Toy Stories, or How Not to Make a Living as an Artist
Theatre (storytelling, alternative comedy)
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Venue 33Pleasance Courtyard - Attic
- 12:40
- Aug 26
- 1 hour 10 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Menagerie Theatre Company presents Chris Dobrowolski
- Warnings and additional info: This show will contain strong language.
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
A storytelling odyssey through art, contemporary politics and twentieth-century history, told in Chris's signature style: satirical stand-up meets art lecture-demonstration. Toy Stories sees Chris living back in his childhood home, keeping busy during lockdown by making artworks out of Scalextric track and other toys from his youth. When all around you is falling apart, can childhood toys provide some sort of grounding? When fake news abounds and politicians lie routinely, who's to tell Chris that his creations are just pretend? A dazzling journey from Scalextric to Nazis!Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Queue in cobbled courtyard. Access to space via locked lift, please notify venue ahead of your visit if you require use of the lift and ask at Info Shed upon arrival for access.
- Stairs: 20+
Wheelchair access type: Building Lift
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Jill Saxby 19 days ago
For me this show deserves at least 4 stars. Chris is an artist with a fascinating story to tell and his presentation takes the audience down all kinds of surprising rabbit holes which left us gasping in amazement at times.
I don't want to give anything away by listing any examples but I was mesmerized from start to finish.
If you're interested in 20th century history, models, the life of an artist or recent politics go see this show.
Geoff Stevens 22 days ago
What does it mean to succeed as an artist? Big bucks in an auction room, or pursuing your obsessions to connect people, places and the past? Chris D took me on a trip through 20th century history, showing how art practice, sincerely performed, enriches us all. I closed my eyes and Charlie Croker played by Michael Caine was telling me about a failed escape down the Humber. Definitely worth seeing if you've ever thought that Art has disappeared up its own arse. Not all of it has...
Alison Williams 22 days ago
A last minute booking and weren’t we lucky to find such a great show. Chris opened up a window into his life, his hugely creative and fascinating life, and we were hooked. Go see.
Juliet May 23 days ago
What a great show!
It was funny, intriguing, surprising and inspiring. We booked by chance and after four long days at the fringe, this show was my highlight.
Scott Leventhal 27 days ago
What a terrific show! Chris was very funny, self-deprecating and entertaining while presenting a thoughtful and personal story arc. It felt like he was talking just to us, and we were thoroughly engaged and amused. An absolute joy!
Holly Rumble 31 days ago
Let’s be clear, I’m not saying Chris Dobrowolski is an arsonist. Yes, the first time I saw him he described setting fire to his studio. And yes, the second time I saw him his classic car (the subject of his 2013 Fringe show) was set on fire during the run. And yes, a few days ago, just after seeing Toy Stories, I see that firefighters had been called to his flat. What I’m actually saying is that Chris attracts coincidences. Or more accurately, manages to find and articulate coincidences to weave convincing and astonishing narratives that somehow link his childhood set of Scalextric in an Essex loft to Nazi Germany and the occupation of Poland. A thoughtful autobiographical piece from an artist who gets increasingly eccentric: I’m looking forward to his next show…
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Broadway Baby 21 days ago
The Stage 21 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.