★★★★★ Tom Rhodes Radio Review for Yisrael Campbell in ‘Circumcise me’

Greetings from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

At a later date I will talk about my personal history with this festival but for now I want to tell you about the magnificence of the biggest and greatest arts festival in the world. There are literally thousands of shows happening here on all manner of topics but the one thing that all of them share is that they each belong to the family of storytellers. I have been racing around the city as much as possible taking in as many different shows as I can and one of the shows I have loved most and that knocked me out is 'Circumcise me' written and performed by Yisrael Campbell.

It is the story of his life and how he went from growing up Catholic in suburban Philadelphia to being an orthodox Jew living in Jerusalem. As is pure in every hero's story it was a bumpy ride to reaching the top of his spiritual journey. Yisrael is a reformed alcoholic, philosophical sage and stand up comedian with clear eyes discerning the continual crisis Israel faces and how best to deal with tragedy when it strikes your life.

I first encountered the bright light of his personality after my first show of the festival run that he attended. I enjoyed his show 'Circumcise me' so much that I went to it twice. I laughed, I cried and stood on my feet clapping wildly when it finished. His story is epic how he became the person that he is today and I would much rather watch a film about his life instead of another dull super hero sequel.

Until then we have his show and this conversation about his life's journey.

At the Edinburgh Fringe Festival review's are very important so let it be known that Tom Rhodes Radio gives 'Circumcise Me' 5 stars! 5 Bravos! and 5 Hallelujahs!

(5 stars are the best you can get on an Edinburgh review) If you are in or anywhere near Edinburgh during his run I highly recommend you put this show on the top of your list of must see shows. It is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Yisrael Campbell!

Intro song: Cutting Room (Hot Pants) – Oceanliners

Audio Cameo: Ashna making lasagna in the background

End song: The Weight - The Band

Recorded at our big wooden kitchen table of our lovely Edinburgh Festival apartment