The List 738

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SUMMER IN THE CITY Our ultimate festival lowdown

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738-Cover YS.indd 1

23rd Edition 2016/17

PLUS EMMA POLLOCK | C DUNCAN | KATHERINE RYAN | GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL | SWAN LAKE | COUPLE IN A HOLE | IMAGINATE

7 APR–2 JUN 2016 | ISSUE 738

FREE

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01/04/2016 19:30

OUR LADIES of Perpetual Succour Adapted by Lee Hall from the novel The Sopranos by Alan Warner Directed by Vicky Featherstone

SECC, GLASGOW LOMOND AUDITORIUM 24 - 28 May 2016

Dundee Rep Theatre 30 Jun – 2 Jul 2016

Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock 6 – 9 Jul 2016 Age recommendation: 16+ Contains swearing, sambuca and singing The National Theatre of Scotland, a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (SC234270), is a registered Scottish charity (SCO33377).

our 738-adpages.indd ladies thelist A4IFC2 Advert indd 1

“A work that’s both anthem and elegy, a getting of wisdom that celebrates life even as it breaks your heart” +++++ The Herald

“A mighty piece of popular theatre, full of show-stopping musical moments delivered to perfection” +++++ The Scotsman

@NTSonline #OurLadies

National Theatre of Scotland is core funded by

nationaltheatrescotland.com Photograph by Manuel Harlan

29/03/2016 01/04/2016 13:15 18:38

CONTENTS

FRONT

4

Record Store Day

12

Bruce Springsteen

15

FEATURES

7 APR – 2 JUN 2016 | LIST.CO.UK

W

ho says you need to leave the city for festival fun? In this issue we take a look at the urban festivals happening near you (page 17), from Glasgow’s fantastic Riverside Festival to Edinburgh’s ever-fun Hidden Door. Plus, we caught up with the lovely Emma Pollock (page 25), Mercury nomineee C Duncan (page 26) and dance legends Underworld (page 28) before their festival appearances this summer. Biennial art festival Glasgow International is back in April – turn to page 32 for our top picks for 2016. Elsewhere, Scottish Ballet puts a new spin on the classic Swan Lake (page 40), and pioneering children’s festival Imaginate (page 31) returns with a great roster of family friendly shows. Plus it’s nearly time for the new edition of The List Eating and Drinking Guide. This year, our annual food and drink bible features reviews of over 900 restaurants, cafés and bars – turn to page 46 to find out more, and get your £2 off voucher.

17

Glasgow International

32

Scottish Ballet

40

FOOD & DRINK

EE Our ultimate festival lowdown

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23rd Edition 2016/17

PLUS

EMMA POLLOCK | C DUNCAN | KATHERINE RYAN | GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL | SWAN LAKE | COUPLE IN A HOLE | IMAGINATE

7 APR–2 JUN 2016 | ISSUE 738

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sunshine to have a good festival time this summer, but in certain circumstances it would help. Among the outdoor joys awaiting you over the coming months are established classics such as Doune the Rabbit Hole and T in the Park, while newbie Festival of House joins the fun-filled fray. If you prefer your culture to take place indoors, then Glasgow International, Hidden Door and Imaginate are all yours for the visiting.

52

six°north

54

AROUND TOWN

44

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL

57

Highlights

58

BOOKS

60

Lucy Ribchester Lara Williams Highlights

COMEDY

The acclaimed Scottish actress is appearing in not one but two extremely intense movies at the moment. Both The Witch and Couple in a Hole take her to some very dark places.

GREAT OFFERS

8

Win tickets to see MagicFest Gala at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh

8

Win tickets to Doune the Rabbit Hole

9

20% off at Wild Wood Cafe in Edinburgh

9

Win tickets to see Celts at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

8

Win tickets to T in the Park at Strathallan Castle

9

63 63 65

Highlights

66

67

Dheepan

66

Victoria

69

Sing Street

71

Highlights

72

74

Polar Bears Go Up

74

Highlights

77

MUSIC

79

Molotov Jukebox

79

James

80

Jonnie Common

83

Highlights

88 91

93

BalletBoyz

93

Buzzcut

94

Jackie The Musical

96

Highlights

98

VISUAL ART The Scottish Endarkenment

99 99

Hinterland

100

Highlights

101

102

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

102

Camping

103

FIRST & LAST Elaine C Smith

61 62

Matt Forde

TV Win tickets to The Iliad at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh

60

Paul Zerdin

THEATRE

KATE DICKIE

It comes around but every two years, yet GI is always very much worth the wait. For 2016, we have the likes of Cosima von Bonin and Marvin Gaye Chetwynd taking visual art to the limits.

56

Beltane

Classical Highlights

32

51

Seasons

KIDS

SUMMER FESTIVALS We don’t exactly need

17

Summer Festivals

FILM

Editor

2

Realist

104 104

GRAPHIC CONTENT

CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain

What we’ve been talking about Ah, summer festivals. Think blisteringly hot afternoons. Think ice-creams by the crateload. Think sun-soaked crowds lazing away their baking days and balmy evenings to a backdrop of dreamy live sounds. Of course, maybe you should think again what with this being the United Kingdom of Rain, Sleet and Wind. But we’re a hardy lot who wouldn’t let a little old thing like brain-damaging hailstorms to put us off enjoying an outdoor event, now, would we? So, we gathered up a scientific sample of people who have attended festivals both home and abroad to tell us about their best (and less best) experiences of attending summer festivals down the years . . .

THE GOOD

THE NOT SO GOOD

• Paul Weller dedicating ‘You Do Something to Me to ‘all the ladies’ at the second T in the Park: a collective swoon ensued . . .

• Being thrown ten feet across a muddy field by a large, moshing Pogues fan at Reading in the 90s

• Forum Hotel is a former Soviet business hotel in Krakow and regularly used during the weird and wonderful Unsound Festival

• Arriving days late to a very washedout 2008 Bestival on Isle of Wight due to delayed and diverted flights, plus the airline lost my camping gear

• Watching Kevin Rowland singing ‘The Greatest Love of All’ while wearing a little silk dress with two strippers dancing beside him at Leeds Festival. IIt e ent, was bloody magnificent, though not sure anybody else agreed • Only ÂŁ20 for the full weekend at Y Not Festival when now it’s pushing ÂŁ100. And the sun was shining: in the Midlands! • Connect 2007 was the best festival ever! It was the first ‘boutique’ event I went to and made me realise that festivals could be nice! • I did Live 8 (Edinburgh and d London) which allowed me to see pretty much everyone ever live • Seeing Manu Chao followed by Rage Against the Machine the final night of 2007 Coachella: ‘Killing in the Name’ with 50,000 d dy people was an out-of-body experience • Beck and his band at T in bly y the Park, late 90s; probably the coolest people to everr grace a medium-sized tent • Listening to Edinburgh DJ Craig Smith play Sandy Barber’s ‘I Think I’ll Do Some Stepping on My Own’ on a sun-drenched boat in the middle of the Adriatic Sea; one of many memorable SuncĂŠBeat moments

• LCD Soundsystem’s moody James Murphy at Connect 2007 e r it rained very hard at Latitude • The year hen I learned that a tent from the when po p pound shop was not a bargain, d had h and to buy a new one in the miidd of the night, put it up in middle t torrential rain while deep in three feet of mud • Stupidly pitching our tents at Y Not near the loos thinking it would make m life easier for us after drinking all day, except the next morning exc x we woke to find loo roll wrapped around our tents and all the portaloos knocked over; you can imagine the smell • Some weirdly inappropriate neonazis sieg-heiling while Frank Black played T in the Park in the late 90s; did they think he was Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini or something? • A two-hour wait to get into Coachella while festival-goers were searched in 35c+ temperatures and no shading

EDITORIAL Editor Yasmin Sulaiman Senior Digital Editor Scott Henderson Research Manager Rowena McIntosh Senior Researcher Murray Robertson Research Alex Johnston, Rebecca Monks, Henry Northmore, Kirstyn Smith Subeditors Mercy Breheny, Brian Donaldson SALES & MARKETING Media Sales Manager Chris Knox Senior Media Sales Executive Debbie Thomson Media Sales Executive Rachel Cree Sales Support Executive Jessica Rodgers Promotions Executive Jade Regulski Digital Business Development Director Brendan Miles Partnership Director Sheri Friers PRODUCTION Senior Designer Lucy Munro Designer Jen Devonshire Production Simon Armin DIGITAL Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Digital Designer Sharon Irish Software Developer Iain McCusker Senior DBA Andy Bowles ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Sarah Reddie SECTION EDITORS Around Town / Music Kirstyn Smith Books / Film Scotland Yasmin Sulaiman Comedy / Front Brian Donaldson Dance / Kids Kelly Apter Film Reviews Emma Simmonds Food & Drink Donald Reid TV Henry Northmore Theatre Gareth K Vile Visual Art Rachael Cloughton

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE: 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050, Fax: 0131 557 8500, list.co.uk, email editor@list.co.uk GLASGOW OFFICE: at the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD Tel: 0141 332 9929, glasgow@list.co.uk ISSN: 0959 - 1915

• Losing my car keys whilst on one of those mental fairground rides at T in the Park and realising that I had no way of getting either myself, my tent or my friends home to Edinburgh the next day

Š 2016 The List Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the written permission of the publishers. The List does not accept responsibility for unsolicited material. The List provides this content in good faith but no guarantee or representation is given that the content is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Use of magazine content is at your own risk. Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd, W.Yorkshire.

2 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

, MARK RADCLIFFE S

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 3

REALIST The

PHOTO: JASPER SCHWARTZ

L I R P A

2 Beltane

AROUND TOWN

The fire festival to end them all marks the start of summer as 300 performers give a modern interpretation of an ancient pagan ritual. Torch bearers, fire archers, and red ‘n’ blue men will be all over Calton Hill on this fantastical night. See preview, page 57. Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Apr.

1 Scottish Ballet DANCE

Even those who say they don’t like classical ballet find it virtually impossible to resist the glorious charms of Swan Lake. Dubbed by David Dawson as the ‘Mona Lisa of ballets’, the British choreographer is attempting a bold rebranding of the traditional work about Odette, nasty old Von Rothbart and Siegfried. See feature, page 40. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 19–Sat 23 Apr; Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 25–Sat 28 May.

3 Glasgow International VISUAL ART

Glasgow’s bi-annual celebration of the wilder terrain in visual art bursts into view with the likes of Alexandra Bircken, Corin Sworn and Claire Barclay displaying their intriguing wares. See feature, page 32. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr.

4 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

So much culture, so little time. We boil it down to 20 of the best events

4 Katherine Ryan

5 Glasgow Restaurant Festival

With Kathbum, the Sarnia-born, London-based comic is cementing her reputation as an acute commentator on our celebrity-obsessed culture as well as an adept storyteller of her own life. But is she really the new Joan Rivers? Well, quite possibly. See feature, page 43. Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Sat 23 Apr.

The inaugural city-wide Glasgow Restaurant Festival still has plenty tasty goingson worth sampling, such as Dining in the City which offers a week of speciallypriced menus and events at 60 restaurants. There’s also a different pop-up eaterie in town every day. Various venues, Glasgow, until Sun 24 Apr.

COMEDY

FOOD & DRINK

6 Couple in a Hole

7 Big Fish, Little Fish 8 Game of Thrones

9 Molotov Jukebox

Kate Dickie and Paul Higgins play a pair living a simple, solitary lifestyle in rural France. But when a spider bite means they need to bring others into their world, it opens up the sadness behind this isolation. See feature, page 44 and review, page 70. Selected release from Fri 8 Apr.

Are you a parent who loved clubs? Don’t bother with a babysitter as BFLF invites you to bring bairns. Come along and rave with the kids, not at them. See preview, page 75. La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Apr, Sat 21 May; Drygate Brewery, Glasgow, Sun 29 May.

Another GoT link here as Natalia Tena (aka Osha the wildling) leads her ‘gyp-step’ band through their paces, resulting in a unique frenzy of samba, ska and swing. See preview, page 79. King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, Thu 28 Apr; Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Fri 29 Apr.

FILM

KIDS

TV

It’s rather difficult to talk about the sixth season without throwing a bunch of dragon-sized spoilers at you. So, is whatshisface really dead? And what will now become of, you know, whatshername? See Highlights, page 103. Sky Atlantic, starts Mon 25 Apr.

MUSIC

10 Sidsel Meineche Hansen

CHOSEN BY ARTIST GEORGIA HORGAN

Sidsel Meineche Hansen is presenting work that explores the relationship between feminism, 3D genders and post-human sex. The basement will feature animations appropriating hypersexualised 3D models, add-ons for pre-animated movement and ‘genitalia props’. The upstairs space will be used for seminars, performances and workshops. Sidsel summarises her practice as an exploration of nervousness as institutional critique. Nervousness is proposed as a physiological and psychological state that reflects an individual’s conflict with late-capitalism. As an artist particularly concerned with how capital has managed our sexuality throughout history, this is set to be essential viewing for me. Georgia Horgan: Saturday, Calton Burial Ground, Glasgow, Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr; Sidsel Meineche Hansen: No Right Way 2 Cum, Transmission, Glasgow, Fri 8 Apr–Sat 14 May. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 5

MAY

1 Bruce Springsteen MUSIC

PHOTO: DANNY CLINCH

The Boss is back in town with the E Street Band in full flow for this bumper gig as they recreate the 1980 double album epic of The River. There’ll undoubtedly be a few extra surprises for those fans of the King of New Jersey as he rocks out over the course of several hours. See Big Picture, page 15. Hampden Park, Glasgow, Wed 1 Jun.

2 Hidden Door

3 BalletBoyz

Hidden in the heart of Edinburgh are nine days of music, theatre, art, film, poetry, bars and food as the city’s indie festival sparks into life again. Among the diverse and numerous acts and events are Rozi Plain, Ludens Ensemble, Bossy Love and NZCA Lines (above). See preview, page 23. King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh, Fri 27 May–Sat 4 Jun.

Since founding their company in 2001, Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt have proved they own a good eye for choreographers and dancers. Life features new works by Swedish dance / filmmaker Pontus Lidberg and Venezuelan choreographer Javier de Frutos. See preview, page 93. King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 22 May; Dundee Rep, Mon 23 & Tue 24 May.

AROUND TOWN

DANCE

6 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

The

REALIST PHOTO: COURTESY OF FLOWERS GALLERY LONDON AND NEW YORK

PHOTO: ROS KAVANAGH

4 Mayfesto

5 The Scottish Endarkenment

6 David Duchovny

Andy Arnold and The Tron are going big on Irish matters this Mayfesto to mark the Easter Rising’s centenary, with plays such as Shall Roger Casement Hang?, A Present State, Northern Star (above), My Name is Saoirse and Connolly. See preview, page 96. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 2–Sat 28 May.

Covering 1945 to now, let’s experience the polar opposite of the Scottish Enlightenment in art form, with works by the likes of Alan Davie, Eduardo Paolozzi, Alison Watt, Christine Borland and Douglas Gordon. See preview, page 99. Dovecot Gallery, Edinburgh, Fri 13 May–Mon 29 Aug.

Duchovny recently returned with the rebooted X Files and may be on screens for the Twin Peaks return. Sandwiched in between is a musical career. With an album entitled Hell or Highwater, here’s a chance to see what his rocking side is like. See Highlights, page 90. O2 ABC, Glasgow, Thu 5 May.

7 Festival of Museums

8 Everybody Wants Some!!

9 Museum Late: Celts

In the capital, A Secret Garden is at Lauriston Castle, and Gavin Francis discusses what it is to be human. In Glasgow, De Rosa play Summerlee and Frank Quitely is interviewed by The List’s Gareth K Vile at the Hunterian. Various venues, Scotland, Fri 13–Sun 15 May.

Just two exclamation marks for Richard Linklater’s ‘spiritual sequel’ to Dazed and Confused, which is tipped to make big names out of its leads. Set at the dawn of the 80s, this coming-of-age comedydrama has girls, pot-smoking and baseball. See review, page 71. General release from Fri 13 May.

A top Friday the 13th is guaranteed with this night of fun featuring Idlewild, silent disco, indiefolksters Fisher & Maclean, a Vic Galloway DJ set, plus some crafts, talks and Beltane-related business. See Highlights, page 58. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Fri 13 May.

THEATRE

VISUAL ART

MUSIC

PHOTO: RUTH ARMSTRONG

AROUND TOWN

FILM

AROUND TOWN

10 Imaginate

CHOSEN BY PLAYWRIGHT AND PERFORMER GARY MCNAIR

There are a lot of brilliant things going on across the country in May but the highlight for me has to be the truly special annual event happening for kids of all ages in Edinburgh. Imaginate deservedly has the reputation of being one of the most consistently brilliant theatre festivals around. It’s a showcase of the very best performances for young people, but no matter your age, their spellbinding programme, with theatre-makers like Andy Cannon, Barrowland Ballet and the exquisite international programming, will leave you amazed and inspired. Donald Robertson is Not a Stand-Up Comedian, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 12–Sat 14 May; Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 19–Sat 21 May, see Highlights, page 98; Imaginate, various venues, Edinburgh, Sat 28 May–Sun 5 Jun, see feature, page 31. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 7

READER OFFERS WIN TICKETS TO THE ILIAD AT THE LYCEUM

WIN TICKETS TO CELTS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

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â€˜â€Ś There is the heat of Love, the pulsing rush of longing, the lover’s whisper, irresistible – magic to make the sanest man go mad.’ Homer’s Iliad, the greatest and most influential epic poem ever written, tells of the tragic and bloody climax to the ten-year siege of Troy; the darkest episode in the Trojan War. This great tale of gods and heroes, love, jealousy and revenge is brought to visceral life in a brand new adaptation by award winning Scottish Playwright Chris Hannan (Crime and Punishment, Elizabeth Gordon Quinn, Shining Souls). Directed by Lyceum Artistic Director Mark Thomson. The List are giving away a pair of tickets to see the show on Sat 7 May at 7.30pm. To be in with a chance of winning just log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us:

The Lyceum version of The Iliad is written by Chris Hannan but who is attributed with writing the original epic Greek poem? The lliad Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh 30B Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX 20 Apr–14 May 2016

WIN TICKETS TO MAGICFEST GALA AT THE FESTIVAL THEATRE What happens inside your head when you see two hours of impossible? Do you try work it all out or just let the mystery and wonder wash over you? The List are giving away two pairs of tickets for the MagicFest Gala at the Festival Theatre. Enjoy a selection of the most mind-blowing illusionists and adventurous variety acts - sometimes funny, sometimes heart-warming, sometimes thrilling. Always amazing and skilful, and always with forensic attention to detail. To be in with a chance of winning tickets for matinee or evening show on Fri 8 July log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us:

What time does the MagicFest Gala matinee performance begin? #ILIAD | #lyceum50 lyceum.org.uk/the-iliad

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 1 - 8 Jul 2016 Various venues

magicfest.co.uk @MagicFest TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Fri 29 Apr. No cash alternative. Usual List rules apply.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Fri 3 Jun. The tickets permit the winner entry to the matinee or evening performance of MagicFest Gala at the Festival Theatre on Fri 8 July. Usual List rules apply.

8 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

READER OFFERS 20% OFF AT WILD WOOD CAFE IN EDINBURGH

WIN TICKETS TO DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE FESTIVAL How do you fancy winning two weekend camping tickets plus parking to Doune the Rabbit Hole festival? You and a friend could be there, as The List are giving away a pair of weekend tickets to the one of Scotland’s best small festivals.

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The family friendly festival will be returning to its home at Cardross Estate on 19-21 Aug 2016. This year’s stellar line-up includes Scottish favourites Admiral Fallow and Treacherous Orchestra as well as Welsh Songstress Cate Le Bon, who will be headlining across the weekend. They will be playing DTRH alongside the likes of Mungo’s HiFi w/ Solo Banton, Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts, C Duncan, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 and Emma Pollock. There will be a range of children’s workshops and delicious cuisine for you all to enjoy too. To be in with a chance of winning a weekend camping ticket for two log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us:

On what estate does Doune the Rabbit Hole take p place? Doune the Rabbit Hole Cardross Estate Port of Menteith Stirling, FK8 3JY 19 - 21 Aug 2016

dounetherabbithole.co.uk

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TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Fri 27 Jul. The prize package includes a pair of adult weekend camping tickets to Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival, 1 vehicle pass for either a car, a car with caravan or a motorhome

WIN TICKETS TO T IN THE PARK What is T in the Park? It is 20+ years of musical history. It’s the journey - packing your bag, travelling to Strathallan Castle, the waiting‌finding your spot in the campsite, surrounding yourself with friends – old and new – that first sip of Tennent’s Lager once your tent has been pitched. It’s an atmosphere like nothing else. It’s the anticipation hanging in the air as your favourite artist walks on stage; that visceral energy, the feeling of being part of something bigger amidst the 80,000 strong crowd. It’s the inherently magical T in the Park campsite roar. It’s that intangible ‘in-the-moment’ experience; feeling perfectly connected to your fellow festival-goers as you sing your hearts out in unison to The Stone Roses, Calvin Harris, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. It’s making friends for life, and memories to last a lifetime. It’s the best fans in the world. It’s the best weekend of the summer. It’s T in the Park. For a perfect festival weekend check out Tennent’s Lager’s popular Be Chilled service, where you can pre-order chilled cans of Tennent’s Lagers and Magners Original Cider at tennents.com/bechilled Thanks to festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager we have a pair of VIP weekend camping tickets to give away, plus vouchers for Be Chilled! To be in with a chance of winning log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us:

Which night will The Stone Roses headline? T in the Park Strathallan Castle Perthshire 8 - 10 Jul 2016

tinthepark.com @Tinthepark

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Wed 1 Jun. For more information and regular updates from The T Lady visit www.tinthepark.com. For the facts about alcohol drinkaware.co.uk. Over 18s only. Usual List rules apply.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 9

10 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

NEWS

For more news go to

LIST.CO.UK /NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS, LINE-UPS AND OPINION EIF director Fergus Linehan

Hinterla

EION CAREY

nd

The Edinburgh International Festival has launched its programme for 2016, and it’s a belter. The event kicks off with Deep Time, a free outdoor event featuring animated artwork exploring 350 million years of the capital’s history, which will be projected onto Edinburgh Castle. Meanwhile, acts to look forward to include opera superstar Cecilia Bartoli, Oscar-nominated singer Anohni (formerly Anthony Hegarty), post-rockers Sigur Rós, Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers and Alan Cumming, who will be performing a cabaret show.

base for dance and physical performance. The venue will complete the regeneration of the Briggait (a Victorian / Edwardian market complex in Glasgow’s Merchantt City) and, once operational, will be a hub for 600 professional ganisations: Dance House artists and five arts organisations: Glasgow, Conflux, Indepen-dance, Aerial Edge and YDance.

and will be used to aid in its eventual restoration (expected to be completed in 2018).

NEW FROM NEU! REEKIE!

ROSE STREET SET TO BLOOM

Those madcap folk at Neu! Reekie! have announced that they’re releasing #UntitledTwo, a poetry anthology and compilation album featuring a selection of work from associated artists on Friday 29 April. The launch event takes place at St Andrew’s Church in Leith, with Scotland’s brand new makar (the one and only Jackie Kay) reading on the night.

Plans to create a theatre and performing arts centre on Edinburgh’s Rose Street have been approved by councillors on the city’s planning committee. If the project goes ahead, the Charlotte Baptist Chapel will be transformed into a 600-seat theatre and performing arts venue.

ALASDAIR SMITH

COUNTDOWN TO DEEP TIME AT EIF

ST PETER’S SEMINARY SAVED The Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland have announced £4.2m funding in order to transform the derelict St Peter’s Seminary into an arts venue and heritage destination. The seminary in Cardross was the centrepiece of Hinterland, a spectacular public art event which marked the Festival of Architecture (see review, page 100). The investment will allow for key elements of the building to be restored, while the chapel is set to be converted into a 600-capacity venue. Exhibitions are expected be held in the former sacristy and crypt.

FUNDING BOOST FOR SCOTTISH CREATION CENTRE Funding of ÂŁ2.6m has been secured for the Briggait Creation Centre, a proposed dedicated

MACKINTOSH BUILDING GOES 3D Experts from the Glasgow School of Art Digital Design Studio have created a series of 3D visualisations which reveal the full extent of the damage done to the Mackintosh Building by the November 2014 fire. The point cloud images have been generated by laser scanning the building

A LIST OF QUESTIONS We’re always striving to make The List better and, to that end, we’ve created a survey so that we can find out what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong, and find out more about our lovely readers. Spare a few minutes to complete our survey online at list.co.uk/survey – one lucky respondent will even receive a £50 Amazon voucher for their troubles. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 11

NEWS Record Store Day: a good thing for music shops? Rebecca Monks speaks to record store owners about vinyl’s revival and the mixed impact of RSD

COMING UP • Buzzcut Festival (until Sun 10 Apr): razor-sharp performance art festival happening in Glasgow’s Pearce Institute. Across five days, over 60 experimental performances will take place from a diverse range of artists. See preview, page 94. • Glasgow International (Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr): this two-yearly festival of art is always a big draw for Glasgow. For 2016, the programme features over 200 Scottish and international artists in 36 solo and 40 groups shows. See feature, page 32.

‘R

ecord Store Day isn’t always an easy day to manage, but I’m bored of the negative chat,’ says George Macdonald, owner of Underground Solu’shn on Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street. It’s easy to see how it can be a bit of a handful: across the UK, more than 200 independent music shops come together to celebrate their unique culture, with live instore performances from bands and special vinyl releases created just for the event. Customers queue for hours to get their hands on rare singles, EPs and albums, and according to Macdonald, it’s even helping to keep independent vendors afloat. ‘In terms of shops still existing, that would be a pretty positive thing,’ he says. ‘I know of a significant number of shops who are only still trading because of Record Store Day.’ For Macdonald, the benefits are obvious: ‘hundreds and hundreds of customers’. But he doesn’t just mean on the day itself. ‘They come back because there are thousands of great records that will sell for years to come. Plus, there’s a very good atmosphere on the day.’ That said, his attitude is not completely positive. ‘People can be disappointed if they don’t end up getting what they want’. But what people want from RSD has changed dramatically over the last few years, something Kevin Buckle (owner of Avalanche Records on the capital’s St Mary’s Street) has noticed affects the way the event runs. ‘Record Store Day is a really good idea, if it was what it’s meant to be,’ he says. ‘Record Store Day wasn’t about vinyl at the start, it was about the record shops. In the first two or three years I was involved, the shops would complain to me, “why aren’t there limited CDs for Record Store Day?�, because they all wanted limited CDs.’

To put this into context, a few years back, vinyl was less ubiquitous, so the material coming into independent stores was not necessarily something you could pick up at a big store. But things have changed. ‘Especially this last year, every week is like Record Store Day’, Buckle says. ‘Because there’s more stuff re-issued, there’s more vinyl.’ But it’s not just the material’s format that is an issue. ‘In truth, the bands and the labels don’t want to give you the good stuff because they can do that themselves,’ adds Buckle. ‘And then there are the 7 inches, which haven’t really taken off at all as part of the vinyl revival, but a lot of what is on Record Store Day is 7 inch, which is a format nobody cares about.’ Buckle covered some of these issues in a blog post, which was much shared on social media. He says: ‘given the fantastic rosters many record companies and labels have, what shops have been offered is a huge disappointment but not a great surprise given vinyl re-issues were once an unusual occurrence whereas they now appear every week.’ Buckle used that same blog post to announce that Avalanche would be shutting its doors. One interesting way to look at this debate is that the bigger vinyl gets, the more it could potentially hurt smaller shops, since bigger chains are wanting to take a slice of the pie for themselves. Sure, for some, RSD is a keystone in the retail calendar, but for others it highlights wider issues within the music retail industry. It leaves a big question to be asked: will the vinyl revival leave record stores healthier or hurt? Record Store Day, various venues, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Sat 16 Apr.

• Dundead (Thu 28 Apr–Mon 2 May): Dundee’s horror film festival is going ahead over the Bank Holiday weekend at DCA (so if the scary films do keep you up all night, it’s OK). • Museum Lates: Celts (Fri 13 May): a night of Celtic fun at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, with Idlewild, duo Hannah Fisher & Sorren Maclean and a DJ set by Vic Galloway, plus entertainment from the Beltane Fire Society. • Hidden Door (Fri 27 May–Sat 4 Jun): multi-arts Edinburgh festival with a host of musicians, bands, poets and filmmakers. The event will take place on King’s Stables Road. • Imaginate (Sat 28 May–Sun 5 Jun): Edinburgh’s international children’s festival takes place over eight days and boasts a varied, lively programme, with 14 shows from nine countries and a Family Fringe weekend. See feature, page 31. • Glasgow Science Festival (Thu 9–Sun 19 Jun): workshops, films and discussions celebrate all things science across the city. • Edinburgh Festival: The International Festival and the Fringe share dates (Fri 5–Mon 29 Aug). Also on are the Edinburgh Art Festival (Thu 28 Jul–Sun 28 Aug), the Edinburgh International Book Festival (Sat 13– Mon 29 Aug), and lots more.

12 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 13

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14 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

BIG PICTURE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

When you’re The Boss you can do whatever you like. So, the fact that his double album epic The River isn’t celebrating a special birthday this year (you don’t get nothing for a 36th anniversary, do you?) is neither here nor there. If Springsteen wants to revisit the 1980 record that gave us ‘Hungry Heart’, ‘Point Blank’ and a majestic title track then that album is going to be well and truly revisited. The E Street Band may have sadly lost two of its iconic members in the shape of Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici since then but the likes of Stevie Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren will keep the music flowing into the night. Hampden Park, Glasgow, Wed 1 Jun.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 15

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16 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

SUMMER FESTIVALS We might live in a country where attending an outdoor festival can seem like a weird joke, but the rather inconsistent metereological state of Scotland has never deterred the natural revellers among us. Across the following pages, we pore over the season’s most exciting city-based musical events, chat to Emma Pollock and C Duncan as they prepare to go Doune the Rabbit Hole, and hear from dance legends Underworld as they help launch the brand spanking new Festival of House

Ghostface Killah

B

reaking away from the idea that it must best be enjoyed in bulk while sitting in a rural field, the last decade has seen the music festival scene expand. Now, a festival could be a local multivenue crawl, a one-day marathon held in a single space or tightlycurated but less frantic events which stretch to many days. Some even stick a lot of people in an urban public park, just like a countryside festival. It’s not surprising to anyone who knows the city that Glasgow has found itself home to many of these festivals. Home for many years to Celtic Connections in the depths of winter, Glasgow’s summer includes a day of breaking new bands at the returning Stag & Dagger on Sauchiehall Street and two days of international dance and electronic music at the Riverside Festival on the banks of the Clyde. There will also be a day of local artists like Joe Howe, Apostille and Babe at the Hug & Pint’s inaugural First Big Weekend on Great Western Road and big names in August at the more traditional, parkbased Summer Nights (featuring Super Furry Animals, Primal Scream and Van Morrison) and Summer Sessions (headlined by Biffy Clyro). While Edinburgh is less well-served by music events, Hidden Door opens up at the end of May with music, visual art and more. Yet one new Glasgow event is particularly eye-catching. The inaugural Restless Natives is happening across seven days at the beginning of May in various venues around the East End. Its aim is to

bring international artists as diverse as Ghostface Killah, Future of the Left, Tim Hecker and Fuck Buttons offshoot Blanck Mass to the city, as well as showcasing Glasgow’s energetic DIY scene and the area’s hidden corners to a wider audience. ‘The aim is to bring back some of the superior aspects of the European underground scene, and the way they circumvent a lot of the mainstream constraints placed upon them,’ says Chris Cusack, booker at Glasgow’s Bloc venue and instigator of Restless Natives. ‘It’s about respecting the dignity of musicians and audiences, and about taking something from the way communities of promoters and musicians in Europe come together to hijack parts of town with socially conscious cross-platform programming. For example, there’s a festival in Montpellier where people just hang extension leads out of their windows for the weekend and invite musicians to play in their street.’ Restless Natives won’t be quite as ad hoc, but it’s very much focused on ideas which bring together the city’s self-starting DIY promoters and cross-genre practitioners. ‘We want to do something which operates outwith the big corporate festivals, which tend to feature the same names,’ says Cusack. ‘Part of what we’re doing is inviting different community arts groups to curate a cinema screen or music stage each night. Why programme what we think is best in jazz or hardcore punk when we can get Stretched or Struggletown to do it

18 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

PHOTO: BRIAN SWEENEY

PHOTO: MARK JAMES

Super Furry Animals

Riverside Festival

for us? The tickets are really cheap as well, which fits with the East End: we don’t want to go in there and gentrify the place. It’s aimed at families and people in that area who can’t afford to fly to Barcelona for a weekend at Primavera, and at showcasing some of the excellent infrastructure that’s already there: places like the African-Caribbean Centre. It’s about breaking down the barriers for people who maybe don’t realise they can just wander in there.’ Frankly, it sounds great, but just because one event has taken such care to thread itself into the fabric of the area it serves, doesn’t mean that other events won’t be representing Glasgow in other ways. Riverside Festival showcases Glasgow’s pulling power with icons like Sven Väth and Fatboy Slim, and popular younger names like Ben Klock, Joris Voorn and local boy Jackmaster. ‘The challenges are the same as any festival, it’s just that the licensing issues are different in a city,’ says Dave Clarke of Slam Events, who run the Riverside via their Pressure night alongside Electric Frog. ‘But we’re lucky that Glasgow Life are very supportive of what we do and so are the police. It’s not a place we expect trouble and I think part of that is because it’s a daytime party, following in the footsteps of smaller events like Sunday Circus and Platform 18. We don’t have the problem of people being camped onsite and going for it all the time.’ Of all Glasgow’s summer city events, Stag & Dagger is the one which has stood the test of time, even outlasting its parent branches in London

City-based music festivals aren’t a new thing, but they’re unique enough that organisers are still exploring diverse ways of presenting events in an urban setting. David Pollock speaks to promoters who are helping breathe festival life into a metropolis near you

and Leeds. ‘That’s something we’re really quite proud of,’ says Calum Cunneen of promoters PCL. ‘It’s not about being a huge money-maker for us, it just works well in shedding light on smaller spaces in the city and bringing in artists on the way up for early dates in Scotland before anyone’s heard of them.’ This year’s Stag features Band of Skulls, Deaf Havana and Emma Pollock’s welcome resurgence, while Cunneen points to past earlycareer appearances by Ed Sheeran, Kurt Vile, Courtney Barnett and Catfish & the Bottlemen as proof of Stag & Dagger’s track record. ‘Part of the point is reminding people that venues like these exist,’ he says, ‘and that they put on shows all year round in the heart of Glasgow. We’ve consistently built since Stag started, but the more festivals like this arrive in a city, the harder you have to work to sustain people’s attention.’ Stag & Dagger, various venues, Glasgow, Sun 1 May; The First Big Weekend, Hug & Pint, Glasgow, Sat 7 May; Restless Natives, various venues, Glasgow, Mon 9–Sun 15 May; Hidden Door, Old Bus Depot, Edinburgh, Fri 27 May–Sat 4 Jun; The Riverside Festival, Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Sat 28 & Sun 29 May; Summer Nights, Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sun 14 Aug; Glasgow Summer Sessions, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Sat 27 Aug. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 19

From Tradfest to Tectonics and Butefest to Belladrum, we round-up a whole heap of festivals coming to a locale near you this summer

GLASGOW RESTAURANT FESTIVAL Debut festival celebrating Glasgow’s thriving dining scene. A resplendent Spiegeltent in Candleriggs Square hosts a different pop-up restaurant each day, with CAU, Bar Soba and Marco Pierre White all taking a turn. There’s also a week of speciallypriced menus at over 60 Glasgow restaurants. Until Sun 24 Apr.

ALCHEMY FILM AND MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL

‘Beyond the Borders’ is the theme for this midsummer arts and music festival that encourages debate with activists and writers from across the cultural spectrum. The programme includes performance, spoken word, visual arts and film as well as a live music line-up that mixes folk, hip hop and electro, with appearances from Blue Code Rose, Stanley Odd, Carbs (pictured) and Bdy_Prts. Common Weal deliver workshops and talks centred around grassroots democracy and there’s spoken word from Hollie McNish, Kirstin Innes and Alan Bissett. • The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire, Fri 17–Sun 19 Jun

One of the few festivals in the country dedicated to experimental film, this festival in the Scottish Borders is a gem. This year’s theme is ‘Altered State’ with highlights including White Ash (a journey into consciousness composed of thousands of images) and Silver (where a man from outer space tries to free his father from hospital). Hawick, Thu 14–Sun 17 Apr.

THAT’S FIFE! Formerly Fife Comedy Festival, its punny makeover heralds the third year of the Kingdom’s comedy extravaganza. It may be a young’un compared with its behemoth peers, but it has still managed to pull in big names: Ed Byrne, Chris Ramsey, Nina Conti and Fred MacAulay will all be there. Various venues, Fife, until Sat 30 Apr.

OUTSKIRTS Platform celebrates its 10th birthday this year, and its Outskirts festival returns with a mix of music, art and performance. Among this year’s highlights are music from Kathryn Joseph and the Twilight Sad’s James Graham, theatremakers Company of Wolves’ show A Brief History of Evil, and art from Marvin Gaye Chetwynd. Platform, Glasgow, Sat 23 Apr.

DUNDEAD

TRADFEST

FOLK FILM GATHERING

TECTONICS

Dundee’s horror film festival – which takes place annually at the DCA – always has some great treats in store, whether you’re a gore-lover or fonder of jumpy moments. This year features a Wes Craven retrospective, plus a screening of the excellent new horror Green Room (see review, page 70). Dundee Contemporary Arts, Thu 28 Apr–Sun 1 May.

Twelve days of Celtic arts featuring storytelling, folk music, crafts, dance and the great outdoors. There’s Gaelic music from Dà imh and Griogair Labhruidh, a family ceilidh, stories inspired by the folklore of Beltane and a Dawn Rising walk up Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh, Wed 28 Apr–Sun 8 May.

Collective Transgressive North present their folk film festival for the second year, this time in partnership with Edinburgh’s Filmhouse and Tradfest. 2016’s programme focuses on animals. It opens with Drew Wright and Hamish Brown’s new score for Lost Treasure (pictured), which launched Glasgow Short Film Festival this year too. Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 28 Apr– Thu 12 May.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra presents this weekend of new music featuring the great pianist John Tilbury, world premieres from Laurence Crane and Richard Emsley, Wolf Eyes-founder Nate Young’s first work for orchestra and the inaugural Tectonics opera, Labyrinthine. See preview, page 91. City Halls, Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Sat 7 & Sun 8 May.

20 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

/FestivalofMuseums @FestofMuseums

Think you know what to expect from museums? Think again…

FRI 13 – SUN 15 MAY 2016 An exciting weekend full of fun, surprising events right across Scotland.

festivalofmuseums.com

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 21

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS

COTTIER CHAMBER PROJECT

The Tayside arts festival celebrates 45 years with both contemporary music, from KT Tunstall, The Unthanks and Manran, and classical offerings, from The John Wilson Orchestra and Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Opera Roadshow. There’s also comedy, contemporary Scottish art and kids events. Thu 19–Sun 29 May.

Intimate performances at this chamber music festival include Mr McFall’s Chamber, Brass Lab and Red Note Ensemble, as well as host groups Daniel’s Beard and High Heart Dance Company, while the Grosvenor cinema screens archive footage of lavish productions. Glasgow, Fri 5–Fri 26 Jun.

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL This year sees a bumper birthday programme to celebrate a decade of showcasing the contribution Glasgow makes to the worlds of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine. Non-traditional venues play host to exhibitions, hands-on experiments and comedy. Thu 9–Sun 19 Jun.

PHOTO: RUVAN WIJESOORIYA

WEST END FESTIVAL Each year the West End of Glasgow is taken over by local arts groups, organisations and artists, creating one of the city’s biggest cultural events. Now 21 years old, the festival has plans to expand beyond previous years, losing the popular Byres Road parade but gaining hundreds of new activities. Glasgow, Fri 3–Sun 26 Jun.

PHOTO: SEAN PURSER

Feed your brain this summer at the Scotland-wide Festival of Museums, taking place in more than 70 museums and galleries across the country. Events include Museum Lates at the National Museum of Scotland (pictured) and a ceilidh at the Tall Ship at Riverside. Fri 13–Sun 15 May.

PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

GRRRL CON Organised by women’s writing champs For Book’s Sake and Write Like a Grrrl, the first ever Grrrl Con happens this summer. The line-up features Scotland’s new makar Jackie Kay, The Gracekeepers writer Kirsty Logan (pictured) and historical novelist Lucy Ribchester (see preview, page 60). Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jun.

REFUGEE FESTIVAL More important this year than ever, Refugee Festival Scotland is organised by the Scottish Refugee Council and celebrates the contributions made by refugees to the country’s culture and communities. The 12-day event features scores of music, visual art, film, and family activities. Tue 14–Sun 26 Jun.

This year’s T in the Park line-up is great, no doubt about that, but one band rising like a phoenix stands head and shoulders above the rest. Following the announced return from self-imposed, myth-making retirement, fans of LCD Soundsystem prayed the second coming would include an appearance at their festival of choice. We can count ourselves lucky. Dismiss them as ‘that hipster band’ at your peril; anyone lucky enough to have seen LCD live will tell you, they throw one helluva show. The sooner they Shut Up and Play the Hits, the better. • Strathallan Castle, Perthshire, Fri 8–Sun 10 Jul.

Celebrating its 70th year, the full programme isn’t announced until Wed 25 May, but we already know that this year’s country focus is Finland. Plus, on the back of their sold-out live score of Back to the Future in 2015, the RSNO lend their orchestral talents to a screening of Spielberg’s ET this year. Wed 15–Sun 26 Jun.

22 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

BUTEFEST The weekend festival returns for a second year, enticing people over to the isle of Bute to see music headliners Idlewild (pictured), The Magic Numbers and Skerryvore. For younger festival goers there’s entertainment including storyteller Ian Douglas and explosive fun with Professor Pumpernickel. King George’ss Field, Rothesay, Isle of George Bute, ute, Fri 29–Sun 31 Jul.

PHOTO: CHRIS WERRETT

A week of comic exhibitions, film screening and comic artists in residence before the main weekend event, Glasgow Comic Con, returns to the city. Guest artists, authors and indie publishers host talks and workshops as well as signings and a popular cosplay competition. Tue 28 Jun– Tue 5 Jul.

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

PHOTO: LUCY SUGDEN SMITH

GLASGOW COMIC FESTIVAL

This independent music and arts festival in the fairytale setting of Kelburn Castle offers a myriad of musical genres and creative happenings. There’s interactive art installations, cabaret and waterfall plunge pools, with Hiatus Kaiyote, Souljazz Orchesta and Admiral Fallow supplying the sounds. Kelburn Castle, Largs, Fri 1–Mon 4 Jul.

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART It’s up against Scottish music fest giants like T, but Belladrum hits back pretty hard. This year’s lineup is a lot of fun, and sees Madness, The Darkness, Two Door Cinema Club, C Duncan and Circa Waves embracing the tartan heart. Belladrum, Inverness, Thu 4–Sat 6 Aug.

Returning to the secret courtyard on King’s Stables Road, Hidden Door once again offers up a varied lineup of gigs, art, theatre, film screenings and spoken word in 2016. This year’s festival opens with music from NZCA Lines, Meilyr Jones, Bossy Love and Apostille, and closes with sets from Luke Abbott, This is the Kit (pictured) and Rozi Plain. Among the other musicians making an appearance are Tinderbox Orchestra and Law Holt, plus there’s performances across the festival from emerging theatre-makers and spoken word artists. As always, there’ll be an exciting collection of art exhibits too, including one from Heather Lander (see preview, page 100). • Edinburgh, Fri 27 May–Sat 4 Jun.

FOODIES

SUMMER NIGHTS

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS

LOOPALLU

Arrive hungry to this celebration of gastronomic delights, featuring an artisan producers market, street food avenue, pop-up restaurants and local Michelin starred chefs cooking up their signature dishes. Enter the Chilli-Eating Challenge or take a masterclass in the Drinks Theatre. Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, Fri 5– Sun 7 Aug.

Back at the Kelvingrove Bandstand, Summer Nights returns with eight nights of open air gigs this August, kicking off with Van Morrison and ending with Will Young. Among the tasty morsels sandwiched in between are Idlewild, C Duncan, Primal Scream and the always excellent Super Furry Animals. Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sun 7 Aug & Thu 11–Sun 14 Aug.

August might be taken over by the biggies – see the Fringe (5–29 Aug), the International Festival (5–29 Aug) and the Tattoo (5–27 Aug) – but the fun gets started in July, with the Jazz and Blues Festival (15–24 Jul) and the Magic Festival (1–8 Jul). Plus, don’t forget the wee gems, like Fringe by the Sea (8–14 Aug), Just Festival (5–28 Aug) and new for this year, the digital festival at the Assembly Rooms. Check out our full Edinburgh festival coverage in July and August.

The intimate Ullapool festival boasts a lineup belying its teeny status (the village regularly doubles in population when it rolls round each year). Feeder (pictured), The Wonder Stuff, The Selecter and Lucy Spraggan are all set to head northwards this September. Broomfield Holiday Park, Ullapool, Fri 30 Sep–Sat 1 Oct. (Written by: Scott Henderson, Rowena McIntosh, Kirstyn Smith and Yasmin Sulaiman) 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 23

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24 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

PHOTO: JANNICA HONEY

Ex-Delgado Emma Pollock talks to Rebecca Monks about ying solo and rejoining the summer festival circuit with a date at Doune the Rabbit Hole

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or 11 years (1994–2005, to be exact), Emma Pollock was perhaps best known as a member of the Delgados, the indie rock group from Motherwell. Fast forward yet another 11 years, and Ms Pollock is a household name all on her own, with three solo albums under her belt and a reputation for putting on a smashing live show. I’m curious to know how playing solo compares to her Delgado days, but she tells me she simply cannot compare the two, since the times they are a-changin’. ‘It’s impossible to say which I preferred,’ she says, ‘because the industry’s almost unrecognisable to what it was when I was playing in Delgados. I miss being in a band, but we were all growing up together at that point. We were in our 20s, which doesn’t sound that young, but it’s certainly younger than we are now. We were learning, and there’s nothing quite like the first few years of being in a band that starts getting a bit of recognition.’ The experience, Pollock believes, would be very different if the band was starting now. ‘All we’ve seen recently is decline. When the band initially got together, there was still a real buoyancy; there was still opportunity, possibility and potential. We knew that all we needed was a little bit of a kick-start and you could find yourself with a deal or a tour, because that’s what a buoyant industry is about. There aren’t as many opportunities now, and it’s singularly

down to the fact that there isn’t as much money in the music industry anymore.’ Pollock’s understanding of the industry is particularly strong, since she is also the director of Chemikal Underground, the label she cofounded with other ex-Delgados, which now puts out her solo material. ‘I think it gives me a sense of freedom that is both good and bad,’ she says of that close involvement with her record’s own label. ‘It’s good that there’s a company

‘It’s about trial and error’ there to put it out, but it also works against you, because I don’t really have a boss asking me where the album is. I have to be very selfdisciplined.’ Her latest album, In Search of Harperfield, came out in January to critical acclaim, and was produced by her husband, Paul Savage. ‘It’s a keep-it-in-the-family affair,’ she says of the recording process, while the songwriting took place over several years, and involved working in collaboration with the likes of RM Hubbert (whose new album, Telling the Trees, is also out on Chemikal - see review, page 85).

Pollock is a strong advocate of collaborative songwriting, something she believes aids the creative process. ‘The collaboration thing is a very natural way to build some kind of momentum. It’s a way of being part of something again, being part of a group without having to be in a full-time band. For me, it’s about trial and error, letting the music sit with you for a few hours until the song appears.’ Pollock’s songs will be appearing all over the UK this summer, as she embarks on the festival circuit, with a notable appearance at Doune the Rabbit Hole, an event known for championing fresh Scottish music and artists emerging from the country’s DIY arts scene. ‘Without a doubt, it’s going to be a really strong line-up,’ Pollock says of the festival. ‘I know that Sound of Yell are playing which is pretty great. Their record came out on Chemikal Underground and I’ve worked with Stevie Jones before. TeenCanteen are a really great band so I’m quite excited about that, and there’s De Rosa who are fantastic, and C Duncan too. Because I haven’t put a record out in such a long time there’s been quite a lot of festival offers.’ So, Pollock fans: time to grab your wellies and get booking those tickets. Emma Pollock plays Doune the Rabbit Hole on Sun 21 Aug; the festival runs Fri 19–Sun 21 Aug. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 25

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A Mercury nomination does no one’s career any harm. C Duncan tells David Pollock that it’s made him more productive than ever

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our months on from his career-breaking inclusion in the 2015 Mercury Prize shortlist, Chris Duncan (or C Duncan, to credit him with the shorthand he uses professionally) picks up the phone during a recording session at his Glasgow home studio. How is the follow-up to that Mercury-nominated debut Architect coming along? ‘Oh, it’s finished,’ he says. ‘I’m now onto album three. Well, not quite, but I’ve finished the album and it’s been mastered, so we’re just trying to work out a release date. Hopefully it’ll be towards the end of the year.’ It’s partly that kind of obsessive hard work that has brought him to where he is. The child of two classical musicians, Duncan was raised in Drymen on the shore of Loch Lomond, and studied at Glasgow’s Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). Before Architect, his compositions had been played on Radio 3 and TV drama Waterloo Road, while that debut record (despite its rich, breezy beat-pop harmonies) was recorded in solitude at his West End flat. ‘The second album is another bedroom record,’ confirms Duncan. ‘The same process, although I’ve upgraded my home studio. It’s a little bit more electronic than the ind of last one, although I still do all the vocal harmonies and that kind ction thing. It’s perhaps a bit more coherent. Architect was a collection of songs where I was trying to find my style, so there’s some pretty varied stuff on there. This album’s definitely got a line that runs back through it; slightly downtempo but not depressing; very laidback and dreamy.’ As Duncan describes it, his career has ‘upped a level’ sincee the xer, Mercury. He’s getting offers to work as a producer and remixer, mate with one remix job already completed for old friend and tourmate ose Lucy Rose, while talks are ongoing to produce for Tessa Rose use Jackson. ‘It was strange at first,’ he says of the remix, ‘because ery I’m so used to writing and singing music on my own: it’s very ber much a one-man band kind of thing. So I need to remember ke these aren’t C Duncan tracks I’m working on: I can’t make them sound too much like my own music. But I’m finding my feet and it’s becoming something that I’m really into.’ is He also has a round of boutique festivals across the UK this d’ summer, and an intention to break from his ‘one-man band’ model for the third record and hopefully move into workingg m. with a full group in a studio that isn’t his spare bedroom. ‘Six months ago I was a part-time musician and a part-timee barista in a cafĂŠ,’ he says, ‘but since the album came out I’vee managed to do music all the time. I feel very privileged too just be a musician and I’ve become so much more confident. To begin with, I was really scared about playing live because I was a bedroom musician; it goes against everything I had wanted to do. But it turns out I love touring just as much as making music, because I’ve learned to feel relaxed onstage and because now people are actually coming to see us. It’s nice to be the headline act.’ C Duncan plays Skye Live, Portree, Sat 30 Apr; Brew at the Bog, Bogbain Farm, Inverness, Fri 3 & Sat 4 Jun; Belladrum Tartan Heart, Beauly, Fri 4–Sun 6 Aug; Doune the Rabbit Hole, Cardross, Sat 20 Aug.

26 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 27

Underworld

Iconic acts and hot new talent are gathering this summer for the inaugural Festival of House. Henry Northmore chats to some of those aiming to light up a small pocket of Tayside

A

two-day June celebration just outside Dundee, the Festival of House is a brand spanking newcomer on the Scottish dance scene. A mix of DJs and live acts across the electronic spectrum, the festival’s line-up includes Erol Alkan, Sasha, Danny Howard, Rudimental (DJ set), Eats Everything, Dubfire, James Zabiela and Dixon – but, as the name suggests, focuses on the rich heritage of house. Perhaps most exciting of all, it’s headlined by two of the most influential production units of the 90s: Leftfield and Underworld. Underworld’s looping dub and techno beats became synonymous with the early club scene. Karl Hyde and Rick Smith started as an indie band before joining forces with DJ Darren Emerson to create a new sound which drew on elements of post-punk fed through electronic production, topped off by Hyde’s streamof-consciousness lyrics. ‘By the end of the 80s when Underworld mark one had collapsed, Rick had already decided he wanted to make dance music,’ explains Hyde. ‘And if anyone else wanted to go with him they were welcome.’ The 1994 breakthrough Dubnobasswithmyheadman still sounds fresh today, overflowing with multi-layered rhythmic grooves and with its darkly gothic take on the house formula. Their infectiously buoyant ‘Born Slippy’ soundtracked the final scene of Trainspotting and is as evocative of the 90s as anything by Oasis or Blur. ‘It was something you could make outside of the industry,’ says Hyde. ‘You didn’t need promotion or press, telly or radio; you just needed the ability to make music, play it on the dancefloor and people would vote with their feet. Instant feedback.’ Emerson left the band in 2000 but Hyde and Smith continued as a duo producing startlingly original and unique music, including the sonic experimentation of this year’s Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future. ‘As long as somebody is still in their bedrooms making stuff and sticking two fingers up at people like us then

dance music will keep coming up with something that is healthy and exciting.’ Another inspired addition to the bill is Haçienda Classical, a celebration of the rave era filtered through a full orchestra, which also appears at the SSE Hydro in April. The brainchild of original Haçienda residents Graeme Park and Mike Pickering, it captures the essence of Manchester’s iconic club but reworked on a huge scale with a 40–70 piece orchestra (depending on venue specifications). ‘It’s two worlds colliding,’ explains Park. ‘The Manchester Camerata Orchestra have a score and an arrangement, so in every concert they’re doing the same thing but Mike and I as DJs thought “let’s do something different at every concertâ€?. So I have lots of samples I can play; I do old-school scratching and Mike’s got a lot of FX that he plays.’ Haçienda Classical aims to breathe new life into club classics. Park would prefer to keep the setlist secret but via social media and early reviews we know to expect tracks like A Guy Called Gerald’s ‘Voodoo Ray’, Derrick May’s ‘Strings of Life’ and 808 State’s ‘Pacific State’. ‘It just shows you the depths, musicality and layers that all these early techno and house songs have,’ says Park. ‘They were all made on very cheap synthesisers and drum machines but the people who made them (all the original Chicago and Detroit producers) put so much music and quality stuff in there so when you get strings playing acid house riffs it sounds fantastic. I’m very proud to have been there from the beginning and to still be carrying the torch for quality electronic underground dance music but with a twist: a massive twist.’ Festival of House, Panmure Estate, Angus, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Jun; Haçienda Classical, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Fri 22 Apr.

28 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 29

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s Broken Dream

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of Lost Toys Fluff: A Story

Constellations

PHOTOS: BROKEN DREAMS – PHIL DEPRNOEZ; TRACES – WALTER G BREUER; CONSTELLATIONS – PEDRO ARNAY; FLUFF – SEAN YOUNG

With a new festival director in place, Imaginate looks set for a bright future. Noel Jordan talks to Kelly Apter about this year’s dynamic line-up

F

or the public, a festival is all about the work on stage. But behind every great event lies a crowd of busy worker bees, and Imaginate is no exception. In recent months, the children’s theatre festival – widely recognised as among the best in the world – has had a major shake-up in its hive. After 20 years of successful service, festival director Tony Reekie headed for pastures new and in swooped Noel Jordan, former programmer of children’s work at Sydney Opera House. ‘The most important thing for me is maintaining the incredible quality that Tony set up over the years,’ says Jordan when we meet in Imaginate’s Edinburgh office. ‘For people, Imaginate equals quality, so I have to keep that bar high. I’m keen for children to have a range of experiences, so that when they come to Imaginate, they can’t predict the kind of thing they’ll see.’ Around the office, posters and leaflets are being sent out, and a pile of newly printed festival programmes sits filled with promise. Despite talking about this year’s line-up with pride and passion, Jordan has had limited input to its creation. Reekie programmed most of the event before his departure, so it won’t be until 2017 that we see Jordan’s true colours. For now,

however, he’s more than happy to wax lyrical about what audiences can expect to find inside this year’s programme. With 14 shows hailing from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Germany, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Australia and New Zealand, it’s an international box of delights for families of all ages. ‘What Imaginate does so well is bring the world to your doorstep,’ says Jordan. ‘You can travel to nine different countries from theatres in Edinburgh, and that’s an amazing opportunity to see the lives and experiences of others. It opens up your mind; that’s what it did for me as a child and I’m very keen for that to continue here.’ Search for a theme in this year’s Imaginate festival and you won’t find one. But audience interaction is clearly on the agenda for most of the performers, although rarely in an obvious way. Katie’s Birthday Party has the entire room joining in her celebrations, as she makes the transition from primary to secondary school; Broken Dreams asks you to write down your yet-to-be realised hopes on the way in, then incorporates them into a musical; the team behind Traces records your name upon arrival, then uses it in the performance; and The Jury

features children giving their opinion on contemporary dance, echoing similar thoughts within the audience. For younger pre-school viewers, Blue Block Studio is a hands-on, guided play space, and dance work Poggle leaves plenty of time for post-show play and exploration. ‘You’re not just a passive audience member,’ says Jordan of the interactive shows. ‘And that’s what a festival should do: give you an experience you would never get at another time.’ One other thing a festival can do is cherry-pick the shows that have gone down a storm elsewhere, like Fluff: A Story of Lost Toys which has played to capacity crowds for over ten years; based on the colourful art of Joan MirĂł, dance theatre work Constellations is a consistent hit with families; The Great Illusionist has enchanted audiences with its blend of beauty and impressive magic; The Bookbinder thrilled both children and adults at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe; and Andy Cannon’s Tales of a Grandson and Catherine Wheels’ Story of the Little Gentleman also make welcome returns. As Jordan says, festival programme in hand, ‘it’s a real ride’. Imaginate, various venues, Edinburgh, Sat 28 May–Sun 5 Jun. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 31

Another excellent Glasgow International is about to land at our feet and there’s a plethora of thought-provoking exhibitors. Rachael Cloughton picks her way through the maze to choose eight of the many highlights

32 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

JOSÉE AUBIN OUELLETTE: BODY BLOCKS

Lynch has been exploring the concept of the female flaneur (or ‘flaneuse’) in her work for the last few years, presenting a solo show at Glasgow Sculpture Studios in 2014 on the subject. She describes her new show at GoMA as an ‘architectural drama’, with works that loosely mimic objects encountered on the artist’s commute through the city. Far from the romanticised figure written about by Baudelaire who saunters around town observing society, Lynch considers the realities of navigating the city for a female artist today and the obstacles that often make the very existence of a flaneuse impossible. Gallery of Modern Art, Fri 8 Apr–Mon 13 Jun.

Inspired by the ergonomic design of medical support cushions, Body Blocks is set to be a playful installation of soft sculptures by Glasgow School of Art graduate Ouellette. Situated within Govanhill Baths – a space that similarly blurs the line between art and wellbeing – Ouellette will encourage her audience to directly engage with the work, treating pieces as props for exercise practice and relaxation. The artist has also produced an accompanying performance and sound work made in response to the pervasive contemporary trend for self-help through mindfulness apps. Govanhill Baths, Fri 8–Tue 26 Apr.

ALISA BAREMBOYM AND LIZ MAGOR

CLAIRE BARCLAY: BRIGHT BODIES

Baremboym and Magor share a similar set of concerns in their work. Both are fascinated by the human body’s inextricable connection to the man-made, and the impact of new industries and technologies on it. The boundary between the organic and inorganic blurs in their work: organic materials appear mechanical while synthetics are often presented like bodily substances. Despite the similarities of their practice, Magor and Baremboym have not exhibited alongside one another before, so there’s much to be gained from viewing their work together. Glasgow Sculpture Studios, Fri 8 Apr–Sat 4 Jun.

Barclay’s new commission in Kelvin Hall is inspired by the history of the building, particularly the 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power that was hosted at the site as part of the Festival of Britain. Barclay is interested in the tension between the glorification of industry at these kinds of events and the brutal reality of the production that was celebrated. Given her long-standing fascination with how meaning is achieved and the interplay of distinct, often unlikely pairings of material and form that define her sculptural practice, this promises to be an impressive and memorable new commission. Kelvin Hall, Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEPHEN FRIEDMAN GALLERY, LONDON

TESSA LYNCH: PAINTER’S TABLE

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 33

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

PHOTO: COURTESY LAURA BARTLETT GALLERY, LONDON

SOL CALERO: DESDE EL JARDĂ?N

DERRICK ALEXIS COARD

The transformation of David Dale Gallery by Venezuelan artist Sol Calero is one of the most eagerly anticipated exhibitions at this year’s GI. Calero creates impressive, immersive installations that completely challenge the audience’s expectations of what a gallery can be. She’s previously turned Studio Voltaire into a Caribbean school, Laura Bartlett Gallery into a hair salon and a booth at Frieze into an internet cafÊ. This latest commission, Desde el Jardín, takes its title from the Spanish translation of the film and novel Being There and will take its cues from a tropical garden or patio. David Dale Gallery, Fri 8–Tue 26 Apr.

This is the first solo exhibition outside of the United States by the New Yorkbased artist Derrick Alexis Coard and will be installed at Project Ability in collaboration with Scottish artist Jim Lambie. The show presents a collection of Coard’s most recent works, expressive portraits of black men imagined by the artist. His work is infused with political and religious overtones, with Coard describing it thus: ‘during my adolescence I started drawing images of bearded black men. I use them as a symbolic expression for possible change in the community.’ African-American comm Gallery, Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr. Project Ability Gallery PHOTO: COURTESY THE ARTIST AND GALERIE NEU

PHOTO: COURTESY THE ARTIST AND 3+1 ARTE CONTEMPORĂ‚NEA, LISBON

SAM SMITH: THE HORIZONTAL WINDOW Smith appropriates the language of cinema, exploring forms through the camera lens. For his first solo exhibition in Scotland, the artist will present a new work, commissioned by The Telfer Gallery and made in response to the venue’s spaces. ‘The Horizontal Window is conceptualised as a multi-faceted project that explores the window as a framing device in modernist architecture and how it relates to the language of the cinematic frame,’ explains Rebecca Howard, programmer for Telfer. ‘Smith will present an installation that will act as a site for a new video work and performance.’ The Telfer Gallery, Fri 8–Mon 25 Apr.

COSIMA VON BONIN: WHO’S EXPLOITING WHO IN THE DEEP BLUE SEA? Cosima von Bonin is one of Germany’s most influential contemporary artists. She lives in Cologne, where the likes of Rosemarie Trockel and Isa Genzken are among her peers. Their influence is evident in her work: objects seem kitsch – childish even, but appearances are deceptive in her work and seemingly empty playthings are vessels for von Bonin to explore art history, popular culture and craft, and to destabilise perceived constructions of feminism. The cast of underwater characters that make up her GI exhibition will be no different. Gallery of Modern Art, Fri 8 Apr–Mon 8 Aug.

34 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Part of

In association with

Written by Oliver Emanuel Composed by Gareth Williams Directed by Laurie Sansom

dalcrue farm, 24 May - 11 June 2016 BOX OFFICE 01738 621031 | horsecross.co.uk (There is no on-site parking at the venue. Transport will be provided from Perth Concert Hall.) Perth Theatre is funded and supported by:

14-18 NOW is supported by:

National Theatre of Scotland is core funded by:

The National Theatre of Scotland reserves the right to alter casts, performances, seating or ticket arrangements and latecomers may not be admitted. National Theatre of Scotland, a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (SC234270) is a registered Scottish charity (SC033377). Age guide 14+ contains strong language and adult themes. Photograph by Christopher Bowen

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36 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

In literature and philosophy, women have often played second ďŹ ddle to their male counterparts. As part of Glasgow International, My Bookcase’s Cristina Garriga, Glasgow Women’s Library’s Adele Patrick and German artist Catrine Val are looking to change all that. Laura Campbell hears about their plans

‘W

hen you close your eyes and try to picture a philosopher, what do you see?’ It’s a good question, and one that is central to German artist Catrine Val’s exhibition at Street Level Photoworks as part of Glasgow International 2016. It’s not long before it’s clear what Val is driving at: among the names that immediately spring to mind – Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Locke, Derrida – women are shamefully absent. It’s a strain to produce just one name: Simone de Beauvoir. And she didn’t consider herself to be a philosopher. Val, who came to contemporary art after years of working in advertising, is first and foremost an artist. But she’s also a feminist and mother to three children, the latter being something that forces Val to ‘work like a beast: don’t ask me how much sleep I get at night! It’s ridiculous!’ For Political Letters, the artist has produced three new works to complement 12 from her ongoing project that together shine a light on the contribution of female philosophers and thinkers. Her large-scale prints that seduce viewers with their glossy otherworldly appeal betray tell-tale signs of her previous career. Each show a costumed protagonist set against a dramatic scene in the natural world that tells something of the philosopher portrayed. Among them is Scottish philosopher Lady Mary Shepherd (1777–1847) dressed in a frothy white wedding dress facing Loch Lomond with her back to the camera. Val explains that she bought the dress in a Glasgow charity shop shortly after arriving in the city. Though theatrical, she strives to charge her work with a sense of authenticity: the dress looks Victorian and its backless corset bares delicate shoulders to the bracing Scottish landscape. Mirroring Val’s concerns about giving a voice to women intellectuals is Speaking Volumes, a collaborative project by My Bookcase (led by founder Cristina Garriga) and Glasgow Women’s Library. The library has long championed the voices of women both past and present, but as the organisation’s long-serving creative development

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 37

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PHOTO: MY BOOKCASE

manager Adele Patrick k explains explains, My Bookcase’s presence has invigo invigorated the library’s role in the community by bringing people and artists together. ‘Every time Cristina visits the library we see things in a different way or from a new angle,’ states Patrick. ‘That’s why artists have always been essential to the development of this library. As a passionate bibliophile, she has ambitions to create something that brings people and books together in one space.’ ‘We’ve had over 30 donations already,’ Garriga explains. ‘We invited artists participating in Glasgow International to recommend books by women that had an impact on their lives or practice. By making this catalogue available to the public we’re creating an alternative narrative about what’s important, independent of institutions or anything else.’ Like Val, Patrick feels women’s literary works have often been overshadowed by those produced by male counterparts. ‘What we’re interested in is the reading that has been important to individuals,’ says Patrick. ‘Which books by women have had an impact on the lives of Cristina, Catrine, me or other creatives. It’s important because I think we do unconsciously erase those titles from our collective memory.’ As an artist participating in Glasgow International, Val pledges to donate a book to the Speaking Volumes project. Her chosen text, of course, is by a female philosopher: Hannah Arendt. Val explains that Arendt’s thinking underpinned much of the work of world-renowned philosopher Martin Heidegger, but he never once acknowledged Arendt’s influence. True or not, it’s impossible to deny history has always favoured the male half in heterosexual affairs between artists or academics. Simone de Beauvoir, though well known, doesn’t enjoy the same infamy as JeanPaul Sartre, and while she may have eschewed the grandiose label ‘philosopher’, her impact in that field continues to be felt. ‘There can’t be a more influential thinker in terms of the impact on daily life,’ insists Patrick. ‘If we think about the seismic impact of feminism on all of us, she has been critical. It’s not a term you can claim easily, whether it’s artist, writer or philosopher. I think if we think about what philosophers do – forcing new perspectives, making strange the things that are otherwise normative – many creatives could claim to be doing that. It’s unusual for women to make bold claims about having this huge impact, but it is beginning to happen.’ In Val’s experience, women in philosophy have either shied away or been prevented from making it to the top. ‘When I was in Taiwan for example, there wasn’t a single female studying for a professorship. Not one! There are female philosophers out there, but they are mostly invisible. I want to help give a voice to those women.’ Patrick has high hopes for the future and a progression towards a more level playing field. ‘I would love it if someone were to ask that question “what would a philosopher or a Scottish philosopher look like?� and they could answer “a black woman�. That would be fantastic.’

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My Bookcase: Speaking Volumes, Glasgow Women’s Library, Fri 8 Apr–Mon 25 Apr Catrine Val: Political Letters, Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow, Fri 8 Apr– Sun 29 May. 38 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 39

SWAN LAKE

I

t’s the most recognisable ballet music ever written. Play just a few bars from Swan Lake and most people, dance fans or not, will recognise where it comes from. And a stage full of tutuclad ballerinas dancing in unison, while Tchaikovsky’s score brings a collective lump to the throat, is the archetypal image of classical ballet. In short, re-branding Swan Lake isn’t easy. But British choreographer David Dawson is about to do just that with his new production for Scottish Ballet. Dawson himself calls Swan Lake ‘the Mona Lisa of ballets’, and has had to push aside the four-act Lev Ivanov / Marius Petipa version which companies have been performing in one guise or another for over 100 years, and create his own two-act ballet. At the heart of this romantic tragedy is the love story of Prince Siegfried and the vulnerable Princess Odette. Theirs is a love affair severely hampered by Odette’s transformation into a swan during daylight hours, due to a curse by the evil Von Rothbart. Or at least that’s how it used to be. Dawson’s version gives Odette far more autonomy over her own existence. Now she’s a strong woman rather than a victim, allowing principal dancer Sophie Martin more freedom to create a role she can believe in. ‘I think it will be easier to play her this way,’ says Martin. ‘I’m not sure how I would portray her the other way; there would be an awkwardness. David’s movement is quite free and that doesn’t fit with somebody who feels trapped, so it’s better if she’s not a victim. David sees her more as a goddess, so I’ll try to keep her soft but not boring!’ The flipside to Odette is the seductive Odile, a ‘Black Swan’ who fools Siegfried into thinking she’s Odette (also played by Martin). The dual roles are widely recognised

as being the toughest but most exciting challenge in classical ballet. ‘It will be the first time I’ve danced two characters in one night,’ says Martin. ‘Technically it’s a big challenge and I need to make sure I don’t get lost in that and still think about the storytelling. But the choreography will help me: I’ll be more confident as the Black Swan in act two and in the way I attack the solo. And of course the way I look will make a big difference.’ Ah yes, the costumes: a fundamental aspect of any traditional Swan Lake but shaken up here to the point where all the female costumes from the ‘big white’ scene can fit into one suitcase. This is all the better to see Dawson’s choreography and not get bogged down in what he calls ‘the velvet and the swag’. Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond stands Prince Siegfried, a character also in receipt of a much needed makeover. ‘I don’t see him as a prince,’ says principal dancer Christopher Harrison. ‘I see him as somebody who is very normal. He’s insecure, lonely, finds it difficult to make a connection to people but wants to be loved and to love somebody back.’ For both Harrison and Martin, taking on the roles of Siegfried and Odette is a career highlight, especially with Dawson at the helm. ‘It’s bizarre,’ says Harrison with a laugh, ‘because as a kid I watched amazing dancers perform Siegfried and to see my name next to that role is going to be pretty awesome. It’s a great opportunity. Swan Lake hasn’t been in the Scottish Ballet repertoire for such a long time, and with one of the best choreographers of his generation creating it, this is going to be an iconic production for the company.’ Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 19–Sat 23 Apr; Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 25–Sat 28 May.

Forget wicked spells and tutus as the world’s most popular ballet gets an exciting new makeover by Scottish Ballet. Kelly Apter speaks to its two lead dancers about the dual drama at the story’s heart

TWIN PEAKS

40 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Starring JANET DIBLEY, GRAHAM BICKLEY AND NICHOLAS BAILEY Choreographer ARLENE PHILLIPS

12 – 16 April KING’S THEATRE

27 April – 21 May FESTIVAL THEATRE

9 – 14 May KING’S THEATRE

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THE MOST

FANTASMAGORICAL STAGE MUSICAL IN THE HISTORY OF EVERYTHING!

JASON MANFORD as Caractacus Potts

SARAH MILLICAN SARAH MILLICAN

9 – 11 July FESTIVAL THEATRE

0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com

MICHELLE COLLINS as Baroness Bombhurst

5 – 16 October 2016 FESTIVAL THEATRE

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 41

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CREATIVE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Name of business? Le Petit Monde Tell us more: Le Petit Monde is a puppet theatre company specialising in introducing Tania’s native French language and culture through shows and workshops for little ones. Our stories are bilingual and accessible to all nonFrench speakers (with the puppets only speaking French). Tania performs in theatres and schools, sharing some ‘Frenchness’ in a fun and creative way. Voila! Where can we find you? www.lepetitmonde.co.uk Cultural Enterprise Office offers free advice and support to those starting, running and growing their creative business or practice. Clients come to us for all kinds of help – defining what they do, promoting their work, sourcing funding, and advice about legal structures and intellectual property rights.

www.culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk

42 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

KATHERINE RYAN

‘My face is beginning to annoy people’ The painfully honest Canadian-born, London-based comedian has hinted that she might be taking a break from touring soon. Her celebrity targets can breathe a huge sigh of relief, says Brian Donaldson

A

fter observing her stage and small-screen work over the last few years, some critics have concluded that Katherine Ryan might well be the new Joan Rivers. ‘As in, am I going to die under the knife?’ is the typically frank retort this London-based Canadian comic offers. The honest truth is that the late and effortlessly notorious Rivers is indeed one of Ryan’s idols and she doesn’t care who knows it. ‘I’ve always loved Joan Rivers; I used to stay up late on a Friday for my big treat and watch Letterman or Leno and I was into Joan, Bette Midler and all these great female comedians. I don’t agree with everything that Joan did or said, but it took a real tenacity to achieve all that as a single mum. She did a lot of great things in the industry and was confrontational but not just for the sake of it.’ While Rivers stayed in the public eye by growing old disgracefully, Ryan sees whole generations off d women being sidelined and ignored at best, vilified and loathed att worst. It’s an area shee touches on during herr touring show, Kathbum.. u ‘My message is that you aren’t too young or tooo old for comedy that hass an edge. Why shouldn’tt nana hear about this stuff?? g She’s been knocking d around long enough and she’ll be fine. I might sayy certain words, but I’m trying to be empowering and funny and I’m always so happy to see a mum and a dad and their teenager at my show. What’s the alternative? The kid is excluded, at home sitting in their room playing video games or logging into PS4 and being groomed. No thanks.’ A huge hit at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe, Kathbum is further confirmation that Ryan is on a scintillatingly rich vein of form right now. The show features ruminations on our (and her) celebrity culture

obsession (Taylor Swift, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Peter Andre all get it firmly in the neck) and more personal material such as the events surrounding her younger sister’s wedding last autumn back in their hometown of Sarnia. One thing you can be guaranteed with a Katherine Ryan show is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but. Well, sort of. ‘This show is pretty honest,’ she insists. ‘I might take some liberties, but comedians do the opposite from politicians. Politicians will tell little truths that if you see them written down in a newspaper se seem to be true, but the bi bigger picture is an entire li Comedians will tell lie. ti tiny lies while the big p picture is hopefully more tr truthful.’ While Ryan has enjoyed t taking Kathbum across th country, she suggests the th a break from touring that i on the cards. This is is p partly due to being a m mother to six-year-old V Violet and also to get m writing done as she more a aims to get two sitcoms o the ground. ‘One I’ve off w written is about Hooters and another one is about golf and being a single mum. Also, my face is beginning to annoy people, so I’m happy to work from home for a while and do some writing. I’d love to get a comedy series off the ground but I’d need to not be on tour to do that.’ For now, though, Katherine Ryan will be putting everything she’s got into Kathbum to make it a success, viewing the live circuit as a place to have total control on getting her ideas across. ‘Comedy is a conversation and you can’t do that on panel shows. You have to get out there and go on tour. It just makes you better as a comic.’ Katherine Ryan: Kathbum, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Sat 23 Apr. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 43

COUPLE IN A HOLE

TRUE GRIT With a CV including tough parts in Game of Thrones and Filth, Kate Dickie’s reputation has long been on the rise. Eddie Harrison met the South Lanarkshire actress whose name threatens to go stratospheric with more intense roles

S

ince Kate Dickie found fame as a closed-circuit camera operator in Andrea Arnold’s Red Road in 2006, the East Kilbride actress has played key roles in an Irvine Welsh adaptation, Filth, and Ridley Scott’s Prometheus. It looks like 2016 will be Dickie’s highest profile year yet with gripping horror film The Witch drumming up over $20m at the US box office, and an equally demanding role opposite Paul Higgins in writer / director Tom Geens’ Couple in a Hole. ‘To be honest, I was absolutely filled with glee when I read the script for Couple in a Hole as exploring characters pushed into extreme circumstances is my bag,’ said Dickie during her February visit to Glasgow Film Festival to promote the film. ‘John and Karen are middle-class people who end up living like feral animals in the French countryside. It’s a film about how people cope with grief, and while it’s dark, there’s a beautiful love story in there.’ Couple in a Hole has thematic similarities to Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, focusing on characters who are physically free from trauma, but who struggle to let go of their difficulties. Although not based on a specific true story, it’s the kind of role which carries considerable responsibility. ‘Because of the low budget, we didn’t have the luxury of a long rehearsal period so there were a number of big discussions with Tom about how I should play the role. I had to physically lose weight, which meant that I was hungry all the time, and that helped me understand Karen. I did look into cases of modern-day hermits, people who had dropped out of society. Karen is a real lost soul, someone unable to come to terms with being alive. My job as an actress is to make sure that Karen’s voice is heard in a real way.’ Couple in a Hole was originally intended to be shot around a massive forest location in Eastern Europe, but ended up not far from a small French village, a change which accentuates the small but significant emotional distance that John and Karen have created between them and the modern world. ‘Karen is blinded by her own emotions, she just doesn’t see how bad the place they are in really is; she doesn’t see the flies buzzing around and thinks she’s keeping everything clean. Her husband John begins to see that, and as part of caring for her, tries to get her to leave the hole. He’s just as grief-stricken as her.’

But when John goes to a local man for help, it has considerable implications for all of them. ‘As John, Paul really breaks hearts in this film, he’s amazing and gives such a nuanced performance. I found myself listening to the music of Portishead a lot: the sound of [singer Beth Gibbons’] voice helped me get into the sadness of Karen’s character. So when I found out that Geoff Barrow from Portishead was involved in the film’s soundtrack through his band Beak>, that was a great connection for me.’ Couple in a Hole marked Dickie’s return to Glasgow Film Festival, where her film The Witch also screened in February as part of the Glasgow Youth Film Festival. In an equally demanding role set in the 1630s, Dickie plays Katherine, the Puritan wife of William (Ralph Ineson), religious parents who are horrified when they suspect their children may be possessed by the devil. In her filmed introduction to the movie at GYFF, Dickie revealed that the cast prepared themselves not for a horror film but for a kitchen sink drama. ‘Katherine is such a complex character,’ says Dickie. ‘She’s a woman who thinks of her husband as a direct link to god. She’s a mother, a wife, and when she’s challenged, wants only to be a better Puritan. Her family have already been banished, and are struggling to survive in New England. To get under her skin, I immersed myself in the writing from that period, taking lines from a Puritan prayer book and using them on-screen. Even when the film finally screened at Sundance in 2015, Ralph said he could hear me praying on the hotel balcony, still in character.’ Taking on such demanding roles has to leave a scar of some kind and Dickie admits that playing tortured women such as Karen and Katherine leaves its mark. ‘Those characters never really leave you,’ she says. ‘I don’t want to sound like a complete tosser, but it’s as if you develop twice as many nerve endings to get to the truth of the moment. You can’t just close these characters off or box them in; they stay with you long after filming is done. And that’s the kind of role I want to play.’

‘You can’t just close characters off or box them in’

Couple in a Hole is on selected released from Fri 8 Apr. See review, page 70.

44 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

!

COUPLE IN A HOLE

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 45

!

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SAVE £2 The new edition of The List Eating & Drinking Guide will be published on

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46 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

EATING & DRINKING GUIDE 2016

DINNER TIME With the imminent launch of this year’s Eating & Drinking Guide to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Food & Drink editor Donald Reid offers a few insights into the current local dining scene

T

he List’s annual Eating & Drinking Guide to the restaurants, bistros, diners, cafÊs, bars and pubs of Edinburgh and Glasgow is published on 20 April. For the 23rd year in succession, we’ve surveyed the local dining scene and sent our 70-strong team of researchers and reviewers out to all the places worth knowing about when it comes to eating out in the two cities. This year the number of visits is nudging 1000, and certainly breaches that mark when you add in our tips and recommendations to good food shops, takeaways, markets and out-of-town venues. There are around 150 new entries in the guide (each year heralds a similar number of debutants), indicating an often startling turnover of businesses and the proliferation of new venues at the rate of three openings every week across Edinburgh and Glasgow. This year’s guide is published both in print (see the offer opposite to pick up a discounted copy) and online, which means that all the reviews, up-to-date details, links and locator maps are on your phone when you’re out and about. We’ll be revealing our annual awards for the best newcomers in both cities, as well as all-new Hitlists of our pick of the current top venues in each section of the guide. We’ve also got to work curating the wisdom and insights of our whole team to put together over 50 carefully selected Tiplists across a wide range of topics from best for budget dining or outdoor dining to best breakfasts and cocktails. It’s all based on recent visits, anonymous dining and the sincere objective of providing the most comprehensive, most reliable, best informed and fairest coverage available when it comes to eating out around Edinburgh and Glasgow. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 47

EATING & DRINKING GUIDE 2016

RIPE • Scandi-Scottish dining – all these foraged greens, purist vegetables and wild game. Chefs of the new wave are reaching for their inner Nordic. • Meat – we can no longer deny the burger. The new guide has a standalone Steakhouses and Burger Bars section for the first time. There are a lot of them these days. • Meat-free – Yotam’s got ‘em. Praise be: many more venues have significantly improved their vegetarian and vegan offer. • African – Viva! Viva! The choice of energetic, exciting food inspired by Africa is better than it has ever been. • Beer lists – don’t dull me with your overpriced wine list. Show me your ale selection studded with interesting local brews that match the food on offer. • Doughnuts – if you’re going to ditch the diet, make sure it’s with nothing less than a freshly baked artisan doughnut.

BEST BEFORE • Cheffy chefs – if the chef emerges from the kitchen and isn’t carrying your main course, refuse to buy a signed copy of their new book. • Seafood – in too many places, it has got boring. ‘Great seafood’ does not equal salmon, seabass and overpriced fish and chips. • Thai – where did it all go wrong? Thai was the exciting new thing on the Asian block just a few years ago. The spark seems to have fizzled in all but a few places. • Dirty food – the plug has been pulled on pork. • Hipster hangouts – when it’s hard to tell whether you’re standing outside a gentleman’s grooming salon or a thirdwave coffee bar something has gone wrong. • Slates – surely the only places still using them are making an ironic statement on postmodern dining. Surely?

TOP OF THE POPS Not long ago, the current thing in cool dining circles was supper clubs and guerrilla dining. Now it’s pop-ups. All of which indicates that food is loosening up. No bad thing, as Donald Reid argues

Down Candleriggs way in Glasgow’s Merchant City this month, you can spot what might be mistaken for a circus big top, recognisable to those in tune with the culture and festival circuit as a Spiegeltent. The show in town is good food, and the performers haven’t rolled in from afar but, in fact, from local restaurants such as Red Onion, Burger Meats Bun, Cau and The Finnieston. Each of these, and a number of others, are popping-up for a night in the Spiegeltent as part of Glasgow’s Restaurant Festival, which got under way at the end of March. Initially, the festival spawned a series of Secret Dining events and some ‘platecrawls’ involving different dishes eaten in various venues around the city; from 18 April, the festival spreads yet further with over 60 venues putting on special set-price menus under the theme of Dining in the City. It’s not the only food festival to be inaugurated in Glasgow during the past year, with the hugely successful Let’s Eat Glasgow having made its debut at SWG3 in September, beer festivals including June’s first North Hop in Glasgow and further outings from the likes of Section 33. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh we’ve seen the Pitt, a monthly covered streetfood market with live entertainment, showcase a range of exciting food businesses and entrepreneurial ideas. Then there’s the growing Leith market with its imaginative monthly Vegan quarter, the crowdfunded Edinburgh Food Studio hosting weekend residencies from intriguing international chefs and Edinburgh’s Food Assembly (which since its October launch is now offering versions based at Glasgow’s Drygate and, soon, Haddington in East Lothian), successfully changing the way we think about how and where we buy local food. For all that, there’s plenty of ‘street food’ being served at tables and chairs within the cosy confines of restaurant walls. All these events (along with the increasing number of food trucks, trailers, bikes and carts serving good quality, small-scale, imaginative food and drink) provide an excellent commentary on the dynamic potential of the culinary scene in Scotland. It’s lively, appealing, imaginative and finding an audience. While popping up is the thing now, let’s hope it’s not popping back into its box any time soon.

48 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 49

NOT ALL BEERS ARE CRAFTED EQUAL We brew Deuchars by hand in Edinburgh, using full leaf hops foil-packed for freshness. The natural caramelisation is unique to us, because we’re the only brewery still using direct-ďŹ red Victorian coppers. 40 awards later, including World Champion Cask Ale, this IPA is a modern classic.

CALEDONIANBEER.COM drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

50 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

FOOD & DRINK

For the latest news, listi n reviews, ggs and o list.co.uk to /food&dr ink

PRECIOUS PAKISTAN An evocative culinary memoir serves up the spice of life Food writer, teacher and life-long student of Pakistani cuisine, Sumayya Usmani bases herself between Glasgow and London. On 7 April her debut cookbook, Summers Under the Tamarind Tree: Recipes & Memories from Pakistan, is published by Frances Lincoln. It’s a lavish, lovingly compiled journey through Pakistan’s diverse cooking traditions, its key spices, breads, pulses, street food, snacks, drinks and family feasts. Usmani will host a number of talks, tastings and demos to introduce the book: she’ll be at Blackwells in Edinburgh on Tuesday 12 April, Topping & Co in St Andrews on 14 April, Billingtons of Lenzie on Saturday 7 May and Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street on 12 May. For further details see mytamarindkitchen.com PHOTO: JOANNA YEE

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 51

FOOD & DRINK

DRINKS NEWS

NEWS & REVIEWS

The first entirely gluten-free craft brewery to brew in the UK, Edinburgh’s new Bellfield Brewery has launched their first two beers, a pilsner and an IPA, both certified by Coeliac UK and carrying the crossed grain symbol. Further styles will follow, as will a move to their own brewery in Abbeyhill.

SEASONS GREETINGS

Through in Glasgow, the folk behind the various Butterfly & Pig outlets have opened up MacGregors Pie & Ale Howf on Blackfriars Street in the Merchant City, while Ryan Barrie, owner of Citation, is behind The Spiritualist Bar & Restaurant, which has a decent range of the stronger stuff as well as upmarket bistro food.

Bravely armed with seasonal, local produce, a brigade of young, enthusiastic restaurateurs and chefs are rising against the outdated constraints of a menu. Nick Dunne reports from Edinburgh’s latest frontline

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A genuinely exciting culinary experience

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noon–1am]. Dinner: £30 for five plates; £45 for seven plates; £55 for ten plates. Lunch (three-course set price): £18.50. 52 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

SUPPORTED BY

SIDE DISHES

News to nibble on Landmark London restaurant Bocca di Lupo is popping up in Glasgow on the evening of 8 April when head chef Jacob Kenedy joins forces with Giovanna Eusebi and Jamie Donald of Eusebi Deli on Park Road for a feast of honest, regional Italian cuisine. Tickets are ÂŁ65 for five courses including wine pairings.

Ten years on from opening up the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, Craig and Vikki Wood are opening a second restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town at 61 Frederick Street. Most recently this was the home of Fleur de Sel but for many years it housed the original La P’tite Folie. With

40 covers, it’s just as wee as the original, with whom it will share a similar ethos and name. With Sam Dorey established as head chef in Fife, Michael Innes will take up the role in the new kitchen in his city of birth, having recently worked as head of production at the three-Michelin-star El Celler de Can Roca in Spain.

opened its doors as a licensed cafĂŠ-bistro on Coburg Street beside the Water of Leith. In Glasgow, Rachna Deer of Babu Bombay Street Kitchen is now doing the food at Nice ‘n’ Sleazy, while there’s a new Dakota Deluxe restaurant opening in mid-April, with Tony Tapia from Dakota Eurocentral heading up the kitchen of the grillstyle brasserie.

There are new openings galore, and we cover plenty of them in ng & the brand new Eating ch Drinking Guide, which hits the streets on 20 ore April. Among the more nt notable of the recent twists and turns in the capital are the arrival of burger restaurant Belted (closely connected to a Dumfries & m) Galloway cattle farm) on Frederick Street and a revival of the former Peacock Inn in Newhaven n (which is now Italian restaurant Sasso), THE GUIDE TO THE FOO D & DRINK OF LANARK while Ostara has SHIRE

FOOD MA P

Recently emerging ffrom The List is another of o our local food m maps, this time fo for Lanarkshire, in which we de detail and plot the location of we well over 100 food sho shops, producers, rest restaurants and cafĂŠ cafĂŠs across both Nort North and South Lana Lanarkshire. Order a cop copy from shop. list.co list.co.uk

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 53

SUPPORTED BY

FOOD & DRINK

HIP HOPS

RECENT OPENINGS

Brewers from Stonehaven have expanded south into Glasgow. Tiff Griffin discovers that they’ve brought us plenty of interesting Belgian beers and Flemish flavours

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SIX°NORTH 566 Dumbarton Road, West End, Glasgow, G11 6RH, 0141 334 6677, sixdnorth.co.uk Average price two-course meal: £14.50 (lunch / dinner).

The best of the new restaurant, cafĂŠ and bar openings in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Prices shown are for an average two-course meal for one.

Glasgow OBU PAN ASIAN FAR EAST Princes Square, City Centre, 0141 221 7044, obupanasian.co.uk, £16 (lunch / dinner) Obu offers all that is popular and delectable in Asian cuisine. The stylish menu cherry-picks from the continent, clearly signalling vegetarian, gluten-free and chilli-hot options. Curry pots representing Japan, Thailand and India include a Thai red fish curry brimming with prawns and firm fleshed coley in a sauce sweet with coconut and piquant with lime. Salads of Japanese tofu or sticky beef are tasty one-bowl salad-lovers’ delights. Easydrinking cocktails, 14 judiciously selected wines by the glass, and outstanding-value lunch and pre-theatre menus mean groups of diners after Asian food over a drink are unlikely to go far wrong here.

SMOAK BBQ 6 Royal Exchange Square, Merchant City, 0141 248 4721, smoakbbq.co.uk, ÂŁ13 (lunch / dinner) A well-travelled pop-upper prior to rooting in Royal Exchange Square, Smoak well knows what dude-food fans want and how to deliver it. Locally sourced meats are dry-rubbed or brined overnight before marinating, smoked ‘low and slow’ for up to 14 hours, and served with homemade sauces and pickles. The results are seriously succulent and flavoursome jumbo chicken

wings, burgers, hot dogs, smoke-pit ribs and pork of the pulled variety. Veggies are better catered for than expected – mac and cheese burger, aubergine steak and various sides including crispy house slaw, onion rings and Texas toast – and premium American and Scottish craft beers are promised once licensed.

start delivers fish delicately marinated in paprika, roasted cumin, mustard and curry leaf while a main of kali mirchi ka lobster sees meaty chunks of lobster tail in a bold sauce of shallots, tomatoes and crushed red peppers. The interior is sophisticated and contemporary with a minimalist decor of contrasting creams and dark wood.

TASTY

JEELIE PIECE

AROUND THE WORLD Alea Glasgow, Springfield Quay, Southside, 0141 555 6144, tasty-at-alea.com, ÂŁ19 (dinner) The big personality of celebrity chef Tony Singh is stamped all over Tasty, from photo portraits to the couthy menu marrying the best of Scotland’s produce with global comfort food (with the high-fat, carb-heavy and vegetable-light characteristics of much comfort food). From ‘bits tae share’ – steamed buns, haggis pakora, neeps ‘n’ tatties and poutine – to steak and fish mains, the individual dishes are good but it’s trickier to find combos that complement. Desserts take a nostalgic trip to the tuck shop, including chocolate teacake, with dishes of sweeties alongside. Wonderful Clyde views and quirky styling create an appealing space, though the casino vibe may be more acquired.

CAFE 12 Leven Street, Tollcross, 0131 261 8067, jeeliepiece.scot, £7.50 (lunch / dinner) New to the Tollcross cafÊ scene but on an ambitious mission to stir things up, this is a mother-and-daughterrun operation aiming to create a local, ethical, and community-focused cafÊ. They’re at the farmers’ market every Saturday, picking up organic veggies, artisan cheeses, and local charcuterie. There are delicious vegan soups and daily specials such as avocado hummus on toasted sourdough with rocket, lime and black pepper. With local art on the walls, independent Scottish musicians on the stereo and lots of plans for evening happenings and daytime workshops, expect big things from this charming wee piece.

Edinburgh

MILK AT THE FRUITMARKET GALLERY

NAVADHANYA INDIAN 88 Haymarket Terrace, West End, 0131 281 7187, navadhanya-scotland.co.uk, ÂŁ9 (set lunch) / ÂŁ26 (dinner) Taking aim at the thinly populated fine-dining sector in Indian cuisine, Navadhanya offers a refreshing twist. Refined and innovative while retaining authentic flavours, tandoori-grilled salmon to

ARTS VENUE CAFE Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, Old Town, 0131 226 8195, fruitmarket.co.uk/cafe, £11 (lunch) Morrison Street’s Milk cafÊ has now extended its reach into a variety of the city’s arts venues, with operations running in the Collective Gallery on Calton Hill, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop near Newhaven and now in this prominent spot right in the city centre. Bright, open and cheerful, it’s a space flooded with light from floor to ceiling windows. There’s a focus on yummy but healthy eating, with low-fat, gluten / dairy / wheat-free options and enticing vegetarian, vegan and superfood choices clearly marked on their changing menu and daily specials board.

Independent write-ups on all the restaurants worth knowing about in Glasgow and Edinburgh are available on our online Eating & Drinking Guide at list.co.uk/food-and-drink 54 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Drop by for a selection of gin, wine, cocktails, champagne and curated whiskies all at prices to smile about. Find us in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of the city.

A five-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh city centre

24 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AH e: reservations@24royalterrace.com t: 0131 297 2424

When the 160-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church was converted into The Glasshouse Hotel in 2003, Scotland exchanged one iconic piece of history for another. This 77-bedroom luxury boutique hotel is now considered one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, with cosy-contemporary interiors, warm Scottish service and consistently spectacular views of the city centre, Calton Hill or the hotel’s two-acre rooftop garden.

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Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11am - Midnight Friday - Saturday 11am - 1am

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AROUND TOWN

F the latesotr listings annews, reviews, g d list.c .uko to /aroundoto wn

GOAL! TOR! BUT! Arts festival making the tarnished game beautiful again ‘It’s still a lazy shorthand in some circles to refer to football as ‘the beautiful game’. Corruption allegations at FIFA, transfer fees which could pay off national deficits, moneyed young men behaving like over-privileged fools: where’s the beauty in that? Well, it’s there in individual and collective stories rather than in empty advertising hype. In the run-up to the Euro 2016 tournament this summer in France, Goal! Tor! But! is being organised by the Goethe-Institut Glasgow, the Alliance Française Glasgow and the Scottish Football Museum with the support of Glasgow Life. The festival will tell these stories through film, art and an international symposium entitled Football and Social Inclusion: Best Practices from UK, France & Germany (Hampden Park, Wed 27 & Thu 28 Apr). ‘Football is a money-generating monster and at the same time a huge force for inclusion and

integration in our societies,’ says Nikolai Petersen, director of the Goethe-Institut Glasgow. ‘The conference will allow ordinary fans and activists united by an insatiable enthusiasm for football and a strong feeling of social responsibility to meet. This combination helped them pull off projects which made their communities more harmonious, and their example might incite others to get committed to the bright side of football.’ Short films, documentaries and exhibitions will also be installed in libraries and arts centres across the city, while a programme of feature films in some of the same venues includes Bill Forsyth’s Gregory’s Girl, Douglas Gordon’s Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait complete with a Mogwai soundtrack, and Little Lion, Samuel Collardey’s film about a Senegalese boy attempting to make it in Paris as a footballer. (David Pollock) Q Various venues, Glasgow, until Sat 30 Apr.

56 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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Previews | AROUND TOWN FIRE FESTIVAL

BELTANE

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Apr

PHOTO Š JASPER SCHWARTZ

The death of winter. The birth of summer. Shedding darkness and celebrating light in a decadent parade throughout Edinburgh’s streets, culminating in a dramatic climax on the historic Calton Hill: that’s what Beltane is all about. A consistent high point in the city’s spring calendar, Beltane is more than just an excuse to smear yourself in green paint and dance naked on a hill. In fact, it’s a traditional celebration of the battle of the seasons, with death and rebirth played out through processions, fire, drumming and pyrotechnics. Taking full advantage of its open-air status, Beltane loses the fourth wall completely with revellers encouraged to succumb to the heartbeat of the spectacular and get lost in the modern interpretation of an ancient fertility festival. Spread across Calton Hill, the procession of the May Queen (representing summer) is a focal point, but simultaneous counter-performances, featuring fire dancers and Celtic characters, take place throughout the arena. As the night draws on, more and more characters are roused and the hill is brought to life, mirroring the awakening which the earth undertakes as it transitions from winter to spring. Now in its 29th year, the festival seems to be looking towards adulthood: a children’s event, Family Beltane, is set to get a new breed of merrymakers excited about the spectacle. Taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Sat 23 Apr, kids can be introduced to the heritage behind the event through a mixture of storytelling, face painting and arts and crafts. Definitely no fire, though. Not until adolescence, anyway. (Kirstyn Smith)

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Harry Potter Quiz from 7.30pm, forthcoming night: 17 April

Monthly night celebrating the world of WAX. No mixing skills required, forthcoming nights: 19 April / 17 May

•

JP’s Jogging Club Tuesday’s from 7pm

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Dessert Cocktail Menu inc. Frozen Margarita’s all week

Singles Night forthcoming night: 16 April

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 57

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AROUND TOWN | Highlights

HITLIST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, until Sun 10 Apr, sciencefestival. co.uk Hands-on science for adults, children and families in venues across the city, ranging from the entertaining to the controversial and, of course, the icky. PHOTO Š NEIL HODGINS

BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Apr, beltane.org A modern interpretation of the ancient fertility festival of Beltane in the spectacular setting of Calton Hill. Beltane Fire Society performs the story of the death of winter and the birth of summer via dance, drumming,

debauched acrobatics, giant-puppetry and fire. See preview, page 57. RESTLESS NATIVES FESTIVAL Various venues, Glasgow, Mon 9–Sun 15 May, restlessnativesfestival. org New multi-disciplinary festival that aims to shine a light on independent

purveyors of music and film. The music line-up features Future of the Left, United Fruit, Happy Meals and Blanck Mass, while film screenings include guest-curated screening by The Glasgow Film Theatre, Africa In Motion, The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival and The Radical Film Network. See feature, page 18.

AROUND TOWN HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW WALK A MILE People’s Palace & Winter Gardens, Wed 20 Apr, letswalkamile. org Event to help stop mental health stigma, where hundreds of professionals, carers and people with lived experience, walk side by side breaking down barriers. OUTSKIRTS Platform, Sat 23 Apr, platformonline.co.uk A day of boundarytraversing installations, performance, art and music. The event features

Matthew Bourne’s collaboration with visual artist Michael England, 2015 SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph in collaboration with The Twilight Sad singer James Graham and a performance of A Brief History of Evil by Glasgow theatre collective Company of Wolves. GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK Pollok Country Park, Sun 1 May, greatbritishdogwalk.org Take the doggy for walkies with this national campaign, taking place at National Trust properties across the UK. This event is in aid of the national charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. SOUTHSIDE FRINGE Various venues, Fri 13–Sun 29 May, southsidefringe.org.uk A

17-day festival incorporating music, theatre and activities for all the family. Highlights in 2015 included Old Bohemia and a tribute to Jeff Buckley.

EDINBURGH CELTS National Museum of Scotland, until Sun 25 Sep, nms.ac.uk A major exhibition reviewing what we know about the different people who, over the centuries, have been identified as ‘Celts’, with artefacts, manuscripts, weapons and stunning art objects. A special exhibition organised between the National Museum of Scotland and the British Museum in London. CONPULSION UNDERWORLD Teviot, Sat 9 & Sun 10 Apr,

conpulsion.org Edinburgh’s largest weekend tabletop gaming convention, covering board games, roleplaying games, card games, wargames and live action roleplay. There are guests, competitions, events, traders and lots of games to play including old favourites and brand-new releases. INSOMNIA GAMING FESTIVAL EICC, Fri 29 Apr–Mon 2 May, insomniagamingfestival.com Four-day computer gaming event featuring play areas, trade stalls, talks, discussions and music. MUSEUM LATE: CELTS National Museum of Scotland, Fri 13 May, nms.ac.uk A night of Celtic entertainment at the museum after hours, featuring an acoustic performance from Idlewild, indie folk duo Hannah Fisher & Sorren Maclean and a themed DJ set by Lates favourite Vic Galloway. The Beltane Fire Society is bringing its fiery performance style to the museum with drumming and dancing, plus there’s storytelling with the legend of Fionn mac Cumhail and other Celtic tales, hands-on archaeology, temporary tattoos, craft activities from Red Door Gallery, a silent ceilidh, and plenty of food and drink. HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL King’s Stables Road, Fri 27 May– Sat 4 Jun, hiddendoorblog.org Artists of all stripes congregate for the Hidden Door interdisciplinary arts festival, which features dozens of cool musicians, bands, artists, poets and filmmakers, often working in new and exciting combinations.

The Twilight Sad’s James Graham plays at Outskirts

SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE ZOO Edinburgh Zoo, Thu 2 Jun, edinburghzoo.org.uk/ summernights The zoo opens its gates for a series of adults-only extravaganzas featuring locally sourced food, interactive science stations, talks about conservation, a silent disco, comedians and photo stations.

58 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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glasgowlife.org.uk

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 59

BOOKS

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /books

LUCY RIBCHESTER

PHOTO: KUBA KOLINSKI

The Amber Shadows dives into the enigmatic mysteries of Bletchley Park If you walked into any bookshop in 2015, you probably encountered the cheery yellow cover of The Hourglass Factory. Lucy Ribchester’s debut novel took us on a romp through the Edwardian era, in which journalist Frankie gets embroiled in the mystery of missing trapeze artist Ebony Diamond. Little over a year later, Ribchester’s second novel, The Amber Shadows, brings us Honey Deschamps, another plucky heroine employing her detecting skills, this time during the 1940s in the enigmatic world of Bletchley Park. ‘With Honey,’ explains the Edinburgh-based author, ‘I wanted to create a name that could have belonged to a character in the movies of the time, but which was perhaps somewhat incongruous with her personality. Honey is rather reserved in her way, a little shy, a bit of a film geek and slightly embarrassed about coming from a famous family.’ While researching the book, Ribchester revisited the films of Alfred Hitchcock and got hooked on

British crime writer Ethel Lina White (she wrote The Wheel Spins, on which Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes was based). And though she’s more relaxed about how people receive her second novel, she’s still reeling from the success of her first. ‘People were tweeting me pics of the book from places they’d seen it on sale,’ she says. ‘Readers tweeted me to tell me how much they’d enjoyed the novel. It was dizzying to think that something that started out as such a small scrap of an idea inside my head had gone on its adventures. A friend of mine even told me he’d seen a girl on Tinder with her profile picture showing her reading The Hourglass Factory. That was probably the highlight: I hope it served her well!’ (Yasmin Sulaiman) Q The Amber Shadows launches at Waterstones West End, Edinburgh, Thu 7 Apr and is published that day by Simon & Schuster.

60 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Reviews | BOOKS

list.co.uk/books SHORT STORIES

LARA WILLIAMS Treats (Freight Books) OOOOO Once in a while a small publisher will bequeath you a wee gem, and Lara Williams’ debut collection, Treats, is one such book. Published by Glasgow’s Freight Books, Treats chronicles the milestones of twentysomething life in the 21st Century, and its perils – taking in experiences ranging from graduate job-hunting to new motherhood, with all of the tough decisions, break-ups, and more of life’s detours. Williams’ articulately observed scenes capture the throes of early adulthood and tableaux of life at the very moment of change. Her mastery is demonstrated through her use of secondperson narration and risky plays with potentially clichĂŠd subject matter. Staccato stories sit alongside more traditional narrative styles like that of the title story 'Treats', which has a distinctly novelistic feel. Joining the tales are remarkable turns of phrase and evocative prose as the author laces the narrative with hints of her characters’ deepest desires. The through-line between these tales and varied voices is an ability to imbue timeless life experiences with contemporary meaning. These are characters who can’t look themselves in the eye. They’re women who worry about the space they inhabit, and men whose anxieties are expressed in sneezing fits. Deep characterisations allow the reader to forge great empathy for the personalities whose stories, at between three and six pages, feel eerily complete. With echos of Noah Baumbach’s youthful existentialism and shades of Janice Galloway’s visceral prose, Lara Williams is one to watch. (Nicola Balkind) Out now.

MEMOIR

WWII FICTION

FEMINIST COMEDY

HISTORICAL FICTION

Expecting: The Inner Life of Pregnancy (Saraband) OOOOO

Everyone Brave is Forgiven (Sceptre) OOOOO

Animal – The Autobiography of a Female Body (Faber & Faber) OOOOO

The Wolf Trial (Freight Books) OOOOO

Chitra Ramaswamy’s touching collection of essays on pregnancy is a far cry from the glossy, sterile magazine covers of ever-smiling, perfectly bumped mothers-to-be. Expecting is a warts-and-all tourists’ guidebook to the beautiful, terrifying, emotional and reflective voyage from woman to mother. Firmly-based in reality – the Edinburgh of her home; the London of her childhood; the Western Isles of her holidays – she negotiates these well-trodden places as a stranger, physically and emotionally changing over the nine months of her pregnancy. From her initial shock and disbelief in a rainy Scottish winter to a complete physical and mental breakdown in an idyllic woodland setting, the reader accompanies her on a most personal journey. Beautiful comparisons to her favourite works of art and locations the world over make this engrossing read relatable and pleasurable to those with and without children. During the final passionate and visceral chapter, the reader is alongside, cheering her on. (Jessica Rodgers) Out Thu 7 Apr.

Chris Cleave has gained something of a reputation as a dramatic, compelling storyteller thanks to his successful novels, The Other Hand and Gold. Everyone Brave is Forgiven follows in this vein, as it tells the story of Mary North, who heads to the war office a mere 45 minutes after World War II is declared to offer her assistance. To Mary's annoyance, she is resigned to the classroom rather than sent to the front line, but it is there that she meets Tom, who becomes her lover. Through Tom's soldier roommate Alistair, the two are exposed to the horrors and realities of life on the battlefield. With these characters, Cleave illustrates various conceptions of war: Mary viewing it as an idealised, patriotic call to aid, Tom as a fool’s errand to be avoided, and Alistair a traumatic event. Cleave convincingly presents these opposing views and seamlessly shifts between them. This is a powerful, emotional read, which skilfully balances heartwarming romance with dark, gritty wartime truths. In this novel, war is complex, divisive, and relentlessly real. (Rebecca Monks) Out Thu 21 Apr.

Rare is the acclaimed stand-up that doesn't get a book deal these days. But with typical ambition, unflinching intimacy and comic verve, Sara Pascoe has striven to make her debut an all-purpose memoir, wide-ranging anthropological summary and feminist treatise on the ways society inhibits and impacts women's lives. Expanding on the themes of sexuality and body confidence tackled in her stage shows, Animal is by turns offhandedly funny, insightful and frank, with Pascoe exploring topics like self-harm, abortion and sexual consent from the origins of personal experience. Thoroughly researched and persuasively argued, with the benefit of distance, she understandably finds it easier to make humans’ ingenious sexual evolution more amusing than such ongoing horrors as genital mutilation. There's a timeliness underlying the later chapters, not least as Pascoe passionately believes in openness and discourse for empowering all genders, even if some of her flow is disrupted in her efforts to be comprehensive. (Jay Richardson) Out Thu 5 May.

CHITRA RAMASWAMY

CHRIS CLEAVE

SARA PASCOE

NEIL MACKAY

Set in Bideburg, Germany in 1563 this historical epic centres on the trial of serial killer Peter Stumpf, a husband and father whose cannibalistic murders led him to be tried as a werewolf. Rather than the predictable course of examining the manner and motivation of Stumpf's decades of killing, MacKay exposes the brutal violence of seemingly ordinary folk. In a novel not for the faint hearted, characters witness and perpetrate horrific acts. Individuals are butchered, castrated, burnt or skinned alive; children are trampled by religious armies and women raped in front of baying crowds. The novel is recounted by Willie Lessinger, apprentice to lawyer and rationalist Paulus Melchior, who leads the trial. MacKay is a gripping storyteller and the tale is most enjoyable when the court rings with Paulus's clever rhetoric, championing logic over superstition. In a story interspersed with fables of infanticide and dark truths about crimes committed in the name of Christianity, Paulus and Willie's friendship and quest for justice are a lone beacon of goodness in a book of horrors. (Rowena McIntosh) Out Thu 21 Apr. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 61

BOOKS | Highlights

HITLIST

THE AMBER SHADOWS LAUNCH Waterstones, Thu 7 Apr, waterstones.com/ bookshops/edinburghwest-end Author Lucy Ribchester (The Hourglass Factory) launches her latest novel, set at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. See preview, page 60.

IRVINE WELSH & ROBERT CARLYLE Usher Hall, Sun 10 Apr, usherhall.co.uk Acclaimed author Irvine Welsh is joined by actor Robert Carlyle as he launches his new novel, The Blade Artist, which catches up with Welsh’s iconic character, Francis Begbie (played by Carlyle in Trainspotting).

LANDWORDS Callendar House, Sat 16-Sun 17 Apr & Sat 14-Sun 15 May, falkirk. gov.uk/cultural Festival of words and creativity taking place over two weekends, bringing together authors, artists, storytellers and audiences to explore the idea of ‘place’.

MAGGIE O’FARRELL: THIS MUST BE THE PLACE Mitchell Library, Mon 23 May, ayewrite.com Author Maggie O’Farrell discusses her latest novel, This Must Be The Place, which explores a marriage: the forces that keep it together, and the ones that tear it apart. Part of Aye Write!.

PHOTO: RANKIN

BOOKS HIGHLIGHTS GLASGOW

Kate Tempest

STORY CAFE Glasgow Women’s Library, every Thu, womenslibrary.org.uk Lunch and some stories – a winning combination. TIPS FOR GIRLS Glasgow Women’s Library, Thu 7 Apr & Thu 5 May, womenslibrary. org.uk Hear advice, both helpful and not so helpful, on a variety of subjects including relationships, family planning and beauty. The tips are taken from the library’s archive and, combined with short films in the National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive, will form a future exhibition SCOTTISH WRITER’S CENTRE SPRING SPEAKEASY CCA, Tue 12 Apr, cca-glasgow. com An evening of new Scottish writing at this speakeasy with readings in English, Gaelic and Scots.

SEEDS OF THOUGHT POETRY NIGHT CCA, Fri 22 Apr & Fri 13 May, ccaglasgow.com A relaxed evening of spoken word and music for seasoned and new performers; plus open mic if you’d like to get involved. BOOK GIVEAWAY PARTY Glasgow Women’s Library, Sat 23 April, womenslibrary.org.uk Pick up a free book, take part in a book quiz and listen to the Book Champions read aloud their favourite stories and poems whilst enjoying tea and cake. Part of World Book Night.

PHOTO: CHRIS SCOTT

KATE TEMPEST: THE BRICKS THAT BUILT THE HOUSES Mitchell Library, Thu 14 Apr, ayewrite.com Award-winning poet and rapper Kate Tempest reads from and discusses debut novel, The Bricks that Built the Houses: a multi-generational tale of drugs, desire and belonging. Part of Aye Write!.

EDINBURGH

performance techniques.

COLLECTIVE HUSH Scottish Poetry Library, every Fri, spl.org.uk Drop-in reading and writing group, where you can study, write or read in perfect peace while having your lunch.

CHRIS KRAUS Collective Gallery, Fri 20 May, collectivegallery.net The influential filmmaker and writer (I Love Dick) talks about her approaches to writing and editing.

RALLY & BROAD MASTERCLASS SHOWCASE Scottish Poetry Library, Thu 14 Apr, spl.org.uk Jenny Lindsay and Rachel McCrum are joined by the poets from their masterclasses to showcase new poetic explorations and

RALLY & BROAD: WE COULD BE HEROES! The Bongo Club, Fri 22 Apr, thebongoclub.co.uk Tales of heroes and anti-heroes, lyrical delights and Bowie-themed imaginings at this spoken word night. The lineup

includes poet Tim Turnbull, author Lucy Ribchester, singer-songwriter Josephine Sillars, spoken word veteran Salena Godden and Supermoon, the new project from Neil Pennycook (formerly Meursalt).

OUTSIDE THE CITIES COASTWORD Dunmuir Hotel, Fri 27-Sun 29 May, coastword.co.uk The literary community comes together to bring a roster of bookish delights to Dunbar for a wee, weekend-long festival.

62 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

COMEDY

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PAUL ZERDIN

PHOTO: STEVE ULLATHORNE

Vegas-bound America’s Got Talent victor shows us his dummies Having to cancel a large chunk of a tour is not unheard of in showbusiness circles. Sometimes dates can be pulled through illness or lack of interest (that reason is definitely worse), but in Paul Zerdin’s case, he can most likely be forgiven. Let’s face it, were you ever to be offered your own residency on the Las Vegas Strip, chances are you’d be snapping that opportunity up too. The reason behind this upsurge of interest in Zerdin’s old-school ventriloquism act is clear: a victory in America’s Got Talent while performing with his buddies, the precocious Baby, cantankerous OAP Albert and cheeky pre-teen Sam. He even beat another Brit in the final, colourful conjuror Piff the Magic Dragon. That glorious achievement last September may have lost a slight glimmer from its triumphant sheen when other ‘vents’ came

forward just days after he scooped the prize to cry foul over potential plagiarism. Zerdin immediately hit back claiming that his techniques were standard in the business and pre-dated even those who were bawling ‘j’accuse’. Still, winning TV talent shows is not a new thing for Zerdin, given that he claimed the Jonathan Ross-helmed Big Big Talent Show back in 1996. Two decades on and Zerdin celebrated Yuletide 2015 by appearing on Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show in front of a mere handful of port-soaked viewers. The phrase ‘catch him while you can’ has probably never been more pertinent. Once Paul Zerdin’s Spongefinger dates are done, will we ever see him and his sleight-ofmouth back on these shores again? (Brian Donaldson) Q Ă’ran MĂłr, Glasgow, Mon 18 Apr.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 63

COMEDY | Previews STAND-UP

MIKE WILMOT The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 12–Sat 14 May Affectionately known as ’Dirty Uncle Mike’ by fellow comics, Mike Wilmot is largely indifferent to society’s mores. After almost three decades of confessional routines, ‘I couldn’t give a fuck’, the Canadian confirms. ‘I’ve seen political correctness go crazy, then calm down, then go crazy again. We’re back into PC World now because Twitter and Facebook make everyone think they’ve got a valid opinion. Well, they don’t. Good comedy exists regardless.’ Dividing his year between Toronto, Australia and the UK, Wilmot has radically changed his lifestyle since acquiring a granddaughter and Type 2 diabetes, cutting out cigarettes and switching from beer to wine: ‘that’s so I can maintain the right level of drunkenness’. Constant though are the filthily frank intimacies he shares about his wife of 30 years, Elaine. Likening her stage character to that of Phyllis Diller’s fictional husband ‘Fang’, Wilmot would never say that anything he says about her is true. ‘Sometimes, honest to Christ, I’m just getting something off my chest. It’s so fucking real I’m having a breakdown. But other times, it’s make-believe.’ He’s candid about his sex life and deteriorating body ‘because it’s easier to speak in front of 1000 strangers for an hour than listen to my kids talk for the same amount of time.’ Twelve years ago he starred with his friend in Rich Hall’s Fishing for BBC Four, with the pair discussing a return to the Trossachs for a follow-up. ‘That was like making a home movie,’ he enthuses. ‘I’m sure we’ll talk about it again when he returns to the UK.’ (Jay Richardson)

STAND-UP

SARAH MILLICAN SECC, Glasgow, Fri 6–Sun 8 May; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 9–Mon 11 Jul The north-east of England has served the comedy community well over the last two decades. All branches of live entertainment seem to have been represented by that area, from the surrealistic likes of Reeves & Mortimer, Seymour Mace and Ross Noble to the storytelling of Jason Cook and his pal Chris Ramsey. Of course, like every community, there’s always one who embarrasses the group: stand proud Royston ‘Roy “Chubby� Brown’ Vasey. What’s largely missing from that list is a talented female comedian, but it just so happens that the biggest Geordie box-office draw at the moment is Sarah Millican. The ‘sold-out’ signs went up across various venues swiftly after the announcement of this new tour, sealing her position as a comic who barely needs to do any press at all now that the mere mention of her name is enough to get posteriors on seats. From the very start of her career, Millican has been adept at working a room with a matey joviality that could be undercut at any given moment through harsh if well-meaning jibes. Armed with decent stories, a winning manner and obvious determination to succeed, it’s hard to begrudge her any of the major success that has almost crept up on us all. The only thing you want to quibble with is the title of her new tour which traverses the nation through to the autumn: Outsider? Really, Sarah? If an outsider is someone who can comfortably put on a string of nights at venues such as the SECC and Hammersmith Apollo, what does that make those acts struggling to get open spots up and down the country every week? We can only hope the title is fully justified by the material. (Brian Donaldson)

LOCAL LAUGHS In a new column, we chat to rising stand-ups from around the Central Belt. Edinburgh’s Wis Jantarasorn has a crack at our Q&A Can you tell us about the moment when you thought 'stand-up is for me'? It was during my first gig back after taking a break of four years, in a small Edinburgh room with a lovely audience. The joy of making people laugh again was addictive.

ce What's the best piece of advice you've received from anotherr comedian so far? Best advice I received from fellow colleagues is to not care as much lly about what people think and to really let the creativity take centre stage. Nothing is too weird or off-limits.

Do you have any pre-show rituals you can tell us about? Being a relatively neurotic person I have lots of pre-show rituals but it really starts the morning of a performance. I dress left side first: put my left sock on first, then left leg, left arm etc.

You're curating a 'legends of comedy' line-up. Tell us the bill's top three acts? Richard Pryor, Steve Martin and Billy Connolly. They are masters of storytelling which is the type of ol stand-up I do. The way they control the audience and take everyone along for the ride is truly aweinspiring.

How do you handle hecklers? I treat hecklers with love and care as I absolutely love them. All they want is to be involved with the show and that is exactly what I give them. I’ve had danceoffs, ‘text all contacts’ games on their mobile, phoned people’s mums to tell on them . . .

Q Wis Jantarasorn hosts Stand Spotlight: Feminism, The Stand, Edinburgh, Wed 13 Apr. See more of this Q&A at list.co.uk/comedy

64 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Previews | COMEDY

list.co.uk/comedy POLITICAL SATIRE

MATT FORDE The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 10 Apr When it comes to modern British politics, there’s never a dull moment. This is manna from satirical heaven for a comic such as Matt Forde, a man who can impersonate any political leader at 20 paces and, despite his past as a New Labour adviser, will happily stick it to them all. ‘Politics in Britain is in a wonderful state of chaos,’ exclaims Forde as he prepares to Get the Political Party Started in Edinburgh. ‘The Tories going bonkers over Europe, Labour going bonkers about everything, the SNP still energised by the last referendum and desperate for another, and UKIP paradoxically having the moment they've always dreamed of while not quite capitalising on it themselves. In short: it's nuts. Which is good.’ While Britain fights over Europe and with the Scottish parliamentary election campaign almost being lost in the Brexit-vote clamour, much attention has turned to the US with its quasi-insane Presidential nomination process cranking up the lunacy on an almost daily basis. Quite how crazy it will get in the autumn when it comes down to a straight fight between (presumably) Hillary and Donald is anyone’s guess. For political comedians on both sides of the Atlantic, it looks like a win-win situation whoever gets into the White House. ‘Trump is a massive, technicolour, HD dickhead,’ considers Forde. ‘Morally it’s shocking but in entertainment terms there’s something perversely thrilling about it all. I don't want to see a President Trump but there’s part of me that just wants to see how crackers it would really be.’ As Forde looks ahead to what should be a similarly spirited 2020 UK general election, what does he think Jeremy Corbyn can do to take the No 10 keys from the Tories? ‘Change his name to Boris Johnson.’ Ouch. (Brian Donaldson)

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 65

t COMEDY | Highlights

HITLIST

DYLAN MORAN: OFF THE HOOK Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Tue 12 & Wed 13 Apr, usherhall.co.uk Moran plays up to the stereotype of the bumbling, mildlysoused Irishman, but his comedy is much more intelligent than mere cliché-mongering: on stage he is uniquely charismatic, a foul-mouthed mixture of

loveable and misanthropic, and always very funny. KATHERINE RYAN: KATHBUM Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Sat 23 Apr, paviliontheatre.co.uk Witty jokes and pop culture observations from the Canadian star. See feature, page 43.

FORTH 1 ENTERTAINS Edinburgh Playhouse, Fri 29 Apr, atgtickets. com/edinburgh The Edinburgh radio station presents a mixed lineup of

music and comedy with the latter including Gary Tank Commander, Jason Byrne, Lucy Porter and Rob Deering. GLENN WOOL: CREATOR, I AM BUT A PAWN The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 8 May (5pm) & The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 8 May, (8.30pm), thestand.co.uk

COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW PAUL ZERDIN Ã’ran Mór, Mon 18 Apr, oran-mor. co.uk Zerdin, the ventriloquist winner of America’s Got Talent 2015, presents his pre-Vegas show. See preview, page 63. THE CUBAN BROTHERS Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre, Sat 30 Apr, facebook.com/ Kelvingrove-Bandstand-andAmphitheatre-226160304214185 An evening with the comic Latin funkmeisters.

REVEREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III The Stand, Sun 1 May, thestand. co.uk The Rev headlines this Bank Holiday special show. SARAH MILLICAN: OUTSIDER SECC, Fri 6 –Sun 8 May, secc. co.uk You’ll know her face from talking about cake and cats on the telly, so here’s another chance to see the Millican phenomenon in full flight, live on stage. See preview, page 64. STAND SPOTLIGHT The Stand, Wed 1 Jun, thestand. co.uk A host of the best up-andcomers get together to discuss a different pertinent topic each time. Also Wed 13 Apr, The Stand, Edinburgh.

EDINBURGH

CLOWN CABARET SCRATCH NIGHT Assembly Roxy, Sat 9 Apr, assemblyfestival.com Scratch night with Scotland’s emerging clown performers, presented by Plutôt la Vie, CloWnStePPing and Melanie Jordan. MATT FORDE: GET THE POLITICAL PARTY STARTED The Stand, Sun 10 Apr, thestand. co.uk Former Labour advisor Forde brings political comedy to the people, with impressions and stand-up. See preview, page 65. IMRAN YUSUF The Stand, Thu 21–Sat 23 Apr, thestand.co.uk Former Edinburgh Comedy Award Newcomer Nominee headlines The Stand’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows. RORY MCGRATH REMEMBERS (OR IS IT FORGETS?) Assembly Roxy, Sat 23 Apr, assemblyfestival.com Rory McGrath (he of Three Men in a Boat and They Think It’s All Over) spends some time remembering (forgetting?) his life. MIKE WILMOT The Stand, Thu 12 –Sat 14 May, thestand.co.uk The Canadian standup headlines The Stand’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows. See preview, page 64. JULIAN CLARY: THE JOY OF MINCING Venue 150 @ EICC, Fri 13 May, venue150.com Innuendos galore and a dash of the fabulous that made JC (in)famous.

Nina Conti

AL MURRAY: LET’S GO BACKWARDS TOGETHER The Stand, Sun 15 May, thestand. co.uk A brand-new show from everyone’s favourite bigoted landlord, ‘Al Murray’, star of Happy Hour.

Canadian stand-up Glenn Wool (left) presents his most recent material about his global escapades. DANIEL SLOSS: DARK The Garage, Glasgow, Fri 20 May, garageglasgow. co.uk The Fife / Viking comedian, now all grown up, takes a darker turn with his new show.

DUNFERMLINE ARDAL O’HANLON Carnegie Hall, Fri 22 Apr, onfife. com/venues/carnegie-hall/ overview Best known as dim-witted Father Dougal in the classic comedy series Father Ted, O’Hanlon is also a really rather good stand-up.

KIRKCALDY CHRIS RAMSEY: ALL GROWED UP Adam Smith Theatre, Sun 17 Apr, onfife.com/venues/adamsmith-theatre/overview Upbeat anecdotes, feelgood humour and witty observations inspired by Ramsey’s realisation that he’s not a kid anymore.

PERTH ED BYRNE: OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN Perth Concert Hall, Sun 1 May, horsecross.co.uk The Dublinstand-up and regular guest on Mock the Week returns with a new show of observational humour. Also Rothes Hall, Glenrothes, Wed 27 Apr; Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Thu 28 Apr; Dundee Rep, Sat 30 Apr. NINA CONTI: IN YOUR FACE Perth Concert Hall, Thu 26 May, horsecross.co.uk Improvised comic ventriloquism from Conti, who manages to weave humour and poignancy into her shows. Her puppet creations include Monk (a cynical monkey) and Granny (an elderly Scotswoman). Heavy audience participation guaranteed, if that’s your thing.

ST ANDREWS FRED MACAULAY: LIFE Byre Theatre, Wed 13 Apr, byretheatre.com Our Fred ponders that ever-ponderable topic (life) in a show he thinks is philosophical, but definitely is satirical and very funny.

66 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

!

FILM

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /film

I SAW THE LIGHT Tom Hiddleston gets out his Stetson to play Hank Williams Great talent seems so often to go hand in hand with great personal turmoil, and so it went with country star Hank Williams. Quintessential Englishman Tom Hiddleston is a quirky choice to don the Stetson of the ‘Hillbilly Shakespeare’ but it’s a chance for the dapper thesp to flex his acting muscles. He does so alongside Elizabeth Olsen, who is riveting as Hank’s sexually confident, nononsense wife Audrey, her own aspirations as a singer providing a rich vein of marital tension. Sadly writer-director Marc Abraham fails to fashion a drama worthy of his stars’ admirable exertions; the smoky, sultry visuals can’t disguise a less than compelling

narrative which unfolds in fits and starts. We follow Hank from his hasty marriage and early success through acrimonious partings and alcoholism, to his premature end – with the absence of insight leaving him floundering like a rebel without a cause. There’s a shortage of interesting supporting players, and when Olsen disappears from the main thread the momentum and much of the film’s appeal goes with her. Given his immaculately performed renditions of Williams classics, the film is Hiddleston’s by a hair but Olsen very nearly steals it out from under him. (Emma Simmonds) Q Selected release from Fri 6 May OOOOO

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 67

FILM | Reviews

DRAMA

DHEEPAN (15) 115min OOOOO

BIOPIC – COMEDY

EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) 106min OOOOO A feel-good dramedy about a British ski jumper who anyone under the age of 30 probably won’t have heard of, let alone remember, Eddie the Eagle sounds like a crashlanding waiting to happen. But the British have always had a soft spot for plucky losers and Dexter Fletcher’s comic biopic nestles neatly alongside the likes of The Full Monty, Brassed Off and Calendar Girls. Starring Taron Egerton as Eddie in what can only be described as a transformative performance, the film is a flaming triumph. Mixing fact with liberal doses of fiction, we see how Eddie Edwards, the son of a plasterer (played by Keith Allen), is determined to make it as an Olympian. He settles on ski jumping – simply because Britain has no other representatives – with dreams of reaching the 1988 Winter Olympics. In Fletcher’s film, Eddie befriends boozy, washed-up former ski jumping star Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman, playing a fictional character), whom he persuades to train him after almost killing himself on a 70m jump in Germany. With the incredulous Norwegian and Finnish teams watching, the mentor-pupil dynamic is established in a series of training montages but it never feels hackneyed, with Egerton lending a delightful innocence to the hapless, goggle-eyed Edwards. Although there are digs at the upper-class twits that run the British selection committee, the humour is predominantly gentle, the ski jumping scenes (co-ordinated by stunt legend Vic Armstrong) thrilling and the accumulative effect heart-warming in a film that consistently confounds expectations. Only the appearance of Christopher Walken, as Peary’s ex coach, feels ill-at-ease with the bonhomie. Otherwise, Eddie the Eagle takes flight – and stays there. (James Mottram) Q Out now.

This 2015 Palme d’Or winner from the great Jacques Audiard tells the story of a former Tamil Tiger who fakes family ties, claims asylum and begins a new life in a housing project near Paris that feels more like the Wild West. It is a very touching human drama in which the former warrior must adjust to changed circumstances and a trio of strangers find hope as a fabricated family. Writer, novelist and political activist Antonythasan Jesuthasan makes an indelible impression as Dheepan, a role that reflects some elements of his own life. Kalieaswari Srinivasan is equally compelling as Yalini, the woman who seizes on Dheepan and nine-year-old Illayaal (Claudine Vinasithamby) as her escape route. The film is at its most captivating when it depicts the way the trio embraces new possibilities – with Illayaal heading to school, Yalini working as a carer and Dheepan becoming a diligent caretaker – yet it is inevitable that the ghosts of the past will return to haunt them. Dheepan loses some of its focus and conviction as it lurches towards a cathartic vigilante finale with echoes of Death Wish and Taxi Driver. It is not an instant Audiard classic then but remains intense and beautifully crafted. (Allan Hunter) Q Selected release from Fri 8 Apr.

DRAMA

SON OF SAUL (15) 107min OOOOO

MILITARY THRILLER

EYE IN THE SKY (15) 102min OOOOO The headline-grabbing issue of drone warfare has already made it to the big screen with 2014’s disappointing Good Kill. This latest effort, directed by South African Gavin Hood, is considerably more compelling. It doesn’t so much deal with the pressures of flying the drones, but the political ping-pong that takes place before targets are eliminated. The crosshairs are lined up on a radicalised Englishwoman who has joined Al-Shabaab terrorists in Kenya. Overseeing the operation to bring her in is the uncompromising Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) but when their quarry is moved, a drone strike seems on the cards when it’s revealed that she and her cohorts are planning a devastating suicide-bomb attack in the city. What emerges is a film that’s both an against-the-clock thriller – as Powell and her colleague Lt General Frank Benson (the late Alan Rickman, in his last on-screen appearance) try to prevent widespread havoc – and a study in the moral grey-area in which military personnel are forced to operate to save lives. Mirren and Rickman are outstanding and Hood complements them by juggling theme and pace with aplomb. The result is as thought-provoking as it is nerve-shredding. (James Mottram) Q General release from Fri 15 Apr.

Hungarian writer-director Låszló Nemes confronts one of history’s darkest hours with his Oscar-winning debut. It documents the grisly toil of a Sonderkommando work unit at Auschwitz, which saw death camp prisoners forced to dispose of corpses following mass executions. Stylistically too, it’s terrifically bold as we endure a day in the life of one such prisoner, Saul (GÊza RÜhrig), as the camera gets up in his face and stays hard on his heels. With time running out, Saul assists in an escape plan, but becomes fixated on seeking a proper burial for a boy he claims is his son. Shooting in the 4:3 ratio, Nemes keeps things tightly focused around his lead. There’s little shock value as tasks such as transporting and burning bodies become part of a macabre production line, with the dead occupying the modest periphery and this sensitive, non-judgemental film capturing the dehumanising nature of the work. Stark of subject and muddy of hue, Son of Saul sees our protagonist dragged from one horrific errand to the next, with the handheld camerawork reflecting the instability and unrelenting misery of his situation. Intense and challenging it may be but it’s a film rich with both empathy and insight. (Emma Simmonds) Q Selected release from Fri 29 Apr.

68 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/ďŹ lm

ACTION

DRAMA

BIOPIC – DRAMA

(15) 92min OOOOO

(15) 101min OOOOO

(15) 100min OOOOO

If James Watkins’ frenetic Parisian thriller is to be remembered for anything, it’ll be that it comes across like Idris Elba’s unofficial audition to play the next James Bond. He’s the highlight of this violent yarn as Sean Briar, a tough-as-nails and taciturn CIA agent who punches before he speaks. Richard ‘Robb Stark’ Madden plays Michael Mason, an American pickpocket who lifts the wrong bag when he steals from Zoe (Charlotte Le Bon), a girl who has fallen in with the team of anarchists behind a bombing campaign. When the bag explodes, Mason is caught on camera as the suspect. But, as revealed by the increasingly farfetched plot, these terrorists are not who they seem. Watkins keeps the action fast and furious – a blend of gunshots, squealing tyres and cries of ‘Mon Dieu!’ – as if he’s been watching a lot of Luc Besson films. But The French Connection this is not. Nor is it even V for Vendetta, with the sight of anti-fascist rioters feeling ill-conceived. And how French audiences will react, given the terror attacks of November 2015, is another matter. But it’s funny – sometimes unintentionally so – and delivered with the handbrake off. Never mind Elba, this might be Watkins’ 007 calling card. (James Mottram) Q General release from Fri 22 Apr.

In consecutive years, Jean-Marc VallÊe has directed Matthew McConaughey to an Oscar win in Dallas Buyers Club and Reese Witherspoon to a nomination in Wild. Teaming VallÊe with Jake Gyllenhaal after his brilliant performance in Nightcrawler must have seemed like a sure-fire bet for awards recognition. Sadly, Demolition is a dreadfully earnest look at bereavement, that’s often reminiscent of Hollywood at its worst. After the death of his wife, investment banker Davis (Gyllenhaal) begins to act erratically, taking apart objects and paying to join a demolition crew as they dismantle houses. His grief leads him to write an angry letter to a vending machine company when he unsuccessfully tries to get a bag of sweets from one of their products, but the missive falls into the sympathetic hands of Karen (Naomi Watts), who forms a healing friendship with him. Writer Bryan Sipe is also responsible for this year’s laughable Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Choice, and his script for Demolition is similarly shallow. The cutesy ending suggests that the film’s heart is in the right place, but the tiresome histrionics take a wrecking ball to the considerable reputations of all concerned. (Eddie Harrison) Q General release from Fri 29 Apr.

‘If you’re gonna tell a story, come with some attitude, man.’ So says Don Cheadle in the guise of Miles Davis, with the actor taking his own advice in this free-form biopic of the jazz icon. It’s an evident passion project for Cheadle, who makes his directorial debut, alongside co-writing, producing and taking the lead role. The bulk of the film unfolds in mid-1970s New York, where Davis is battling a degenerative hip condition, drug dependency and creative block. He’s jolted out of seclusion by the arrival of journalist Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor) and soon the pair are engaged in a (fictional) caper, as they try to retrieve a master tape from a slimy music executive (an underused Michael Stuhlbarg). As director, Cheadle employs dynamic editing, with images and sounds triggering flashbacks to earlier parts of Davis’ life, yet the film still ends up resorting to many of the biopic clichĂŠs it seems so eager to avoid. Fortunately, the leads are flawless, with Cheadle capturing Davis’ raspy voice and swagger and forming an enjoyable double act with McGregor. What Miles Ahead lacks in consistency and detail it makes up for in attitude, as it captures the spirit of Davis’ life and career. (Matthew Turner) Q General release from Fri 22 Apr.

BASTILLE DAY

DEMOLITION

MILES AHEAD

CRIME THRILLER

VICTORIA

(15) 138min OOOOO Sebastian Schipper’s sensational thriller is the real deal, 138-minutes of drama captured in just one take. The action unspools on the streets of Berlin as an innocent woman falls for a dubious man and ends up embroiled in a daring heist with tragic consequences. Single, continuous shots are nothing new, from Hitchcock’s Rope in 1948 to 2014’s Birdman, but there’s usually some subterfuge involved. For his fourth feature, actor-turned-director Schipper has come up with an original, kinetic reason to deliver the story in this way, with the technique perfectly in tune with the breathless nature of events. Spaniard Victoria (Laia Costa) is heading home after a night of clubbing when she falls in with a gang led by Sonne (Frederick Lau). In the cafĂŠ where she works, Sonne and Victoria open up to each other as she plays the piano, but an accident with one of Sonne’s men offers Victoria a fateful opportunity to get involved with his criminal world. Schipper’s shooting strategy is more than a gimmick; it gives his film a virtually unique selling point. The one-shot ethic might seem to offer limited options, but the succession of visceral action wouldn’t disgrace a big-budget Michael Mann thriller, while the love story is tenderly relayed. The young cast provides uniformly adrenalised performances, with Lau demonstrating Brando-like moodiness, and the immense complexities involved in shooting on location chime nicely with the heist theme. The plot may betray more than a few holes when viewed in retrospect, but they’re more than papered over by a raw sense of ‘you are there’ immediacy. Victoria is an electrifying slice of cinema that is likely to be frequently imitated, but rarely improved upon. (Eddie Harrison) Q Out now. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 69

FILM | Reviews

PERIOD DRAMA

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) 93min OOOOO

SCI-FI

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (12A) 112min OOOOO Written and directed by the talented Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter), Midnight Special harks back to the grounded 1980s sci-fi of Steven Spielberg and John Carpenter, and is a film of two halves: one excellent, the other patchy. The set-up is immediately intriguing, as Roy (Michael Shannon) and his young son Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) race through the night with accomplice Lucas (Joel Edgerton) in order to evade capture. Wanted by the cult they’re fleeing (headed by Sam Shepard) and the FBI (in the shape of Adam Driver), Alton has strange, unspecified powers that necessitate him wearing goggles – for whose safety we’re not sure. When a policeman stops them, Lucas has no choice but to shoot him. The stakes could not be higher. Filled with beautiful shots of the Texan dusk, these early sequences are exciting and expressive. Roy and Lucas have put all their faith in Alton even as they – and we – suspect it may lead them into danger. Once Roy and his son are reunited with Alton’s mum Sarah (Kirsten Dunst), Lucas considers them sadly and remarks, ‘I don't know if there’s a way out of this for y’all, but it’s a shame,’ a eulogy as much as an apology. Wide-eyed and shifty-seeming, Shannon is riveting as always, and the serious, all but silent Lieberher is a fine little actor. Meanwhile, the way Nichols juxtaposes the mundane with the fantastical promises much, particularly during a SFX-filled petrol station scene. When the film reveals what’s really going on, however, it’s so lamely conceived, and cheaply mounted, it’s hard not to feel cheated. Indeed, once the narrative slows, the whole thing unravels, and when one character asks, weakly, ‘Can we go back to Texas now?’ you’ll wish you could too. (Matt Glasby) Q General release from Fri 8 Apr.

A discerning cult rejoice when there is a new treat from writerdirector Whit Stillman, who has made only five films in 26 years. His debut Metropolitan (1990) drew rapturous comparisons to Jane Austen and now Stillman has adapted Austen herself, and very handsomely, although this is Austen as few think of her: subversive. Her short novel Lady Susan – on which Love & Friendship is based – centres on a shocking woman, and was written by a teenaged Jane but never submitted by her for publication. Glamorous widow Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) is penniless, eager to dispose of her neglected daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark) with a wealthy dolt, and dependent on the hospitality of in-laws and friends. It’s amazing she has any of the latter because she is a selfish schemer with a notorious reputation. But she has intelligence as well as beauty and sets her pert feathered cap at the yummy brother of her horrified sister-in-law, who strives to steer the bewitched man towards Susan’s sweet but unspectacular daughter instead. A lot of delicious lines are lifted straight from the text but Stillman’s direction adds some knowing campery and his film has a beautifully calibrated tone. It’s witty, wickedly droll and choicely acted by the entire ensemble. (Angie Errigo) Q General release from Fri 27 May.

HORROR

GREEN ROOM DRAMA

(18) 95min OOOOO

(12A) 103min OOOOO

‘This is a nightmare,’ concludes Pat (Anton Yelchin) as Green Room lurches toward its climax. He’s not exaggerating. Things get, and stay, seriously grim but Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin) directs with wit and flair and the cast act their socks off. A last-minute gig takes a punk band off-the-grid, to a venue shrouded in woodland and caked in racist graffiti. With typical rock ’n’ roll bravado, the quartet bash out an anti-Nazi track in the face of danger. However, a sinister surprise waits for them in the green room as they stumble onto the aftermath of a murder, finding themselves under siege as the venue owner (a chilling Patrick Stewart) is brought in to extract them. Their hellish ordeal comes alive in Sean Porter’s claustrophobic cinematography and the painfully convincing work of the performers, with Yelchin and Imogen Poots (as a friend of the deceased) the stars of a competitive line-up. If it sounds misanthropic it isn’t, presenting engaging characters that you’ll be cheering on to survive. Green Room certainly doesn’t mince its violence, forcing its players and audience alike to guts-it-out. Luckily, Saulnier has created a film as exhilarating as it is excruciating. (Emma Simmonds) Q General release from Fri 13 May.

COUPLE IN A HOLE With a premise as advertised, Belgian writer-director Tom Geens’ sophomore feature finds a displaced couple living in the bowels of a French forest. Geens gives us a wonderfully wonky look at marriage that doubles as a penetrating examination of trauma. ‘We’re tough, we’re strong. We’re from Scotland,’ asserts John (Paul Higgins) when asked how he and wife Karen (Kate Dickie) will survive outdoor-living during the impending harsh winter. The pair have taken comfort in nature in what’s tantamount to a return to the womb. However, unbeknownst to his wary, agoraphobic spouse, John has attracted a pal on the outside: farmer AndrĂŠ (JĂŠrĂ´me Kircher), whose own wife CĂŠline (Corinne Masiero) is aggressively opposed to the fledgling friendship. The film’s dynamic score, composed by Beak>, reflects the tranquility and eccentricity of the central duo’s lifestyle and there’s visual distinction and humour in their off-the-wall predicament. The performers, too, are superb, with Higgins and the ever-courageous Dickie rendering all that unfolds hypnotising and completely credible. This unusual take on love and loss is notable for its almost surprising sincerity and elevated by its unforgettable peculiarity. (Emma Simmonds) Q Selected release from Fri 8 Apr. See feature, page 44. 70 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/ďŹ lm

DRAMA

SPY THRILLER

MUSICAL DRAMEDY

(15) 118min OOOOO

(15) 108min OOOOO

(12A) 106min OOOOO

Teaming auteur Terrence Malick with powerhouse performers Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman should have resulted in fireworks. Instead this is a damp squib, its arresting visuals an artistic smokescreen for a barely-there story. Bale is tortured screenwriter Rick who, despite earning wads of cash, is unhappy. Searching for meaning, he embarks on a series of liaisons with a procession of impossible women who cavort, frolic and seduce in various states of undress. A stripper (Teresa Palmer) spouts philosophy from the stage, a model (Freida Pinto) stretches languidly by a pool, and so on. Blanchett and Portman – as Rick’s wife and lover respectively – are given a little more to work with but are, like the rest, reduced to nothing more than ciphers for Rick’s anguish. Whether nymphs, paramours or mothers, these are characters hewn from adolescent fantasy. Although it’s creatively lensed by master cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, narratively this is just another self-indulgent tale of an entitled man’s journey to enlightenment. As such, Malick’s latest becomes the very thing it professes to satirise: a gilded chalice that’s revealed as an entirely empty vessel. (Nikki Baughan) Q Selected release from Fri 6 May.

After fine cinematic transfers of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and A Most Wanted Man, and the fabulous BBC adaptation of The Night Manager, John le CarrÊ is enjoying something of a renaissance on screen. So the arrival of Our Kind of Traitor is timely. Beginning in Marrakech, the story zeroes in on academic Perry (a considered Ewan McGregor) and his lawyer girlfriend Gail (Naomie Harris), who are dining in a restaurant. Seated nearby is Dima (Stellan Skarsgürd), a Russian oligarch and money launderer. Inviting Perry over for a drink, and then to a lavish party, it transpires that Dima is looking for help. Convinced that his life is in danger, he wants to turn over evidence to the British intelligence services. Before he knows what’s happening, Perry is taking hush-hush meetings with government officials, led by Damian Lewis’ Hector. Needless to say, there are conspiracies and cover-ups aplenty as Perry and Gail are dragged into espionage far beyond their experience. Working best as a study of the couple’s frayed relationship, director Susanna White keeps things ticking over. Skarsgürd is the show-stopper, though the film as a whole is solid rather than spectacular. (James Mottram) Q General release from Fri 13 May.

The low-key charms of John Carney’s breakthrough Once have been somewhat trampled by the stampeding success of the associated stage show. Following the US-set Begin Again, the Irish helmer returns to his roots for a project that recaptures some of that earlier magic. Set in Carney’s own Dublin secondary, it also plays on his history in a rock band and as a music video director. ‘It’s all about the girl, right?’ observes Cosmo’s older brother (Jack Reynor) as he quizzes him on his motivation for starting a band. Cosmo (Ferdia WalshPeelo) has been moved from a posh school to a terrifying inner-city institution, where he’s a target for kids and priests alike. He’s merely looking for a distraction and a way in with an aspiring model (Lucy Boynton), but the resulting group prove surprisingly competent. The film has fun with the band’s shifting look and influences and the songs credibly emulate the outfits in question and produce some rousing moments. The romance can be cloying, but there’s ample character elsewhere and the fluid visuals and domestic misery keep things authentic enough. Sing Street blends relatable strife, young love and cheering rebellion into a funny, foot-tapping treat. (Emma Simmonds) Q General release from Fri 20 May.

KNIGHT OF CUPS

OUR KIND OF TRAITOR

SING STREET

COMEDY

EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (15) 117min OOOOO After the enormous success of Boyhood, Richard Linklater probably had his pick of projects. So what does he do? Go and make a low-budget comedy with a no-name cast. It’s typical Linklater, a writer-director who delights in the unexpected. Billed as a ‘spiritual sequel’ to 1993’s Dazed and Confused, his 70s-set last-day-of-high-school masterpiece, Everybody Wants Some!! could just as easily be the follow-up to Boyhood, with that film’s protagonist finishing his epic journey on the cusp of adult life. Taking place in 1980, the film begins as a group of baseballplaying freshmen arrive the weekend before term starts at a Texas college. These are not the hopeless hitters of Linklater’s Bad News Bears remake but, for now, it’s time to party, chase girls and generally shoot the breeze. If this sounds like it’s the sort of frat boy film we’ve seen a hundred times, Linklater is seasoned enough to ensure that characters come first. Leading the line is Jake (Glee star Blake Jenner), a pitcher for the team who acts as our guide through this testosterone-fuelled world. There’s romance brewing, after he sets eyes on drama student Beverly (Zoey Deutch), but that’s just one element of an ensemble story that blossoms the more time we spend with these reprobates. Unlike so many US college-experience movies, Everybody Wants Some!! feels authentic; the parties and the pranks are wild but not out-of-control. The soundtrack, meanwhile, is splendid – everything from disco to country-and-western to, yes, Dire Straits (‘Hand in Hand’ is brilliantly deployed). Some will balk at the sexism which runs rife, but Linklater perfectly captures the lust for life that accompanies those early college days. It’s magical. (James Mottram) Q General release from Fri 13 May. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 71

FILM | Highlights

HITLIST

COUPLE IN A HOLE Selected release from Fri 8 Apr. A wonderfully wonky look at marriage and trauma, with superb performances from Paul Higgins and the everexcellent Kate Dickie. See interview, page 44, and review, page 70. DHEEPAN Glasgow Film Theatre &

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Fri 8–Thu 21 Apr. A Palm D'Or winner for Jacques Audiard in 2015. Dheepan is a former Tamil Tiger who starts a new life in a Parisian housing project with two strangers posing as his wife and daughter. Then his past starts to catch up. See review, page 68.

Not one, not two, but three Captain America films: Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War. CAPTAIN AMERICA TRIPLE BILL Selected release including The Grosvenor Cinema, Glasgow, Thu 28 Apr.

FOLK FILM GATHERING Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 28 Apr–Thu 12 May, folkfilmgathering.com. Folk film festival which this year focuses on animals

and their connections with communities. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! Selected release from Fri 13 May A group of college baseball players navigate their way through unsupervised adulthood, directed by Richard Linklater (Boyhood). See review, page 71.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add VICTORIA Glasgow Film Theatre & Filmhouse, Edinburgh, from Thu 7 Apr. Sensational thriller shot entirely in one take, with the technique perfectly in tune with the adrenalised story. See review, page 69. SON OF SAUL Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Apr; Glasgow Film Theatre, Sun 10 Apr–Mon 2 May; Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 7 Apr–Thu 5 May. Auschwitz, 1944: prisoner Saul is a member of the Sonderkommando, tasked with disposing of corpses after mass executions. Sensitive and non-judgemental but also intense and challenging, it won the Grand Prix at Cannes and this year's Best Foreign Film Oscar. See review, page 68. SPY WEEK: PARANOID STATE Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Sun 10–Thu 14 Apr. A season of films exploring the mental condition of spies and voyeurs. Featuring Bridge of Spies, The Conversation and Bad Timing. EYE IN THE SKY Selected release from Fri 15 Apr. Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) sees her operation in Kenya trigger an international debate about modern warfare when a girl enters the kill zone. See review, page 68. THE JUNGLE BOOK General release from Fri 15 Apr. Live-action retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s tale.

DEAD BY DAWN Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 21– Sun 24 Apr. Celebrating 23 years of cinematic scares, the Filmhouse’s horror fest ups the gore ante with a selection of blood-curdling genre premières, classic features, short films and special guests. For a concentrated

dose of evil, the Spawn of Dawn minifest runs throughout the Saturday night.

Mustang

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT General release from Fri 22 Apr. Comedy drama written by Robert Carlock (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), in which journalist (Tina Fey) recounts her wartime coverage in Afghanistan. NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: HANGMEN General release from Tue 26 Apr. Martin McDonagh's new comic play is about the reaction of England’s second-best hangman to the news that hanging has been abolished.

LOST TREASURE Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 28 Apr. Documentary by the Dawn Cine Group telling the story of the Scottish Highlands and its people. Started in 1956, the film was never completed and has now been restored, with music by Drew Wright (Wounded Knee) and Hamish Brown (Swimmer One). This screening opens the Folk Film Gathering. DUNDEAD HORROR FILM FESTIVAL Dundee Contemporary Arts, Thu 28 Apr–Sun 1 May. For the fifth year running. Dundee indulges its more bloodthirsty side with a bank holiday weekend of cinematic thrills and scares. This year's highlights include a screening of Green Room (see review, page 70) and a Wes Craven retrospective. CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR General release from Fri 29 Apr Captain America returns for another round of action. With politicians pushing for superheroes to be held accountable for the collateral damage they cause, tensions grow between members of the Avengers team. RADICAL FILM FESTIVAL Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 29 Apr–Mon 2 May, rfnscotland.org

Twenty Glasgow-based companies convene to explore alternative film cultures and modern political cinema.

Turkish director Deniz Gamze ErgĂźven that was nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar this year.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE General release from Thu 12 May. Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark tale set in Brooklyn. Directed by Ivo van Hove and performed at The Young Vic in London’s West End.

SING STREET Selected release from Fri 20 May. Fifteen-year-old Dubliner Cosmo moves from a posh school to a terrifying inner-city institution, where in order to deter bullies and attract aspiring model Raphina, he starts a band. See review, page 71.

GREEN ROOM Selected release from Fri 13 May. When an earnest punk band plays a backwoods venue and witnesses the aftermath of a murder, they are menaced (and worse) by neo-Nazis led by the smart and respectable-seeming Darcy (Patrick Stewart). See review, page 70.

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS General release Fri 27 May. Sequel to the film that had Johnny Depp futterwackening.

MUSTANG Selected release from Fri 13 May. Five orphan girls are seen innocently playing with boys on a beach, which scandalizes their conservative guardians. A stunning debut from

LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP Selected release from Fri 27 May. Lady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws’ estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica – and herself too, naturally. Unlikely and hilarious Jane Austen adaptation from cult favourite Whit Stillman. See review, page 70.

72 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

ed film fest

15-26 June 2016 Programme Launch 25 May

#edfilmfest edfilmfest.org.uk

Supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund

The Edinburgh International Film Festival Limited is a company registered in Scotland No: SC132453. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 73 It is a subsidiary of the Centre for the Moving Image which is a company limited by Guarantee with charitable status with Scottish Charity No. SC006793.

KIDS

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /kids

POLAR BEARS GO UP More comic capers from the white uffy duo The last time we saw Eilidh MacAskill and Fiona Manson, they were getting into all manner of bother in Polar Bears Go Wild. A big success across the UK, the duo’s visual humour hit the spot with both adults and children. ‘The polar bears are sweet and lovable, but inherently ridiculous,’ says MacAskill. ‘Our performance style is inspired by clowning and old-school comedy double acts, like Laurel and Hardy and Morecambe and Wise, so it’s familiar and enjoyable for adults. And the bears are gentle but curious adventurers, so their exploration mirrors the way young children engage with the world.’ Having conquered two big life hurdles in the previous show – climbing mountains and

sharing sandwiches – the bears are ready for a fresh challenge. And there’s only one way to go: up. ‘The idea of “up� is important for young children and something they can really empathise with,’ says MacAskill. ‘They try to get up in all sorts of ways: being lifted for a cuddle; pulling themselves up to stand then walk; or reaching up for things that are too high. The image of a balloon flying up into the sky is one that most children and grown-ups can relate to as a classic, but painful, rite of passage. Usually if you let go, it sails off never to be seen again. But our bears don’t settle for that and their adventure unfolds from there.’ (Kelly Apter) Q Platform, Glasgow, Wed 18 May then touring.

74 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Previews | KIDS

list.co.uk/kids DANCE

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Apr, Sat 21 May, Sat 25 Jun; Drygate Brewery, Glasgow, Sun 29 May ‘Responsible irresponsibility’ is how Big Fish Little Fish founder Hannah Saunders describes her family raves, aimed at children aged 0–8 and their carers. ‘It’s for old clubber parents with young kids which is a massively inclusive demographic, as the old raves always were,’ says Saunders. ‘There's a lovely vibe of people enjoying the music with their family, all relaxed and friendly. Babies can chill in the baby area, older ones like making things in the craft area and everyone loves the dance floor action with bubbles, glitter and our legendary parachute dance.’ Saunders started Big Fish Little Fish in London in 2013 as a fun activity for her own family, and it’s since spread across the UK. After March’s launch event in Edinburgh, April’s has already sold out, but there are further themed dates in May (the ‘Dream a Little Dream Pyjama Party’) and June (the ‘Glastonbury Rave’). It’s been so popular that Scottish managers Kirstie and Liam have already moved their bi-monthly schedule at La Belle Angèle up to monthly, and arranged their first date in Glasgow (‘Intergalactic Planetary Rave’). There will also be Edinburgh festival events in their temporary Studio 24 home. It’s not just the sense of inter-generational fun that has built Big Fish Little Fish’s reputation, but the quality of the music: Tom Middleton, Alex Paterson of The Orb, DJ Food, Terry Farley, Coldcut, Plex, Portishead’s Andy Smith and Mixmaster Morris have all played. â€˜Many of them enjoy playing it because they get to show off to their children what they do for a living,’ says Saunders. ‘It’s about sharing the love of dance music across generations, including house, rave, drum’n’bass, techno, hip hop, jungle, UK garage and disco, but nothing that’s too charty or kiddified. Children love drum’n’bass and the tweak of a 303.’ (David Pollock)

DRAMA

LEAF BY NIGGLE Festival Theatre Studio, Edinburgh, Thu 14–Sat 16 Apr then touring ‘It’s a very un-Tolkien story,’ says Richard Medrington of Leaf by Niggle, a relatively unknown short story by the Lord of the Rings author. ‘It’s perhaps his least-known story; most people look at you blankly when you mention it but every so often their eyes light up. There are no goblins, dragons or wizards, although it is a fantasy. But it’s quite serious in many ways.’ First published in 1945, Leaf by Niggle tells of an artist named Niggle who is determined to paint a picture of a tree, down to the very last detail, even though he needs to go on a long journey. The show has been a labour of love for Medrington, who first approached the Tolkien estate for permission to stage the story 20 years ago. At first, he was denied, but having spent years touring the hugely successful Man Who Planted Trees. he now finally has the chance to perform it. ‘Tolkien wrote it just as he was starting the Lord of the Rings trilogy,’ says Medrington. ‘And in a sense this story is about a character who’s nervous about undertaking their own journey, and who doesn’t get to complete their work.’ (David Pollock) ART

BRING YOUR OWN BABY Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Mon 2 May Life with a young baby is a whirlwind of highs and lows. Sleep deprivation and an inability to leave home without the basic supplies of a small village aside, the lows can include losing sight of the person you once were. But if that person used to love visual art, the National Galleries of Scotland have found a way to combine a cultural life with parenthood. Taking place on the first Monday of every month, Bring Your Own Baby invites parents and carers of infants aged 0–12 months to enjoy one of the Galleries’ current exhibitions, including a short tour. ‘We want people to feel relaxed in the gallery and feel like it’s a place where you can bring a baby and carry on those interests and pursuits you might have had before they were born,’ says adult programme coordinator, Grainne Rice. Fringe benefits, such as special offers in the cafĂŠ and facilities to heat baby food, add a practical dimension – but really, it’s the chance to discuss art, and babies, with others that really appeals. ‘The whole ethos of the tour is that it’s fine for babies to gurgle or grizzle,’ says Rice. ‘During the tours we encourage people to say what they think about the art works, and sometimes we discuss the babies’ response to it. It’s definitely not about critical assessment – it’s all very informal.’ (Kelly Apter) 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 75

KIDS | Previews CLIMBING

CLIP 'N' CLIMB Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho It’s a bold claim to say anything works for ages 4–84, especially a physical activity. But Clip ’n’ Climb is nothing if not bold. It’s unlikely they’ll have many octogenarians knocking on their door, but the new arrival at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena certainly has a broad appeal. Having not climbed since I was a teenager, my levels of fear and excitement pre-climb were well matched. Similarly my 13-year-old daughter, a climbing newbie, was swinging wildly between curiosity and sheer terror. Suffice to say, her first words the following morning were: ‘I wish I was climbing.’ If you’ve never been to the EICA at Ratho, prepare to be awestruck. Built in a former quarry, Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena is a sight to behold, with walls that just go up and up. Tucked cleverly into one corner, Clip ’n’ Climb is far more palatable for the novice climber or younger visitor. Each of the 15 colourful walls presents its own challenge, some easier than others. ‘The Triffid’, for example, looks great but is tough to get hold of, while ‘The Big Cheese’ (my personal fave) offers smooth grips and easy footholds. Within seconds of our brief safety talk finishing, the fearless under-tens are scaling the walls with ease, likewise the brave teens. Due to trust issues, grown-ups take a little longer to truly believe the rope and harness will hold our weight as we push back into nothing. But, of course, it does. The more courageous you feel, the higher you go and the greater the sense of achievement. Knowing the informative, and endlessly encouraging instructors are on-hand to clip and unclip you is a constant source of comfort. Not everyone will have the energy, skill, strength and love of heights to conquer all the walls in an hour, but that’s what repeat visits are for. We’ll be back. (Kelly Apter)

Edinburgh’s international children’s festival

t The world’s best theatre and dance for children and young people t 14 shows from 9 different countries t Exciting programme for all ages t Family tickets @ £8 per person

Pick up a programme in venues around Edinburgh or go to

imaginate.org.uk

FAMILY FRINGE OPENING WEEKEND (28-29 May) at the National Museum of Scotland Performances and free activities all day - perfect for primary-aged kids 76 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Highlights | KIDS

HITLIST

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, until Sun 10 Apr, sciencefestival.co.uk Hands-on science for children and families. Make scabs at the Blood Bar, create electrical circuits in the Gadget Factory and check out the latest tech at the Mini

Maker Fair on Sun 10 Apr.

Apr, tron.co.uk

LEAF BY NIGGLE Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thu 14-Sat 16 Apr, edtheatres.com Based on JRR Tolkien’s short story this play centres on a painter who keeps getting distracted from his work. See preview, page 75. Also Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 29 & Sat 30

BIG FISH, LITTLE FISH La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Apr & Sat 21 May, bigfishlittlefishevents. co.uk Bringing together globally renowned DJs, fun craft and play activities for children, with a multi-sensory dancefloor experience

featuring bubble machines and giant balloons. See preview, page 75. Also Drygate, Glasgow, Sun 29 May, drygate.com POLAR BEARS GO UP Perth Concert Hall, Fri 6 May, fishandgame.org. uk The latest outing from the loveable polar bears who, having gone wild are now going up. Ages 2-5.

See preview, page 74. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details IMAGINATE Various venues, Edinburgh, Sat 28 MaySun 5 Jun, imaginate. org.uk Edinburgh’s international children’s festival. See feature, page 31.

KIDS HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW FAERIE STORIES Kilmardinny House, Thu 7 Apr, roundstringtheatre.org A magical blend of storytelling, music and puppetry to interactively introduce youngsters to the fairy tales that inspired Scotland’s Gaelic culture. Ages 6–11. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details. ARTIE’S TARTAN TALES Eastwood Park Theatre, Fri 15 Apr, eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Artie Trezise, formerly of The Singing Kettle

fame, presents traditional Scottish songs and stories. DISNEY ON ICE: SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS The SSE Hydro, Thu 28 Apr-Sun 1 May, thessehydro.com Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy as they travel between Disney worlds visiting characters from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Frozen. BOOKBUG WEEK Various venues, Scotland, Mon 16Mon 23 May, scottishbooktrust. com A week of free song, story and rhyming activities for families with babies and young children taking place across Scotland.

EDINBURGH

BUILD IT! National Museum of Scotland, until Sun 17 Apr, nms.ac.uk An exhibition of LEGOŽ builds from brick artist Warren Elsmore and his team, with opportunities to have a go yourself. ART EXPLORERS Royal Botanic Garden, Sun 10 Apr, rbge.org.uk Explore the beauty of trees in the garden and make your own creations using a wide range of colourful and tactile materials with Greengage Arts. BABY LOVES DISCO Electric Circus, Sun 17 Apr, theelectriccircus.biz A chance for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their carers to enjoy some dayclubbing with real club DJs spinning retro and pop tunes. There’s a chillout room, themed crafts, facepainting and healthy snacks. FAMILY BELTANE Scottish Storytelling Centre, Sat 23 Apr, tracscotland.org/scottishstorytelling-centre Kids can explore the changing of the seasons through storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts.

PHOTO: KAT GOLLOCK

MARY POPPINS Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 27 Apr-Sat 21 May, edtheatres. com The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny, featuring the songs ‘Step in Time’, ‘Jolly Holiday’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.

Family Fringe Weekend at Imaginate

BRING YOUR OWN BABY: BRIDGET RILEY Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Mon 2 May, nationalgalleries.org Join a short buggy/baby-friendly art tour for adults of the Bridget Riley exhibition at this relaxed morning designed for carers and parents with young children. See preview, page 75.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES Edinburgh Playhouse, Wed 4-Sat 7 May, atgtickets.com/edinburgh An irreverent look at ancient history. Groovy Greeks covers everything from the first Olympic Games to the legend of the Minotaur. Incredible Invaders journeys through 1000 years of marauding Celts, Romans and Vikings. ANNIE Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 16-Sat 21 May, atgtickets.com/edinburgh Musical tale of the little orphan whose hard knock life encourages her to search for more. Starring Elaine C Smith as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. See Q&A, page 104. FAMILY FRINGE WEEKEND National Museum of Scotland, Sat 28 & Sun 29 May, nms.ac.uk Imaginate Festival opens with a weekend of performances and free activities for ages 0-12. There’s storytelling, art, live music and performers trying out ideas.

OUTSIDE THE CITIES ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER Rutherglen Town Hall, Thu 7 Apr, clydebuiltpuppet.co.uk A fun adaption of the Brothers Grimm tale told with the help of elf puppets and lots of shoes. Also touring, see list.co.uk/kids for details. HAIRY MACLARY AND FRIENDS Falkirk Town Hall, Thu 7 Apr, hairymaclaryshow.co.uk Meet the doggy crew and their feline antagonists in a show for ages 3+ based on the enormously popular books by Lynley Dodd. Also touring, see list.co.uk/kids for details. DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Sat 21 & Sun 22 May, bkrailway.co.uk This fun day out for train fans includes a rail journey on one of Thomas the Tank Engine’s friends, plus entertainers for the whole family to enjoy.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 77

78 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

MUSIC

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /music

MOLOTOV JUKEBOX

PHOTO: DREW COX

Game of Thrones star Natalia Tena brings her gypsy-punk band north A band notorious for their high-octane live sets, Molotov Jukebox blend samba rhythms, Latino instrumentation and gypsy-punk riffs to form a sound that’s full of flavour. Following a tour of South America and two successful PledgeMusic campaigns, the six-piece is back with their second release, Tropical Gypsy, an album that builds on the energy and passion of their debut Carnival Flower. ‘We were trying to focus our sound and find our genre so we locked that down first,’ explains frontwoman and accordion player Natalia Tena (you might also recognise her as Harry Potter’s Tonks and Game of Thrones’ Osha). ‘Any time we started deviating on musical tangents during the creative process, we would look to the album title as a fixed mark, which is really an attempt at fusing the tropical hemisphere and Balkan rhythms and themes together.’ The band’s latest PledgeMusic campaign

enables fans to get more involved in innovative and creative ways. One such example involves Tena and violinist Sam Apley visiting the homes of dedicated supporters to cook lasagne. ‘I reckon it helps fans that pledge to connect with you as humans while being directly responsible for the album getting made. It’s a sexy symbiotic relationship and it humbled us that people actually did help us reach our target both times and believed that we could deliver the aural goods.’ Molotov Jukebox will be taking to the road to celebrate the new album’s release. ‘I literally cannot wait to start this tour!’ says Tena. ‘The closer it gets, the more it’s a strange combination of insomnia-inducing terror and manic, joyous excitement, like you’re a child desperate for Christmas but worried Santa might turn out to be psychopath.’ (Arusa Qureshi) Q King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, Thu 28 Apr; Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Fri 29 Apr.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 79

"!

ROOTS

MANOEUVR E James guitarist Saul Davies has relocated to the Scottish town he grew up in. It's a move that has informed the band's latest album. David Pollock talks to him about keeping it real and not being forgotten

'I

t’s an interesting time for us,’ says James guitarist Saul Davies. The band have long since escaped their status as 1980s indie alsorans and crossover Madchester and Britpop-era success story to become one of British music’s most enduringly familiar success stories. ‘There’s a lot of stuff out there, isn’t there? A lot of bands, lot of artists, lot of films, lot of games, the internet: there’s a lot of shit going on. It’s easy to forget a band, so when people tell us they like the record and they want to talk about it, it’s quite gratifying really.’ ‘The record in question is Girl at the End of the World, the Manchesterformed group’s 14th album in precisely two decades since their debut Stutter in 1986. As heard on the comeback single ‘Nothing But Love’, there’s a folksy, homespun edge to it, even if the group have returned once again to electronics (Brian Eno is involved again). Davies explains that it’s an album which sounds very much like the place in which it was written: Scotland. It wasn’t a cosmetic or convenient choice, but rather one born of where many of the band’s senior members now find themselves. Although singer Tim Booth lives in America, bassist James Glennie has lived a few miles

80 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

E

JAMES

list.co.uk/music

REGULAR MUSIC AND SYNERGY BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE LOCAL BOOKING PRESENT

RM HUBBERT TELLING THE TREES

ERIC BIBB

plus special guest

Yana Bibb

The ‘You Really Got Me’ Tour AND BAND

Thursday 19 May 2016 Friday 20 May 2016

FRIDAY 29 APRIL GLASGOW THE ART SCHOOL

Edinburgh Queen’s Hall Glasgow Concert Hall 0131 668 2019

0141 353 8000

WI T H

Mar tha Ff i o n Kathr yn Jo sep h Anneke Kampman Helen Marn ie Karine Po lwar t Sara h J Stan le y Aby Vu l l iamy

!

SUNDAY O1 MAY EDINBURGH ASSEMBLY ROXY

WI T H

Kathr yn Joseph Karine Po lwar t Sara h J Stan le y Kathr yn Wil l i ams

'LONDON WAS AWFUL, I FEEL FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT'

New album TELLING THE TREES out 29 April on Chemikal Underground

Friday 6 May The Art School Glasgow JUST ANNOUNCED

Roy Harper A 75th Birthday Celebration Tour

north of Ullapool for almost a decade. While he still retains the Liverpudlian accent of his birth, Davies was raised in Scotland from the age of eight. First he lived in Paisley around 1974, because his parents taught at the nearby Kibble School, and then the family settled in Callander. He moved back there three years ago with his young family and sent his children to the same school he attended. ‘I was living down in London and hating it,’ Davies remembers. ‘One day I just said, “kids, do you want to go to school in Scotland?� London was awful, I feel for people who have to go through that, and I feel so privileged that I’m able to just decide, “we can live anywhere, so let’s live somewhere cool�. My wife, bless her, agreed. It feels like I’m joining a circle; I know every inch of these places as I ran, cycled and fished in them in the 70s and 80s. I had no ties for many years and I enjoyed touring the world living out of a case, but then I had kids and started rediscovering an affinity with these places I once knew.’ Girl at the End of the World was written between the Tolbooth in Stirling and in a house in Gairloch where the band stayed for a few weeks. ‘The Tolbooth gave us the top room to write in and lots of gear, and we just went in and made a racket,’ he says. ‘They were so kind to us; we did a mad show for about 70 people in their theatre to say thank you. To my ear there’s a weird Scottish flavour to the record, a Celtic kind of theme. I guess you can’t help but be influenced by the place you’re in.’ Last year, Davies took his family even further up north to Sutherland. ‘At the end of my road there’s a sign which says, “Land’s End: 58 miles�. I can sit in the glass room at the side of my house and it’s an incredible reminder of the power of the place I’m in.’ What can he see? ‘Fucking nothing! And everything. That’s a really strong reminder of our place in the world and it’s why I love writing up there. You just batten down the hatches and get lost in it. In Scotland there are very highly urbanised and contemporary attitudes to modern life sandwiched up against some of the most stunning and violent natural landscapes on the planet.’ He speaks eloquently and at length of Scotland’s music scene and its political energy, lending evidence to the idea that understanding a country or a culture can be easier without a leaden sense of over-familiarity. ‘Scotland’s full of English twats who think they’re Scottish,’ he laughs. 'And you can quote me on that. But my granny was from Govan before she moved to Oldham and she used to tell me stories about what it was like to be brought up there in 1915 or whenever, literally sharing shoes and all that, like in any urban centre in the UK: Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, wherever. She was a displaced Scot who went elsewhere for a better life, and I’ve always taken her experience of that with me.’ James play SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Thu 19 May; The Girl at the End of the World is out now on BMG.

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regularmusicuk 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 81

SCOTTISH MUSIC

SOUND AND VISION David Pollock takes in the latest must-buys around the Scottish music scene

H

ot on the heels of Emma Pollock returning with a career-high new album earlier this year, another key part of the Delgados / Chemikal Underground axis returns with only his second album since the band’s split 11 years ago. Music from Battle Mountain (OOOOO) by Alun Woodward is a very specific project, and one which continues the cycling theme established in the Delgados’ name: it’s the soundtrack to David Street’s new documentary about cyclist Graeme Obree and it’s an unassumingly intense experience. Much of the record is therapeutically instrumental, from the sustained organ note which powers most of ‘Black Box’ to the frosty Germanic electronica of ‘Slide’ and soothing oscillations of ‘Watership Graeme’, with Woodward only making his vocal presence felt on the fuzzy closer ‘Come on Nevada’ and the deliciously fragile, Mercury Rev-evoking ‘I Was the King’. Aidan Moffat’s Where You’re Meant to Be (OOOOO), meanwhile, is potentially the masterpiece of an already-strong career. This is the soundtrack to Paul Fegan’s filmed document of Moffat’s road-trip exploration of Scottish traditional song, with added lyrical updating in the typically blunt-edged style of the former Arab Strap vocalist. Ambling on in his gruff, joking demeanour, there’s something of a Billy Connolly feel to the live recording and Moffat’s droll links. It’s genuinely funny, even when it falls into Derek & Clive crudity during orgy travelogue ‘The Ball of Kirriemuir’, yet there's also sharp political observation (on moralising hypocrisy in ‘Ode to O’Brien et al’ and modern soldiering in ‘Jock McGraw’) and tenderly boozy sentimentality amidst ‘The City Tonight’ and ‘The Parting Song’. Moffat also features on ‘Words of Art’, a song on Yorkshire maverick David Thomas Broughton's Crippling Lack Vol 1 (OOOOO), the first of a triple vinyl set released on three labels in three countries – this one based in Edinburgh – and in consecutive months. This volume whets the appetite, a reserved stream of rich, folksy acoustica set alongside Broughton’s sonorously elemental vocals, with the ambition of the project mesmerising. Finally, we have the lithe, elemental house grooves of Glasgow’s Happy Meals on their EP Fruit Juice (OOOOO) and Edinburgh’s grizzled young rockers Man of Moon with their own EP, the incessantly catchy Medicine (OOOOO). Music from Battle Mountain by Alun Woodward, Chemikal Underground, Fri 8 Apr; Where You’re Meant to Be by Aidan Moffat, Rock Action, out now; Crippling Lack Vol 1 by David Thomas Broughton, Song, By Toad Records, out now; The Fruit Juice EP by Happy Meals, Night School, Fri 13 May; The Medicine EP by Man of Moon, Melodic, Fri 6 May. 82 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Previews | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music

POWER PUNK

INDIE FOLK

TACOCAT

DAVID THOMAS BROUGHTON

Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Tue 3 May; Broadcast, Glasgow, Wed 4 May

Crippling Lack Volume 1 is out now on Song, by Toad Records; Volume 2 is released on Mon 2 May with Volume 3 out on Mon 6 Jun

A neon blur of rainbow prints, hair dye and buzzing surf guitars, Tacocat are three girls and one guy who hooked up by chance in Seattle, bonding over a mutual love of riot grrrl, alt.rock and the Lemonheads. Drummer Lelah Maupin and guitarist Eric Randall met while working at Safeway while Maupin later bumped into singer Emily Nokes in ‘an excruciatingly boring’ graphic design class. They all came together when Randall's previous band (the Trashies) were practising in the basement of bassist Bree McKenna's house. Nokes describes their music as ‘melodic feminist pop-punk music for, and by, people who love fun! Audible glitter! A kaleidoscope of best friends, loud fashion and candy!’ They tackle serious subjects with an infectious sense of humour on tracks such as ‘Crimson Wave’ and ‘Hey Girl’ (respectively, a satirical take on menstruation and being hassled in the street by men). After 2014's NVM, the ‘cat are back with Lost Time, an explosion of 60s girl groups, rock riffs and good times. ‘NVM was hula-hooping on a hot-pink beach while Lost Time is riding in a sparkly purple UFO through outer space,’ insists Nokes. Perhaps the ultimate seal of approval comes from a trio of ultra-cute animated superheroes. ‘Cartoon Network contacted us and asked if we would do the theme song for the 2016 Powerpuff Girls relaunch. It was nuts!’ exclaims Nokes. ‘I still can’t believe it’s finally airing soon; it seemed like it was too good to be true.’ (Henry Northmore)

North Korea is not known for its indie folk scene. The state is in charge of all cultural production and music, while cinema and television are enlisted by the government for the purposes of propaganda. Although a 7� single manufactured north of the 38th Parallel may interest vinyl anoraks, the country is something of a desert for touring artists. But none of that deterred post-folk Yorkshireman David Thomas Broughton from recording tracks during a stint living in Pyongyang. ‘I was surprised to find myself unmotivated by much of the experience,’ Broughton says. Forced to record using just a Mac, a mic and an iPad in the flat of pianist Minjung Kwon-Brunoni, he said the trip did not prove inspiring. ‘The state-sanctioned music is a mash of marching anthems and weird regime-praising pop songs which draw on all of 20th century music without understanding any of it.’ Broughton’s new album, Crippling Lack, is a logistic indulgence – split into three volumes and released by three labels in France, the UK and the US – which pulled in artists from across the world, including Aidan Moffat and Beth Orton. ‘This record is not about feeling natural,’ says Broughton. ‘The record is about trying to come to terms with the awkwardness of life.’ (Sam Bradley)

DOMESTIC INSTRUMENTALS

JONNIE COMMON

Kitchen Sync is released on Mon 9 May on Song, by Toad Records It's hard to tell what most motivated Jonnie Common to create his latest LP Kitchen Sync. Was it the concept of creating an album entirely from sounds made by kitchen gadgets or the prospect of being able to give each track a convoluted title? ‘That [the latter] was as much of a drive as anything,’ he admits. ‘I just love a pun so much.’ Track titles like ‘More Oven than Not’, ‘Bottle Rock It’ and obvious album closer ‘Microwave Goodbye’ are each loosely focused on a particular item. It all started, Common says, with an oven door. ‘The oven in my flat at the time made a really great thud noise when you shut the door and I thought, “I really want to hear this as a kick-drum in a song�. That one idea escalated into a whole album.’ Released on Song, by Toad Records, Kitchen Sync does have its self-imposed limitations, but these provide restrictions which he heartily embraces. ‘Making music the way I normally do is not limited by anything, really. That openendedness can be an obstacle in itself and limitations can actually be a creative benefit.’ The results of his domestic experiment is an album full of surprises: the sound of an oven and hob sparking come together to create a hi-hat and snare pattern; a waste bin opening and hitting the wall is manipulated for an eerie, gong-like sound; the grinding of coffee beans becomes a pipe organ. But you’d have to imagine this would be difficult to recreate live. ‘I'm going to play along to each track and break them down by playing the original recordings and showing where the sounds have come from, talking through exactly what I did for each sound. There are a lot of little details I think people will enjoy hearing about.’ (Kirstyn Smith) 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 83

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MUSIC | Records ROCK HORROR INDIE ROCK

JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS Parma Violets (Big Space Records) OOOOO Jealous of the Birds is the preferred alias of singersongwriter Naomi Hamilton whose roots in Northern Ireland’s indie folk scene ALBUM belie the breadth of style E OF TH she showcases on this ISSUE debut album. If the press release didn’t stipulate that she hails from Armagh, you could easily swear she was the latest contender to emerge from Portland or Austin, such is the influence of American slacker indie on many of the tracks here. But the core impetus in her songwriting is to convey the honesty and intimacy of ‘a real friend talking’. This she achieves on the spring fresh ‘Goji Berry Sunset’, harmonising with herself in an engaging husky alto over a bare guitar accompaniment. Its carefree conversational style contrasts with the soothing sadness of the title track. There is something of Laura Marling’s sage quality in this pleading missive to a suicidal friend. She does a fine job of arranging her songs imaginatively within the constraints of her budget: ‘Russian Doll’ is a happy marriage of melodic guitar wrangling and lo-fi punkiness; ‘Powder Junkie’ is carved from the same tradition with its low-slung groove and keening guitar work; and there’s a hint of darkness on the edge of slackerville on ‘Trouble in Bohemia’. But she moves clear of the garage with the haunting ‘Mountain Lullaby’, featuring a solemn choir of Hamiltons reverberating with yearning. The quavering woodwind and echoey vocal mix of ‘Miss Misanthrope’ sounds like Bon Iver covering an Oliver Postgate cartoon soundtrack and elsewhere she soups up her songs with eerie analogue electronica and swelling atmospherics to create a dynamic debut calling card. (Fiona Shepherd) Out Fri 8 Apr.

ROB ZOMBIE The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser (EMI) OOOOO Even in the worlds of metal and horror Rob Zombie is a divisive figure, either being praised as a dreadlocked visionary or lampooned as a hack. What prompts this reaction is that Zombie is the very definition of an auteur. In a career split between shock-rock outrage and directing lurid ultra-violent movies, every release is unmistakably the product of a fevered mind. The centre of his own self-perpetuating micro-scene, trashy electro thrash anthems feed into his gore-soaked grindhouse features, and vice versa. What most critics miss is the wicked gallows humour running through all of Zombie's best work (especially debut album Hellbilly Deluxe and blood-drenched film The Devil's Rejects). The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is a pick and mix of Zombie staples: retro horror samples, industrial electronics, sound clips and grinding guitars. After a mischievous but stuttering start, his sixth album finds its groove on ‘The Life and Times of a Teenage Rock God’ with its growled vocals, plinky beats and ragged call to arms: ‘all the freaks come worship me!’ Zombie transforms into a manic MC on the scuzz rock of ‘Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a UFO’; ‘Medication for the Melancholy’ is a turbo powered burst of noise pollution; ‘Get Your Boots On! That’s the End of Rock and Roll’ (you may have noticed that nearly every track title is absurdly convoluted) is a furiously bouncy glam-metal stomp. The weirder snippets are more interesting: ‘A Hearse Overturns with the Coffin Bursting Open’ surprises with its acoustic simplicity while ‘SuperDoom-Hex-Gloom Pt. 1’ offers a sci-fi riff on John Carpenter's synths. Only the closing track, ‘Wurdalak’, clocks in at over three minutes with each song a short, sharp sonic assault. The Electric Warlock is initially baffling and confusing, an equally frustrating and frantic information overload that further cements Rob Zombie's day-glo horror credentials. (Henry Northmore) Out on Fri 29 Apr.

ELECTRONIC POP

INDIE ROCK

Summer of ‘13 (Nude) OOOOO

Age of Indignation (Fortuna POP!) OOOOO

Arab Strap may have been infamous for their bedsit miserablism, but they weren’t immune from creating the odd clubby moment. While Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton’s dance-based offerings conjured up last-orders desperation or floors sticky with booze, sweat and other substances, Middleton’s latest solo venture is a full-on electronic beast produced to an inch of its life, evoking the pristine safety of a studio hub. Middleton’s transformation from indie guitar anti-hero to would-be synth-pop star gets a leg-up from Glasgow producer Miaoux Miaoux, who appears to indulge the singer’s publicised lack of vocal confidence by masking and vocoding his voice out of recognition with the prodding of a few buttons. The overall effect is a general lack of focus interrupted by the odd smattering of promise. His album’s title track is a headspinning psychedelic mash which occasionally allows Middleton back in with a childhood-rhyme paean to three years ago while ‘Music Ticks’ curiously borrows, whether consciously or not, from both ‘Chariots of Fire’ and the late Colin ‘Black’ Vearncombe’s ‘Wonderful Life’ to concoct an overtly 80s soundscape. The trance-infused ‘Big Black Hole’ is arguably Summer of ‘13’s best moment, with the production allowing the song to soar rather than throwing it off the cliffs, while the closing song ‘Lullaby’ is anything but. You could pick several tracks from the collection which point directly towards Middleton’s total metamorphosis from laconic singer-songwriter to wildly over-produced laconic singer-songwriter. But for this reviewer’s money, ‘Information in the Voice’ acts as the template, starting off as close kin to Eminem before channelling Kanye and fizzling out to very little. Summer of ‘13 could ultimately be the seed of something sensational down the line, but Middleton seems to have allowed the knobtwiddlers to swamp his ambition rather than help it to flourish. (Brian Donaldson) Out Fri 27 May.

Since the release of their debut album Cursing the Sea, Dublin quintet September Girls have been characterised by their hazy, ominous sound; showered with feedback and akin to the Jesus and Mary Chain and Vivian Girls. Two years on and the band are showing signs of real tenacity and control with their follow-up Age of Indignation, a release that takes on a complexity which is mature both in style and subject matter. ‘Ghost’ opens the gates to the album’s menacing undertones with a dreary guitar riff that ebbs and flows in a six-minute cacophony of white noise. This sinister element continues on into ‘Jaw on the Floor’ and is further emphasised by the male-female vocal homophony, achieved through the addition of Oliver Ackermann from A Place to Bury Strangers. ‘Catholic Guilt’ (like ‘John of Gods’) is aggressive in its delivery, aiming its resentment towards the Catholic Church. The lo-fi ‘Salvation’, meanwhile, is more slow-burning and sombre. Closing track ‘Wolves’, written by drummer Sarah Grimes, is a definite highlight, offering something strikingly different despite remaining inline with the album’s sullen and atmospheric ambience. What Age of Indignation fundamentally lacks is the variation notable in ‘Wolves’, where the thick texture adds a distinct layer of emotion, previously unheard to the same extent. Nevertheless, the track hints at the potential that lies within September Girls, which could be fully realised should their next release tap into this idea of contrast. Though signs of their influences remain buried deep within the fuzzy instrumentation of the album’s ten tracks, there is something refreshing about the band’s desire to add a new depth in the form of political and religious narratives. Through this, Age of Indignation encapsulates a darkness that is far from superficial. (Arusa Qureshi) Out Fri 8 Apr.

MALCOLM MIDDLETON

SEPTEMBER GIRLS

84 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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Records | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music FOLK-ROCK COLLABORATIONS

ROCK

Telling the Trees (Chemikal Underground) OOOOO

The Duel (Long Branch Records) OOOOO

Across several years of profitable flamenco and finger-picking guitar excellence, RM ‘Hubby’ Hubbert has teamed up with several renowned acts from around these shores. Emma Pollock, Aidan Moffat, Hanna Tuulikki and Alex Kapranos are four artists who have all benefited from the lush stringplaying of the man who scooped the second Scottish Album of the Year award in 2013 with Thirteen Lost and Found. For this new project, he cranks up his collaborative ethos with a set of songs all emboldened by the presence of female accompaniment. And he’s assembled not just any old female accompaniment but the likes of Karine Polwart, Kathryn Joseph, Kathryn Williams and Anneliese Mackintosh. That list of names tells you that Telling the Trees is at its very roots a diverse, earthy and evocative collection. And it certainly starts with a jump as author Mackintosh delivers a stirring evolutionary monologue referencing everything from Alexander the Great to The Hunger Games in ‘The Dinosaur Where We Fell in Love’. Embossed by Hubbert’s soaring and layered playing, it’s a dynamic and thrilling opening but assumes a high bar that the rest of the album struggles to reach. The partners Hubby has enlisted aren’t always vocalists, though, with pianist Rachel Grimes and viola player Aby Vulliamy both teaming up with atmospheric success. There’s also a pleasing sense of brooding menace in ‘I Can Hold You Back’ with Kathryn Williams, while Ladytron’s Marnie brings an ethereal charm to ‘Sweet Dreams’ and Karine Polwart bestows much lovelier modern associations upon the lamented ‘Yew Tree’. Telling the Trees is a bold and fertile experiment which enhances RM Hubbert’s reputation as a singular musician whose creative generosity proves too tall an order for some of his contributors to match. (Brian Donaldson) Out on Fri 29 Apr.

Well, this is quite the reviewer's dilemma: go easy on a band involved in one of the most notorious incidents in the history of live music, or expect something profound from artists caught up in a terrible event, and find yourself disappointed when they offer up an album that only dares to tread water? Austrian band White Miles were supporting Eagles of Death Metal at the Bataclan on the night of the Paris terrorist attacks. They'll be joining them again on a mammoth 50-date tour of Europe in support of their second album and, apparently, audiences in France and the Netherlands as well as their home nation have been going wild for this particular grade of driven, dive-bar guitar rock. But here's the rub: not to knock our European cousins' taste in music, but they're not exactly breaking new ground. Perhaps the partnership between Medina Rekic and HansjĂśrg Loferer works better on stage, but on The Duel, the pair sound as if they've been stretched too thin. Furthermore, aspects of the record's production (like the chorus of lead single ‘Crazy Horse’ being sung through a megaphone) and the decision to include box-ticking tracks like ‘Coke on a Jetplane’ and ‘Heid’, leave the impression that White Miles are trying a bit too hard to sound like a convincing rock band. The Duel has been anchored in the shallows between Royal Blood and Savages, but lacks both the hard-rock references of the radiofriendly former and the you'vejust-spilled-my-pint glint in the eyes of the latter. Credit where it's due, though, it takes guts to let your drummer record two consecutive monologues. You'd hope, given their time supporting them on tour, that a little of Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes' unpredictability would rub off on Rekic and Loferer. But this second LP finds White Miles fresh out of ideas. (Sam Bradley) Out now.

ALT-SOUL

POP / ROCK

Triangle (SusannaSonata) OOOOO

Everything at Once (Red Telephone Box) OOOOO

It’s always difficult to critique the work of a consistently stellar musician without having very high expectations. It’s even harder to think about a new project in isolation when previous releases have been so widely lauded. Luckily, Norwegian artist Susanna lessens the blow by continually exceeding such expectations and mesmerising us with unique concepts and alluring musical visions. Described as ‘soul music for lost souls’, Susanna’s 11th studio album Triangle is a 70-minute spiritual reverie with converging layers of emotional unrest and contemplation. There’s a profound sense of solitude that permeates throughout, perhaps arising as a result of the album being entirely self-produced. Of the production, Susanna notes: ‘a lot of people play on the album, but I have never worked so much alone before’. But this contributes to the whole flow and story of Triangle: the idea of self-reflection upon life, death, belief and superstition. Opening with ‘Holy / Sacred’, the album begins with the prophetic lyrics ‘nothing is holy, nothing is sacred’: a statement of intent, forecasting the themes that are probed later. Susanna’s vocals are defiant but simultaneously gentle and soothing, often mimicking the type of melodies found in old Gregorian chants. This is also evident in ‘Before the Altar’, where the vocal line evokes the idea of religious or magical worship. At times, the album recalls elements of BjĂśrk, such as in the beautifully arranged ‘Hole’ with its shimmering electronic and synth backdrop. ‘In the Need of a Shepherd’ is a more traditionally upbeat pop track, signalling a climax before Triangle reaches a thematic reawakening in the form of ‘Born Again’. Eventually, the album winds down as it broaches darkness and existentialism in the otherworldly ‘The Fire’ and harmonically lush ‘Death Hanging’. Introspective and deeply expressive overall, Triangle continues a trend of immersive releases from an exceptionally talented artist. (Arusa Qureshi) Out on Fri 22 Apr.

Where does a band go once the fame, if not fortune, has subsided? Travis, the perennial nice guys of Scottish rock (and, it has to be said, there’s some competition for that accolade) embraced their time at the top around the turn of the millennium. But following drummer Neil Primrose’s near death experience in 2002 (he broke his neck diving onto a swimming pool and almost drowned), the momentum slowed and Travis now cater to the converted. While there are any number of what Alan McGee disparagingly described as ‘bedwetter’ bands filling arenas these days, Travis aren’t going to get into a sordid urinating competition. According to frontman Fran Healy, the friendship dynamic between the four members is what drives the band, that and his newfound songwriting practice. Healy has been flirting with the old 9-to-5 (that’s 9pm to 5am), with the songs on Travis’ eighth album composed late at night in Berlin’s Hansa Studios and with classic pop economy. Travis were never known for their self-indulgence, and most songs on Everything at Once clock in at around the three-minute mark with only closing number ‘Strangers on a Train’ stretching over four minutes. That track is practically prog rock compared to the absent-mindedly catchy likes of ‘Magnificent Time’ with its chugging arrangement, bright keyboards, optimistic sentiments (‘I packed up my troubles in a different room’) and a tasteful terrace-style chorus for lads to dance badly to. The slightly off-kilter shuffle which opens the title track suggested possible new Travis territory when it debuted at the end of last year. But the song’s remainder is brawny pop / rock of the kind they habitually alternate with moodier pieces, characterised by gentle melancholy jangle and Healy’s hangdog vocal tone to create an ache you can almost take consolation in. (Fiona Shepherd) Out Fri 29 Apr.

RM HUBBERT

SUSANNA

WHITE MILES

TRAVIS

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 85

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MUSIC | Records

JAZZ & WORLD JAZZ

EXPOSURE

TOM BANCROFT: TRIO RED Lucid Dreamers (Interrupto) OOOOO With this second album, Tom Bancroft: Trio Red has really hit its stride. The Scottish drummer has developed a great rapport with pianist Tom Cawley and bassist Per Zanussi, successfully integrating diverse musical elements into a distinctive sound. ‘Saturday Afternoon (With Sophie)’ is a delight, with its breezy air and infectious calypso bounce, while the tripartite title track deftly moves from delicate balladry to abstract rumination via a thunderous free improvisation. JAZZ

PETER BRĂ–TZMANN & HEATHER LEIGH Ears Are Filled with Wonder (Not Two / Trost) OOOOO European free-jazz titan Peter BrĂśtzmann and Glasgow-based pedal steel maverick Heather Leigh have become a formidable duo since their debut at Tectonics 2015. Ears Are Filled with Wonder is a different beast to that super-heavy first date, with Leigh's woozily psychedelic guitar bringing out BrĂśtzmann's lyrical loverman side. It's still an intense listen but the quieter passages will leave you breathless with their twilit beauty. JAZZ

FIRE! ORCHESTRA Ritual (Rune Grammofon) OOOOO

PHOTO: JOHN DUNCAN

Fire! Orchestra's 2014 album Enter was a notentirely-successful attempt to channel the free-form excitement of their debut into a jazz-rock suite. Ritual is blessedly free from Simon Ohlsson's hammy vocals, but it doesn't quite resolve its predecessor's structural issues. The brooding psych-rock riffs that serve the core Fire! trio so well don't get the space to breathe in a big-band setting, while the rock-opera elements sound rather clunky next to the free improvisations. With major talent in the front line, Fire! Orchestra can summon a wailin' pound of sound, but Ritual is less than the sum of its parts. WORLD

FUMAÇA PRETA Impuros FanĂĄticos 1973–79 (Soundway) OOOOO Fumaça Preta's 2014 debut was a riot of demented psychedelic rock and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, with acid house and free jazz thrown in for good measure. There's more method to mastermind Alex Figueira's madness on Impuros FanĂĄticos, with songs honed to reflect the band's live shows. ‘Baldonero’ invents Caribbean doom metal, its grooves topped with Cookie Monster growls, while on ‘La Trampa’ the Lebanese surf-rock of Omar Khorshid is hotwired to organ-led garage fuzz. WORLD

KONONO NO 1 MEETS BATIDA Congotronics 6 (Crammed Discs) OOOOO Lisbon is home to some of the world's most exciting electronic music, with artists such as DJ Marfox creating mutations of house, techno and West African dance genres like kuduro. It makes sense then that Kinshasa's mighty Konono No 1 should pay a visit to the Portuguese capital to bring some of that energy to their own music. Batida, aka producer Pedro ConquenĂŁo, underlines Konono's amplified likembe thumb pianos, hand drums and chants with contemporary club sounds, orienting their ecstatic trance music towards the dancefloor. Joyous. WORLD

ELZA SOARES The Woman at the End of the World (Mais Um Discos) OOOOO This album teams singer Elza Soares with musicians from the SĂŁo Paulo avant-garde for a stunning collection of experimental samba sujo (‘dirty samba’). Brazilian grooves meet art-rock, electronics and jazz horns on a powerful set of songs about racism, domestic abuse, drug addiction and environmental degradation. Soares' deep, raspy voice is by turns fierce, righteous, sarcastic and sensual. Highlights include the hard rolling neo-Afrobeat of ‘Firmeza’ and the elegant chamber pop lament of ‘Solto’. (All reviews by Stewart Smith)

131 NORTHSIDE This enigmatic hip-hop group from Edinburgh embellish their high-energy performances with psychedelic visual displays. We caught up with them following the release of their debut EP to talk auto-tune, rapping in the capital and next steps On their music Our music is a tribute to our own personal lives and to the future; it’s mostly driven by emotion and the subconscious mind. We’ve created a sound that resonates with the internet age, blending a mixture of new age genres and street culture. On using live auto-tuned vocals in their shows Just as you would never see Jimi Hendrix on stage without a guitar, you won’t see us performing without our instruments of choice. Our live performances are just as important to us as every single song we release. On their name 131 is just the area code for Edinburgh without the zero, but on a deeper level it sums up everything we stand for: it’s our city and our country. We want the globe to know that Scotland is a melting pot for young forward-thinking creatives who are breaking boundaries. On making rap music in Edinburgh We don't make ‘rap’ music; we just make what comes naturally to us without the boundaries of sticking to genres. In terms of being working artists in Edinburgh, it has been very hard. There’s a lack of platforms and almost no support or opportunities for us to create and express ourselves in the way we want to. This has given us the self-belief and determination to build our own platform. On the future We have our first headline show at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh (Sun 17 Apr), in conjunction with Glasgow collective Too NICE and with support from No Rent. We want to build new ventures with likeminded creatives, whether that is music, fashion, design or cinema. (As told to Sam Bradley) Q 131 Northside's self-released debut EP, Digital Memories, is out now.

86 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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George Cosby

9

+ROSEANNE REID

Hunter and the Bear

wed 13th Apr Sneaky Pete’s Edinburgh

+THE DIRTY BEGGARS

wed 6th Apr Broadcast GLASGOW

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Lucy Spraggan TUE 27th SEP The Tolbooth Stirling

Will Robert

wed 28th SEP birnam arts dunkeld tickets on sale 12th April

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; /020 446 1/07 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 87

MUSIC | Highlights

HITLIST

JAMES YORKSTON’S TAE SUP WI’ A FIFER Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Sat 9 Apr & Sat 7 May, taesup.co.uk James Yorkston curates a programme of live sessions. Guests include Linto Kwesi Johnson, Kathryn Joseph and Randolph’s Leap (solo) on 9 Apr followed by Malcolm Middleton, Viking Moses and Yorkston Thorne

Khan on 7 May.

their eighth album Everything at Once.

MARK LANEGAN O2 ABC, Glasgow, Thu 21 Apr, academymusicgroup. com/o2abcglasgow The former Screaming Trees and Queens Of The Stone Age singer performs alt rock in support of his Phantom Radio album.

TRAVIS O2 ABC, Glasgow, Fri 6 May, academymusicgroup. com/o2abcglasgow Scotpop heroes touring

forces to present their outdoor electronic music festival.

ELECTRIC FROG & PRESSURE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Sat 28 & Sun 29 May, riversidefestival glasgow.com The Electric Frog crew and Pressure once again join

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND Hampden Park, Glasgow, Wed 1 Jun, hampdenpark.co.uk See the Boss and his fabulous ram jam E Street Band on their The River tour.

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW

HORSE The Old Fruitmarket, Sat 16 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls.com/oldfruitmarket Indie, soul and pop by the Fife-born singer-songwriter, Horse McDonald.

MEXRRISSEY SWG3, Fri 8 Apr, swg3.tv The Mexican band perform their reinvented works of Morrissey songs with a south-of-the-border style.

MUSE The SSE Hydro, Sun 17 & Mon 18 Apr, thessehydro.com Full-on bombastic assault of operatic guitar gymnastics from the mighty Muse.

BEERJACKET King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Mon 11 Apr, kingtuts.co.uk One-man alt.folk act Peter Kelly.

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS The SSE Hydro, Thu 21 Apr, thessehydro.com Post-Oasis indie rock from Gallagher senior who, unlike brother Liam in Beady Eye, is prepared to dip into the Oasis back catalogue to bolster his set. Solid support from Super Furry Animals.

JEFF LYNNE’S ELO The SSE Hydro, Tue 12 Apr, thessehydro.com ELO frontman Lynne and keyboardist Richard Tandy play their back catalogue of hits. MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS The SSE Hydro, Wed 13 Apr, thessehydro.com Aka Seattle rapper Ben Haggerty and his producer sidekick, who scored a big hit with their track Thrift Shop celebrating the joys of charity shopping.

HECTOR BIZERK The Art School, Fri 22 Apr, theartschool.co.uk Scot-hop sounds from Hector Bizerk, a stripped-back drum and rap duo. Fun, rhythm-filled times. Or as the band itself so eloquently puts it: ‘DRUMS. RAP. YES.’

Shonen Knife

ROZI PLAIN Mono, Mon 25 Apr, monocafebar. com Enchanting understated music from Fence Records’ Plain. THREE BLIND WOLVES Stereo, Thu 28 Apr, stereocafebar. com ’Badass hillbilly rock’n’roll’ from Ross Clark’s band. MOLOTOV JUKEBOX King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Thu 28 Apr, kingtuts.co.uk Six-piece fronted by Natalia Tena, playing samba, ska, swing and ‘gyp-step’, a genre of their own devising. See preview, page 79. Also Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Fri 29 Apr, theelectriccircus.biz CHRIS CORNELL Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 29 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls.com Soundgarden / Audioslave rock god comes to Glasgow.

RM Hubbert

RM HUBBERT The Art School, Fri 29 Apr, theartschool.co.uk Guitar instrumentals from ex-El Hombre Trajeado man. See album review, page 85. Also Assembly

Roxy, Edinburgh, Sun 1 May, assemblyroxy.com SHONEN KNIFE CCA, Fri 29 Apr, cca-glasgow.com Japanese lo-fi pop trio, favourites at one time of Kurt Cobain, and now celebrating their 35th anniversary. Also Summerhall, Edinburgh, Thu 28 Apr, summerhall.co.uk DREADZONE CCA, Sat 30 Apr, cca-glasgow. com Dubby dance beats from Dreadzone who charted in the mid90s with ‘Little Britain’ but have been making compelling reggae-rooted soundscapes ever since. STAG & DAGGER Various venues, Sun 1 May, staganddagger.co.uk Multi-venue music festival featuring a host of live acts. The 2016 line-up includes Band Of Skulls, Deaf Havana, Emma Pollock (see interview, page 25), Fews, Formation, Francis Lung, Milk Teeth, Smash Williams, Slow Club, Stanley Odd, We Are Scientists and The Van T’s.

88 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 89

MUSIC | Highlights

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS this Oregon native took up club promoting and acting, spent time in a monastery and relocated to Jerusalem to record with Israeli and Palestinian musicians, so expect an eclectic mix of styles and influences.

Liima

THE BIG DISCOVERY Various venues, Sat 23 Apr, thebigdiscovery.co.uk New music festival taking over multiple venues in Edinburgh (Mash House, Cabaret Voltaire and Sneaky Pete’s). Line-up includes Jakil, Kelvin, We Came From Wolves, The Rising Souls, Indigo Velvet, Man Made, Schnarff Schnarff, Aaron Wright, Echo Valley, The Moon Kids, Huxtable, Charlotte Black, Sahara, Hannah Lou Clark and many more. Wristband exchange opens at 1.30pm at Cabaret Voltaire.

PHOTO: THOMAS JAUK

STEVE MASON The Liquid Room, Tue 26 Apr, liquidroom.com Ex-Beta Band frontman plays material from his beguiling solo albums.

TACOCAT Broadcast, Wed 4 May, broadcastglasgow.com Sociallyconscious American punk-pop quartet. See preview, page 83. Also Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Tue 3 May, theelectriccircus.biz

charisma from the Libertines/ Babyshambles man.

Also touring, see list.co.uk/music for details.

LAURA MVULA Ă’ran MĂłr, Mon 16 May, oran-mor. co.uk/ Soul singer with jazz and folk inflections.

LETHAL BIZZLE The Garage, Thu 5 May, garageglasgow.co.uk Leader of the East London rap/grime movement, given to collaborations with various indie and punk luminaries.

JAMES The SSE Hydro, Thu 19 May, thessehydro.com Madchester veteran indie rockers of ‘Sit Down’ fame stand up once again for a night of reworked Britpop classics. With support from Jack Savoretti.

RICHARD ASHCROFT O2 Academy Glasgow, Fri 27 May, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Ex-Verve frontman touring in support of new album These People.

DAVID DUCHOVNY O2 ABC, Thu 5 May, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Yes, that David Duchovny. The X-Files’ Mulder is swapping aliens for guitars and is touring after releasing his first album Hell or Highwater in 2015. HOLY ESQUE The Art School, Sat 7 May, theartschool.co.uk Glasgow fourpiece with an epic post-rock sound. FATHER JOHN MISTY O2 Academy Glasgow, Thu 12 May, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Aka Fleet Foxes drummer and solo artist J Tillman. PETE DOHERTY Barrowland, Fri 13 May, glasgowbarrowland.com The usual unpredictability and undeniable

MANIC STREET PREACHERS The SSE Hydro, Sat 21 May, thessehydro.com The anthemic Welsh rockers return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Everything Must Go. Support comes from Editors. BRIAN WILSON Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 27 May, glasgowconcerthalls.com Former Beach Boy and solo artist Brian Wilson sets off on tour playing Pet Sounds in its entirety for the album’s 50th anniversary. Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 26 May, usherhall.co.uk MALCOLM MIDDLETON The Art School, Fri 27 May, theartschool.co.uk Ex-Arab Strap guitarist Middleton, wallows in his own miserable life to curiously uplifting effect. See album review, page 84.

KID CANAVERAL The Hug & Pint, Sat 28 May, thehugandpint.com Edinburghbased whimsical indie popsters. JOANNA GRUESOME Stereo, Wed 1 Jun, stereocafebar. com Noise punk, indie-pop fuzz fivepiece from Cardiff.

EDINBURGH LIIMA Summerhall, Wed 13 Apr, summerhall.co.uk Ambitious expansive indie/electro from Efterklang in a new collaboration with Finnish percussionist Tatu RÜnkkÜ. Part of Nothing Ever Happens Here. AFRIKAN BOY Electric Circus, Wed 20 Apr, theelectriccircus.biz Grime MC from London. DAN REED Bannerman’s, Fri 22 Apr, bannermanslive.co.uk After disbanding the Dan Reed Network,

KATH BLOOM Summerhall, Fri 29 Apr, summerhall.co.uk Connecticutborn folk, avant-garde and country singer-songwriter. Part of Nothing Ever Happens Here TINDERSTICKS Usher Hall, Tue 3 May, usherhall. co.uk The darkly romantic side of Britpop - atmospheric songs layered with literary lyrics, mumbling vocals and gently melancholy orchestrations. HIDDEN ORCHESTRA Summerhall, Fri 6 May, summerhall.co.uk Jazz-inflected cinematic soundscapes from Hidden Orchestra: Joe Acheson (bass/ electronics), Poppy Ackroyd (piano/ violin), Tim Lane and Jamie Graham (drums/percussion). Part of Nothing Ever Happens Here. IMAM BAILDI Summerhall, Tue 17 May, summerhall.co.uk Band formed by brothers Orestis and Lysandros Falireas presents contemporary remixes of Greek songs. Part of Nothing Ever Happens Here.

COATBRIDGE DE ROSA Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Fri 13 May, derosaband.com Art-schooled De Rosa present their new part-folk, part-electronic delivery.

90 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Classical | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music

L A C I S AS

PHOTO Š RUTH ANDERSON

CL

CLASSICAL FESTIVAL

TECTONICS

City Halls, Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Sat 7 & Sun 8 May From Mahler to Messiaen and Beethoven to Bartok, composers have long been inspired by the sounds of the natural world. Threading this theme through the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s Tectonics festival of new music, curator Ilan Volkov presents more recent examples of how our environment can be heard in the work of contemporary composers. New Zealander Annea Lockwood (pictured), who grew up beside nature thanks to her father’s love of mountaineering, brings her installation Sound Map of the Housatonic River to Glasgow. A 150-mile stretch of water which flows through south-western Connecticut into Long Island Sound, the Housatonic provided Lockwood with the river and riparian sounds she recorded from various points along its course to create the work. ‘I started at its sources, of which there are three,’ she says. ‘One is a beautiful pond with birds and a rail road, so there are the sounds of a train as well as wildlife. I recorded steadily downriver, including underwater, where you never know what you’ll hear.’ Over a year, Lockwood recorded from 30 sites, 18 of which feature in the actual sound map. ‘There are some very intimate sounds, as at times the water is very quiet with little ripples. But it is also powerful due to the dams and weirs along the way. It can be very beautiful too, with sounds of frogs and toads.’ Lockwood, who has worked similarly with the Hudson and the Danube, is fascinated by how people are drawn to water. ‘We come from water, from the amniotic fluid of the womb. We find the sounds of water nourishing and, at the same time, stimulating and soothing.’ Lockwood’s other featured work, Jitterbug is a collaborative piece in which pianist John Tilbury and ensemble interpret Rocky Mountain rock patterns as musical scores. (Carol Main)

CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS HITLIST SCOTTISH OPERA: RUSALKA Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 7 & Sat 9 Apr, scottishopera. org.uk The first opera to be conducted by Scottish Opera’s Stuart Stratford promises to be an all-round delight. Also Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 14–Sat 16 Apr, edtheatres.com SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 1 May, thequeenshall. net Scotland’s favourite violinist has just this one appearance on home ground with the Scottish Ensemble before they all take off to perform in Aix en Provence and Istanbul. BBC SSO: RUNNICLES CONDUCTS MAHLER 1 City Halls, Glasgow, Thu 19 May, glasgowconcerthalls. com A fitting finale for Runnicles to mark the end of his term as the orchestra’s Chief Conductor.

GLASGOW BBC SSO: RACHMANINOV'S SYMPHONIC DANCES City Halls, Thu 21 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls.com Hakan Hardenberger, who is probably the world’s finest trumpeter ever, performs Brett Dean’s Trumpet Concerto, subtitled Dramatis Personae. which was specially written for him. Hear the trumpet take on its different characters in a virtuosic and fun piece first performed in 2014. SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: MENDELSSOHN SYMPHONY NO 1 City Halls, Fri 22 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls. com Commissioned for the 40th anniversary of the SCO in 2014, Martin Suckling’s Six Speechless Songs, whose title comes from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 8, are heard in the author’s 400th anniversary year alongside Britten’s Lachrymae, inspired by composer John Dowland, an exact contemporary of the bard. Also The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 23 Apr, thequeenshall.net SHAKESPEARE IN CONCERT City Halls, Sun 24 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls.com Another

tribute in music marking the 400th anniversary of the death of the mighty Shakespeare looks to three of the greatest orchestral scores inspired by his plays. Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev put Romeo and Juliet centre of the Royal Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra’s stage, while it is the drama of The Tempest which is behind Sibelius’ suite of the same name. ENSEMBLE MODERN DOES ENSEMBLE MODERN Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Thu 5 May, rcs.ac.uk Helping the RCS to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Plug, its annual festival of contemporary music, the celebrated Ensemble Modern draws together top international instrumentalists for a concert of music by emerging composers, including Aran Browning, Robert Allan, Henry McPherson and Nicholas Olsen. SCOTTISH OPERA: THE MIKADO Theatre Royal, Thu 5–Sat 14 May, scottishopera.org.uk Increasingly making an appearance in Scottish Opera’s repertoire these days, Gilbert and Sullivan provide light entertainment with The Mikado, their anti-establishment comedy with lots of popular, silly, but very clever,

songs. Also Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 1–Sun 5 Jun, edtheatres.com

EDINBURGH RSNO: DENEVE RETURNS – THE AULD ALLIANCE Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 8 Apr, usherhall.co.uk The Gallic charm of StĂŠphane Denève coupled with repertoire to celebrate the links between France and Scotland is a winning combination that will please RSNO fans. Includes the Scottish premiere of James MacMillan’s miniature tone poem, The Death of Oscar, which draws upon the legend of the bardic poet Ossian and the death of his son. Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 9 Apr, glasgowconcerthalls.com MOSCOW STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Usher Hall, Sun 22 May, usherhall. co.uk Sunday Classics brings some of the world’s best orchestras to the Usher Hall, the Moscow State also bringing with them one of the very best pianists, John Lill, who plays the romantic classic that is Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 2. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 91

A CITIZENS THEATRE AND NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND CO-PRODUCTION

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92 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

THEATRE

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /theatre

BALLETBOYZ All-male dance company tackles life and death It started as a one-off project to bring together a company of exclusively male dancers to take over when BalletBoyz Michael Nunn and William Trevitt retired from the stage. Six years later, theTALENT, as the dancers are known, are still going strong. ‘We never expected it would last longer than one year or a single tour,’ says Nunn. ‘But people liked working with them, and when we approached other choreographers the following season, they said that they’d really love to work with the boys and it just stemmed from there. I thought we would get bored fairly quickly, but we haven’t yet. They’re a very strong

team of guys and it’s been a real pleasure to see them mature over the past five or six years.’ About to tour the UK with new works by choreographers Pontus Lidberg and Javier de Frutos, Life finds the dancers delving into some heavyweight topics. ‘We wanted to have a show of two halves and to examine those big themes of life and death,’ explains Nunn. ‘Pontus immediately said “ooh, life!� while Javier was more than happy with death. But, really, both works are a celebration of life, more than anything else.’ (Kelly Apter) Q King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 22 May; Dundee Rep, Mon 23 & Tue 24 May.

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 93

THEATRE | Previews & Reviews PREVIEW FESTIVAL

BUZZCUT

With Buzzcut having established itself as a busy, eclectic festival of experimental performance, it’s difficult to pick out a single overriding theme. However, Lechedevirgen Trimegisto and Katy Dye are good examples of the kind of work and ideas that will be on display. Fusing transgressive performance art with religious iconography, Mexican-based artist Trimegisto, alongside multimedia artist Sorshamn Lara, presents Inferno VarietĂŠ (pictured), an alternative to institutionalised homophobia and violence in Mexican art. ‘I see my work within the tradition of Mexican magic and spiritualism,’ explains Trimegisto. ‘It’s among the theatrical background of cabaret and variety shows.’ Influenced by drag and trash culture, and Mexican horror films, Trimegisto has another, more mysterious inspiration: Fidencio Constantino aka El NiĂąo Fidencio, thaumaturgist and curandero from the north of Mexico. ‘He became famous between 1920–30 by creating new and unusual methods of healing. He fully embodies what I understand as an “artistâ€?: someone who makes possible the miracle of transformation and healing, helping to create a better world.’ Meanwhile, performance artist Katy Dye's Baby Face is a meditation on the infantilisation of mature women, both day-to-day and within the media. In particular, it examines the paradox where young girls act older and women cling to childlike ways of looking and behaving. ‘It occurred to me that we live in an age where paedophilia is explicitly condemned, yet the sexualisation of children and women as childlike is so apparent,’ notes Dye who previously worked with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Camden People's Theatre and Untitled Projects. ‘Baby Face explores the challenging reality of being a woman today when, in many ways, we are still expected to look and act like little girls.’ Citing examples such as Miley Cyrus and bubblegum-blowing models with bunches, Dye's piece should be provocative and a fascinating discourse on the seemingly ubiquitous youth market and its damaging societal effects. (Lorna Irvine)

PHOTO: MANUEL HARLAN

PHOTO: HERANI ENRĂ?QUEZ

Pearce Institute, Glasgow, until Sun 10 Apr

REVIEW DEVISED THEATRE

PREVIEW CLASSIC ADAPTATION

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 9 Apr OOOOO

Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 15 Apr–Sat 14 May

It’s unfortunate that the words Thomas Aikenhead used to describe the Bible (‘a rhapsody of unfeigned nonsense’) make a perfect epitaph for this collaboration between National Theatre of Scotland and Told By An Idiot. Telling the story of the last man to be executed for blasphemy, I Am Thomas is a disappointing mess of comedy, devised performance clichĂŠ and political allusions. The cast battle bravely with material that combines witless comedy, lightweight musical numbers and mysterious references to the 1970s: a comparison of times that never reveals its purpose. Not only is the humour predictable, it refuses to die. A sketch featuring two football pundits discussing Aikenhead’s journey repeats itself with the potency of a brussel sprout while Dolly the Sheep prances around the stage during the inevitable court scene (itself a trope that has been a lazy shortcut to dramatic tension since Aeschylus’ Oresteia in 5th century Athens: to give it vitality and depth needs more careful attention than it receives here). The tragedy of Aikenhead is lost in a generic and poorly structured example of devised theatre in a cabaret format, purportedly inspired by Brecht and Weill but lacking their skills with language and music. There’s an attempt to suggest that Aikenhead’s fate reflects the deaths of the Paris cartoonists (I Am Thomas / Je Suis Charlie) and some relationship between blasphemy and the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind the Bollocks, but this is lost beneath musical numbers that have the melodic charm of Coldplay. (Gareth K Vile)

Although inspired by Aeschylus’ ancient tragic trilogy The Oresteia, Zinnie Harris has written a thoroughly contemporary version of the House of Atreus’ bloody tale. Focussing on female characters, her script translates the abstract themes of family conflict from ancient Greek into a recognisable modern context. While Aeschylus displayed a power struggle that reasserts male royal power, Harris is concerned with how her characters deal with crisis. Clytemnestra, for example, is a melodramatic villainess in The Oresteia, but Harris says her journey is about ‘how she goes from someone like me to someone who murders her husband. She doesn’t want to do it!’ Rather than imitating a classic, Harris recognises the importance of making the story relatable. ‘You have to feel that you can bring something to it. You have to come at it with your own dramatic interpretation.’ With Dominic Hill directing, the distinctive qualities of his approach promise an immediate, exciting and relevant vision of a story dulled by familiarity and reverence. ‘Aeschylus is working in archetypes,’ she continues. ‘But there is this family who have just been blown apart by the father who put the decision to go to war over being a dad. We have this small family group trying to work out a way to get over it.’ Blending psychology, a distinctive visual theatre aesthetic and huge questions about coping and morality, This Restless House re-imagines past mythology as an exploration of social, familial and emotional violence. (Gareth K Vile)

I AM THOMAS

THIS RESTLESS HOUSE

94 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 95

THEATRE | Previews MUSICAL THEATRE

JACKIE THE MUSICAL King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 12–Sat 16 Apr; King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 26–Sat 30 Jul

PHOTO: ELIZABETH CAFFEY

PHOTO: SSEAN EBSWORTH BARNES

PHOTO: PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY

From humble beginnings in the DC Thomson stable, Jackie became one of the longest running and most popular magazines for teenagers. It even became the brand for a series of albums revisiting 1970s pop. Nina Myskow, its one-time editor-in-chief, expresses delight at its latest incarnation as a musical for which she provides an advisory role. ‘I can’t think of another magazine they’d bother to make a musical about,’ she says, before enthusing about the energy of the production and the connection it makes with former readers. ‘The audience for the musical are the people who read Jackie in the 1970s: it’s a lovely circle.’ The success of Jackie, Myskow adds, was that it had absolutely everything: ‘it was by far the market leader and there was a lot of competition then. It had pop, fashion, beauty, picture love stories and beautiful illustrations: fun and froth and information, essentially.’ In this touring musical, which features a live band and choreography by Arlene Phillips, a former reader (played by Janet Dibley) rediscovers her youthful enthusiasm. ‘It’s a story about a woman called Jackie at a crossroads in life,’ says Myskow. ‘Her man has left her for a younger woman and she’s packing up the house when she comes across her old Jackie magazines. That’s when she’s transported back and her younger self is conjured up. It’s not just a jukebox musical – though the music is great – as you care about what happens to her. The show has real heart! You not only laugh: you’ll cry and end up having a party!’ (Gareth K Vile)

CLASSIC ADAPTATION

FESTIVAL

FEMINIST CABARET

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon 23–Sat 28 May

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 2–Sat 28 May

Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, Tue 17 May

Immortalised in celluloid by Audrey Hepburn, New York socialite Holly Golightly stands as one of the most iconic characters of 20th-century literature. Now, Truman Capote’s favourite creation is gracing the Scottish stage for the very first time in the form of Emily Atack, star of Curve’s production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Alongside Atack, the cast features Bread star Victor McGuire as bartender Joe Bell and Downton Abbey’s Matt Barber as Paul Varjak, Holly’s lovestruck neighbour, affectionately dubbed ‘Fred’ for his resemblance to her brother. Directed by Nikolai Foster, the production stages Olivier Award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg’s 2013 Broadway adaptation, remaining faithful to the original text by telling Holly’s story through the eyes of ‘Fred’. To bring Capote’s classic novel to life, Curve’s production also blends an authentic wartime soundtrack with an original score by acclaimed One Man, Two Guvnors composer Grant Olding. Currently winding its way through the UK after a run of sold-out performances at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, Foster is formidably tasked with staging a beloved classic. But, equipped with a celebrated story, a road-tested adaptation and plenty of time to hone the details, Curve’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s seems set with the tools for success. (Jordan Shaw)

Now in its sixth year, it’s perhaps inevitable that Mayfesto should choose 2016 to celebrate Irish theatre. Given artistic director Andy Arnold’s enthusiasm for Irish writing and the recognition of the Easter Rising’s 100th anniversary, Mayfesto’s commitment to engaged contemporary work finds a natural theme in political and historical plays. In addition to a premiere from Scotland’s Peter Arnott (a writer who combines a sensitivity to language with urgency and seriousness), Mayfesto features a variety of shows that reflect the diversity of theatrical responses to Ireland’s recent events. From My Name is Saoirse (which looks at abortion) to A Present State (the Tron Studio’s examination of power struggles) via panel discussions and readings of work by female authors, Arnold’s programme makes a strong case for theatre as a focus of public discussion. The mixture of established and new work is supported by the panels to take the debate beyond the performance. ‘This is a festival that has always endeavoured to challenge and provoke by showcasing edgy new writing,’ says Arnold. ‘It’s the perfect stage for powerful new drama from the best Scottish and Irish writers, theatre companies and performers working in the sector today, about one of the most significant events in Irish history’. (Gareth K Vile)

A unique cabaret show, Tidy Carnage’s REaD features The Scarlet Church, the secret place where five redheads, banished from society, congregate to drink, sing and tell ‘herstory’. Saucy testimonies collide with chilling moments, and famous figures from Rita Hayworth to Boudicca appear in sharp vignettes to debunk stereotypes. Devised by director Allie Butler, poet Kevin P Gilday and performers Linda McLaughlin, Sarah McCardie and Belle Jones, the show tackles prejudice, feminism and the narrow representation of women. ‘It was clear to me that we consider redheads as dangerous, mysterious, vampiric, erotic,’ explains Butler. ‘There is something odd and fascinating about our cultural response to the simple trait of having an unusual hair colour.' This certainly chimed with the performers' day-to-day experiences. 'The many stories my team told me, especially of growing up and being consistently mocked or bullied, or considered a sexual trophy, denoted both a celebration of difference, but also a darker prejudice that I wanted to explore,’ continues Butler. ‘Setting the show in an alternative version of reality has meant that we can pick and choose where we find inspiration, and are bound not by time and place, but by the hugely divergent myths and legends of red hair.’ (Lorna Irvine)

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

MAYFESTO

READ

96 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Previews | DANCE

list.co.uk/dance

PHOTO: SUSAN HAY

DANCE

CONTEMPORARY

DANCE THEATRE

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Apr

Paisley Arts Centre, Sat 23 Apr then touring

It’s 1998 and Sol LeĂłn and Paul Lightfoot’s world is about to turn upside down. The choreographic duo (and former couple) are expecting their first baby and creating ‘Sad Case’, their 17th work for Nederlands Dans Theater. ‘It was a very important work for us,’ recalls Lightfoot. ‘Often our works reflect what is going on for us at the time and we were about to become parents. So “Sad Caseâ€? was about: “what on earth are we going to get?â€? It’s extremely mad and bombastic.’ Both the work, and the child, have since grown. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as NDT choreographers in 2015, Lightfoot and LeĂłn decided to create two brand-new pieces, ‘Schubert’ and ‘Some Other Time’, and to restage, re-light and extend ‘Sad Case’ by a further seven minutes. The works are what Lightfoot calls ‘three worlds that inter-connect’ and will form part of NDT2’s Edinburgh programme. Also on the bill are Edward Clug’s fast paced ‘mutual comfort’, Hans van Manen’s masterful ‘Solo’ and Alexander Ekman’s witty crowdpleaser, ‘Cacti’. ‘There are bound to be works you find more interesting or have a greater attachment to, because each one has its own individual character,’ says Lightfoot, who is also NDT’s artistic director. ‘But it’s an extremely diverse programme for both the audience and the dancers.’ (Kelly Apter)

As a dancer and choreographer, his work was both thrilling and tender. So it’s not surprising that 65 years after his death, Vaslav Nijinsky still holds a fascination for many. Reading his biography as a teenager, Kally Lloyd-Jones instantly felt an affinity with the troubled ballet star. And in August 2015, her lifelong admiration led to the creation of a dance theatre work, Nijinsky’s Last Jump. ‘There’s something about him that I can relate to,’ says Lloyd-Jones. ‘And through the process of researching the show, I felt I’d got under his skin and could see how misunderstood he was.’ Responsible for such iconic works as L'après-midi d'un faune and The Rite of Spring, Nijinsky sadly became almost as well known for his mental illness as his choreography. Set in a theatre dressing-room, Nijinsky’s Last Jump brings the elderly dancer face to face with his younger self. Both audiences and critics at the Edinburgh Fringe were unanimous in their praise for this profoundly moving work, and now the show will tour Scotland for the first time. ‘I wanted to pay homage,’ says Lloyd-Jones, ‘It was wonderful that audiences got it and that it made people think, feel and go away reflecting on his life.’ (Kelly Apter)

NDT2

NIJINSKY’S LAST JUMP

POLITICAL DANCE

5 SOLDIERS

Tramway, Glasgow, Fri 29 & Sat 30 Apr then touring The horrors of war have been depicted for centuries, through paintings, poetry and film. But when a damaged leg forced dancer and choreographer Rosie Kay to think about injury and recovery, it led to a new way of depicting combat. Ten years in the making, 5 Soldiers is a microcosm of life in the army, from training to hanging out in the mess, fighting on the frontline and finally to rehabilitation. Gaining access to the military for research purposes was Kay’s first challenge, and it was while convincing the Major General to support the project, that she first coined the phrase ‘war choreographer’. ‘I said to him that there are war poets, war photographers and war artists,’ says Kay. ‘But actually the medium of what you do in the army is your body: that’s what you use, that’s what you train with. There’s so much talk about weaponry and technology but it’s still the body on the frontline, the body that gets harmed. And as a choreographer, I’m going to have a different take on that from any other artist, be that visually or narratively.’ After spending a gruelling but fascinating time with an infantry regiment and taking part in war-like situations on Dartmoor at 2am, Kay also visited hospitals where soldiers were recovering from their time in Afghanistan. All of which she poured into 5 Soldiers, a work which has been widely praised for its authenticity by army personnel, and for its emotional impact by audiences in general. ‘I wanted to humanise something which has become very dehumanised,’ says Kay. ‘We see the uniform and the weaponry but we don’t think about the human being. But it’s our politicians who send our troops to war and we have a responsibility to engage in those decisions. It’s not an easy subject matter, but I’m a political choreographer and I want to make work that has a relevance to the world I’m living in.’ (Kelly Apter) 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 97

THEATRE | Highlights

HITLIST

JACKIE THE MUSICAL King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 12–Sat 16 Apr, edtheatres. com/kings Relive the fashion trends of the 70s

and reminisce about love and heartbreak as Jackie magazine is brought back to life as a modern day musical. See preview, page 96.

Oresteia. See preview, page 94.

THIS RESTLESS HOUSE Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 15 Apr– Sat 14 May, citz.co.uk Zinnie Harris’ adaptation of the Greek tragedy The

BALLETBOYZ King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 22 May, edtheatres.com/kings The company of all-male dancers presents two new works inspired by life and death See preview, page 93.

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon 23–Sat 28 May, glasgowtheatreroyal. org.uk Emily Atack plays Holly Golightly in this new adaptation of Truman Capote’s classic tale brought to life by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film. See preview, page 96.

SWAN LAKE Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 19–Sat 23 Apr, atgtickets.com/ venues/theatre-royalglasgow Scottish Ballet presents David Dawson’s exciting new version of the ballet classic. See feature, page 40. Also Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 25–Sat 29 May

PHOTO: PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY

THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW BUZZCUT FESTIVAL Pearce Institute, until Sun 10 Apr, pearceinstitute.org.uk Cutting-edge performance-art festival. Buzzcut is all about sharing: food, ideas and homes. See preview, page 94. RIVERDANCE SECC, Fri 15–Sun 17 Apr, secc. co.uk When it comes to fast-paced synchronised dance, nobody does it better than the original Riverdance, back on tour for its 20th anniversary. BLACKOUT Tron Theatre, Wed 20–Sat 23 Apr, tron.co.uk Honest, brutal and funny insight into alcoholism and recovery, scripted entirely from interviews with recovering alcoholics, including the writer. Also touring, see list.co.uk/ theatre for details

5 SOLDIERS Tramway, Fri 29 & Sat 30 Apr, tramway.org Highly physical piece by Rosie Kay Dance Company, looking at the effects of armed combat on the human body. See preview, page 97. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details

SHALL ROGER CASEMENT HANG? Tron Theatre, Fri 20–Sat 28 May, tron.co.uk Dramatisation about a man who was arrested, tried and executed for his part in the Easter Rising in in 1916. Written by Peter Arnott.

CRASH Tron Theatre, Wed 27 & Thu 28 Apr, tron.co.uk The story of an enigmatic trader attempting to rebuild his life following a tragic event. Written by Andy Duffy, directed by Emma Callander and performed by Jamie Michie. Also Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 29 & Sat 30 Apr, traverse.co.uk

THE FRANCIE AND JOSIE SHOW Pavilion Theatre, Thu 21 & Fri 22 May, paviliontheatre.co.uk Liam Dolan and Johnny Mac take on the roles made famous by Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy in this tribute act.

MY NAME IS SAOIRSE Tron Theatre, Thu 19–Sat 21 May, tron.co.uk Coming-of-age story set in 1980s rural Ireland. See Mayfesto preview, page 96. PAPER BAG Govanhill Baths, Thu 19–Sat 21 May, govanhillbaths.com A new play by award-winning playwright Heloise Thual.

Poggle

EDINBURGH THE ILIAD Royal Lyceum Theatre, Wed 20 Apr–Sat 14 May, lyceum.org.uk The classic Homeric epic about the wrath that rages in Achilles after Paris has carried away the beautiful Helen of Troy. Directed by outgoing Lyceum artistic director Mark Thomson. NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER 2 Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Apr, edtheatres.com/ festival Six diverse works performed by this company of incredible young dancers, including pieces by Lightfoot/León, Hans van Manen and Alexander Ekman. See preview, page 97.

PHOTO: BRIAN HARTLEY

DONALD ROBERTSON IS NOT A STAND-UP COMEDIAN Traverse Theatre, Thu 12–Sat 14 May, traverse.co.uk Returning piece by writer/performer Gary McNair – a coming-of-age story which looks at comedy in an entirely different light. THE JURY North Edinburgh Arts Centre, Mon 30 & Tue 31 May, northedinburgharts.co.uk Highly accessible introduction to contemporary dance, in which children dictate what will happen with hilarious results. For ages 6+. Part of Imaginate. See feature, page 31.

POGGLE The Studio at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 31 May–Sun 5 Jun, edtheatres.com/studio Vince is too scared to climb trees, until magical forest creature Poggle arrives offering help and encouragement in this dance theatre piece for ages 0–4. Part of Imaginate. See feature, page 31. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details GO GET ‘EM KID North Edinburgh Arts Centre, Wed 1–Mon 6 Jun, northedinburgharts. co.uk Exciting new choreographer Tamsin Russell presents her first work for younger audiences, featuring over 100 t-shirts and lots of energy. Ages 6+. Part of Imaginate. See feature, page 31.

PAISLEY NIJINSKY’S LAST JUMP Paisley Arts Centre, Sat 23 Apr, boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk Award-winning, two-man dance theatre piece that takes you inside the troubled psyche of legendary dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky. See preview, page 97. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details

DUNDEE LOVE SONG Dundee Rep, Thu 14–Sat 23 Apr, dundeerep.co.uk An offbeat romantic comedy centred on three members of a small family – oddball Beane, his uptight sister Joan and her outspoken husband, Harry.

KIRKCALDY BREATHE Adam Smith Theatre, Fri 13 May, onfife.com/venues/adam-smiththeatre An intimate duet from Errol White and Davina Givan, exploring trust, connection and support in relationships. Also touring, see list. co.uk/theatre for details

98 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

VISUAL ART

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /visualar t

THE SCOTTISH ENDARKENMENT: ART AND UNREASON 1945 TO THE PRESENT Exploring the dark side of our divided self and Patrizio are looking at in exploring these themes, with work from Alan Davie, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Hamilton Finlay, John Bellany, Joyce Cairns, Steven Campbell, Alison Watt, Douglas Gordon and David Shrigley on display, as well as specially commissioned new pieces from Beagles & Ramsay, Louise Hopkins and Shona Macnaughton. Plus, there’s a Christine Borland piece which has never been seen in Scotland. It’s an exhibition which is large in scale as well as thematic ambition, and this stretches beyond its spring opening. It will be the Dovecot Gallery’s showpiece Edinburgh Art Festival exhibition, and there will also

be a selection of related films showing at the Filmhouse throughout July and August. ‘We’ve been struck from the outset how Scottish artists immediately “get� the phrase “Scottish Endarkenment�,’ says Hare. ‘Their work expresses a range of themes, from ever-escalating communal and international conflicts, social inequalities, consumer materialism and threatened gender identities. It’s a shifting and elusive affair in which the visitors are encouraged to make thematic connections freely for themselves.’ (David Pollock) Q Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh, Fri 13 May–Mon 29 Aug.

IAN MARSHALL

‘If there is such a thing as the Scottish Enlightenment then consequently, even if we prefer to ignore it, there must also be a dark shadow,’ says Bill Hare of Edinburgh University, co-curator of this exhibition with his colleague Andrew Patrizio. ‘For every Dr Jekyll there’s a Mr Hyde, that’s the nature of what the psychiatrist RD Laing called our “divided self�. Yet it wasn’t until after the horrors of the Second World War and the wide ranging impact of the Cold War on western society that Scottish artists began to face up to and address an array of disturbing subjects from the increasingly anxious and unsettling times they lived in.’ It’s this post-war period which Hare

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 99

VISUAL ART | Previews & Reviews REVIEW FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE

HINTERLAND

St Peter's Seminary, near Cardross, run ended OOOOO

PHOTO: ALASDAIR SMITH

The word ‘hinterland’ has mystical connotations: a world unknown, something intangible. It encapsulates perfectly the magical experience that members of the public were invited to for the launch of Scotland’s Festival of Architecture 2016 at the ruined St Peter's Seminary near Cardross. Developed by public art specialists NVA – whose Speed of Light has toured the world – Hinterland was brilliantly orchestrated. Buses picked up a hundred-strong crowd in Helensburgh and whisked them off through the dark to their mysterious destination. On arrival, the expedition of architecture-lovers and adventurers led themselves through the atmospheric woods aided by illuminated climbing sticks provided on arrival by enthusiastic NVA volunteers. Glimpses of the A-listed brutalist seminary could be gleaned through the branches, lit up dramatically by polychromatic projections. Nearing the structure itself, it was impossible not to be swept up in the spectacle of light and sound. ‘Brought to life’ doesn’t do justice to the work carried out by the team of artists and technicians. The main performance inside hypnotised a captive audience. An awesome light show penetrated the darkness using the architectural skeleton as a canvas on which to paint sweeping areas of light that seemed to melt the distinction between fore and background. This is just the beginning for the regeneration of St Peter's: with ÂŁ4.2m funding now in place from Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland, NVA (alongside a crack team of architects) will lead the space's development as a new 600-capacity cultural resource and venue to open in 2018. Hopefully, Hinterland is a mere taster of brilliant things to come. (Laura Campbell)

PHOTO: COURTESY KARSTEN SCHUBERT, LONDON

PHOTO: HEATHER LANDER

PHOTO: WOLFGANG TILLMANS, TAG/NACHT, 2009 COURTESY MAUREEN PALEY, LONDON

REVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY

PREVIEW VIDEO INSTALLATION

PREVIEW PAINTING

Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 7 Aug

CCA, Glasgow, Thu 14–Sun 17 Apr

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Fri 15 Apr–Sun 16 Apr 2017

WOLFGANG TILLMANS: PICTURES FROM NEW WORLD OOOOO

Pictures from New World sees the 2000 Turner Prize winner Wolfgang Tillmans return to documentarystyle photography after years of concentrating on studio-based abstract works. The exhibition comprises sparsely arranged digital prints produced between 2009 and 2012, with the artist stepping out of his comfort zone to document ‘exotic’ terrain, including China and the Middle East. The photographs vary drastically in scale, subject matter and tone and are given ample (perhaps too ample) room to breathe. The proximity of some pieces does work extremely well: an enormous print of a suburban scene at dusk is juxtaposed with a smaller intricate aerial view of a sprawling metropolis in the daytime. The protagonists in the former can be seen basking on deckchairs in the orange light of the suburb, with a few topless men playing a board game set up provisionally on a pavement. But others – including carefully composed landscapes and close-ups of fungi and flora – are given less direction. Undoubtedly this exhibition showcases the poetic handling that this artist is capable of, but a few more photographs could have made it brilliant. (Laura Campbell)

CRYPTIC NIGHTS: MATERIALS AND DURATION 1.2 – HEATHER LANDER ‘Illusion, the idea of presence, our perception of reality and the virtual are all equal when I think about this piece,’ says Heather Lander of her new sculptural video installation Materials and duration 1.2. ‘What we see, hear, know and even what we physically touch is all so malleable and personal. The piece is essentially exploring this idea.’ The first version of the piece was created while Lander was on the MFA course at Glasgow School of Art. ‘The video content is an amalgamation of documentation from earlier work, namely the “Screen sculpture�, which I originally assembled during my first year on the MFA,’ she says. ‘This content is projected onto the ‘Materials and duration 1’ sculpture, which is a layered series of sheets suspended from a steel armature. The room will be saturated with colour, with light, dark and sounds of classical instruments abstracted.’ Lander has collaborated with Pete Sach on the classical composition elements of this latest version of the piece, and with the visual aspects she’s aiming for something more abstract, because ‘creating this ambiguity makes me think about how you actually tell the difference between what is real and what isn’t.’ (David Pollock)

BRIDGET RILEY: PAINTINGS 1963– 2015

Of all the iconic images of the 1960s, few evoked the grooviness of swinging London more than those by Bridget Riley. Her hallucinatory array of black and white Op Art checks and geometric shapes shimmered their way into a two-tone styled modculture mainstream which, more than half a century on, is indicative of a moment even if it was ultimately fleeting. Like her paintings, Riley too has kept moving, as this major show of work spanning those 50 years should demonstrate. Centred around her 1966 work, 'Over', which has been held by the SNGoMA since 1974, this collection of major paintings draws from a back catalogue of rarely seen works. Seen together they reveal that at the moment when TV and popular culture morphed from monochrome to technicolour, Riley was embarking on a very personal trip from London to France, Egypt and beyond, absorbing influences as she went. With Riley having recently come full circle in terms of working in black and white, this major show demonstrates how over the last six decades she has coloured her world beyond shades of grey. (Neil Cooper)

100 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Highlights | VISUAL ART

HITLIST

BRITISH ART SHOW 8 Various venues, Edinburgh, until Sun 8 May, britishartshow8. com Works by 42 artists in the nationally touring show curated by Lydia Yee and Anna Collin, exploring the increasing convergence between the real and virtual spheres. See feature at list.co.uk

THE SCOTTISH ENDARKENMENT: ART AND UNREASON 1945 TO PRESENT Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh, Until Thu 30 Jun, dovecotstudios. com See preview, page 99. GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART Various

venues, Glasgow, Fri 8 Apr–Mon 25 Apr, glasgowinternational. org Two-yearly festival of contemporary art commissioned from artists around the globe and including exhibitions in traditional gallery spaces, plus unique site-specific installations and live performance art. See feature, page 32.

BRIDGET RILEY: PAINTINGS 1963-2015 Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art One, Fri 15 Apr 2016-Sun 16 Apr 2017, nationalgalleries.org See preview, page 100. MAKING IT: SCULPTURE IN BRITAIN 1977–1986 City Art Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 7

May–Sun 3 Jul, edinburghmuseums. org.uk/venues/ city-art-centre An exhibition showing how conceptual art brought new dimensions to sculptural practice in Britain, featuring work by 40 artists including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Alison Wilding, among others.

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date. Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW RIPPLES ON THE POND Gallery of Modern Art, until Sun 24 Apr, glasgowlife.org.uk/ museums/GoMA/Pages/default. aspx. This exhibition designed to be a conversation between works on paper by women and the moving image features a screening of a film by Rosalind Nashashibi on Thu 21 Apr. WILLIAM HUNTER TO DAMIEN HIRST: THE DEAD TEACH THE LIVING Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum, until Sun 5 Mar 2017, gla.ac.uk/ hunterian Objects and artworks exploring the connections between art and science, including Damien Hirst’s Necromancer. Featuring rarely seen items from the collection of the Hunterian’s founder, Dr William Hunter. SPEAKING VOLUMES Glasgow Women’s Library, Fri 8 Apr-Mon 25 Apr, womenslibrary. org.uk Event exploring women that have influenced contemporary artists, curators and critics. EVENT EXPLORING WOMEN THAT HAVE INFLUENCED CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS, CURATORS AND CRITICS. Street Level Photoworks, Fri 8 Apr-Sun 29 May, streetlevelphotoworks.org.com Images on the theme of ‘women in philosophy’. WEAVING DNA The Lighthouse, Fri 8 AprSun 22 May, thelighthouse. co.uk A collaboration between Icelandic product designer Hanna Dís Whitehead and Scottish textile designer Claire Anderson, reappropriating traditional Nordic and Scottish textiles.

HEATHER LANDER: MATERIALS AND DURATION 1.2 CCA, Thu 14-Sun 17 Apr, ccaglasgow.com Work developed from the artist’s work in her 2015 MFA degree show. See preview, page 101.

Duncan Marquiss: Copying Errors

EDINBURGH CALUM MCCLURE: NOCTURNES & BOTANICS Scottish Gallery, until Sat 30 Apr, scottish-gallery.co.uk Landscape and nature paintings from the artist. THE HUMAN’S PLANET EARTH Summerhall, until Fri 13 May, summerhall.co.uk Installation on the theme of trans-cosmological exploration. KEVIN HARMAN: NO MAN’S LAND Ingleby Gallery, until Sat 21 May, inglebygallery.com Work consisting of large-scale double-glazing units, in the cavity of which the artist has dripped paint. SARA BARKER: CHANGE-THESETTING Fruitmarket Gallery, until Sun 5 Jun, fruitmarket.co.uk New sculptures made with the gallery space specifically in mind. The exhibition is supported by a book presenting an overview of the artist’s work from 2008 to 2016. ROBERT POWELL: SPECIES OF SPACE Edinburgh Printmakers, until Sat 16 Jul, edinburghprintmakers. co.uk Work by Edinburgh-based artist interested in urban spaces. WOLFGANG TILLMANS: PICTURES FROM NEW WORLD Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 7 Aug, glasgowlife.org. uk/museums/GoMA Images collected from years of the artist’s travels around the world. See preview, page 100. DAVID CASS: SURFACE Gayfield Creative Spaces, Mon 25 Apr-Tue 3 May, gayfield.co.uk Non-

traditional paintings of water.

the Current exhibition.

HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL King’s Stables Road, Fri 27 May-Sat 4 Jun, hiddendoorblog.org Artists of all stripes congregate for the Hidden Door interdisciplinary arts festival, which features dozens of cool musicians, bands, artists, poets and filmmakers, often working in new and exciting combinations. See preview, page 23.

DUNCAN MARQUISS: COPYING ERRORS Dundee Contemporary Arts, Sat 14 May-Sun 3 Jul, dca.org.uk Artist Duncan Marquiss, who studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) and was the recipient of the 2015 Margaret Tait award, presents a selection of his paintings, drawings and video works.

DUNDEE POSTER CLUB: NEW WHEAT, NEW MUD, NEW MACHINE Cooper Gallery, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, until Sat 23 Apr, dundee. ac.uk/djcad/ Works from the Glasgowbased artists’ group, developed from

ARBROATH GRAHAM FAGEN Hospitalfield House, until Sat 16 Apr, hospitalfield.org.uk The artist’s exhibition created for the 2015 Venice Biennale is presented anew for the gallery. 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 101

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TV

Fo the latestr n listings a ews, reviews, g nd o list.co.uk to /tv

UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT Ellie Kemper returns in this charming, breezy sitcom from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock The brainchild of Tina Fey and her 30 Rock cohort Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a gleefully silly sitcom. Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids) stars as a young woman struggling to adjust to life in New York City after spending 15 years in an underground doomsday cult. Yet Fey and Carlock exploit its potential for goofy culture-shock humour. A breezy farce with an impressive gag rate, it’s refreshingly cynicism-free. Kimmy is an indomitable vessel of innocent positivity. She may have spent half her life in a concrete bunker, but she’s not about to let that dampen her gee-whiz spirits. Kemper’s delightful performance is ably supported by Jane Krakowski as an amusingly selfabsorbed Manhattanite, fabulous force of nature Tituss Burgess as a selfish yet essentially sweet-natured wannabe Broadway star, and musical comedy stalwart Carol Kane as Kimmy’s dissolute landlady.

The Emmy-nominated first season climaxed with Mad Men’s Jon Hamm having a whale of a time as Kimmy’s duplicitous incarcerator, but with that bizarre chapter now firmly behind her (or so she thinks), the new season finds Kimmy attempting to forge ahead. ‘I think she sort of feels like, “alright, all the ugliness from my life has been erased, and now it’s time to go forward and crush life�, as Kemper explains. ‘What happens in season two is that she does understand that things aren’t as crisp and clear-cut as that. The world isn’t black and white.’ Meanwhile, Burgess falls in love, Krakowski adjusts to life as a divorcee and Kane continues her eccentric crusade to keep the neighbourhood from improving. A charming blast of unadulterated nonsense, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a very welcome tonic. (Paul Whitelaw) Q Available on Netflix from Fri 15 Apr.

102 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

Previews | TV

list.co.uk/tv

HIGHLIGHTS HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: SERIES 51 BBC One, Fri 8 Apr, 9pm Paul Merton and Ian Hislop continue to captain their teams in this satirical panel game that is still brilliantly funny after 26 years on air. 11.22.63 FOX, Sun 10 Apr, 9pm Annoying American dates style aside, James Franco stars in this time-travelling thriller as he tries to prevent the assassination of JFK. Based on a book by Stephen King. OUTLANDER: SEASON 2 Amazon Instant Prime, Sun 10 Apr More time-travel shenanigans with the return of the much-loved historical romance set in ye olde Scotland. The action picks up after the harrowing events that ended season one. UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT: SEASON 2 Netflix, Fri 15 Apr Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) continues to readjust to the real world in this sparky sitcom created by Robert Carlock (Friends / 30 Rock) and Tina Fey. See preview, page 102.

CARRY ON CAMPING Julia Davis has made a career out of playing grotesque characters. As her new seaside sitcom gets set to air, she tells Henry Northmore that her latest creation is actually quite nice. Sort of . . .

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS DVD / Blu-ray, Mon 18 Apr You might have heard of this little movie, something about a galaxy far, far away . . . JJ Abrams’ magnificent sequel reinvigorates the entire Star Wars universe.

N

ew sitcom Camping marks the directorial debut of Julia Davis as she turns her withering gaze onto the British seaside vacation. This six-part comedy stars fellow Hunderby alumni Rufus Jones, Vicki Pepperdine and Jonathan Cake, as well as League of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton, as they pack their bags and head for a holiday from hell. ‘It’s about a group of couples going away for someone’s 50th birthday,’ says Davis. ‘One guy unexpectedly arrives with his new girlfriend, which messes up the whole holiday and it descends into a nightmare by the end.’ For once, Davis plays a fairly likeable character. ‘She’s called Fay and she’s very flaky,’ she notes. ‘She just wants to have a good time, really, with whoever. She turns up with one guy, but if that’s not working out she’ll just move on to another. She’s neither horrendous nor particularly moral.’ Davis has made a name for herself with a singular brand of edgy comedy. Regularly working alongside Steve Coogan, Chris Morris and Charlie Brooker, she's starred in Jam, Brass Eye, Black Mirror, I’m Alan Partridge and Nathan Barley. However it’s her self-penned projects that have best showcased her wonderfully twisted talent. Early writing credits include much-loved sketch show Big Train and fake documentary series Human Remains, but it was 2004 when Davis unleashed her dark masterpiece of awkward comedy: Nighty Night. A thoroughly offbeat sitcom that boldly waded into areas most feared to tread, it tackled disease, disability and death with a daring sense of humour. Davis also took the starring role (alongside Kevin Eldon, Ruth Jones, Angus Deayton and Rebecca Front) as self-centred Jill Tyrell whose first response to learning her husband has cancer is to join a dating agency. Davis’ next major project went back in time to the 1830s for Hunderby, a black comedy that tore apart the clichĂŠs of period drama and helped her win a BAFTA and two British Comedy Awards. Davis played Dorothy, another cruel and bitter character. ‘I sort of hope that as long as the character’s funny then the likeability aspect doesn’t matter,’ she explains. ‘Also, I sometimes think you can find things to like in extreme people.’ Davis created, wrote, directed and stars in Camping. ‘I was very lucky with the crew. They were non-macho, really nice blokes who helped the whole thing. This makes it all sound like a love-in, but it was really good being with actors who are friends. It was not a horrifically daunting thing to do and I imagine if your debut as a director was with some huge stars, it would be quite scary.’

‘I think you can find things to like in extreme people’

Camping starts on Sky Atlantic, Tue 12 Apr, 10pm, with all episodes available the same night via Sky Box Sets.

GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 6 Sky Atlantic, Mon 25 Apr, 9pm The world’s greatest fantasy epic is back. So many (spoilerific) questions: is Jon Snow dead? What happened to Sansa after she leapt from the walls of Winterfell? Will Cersei get her revenge on High Sparrow? GRACE AND FRANKIE: SEASON 2 Netflix, Fri 6 May Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin return as two former rivals who discover their husbands are gay and have been in a relationship with each other for 20 years. THE HATEFUL EIGHT DVD/ Blu-ray, Mon 9 May Kurt Russell and Jennifer Jason Leigh excel in Quentin Tarantino’s magnificently bloody western / murder mystery. UNCHARTED 4: A THIEF’S END PS4, Tue 10 May The fourth and final instalment in Naughty Dog’s action adventure series following treasure hunter Nathan Drake (voiced by Nolan North).

7 Apr–2 Jun 2016 THE LIST 103

BACK PAGE FIRST LAST ELAINE C SMITH The actress and social campaigner is dominating Scottish stages over the summer and is on TV in a new sitcom. Here, she ponders over Bute House, Burdz Eye View and Brussels in our Q&A First record you ever bought

The first single I ever bought was by the 5th Dimension: (Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All which I bought from Mills Record Shop in Brandon Street, Motherwell.

Last extravagant purchase you made

First thing you’d do if you ran the country

I suppose my car, a Mercedes B Class.

Eradicate poverty. But first I’d probably redecorate Bute House! Though I’d pay for it myself!

First film you saw that really moved you

When I was a child it was probably something like Lassie or Old Yeller. As I got older it was probably One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. That film stayed with me for days. Last lie you told

That’s hard as actors lie all the time: we’ve got to pretend to be someone else for a living. First movie you ever went on a date to

Believe it or not, it was A Clockwork Orange at the Rex cinema in Motherwell with my first real boyfriend Stephen! Last time you cried

Watching the events unfold in Brussels and listening to a grandmother talk about being in the airport with her young grandson: her words were so moving and full of sadness but had a desire to understand.

Last meal on earth

NEXT ISSUE WED 1 JUN

Chocolate. First time you realised you were famous

I still don’t feel famous. I had a woman come up to me the other day and say, ‘oh, you’re that actress, you’re famous: what’s your name again?’ I said, ‘well, if you don’t know my name I cannae be that famous!!’ Last time someone criticised your work

My New Year show of Burdz Eye View drew 137 complaints to Ofcom for political bias because I had the First Minister and her family on as guests. We didn’t speak about politics and it was a fun, light chat about Hogmanay but it drew very bitter responses: even in the bloody Parliament! I was a bit floored by it initially because I didn’t see it coming. I had Nicola on because all my guests were women, but all unionists saw was bias.

T IN THE PARK Time to get your sun hats AND umbrellas looked out as Scotland’s premier blockbuster music festival prepares to hit Strathallan Castle again. Among the many highlights are the Stone Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris, Faithless, LCD Soundsystem and Craig David. Now, is he playing on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday . . . ?

First crush

Marc Bolan: no question!

MATT CROCKETT

Last book you read

Just finished Andrew O’Hagan’s The Illuminations which was beautiful and wonderful and I’m now reading Christopher Brookmyre’s Black Widow. First great piece of advice you were given

I’ve had tons of great advice from lots of different people. The trick is to try and listen. Last time you were starstruck

I did the Ryder Cup concert at the Hydro a couple of years ago and was completely star-struck by Nile Rodgers, a fabulous musician and performer. I’m a disco queen at heart and he was so kind and generous.

First three words your friends would use to describe you

I think real friends would say: loyal, kind, generous. Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it

I do it all the time, especially with online shopping. I’m never out of the post office returning stuff that looked great when I ordered it and terrible when I received it.

Last song at your funeral

‘A Case of You’ by Joni Mitchell. First person you’d thank in an award acceptance speech

My husband would be in there somewhere. I’ve never won an award so can’t think of anything. Last thing you think of before you go to sleep

I’m knackered! First job

Saturday girl in Curtess shoe shop in Motherwell. Last person you fantasized about

I’m too old for that now. If I have, then I can’t remember . . . First word you spoke

I think it was ‘dad’. Last crime you committed

Probably speeding or driving in a bus lane! First book you read for a second time

Beloved by Toni Morrison.

First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning

How long have I slept? I’m menopausal, so that means a lot given my sleep patterns. And then usually the list of stuff to do kicks off in my brain as ‘the chimp’ starts chattering in my head though I try and calm it with a bit of meditation. Elaine C Smith appears in Annie, Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 16–Sat 21 May; That’s Entertainment, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 7–Sat 11 Jun; Two Doors Down, BBC Two, Fri, 10pm. See list.co.uk for more of this Q&A.

104 THE LIST 7 Apr–2 Jun 2016

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