Edinburgh Festival 2009 – Post Mortem

Yes, ladies and gentlemen – the Edinburgh Guide’s 2009 Festival Post Mortem has finally arrived.  There were so many great shows this year, I had to take a step back and reflect before choosing this year’s winners.  (Here’s the 2008 list, if you’re curious.)

And without further ado….

Best Standup Comedy: Socially Retarded.  I still keep laughing about some of the way-too-inappropriate jokes, especially the men’s toilet scene.  Great job guys.  Intimate venue, simple but effective costume changes, and spot on script delivery.  Whoop.

Best Musical:  Falsettoland.  No surprise this is a winner given that it’s actually an old 80s musical, but I was just so impressed with how the company really brought this one back to life.  Not a dry eye in the house at the end.

Runner Up: The Rink.  With such a wonderful set and a really well done plot, this one could have easily one if they just had a few more stronger songs, especially at the end of the show.

Best Music:  Bloodbath The Musical.  Ok, so they failed to delivery a good plot, but boy did they nail the music.  80s power ballads, musical style, really works.  I heard people humming them along on the streets after the show, so they’re doing something right.

Best Cabaret and Best Free Fringe: Cabaret Whore.  I’d also love to give this one the ‘best lyrics’ award but I don’t want to be seen being greedy.  But this is a fantastc little show, with three quick sets that really keep everyone on the toes.  And their hands claping.  Gorgeous job.

Best Costumes:  Venus and Mars and Other Myths of Mr and Ms.  Aprons!  Brilliant.  Enough said.

Best Physical Theatre: Zeitgiest.  With eerie music, some pretty bizarre acts on stage, and the lingering feeling of uncomfrot, Zeitgiest definitely takes top marks.

Well, that’s a wrap on 2009.  I’m pretty exhausted from all the shows this year, to be honest, so I am happy to see it draw to a close.  But no doubt as autumn draws the curtains on the sun and warmth of summer, I’ll be feeling a bit poignant and wishing for another round of shows.

See you – same time, same place, next year?