Tag Archives: Entertainment News

Candice Fox, Cheers, Mom! Eulogy for a Living Parent

NYC-based writer, filmmaker and performer Candice Fox is bringing her show, Cheers, Mom! Eulogy For a Living Parent to the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Following themes from much of her work exploring addiction, family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships, Cheers, Mom! is a wild, hilarious solo show about grief, love and mommy issues. Fox dives into the chaos of loss and a complex mother-daughter saga, blending raw storytelling with striking visuals. 

She examines grief in its messy glory, awkward moments and accidental wisdom, navigating the strange ways we stumble forward. This show isn’t just about death, it’s about mourning someone still alive, dealing with estrangement and how addiction distorts family history. Deeply intimate, darkly funny, Cheers, Mom! Is cathartic, relatable and unexpected. You’ll laugh, cry and probably text your mom something unhinged afterward!

Candice Fox, Writer/Performer: 

Candice Fox is a writer, filmmaker, and performer based in New York City. Her films have screened at international festivals including the New York Movie Awards and Paris Film Awards, and her essays appear on Medium’s leading mental health platform, Invisible Illness. In addition to publishing the poetry collection Mental Maps, she is also currently working on a feature-length documentary exploring a personal and life-altering trauma. 

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Preston Mui, Director:

Preston is a multidisciplinary performer who has been on Broadway in Hamilton since 2019, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in dance, acting, and stagecraft. Raised in San Francisco, he trained in singing, martial arts, and dance from a young age, studying at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. His career spans TV, film, live stage, and 360 video, with performance credits alongside icons like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and John Legend. Preston’s work blends music, movement, and visual storytelling to create deeply immersive experiences.

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Reed Luplau, Movement Direction: 

Reed Luplau is an Australian-born dancer, choreographer, and performer whose career spans Broadway, film, opera, and contemporary dance. He has performed with renowned companies like Sydney Dance Company and Stephen Petronio Company, and appeared in Broadway productions including Moulin Rouge!, The Great Comet of 1812, and Fiddler on the Roof. Reed’s choreographic work includes Head Over Heels, Broadway Bares, and an ASL production of Spring Awakening. He is currently the co-creator and director of When We Touch, a dance narrative exploring a mother-son relationship under a repressive regime.

WHEN: August 1-17 at 13:30 (no show the 4th or 11th)

WHERE: C Venues – Aquila Studio

Roman Eagle Lodge, 2 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh

“Brutally honest – razor-sharp – and laugh-through-your-tears funny.” – Theatre Beyond Broadway

Acclaimed South African One-Man Play Beggared in S.A. Makes International Premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Following a powerful premiere in Cape Town and widespread acclaim at South
Africa’s National Arts Festival, the gripping solo play Beggared in S.A. now makes its international
debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Based on a true story and written by the beggar himself, Stewart Clarke, this raw and redemptive work was shaped over three years in a workshop environment with director Gideon DeWet.
Performed by South African actor Sean Higgs, the play is a searing portrayal of one man’s fall from privilege–and his transformation through the spirit of Ubuntu.

Once a white South African raised with every advantage, Clarke’s life collapses. Homeless and destitute, he takes to the streets with a cardboard sign. But hope arrives from the most unexpected place: a township shack and the poor, black South Africans who offer him more humanity than the world he once ruled. Their belief in Ubuntu–the philosophy of “I am because we are”–rebuilds him from the inside out.

“This is the story of a man who lost everything–except his soul. And maybe that was the point.” –
Sean Higgs

Performed with unflinching honesty, dark humour, and deep compassion, Beggared in S.A. is a 60-minute solo tour de force that invites audiences to question what we truly value–and who we become when the masks fall away.

A once-privileged white man loses everything in post-apartheid South Africa–and finds redemption
in the townships through Ubuntu. Based on a true story. Written by the beggar himself. Raw, funny,
haunting. Performed by Sean Higgs. Directed by Gideon DeWet

Fringe

Gideon DeWet

I bumped into Stewart Clark, a former ballet dancer and hairdresser, and he told me he was living on the street and begging by the robot (traffic light).
I told him to write it all down as I could not help him financially. He did and I spent the next two years editing and directing Stewart in the play.
After 3 performances and 2 fundraisers that raised enough money for his cataract operation, Stewart developed epilepsy and did not want to go on a stage again.

I then approached Sean Higgs to take the part of The Beggar.
Previously we met at the University of Cape Town Drama School in 1984 and have done a lot of theatre work thereafter.
We rehearsed for 6 months via Whatsapp until Sean came to South Africa and we had 2 weeks of face-to-face rehearsals before opening Beggared in Sa at The Masque Theatre. So far, a total of 19 performances in 7 venues in Cape Town and in the Eastern Cape, including the National Arts Festival, formerly known as the Grahamstown Festival.

STUART THOMAS : BAD FATTY

Comedian Stuart Thomas, Brings Stand-up Show, “Bad Fatty” To The Stage At Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

As part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, comedian Stuart Thomas is bringing his sharp and unapologetic stand-up show, “Bad Fatty” to the stage.

A hilarious exploration of life as a fat Welshman, Stuart blends his working-class roots with a modern, no-nonsense approach to comedy that is both thought-provoking and outrageously funny.


In “Bad Fatty,” Stuart grabs diet culture by the scruff of the neck, exposing society’s absurd expectations of fat people with a blend of biting wit and heartfelt humour. From his upbringing on a sheep farm in Wales to navigating the intersections of body image, sexuality, and mental health, Stuart turns his personal experiences into an
extraordinary comedy show.


Stuart Thomas isn’t afraid to tackle the big stuff. Bisexual and open about his mental health struggles, he masterfully combines vulnerability with laugh-out-loud moments, flipping fat-shaming on its head and turning it into a celebration of self-acceptance and joy. His candid, no-prisoners approach to stand-up comedy leaves audiences inspired and in stitches.


Don’t miss this bold and hilarious show that proves being a “bad fatty” is nothing short
of spectacular.

What People Are Saying:


“Made me laugh a lot” – The Scotsman


“An appealing presence with an engaging way of raising an eyebrow to the wry observations he makes” – Chortle


“Impressive as it was impeccable” – Notts Comedy Review


“Bad fatty; great comedian! Oh so freaking funny!” – Sofie Hagen

SHOW DETAILS:

TITLE: STUART THOMAS: BAD FATTY
DURATION: 45 MINUTES

Location:
THE CITY CAFE (NINETIES), 19 BLAIR ST, EDINBURGH EH1 1QR

Date:
18 TO 24 AUGUST 2025

TIME: 8:40PM

Dial 1 for UK – Debut Show at Edinburgh Fringe (1–9 Aug)

Mohit Mathur’s Debut Show “Dial 1 for UK” Makes It To Edinburgh Fringe 2025

Mohit Mathur, the London-based Indian actor and theatre maker will be premiering his debut show Dial 1 for UK, running at the Edinburgh Fringe from 1st to 9th August.

The piece follows an undocumented migrant worker in India who becomes obsessed with coming to the UK after working in a call centre handling British customer service processes. It’s part autobiographical, part fiction, a story about migration and belonging.

The show was developed through Vital Xposure’s 2024 writing programme for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists, and supported by the Keep It Fringe grant from the Fringe Society. It was directed by Phil Willmott.

Here are the key details:
Dates: 1st–9th August
Time: 11:30am
Venue: Greenside @ Riddles Court (Pickle Studio)
Running time: 50 minutes
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dial-1-for-uk
Capacity: 22 seats (a small and intimate space)

Fashions Finest Africa Wraps Epic Show 2025 : Spotlights The Future Of Sustainable African Fashion

With Two Days Of Runway, Creativity, And Conversations; Epic Show 2025 Champions Funding, Sustainability, and Creative Power at the Heart of African Fashion

Host

Fashions Finest Africa has officially concluded Epic Show 2025, a two-day creative experience that delivered on its promise to spotlight Africa’s boldest new voices in fashion while tackling real industry challenges. Held on July 5th and 6th at The Podium, Lekki, the event attracted a vibrant cross-section of designers, industry voices, culture leaders, and fashion enthusiasts all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of African fashion.

Attendees

Epic Show 2025 opened with inspiring panel conversations on funding, fashion business literacy, and sustainability bringing together thought leaders and fashion veterans to explore the systems needed to support African fashion beyond aesthetics.

The sessions featured voices from across sectors; Jide Sipe, Mai Atafo, The style infidel, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, Abubakar Sanusi, Isaac John, Mabel Adeteye, Chidubem Ejezie and Dayo Nupo, each offering insight into the structural changes required for Africa’s fashion economy to thrive. From navigating the venture capital landscape to addressing the climate impact of production, the discussions made it clear: creativity needs structure, and talent must meet opportunity.

The runway shows that followed reflected the same intentionality. 31 emerging designers took to the stage, presenting collections that merged local identity with global appeal. Each designer brought a fresh perspective from daring silhouettes to textile innovation showing the depth of talent rising across the continent.

We had Nubik Attire, Nenysty Atelier, Tsmallz Apparel, The Vantage Gent, The Fleks Apparel, House of Gold, Millennial Apparel by Ruby, Jayred Fashion World, Lamide Official, Ria Kosher, Asotiay, The U & J Brand, Gozifego, Trendecais x Yunik, 31 Woman Elegante, De Sewar, Onye Duo Duo, Tai.lore Clothing, Roju Ascent, Sarai Imani Atelier, Gloria & Co, RR Dot Design, Kijipa Couture, Tresha Trendy, Craftman Bespoke, Mak Africa, AO Afriq, R, Herant, Diuz! Authentic and Stella London.

Day 2 introduced one of the event’s standout moments: the Design for the Future (D4DF) competition, an initiative launched to spotlight visionary fashion talents at the start of their journey. After a compelling runway showcase, the winning designer was awarded a ₦1 million grant and a closing slot at the grand finale showcase, a moment that earned a standing ovation from the crowd and marked a symbolic investment in Africa’s next generation of creatives.

High-profile personalities including Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, cultural ambassador and Queen of Ife, Mojibade Sosanya and media icon Frank Edoho were in attendance at the grand finale, further affirming the platform’s credibility and wide-reaching cultural impact. Also present were respected industry figures like Mai Atafo and The Style Infidel, who offered guidance to the emerging designers backstage and lent their voices to panel conversations earlier in the programme.

Reflecting on the success of the show, Sola Oyebade, Founder of Fashions Finest Africa and CEO of Mahogany International, shared:

“What we witnessed over the last two days is the future of African fashion in real time. From our panelists to the designers, to the audience that showed up with energy and purpose, Epic Show 2025 reminded us that Africa is full of brilliance; it only needs the right platforms. That’s what FFA will always stand for.”

Model

Epic Show 2025 was a reminder that creative excellence on the continent is not in short supply. What’s needed now is continued investment, strategic visibility, and stronger ecosystems and FFA continues to serve as one of the few platforms deeply committed to those outcomes. The event was produced by Mahogany International and made possible through the generous support of official partners Darling Hair, TEPS, and Mystic Beauty whose contributions helped shape the energy, experience, and success of this year’s edition.

Mai Atafo

About Fashions Finest Africa

Fashions Finest Africa (FFA) is a leading Pan-African platform dedicated to supporting new and emerging fashion creatives across the continent. Since its inception in the UK over 16 years ago, FFA has worked to amplify African talent through curated fashion showcases, talent discovery initiatives, and capacity-building conversations that support long-term growth. Its work focuses on visibility, access, and innovation within the African fashion space.