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Money talks and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe
Matthew Partridge rounds up the best money-themed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
Since 1979 NewsRevue has gained a reputation for fast-paced topical satire delivered via musical numbers. Their latest fringe show doesn’t disappoint, with sketches on everything from Keir Starmer’s first year in office to Donald Trump’s health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jnr. A particular favourite was the skit about the breakdown in relations between Trump and Elon Musk. This is another enjoyable romp through current affairs, and no part of the political spectrum is spared their barbs.
When and where: 9:30pm, Ballroom at Assembly Rooms, final performance 24 August.
The NewsRevue sketch group
(Image credit: NewsRevue / Pete Smith)
Ancient Coins from Forgotten Kingdoms
Shows about business or politics naturally tend to be aimed at older audiences, but one show the whole family will enjoy is Ancient Coins from Forgotten Kingdoms. Comedian and medievalist Mark Saltveit delves into the history of money and coinage, looking at everything from why most Celtic coins had horses on them to the reason we don’t use bananas as currency. Younger children will particularly enjoy the chance to handle a variety of ancient coins.
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The emptiness of modern corporate life, with its endless presentations and meaningless jobs, is skewered in The Unstoppable Rise of Ben Manager, a dark, surreal musical satire by the Bunkum Ensemble. Job applicant Ben Weaver witnesses an employee plunging to his death while waiting for a job interview with Monolith Corporation. Pocketing the victim’s lanyard, he transforms into Ben Manager, the king of the PowerPoint deck. However, as he climbs the corporate ladder, despite not actually doing anything, the secret behind the company is revealed to him. Fans of horror films will enjoy this dystopian vision of the near future.
When and where: 5:20pm, Above at Pleasance Courtyard, final performance 25 August.
Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak
High inflation, political turmoil, mass disillusionment – sound familiar? Well, it’s nothing new and would have been familiar to those living in the 17th century. The past and the present collide in Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak when comedian Victoria Melody gets involved with the world of historical re-enactment and finds inspiration from the work of Gerrard Winstanley, helping to bring a local community together. An energetic and inspirational look at how voluntary groups can outwit government bureaucracy, directed by Mark Thomas.
When and where: 2:15pm, Above at Pleasance Courtyard, final performance 24 August.
Mark Silcox: The Gold Trader
Mark Silcox: The Gold Trader sends up the world of get-rich-quick trading seminars. The eponymous comic, who reached the finals of the BBC New Comedy awards, plays a trading guru who promises to reveal the secret of making wealth by delivering random facts about precious metals and trading the gold markets. When his initial gains turn into losses, we start to learn what he really cares about.
When and where: 2pm, PBH Free Fringe at Voodoo Rooms, until 24 August.
The Butcher, The Brewer, The Baker and Merryn Somerset Webb
Finally, MoneyWeek’s former editor Merryn Somerset Webb will be returning to the Fringe with three performances of her panel show The Butcher, The Brewer, The Baker and Merryn Somerset Webb. Held at Panmure House, where Adam Smith once lived, it always involves a heated discussion, and by seeing it live you can experience it before it is broadcast as part of her award-winning Merryn Talks Money podcast.
When and where: 2pm, Panmure House, 22-24 August.
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