The best of the Edinburgh Fringe comes to London

Emma Groome recommends the best theatre to transfer from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the nation’s capital.

This summer, I was lucky enough to spend a month up in bonny Edinburgh, taking in the best (and occasionally the worst) theatre the Fringe had to offer. Fortunately, for those of you who didn’t make it, much of the crème de la crème has found its way to the capital. With tickets that won’t break the bank, and shows that promise to make you laugh till you cry, sob uncontrollably, or simply inspire an existential crisis, I bring you the best Fringe transfers to check out in the coming months. 

1. POLICE COPS, 20 OCT – 22 OCT, CAMDEN PEOPLE’S THEATRE

Police Cops was the final show I saw during my time at the Fringe. After practically every person I knew had shouted at me incessantly to see it, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. About 30 seconds into the show, I understood the slew of five star reviews and their growing fandom. Never have I laughed so heartily and for so long, to the point where those around me grew mildly concerned for my health (at one point I had to crack out my inhaler to catch my breath). This 1970s all-American cop spoof is the perfect antidote to autumnal blues. Make sure you book tickets before it sells out; the FOMO is strong with this one. 

2. LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS , 24-28 NOV, CAMDEN PEOPLE’S THEATRE

“The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit? Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out. Walrus’ award-winning debut show imagines a world where we’re forced to say less. It’s about what we say and how we say it.”

CPT seems to be the place to be this Autumn, bringing another sell-out Fringe success to London. Having won a flurry of awards at this year’s National Student Drama Festival, Lemons continued to impress the Edinburgh crowds and critics. Walrus Theatre are certainly one to watch, and their beautifully crafted work comes highly recommended. 

3. BRIDGET CHRISTIE: A BOOK FOR HER, 16 NOV – 2 DEC, SOHO THEATRE

So this isn’t strictly-speaking theatre, but Bridget Christie is the current queen of comedy, so it feels wrong to leave her out of of this list. Based on material from her book of the same name, and developed from her first show, the wryly named A Bic For Her, Christie has soared to success after years of slogging around the comedy circuit. Originally performing to audiences of barely double figures, Christie is now performing to thousands, and deservedly so. Her brand of witty feminist humour is clever and refreshing. This show is a must see. 

4. A GIRL IS A HALF-FORMED THING, 17TH FEB – 26TH MAR 2016, THE YOUNG VIC

Eimear McBride’s bestselling novel has been adapted for stage and the result is stunning. Having recently fallen in love with the book, I was nervous about how it would work in the theatre. However, my fears were quickly quelled, as I could hardly fault Ryan’s adaptation. A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing, is a fearless and unflinching portrait of a girl’s turbulent journey into the adult world. Aoife Duffin gives a heartbreaking performance in this one-woman show, a performance which I guarantee left not a dry eye in the house. Urgent, honest and captivating, A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing is a triumph and some of the most important theatre you will see all year. 

Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons.