© P Allardyce
Who? The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue
What? Ham
Where? Pleasance Dome, KingDome (venue 23)
When? 20:30
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
If we’re honest we have no idea what Edinburgh has in store for us. We’ve never done it before largely because it is very expensive for the acts and it has broken some good folks who have not had a nice time. It has always seemed an unnecessarily risky strategy for us a club act when we were quite happy doing the rounds, working on our set and slowly but generally improving over the years.
The circuit woes have got to the point now where it’s debatable whether a double act could survive any more with the reduction in clubs and the not wholly unconnected situation of diminishing wages being offered. It is a precarious world to be launching into for younger acts and it’s a shame that the breeding grounds of Jongleurs and other smaller clubs have now disappeared because that was a safe place to learn your trade, economically speaking anyway. It has become time then to lay out our wares at what is predominantly a trade fair. It is a shame that some of these movers and shakers never venture into the clubs to find talent. It is there every weekend and ripe for the plucking after all.
It is entirely Brett Vincent’s responsibility that we are going this year and we are working hard to produce a show that is worthy of his faith. We also have Andre Vincent on board as director and he has had lots of Edinburgh experience so we have a strong, warm, safe, sensual hand on our tillers.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
It is a glimpse behind the glittering showbiz facade of Raymond and Mr Timpkins and into their murky home life where abuse and manipulation are rife but where a worm is about to turn. It has a flashback, an exploding church, a fair amount of dog poo, along with a spinning stage set to provide a dual situational comedy show.
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
It features a stage set which had to be made and painted, along with many new props and the recording of a full length backing track. Writing an hour show is a first for us and neither of us knew how to go about it resulting in a first preview that threw up a lot of problems. That experience pushed us toward coming up with a way to perform a show in near silence, where we mime along with and react to a pre recorded backing, much like in our club set but with the added complication of a narrative arc. We believe we now have a show that works, is in character with our style and is funny.
Who would most enjoy your show?
It’s aimed at people who like to laugh though I’m sure the chin strokers will get something from it too? All are welcome and with a 180 seater venue to fill every night, all are really and honestly very welcome. Do come. Please come. Do.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Looking forward to Terry Alderton’s musical show. I know Sally Anne Hayward is coming up this year so will go see what she’s up to. She’s always very funny. Steve Day’s show, Adventures in Dementia, will also be great if perhaps a bit harrowing? He’s a funny fella and if anyone can take on such a subject, it’s him. Not too sure who else is going. Been too busy working every day on our show.
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
It’s very beautiful, characterful and sometimes cobbly. Have only been a few times before so have got a bit of exploring to do. Last time we were here, we climbed Arthur’s Seat from the wrong side and were surprised in our exhaustion to see people in wheelchairs happily rolling about at the top. We shall use the path this year.
What are your plans for after the festival?
Lay down for a long period in a darkened room then back to the circuit. There is to be a national tour of the show in spring 2019.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE: ‘HAM’ HERE