibly seeing Kamala Khan get brought to live-action life.

For those not familiar with the Kamala Khan character, 2014 saw her take on the Ms. Marvel moniker previously held by Danvers. With previous rumblings of Kamala bring brought into the greater realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, actor-turned-writer-turned-producer Mindy Kaling has now gone public with her wish to do something with Kamala Khan.

Speaking to MTV News, Kaling has revealed that she’s already had talks with Marvel Studios about bringing Ms. Marvel to life.

As Kaling put it, “I think the people I’ve spoken to at Marvel about it are so excited about the character, and I think they’re trying to figure out what to do with it, and I told them I would help in any way, because I truly love her. But they seemed really interested and I think they will probably do something.”

In addition to an appearance in the big-screen MCU realm, Kaling also mentioned how Ms. Marvel may be a character that could be explored on the small screen. After all, the impending Disney+ streaming service is going to house a whole slew of new Marvel-driven live-action series that will spotlight existing and new MCU characters.

In the comic book realm, the original Ms. Marvel is Carol Danvers, a member of the US Air Force who took on the moniker in 1977 following a previous tangle with explosive Kree technology. In 2012, Danvers was given a “promotion” to the mantle of Captain Marvel, and has since been regularly front-and-centre in the world of Marvel Comics. When the Inhumans’ Terrigen Misters was released back in 2014, Pakistani-American Kamala Khan developed shape-sifting and size-altering powers. Inspired by Danvers, Kamala decided to take on the role of Ms. Marvel as her own.

How long before we see Kamala Khan in the MCU, we’ll have to wait and see. At least we know that there are at least some loose plans to bring the character to live-action life at some point.

As ever, expect more on all of this if and when it continues to develop.

A DUNE TV Series is in Development

Dune

While we keep hearing regular casting updates on Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming, hotly anticipated Dune movie, many may have forgotten that there had been rumblings of other Dune offerings being lined up. Well, with that in mind, we now have news on a Dune TV series.

Via The Hollywood Reporter, Legendary Television is at work on a TV offering titled Dune: The Sisterhood. The focus of the series will be on the Bene Gesserit ancient order of women who have such a pivotal role to play in Frank Herbert’s Dune novels. Said ladies have total and utter mastery of their bodies and minds, and their heightened sense of perception allows them to guide humanity in whichever path they deem fit.

Dune director Villeneuve will be helming the pilot episode of Dune: The Sisterhood, with Denis co-writing the screenplay with Jon Spaihts. Both Villeneuve and Spaihts will serve as producer on the show along with Brian Herbert, Bryan Merritt and Kim Herbert of the Frank Herbert estate.

Dune: The Sisterhood will premiere on WarnerMedia’s to-be-titled new streaming service that’s on the way. At this stage, said streaming service has yet to be given a launch date.

Where Villeneuve’s Dune movie is concerned, that picture has put together an impressive ensemble cast that currently features Timothée Chalamet, Javier Bardem, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgard, Rebecca Ferguson, Charlotte Rampling, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian and Dave Bautista, with Jason Momoa also in talks.

Dune began life back in 1965, with Frank Herbert’s original novel tying for the 1966 Hugo Award and then winning the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel. Set in the distant future, the story centres on Paul Atreides as his family takes control of the desert planet known as Arrakis. With valuable resources key to the tale, what unravels is a plot that’s full of politics, betrayal, and man’s relationship with nature. A Kyle MacLachlan-starring, David Lynch-helmed movie followed in 1984, which went on to become a cult classic, and then Syfy developed a Dune TV series in 2000. As for written works, Herbert penned five sequels himself before Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert expanded that written world even further

The new Dune movie offering is currently set for a November 2020 release, while a Dune video game is also in development in addition to the TV series.

As ever, expect more on all things Dune as they continue to develop.

Netflix Renews LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS for a Second Season

Love, Death + Robots

One of the most bonkers but brilliant series to come around in a fair old while is Netflix’s Love, Death + Robots. And now, we have word that the show has been renewed for a second season.

The on-demand streaming service have confirmed the news, which was originally reported by Deadline. Having only premiered in March, the animated sci-fi anthology offering has already amassed quite the passionate fan base.

In the first season of Love, Death + Robots, the action comprised on 18 animated episodes that ranged from six to 17 minutes. Across the season, there was a slew of different animation techniques and styles used in order to give audiences a truly unique piece of genre television that offered up robots, werewolves, vampires, up-in-the-stars action and so much more.

With an adult-driven vibe, Love, Death + Robots was directed by Deadpool’s Tim Miller, who in turn created the series alongside the legendary David Fincher. For Season 2, Kung-Fu Panda’s Jennifer Yuh Nelson has signed on in a supervising director role.

Expect more on the second season of Love, Death + Robots as we get it.

TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION getting a NETFLIX adaptation

It seems that not only are we getting the usual flurry of Video Game announcements at E3 this year but also some film reveals too; as Ubisoft today announced at their E3 2019 conference that post-apocalyptic action game TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION, the multi-million copy selling game from 2016, is getting the silver screen treatment – and Netflix is set to bring it to the masses.

The story of the game is set in the near future when a pandemic is caused by the spread of a virus via cash on Black Friday. When the game launched back in March 2016, it became the fastest selling video game in history on its debut and has since spawned a sequel aptly titled TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION 2.

The film is already in development and has its key talent firmly attached – Deadpool 2 and Hobbs & Shaw Director David Leitch is set to direct with Rafe Judkins (who penned multiple episodes of Chuck and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and the upcoming Uncharted film adaptation starring Tom Holland) is down to write to the screenplay. Not only that but the film is set to star the legendary talent of Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain (who are both set to star in the upcoming Spider-Man: Far From Home and IT: Chapter Two respectively) in lead roles.

There is currently no release date or window for the film but Gyllenhaal’s Nine Stories and Chastain’s Freckle Films have both joined the project as production partners, along with 87North Productions and Ubisoft Film and Television.

More information on the development of this film will follow as it is announced.

FAST AND FURIOUS 9 Brings in John Cena

John Cena

With the Fast and Furious franchise’s Hobbs & Shaw spin-off hitting the big screen this August, now comes a piece of casting news for the already-confirmed Fast and Furious 9.

Following on from earlier rumours, Deadline has now revealed that John Cena has signed on for a key role in the ninth of the main Fast and Furious pictures.

Much like Fast and Furious franchise fave Dwayne Johnson, Cena is a multiple-time WWE Champion who is now in the midst of making the full-time jump to the acting world. Having initially starred in bland actioners such as The Marine and 12 Rounds, this past year has seen Cena impress in the likes of Bumblebee, Blockers and Ferdinand.

Originally, Fast and Furious 9 was pegged for a release this past April, although that release date was pushed back by a year in order to accommodate the aforementioned Hobbs & Shaw. As such, the Justin Lin-helmed Fast and Furious 9 is now set for a May 2020 release.

THE SHALLOWS’ Jaume Collet-Serra to Direct BLACK ADAM

Black Adam Jaume Collet-Serra

Of all the plentiful DC-driven movies currently in various stages of development, the picture that’s been in the works for the longest amount of time is Black Adam. And now, that film has finally found a director.

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Brothers has brought in Jaume Collet-Serra on directing duties. Collet-Serra is likely best known to genre fans for helming The Shallows and Orphan.

If you remember, Dwayne Johnson has been attached to headline as Black Adam for near-enough a decade by this point. And, as it just so happens, Collet-Serra has recently finished working on Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie – a film that stars the aforementioned Johnson.

Even though he didn’t appear in this year’s all-kinds-of-fun Shazam!, Black Adam’s origin story was told in the film via Djimon Hounsou’s wizard. At one point in time, there was actually a plan in place to debut Black Adam in that feature, but instead it was decided to hold off and give Adam his own solo outing first.

For those not all that familiar with the Black Adam character, he debuted back in 1945’s Marvel Family #1 as Teth-Adam of Kahndaq. Depicted over the years as both an out-and-out villain and an antihero, Black Adam is one of the few characters who can pretty much match Superman toe-to-toe when it comes to powers. Whilst he has tangled with the Man of Steel and various other DC heroes over the decades, he’s best known as a Shazam villain. Shazam, of course, is young Billy Batson. When Billy shouts “Shazam!”, he turns into the legendary hero.

Currently, Black Adam is expected to start shooting at some point next year.

Sigourney Weaver Confirms GHOSTBUSTERS 3 Return

Ghostbusters Sigourney Weaver

With many hoping to see the return of certain familiar faces in Jason Reitman’s upcoming Ghostbusters 3, Sigourney Weaver has seemingly shed some light on just such returns.

Speaking to Parade Magazine, Weaver has confirmed that she’ll be back in action as Dana Barrett – and apparently the rest of the surviving members of the original cast will be joining her.

As Weaver put it, “It’s going to be crazy working with the guys again!” And yes, she clarified that she would be reprising the Dana role, rather than her role as Rebecca Gorin in the 2016 rebooted offering.

The Alien star couldn’t reveal any further details about Ghostbusters 3, and it remains to be seen just how the likes of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and maybe even Rick Moranis will be utilised in the picture.

What we do know, however, is that Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard, Captain Marvel’s Mckenna Grace and Fargo’s Carrie Coon have all signed up to feature in Ghostbusters 3.

In addition to taking over the director’s chair from his father – Ivan Reitman having directed Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II – Jason Reitman is also penning Ghostbusters 3 with Monster House’s Gil Kenan.

At this point, Ghostbusters 3 is set for a July 2020 release.