Fringe Notes, 11/08/10

*Frances Ruffelle is calling on old showbiz pals to jazz up her show. Tonight's features Sadie Frost, duetting on "My Best Friend". "I'm doing a film at the moment where I'm singing," says Frost. "I'm having lessons, but I know my limit."

*Not sure about this trend for putting a big name in front of a show's title. That said, Emma Thompson's 'Fair Trade' and 'Jordan' by Anna Reynolds with Moira Buffini are powerful must-sees.

*John-Luke Roberts must have set a record with his brilliant solo debut: he has an insult for everyone in the audience. My favourites: "You're as self-destructive as a man with a soluble face who keeps on crying about it" and "Your hair looks like you borrowed it". I'm not telling you mine; it still hurts to think about it.

Joke of the day

"Being small and paranoid can be quite difficult. Every time I walk past a bonsai tree I'm terrified there's going to be a lynching." Susan Calman