Edfest Day Five: Tragicomedy

The frowning face of tragedy, amidst a day of brilliant comedy.

The tragedy came in the form of another excellent dramatic piece at the Bedlam, 'A Strange Wild Song', a great piece of physical theatre exploring the effect of the war on children, specifically looking at a children's army that formed in the ruined streets of France during the Second World War - playing amidst the craters and bombed out ruins as a means of hope and survival.

Comedy launched a strong assault, with Richard Herring & Nina Conti hosting an awesome podcast at The Stand Comedy Club, my friend Andy's show 'Firenado' and more from 'BBC Comedy Presents...' the foot soldiers in the fray.

The general and leader was Adam Hills, continuing his 'Mess Around' tour with one of the more unique shows at the Fringe. Apart from a few stories he likes to tell (which don't get old in the telling) he bases the rest of his show on his audience, chatting with them, dancing a ceilidh with a girl from Melbourne (no mean feat considering he has an artificial leg) and raising charity with the aid of a stuffed toy - he is my pick of the day!