Edinburgh 13 August

Mixed day at the Fringe.  Stephen and I headed into town, leaving our friend to do some work. Thought we'd see if could find some theatre at the Fringe.  After staring at some billboards confusedly, saw something called Mengele. Yes it was a play on the notorious Dr Mengele and what he did during WWII.  We really don't mean to keep circling around the Holocaust.  But was a very good piece of theatre. Just 2 actors-Mengele and Death.  Set at the point of his death in South America and Death draws out from him his views and what he did (and why). It is meant to be seeking some sort of understanding or forgiveness of people like him and to promote the idea that anyone(? - not sure about that) is capable of evil acts.  Not sure it did that but was excellently done nevertheless. It also featured footage of Auschwitz and the rounding up of Jews.  Footage was cleverly done as while it kept the tension it also gave the actors a break from some intense dialogue and acting. At its conclusion the actor playing Mengele gave a short speech about its relevance to today but also that the Jewish lady who was the impetus for the play was famous for having forgiven Mengele.  She was one of the children he conducted medical experiments on (and survived). The actor did say that when they were promoting the play in the streets of Edinburgh someone came up to him and verbally attacked him saying noone was interested in these sorts of plays and went on to say much more apparently which the actor would not elucidate on.  The actor turned to us and said that our attendance (was a full house) was gratifying as it showed people did care and were interested.  The woman playing Death was young - in her 20's and was crying at the end of the play.  Quite a sombre experience.  Also sombre because they showed a series of concentration camp people with their names and one bore the same surname as some relatives and he looked just like my mother's cousin.  Both Stephen and I noticed it independently of each other.

Was a good day before and after the play because caught a number 8 bus there and back and both times we got to sit upstairs in front seats.  Such great views from there.  Pity help any person who tries to shift me from those seats!  One of my favourite activities in Edinburgh.

Dinner at a place London friends took us to - Below the Stairs''. Eclectic menu and place. Near the Grassmarket so one of the older older parts of Edinburgh. Then saw Clive Anderson after dinner.  Usually a talk show host and panel member on TV.  Should stick to that.  Stand up/solo comedy show is not his talent in our view.  Gave him 2/5 stars. Old jokes, he seemed to lose his train of thought a lot and generally looked uncomfortable on stage.  But there are always a few questionable choices at the Fringe so no issue.  Introduced our friend to Georges Square anyway and the Únderbelly'.  Very buzzy at night.  She really enjoyed the atmosphere. And it is cold.  Jumpers are now being used.