VHS 2: Planet of the Tapes is a show with passion. The host, Richard Sandling, makes no bones about being in love with film and VHS, and he also shows no mercy towards that upstart DVD technology (I thought about asking his stance on Beta but didn’t want to be trapped into a never ending lecture).
The venue itself is best arrived at from Cowgate (if you come down through the C complex you’ll be wandering down a lot of dark and unmarked corridors). It is a tent situated on a building site where once the old Gilded Balloon stood. it is still being constructed and there was a sound check next door all going on while the performance was happening, so be prepared for distractions.
The show, for the first half, is a tale of the dark underbelly of the video rental market, and how being a hard-man (collecting late fees) can destroy your soul. There are some very funny and darkly disturbing video sequences in this portion of the show which help carry the story along.
During the remainder of the show Richard discussing the tragic convergence of the comic and Hollywood and what is wrong with Dr Who (the short version apparently). He is eloquent and passionate about his subject and the audience, while not understanding every reference, knew enough about movies and the new Dr Who to thoroughly enjoy the show.
This is a must see for all film buffs and sci-fi junkies.
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