Life studies - Biographical shows at the Edinburgh Festival 2009

This article is from 2009.

There’s a feast of biographical shows at this year’s Fringe. Miles Fielder picks out five of the best

A Tribute – Gielgud’s Ages of Man
Experience Shakespeare via Johnny Gielgud in this celebration of the late great actor’s crowning achievement: his one-man recital of excerpts from the best of the Bard. Performed throughout the 1950s and 60s, the piece won Sir John Tony, Grammy and Emmy Awards. In this updated version, thesp George Innes has got his work cut out for him.
The Outhouse, 557 6668, 8–30 Aug, 12.15pm, free.

Becoming Marilyn
Not so much as straightforward biographical piece of theatre about the life of Hollywood’s blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe, but a look at how plain Norma Jean Mortenson became the world’s most famous film star. The show turns on the interesting conceit of having Norma Jean meet Marilyn.
Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, 8–31 Aug (not 17), 3.10pm, £12 (£10). Previews 6 & 7 Aug, £6.

Considering Georgia O’Keeffe
One-woman show exploring the life and art of the iconic American painter, taking its inspiration from both her biography and the art itself. Expect, then, a portrait of a woman and an artist, which, like its subject’s abstract representations of the flora, fauna and landscape of her adopted New Mexico home, is as evocative as it is literal.
St Bride’s, 346 1405, 10 & 11 Aug, 6.30pm, £7.

Morecambe
The life story of the one-time best-loved entertainer in Britain makes its Edinburgh debut on the 25th anniversary of the death of ‘the tall one with glasses’. Directed by Fringe veteran Guy Masterson, it follows Eric Morecambe’s life from his beginnings as a child performer on the pier in the Lancashire seaside town to international stardom.
Assembly Hall, 623 3030, 8–31 Aug (not 17), 4.10pm, £13–15 (£11–£13). Previews 6 & 7 Aug, £10.

Pythonesque
And now for something completely different. Not one but many biographical snapshots in this comic look at that most enduring of British comedy troupes Monty Python, from the early years (see John Cleese’s first audition) through television’s Flying Circus to the films and the religious furore caused by the Life of Brian.
Udderbelly’s Pasture, 08445 458 252, 8–31 Aug (not 18), 12.45pm, £10–£12.50 (£8–£10.50). Previews 6 & 7 Aug, £7.

This article is from 2009.

More: Theatre, A Tribute – Gielgud’s Ages of Man, Becoming Marilyn, Considering Georgia O’Keeffe, Edinburgh Festivals, Eric Morecambe, Georgia O'Keefe, John Cleese, Johnny Gielgud, Marilyn Monroe, Monty Python, Morecambe, Previews, Pythonesque

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