August 9

11.50am Early Edition, £6, Udderbelly.
http://www.edfringe.com/shows/detail.php?action=shows&id=4429

My latest show yet followed by my earliest show yet. Lucky this one offered free croissants and coffee (served in a plastic cup, they'd run out of styrofoam ones...hello Occ Health and Safety!) Basically a panel show discussing the days papers, quite funny. Ran by Marcus Brigstoke and one of the guests was comedian Andrew Maxwell, whose off-topic meanderings were often funnier than the proper stuff.


2.30pm Frank and Dolly, Gilded Balloon, Complimentary ticket.
http://www.edfringe.com/shows/detail.php?action=shows&id=4589

I knew this was going to be pretty average but a free ticket is a free ticket and the girl who gave it to me starred in the show so points for trying. Two women playing dancing partners at a ballroom competition and the events that follow after one throws up of the other's dress. Through the play I cleverly thought how well the woman was playing a man, but all the reviews since said they playing a lesbian couple. I didn't see that, but whatever. Good acting in a crappy play.


7pm Angus and Julia Stone + The Magic Numbers at Liquid Rooms, £20.
http://www.themagicnumbers.net/
http://www.angusandjuliastone.com/a_book_like_this/index.htm

Another big ticket to see this band, but so worth it. Our first trip to Liquid Rooms and I almost fainted as the sold out crowd made the venue so sweaty and hot. I squealed on entry as the opening band were (unbeknowest to me) Angus and Julia Stone, who I'd last seen at Caberet Voltaire a few months back. This Aussie brother and sister duo had a full band with them this time and played my favourite 'Mango Tree'. They went down so well the Magic Numbers themselves urged them to play longer than their set time, which you could see spun them out. Must have been nervous as they completely mucked the song up. The two of them have so much charm however it wasn't a problem.

A wee break and then the Magic Numbers bounded onstage. The ice in my Magners had all but melted and left a watery cider to drink. Played all the songs I knew, one after the other at the start, about 5 in a row so the beginning was awesome and set the mood for the rest of the night. It was an absolutely great live show, they really got the crowd moving and singing along. Great sound and strong vocals - really strong from all of them. Harmonies between the two girls especially worked with the lead male singer. Will have to get their albums back home I think.