Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England

Theatre

Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England

It’s the EURO 2020 Final at Wembley and Billy’s gone viral for sticking a flare up his arse! Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England is a blisteringly funny new play that returns to the fringe after a sell-out, five-star run last year. Written and performed by Alex Hill, it asks what it means to belong to a club that you live for. Billy and his best pal Adam are die-hard football fans. It’s how they spend every weekend, without fail. It’s their escape, their religion and their life. But when they encounter a new group of mates, they start to take their support one step further. 'Boozy, ballsy, brilliantly executed' ★★★★★ (Entertainment Now) 'A gem of a play' ★★★★★ (Broadway Baby) 'As beautiful as it is thought-provoking' ★★★★★ (Corr Blimey) ★★★★ (The Scotsman)  'Priceless comic charm' (The Reviews Hub)

31 July - 26 August 2024, 12:50 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square

Don’t call me China Doll

Theatre

Don't Call Me China Doll

As she prepares for the audition of a lifetime—playing Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first East Asian starlet—China Doll must confront and untangle the ingénue’s legacy as she discovers astonishing parallels between them. Disdainful of Anna for perpetuating the stereotypes she still fights to overcome, China Doll wakes up to find herself magically transported to the 1930s in the body of the revered and reviled starlet. Over the course of several nights, she discovers profound similarities in the ways they navigate love, life, and identity as East Asian actors in the west. ‘Don’t Call Me China Doll’ is a one-woman show that explores the intricacies of internalised racism and self-worth. A compelling exploration of identity, discrimination, and progress, it prompts audiences to reflect on how and why East Asian artists still face the same barriers as they did a century ago. Raw, honest, and fearless, Diana Feng deftly manages heavy themes with surprising levity and a large dose of self-deprecating humour. Soon to receive a PhD in Culturally Specific Performance Practice and British East and Southeast Asian Representation, Feng is at the forefront of challenging the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of representation.

31 July - 26 August 2024, 12:55 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square

Theatre

The Grim

London, 1964. Shaun and Robert are trying to get through another shift as undertakers in the East End, but on the day they're due to fit deceased murderer, Jackie Gallagher, for his coffin and with strange happenings afoot, all is not as it seems... Following the success of his 'holler-out-loud funny' (TheSmuReviews.co.uk) Fringe debut You're Dead, Mate, award-winning playwright Edmund Morris is back with his latest, darkest comedy.

31 July - 25 August 2024, 1:15 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square

The Ghost of White Hart Lane

Theatre

The Ghost of White Hart Lane

Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s, however, in July 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. From humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh, through to football fame and his tragic death, the play shares John's cheeky humour. It also follows the story of his son Rob White, who was just five months old when his dad died. Having premiered at Spurs Stadium, this follows on from the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch. 'The Ghost of WHL' is supported by Tottenham Hotspur FC, premiering at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in July before a run at the fringe. The play was commissioned by John White’s son Rob and follows on from his and Julie Welch’s Sunday Times best seller The Ghost of White Hart Lane - 'In Search of My Father the Football Legend'. The play tells the story of John White, from humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh through to football fame & his tragic death, it also tells the story of his son Rob who was just 5 months old when his dad died. The play shines a light on the mental health challenges both father and son face and the way we deal with grief and loss, while dealing with serious issues the play has a very heavy sprinkling of humour throughout.

31 July - 26 August 2024, 1:25 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square

Theatre

Character Flaw

Colourful explosions pop in this hilarious exploration of ADHD and queer identity. A plethora of eye-opening topics and hysterical anecdotes leave the audience educated, moved and highly entertained. Follow Pip as she navigates the challenges and celebrates the joys of neurodiversity. Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence Winner. OffFest New Writing Finalist. ADHD Comedy Award Shortlist. 'A little gem' ★★★★★  (British Theatre). 'A show you could see again and again!' ★★★★★  (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). 'A tightrope act between us crying with laughter to genuine heartache. A show that gives in every possible conceivable way' ★★★★  (BingeFringe.com). After it's award winning, sell out run at Edinburgh Fringe 2023 directed by the incredibly talented Nat Kennedy, (Sirrah Sisters) Character Flaw is back for a final run! 

31 July - 26 August 2024, 2:25 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square

Rob Madge

Theatre

Rob Madge: My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

When Rob was twelve, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned wigs and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. This is the joyous, chaotic, autobiographical story of actor, writer and social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that parade – and this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it. Olivier Nominee 2023 & Winner of What’s On Stage’s Best Off-West End Production 2022.

1 - 16 August 2024, 5:30 pm

Underbelly Bristo Square