We attended the Celtic/Highland themed weekend. Partly because part of our group was off work that day and not the next, but also because we enjoy the Celtic theme. While it's not pervasive to the festival, we do get to enjoy nods to the different ideas the theme makes available to both the artisans and the actors.
With that in mind, I'll admit that 2 of the new people that went with us to the festival were my parents. I personally selected a show that I thought they would enjoy, based on the fact that the act itself made me think of my father the first time that I saw it. The Rat Show, or Emyrs Fleet. It showcases a number of jokes that are kid friendly, and it's a great show to relax at. The humor is generally classic, and didn't require anyone to think too much.
We also attended the more bawdy shows, as they are the ones that our group tends to favor. As always, they did not disappoint. They gave gleeful moments of risque comments and made people think about things that in everyday life, we tend to treat as taboo.
One of our favorites is Arthur Greenleaf Holmes. We've been going to see him recite his poetry at the fair.... I almost think since the very first time we went to the faire. This was my boyfriends first time getting to hear the poets work though, and I don't believe he felt any worse for the wear from it. In fact he seemed to enjoy the creative imagery used during the reading. But this is not a family show, and to be honest we like it this way. I don't think we've ever seen one of his readings that wasn't crowded.
My mother on the other hand found the Bastard Monks to be amusing. Their act has a more... old school comedy feel to it. Base jokes at time, crude humor, and audience involvement. They make people laugh, as well as let them think about the story they're presenting. NOT a show for children.
We also had the pleasure to hear two Filthy Irish Stories(plus a few shorter ones based on the amount of time that was left). These stories prey upon the adolescent idea that some words are inappropriate to say. Also it seems to amuse everyone because there are a lot more ways to make something sound dirty than many realize. They pleased the crowd leading to laughter and applause, as always a great time. Not for children, for adult consumption.
One of the newer shows that we had the pleasure to see was the Clan Tynker Circus. To be honest this is an act that I fell in love with, even though we only had a chance to see it once. The music was played live, the costumes were gorgeous, and the performers were absolutely amazing. Serendipity was gorgeous, though silent but it intrigued some of our group as it's not something that you see anymore. This isn't bias though, the whole group displayed an array of talents that impressed me and made me wish that my nephew had been there to see them.
All in all though everyone who attended for the first time had a great time and has already stated interest in attending in the future. In fact some of them are talking about going back this weekend for the pirate themed weekend. But we'll see.
