Archive for Music

Ringing Bells: A Reflection on Life’s Changes

August 14, 2025 at 6:18 pm · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music ·Tagged , , , , ,

Five black stars on a white background, representing a rating system.


Ringing Out the Changes 334 words, 2 minutes read time.

Accompanied by Susannah, Eli and Geoffrey on handbells, the playwright Jo Clifford, (author of the controversial The Gospel according to Jesus, Queen of Heaven), reflects on the role of bells in the cycle of our lives.
Each of the handbells has a name:
Justice, Courage, Humility, Faithfulness, Continence, Patience, Reverence, Loyalty, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. It’s all in the bells. Let’s live our lives in justice, have courage to make it happen, keep hoping, walk in peace, walk in joy, and live in love.
To the sound of various sets played by the three bell ringers, Jo gives a fascinating account of the use of bells in history. Bells conjured up unhappy school memories for Jo. Some of her audience might have similar miserable recollections.

A group of four individuals engaged in a discussion about handbells in a cathedral setting, with a table of handbells in front of them.

Bells often ring out to signify changes, good and bad. Church bells celebrated Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the bloody triumphs of Empire. Bells – specifically the bells of St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh – tolled for the thousands of young men butchered in the trenches of the world wars. Bells rang out to celebrate victory in those wars. Bells rang to mourn Queen Elizabeth’s death and to celebrate the coronation of Charles III.
Bells were controversial in the early conflicts between Christianity and Islam and later around the Reformation. John Knox wasn’t a fan, but things moved on. Bells eventually found a place in the Protestant churches.
Jo tells the story of St Mary’s Cathedral, a testimony to two powerful women, Barbara and Mary Walker who led a quiet revolution. They inherited their father’s business and used the money to build the West End of the New Town. They set aside money to build a cathedral in their late mother’s name. They knew that there was more to life than just making money. They never lived to see the magnificent gothic revival cathedral take shape, but they had the vision to see it through.
Who knew that bells could be so interesting?

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

A Fresh Take on The Wizard of Oz: Talentz Team Review

August 12, 2025 at 11:26 am · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music, Musicals, Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

Four black stars representing a rating or review.

142 words, 1 minute read time.

The youthful Talentz team bring a fresh perspective on the popular standard, The Wizard of Oz. All the familiar characters are there, Dorothy, Auntie Em, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. In this production, inspired by the recent film, Wicked, Toto talks once the storm lands her and Dorothy over the rainbow into the land of Oz. I loved seeing things from a dog’s point of view.

A young actress dressed in a pink gown smiles brightly, holding a prop while performing on stage. Behind her, two actors portray the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, with expressive poses, in a colorful theatrical setting.

We all know the story, how the motley crew follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, beset by the vengeful Wicked Witch of the West. These young people deliver this enchanting story with a freshness and enthusiasm that captivates the audience and transports them to the magical land of Oz. My only criticism was that sometimes the accompanying music drowns out the singing in solo pieces.

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

Angela Mackenzie’s Captivating Gospel Choir Performance

August 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Gospel, Music ·Tagged , , ,

Four black stars in a row, representing a rating.

377 words, 2 minutes read time.

Florida native Angela Mackenzie, now based in Stirling, has assembled a very accomplished fifty-voice gospel choir. Leading from her grand piano, Angela brings bubbly enthusiasm to the stage in the historic New Town Church. The acoustics in this elliptical building enhance the quality of the music.


Coming from a Presbyterian tradition, I especially enjoyed the choir’s a cappella rendition of the ‘Old One Hundredth’, All People that on Earth do Dwell. The Amazing Life Gospel Choir are very versatile; some songs sung in unison, others in harmony. Apart from the piano, the choir were accompanied at times by drums, a violinist, a cellist, an electric keyboard, and an upright bass. The deep sonorous sound of Amazing Grace played on a solo cello is more felt than heard. It reaches down to the core of your soul.


The audience (or was it a congregation?) lapped it up. During an interval, a pastor from a local church gave a message, ‘What do you want more of in your life?’

A vibrant group of singers from the Amazing Life Gospel Choir performing on stage, showcasing a diverse range of expressions and enthusiasm.


I was less impressed by Angela’s altar call and the manipulative use of music to proselytise ‘for Jesus’ with reference to the penitent thief who died on a cross beside him. This was irritating me but then the mood changed. Angela asked from the stage for requests for songs. We got the old Carter Family standard; Will the Circle be Unbroken? Then a voice came from the back, Yeshua. Angela looked puzzled. ‘How does that go?’ A couple of voices started singing. Beautiful unaccompanied singing filled the church.


Angela was impressed. She invited the singers to come to the front of the church. They were members of a visiting South African choir. They sang their song, Yeshua a cappella with impressive harmonisation. They stole the show.


The concert concluded with an exuberant medley of I’ll Fly Away and When the Saints Go Marching In where everyone was up, singing, dancing and clapping in time with the music. It was a fantastic gig, and a reminder that music can unite, music can inspire boundless joy and delight, but it can also manipulate the emotions. That might not be the Holy Spirit touching your heart, but something more psychological. Something to think about.


Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

Exploring Autism Through Music: A Unique Perspective

August 10, 2025 at 7:57 am · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Musicals ·Tagged , ,

Five black stars arranged in a row on a light background, indicating a rating.

I’m Autistic – A New Musical 262 words, 1 minute read time.

What’s it like to live with autism? It’s so misunderstood by so many neurotypical people – and even a few autistic people themselves. With a dollop of good humour, pathos, and to-the-point songs, we meet three young people who are having a tough time with love, loss, parental relationships and their mental health. There’s Chloë, the ‘weird girl’ subjected to bullying in school whose best friend Liv is distancing herself from her to fit in with the nasty bullying ‘cool girls.’ There’s Nat, the boy who is awkward with girls as he doesn’t know to read the signals., There’s Lauren, the ace student who as part of a research project begins to realise that she is also autistic, but struggles for a formal diagnosis.

Three young actors performing in 'I'm Autistic – A New Musical,' with one person standing and two seated on an orange box, showcasing themes of autism and personal struggles.
Lauren, Nat, and Chloe

This musical pulls no punches. Officious medical procedures to diagnose autism, the confusion and helplessness of parents who want the best for their children but don’t know what to do, what to say, or where to turn, and well-meaning friends who make things worse all come under scrutiny.

Anyone living with autism or living with someone with autism will recognise one or more of the situations faced by the characters. In their own quirky and entertaining way, the young cast raise the issues that affect so many people and scotch a few myths along the way. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll be entertained. But you’ll also learn a bit more about this often-misunderstood condition. It’s a perfect antidote to Rain Man.

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

Melanie Gall Brings Piaf and Brel to Life

August 8, 2025 at 6:20 am · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Four black stars representing a rating.

169 words, 1 minute read time.

The French chanteuse and the Belgian singer Jacques Brel both lived sad, chaotic lives. The only real love of Piaf’s life died in a plane crash. Brel was a heel. He abandoned his wife and family. Both died before they were fifty. Yet they each produced some of the world’s greatest music.

A performer in a blue dress sings passionately on stage, with a vintage microphone in front of her, under soft lighting.
Melanie Gall

Age differences meant that they could never have sung on the same stage. Melanie Gall – who hales from Alberta in Canada – imagines a concert of some of their best songs and makes a magnificent job of it. Milord, Non, je ne regrette rien, from Piaf, and Ne me quite pas, Amsterdam from Brel. She also brings back to life some of the artists’ lesser-known songs.

Melanie admits she looks nothing like Piaf – or Brel – but with an infectious mixture of awe for their musical genius and good humour in telling their stories, she holds the intimately small audience in the palm of her hand. It’s wonderful stuff.

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information on, and tickets for Piaf and Brel: the Impossible Concert can be found here

Leave a Comment

Reine Beau’s Tribute to Women in Rock

August 7, 2025 at 9:22 pm · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music, Night Owl ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Five black stars on a white background, representing a five-star rating.

Storming on to the stage with a powerful rendition of Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation, Reine Beau leads her audience on an educational trip through the history of the Women of Rock. I first saw Reine Beau last year when she presented The Blondie Story (reviewed here), which is on again this year.

Reine Beau performing on stage, passionately singing into a microphone while wearing a vibrant outfit, with a musician playing guitar in the background.

In front of a huge screen, she briefly outlines the importance of women in the rock and roll story. Who was the first woman rock star? I was confident that it was Janis Joplin. I was wrong. Sister Rosetta Tharpe played electric guitar in the 1930s! She had a white male backing band and toured with her female lover. How scandalous! She inspired Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. She was the Godmother of Rock and Roll.

Another blues singer, Bessie Smith inspired Janis Joplin. Janis was the first woman to make it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Reine treated the audience to a rip-roaring interpretation of Piece of my Heart.

Then she turned to the career of my particular favourite, Suzi Quattro. Told that she could be a second Janis Joplin, she declared that she’d rather be the first Suzi Quattro. This is when it got even more interesting. Reine led us through the career of two band I’d never heard of before, Heart and The Runaways. What have I been missing all these years? I’ve checked out the songs Crazy on You and Cherry Bomb Reine delivered on Spotify. They’re absolutely brilliant!

From California, Reine steers us over to the Poet of Punk, Patti Smith with Because the Night, sings two songs from the Tina Turner songbook, before returning to Joan Jett. Joan’s a legend. She was turned down by 23 different record labels, so she set up her own, to help women get into music. She loved rock music. She wanted others to do the same.

As Reine Beau sang out the Joan Jett classic, I Love Rock and Roll, the screen fired up more legends not covered in this show, Siouxsie Sioux, Debbie Harry and others I didn’t recognise.

Rock and Roll is overwhelmingly male, but the Women of Rock have a very prominent place. To succeed, and even to get a hearing in the times they were breaking through, they needed more guts and determination than the men. They had it in spades. They did it. We’re all richer because of it. Their music will live on forever.

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

Fringe Review: Faustine

August 6, 2025 at 1:41 pm · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, horror, Music ·Tagged , , , , , ,

310 words, 2 minutes read time.

What would give in exchange for your Soul? That’s the bluegrass song from the Hillybilly Thomists that plays before and after this short pop opera begins. For Faustine, the last twenty pages of her PhD dissertation on Ibsen will cost her her soul.

Faustine’s not one of the cool kids, she’s been raised by her mother, whom she resents bitterly, especially her regular nagging phone calls. She’s lonely and – despite her protestations to the contrary – she’s lazy. She leaves it too late to complete her work and cries out in despair. Help comes, not from God, but from Satan. She gets an A grade, the opportunity to deliver her dissertation to a conference and a publishing deal with Princeton University.

Things spiral out of control; she has sex with a senior academic, Richard Jones. She turns to drugs.

“I’m done with the losing team. So what if I sold my soul, when you feel you’re on top?” Satan demands another soul. She murders her room mate Emma, putting bleach in wine and making it look like suicide.

The co-writers, Sarah Norcross and Lydia Brinkmann, fight at the start to play Faustine. I don’t know which one prevailed at the showing I saw, but she brought a perfect mixture of pathos, comedy, and horror to this production. The songs were witty and well-scripted, worthy of Cole Porter having a dark turn. The actor carries off the transition back and forward between Faustine and Satan by facial expression and clever lighting.

The words of the third song, ‘How long have I wanted everything to come easy?’ Conjure thoughts on the current controversy over many students using AI to do their work for them. Perhaps it’s a stretch to say that such cheating is akin to a pact with the devil, but it is potential snare for the unwary.

Reviewed by David Kerr

Find out more and purchase tickets here

Leave a Comment

Fringe review: The Fleetwood Mac Story

August 6, 2025 at 11:07 am · Filed under Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music ·Tagged , , , , ,

Five black stars on a white background, representing a five-star rating.

129 words, 1 minute read time.

The folks – mostly of a certain age – who packed the house for this short and energetic run-through the history of a band that has gone through many breakdowns, bust-ups and changes of line-up; yet managed to pull off some of the most memorable music of recent times.

A live musical performance featuring a band with male and female vocalists, playing various instruments, including drums and guitar, on a brightly lit stage.

Rumours sold 45 million copies and is still number 17 in the album charts today. Tusk was less successful. Mick Fleetwood blamed RKO for releasing all the tracks allowing fans to tape the songs off the radio.

Night Owl’s tributes to musical legends are always popular and seldom disappoint. The Fleetwood Mac Story had many people up and dancing in the aisles. The only complaint I heard from audience members was, ‘It was too short.’ It was sheer musical bliss.

Reviewed by David Kerr

More information and tickets here

Leave a Comment

Top Night Owl Music Shows at the Fringe You Can’t Miss

July 6, 2025 at 9:26 am · Filed under Biographical, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, Music, Night Owl ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

609 words, 3 minutes read time.

Counter Culture can’t get enough of these Night Owl shows—each one blends stellar musicianship, backstage lore and pure, unadulterated fun. We’ve reviewed a handful of these in past years (you’ll spot our links sprinkled throughout), and they never fail to surprise and delight. After a day racing between venues, there’s no better way to unwind than sinking into soaring vocals, iconic riffs and tasty trivia—perfect for rounding off your Fringe adventure with a smile. Click any show title above to dive into full details and grab your tickets.

007 Voices of Bond

1–24 August 2025

Artwork for '007 Voices of Bond' featuring a stylized silhouette of a woman holding a gun, with the title prominently displayed in bold letters.

A pulse-pounding journey through 007’s most iconic soundtracks, mixing live orchestration with behind-the-scenes trivia. Expect stirring strings, soaring brass—and maybe a shaken martini or two. We reviewed it here.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story

1–24 August 2025

Promotional image for 'The Carole King & James Taylor Story' Night Owl show featuring two performers singing into microphones against a red background.

Two legends, one stage: relive the genesis of Tapestry, Fire and Rain and their lifelong friendship It’s a back-to-the-roots journey: Brill Building beginnings, Brooklyn loft rehearsals and Laurel Canyon cabins. Every note hits with fresh emotional weight. You’ll leave humming the classics.

Dylan Under Cover

1–24 August 2025

Colorful graphic representation of Bob Dylan's iconic hairstyle and sunglasses, with the words 'Bob Dylan Under Cover' prominently displayed.

Bob Dylan’s catalogue like you’ve never heard it—stripped-back, reimagined, reinvented. This show peels back the layers on Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone with fresh arrangements and storytelling that shines a new light on a Nobel Prize-winning oeuvre.

The Elton John Story

1–24 August 2025

Colorful promotional image for 'The Elton John Story' featuring a stylized silhouette of Elton John's face with vibrant patterns.

From Empty Sky to Rocket Man, experience Elton’s meteoric rise with powerhouse vocals, dazzling piano solos and backstage anecdotes—from acid-fueled beginnings to global superstardom. A kaleidoscope of sequins, showmanship and timeless hits.

California Dreams

1–24 August 2025

Promotional graphic for 'California Dreams: Sounds of L.A.' featuring a silhouette of a musician with a guitar against a sunset backdrop, along with the text 'California Dreams' and details about the show.

Surf’s up! Ride the West Coast musical wave from The Beach Boys through Eagles, Red Hot Chili Peppers and beyond. Expect sun-soaked harmonies, surf guitar riffs and fun insights into the songs that defined a generation. We reviewed it here.

The Fleetwood Mac Story

1–24 August 2025

Promotional graphic for 'The Fleetwood Mac Story' featuring the show's title in stylish typography, accompanied by images of performers representing a band.

Discover the drama and genius behind Rumours, delivered with pristine harmonies and candid backstage tales. It’s equal parts heartbreak ballad and arena-filling rock anthem—an electrifying, emotional rollercoaster.

The Story of Sting & The Police

1–24 August 2025

Promotional image for 'The Story of Sting & The Police' show featuring bold colors and stylized text, highlighting the musical journey of Sting and his band.

From punk-y early gigs to reggae-rock fusion, watch Every Breath You Take and Roxanne reborn through Angus Munro’s four-octave range. It’s a deep dive into The Police’s evolution—equal parts raw energy and solo-career brilliance. We reviewed it here.

The Blondie Story

1–24 August 2025

Promotional poster for 'The Blondie Story' featuring a stylized image of a face with vertical stripes and the title in bold red lettering.

Punk meets pop with Deborah Harry’s signature cool. Dive into the anthemic Heart of Glass, One Way or Another and more, punctuated by tales of CBGB chaos and the band’s fearless NYC attitude. We reviewed it here.

The Rise of The Eagles

1–24 August 2025

Promotional image for 'The Rise of The Eagles' show featuring colorful palm trees and a sunset background, with text displaying the show's title.

Soar through Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane and beyond with impeccable harmonies and country-rock flair. This show unpacks the band’s Californian roots and secrets behind some of rock’s most enduring tracks.

Women of Rock

1–24 August 2025

Promotional image for the 'Women of Rock' show, featuring a performer singing into a microphone with a dynamic hairstyle, set against a bold pink and black background.

A powerhouse salute to icons like Joni Mitchell, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and more. Celebrate fearless female voices with soaring performances and the stories behind the songs that shattered ceilings.

The Billy Joel Story

1–24 August 2025

Logo for 'The Billy Joel Story' featuring baseball imagery and song titles like 'Uptown Girl' and 'We Didn't Start the Fire'.

From Piano Man to Uptown Girl, explore Joel’s journey from dive-bar pianist to pop-legend. Expect poignant storytelling, jaw-dropping musicianship and nostalgic nods to New York’s vibrant music scene. We reviewed it here.

The Legend of Queen

1–24 August 2025

Logo for 'The Legend of Queen' show by Night Owl, featuring a crown graphic on a deep purple background.

Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, Don’t Stop Me Now—relive Queen’s epic soundtrack with a full band and flamboyant flair. This show captures Freddie Mercury’s theatrical genius and the band’s anthemic legacy.

And there you have it—twelve unmissable Night Owl experiences to soundtrack your Fringe!

By Patrick Harrington

Leave a Comment

Fringe 2025: A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Highlights

July 2, 2025 at 8:58 am · Filed under Drama, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025, LGBT+interest, Music, Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Counter Culture Preview | Words by Patrick Harrington

796 words, 4 minutes read time.

The 2025 Edinburgh Fringe programme reads like a chorus of unfiltered voices—frayed, fearless, and fighting to be heard. Whether exploring myth through futuristic gaze or revisiting icons with raw intimacy, these shows aren’t just entertainment—they’re interventions. Here are just a few we’re planning to see and review. And if you like what you read, click on the title to purchase tickets.

🎧 Fun At Parties

Berlin Open Theatre | 1–25 Aug | 17:30 (1h) Set in Berlin’s fading club scene, this piece feels eerily current—a quiet elegy to joy as resistance. As authorities tighten their grip and safe spaces flicker out, we follow queer organisers pushing back with light, sweat, and sound. Expect immersive storytelling that blurs the line between performance and rave, with a thumping political pulse beneath the hedonism.

🎭 I’m Not Saying We Should, But What If We Did?

Minotaur Theatre Company | 11–16 Aug | 12:05 (50m) Two clowns in pearls and power suits debate banning men—on live breakfast TV. What could go wrong? This whip-smart satire skewers performative politics, gendered violence, and the optics of progress. It’s messy, sharp, and beautifully furious. One to watch for fans of Newsnight crossed with Clown Funeral.

🧖 Sauna Boy

Dan Ireland-Reeves | 1–16 Aug | Venue & time TBC Told with sweat, sass, and sincerity, this solo show reclaims the stories of men working in gay saunas. Expect intimate detail, ghosted clients, and glimpses of real connection in the steam. Dan Ireland-Reeves mixes autobiography and theatrical flair in a world rarely shown on stage.

🎸 Bob Dylan Under Cover

Night Owl Shows | 1–23 Aug | 13:10 (50m) Dylan’s protest ballads get a new coat in this soulful reimagining. The Night Owl Band’s arrangements stay true to spirit without being stuck in sepia. Thoughtful, stripped-back, and surprisingly moving—expect quieter revelations between the chords.

🎤 Women Of Rock

Night Owl Shows | 1–23 Aug | 18:50 (50m) This tribute is unapologetically loud—electrifying in voice and politics. Reine Beau commands the stage through the voices of Joplin, Benatar, and Stefani. Less nostalgia tour, more firestarter. An ode to feminine power on full volume.

🎹 The Elton John Story

Night Owl Shows | 1–23 Aug | 14:50 (50m) Part biography, part musical love letter. Angus Munro carries Elton’s vocal gymnastics and wit with uncanny ease, but it’s the honesty of the narration that elevates it—a portrait of resilience in sequins. Even the most casual fan will walk away moved.

🦅 The Rise Of The Eagles

Night Owl Shows | 1–23 Aug | 16:10 (50m) Beyond the harmonies and Hollywood veneer, this is a story of artists chasing transcendence and breaking apart under the weight. With pitch-perfect vocals and archival richness, it’s a thoughtful retelling for those who lived the music—and those just discovering its wings.

👑 The Legend of Queen

Night Owl Shows | 1–23 Aug | 19:50 (50m) More than a tribute—this is a communion. With Peter Marchant’s Mercury-esque magnetism and musical precision, it captures the operatic heart of Queen. High camp, yes, but laced with raw defiance. Don’t be surprised if the audience becomes the choir.

😈 #11th Annual Haters Ball

Hate N Live | 1–25 Aug | 21:00 (1h) Late-night comedy with teeth—and venom. Comedians roast your rage-fuelled suggestions in real time. Think Have I Got News For You meets a group therapy session led by stand-up sadists. Unfiltered, uneven, and frequently hysterical.

🎶 Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am

Rainee Blake | 1–25 Aug | 17:30 (1h) Rainee Blake doesn’t impersonate Joni—she honours her. With dulcimer and aching falsetto, she channels a voice that changed everything. This show is as much about memory and myth as melody. Come for the songs; stay for the feeling.

🌀 Caligari

SUSU Theatre Group | 18–23 Aug | 10:35 (50m) A silent film reimagined through physical theatre, shadow play, and creeping dread. Visually striking and morally slippery, this version of Caligari feels like a warning from both the past and for the future.

🏆 1966

Talking Shadows | 1–25 Aug | Times TBC It’s not just about the World Cup. This jukebox musical wraps itself around a pivotal year—when class, culture, and pop collided in glorious technicolour. Working-class dreams kick off, boots first.

🧘 The Anti ‘Yogi’

Mayuri Bhandari | 1–25 Aug | Times TBC Part dance-theatre, part political awakening, this blistering piece dismantles colonial wellness trends and reclaims sacred space. It’s riotous, reverent, and deeply intelligent—featuring storytelling that demands yoga be seen as revolution, not retail.

🌍 Echoes of Nuwa: The Last Human Project

Muddy Lolos | 1–23 Aug | 10:00 (50m) Three celestial beings debate whether to rebuild humanity in this post-anthropocene fable. Told through movement, mask, and multilingual poetry, Echoes of Nuwa is mythic, strange, and stirring. Equal parts cautionary tale and cosmic love letter.

Leave a Comment

« Newer Posts · Older Posts »