Issue 746

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GLASGOW & EDINBURGH EVENTS GUIDE 1 NOV 2017–31 JAN 2018 | ISSUE 746 LIST.CO.UK

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THE DEBATE IS DONE: WHO'S WHERE IN OUR 2017 CULTURAL COUNTDOWN?

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FRONT

CONTENTS

Realist

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News

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Chris Rock

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FEATURES Hot 100

1 NOV 2017–31 JAN 2018 | LIST.CO.UK

H

appy Hot 100, everyone – our annual countdown of the hottest Scottish cultural figures is in its 15th year now, and what a 12 months it's been. As always, there have been plenty of frenzied office discussions about our latest list, and we know you'll want to join in to tell us how right / wrong we got it. Can't wait any longer? Turn to page 21 for the Hot 100 for 2017, and join in the debate at #ListHot100.

It's our last issue for the year (sob), so that of course means plenty of top tips for Christmas and Hogmanay. Head to page 52 for festive recommendations, and grab a copy of our yearly Christmas Wish List, bundled up with this issue. Plus, we've got the lowdown on Sleep in the Park, one of the biggest events in Edinburgh's winter calendar (page 50), and some essential Hogmanay highlights (page 54).

Elsewhere, look out for the season's best films (page 84) – we're especially excited about The Florida Project (see feature, page 48) and, of course, The Last Jedi (page 83). Check out the latest restaurant reviews (page 59), plan your Christmas TV schedule (page 127) and start the new year as you mean to go on, with the always excellent Celtic Connections (page 57).

Celtic Connections

57

59

Celino's

61

Christmas Fairs

BOOKS

75

Muriel Spark

75

Graeme Macrae Burnet

76

Highlights

77

COMEDY

79

Margaret Cho

79

COVER STORY

The Last Jedi

LIST.CO.UK

Muso Anna Meredith claimed the number one spot with comedian Richard Gadd a close second in our poll of Scottish culture's 2016's movers and shakers. Where will those two show up in this year's rundown and who will take over at the top? As well as the big countdown, we look at the chancers who made 2017 less hot, explore the films and TV shows shot in Scotland, chat to a beloved crime writer and check out social enterprises in the food industry.

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THE DEBATE IS DONE: WHO'S WHERE IN OUR 2017 CULTURAL COUNTDOWN? SPONSORED BY

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PHOTO: CHRIS WATT

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HOGMANAY As one year prepares to depart and another dawns, we offer you the lowdown on those plans you should be making in order to get your Hogmanay off to a bang. How you deal with that New Year's Day hangover is up to you . . .

GREAT OFFERS

Win a pair of tickets to manipulate Festival 2018

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Win 10 free classes at Hot Yoga Edinburgh Win Ice Skating tickets with Baileys at Edinburgh's Christmas Markets

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Win tickets to the awe-inspiring Giant Lanterns of China 13 Win a pair of tickets to Glasgow Film Festival 2018 Opening Gala

13

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Highlights

91

KIDS

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Shrek The Musical

92

Highlights

94

MUSIC

97

The Divine Comedy

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Sub Club

98

Creeper

100

Pictish Trail

103

Highlights

110

THEATRE & DANCE

115

Scottish Ballet

115

Manipulate

118

VISUAL ART

119 120

123

What Is Life?

123

John Akomfrah

124

Highlights

125

126

Alias Grace

126

Christmas TV

127

FIRST & LAST Jason Byrne

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TV Win a free 12-week course at Dance Base

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Happy End

Highlights

Eradicating homelessness should be every government's priority, and the good people at Social Bite are showing our leaders the way.

We look at those appearing in Edinburgh for a mass sleepover with a conscience.

81 82

The Florida Project

Acosta Danza

SLEEP IN THE PARK

71 73

FILM

GLASGOW & EDINBURGH EVENTS GUIDE

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Highlights

Highlights

1 NOV 2017–31 JAN 2018 | ISSUE 746

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Sugar

AROUND TOWN

HOT 100

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Jim Jefferies

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Sleep in the Park

FOOD & DRINK

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CONTRIBUTORS

What we’ve been talking about We’re deep into the season when people start reflecting back on the year that is reaching its conclusion. While thanking our stars that it’s not taken as many globally renowned personalities from us as 2016 seemed to take pleasure in doing (though try telling that to fans of Tom Petty, Sean Hughes, Grotbags, Glen Campbell and, um, Hugh Hefner), what were the main highlights of 2017’s cultural endeavours?

Seeing Black Sabbath on their final ever tour. He’s never going to be pitch perfect but Ozzy’s voice was the best it’s been in years. They invented a genre and provided a masterclass in pure undiluted metal perfection.

The exhibition of Frank Quitely’s work at the Kelvingrove. The first major exhibition by a comic book artist in a Glasgow gallery that treated the medium with appropriate respect.

It’s a toss-up between Sacred Paws winning the SAY Award and 404 Ink’s mighty, mighty rise with Nasty Women.

LCD Soundsystem at Barrowlands. Nothing else even came close. For the crowd as much as anything: it’s usually the band that leave you with ringing in your ears but this time it was the people around me going absolutely fucking mental.

It’s a close call between Blade Runner 2049 and Hidden Door, but I’d go for Hidden Door. Having the opportunity to wander round the charming Leith Theatre, including the backstage areas, was pretty special. I loved the striking visual art, and Anna Meredith covering the Proclaimers was the cherry on top.

It’s hard to top Blue: All Rise – Our Story by Antony Costa. Like all good books, it ultimately asks more questions than it answers.

In that respect, it’s basically a classic ‘cliffhanger’. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, because that sort of suspense is quite stressful. And it’s also poorly written.

Seeing Boy Blue Entertainment’s incredible Blak Whyte Gray in August was a highlight, not least because it heralded the longawaited inclusion of hip hop at the Edinburgh International Festival.

The return of TLC, Sampha winning the Mercury Prize and basically everything Riz Ahmed did this year.

To misquote The Dark Knight, Twin Peaks: The Return was not the TV series we deserved, but the one we needed.

CONTENT Editor-in-Chief Yasmin Sulaiman Senior Digital Editor Scott Henderson Content Manager Rowena McIntosh Deputy Content Manager Murray Robertson Senior Content Producer Alex Johnston Content Producers Henry Northmore, Arusa Qureshi, Kirstyn Smith, Louise Stoddart Subeditors Brian Donaldson, Paul McLean 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 News Rowena McIntosh Student Guide Arusa Qureshi TV Henry Northmore Theatre Gareth K Vile Visual Art Rachael Cloughton PRODUCTION Senior Designer Lucy Munro Designers Stuart Polson, Carys Tennant, Katie White DIGITAL Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Sharon Irish Data Developers Andy Bowles, Alan Miller COMMERCIAL Senior Account Manager Debbie Thomson Account Managers Ross Foley, Alastair Chivers Ad Ops Executive Emma Thompson Affiliate Content Executive Craig Angus Events and Promotions Manager Rachel Cree Digital Business Development Director Brendan Miles Partnership Director Sheri Friers ADMINISTRATION Head of Accounting & HR Sarah Reddie Director Robin Hodge CEO Simon Dessain

Published by The List Ltd HEAD OFFICE: 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050 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 © 2017 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.

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Use of magazine content is at your own risk.

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4 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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Verdi

LA TRAVIATA +++++ ++++ ++++ The Herald

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

ABERDEEN 2 & 4 NOV

EDEN COURT

INVERNESS 7 – 11 NOV

The Scotsman

The Stage

FESTIVAL THEATRE

EDINBURGH 15 – 25 NOV

THEATRE ROYAL

GLASGOW 28 NOV – 2 DEC

Revival of the 2008 co-production with Welsh National Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu & Teatro Real, Madrid

scottishopera.org.uk Registered in Scotland Number SC037531 Scottish Charity Number SC019787 Booking and transaction fees may apply. $VN \RXU ORFDO %R[ 2Ƹ FH IRU GHWDLOV

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REALIST R E B M OVE

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DANCE

2 Acosta Danza

PHOTO: BBC/HUGH MILLER

Having made his name dancing for others, Carlos Acosta is now unleashing the debut of his own work through his Havana-based company. For Debut, he hired five acclaimed choreographers to produce works of classical ballet and contemporary dance.

See preview, page 119. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Nov.

TV

1 Blue Planet II If you’ve ever wondered what an orange-dotted tuskfish on the Great Barrier Reef would look like up close while it holds a clam in its jaws, then your prayers have been answered by David Attenborough.

This national icon is back with the second volume of Blue Planet (the first series aired in 2001 to blanket acclaim). Across the episodes, we’ll also meet bioluminescent plankton in California, an armoured octopus near Cape Town and a walrus mother and calf in Norway. Prepare for your jaw to drop. BBC One, Sun.

FILM

3 Mudbound Set in the years around WWII, this tale of two Mississippi families (one black, one white) is a bleak and brutal exploration of discrimination and intolerance, whose message still resonates in modernday America. See review, page 84. Out Fri 17 Nov.

6 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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So much culture, so little time.

We boil it down to 25 of the best events PHOTO: TIM EDGELER

AROUND TOWN

FILM

4 Edinburgh’s Christmas

5 The Florida Project

Your capital gets the full festive treatment with an array of the familiar (a maze, markets and ice skating) as well as brand new attractions such as the Ice Adventure and Giant Advent Calendar. See preview, page 93. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan.

Sean ‘Tangerine’ Baker moves away from digital for this new movie about the ‘motel homeless’ who live near Disney World. Some talented child actors join Willem Dafoe and Caleb Landry Jones for a memorable romp. See feature, page 48 and review, page 87. Out Fri 10 Nov.

MUSIC

VISUAL ART

PHOTO: ALBERT SANCHEZ

PHOTO: COURTESY TALBOT RICE GALLERY

BOOKS

COMEDY

6 Book Week Scotland 7 The Divine Comedy

8 John Akomfrah

9 Margaret Cho

A week-long celebration of books and reading across the nation as top authors, poets, playwrights and celebrities get involved. Judy Murray, Tom Pow, Sue Lawrence and Graeme Macrae Burnet are among those spreading the word. See Highlights, page 77. Various venues, Mon 27 Nov–Sun 3 Dec.

With his video installation Vertigo Sea, the 2017 Artes Mundi Award-winner draws comparisons between slavery, whaling and the current refugee crisis, giving the viewer a rush of what it must feel like to be at the mercy of something so unfathomably deep.

See review, page 124. Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sat 27 Jan.

The US-Asian comic who has broken down one or two barriers in her time is Fresh Off the Bloat for a small British tour, popping into Edinburgh to give us a night of taboo-busting fun and bigotbaiting humour. See preview, page 79. Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Nov.

A true survivor of the Britpop boom, Neil Hannon has always gone about things his own way and his band’s latest album, Foreverland, continues on that path. Whether he comes dressed as Napoleon or not, you’ll be in the midst of a real leader.

See preview, page 97. Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Wed 22 Nov.

CHOSEN BY COMEDIAN JAY LAFFERTY

10 Christmas at the Botanics

I love this time of year! The leaves have fallen, the nights draw in, summer clothes you optimistically bought in April are shoved relatively unworn to the back of the wardrobe to be replaced with your favourite cosy jumpers and novelty woolly hat. Unlike the tease of a Scottish summer you know where you are in autumn: cold and standing in the dark at four o’clock in the afternoon. Where better to do this than in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh? From the 24th of November you can visit the garden after hours and follow a mile-long magical trail of lights, all part of the their Christmas at the Botanics. Go and spend an evening wandering amongst giant illuminated conifers while sipping mulled wine: it’s guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.

Jay Lafferty is at The Stand, Edinburgh, Thu 2–Sat 4 Nov, and she appears in Bona Fide, The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 14 Nov, Tue 9 Jan; Christmas at the Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Fri 24 Nov–Sat 30 Dec. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 7

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R E B M ECE

FILM

1 The Last Jedi

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The latest instalment of the Star Wars juggernaut will have an added element of poignancy with it being Carrie Fisher’s swansong.

Episode VIII also stars Mark Hamill, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro.

Taking the directorial helm is Looper’s Rian Johnson whose love of the films and toys as a kid will hopefully keep his force strong. See preview, page 83. Out Thu 14 Dec.

PHOTO: CHRIS WATT

AROUND TOWN

AROUND TOWN

2 Sleep in the Park

3 Hogmanay

Some 9000 people are expected to spend a night under the stars in a bid to end homelessness in Scotland forever. A number of notable pals will be on hand to keep spirits high such as Bob Geldof, Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald (pictured), John Cleese and Rob Brydon. See feature, page 46. Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Sat 9 Dec.

Across the land, glasses will be raised to mark the end of one year and hail the beginning of another. Whether your preference on the night is to wave fireballs around your head or see some top live music outdoors, every taste should be catered for. See feature, page 52. Various venues, Sun 31 Dec.

8 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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The

REALIST PHOTO: AMIRA FRITZ

MUSIC

THEATRE

MUSIC

4 Have 5 Arabian Nights Yourself a Honeybloody Christmas

6 Cold Turkey

Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba take to the Lyceum stage in this Joe Douglas-directed festive show.

How will the daydreaming Scheherezade take on the nasty Sultan in this version? See preview, page 116.

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 26 Nov–Sat 6 Jan.

Far from your average Christmas night out, Cat Myers and Nina Tweeddale hand out sonic gifts in the shape of the Ninth Wave, Man of Moon, and the Spook School. See Highlights, page 110. O2 ABC, Glasgow, Fri 22 Dec.

Christmas month gets off to a cracker with this special Nothing Ever Happens Here edition featuring Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison, Withered Hand, Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen. See Highlights, page 110. Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 1 Dec.

PHOTO: STUART WESTWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: JOHN JOHNSTON

THEATRE

TV

MUSIC

7 Alice in Weegieland

8 The League of Gentlemen

9 Gerry Cinnamon

This take on the traditional panto from Johnny McKnight (pictured in last year’s The Snaw Queen) goes straight down the rabbit hole into a world of ballet exams, Brexit and a banter-filled white bunny.

This is Lewis Carroll’s Alice but not as you’ve ever known her or her iconic pals. See Highlights, page 120. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 1 Dec–Sun 7 Jan.

‘You will never leave’ might be the motto of Royston Vasey, but it’s their creators, The League of Gentlemen, who can’t seem to let go. That’s great news for loyal fans of their darkly twisted comedy as three festive segments prepare to warm the cockles and freeze the bones. BBC Two, dates tbc.

Selling out the Friday show in remarkably swift time, Gerry Cinnamon’s fans are flocking to prove just what a remarkable year he’s had. These gigs from the neo-folk social media sensation show that talent can still sometimes go further than a massive marketing machine. See Highlights, page 110.

Barrowland, Glasgow, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec.

PHOTO: HAMISH BROWN

10

CHOSEN BY SCOTTISH BALLET PRINCIPAL DANCER SOPHIE MARTIN

The Prodigy

December is usually a very busy month for me at work. We perform The Nutcracker at the Festival Theatre eight shows a week for three weeks straight which doesn’t leave much time for anything else. Scotland has much to offer when it comes to live music and, while living in Glasgow, I love to see bands that I know of or just take a gamble in smaller venues like King Tut’s. I would really like to see the Prodigy live. I remember my ballet teacher using one of their tracks, ‘Breathe’, in our annual gala back in 1997 for a modern dance and I loved how crazy it sounded in what was expected to be a ballet show. I’m sure some parents were probably a bit frightened to see their kids dance to electronic music but, although we were only 12 at the time, we loved it!

Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 9–Sat 30 Dec; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 13 Jan; The Prodigy, O2 Academy, Glasgow, Mon 18 Dec. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 9

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REALIST

Y R A JANU

MUSIC

VISUAL ART / THEATRE

1 Celtic Connections

2 Burns Unbroke

Here comes the 25th anniversary programme of Scotland’s foremost folk festival, which has now become a rich mainstay of eclecticism. Among the delights being laid on are the GRIT Orchestra performing a large-scale live version of Martyn Bennett’s Bothy Culture, and US singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin marking 20 years of A Few Small Repairs. Plus there’s Shetland’s Fiddler’s Bid, Mali’s Oumou Sangaré and Finland’s Frigg. See feature, page 57. Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 18 Jan–Sun 4 Feb.

’Tis the season when the country bows down to its bard and this innovative capital venue hosts visual art, performances and talks focusing on contemporary evaluations of Robert Burns’ work.

Summerhall, Edinburgh, Thu 25 Jan–Sat 10 Mar.

FILM

3 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Martin McDonagh directs his own screenplay, with an Oscar-worthy Frances McDormand as a mother seeking justice for the brutal death of her daughter.

See review, page 89. Out Fri 12 Jan.

THEATRE

4 Chris Rock

5 Manipulate

The film star and rabble-rousing stand-up plays his first live show here for almost a decade. His analysis of bigots and a certain US leader should make for a night of challenging comedy. See preview, page 17.

SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Wed 24 Jan.

The visual theatre festival delivers a feast of puppetry, choreography and physical theatre with a big emphasis on Scottish talent bolstered by a strong French contingent. See preview, page 118.

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Jan–Sat 3 Feb.

COMEDY

10 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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ODEON LUXE EAST KILBRIDE NOW OPEN.

Check out the country’s first ODEON Luxe, with luxury reclining seats in every screen, plus a new ISENSE experience.

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READER OFFERS WIN A FREE 12-WEEK COURSE AT DANCE BASE

Dance Base is Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, and the place to go for the dance classes you always meant to take but never quite got around to. They have a new term running from 6 Jan–30 Mar, so this is your chance.

Classes are designed to be fun and welcoming for all, and there are more than 40 different dance styles on offer, so you’re bound to find something you like.

So take your first steps to mastering something new at Dance Base.

For your chance to win a free 12-week course at Dance Base, log onto list.co.uk/offers and answer the following question;

How many basic foot positions are there in classical ballet?

Dance Base National Centre for Dance 14–16 Grassmarket Edinburgh EH1 2JU

dancebase.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Mon 4 Dec. Subject to availability.

Non-transferable and no cash alternative. The List’s usual rules apply.

WIN 10 FREE CLASSES AT HOT YOGA EDINBURGH

Do you want to feel fitter and healthier? Come along to classes at awardwinning Hot Yoga Edinburgh and enjoy the benefits a regular Yoga practice can bring, which can include improved flexibility, lower stress levels, calmer mind and improved sleep.

Attend 5 classes within 5 weeks of winning, and get another 5 classes credited to your account, to be used within 5 weeks of date of credit, with this prize.

To be in with a chance of winning 10 free classes at Hot Yoga Edinburgh, simply log onto list.co.uk/offers and tell us;

What is one of the benefits of a regular Yoga practice?

Hot Yoga Edinburgh 2 Ladyfield EH3 8EZ

hotyogaedinburgh.com TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Tues 6 Feb. One entry per person, tickets are non transferable and cannot be exchanged. The List’s usual rules apply.

WIN A PAIR OF ANIMATED FILM TICKETS TO MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2018

The List have teamed up with manipulate Visual Theatre Festival to give our readers the chance to help programme this year’s festival. To get involved, and to be in with a chance of snapping up a free pair of animated film tickets for yourself, all you have to do is visit the festival website manipulatefestival.org to find links to trailers for five award-winning animated feature films and vote for your favourite.

To find out more about the festival and what’s happening from the 27 Jan-3 Feb, just go to list.co.uk/offers.

Traverse Theatre Sat 27 Jan–Sat 3 Feb 2018

manipulatefestival.org TERMS & CONDITIONS: Strictly 18+ only. Usual List rules apply.

12 THE LIST 6 Dec–8 Jan 2016

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READER OFFERS WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL 2018 OPENING GALA

Glasgow Film Festival returns for its 14th edition from Wed 21 Feb – Sun 4 Mar 2018. While programme details remain tightly under wraps for now, we can guarantee audiences twelve exciting days of premieres, parties and unforgettable special events.

The List are giving away one pair of tickets to the Opening Gala of Glasgow Film Festival 2018 on Wed 21 Feb. To be in with a chance of winning, simply log onto list.co.uk/offers and tell us;

What edition is Glasgow Film Festival 2018?

Last year, events ranged from The Lost Boys at a secret location to The Thing at Snow Factor. Guests over the twelve days of the festival included actors David Tennant and Simon Farnaby plus directors Hope Dickson Leach, William Oldroyd and GFF17 Audience Award winner Alankrita Shrivastava (Lipstick Under My Burkha). The full line-up will be revealed at the programme launch on Wed 24 Jan, with priority tickets on sale to GFF Members from noon on Thu 25 Jan.

glasgowfilm.org/festival @glasgowfilmfest

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Thu 1 Feb. The List’s usual rules apply. One entry per person, tickets are non transferable and cannot be exchanged.

WIN ICE SKATING TICKETS WITH BAILEYS AT EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS Get your skates on and win a chance to glide all the way round the Melville Monument on a circular ice rink in St Andrew Square as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas 2017 with The List.

Make a pit stop at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and try a range of Baileys serves, from a warming Baileys Coffee to a luxurious Baileys Hot Chocolate The List have teamed up with Baileys and Edinburgh’s Christmas to offer you and a friend the chance to go ice skating in St Andrew Square and afterwards share a Baileys of your choice at the Baileys winter bar.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply log onto list.co.uk/offers.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Skating St Andrew Square Edinburgh Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan TERMS & CONDITIONS: Strictly 18+ only. Usual List rules apply.

WIN TICKETS TO THE AWE-INSPIRING GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA Looking for something unique to do this Hogmanay? Look no further as The Giant Lanterns of China are illuminating Edinburgh Zoo this winter, giving you the chance to visit the most famous residents in a new light.

Over 450 dazzling giant lanterns will transform Edinburgh Zoo with the glow of 34 colossal, animal-themed installations. The awe-inspiring lanterns create a beautifully lit trail throughout the zoo, focusing on the main themes of China, Edinburgh Zoo and The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s worldwide conservation work.

The Giant Lanterns of China will take place over 50 magical nights, from Fri 1 Dec–Sun 25 Feb. Each evening will also showcase entertainment en route, including music, unique performances, bespoke craft and food stalls.

To be in with a chance of winning two adult tickets to the event on Sun 31 Dec, simply log onto list.co.uk/offers and answer this question;

Which famous Chinese animal calls Edinburgh Zoo home and are the only two of their species in the whole of the UK? RZSS Edinburgh Zoo 134 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Fri 15 Dec 2017 The List’s usual rules apply. See List.co.uk/offers for full list of terms and conditions.

6 Dec–8 Jan 2016 THE LIST 13

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December

Princes St

9th 2017

Gardens

A Mass Sleepout to End Homelessness in Scotland. For Good.

With Busking Sets from

Plus Special Guests

Sir Bob Geldof John Cleese Rob Brydon Register now to book your place and start fundraising

www.SleepInThePark.co.uk

“

I’m looking forward to playing in Edinburgh and supporting this Charity.

I hope the event helps as many people back on their feet as possible.

x”

LG Produced by

Media Partner

Supported by

The Social Bite Fund SC045232

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NEWS

GLASGOW GOES GLOBAL Glasgow International (Fri 20 Apr–Mon 7 May) has announced its 2018 programme. The festival features work from over 190 artists, with representation from at least 30 countries.

Highlights include solo exhibitions by international artists Mark Leckey and Lubaina Himid (pictured), and Glasgow-based artists Stephen Sutcliffe, Graham Eatough and Michelle Hannah, as well as a major group exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, entitled Cellular World.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Greyfriars Bobby, the statue of a loyal Skye Terrier on Edinburgh’s George IV Bridge, has been named the capital’s most-loved object as part of walking trail, Edinburgh’s 101 Objects. Good boy.

BRAVO BIG YIN Hands Up for Trad have announced this year’s inductees to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. The performers category features Rab Noakes, Bobby Crowe, Cathy Ann MacPhee, Jock Tamson’s Bairns, Kenneth McKellar and ‘the big yin’ Billy Connolly. Matthew Fitt and James Robertson of Itchy Coo have also been inducted for their work translating books into Scots.

SUPPORT LOCAL Applications are open for the 10th anniversary

For more news go to

LIST.CO.UK /NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS, LINEUPS AND OPINION

Made in Scotland showcase, a programme of theatre, dance and music from Scottish-based artists at Edinburgh Fringe. Made in Scotland shows from 2017 included Woke, Adam, TuTuMucky and The Sky is Safe. Applications close on Wed 22 Nov.

POETRY PLEASE StAnza has revealed the headline names for its 21st anniversary festival (Wed 7–Sun 11 Mar).

Scotland’s International Poetry Festival will feature Forward Prize winner Sinéad Morrissey, former Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, Gillian Allnutt, Tara Bergin and William Letford. The themes for the festival are Borderlines and The Self.

WELCOME BACK PERTH THEATRE Perth Theatre is due to officially reopen following a £16.6 million overhaul on Fri 9 Dec, for the first performance of its pantomime Aladdin. Their reopening season also features Knives in Hens, Richard III and Karine Polwart’s 2016 Edinburgh Festival hit, Wind Resistance.

A PRIZE-WINNING READ Denise Mina became the first female to win the McIlvanney Prize for best Scottish crime book for her novel The Long Drop. The book, based on the infamous case of Peter Manuel, has also picked

up the Gordon Burn Prize and has been shortlisted for Scottish Fiction Book of the Year at the Saltire Literary Awards.

FINGERS CROSSED FOR PAISLEY Paisley is the only Scottish town or city shortlisted to be host UK City of Culture 2021. In December, either Coventry, Paisley, Stoke, Sunderland or Swansea will be named the third UK City of Culture, following in the footsteps of DerryLondonderry and Hull.

EDINBURGH FESTIVALS ON TOUR Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh International Science Festival and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival are heading north to Aberdeen for a four-day mini festival. FESTIVAL! features screenings, performances and workshops and aims to bring the spirit of the three world-class events to the Granite City.

SCOT IS THE WORD Edinburgh Hogmanay has launched a campaign calling on the young people of Scotland to choose one word which best answers the question: ‘What makes you proud to live in Scotland?’ The #Scotword will be revealed through torchlight during the annual Torchlight Procession on Sat 30 Dec. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 15

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NEWS A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME Rowena McIntosh checks out the Rose Theatre, a festival venue that’s set to become a permanent fixture on the capital’s live scene

COMING UP AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries, as well as a short film competition to develop the next generation of African moviemakers. Various venues, Scotland, until Sun 5 Nov. GLASGOW HORROR FESTIVAL Popcorn Horror presents this scary two-day festival featuring a horror market, industry panels, indie screenings, drag queen Lacy Rain, FX demo, podcast battle and the Monster Mash club night. Classic Grand, Glasgow, Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov. DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL Boutique weekend festival bringing world cinema, forgotten classics and new work by Scottish directors to the seaside town of Dunoon.

Films include Becoming Cary Grant, Edie and A Man Called Ove. Various venues, Dunoon, Fri 10– Sun 12 Nov.

D

uring August in the capital, it seems every space that can hold a few chairs and a microphone is used as a Fringe venue. The majority pack up at the end of the month but the Rose Theatre, which hosted shows as part of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, is now a year-round home for comedy, theatre and cabaret.

The theatre is housed in the former site of the Charlotte Baptist Chapel (on Rose Street funnily enough), and has undergone a £1.8million conversion and refurbishment. Comedy giants Gilded Balloon will programme the Basement Theatre, a 120-capacity venue within the Rose, as well as staging various productions in the Main Theatre.

Headlining Gilded Balloon’s inaugural winter programme is Morag Fullarton’s A Bottle of Wine and Patsy Cline (Thu 30 Nov–Sat 30 Dec). Gail Watson reprises her role as Patsy, performing the iconic singer’s greatest hits, including ‘Crazy’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’. So that’s the Patsy Cline taken care of, but what about the wine? Well, theatregoers will receive a wee bottle with every ticket.

Opening the Gilded Balloon’s programme in the Basement Theatre is Edinburgh-based Irish curmudgeon Dylan Moran, with his latest tour Grumbling Mustard (Thu 23 & Fri 24 Nov). Other comedy highlights include the concisely named The Comedy Show, a Friday or Saturday event with top local acts including Jay Lafferty, Jojo Sutherland, Scott Agnew and Gary Little.

Tickets are on sale now for Stephen Frost’s immersive Celebrity Murder Mystery Play (Thu 30 Nov), where you’re promised ‘a laugh, a drink, a quiz and a murder’; a scratch night showcasing new writing called Short Attention Span (Tue 5 & Wed 6 Dec) and UnfuckYourself (Fri 1 Dec), a fundraiser for World Aids Day in the style of a multi-artform, semi-cabaret experience, that examines human nature in a time where the right-wing looms ever larger.

The Basement Theatre programme also gives you a chance to see returning hits from the 2017 Fringe, including anarchist cook George Egg in DIY Chef (Thu 7 & Fri 8 Dec) and Chris Henry’s children’s show Balloonatics (Sat 16, 23, 30 Dec).

FOODIES FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS A three-day festive food extravaganza including producers’ market, tastings, demonstrations, a wine and champagne village and over 150 stalls selling the best local seasonal produce. EICC, Edinburgh, Fri 24–Sun 26 Nov. BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND A ‘national book festival’ for Scotland. A packed programme of author events, kids’ activities and the distribution of free books all combine to form a week-long national celebration of reading.

Various venues, Scotland, Mon 27 Nov–Sun 3 Dec.

THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL A festival of music, culture and heritage. East Lothian is the birthplace of the Scottish Flag and the Saltire Festival celebrates this fact alongside St Andrew’s Day. Various venues, East Lothian, Thu 30 Nov–Sun 3 Dec.

Tickets on sale now at gildedballoon.co.uk

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CHRIS ROCK The last time Chris Rock performed live in the UK, his US homeland must have seemed like a very different place to now. Barack Obama was on the rise, just months before he would be elected president, with a sense of hope propelling people on and an unmistakeable optimism in the air. Fast forward nine years and you have to wonder where on earth Rock will begin as he weighs in on the USA’s state of disrepair, while the world wonders how long the current resident of the White House can possibly last in his job. Of course, Rock could throw a curveball and furnish us with anecdotes about the differences between men and women or cats and zebras, but with a veritable open goal ahead of him, it should be a delight seeing Rock hit the back of the satirical net. Chris Rock: The Total Blackout Tour, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Wed 24 Jan.

BIG PICTURE

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Y R O T S I H MAKE R E T N I W THIS The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017 has explored Scotland’s distinct culture and traditions alongside its historic landscapes, hidden gems and amazing stories.

From Viking festivals to Highland Games, World Heritage Sites to spectacular jousting - a programme of events and festivals celebrating Scotland’s fascinating past has attracted both visitors and locals alike. With plenty more activity still set to take place, all that’s left to decide is where you’ll be making your own history this winter! some arts and crafts and listen to Christmas stories!

Or head along to Stirling Castle for a fun and exciting adaptation of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol (22 & 23 December). s National Museum of Scotland is serving up all things silver at Scotland’s Early Silver Exhibition until 25 February 2018. Featuring spectacular objects dating from AD75 to AD1000, discover the part that silver p n played in the transformation of society in S Scotland throughout the first millennium a and how silver helped to shape the first k kingdoms. Or if you’re looking for some late night museum fun, Museum Lates is back with a Bonnie Prince Charlie and Jacobite themed evening of fun, music and culture (10 November). With costume capers, a silent disco, gallery ceilidhs and facepainting it’ll be a night out like no other!

Winding through the historic streets of Edinburgh’s old town Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: Torchlight Procession (30 December) will close out one themed year by welcoming in the next. To mark the launch of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, the climax of this year’s procession will see torches spell out one word, #ScotWord, chosen by the young people of Scotland answering the question “What makes you most proud to live in Scotland?” It will be a spectacle to be part of and to behold!

EUM OF SCOTLAND

PHOTO: NATIONAL MUS

With a packed programme of events in store, Previously…Scotland’s History Festival (17-26 November) will bring history to life throughout a variety of venues in Edinburgh. From a day dedicated to the impact history has had on computer games at ‘Gaming History’ to an afternoon dedicated to the memory of Dr Elsie Inglis – there’s set to be something for everyone! mmemorative Additionally, as part of Scotland’s Com Commemorative Programme for World War One, a service celebrating the work of Dr Elsie Inglis and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals will be held in 9 St Giles Cathedral on Wednesday 29 November.

The beautiful Colours of Cluny 2017 (8-19 November) will light up the Northern Scotland skies with a dramatic and mesmerising mixture of sound and light. Visitors get the chance to see the natural landscape of Forres’ Grant Park and Cluny Hill in a very different light, with trees, walkways and Nelson’s Tower illuminated for all to enjoy.

If you are looking for a historic Christmas experience, why not pay a visit to Victorian Christmas at Falkland Palace (9 & 10 December).

Listen to live festive music in the Chapel Royal, learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, try your hand at

Find more events and festivals at visitscotland.com/HHA2017 18 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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PHOTO: OMAR SALAM, ILLUMINATION: IRVINE HARBOUR’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

FESTIVE FUSION Why not combine a spot of Christmas shopping with some historic discovery. Take a journey into the past and be inspired at visitscotland.com/25objects or Edinburgh.org/101

WINTER AT THE SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE The Scottish Storytelling Centre delivers an inclusive celebration of winter traditions, across generations, cultures and societies.

‘Fisherman’s Feast, Sailor’s Rest’ on St. Andrew’s Night (30 November) serves up a feast of tales and songs, celebrating the contribution of wanderers, migrants and exiles to Scotland’s national story. There is also fun for all the family with the ‘Italian & Scottish Ceilidh’ (2 December), where different folk traditions are fused together and ‘Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling’ (2 December) featuring multi-sensory stories.

ST ANDREW’S DAY

CLU PHOTO: COLOURS OF

EVENTS

Celebrate Scotland’s patron saint this St Andrew’s Day with an eclectic mix of events and activities.

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ILLUMINATION: IRVINE HARBOUR’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT 30 November – 3 December A fire and aerial art spectacular, light trail, firework displays, lantern parade, skiff racing, whisky tastings, illuminated bike ride, food fair and more at the Scottish Maritime Museum and Irvine Harbourside.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: FANTASY SCOTLAND 24 November Head to The Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow as it comes to life to celebrate forgotten histories and heritage. From Peter Pan to Outlander, modern Scottish fantasy as portrayed in literature, film and TV, provides the theme for this dazzling event.

GLASGOW ST ANDREW’S DAY TORCHLIGHT PARADE PHOTO: BREABACH,

30 November Join the parade as it snakes its way through Glasgow’s historic streets.

THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL

ST ANDREW’S TRAD FEST, THE SALTIRE FEST IVAL

30 November – 3 December It is set to bring together people from all over the world to celebrate the very best of Scotland’s heritage, culture, food & drink, music, and arts across a range of venues in East Lothian. St Andrew’s Day Trad Fest will open the festival with award winning Scottish bands Breabach and Barluath performing with a stunning opening from East Lothian’s Massed Pipes and Drums.

OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL 17-26 November Once again the award winning festival will have a variety of activity on offer including parades, ceilidhs, live music, markets and more at venues throughout the town.

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HOT 100

COM E TO HO WED T 100 P THE ART 1 NO Y ROX V AT AS ON Y, ED SEM B INBU GET RGH LY

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LIST CKETS AT .C /HO O.UK T PAR 100 TY

Another blockbuster year of Scottish culture has just whizzed by and once again we’ve taken on the monumental task of ranking in order our top movers, shakers and pioneers. From award

winners, artistic directors, new talents, experienced campaigners, great venues and memorable festivals, you should find all the people and places who made 2017 another landmark year for the arts and entertainment industry. But who has nabbed this year’s top slot? Let the countdown begin . . .

WRITERS: Craig Angus, Kelly Apter, Brian Donaldson, Scott Henderson, Lorna Irvine, Rowena McIntosh, Henry Northmore, David Pollock, Arusa Qureshi, Murray Robertson, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith, Stewart Smith, Louise Stoddart, Gareth K Vile ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM: Niki Boyle, Rachael Cloughton, Eddie Harrison, Carol Main, Jo Laidlaw, Donald Reid, Yasmin Sulaiman, Jay Thundercliffe, Laura Waddell

SPONSORED BY

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HOT 100 100 LIMMY LIFE OF BRIAN

His second short story collection That’s Yer Lot was another unsettling vision from Brian Limond, a man whose surreal comedy feels effortless. Limmy’s Homemade Show is on the way, but entertain yourself in the meantime watching him teach people some manners on Twitter. (CA)

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99 INVERLEITH HOUSE GARDENS WORLD

With ‘lack of vision and leadership’ cited by the report into the sudden closure of one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most lovely galleries, we’ll have to wait and see how much its planned reopening (marked by the great Plant Scenery of the World exhibition this summer) commits to first-rate contemporary art. (DP)

98 PETER CAPALDI TUCKER’S LUCK

97 SEAN FOCUS SIGHT AND SOUND

Zimbabwe-born, Edinburgh-based Sean Focus wears many different hats, from artist and producer to sound engineer and label boss. His recently released EP ‘Koda’ is an afro-pop banger, with elements of bashment, dancehall and rap mixed in for good measure. (AQ)

96 CRAFT SCOTLAND THAT’S HANDY

During the rather busy month of August, Craft Scotland’s summer show rolled into the capital’s White Stuff for an exhibition of contemporary designled craft. They also had a strong presence at London Craft Week and the London Design Festival. (BD)

95 CHRIS BROOKMYRE See feature, right.

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KAITE WELSH

METAPHROG

DEAD GOOD

GRAPHIC DESIGNS

Author and critic Kaite Welsh launched a new kind of amateur sleuth this year in The Wages of Sin. Set in Victorian Edinburgh, the novel featured Sarah Gilchrist, a medical student and ‘fallen woman’ drawn into a murder enquiry when she recognises a corpse in her anatomy lecture. (BD)

For just over 20 years, John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs have been making their mark on the Scottish comics scene as Metaphrog. Currently the first ever graphic novelists to be Patrons of Reading at Aberdeen’s Northfield Academy, the duo had success in 2017 with their take on The Little Mermaid. (BD)

93 RICHARD GADD MONKEYING AROUND

The Fife winner of the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award brought his victorious Monkey See Monkey Do back for a limited run at Summerhall, upstaged the League of Gentlemen at this August’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards ceremony and starred opposite Daniel Mays in Against the Law, part of the BBC’s Gay Britannia season. (BD)

PHOTO: BOB MCDEVITT

While Peter Capaldi’s tenure in Doctor Who hasn’t been an unmitigated success, let’s blame that on the early writing. This year’s series was a triumph, and Capaldi, channelling just a hint of Malcolm Tucker’s cantankerousness, has helped the character escape from its nice-young-man period. (MR)

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92 THE SOUP MOVEMENT BOWLED OVER

Originally started in the USA, ‘Soups’ are now taking place across Scotland. A brilliant example of local democracy: you pay a fiver, eat tasty soup, watch live bands, hear four local charities pitch for the entrance pot and then vote for your favourite. (KA)

91 KENNETH TINDALL DANCE LOVER

A dancer with Northern Ballet for 12 years, Dundeeborn Tindall began flexing his choreographic muscles in 2012 with small one-act pieces. In 2017 he created his first full-length work, the superb Casanova, which toured the UK to critical and audience acclaim. (KA)

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HOT 100

PARTNER IN CRIME Scottish crime-writing giant Chris Brookmyre rounds off a good year with his new novel, Places in the Darkness. Rowena McIntosh chats to the author about his latest work

Places in the Darkness takes crime fiction into space. Eighty years after the Ciudad De Cielo (‘the city in the sky’) was established, it experiences its first homicide. Jaded former LAPD detective Nikki Freeman is tasked with finding the killer, under the watchful eye of uptight government worker Dr Alice Blake, who has just arrived from Earth. Chris Brookmyre’s latest is gripping, exploring the frightening possibilities of advanced technology and set among the CdC’s seedy underbelly of base human desires and police corruption, as its author explains.

Why did you decide to set a crime novel in space?

I was intrigued by the idea of somewhere that is advanced and aspirational and yet permanently on the edge of existence. People are only metres away from instant death in the cold vacuum of space.

I also liked the idea of being able to create my own city with its own subcultures and rules. Nobody can tell me my police procedural details are wrong if I have created my own police force.

PHOTO: PAUL REICH

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Did you already have the vivid opening image in mind when you started the book?

It’s a trope of crime fiction to begin with the discovery of a body, so I thought about how the possibilities of a space station might allow me to twist that convention. I thought about the implications of a crime scene in microgravity – where the body would not just be lying in place – then realised I could take it much further.

There are no Scottish characters in this book, but there is a lot of Scotch whisky. Why was that so important to the story?

It is a book about the Caveman Principle: how the more we immerse ourselves in a world of advanced technology (and in this case the further we get from Earth), the more we crave visceral human experience. Hence CdC has a massive underground economy of sex, nightclubs, fight clubs and bootleg booze, especially single malts. Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich are prized because they have a history and a geography that connect them to the Earth.

Could you be as creative as you wanted with technology?

I tried to be disciplined about the possibilities of future technology, and not just invent things for the purposes of plot convenience. The most important innovation in the book is optogenetic meshes: a theoretically possible technology that has already been carried out on mice, imprinting new memories directly into the brain. The mesh allows for new knowledge to be instantly known, but opens the door for an individual’s memory to be effectively edited by someone else, which is an idea with terrifying implications.

The book has a lot of strong female roles. Do you think there is a feminist slant to your approach?

I am a huge fan of [Lethal Weapon director] Shane Black, and I wanted to write a female equivalent of the buddy cop thriller. In a book showing some human weaknesses never change, I wanted to be optimistic in depicting a future where there are no longer traditional gender-delineated roles. I don’t feel it’s for me to label my own work as feminist. I think it is for women to tell me if they think it is.

■ Places in the Darkness is published by Orbit, Thu 9 Nov, and launched in association with Blackwell, Edinburgh, Wed 8 Nov and Waterstones, Glasgow, Thu 9 Nov. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 23

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89 DAVID GREIG STAGE MANAGER

Continuing his championing of relevant and engaged theatre, David Greig enters the second year of his artistic direction at the Lyceum by promoting scripts from the past and present that shed light on contemporary conflicts and difficult moral conundrums. (GKV)

88 GILDED BALLOON POP UP COMEDY

This year the Gilded Balloon persuaded Craig Ferguson to cross the Atlantic to its new year-round venue on Edinburgh’s Rose Street for a Fringe version of his radio chat show. As the legendary Karen Koren hands over the keys to daughter Katy, the Balloon is in further fine fettle with a new winter season being launched. (MR)

87 LOUISE GRAY

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The Grub Stake from 1923 led the way alongside an exploration of women in Chinese film. (BD)

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IN THE CLOUDS

84 GARY MCNAIR PEN PALS

Brilliant theatrical storyteller Gary McNair’s Fringe First-winning Letters to Morrissey could be his difficult-third-album-that’s-recognised-as-a-classic: his The Queen Is Dead, if you will. 2018 sees him take on the ‘unique’ poet, one William McGonagall, among other things. (LI)

Now into its third year, this impressively scenic event has proven itself to be one of Scotland’s best small festivals, with a very convincing electronic lineup.

Optimo, Joy Orbison, Mano Le Tough and Django Django all played, weirdly complementing the more traditional likes of Blazin’ Fiddles. (DP)

83 PROC FISKAL LAW UNTO HIMSELF

Proc Fiskal became a fully-fledged member of the Hyperdub family earlier this year as the Londonbased label’s newest signing. The Edinburgh producer caught Hyperdub’s attention with his fast and forceful, sample-heavy interpretation of contemporary grime, as featured on his debut EP ‘The Highland Mob’. (AQ)

MEAT AND GREET

86 BREAKFAST MUFF MORNING PEOPLE

Following up The Feels and Rainbow Yawn, DIY trio Breakfast Muff’s onomatopoeic Eurgh! was a furious triumph, aided by two bona fide anthems in ‘Babyboomers’ (‘Sorry we’re fucked up / You made us this way’) and ‘R U A Feminist’. (CA)

85 HIPPFEST QUIET LIFE

The Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness hosted another stellar festival of silent cinema, which shone much its light on female pioneers of the form. Nell Shipman’s

PHOTO: STEVIE POWERS

Since publishing The Ethical Carnivore in 2016 (where she shares stories from her year of eating only meat she killed herself), Louise Gray has been an engaged, informed and fresh voice in intelligent food debates, festivals and events across the country. (LS)

81 NOEL JORDAN KIDS STUFF

The 2017 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (formerly Imaginate) was the first to be fully programmed by director, Noel Jordan (above): and what a year it was. The Australian brought us a truly stellar lineup of shows, for tinies up to teenagers. (KA)

80 FLINT & PITCH TOUGH WORDS

The new spoken-word project from Jenny Lindsay made its mark this year. A night at Hidden Door paved the way for its Reclaim the Script events as part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, featuring writers, musicians and performers exploring mental health through a variety of provocations. (KS)

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Annual Exhibition 2017 Sat 4th - Sun 12th November ~ Admission Free Mon-Fri 9am-5pm / Sat 10am-5pm / Sun 11am-4pm Custom Lane Custom Wharf 67 Commercial Street Leith EH6 6LH

See www.sfma.org.uk for more details…

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A FOOD CAUSE Social enterprises are big business, contributing around £24bn to the economy.

Jo Laidlaw finds that they can also have a huge impact on the way we eat Gorgie City Farm blew out 40 candles on its birthday cake this summer, with outgoing chief executive Josiah Lockhart leaving the once-ailing farm in fine shape. A trip to Gorgie has long been a rite of passage for Edinburgh’s kids, but it does more than provide a fun-filled day out. In fact, it’s a trailblazing social enterprise connecting people to food through volunteering opportunities, the sale of farm-produced eggs, veg and meat in the café and shop, and partnerships with some of the city’s best-known chefs and restaurants.

Raising meat carefully, sustainably and openly (there’s no pretence that the piggies aren’t for the pot) not only provides an income, but is a fertile breeding ground for off-the-wall ideas. So when Fred Berkmiller, chef-proprietor of L’Escargot Bleu and Blanc, was offered some rare-breed, slow-growing Mangalitsa piglets, where better to bring them up than Gorgie? ‘Gorgie City Farm shows young people where their food comes from,’ explains Berkmiller. ‘Without this knowledge, where will the customers and chefs of the future come from? To be able to raise the pigs half a mile up the road, to watch them grow, then to use every part of them in our kitchens is a brilliant way to support the farm, educate children and guarantee beautiful, unique produce for the restaurants.’

But eating with a social conscience doesn’t have to involve trips to a restaurant. With three farms, a shop, a veg-box scheme and a wholesale

business, Glasgow-based community-interest company Locavore has a ‘big plan’ to scale up and become a viable alternative to the supermarkets, creating an opportunity for most people to do most of their shopping in an easy, yet ethical way. Dig In Bruntsfield has a similar concept with pantry staples (fresh fruit and veg, milk and bread) all available from this wee grocery shop, which is wholly owned by the community.

The humble morning coffee or lunchtime sandwich can also be a powerful force for good. More and more social enterprise cafés have sprung up recently, most of them providing training opportunities and a vital source of income for grassroots charities.

Social Bite is one of the most well-known, with a network of cafés in Glasgow and Edinburgh where customers can ‘pay it forward’ and buy a meal for a homeless person. Their concept matured last year with the launch of Home by Maison Bleue, a French-inspired restaurant.

But the Edinburgh Community Cafés website lists around 50 cafés around town with a social purpose, ranging from the fabby Grassmarket Café to the equally brilliant Breadshare, whose mission is to make real bread accessible to everyone in the community. Clear evidence, then, that there are plenty of opportunities to put your money where your mouth is, and support local good causes.

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SPONSORED BY

PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

PHOTO: ANDREW O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

79 LEITH DEPOT STATION MASTERS

A much-loved pub and local live venue that was used during both the Leith Late and EH6 festivals, Leith Depot finds itself under threat as the block which houses it is earmarked for developers. Hopefully this isn’t the first step in edgy Leith’s descent into corporate blandness. (DP)

78 HAPPY MEALS EAT TO THE BEAT

Happy Meals released Full Ashram Devotional Ceremony Volumes IV-VI on Optimo’s So Low, toured with the Flaming Lips and Liars, and hosted a ‘12hour overnight communal immersion’ at Kinning Park Complex with live music, visual art and yoga. Theirs is a life-affirming spirit of adventure. (CA)

77 FREAKENDER FREAK OUT

Ross Keppie (Fuzzkill), Ian Crawford (El Rancho) and Holly Calder (Eyes Wide Open) teamed up to curate another weekend of garage rock madness at Glasgow’s Old Hairdressers. Embracing the best of the community, the trio are now hosting regular shows throughout the year. (CA)

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LEWIS CAPALDI BONE UP

PHOTO: LUCUS .J PHOTOGRAPHY

The ‘new Paolo Nutini’ tag is getting harder to shake for this 21-year-old from Bathgate. 2017 highlights included supporting Rag‘n’Bone Man, an EP with a track by Frank Ocean collaborator Malay, and an already sold-out 2018 date at Glasgow’s ABC. (DP)

74 GORGIE CITY FARM See feature, left.

73 ANNA MEREDITH GOING GAGA

76 RM HUBBERT WOODS STOCKED

Hubby’s Telling the Trees album was shortlisted for the SAY Award, while his ‘Recovery’ EP, to raise funds lost after a bout of mental ill health, highlighted Scottish music’s kind nature. His soundtrack to 1926 Soviet film By the Law also showcased his thoughtful musical storytelling skills. (KS)

Highlights for last year’s Number 1 included a sensational performance at Hidden Door, a maiden tour of the US that was rapturously received and the sound of the inimitable ‘Nautilus’ soundtracking Lady Gaga’s Netflix documentary Five Foot Two. (CA)

72 SWG3 CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRIAL

An ever-reliable live venue at the best of times,

the industrial Glasgow complex which includes the Poetry Club expanded dramatically this year, with both the huge indoor hall which held the wildly successful Optimo 20 party and the outdoor Galvanizer’s Yard, which was christened by The xx.

(DP)

71 APPHIA CAMPBELL AWARE IT WELL

Although she is still touring Black is the Colour of My Voice, her stunning biography of Nina Simone, Campbell’s Woke surprised the Fringe with its timely and passionate analysis of Black Lives Matter activism and its roots in 1960s’ revolutionary politics.

Part of the Made in Scotland Showcase, Woke also won a Fringe First this summer. (GKV)

70 EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE CAPITAL GAINS

Summer isn’t summer without it. The artistic bubble that is the Fringe celebrated its 70th in style with the usual melee of controversy, confusion and charisma.

From Wild Bore to Trygve Vs A Baby, nothing was off-limits. Long may it reign. (LI) 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 27

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64 JONNIE COMMON RESTLESS NIGHTS

Not one to lay idle, Jonnie Common indulged in some standalone gigs to workshop new material before releasing his single ‘Restless’, touring his upcoming album, scoring Ross Sutherland’s poem for the BBC’s Missing Episode, and collaborating on a project for The McManus Gallery’s 150th birthday.

(KS) PHOTO: TRACKIE MCLEOD

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DUNDEE DESIGN FESTIVAL

Scotland’s biggest comic publisher outside of DC Thomson goes from strength to strength, with 2017 seeing the release of Frank Quitely: The Art of Comics and Jack Lothian and Garry Mac’s Tomorrow, the conclusion of John Wagner and Alan Grant’s Rok of the Reds, the curation of Neil Slorance’s exhibition at CCA and a new distribution deal with Turnaround, as well as the ever-excellent Glasgow Comic Con (DP)

SNEAKY PETE’S SLY DOGS

EAST ENDERS

Barras Art and Design constructed a sprawling al fresco area dubbed Backyard, featuring an elevated deck, a variety of work spaces, gourmet food trucks, graffiti art and terrace seating across a 4000ft outdoor urban space which gave this spot in the East End of Glasgow an extra impetus. (BD)

66 KOBI ONYAME SHINING BRIGHT

Kobi Onyame’s latest album Gold is a glorious

OH141 aims to improve representation in electronic music by providing support to women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

DJ, promoter and OH141 boss Sarra Wild has been working hard to promote diversity and inclusion not only through the club night itself, but by way of a radio show, panel discussions and DJ workshops.

(AQ)

STRIP CLUB

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BAAD

GO, WILD

BHP

Now in its second year at former print factory West Ward Works, Dundee Design Festival is a still-growing event which revealed hidden depths across not just a number of areas of design, but also in terms of music events and creative social engagement. (DP)

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TAY BRIDGED

With almost a decade at the heart of Edinburgh’s live music and club communities, Sneaky Pete’s continues to thrive. The 100-capacity sweatbox is open and busy every night, hosting up-and-coming bands from around the world as well as world-class DJs and label parties on a regular basis. (AQ)

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61 SPINNING COIN MONEY TALKS

fusion of Ghanaian highlife sounds and rhythms with characteristics of contemporary hip hop, offering something fresh and interesting. The Glasgow-based rapper is no doubt headed for great things in 2018 and beyond. (AQ)

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The gorgeous ‘Albany’ saw them hook up with Stephen McRobbie’s Geographic Records, and Spinning Coin haven’t stopped since, embarking on high-profile tours with Teenage Fanclub, Real Estate and Sacred Paws, and releasing debut album Permo (see review, page 104). (CA)

ARCHIFRINGE

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DESIGN GURUS

WEE RED BAR

Among the highlights of this year’s nationwide grassroots architecture and design festival (with its themes of ‘public life, perception and practice’) were Partition which explored Belfast’s structural divisions, a minibus trip to Bonnington’s art deco Hydro Electric Power Station, and UrbanPioneers’ War Zone Creatives. (BD)

CRIMSON TIDE

As well as playing host to a regular stream of local and international underground talent all year round, Wee Red Bar has become home to many new LGBTQ+ nights including the excellent XOXO, synth-pop heavy Temptation and newly launched A Midsummer Night’s Queen. (AQ)

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Her Amazing Life Story & Songs That Made Her a Legend

GILDED BALLOON present by arrangement with the ORAN MOR

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PHOTO: STEVE ULLATHORNE

e m i t n e e Scr

54 GREEN DOOR STUDIOS SWAP SHOP

Founded in 2006, Green Door is a vital hub for the Glasgow music scene. Their youth courses have been game-changing, while their collaboration with the Tafi Cultural Institute in Ghana has brought about genuine cultural exchange. (SS)

53 TRNSMT T IN THE PAST

Fronted by Radiohead, Kasabian, Belle & Sebastian, Stormzy and Rag‘n’Bone Man, the inaugural ‘replacement’ for T in the Park on Glasgow Green was an unqualified organisational success. We’re thrilled it’s coming back in 2018, hopefully with more female artists this time. (DP)

The Central Belt’s enjoying a bit of a boom as a film and TV location right now, as Henry Northmore explains

52 KELLY MACDONALD LADY DI

59 SUSAN CALMAN DANCING QUEEN

In a past Fringe show, Susan Calman recalled the days when she just wanted to dance in Swan Lake.

This year, she’s been strutting her stuff on Strictly.

Thankfully, she found time to do that live comedy thing that she’s also good at, stopping off for an emotional gig at the Traverse on The Calman Before the Storm national tour. (BD)

58 CATRIONA MORISON HOPE OPERA

Winner of not one but two prizes at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World event (including being the first ever British victor of the main award), Edinburghborn mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison is an ensemble member of Wuppertal Opera, featuring recently in their stagings of Rigoletto and Les contes d’Hoffmann. (BD)

57 PEGGY HUGHES ANGLIA FOR A MOVE

Kelly Macdonald popped up for a brief but crucial cameo in T2. However it was in the second half of the year that she really stretched her acting wings as a grieving mother in the TV adaptation of Ian McEwan’s The Child in Time and as a nanny in biopic Goodbye Christopher Robin. (HN)

51 YOUNG FATHERS DAD EDUCATION

They may have received a ridiculous amount of backlash for it but Young Fathers’ short film, Random White Dudes, made in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, was a terrific and bold interrogation of white privilege. The Edinburgh trio also contributed heavily to the T2 soundtrack, getting the seal of approval from Danny Boyle and Irvine Welsh himself. (AQ)

56

There was an explosion in filming across Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2017. Trainspotting 2 hit the cinemas in January and unsurprisingly the vast majority was shot in Edinburgh and Leith, capturing the reality of Renton (Ewan McGregor), Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and Begbie’s (Robert Carlyle) lives.

In spring, the capital was taken over by the Avengers folk for big budget sequel Infinity War. All the key players – including Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo – swooped into town, with the Royal Mile, Cockburn Street and Waverley Station the key locations in the superhero blockbuster. This was the biggest ever shoot to take place in Edinburgh, with a crew of over 400 in tow, and it’s estimated the Marvel movie boosted the Scottish economy by £10m. Further afield the latest Mary, Queen of Scots biopic (starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie and David Tennant) filmed around Inverness and Aviemore.

In TV a number of high-profile dramas have been set in Scotland.

The BBC’s student drama Clique and medical thriller Trust Me both took place in Edinburgh. And alongside River City, Robot Wars and Mrs Brown’s Boys, The Replacement (starring Morven Christie and Vicky McClure) was also filmed in Glasgow.

ITV’s Liar featured Edinburgh in one episode and murder mystery The Loch was based on and around Loch Ness. Closer to home, series three of historical romance / action adventure Outlander (Amazon Prime) filmed right outside The List offices, transforming the courtyard into a bustling Jacobean marketplace.

Meanwhile, plans for the £250m Pentland Studio complex, comprising six sound stages on the outskirts of Edinburgh, have been greenlit by the Scottish Government and should be open for business in late 2018.

Taking up a new post as programme director at the Writers’ Centre Norwich in November, Peggy Hughes leaves a large footprint behind on the Scottish literary scene, most recently as director of the Dundee Literary Festival and the (now sadly ended) Dundee International Book Prize. Her final event welcomed Jacqueline Wilson, Andrew O’Hagan and Denise Mina. (DP)

56 NICO SIMEONE JOY OF SIX

Glasgow-based Six by Nico serves a brand new six-course tasting menu every six weeks, each one based on a different theme. Nico’s other restaurant, 111 by Nico, also continues to impress the city’s diners, with affordable fine dining and a training academy for disadvantaged young people. (LS)

55 RACHEL MCCRUM CANADA DRY

Though she now calls Montreal home, Rachel McCrum remains a mainstay on the Scottish poetry and spoken-word scene. This was emphasised by her wonderful debut poetry collection, The First Blast to Awaken Women Degenerate, a lyrically beautiful and tender piece of work that draws attention to the strong and vulnerable voices of women. (AQ)

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50 NEU! REEKIE! SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS

The ever well-connected, music and poetry collective had Bill Drummond of the KLF shining shoes in a church hall on Easter Road, Irvine Welsh and Ewen Bremner reading from Trainspotting in the stunning Leith Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival, and represented Scotland with Where Are We Now? at Hull City of Culture 2017. (DP)

49 TIDY CARNAGE SHAME OLD STORY

Theatre company Tidy Carnage capture the need for female-focused work. This year, the brilliant,

heart-rending play about dementia, Descent, toured to great acclaim, and Shame focused on slut-shaming, with Unshamed, a social media project running alongside it. Hugely important, now more than ever. (LI)

48 BLOODY SCOTLAND CUTTING EDGE

Scotland’s crime writing festival continues to lead the way in creative programming. The sixth edition featured a torchlit procession, criminal cabaret, podcast recordings, new talent spotlights and experts quizzing authors. No booking fees and a focus on disabled access mean Bloody Scotland is bloody brilliant.

(RMc)

47 HONEYBLOOD CELL OUT

As well as being shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award for sophomore release Babes Never Die, Honeyblood have been superactive throughout 2017. Their largest tour yet took them to Singapore and Australia, and Have Yourself a Honeybloody Christmas sees the band headline Glasgow’s ABC in December. (KS)

46 GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS HORIZON

Special events have truly become GFF’s calling card, and it’s hard to think of another film fest in the UK that does them better right now. The Thing at Snow Factor and The Lost Boys at M&Ds were remarkable productions. (SH)

45 KAREN GILLAN

49

POST POND LIFE

Karen Gillan returned as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 starting as a villain but ending the movie as the latest member of the Marvel superhero team. Plus a lead role in the Jumanji reboot hits the cinemas this December. (HN)

44 OLD HAIRDRESSERS CLIP JOINT

A bar, gallery and venue situated down Glasgow’s Renfield Lane, the Old Hairdressers is arguably the most exciting small venue in Scotland, offering everything from hardcore punk and free jazz, to experimental theatre and cult cinema. (SS)

43 SARA SHAARAWI AND HENRY BELL CHILL OUT

Playwright Shaarawi and writer / editor Bell were behind Summerhall’s Arabic cabaret night Chill Habibi during the Fringe, an event which secured Emma Thompson for a reading, while a number of performers were denied visas. They also cofounded Glasgow’s Workers Theatre and took their adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s 1982, Janine to Egypt.

(DP)

42 ALASDAIR ROBERTS PLOUGHING ON

Alasdair Roberts delivered one of his finest albums in Pangs, its visionary folk balladry enhanced by the jazzy vitality of Stevie Jones and Alex Neilson’s rhythm section. Meanwhile, Furrow Collective won Best Band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. (SS)

41 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREEN TEST

At first glance, God’s Own Country seemed a strange Opening Night selection, but the UK premiere turned out to be an absolute coup: watch out for BAFTAs in the New Year. Their interactive Play strand also elevated EIFF this year. (SH)

40 SAM AINSLEY GOLDEN TEACHER

Sam Ainsley once taught soon-to-be successful Glasgow School of Art students (Ross Sinclair for one) but her own name was well and truly made with her first solo exhibition in three decades. Tobermory was the location for her exploration of politics, feminism and the human body. (BD) 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 31

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at 3 online sketches. Dad also did some great work, too, with a very fine Fringe showing in the shape of Irreverence. (BD)

MOHSEN AMINI TAKING TO TALISK

Concertina player Mohsen Amini is a true rising star on the trad music scene having been crowned the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2016. Since his big win, he’s been away touring the world with his two bands, the multiaward- winning trio Talisk and folk supergroup Ímar.

(AQ)

38 JAMES YORKSTON THAT’S FIFE

James Yorkston’s hometown gigs, Tae Sup wi’ a Fifer, continue to impress, with lineups including Roddy Woomble, Seamus Fogarty and Harry Giles. A new album in collaboration with Jon Thorne and Suhail Yusuf Khan cemented his musical diversity and bold outlook on the artform. (KS)

36 COUNTERFLOWS SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND

Another strong festival of difficult-to-categorise sonic pleasures took place this spring in Glasgow, with the likes of Ashley Paul, Farmers Manual and Midori Takada entertaining underground music fans in venues such as the CCA, Art School and Glad Café.

(BD)

35 ROCK ACTION SOLID CREW

PHOTO: TRUDY STADE

Mogwai’s label brought us a SAY Award winner in Sacred Paws’ Strike a Match, as well as Conflats, the first release from Kathryn Joseph, Marcus Mackay and James Graham under their Out Lines moniker, and more anarchic noise rock from Part Chimp. (CA)

34 GLAD CAFÉ HAPPY TALK

This great community enterprise has played a major role in the southside of Glasgow’s creative renaissance, hosting an eclectic range of live music, talks and screenings. Its Glad Foundation charity supports a number of initiatives, including music workshops. (SS)

33 MONKEY BARREL PLANET OF THE JAPES

Dedicated to comedy all year round, Monkey Barrel hosted Spencer Jones, Rob Kemp and Lucy Pearman’s award-nominated shows at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. A last-minute Big Bastard Burglary Benefit (starring Tim Key and James Acaster) helped some acts who had their flat robbed. A job well done.

(CA)

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MARK NELSON

MORVERN CUNNINGHAM

HEADLINE MAKERS

GOOD NIGHTS

It’s been a funny old year for the inaugural Scottish Comedian of the Year, as his daughter Isla won two prizes at the Scottish Comedy Awards for their News

Once again, Morvern Cunningham managed LeithLate with a June weekend of music, art and place-making which perfectly captured the spirit of

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Leith in 2017. Elsewhere, she was also involved in local mural creation, and in Leith Creative’s People and Places: Make Leith Better reporting project. (DP)

31 GERRY CINNAMON GOLD SPICE

With his debut album Erratic Cinematic breaking the iTunes top ten upon release in September, a pair of December headline dates at Barrowlands selling out within minutes and a packed-out hometown set at TRNSMT in July, the Castlemilk indie singer’s monumental local success is testament to word-ofmouth’s power. (DP)

30 GARRY FRASER CHOOSE DIRECTING

After sitting in on Garry Fraser’s filmmaking workshops in Muirhouse, Danny Boyle was so impressed with the up-and-coming director that he personally invited him to work on T2: Trainspotting where he became second unit director. Fraser is currently working on several projects with Irvine Welsh. (HN)

35 27/10/2017 18:44

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

21 FEBRUARY – 4 MARCH

THE PERFECT MOVIE MIX 4 August – 26 November 2017 www.royalcollection.org.uk 0303 123 7306

GFF18 MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW AT GLASGOWFILM.ORG/GFFMEMBERSHIP Glasgow Film Festival is an operating name of Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT), a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland No. 97369, and registered as a charity (No SC005932).

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WESTEROS WAG

28

In a very patchy season of Game of Thrones, McCann was consistently a highlight. The insults and quips remain a delight, but there’s depth there now. The Hound is one of the few with a genuine character arc, and McCann sells it brilliantly. (SH)

PHOTO: KEITH HUNTER

RORY MCCANN

PHOTO: CHRIS SCOTT

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28 GLASGOW WOMEN’S LIBRARY SHELF LIFE

Glasgow Women’s Library is dedicated to educating and supporting women. Their new festival, Open the Door, celebrated women writers from across the centuries. A push back against male-dominated literary events, it’s just one example of the great work being done by GWL to promote women. (KS)

27 BE CHARLOTTE SURVIVAL INSTINCT

From launching her ‘Heart of Survival’ EP to touring across the UK and Europe, collaborating with Scottish Opera for #OperaPassion day and working with Help Musicians UK to inspire the next generation of musicians in schools across the country, it’s been a big year for Charlotte Brimner.

(KS)

26 SIOBHAN WILSON MARCHING IN

After signing to Song, by Toad Records, Siobhan Wilson released her album There Are No Saints to immediate acclaim. Her heartbreaking voice and stunning lyrics led to Album of the Day on 6Music, and Wilson won the Green Man rising contest, earning a main stage slot at the festival. (KS)

25 HIDDEN DOOR SPACED OUT

Although the striking Leith Theatre was the star of the show, this year’s edition of the pop-up Edinburgh micro-festival deserves credit for thinking to use the space and making every inch of it work so well as an evocative home to a week and a half of music, art, theatre and film. (DP)

24 LEITH THEATRE STAGE PRESENCE

Both the triumphant Hidden Door festival in June

and August’s hugely popular Neu! Reekie! event in celebration of the Trainspotting movie’s 21st anniversary revealed this careworn two-tier 1932 theatre to be one of Scotland’s best live spaces. It has to be restored fully as soon as possible. (DP)

23 SMHAF MIND GAMES

With discussion around mental health more current than ever, the newly renamed Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival stepped up in 2017 with an excellent and involving programme of more than 300 countrywide events, including newly commissioned

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SPONSORED BY

PHOTO: IAN FOX

the Hot 100 THE STAND V ESSENTIAL EDINBURGH The Stand Comedy Club was unceremoniously locked out of St Andrew Square for the Edinburgh Fringe after square owner Essential Edinburgh deemed the venue’s annual takeover to be deleterious and contrary to its desire to keep its status as ‘an oasis of calm’ in the city centre. The decision arrived late in the day and left The Stand with losses ‘enough to buy a house in Edinburgh’.

26 theatre pieces from Julia Taudevin and Mariem Omari, an international film competition and much more. (DP)

raw Meet Me at Dawn. Meanwhile, her Oresteia returned for dates at the EIF and the Citz. Always unpredictable, and always inspiring. (LI)

22

21

ZINNIE HARRIS

JOHNNY LYNCH

CLASSICAL STUDIES

EIGG ON

Cementing her reputation as one of Scotland’s best playwrights, Zinnie Harris enjoyed Edinburgh International Festival success with her inventive take on Ionesco’s Rhinoceros, and the emotionally

Johnny ‘Pictish Trail’ Lynch and his Lost Map label continue to be a fulcrum of the Scottish indie scene, with the Eigg-based micro-festival Howlin’ Fling, new releases from Savage Mansion, Manuela and Ed Dowie, and tours on his own and with KT Tunstall among the year’s highlights. (DP)

20 ELECTRIC FIELDS PLUG IN

A diverse programme, family-friendly atmosphere, and yes, the weather, contributed to yet another successful year at Electric Fields. Dizzee Rascal closed the party with aplomb, and the likes of Foxygen, Aldous Harding and Arab Strap helped make it another weekend to remember at Drumlanrig Castle. (CA)

19 PAISLEY CITY OF CULTURE ARTS HUB

Not just Glasgow’s neighbour anymore, Paisley’s place on the five-strong shortlist for UK City of Culture 2021 is well deserved. The bid has galvanised (and included) its residents, with the project’s director Jean Cameron a proud and vibrant figurehead. (CA)

THE CLOSURE OF YET MORE OF EDINBURGH’S DWINDLING MUSIC VENUES Edinburgh’s music scene is in dire need of extra (and bigger) venues, so it’s ever frustrating to see yet more spaces close. Electric Circus was unplugged in March to make way for the Fruitmarket Gallery expansion, and Studio 24 followed suit shortly after as a result of its owners’ ongoing frustration at having to defend itself from constant attacks by new neighbours and the council.

NOT SUCH A GREEN DAY The US band were all set to play Bellahouston Park in July and were welcomed by a traditional Scottish summer, with rain forcing the concert’s cancellation just an hour before the band were due on stage. When the gig became a literal washout, it wasn’t just fans left disappointed; hundreds of staff were told they wouldn’t be paid, thanks to the gig economy.

BOILER ROOM AND THE WHITE MEN When DJ and promoter Sarra Wild was interviewed for the Boiler Room documentary about Glasgow’s house and techno culture, she celebrated that the city was ‘no longer a white man’s techno scene’. To avoid what they considered controversy and appease their mostly white male audience in the process, Boiler Room thought it best to excise the line from the film completely, silencing a valid contribution from a woman of colour while simultaneously making her point.

EVERY FEMALE CHARACTER IN T2: TRAINSPOTTING Critical opinion was very much divided on the return of Renton, Begbie, Spud and Sick Boy. But no one could argue the script did many favours to the capital’s women. With Diane (Kelly Macdonald) and Gail (Shirley Henderson) appearing in tiny cameo roles, the only female of note was Anjela Nedyalkova’s double-crossing Bulgarian sex worker. Even Renton’s mother (Eileen Nicholas) was dead from the start.

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Unmissable events in Paisley!

November 2017

April 2018

Paisley Fireworks Spectacular

Paisley Food and Beer Festival

4 November

25 to 28 April (Beer) 27 to 28 April (Food)

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On 18 November

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On 25 November

May 2018

British Pipe Band Championships 19 May

June 2018

December 2017

Renfrew Gala Day

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On

3 June

2 December

Scottish Trad Music Awards 2 December

January 2018

Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally

Scottish Album of the Year Awards 27 June

July 2018

Weave Festival and Sma’ Shot Celebration 7 to 8 July

31 January

#Paisley2021 Visit paisley2021.co.uk/events for more details /Paisley2021

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@Paisley2021

@Paisley2021

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PHOTO: ANDY ROSS

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ART SCHOOL

SUB CLUB

ARTY FACTS

DECKS LIFE

With a revamped kitchen and sound system, the Arty remains the hub for eclectic club nights and hipper bands. Despite being the venue of choice for legendary DJs like Andrew Weatherall, it maintains a programme of eclectic and more marginal art events.

(GKV)

At 30 years young, Sub Club continues to buck trends in an era of closures and downgrading, with longtime residents Harri & Domenic keeping Glasgow’s clubland buzzing. The knock-on effect for Scottish and UK club culture is immeasurable. See feature, page 98. (BD)

15 SUMMERHALL LOADS HAPPENS HERE

With reported ticket sales up a third on last year and the usual complement of Fringe First and Total Theatre Award wins, Summerhall continued to be an indispensable part of the Edinburgh Festival. Outside of August, Nothing Ever Happens Here (NEHH) is one of the city’s best live music outlets. (DP)

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SCOTTISH BALLET

BEN READE & SASHANA SOUZA ZANELLA

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MUNCH BUNCH

QUEER AS FOLK

As well as continuing to curate a programme of international culinary creativity at the Edinburgh Food Studio, Ben Reade and Sashana Souza Zanella are frequently involved in other innovative projects. Reade and Ian Wilson’s veggie street food pop-up, Eating House at the Meeting House, was a huge Fringe success. (LS)

The Scottish Queer International Film Festival has been going from strength to strength each year, with the 2017 programme featuring queer filmmaking hero Bruce LaBruce, the ever popular Feminist Porn Night, a Babadook Ball and various events that examine what it means to be LGBTQ+ in different communities around the world. (AQ)

ELA ORLEANS

13

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ROUND NUMBERS

DENISE MINA

LYNNE RAMSAY

Composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Ela Orleans has been hard at work since her Scottish Album of the Year Award nomination for Circles of Upper and Lower Hell, having recently created and performed a live score for Canadian director Guy Maddin’s anthology of short films Cowards Bend the Knee as part of Matchbox Cineclub. (AQ)

DROP IN

CANNES OPENER

Continuing his championing of relevant and engaged theatre, David Greig enters the second year of his artistic direction at the Lyceum by promoting scripts from the past and present that shed light on contemporary conflicts and difficult moral conundrums. (BD)

For her adaptation of Jonathan Ames’ novella You Were Never Really Here, Ramsay won the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes and got a seven-minute standing ovation. The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix and scored by Jonny Greenwood, is another high point of a remarkable career. (CA)

DEBUT JAUNTS

In the expert hands of artistic director Christopher Hampson, our national ballet company has had an impressive year of firsts. Not only did Scottish Ballet deliver a ground-breaking digital season viewed online around the world, but it played the Royal Opera House for the first time in the company’s 60year history. (KA)

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SQIFF

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l e b a l & g Stron

Stewart Smith flicks through this year’s movers and shakers among the Scottish cassette, vinyl and digital record houses

The prohibitive cost of vinyl has led to a renaissance in underground cassette labels and Scotland is full of great ones. GLARC, aka Greater Lanarkshire Research Council, win the award for most original packing, with their felt and ceramic efforts. The music was brilliant too, from Quinie’s stark Celtic folk to Still House Plants’ dreamy and explosive art-pop. Oliver and Laurie Pitt’s Akashic presented the surreal sound art of Vernon & Burns, and a joyous compilation of tracks from Green Door Studio’s youth programme.

Domestic Exile unleashed the queasy electronics of Sue Zuki, while Winning Sperm Party took a surprise turn into jazz fusion with Banana Oil. At War With False Noise roared back into action with the welcome return of Glasgow’s dark cosmic overlords Vom, while Fuzzkill spooled out garage pop from Catholic Action and Shredd. And if you don’t have a tape player, fear not, for it’s all available digitally via Bandcamp.

At the more commercial end of the underground, Night School enjoyed another great year (see main list), while Optimo initiated its So Low imprint with Happy Meals’ blissed-out Full Ashram Devotional Ceremony.

Edinburgh indie stalwarts Song, by Toad brought us the acclaimed debut of singer-songwriter Siobhan Wilson, while crowdfunded Last Night From Glasgow entered its second year with new releases from the Americanatinged Sister John and ‘minor supergroup’ Radiophonic Tuckshop.

Eigg’s Lost Map hosted their Howlin’ Fling festival and released the debut album from Manuela, the off-kilter pop group from Manuela Gernedel and her husband, former Franz Ferdinand guitarist Nick McCarthy.

Veteran indie label Chemikal Underground was the subject of Niall McCann’s documentary Lost in France, while Mogwai’s Rock Action went pop with Sacred Paws’ infectious Strike a Match, a deserving winner of the Scottish Album Of The Year Award.

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NIGHT SCHOOL RECORDS DARK MATERIALS

A Glasgow-based label with an international outlook, Michael Kasparis’ Night School continues to impress with great new releases from avant-disco supergroup AMOR, unsettling industrialists The Modern Institute, minimal waver Stacian, pop-auteur Molly Nilsson, and indie songwriter Patience. (SS)

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RACHEL NEWTON DOING HER BIT

On top of being shortlisted for a SAY Award this year, Rachel Newton was also named Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Most recently, the singer and harpist co-founded The BIT Collective, a group which seeks to address gender issues in folk and trad music. (AQ)

7 ARMANDO IANNUCCI

5

STILL IN THE THICK OF IT

EWAN MCGREGOR

With real world politics proving far stranger than fiction, satire was in danger of being placed on lifesupport. Well, we needn’t have worried, as The Death of Stalin is probably the funniest British film since In the Loop. (SH)

SIBLING RIBALDRY

6 OPTIMO CLUB CLASS

JD Twitch and JG Wilkes celebrated Optimo’s 20th birthday in style with a one-day, three-stage festival.

As well as featuring a cracking lineup of mostly female DJs and performers, a portion of profits were donated to Glasgow’s Coalition for Racial Equality & Rights and to various food banks in the city. (AQ)

Ewan McGregor started the year strongly, fronting T2: Trainspotting. After a 21-year break, he resurrected loveable ex-junkie Renton in Danny Boyle’s film that reflected the loss of youth and the aging process alongside drugs, crime and violence. Next, McGregor side-stepped into kids films, as talking candlestick Lumière, in the live action remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (currently the tenth highest grossing film of all time, raking in over $1.2bn worldwide).

And then came TV’s Fargo. One of the highlights in McGregor’s career, the third season of this dark and grimy crime thriller featured him starring as two feuding brothers whose lives are torn apart by bitterness, jealousy and murder. (HN)

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TICKETS: MANIPULATEFESTIVAL.ORG

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh | Dance Base, Edinburgh The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen | Theatre Royal, Dumfries Tron Theatre, Glasgow | Norwich Puppet Theatre Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury | The Boo, Rossendale @manipulatefest

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Puppet Animation Scotland

@PuppetAnimaScot

IMAGE: ALMOST ALIVE / Sandman

VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL #11 27 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY 2018

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MATCH MAKERS

The worst thing about Sacred Paws’ win in the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award was that everyone’s ‘other’ favourite, Ela Orleans, came away empty handed. Yet Strike a Match – the debut album by Londoner Rachel Aggs and Glaswegian Eilidh Rodgers, released at the beginning of the year on Mogwai’s Rock Action label – was an incredibly deserving winner, an itchy-footed, summery fusion of African-influenced playing styles and Glaswegian indie-pop nous. Like Orleans, they feel integrally, definitively redolent of urban Scotland in 2017, precisely because their worldliness is on sonic display at all times. (DP)

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SACRED PAWS

RACHEL MACLEAN FACE VALUE

Chosen to represent Scotland at the 57th International Venice Biennale with Spite Your Face: A Dark Venetian Fairytale, Maclean created a garish but beautifully realised film – starring herself in every role, as always – which drew in the story of Pinocchio, the rise of fake news and the city of Venice itself. It will be seen at Edinburgh’s Talbot Rice Gallery from early 2018, although sadly only Venice audiences had the chance to compare Maclean’s low-budget humour and ingenuity with Damien Hirst’s similarly themed monument to the witless and excessively overblown. (DP) 40 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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HOT 100 Ones to w atch

Arusa Qureshi picks out those whose doings in 2017 suggest a very exciting 2018 is ahead

JACKIE WYLIE & NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND PLAYS FOR TODAY

With a touring programme that crossed Europe and the US, a project exploring national identity through Scotland’s diverse languages, a successful Fringe that discussed vital contemporary issues, and the introduction of Jackie Wylie as artistic director, the National Theatre of Scotland continues to build on its success as a ‘theatre without walls’. Since its foundation in 2006, the NTS has pursued a policy that places artists and collaboration at the heart of its projects, and in 2017 it demonstrated the strength of that vision.

With the adaptation of Let the Right One In currently visiting Dublin, the NTS’ recent productions ranged from an Edinburgh International Festival remounting of Zinnie Harris’ epic version of Oresteia to Adam and Eve at the Traverse, which addressed personal stories of trans people with sensitivity and theatrical flair. The Last Queen of Scotland, meanwhile, explored the African diaspora through the filter of Dundee, and How to Act challenged notions of power and truth through the history of oil production in Nigeria.

The appointment of Jackie Wylie suggests an exciting future: best known for her time at the Arches, establishing the venue as a haven for experimental theatre and live art, Wylie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With the NTS’ historical enthusiasm for collaboration, her presence promises more innovation, inclusivity and diversity. From Oliver Emanuel’s The 306: Dawn, through The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart to the site-specific Submarine Time Machine, the NTS speaks of a vibrant Scottish theatrical culture that recognises how a modern nation is never defined simply by a single heritage. (GKV)

Every year, there are people, organisations, venues and more that don’t quite make our Hot 100 list but who we believe are worth keeping an eye on in the coming year. A list as fiercely debated as this one can’t of course include every creative project in Scotland but we’re always taking note of any omissions who have works in the pipeline.

The National Theatre of Scotland is second on the list thanks to a storming year but actor Adam Kashmiry, the star of and inspiration behind NTS’ powerful and moving Adam, is certainly one to look out for in 2018. Edinburghborn actor Lewis MacDougall gave a terrific performance in January drama A Monster Calls and with a few projects currently in the works, he’ll likely pop up in a future blockbuster.

Former Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist Gareth Waugh had a fairly successful run at the Fringe this year with his debut solo show Honestly? so we’re eager to see what he returns with next August. In the world of books, look out for news of follow-ups from Saltire Society First Book of the Year nominee Ever Dundas as well as up-and-coming spoken word and short story writer Chris McQueer.

Glasgow-based three piece Still House Plants, who released their full-length debut earlier this year, will hopefully be back with more in 2018, while Edinburgh trio The Honey Farm will no doubt be taking over the Scottish rap scene with their upcoming debut. Glasgow DJ, radio host and librarian Sofay, part of Optimo 20 this year, will imminently be on lineups around the country and we’re also really keen to hear what producer Cucina Povera serves up next.

The Aberdeen Art Gallery, which has been closed for a major redevelopment, will be open by the end of the year and it’ll be interesting to see what their 2018 programme brings.

Finally, the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, opens its doors in 2018, celebrating Scottish creativity as well as design from around the world.

1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 41

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HOT 100

It’s been a blisteringly successful 2017 for publishers 404 Ink. Fiona Shepherd talks to Laura Jones and Heather McDaid about Nasty Women, celebrity endorsements and sharing a stage with the First Minister herself

‘I

’m not sure 2017 would have happened for us without Margaret Atwood.’ Laura Jones is reflecting on the first full year of 404 Ink, the punk publishing company she runs with Heather McDaid. They’re talking from the latter’s spare room in Edinburgh, while honorary partner Luna the Labrador mooches about with her toys.

Thanks to the resonance of Nasty Women, their timely non-fiction collection ‘on what it is to be a woman in the 21st century’, it has been a year of supportive celebrity endorsements, high-profile hobnobbing with the First Minister and other pinch-me moments, not least (we like to think) being toppermost of The List’s Hot 100. Mostly though, it has been a year when Jones and McDaid made a passionate, articulate and very necessary contribution to human discourse in the era of fake news.

404 Ink launched in summer 2016, and produced the first edition of their literary magazine before the year was out (riffing on their name, the theme of issue one was ‘error’). But the seeds of a very eventful 2017 were sown on the day Donald Trump was elected 45th President of the USA. Reclaiming Trump’s description of Hillary Clinton as a ‘nasty woman’, along with the millions who marched against his misogyny in the wake of that election, Jones and McDaid decided to commission new and established female writers on a whole spectrum of their challenging experiences. ‘Nasty Women clicked together really quickly,’ says McDaid. ‘It all made sense, it meant we could publish a lot of rad women and seek out stories that we hadn’t heard. We knew as soon as we had the idea that we had to do it really quickly.’

Inspired more by independent record labels than traditional publishing houses, the pair were able to respond instantaneously. They approached a few writers directly and put out an open call on Twitter, gathering eloquent essays on sexism, racism, abuse and harassment, but also pieces on what they don’t tell you about pregnancy and the pill, on the fallibility of role models, on the handing down of family traditions, both healthy and unhealthy. Nasty Women was commissioned in four weeks, funded in three days and published two months later.

Atwood’s small but significant contribution to their fortunes was to respond to a tweet about their Kickstarter campaign to fund a project which was already exceeding expectations. The esteemed author of The Handmaid’s Tale has since described Nasty Women as ‘an essential window into many of the hazard-strewn worlds younger women are

living in right now’, and there has been further vocal support from Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson, author Ali Smith and performer / activist Amanda Palmer (Jones is particularly excited about the latter, being the bearer of an Amanda Palmer tattoo).

Such was the impact of the collection that McDaid was invited to share a platform with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Turkish novelist and commentator Elif Shafak at one of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s most publicised events. ‘That was mad!’ she says. ‘It was incredible and strange to consider that someone thought we should be alongside them. I felt a bit like an imposter.’

There will probably never be a bad time to spotlight the inappropriate and abusive behaviour suffered by women around the world but the recent revelations around film executive Harvey Weinstein has given the stories in Nasty Women an extra piquancy. ‘I think it will be a marker of the time,’ says Jones. ‘Regardless of whether it gets better or worse – that’s another thing altogether – but I think it encapsulates a feeling right now.’

‘With the American election in particular, people didn’t know what to do with a problem that big,’ says McDaid, ‘and this gave people a little act of protest. In backing this book, they are promoting voices who would be silenced elsewhere.’

But 2017 was about more than Nasty Women: it was also about witty men. With the excess money raised through Kickstarter, Jones and McDaid were able to fully fund issue two of their mag (The F Word) and the publication of Chris McQueer’s short story collection Hings, which has deservedly attracted comparisons to (and endorsements from) Limmy and Irvine Welsh.

Their newest release is The Last Days of James Scythe by Lilly Banning, an alias cover for Southampton horror rockers Creeper, which is intended to solve the mystery introduced on their current album Eternity, In Your Arms. Jones and McDaid will join the band on tour in December to sell the book (see feature, page 100).

With the taste of being the hottest of The List’s 100 still dancing on their tongues, plans for 2018 include two collections by their dream author Helen McClory. For writers aspiring to join McClory, McQueer and Creeper in the 404 Ink family, Jones has the following guidance: ‘We need to be able to get along really well with the people we work with – if we don’t think we’d have fun with you in the pub, we probably won’t publish you.’

1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 43

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25/10/2017 27/10/2017 12:20 15:59

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27/10/2017 15:43

ARIKA & RADIOPHRENIA

NEW RADICALS David Pollock takes a look at two events pushing the boundaries of art, performance and music in Glasgow

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weaponised audio experiments; a mash-up of beat poetry and minimalist compositions by Belle & Sebastian co-founder Stuart David; and Jenn Mattinson’s radio documentary Out of Place, exploring the later life of BBC Radiophonic Workshop composer Delia Derbyshire.’

Arika, meanwhile, started out by organising experimental music and film festivals in 2001,

greatest influences, the science fiction writer Samuel R Delany, to Glasgow.

‘One thing that runs through his writing is his way of approaching science fiction as a distortion of the present,’ says Esson, ‘of how any dream we might have of overcoming multiple oppressions will always be rooted in our daily desires and struggles. He has this optimistic concrete way of thinking of our collective sociality, which says that the worlds we want to create already exist, even if they’re under duress, and so they need to be protected, cultivated and nourished. ‘ As well as Delaney, this year’s Episode welcomes the dance artist Storyboard P; the journalist and blogger on queer struggle Huw Lemmey, with some of his politicised fan-fiction; Philadelphia housing activist, black quantum futurist and political musician Moor Mother (pictured); the attention-grabbing twowoman Glasgow electropunk group LAPS (Ladies As Pimps); and young Glaswegian performer, fashion designer and ‘nightlife impresario’ Sgaire Woods.

A question of just how ‘weighty’ this Episode is, where the balance between politics and enjoyment is struck, brings Esson to draw a comparison: ‘The legendary jazz saxophonist Joe McPhee made a record titled As Serious As Your Life.

It’s a complex, joyous, thrilling, difficult, uplifting, challenging and angry piece of music. Like it, the seriousness of life in 2017 can’t be ignored.’

PHOTO: BOB SWEENEY

ovember is a golden hour for esoteric music-inspired events in Glasgow. Community art collective Arika return with the latest in their Episodes strand, Episode 9: Other Worlds Already Exist, a series of performances, discussions, workshops and screenings that investigate which present stories might generate different futures. Elsewhere, Radiophrenia pitches itself as ‘the light at the end of the dial’: it’s a two-week radio transmission from the CCA which treats the medium of radio as its own art form.

‘It seems to us that [radio] is one of the most egalitarian mediums,’ says Radiophrenia’s production manager Barry Burns, who co-founded the station with Mark Vernon.

‘It’s free, you can digest ideas in the comfort of your own home, and almost everyone can access it. We don’t have any set programme lengths, which makes scheduling a nightmare, but this means we can accommodate pieces of any duration from one minute to over eleven hours. We had listeners in 39 countries last year, so we want to try to expand on that.’

Taking cues from Resonance FM in London and Sound Art Radio in Devon, Radiophrenia promises radiophonic experiments, soundscapes, field recordings and unconventional approaches to traditional formats. The 336 hours of broadcast time will be filled with a blend of free performances at the CCA and pre-recorded commissioned pieces, as well as an open call for new work and workshops with marginalised groups.

‘Felix Kubin is coming over from Hamburg to do a live performance,’ says Burns. ‘He’ll be presenting a combination of miniature radio plays about audio libraries.

Another live performances is by (artist and former Life Without Buildings singer) Sue Tompkins and (artist and electronic musician) Russell Haswell. We have no idea what they’re going to do, which is one of the exciting things for us. Elsewhere we have Ernestus Chald’s

and mutated into events that question the nature of such festivals, while also supporting grassroots political action. ‘To put it simply, we explore ways in which communities produce creativity and joy in their flight from oppression,’ says Arika’s Barry Esson. ‘Sometimes some of us at Arika are members of these communities, but if we’re not, we try to act as good allies.’

This year they’ve finally drawn one of their

Radiophrenia transmits through radiophrenia.scot from the CCA, Glasgow, Thu 6–Sun 19 Nov; Arika – Episode 9: Other Worlds Already Exist, Tramway and Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow, Thu 16– Sun 19 Nov. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 47

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27/10/2017 16:00

THE FLORIDA PROJECT

DISNEY MATTER Revolving around a crazy story of homelessness, The Florida Project is the latest vibrant movie from Sean Baker. He tells Katherine McLaughlin about his journalistic research and why he chose not to record this film digitally

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he latest film in Sean Baker’s compassionate oeuvre is a vivid slice of life about the hidden homeless who live in motels close to Florida’s Disney World. The Florida Project follows a bunch of mischievous kids as they explore the local neighbourhood, getting into trouble and winding up a kindly manager played by Willem Dafoe. Baker’s spirited directorial style, paired with cinematography by Alexis Zabe, results in a film that soars with anarchic beauty and pops with gorgeous candy colours – just like his 2015 hit Tangerine, a kaleidoscopic romp through the streets of LA, famously shot on three iPhone 5s. We caught up with Baker at the London Film Festival.

On the moment he decided to become a filmmaker . . .

It’s a distinct moment. My mother brought me to the local library when I was in first grade and they were showing clips from the Universal monster movies.

They would show the big scenes like Dracula rising from the grave, the Creature from the Black Lagoon stealing the girl and then of course the burning windmill sequence in James Whale’s Frankenstein.

For some reason the [Boris] Karloff image in the internal mechanics of the windmill just stuck with me. I remember the next morning saying that I wanted to make films.

On researching Orlando’s motel communities . . .

The motels were brought to my attention by my coscreenwriter [Chris Bergoch], whose mother had moved to Orlando. The local media had been focusing in on it in the same way we had in our film, regarding the juxtaposition and the irony of what was going on there. It was eye-opening on the hidden homeless.

We had started writing this before Tangerine, so it was all based on the news articles we were reading.

It wasn’t until we got a grant that we were able to go

there and interview people from a very journalistic approach. We talked to as many people as possible including residents and motel managers. We met this one guy in particular who really helped inspire the Bobby character [played by Dafoe]. Eventually it was about absorbing the environment, so we felt like we could properly flesh out these characters and do it in a way that would be truthful.

On the films that inspired The Florida Project’s young performances . . .

I don’t know how known it is over here but The Little Rascals series in particular, the ones that Hal Roach produced in the 1920s and 30s. They reached heights with child performances in comedy that haven’t been matched in the years since. I always looked at those as the model. We made sure we looked at as much as we could in terms of child performances that were realistic and grounded. So, from P’tit Quinquin to a Korean film called Miracle on 1st Street, Ken Loach’s Kes and, of course, The 400 Blows.

On shooting on 35mm . . .

I decided to shoot on it for many reasons. First the aesthetic: there’s this organic nature you achieve through the photo chemical process that you simply can’t duplicate on digital. I can always distinctly tell when something is shot on film. There was also the fact that I was becoming ‘the iPhone guy’ so I wanted to go 180 degrees in the other direction. And then there’s also the fact that we’re living in an age where the death of film is a real thing. This is my little contribution to help keep Kodak in business.

At the same time, I don’t want to downplay the real positive impact the iPhone had. I have to be an advocate for all mediums. You can find beauty in all mediums.

The Florida Project is out Fri 10 Nov. See review, page 87.

48 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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27/10/2017 15:19

COMING SOON A Citizens Theatre Production

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23/10/2017 27/10/2017 13:02 15:43

SLEEP IN THE PARK

Clockwise from top: Frightened Rabbit, Liam Gallagher, Amy Macdonald, Deacon Blue

50 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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SLEEP IN THE PARK

rest and be thankful Held by pioneering homelessness charity Social Bite, mass outd outdoor sleep-out and music event Sleep in the Park aims to raise over £4m. David Pollock finds out more

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here are around 28,000 people currently assessed as homeless in Scotland according to Shelter.

And Josh Littlejohn, the entrepreneur who founded socially conscious Edinburgh café Social Bite, is on a mission to deal with the problem.

Littlejohn is, after all, the man who brought George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio to Edinburgh for much-publicised charitable appearances, and who set out to ask for 800 crowdfunded Christmas dinners for homeless people in 2014 and ended up with 35,000 after the campaign grabbed the nation’s attention. Now, inspired by last winter’s much smaller Social Bite CEO Sleepout in Charlotte Square to raise funds for his planned homeless village in Granton, Social Bite’s Sleep in the Park is intended to open up the experience of rough sleeping for charity to 9000 members of the public.

As the name suggests, the evening will begin with a music festival in Princes Street Gardens featuring low-key acoustic sets from Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy Macdonald and Frightened Rabbit, a bedtime story from John Cleese, hosting duties by Rob Brydon, and an appearance by Bob Geldof. A minimum charity pledge of £1000 (self-funded or through sponsorship) is required for access. ‘9000 people will translate to around £4m, right?’ asks Littlejohn. ‘We can do a hell of a lot of good with that for starters.’

The money will mainly be spent in partnership with local authorities getting homeless people out of shelters and into mainstream housing. But cash is only part of the story. ‘If we have 9000 people sleeping out in the cold under Edinburgh Castle, imagine how much media attention that will gather?’ says Littlejohn. ‘It’s a chance to have the volume of attention on the issue of homelessness amplified to a never-before-seen level, and I think with

that we can have a lot of influence in getting this issue prioritised. We need to do something pretty radical.’

Littlejohn skirts the subject of where his passion for tackling this subject originally comes from, but he does tell us how it’s been magnified greatly by his work with Social Bite, through meeting more and more homeless people and realising that not only can it afflict anyone, but the odds are stacked against them once they’re in that position. His conviction that he can affect change is infectious, and it’s possible to see how he can convince even the globally famous to follow his lead (and why Geldof is involved; every bit as much as Live Aid, Sleep in the Park is a gimmick used to grab imaginations as quickly and effectively as possible).

‘I love the fact that Josh believes he can change homelessness in Scotland,’ says Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue. ‘His vision and imagination are an inspiration. We want to be part of the sleepover - for some people this is the norm, so it’s good for us to experience what it means to be without a place to stay.’

Amy Macdonald says she didn’t take much convincing, and that the fact one of her friends volunteers at the café in Edinburgh made the decision even easier. ‘I’ll be performing a stripped-down set with a few of my bandmates,’ she says. ‘We’ll keep it as upbeat as possible and hopefully get people dancing, anything to ward off the December chill.

I haven’t thought through whether I’ll be sleeping over yet, but if so I expect it’ll be extremely difficult. It’s heartbreaking that so many people have to sleep out every single night.’

Littlejohn says it’s ‘easier to book ex-presidents and Hollywood movie stars’ than it has been to pin down most musicians, although in Liam Gallagher – who said ‘yes’ right away – he’s bagged one of the biggest UK artists of the year, outside of Ed Sheeran and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. ‘I think there must be a higher power involved in making these things happen,’ he says, noting that artist participation can snowball when agents see acts of significant size involved with a successful event. ‘If it works this year we may well make it an annual thing, certainly for a few years, to try and keep building on the momentum.’

Less exciting, but with far more scope for long-term impact, the Scottish Government and various corporate partners are getting involved with Sleep in the Park and listening to what Littlejohn has to say on the subject of homelessness. Which is a good thing, and about time, frankly.

‘I can’t believe in 2017 that this is still a problem,’ says Macdonald, summing up what many, many others believe. ‘The idea of Sleep in the Park is great for raising awareness, because it makes homelessness real for so many people. Most of us have been lucky to never have to think about where we’ll find shelter, so having an event like this brings it into the consciousness of so many people. Everybody should have somewhere safe to sleep at night.’

Sleep in the Park, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Sat 9 Dec, sleepinthepark.co.uk 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 51

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27/10/2017 15:20

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

stocking fillers ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Arusa Qureshi dons her reindeer hat, slides headfirst down your chimney and leaves the best of the festive treats under your cultural tree

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

What’s Christmas without a good old-fashioned lights switch-on, pantomime or market? Luckily, Glasgow’s got plenty of these and more to keep your festive spirit flowing in the run up to the big day. If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who bagged tickets to Glasgow’s Christmas Lights Switch-on (Sun 19 Nov) this year, fear not because there are lots of other family-friendly activities you can take advantage of. Join a sea of St Nicholases for the Santa Dash (Sun 10 Dec), which involves popping on your best red suit and beard and running a 5k for charity. The Style Mile Carnival (Sun 26 Nov) is back, with street performers, drummers, dancers and more leading a colourful procession from St Enoch Square to George Square.

Billed as Europe’s largest indoor funfair, the IRN-BRU Carnival (Thu 21 Dec–Sun 14 Jan) also makes its return to the SEC, while M&D’s Magical Wonderland (Sat 18 Nov–Sun 24 Dec) promises fun for all the family. All your Christmas shopping needs should be fulfilled at the Traditional Christmas Markets at St Enoch Square (Thu 9 Nov–Fri 22 Dec) and George Square (Sat 25 Nov–Fri 29 Dec) while Drygate’s Urban Market (Sun 3, 10, 17 Dec) offers something quite unique.

In theatre-land, Dominic Hill directs Cinderella (Tue 28 Nov–Sun 31 Dec) at the Citz, bringing out the dark themes of the Grimms’ fairytale in this family show. Elsewhere, panto star Johnny McKnight returns for the Tron’s hilarious Alice in Weegieland (Fri 1 Dec–Sun 7 Jan), while Gary: Tank Commander and The Dolls take the lead in Jack and the Beanstalk (Sat 16 Dec–Sun 7 Jan) at the SEC. The Harry Potter Concert Series (Sat 9 Dec) is making a pitstop at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, as is Elf the Musical (Tue 21–Sat 25 Nov), which you can catch at the King’s. For a drag extravaganza, look no further than Christmas Queens (Sat 16 Dec), with host Michelle Visage and stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Peppermint, Sharon Needles, Thorgy Thor, Ivy Winters and Ginger Minj taking over the O2 Academy for a night of music, sass and death drops.

The festive season in Edinburgh is all about Edinburgh’s Christmas (Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan) which brings a huge programme of events and attractions to the city centre every year. It all kicks off with the big Christmas lights switch-on event, Light Night (Sun 19 Nov), which is free and hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart. But there’s also ice skating, markets, family shows and new attraction Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar (Fri 1–Sun 24 Dec), which reveals a different glimpse of past Edinburgh winters each day throughout advent.

Christmas at the Botanics (Fri 24 Nov–Sat 30 Dec) involves an outdoor trail of light, taking you along the garden’s paths as you enjoy the Choir of Trees, Crystal Lawn and more. The Christmas Charity Festival (Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec) is also back with a Santa Parade through Stockbridge, a 5k and 10k run, tinsel walk and live entertainment.

If you’re after bespoke and handmade Christmas gifts, head to the Summerhall Christmas Market (Sun 10 Dec), where you’ll find various makers and designers, guest food vendors and kids’ activities.

Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott are back for this year’s King’s panto Cinderella (Sat 2 Dec–Sun 21 Jan). The Lyceum’s got a new version of the classic anthology Arabian Nights (Sat 25 Nov– Sat 6 Jan) and there’s a MagicFest Christmas Special (Wed 27–Sat 30 Dec) at the Traverse featuring the likes of Kevin Quantum, David Blanco and Paul Dabek. Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Sat 9– Sat 30 Dec) has its run at the Festival Theatre before moving on to Glasgow, while Shrek the Musical (Tue 12 Dec–Sun 7 Jan) lands at the Playhouse. Plus, international sensation La Clique swings into town with La Clique Noel (Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan).

If you’re after a festive knees-up, the Big Christmas Bash (Fri 15 Dec) at Leith Theatre is a good shout, as is Neu! Reekie!’s Xmas Snowblinder at Central Hall (Fri 15 Dec), while Cold Turkey (Fri 1 Dec) at Summerhall is a brand new night of music and poetry with Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit), Withered Hand, Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen.

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HOGMANAY

REEL IN THE PHOTO: IMAGINAR

Welcoming 2018 isn’t just about popping prosecco and hugging strangers. As our list of Hogmanay highlights shows, there are plenty opportunities to get into the seasonal spirit

SAT 30 DEC

HOGMANY

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

ONE MORE SLEEP ’TIL CHRISTMAS The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland presents festive fun for 3–6 year olds and their families.

■ Citizen’s Theatre, Wed–Sun from Thu 7–Sun 31 Dec, 11am & 2pm.

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS Edinburgh is transformed once again by its Christmas markets, rides, ice rinks and much more. Plus, there’s festive entertainment in the form of Shark in the Park and La Clique Noel.

■ Various venues, Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Panto fun for the whole family with Greg McHugh (Gary: Tank Commander) starring as Jack. Only An Excuse’s Louise McCarthy and River City’s Gayle Telfer-Stevens) join him as ‘The Dolls’, Jack’s naughty aunties. The SEC panto boasts 3D effects, so pop on your glasses and disappear into the depths of the forest with the Trot family.

■ SEC, Sat 16 Dec–Sun 7 Jan, times vary.

HOOTFEST! Scotland’s best comedy club hosts its annual Hogmanay gigs. This year’s lineup features Gary Little, Ian Coppinger, Ashley Storrie, Gary Meikle and host Billy Kirkwood.

■ The Stand, Wed 27–Sun 31 Dec, 9pm.

MASSAOKE Karaoke en masse. There’s a live band, the words on giant screens and everyone sings together.

■ O2 ABC, 7pm.

MAMMA MIA The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA continues to storm the UK. ■ Theatre Royal, Thu 5–Sat 30 Dec, 7.30pm.

SUB CLUB XXX Iconic Glaswegian institution Sub Club turned 30 this year. This Hogmanay warm-up bash features The Black Madonna. See feature, page 98.

■ Sub Club, 11pm.

MAGICFEST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: THE SECRET GIFT A festive magic show production from the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

■ Traverse Theatre, Wed 27–Sat 30 Dec, 2pm & 7pm.

SCOTTISH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Peter Darrell’s magical world of The Nutcracker has been reimagined by Olivier Award-winning designer Lez Brotherston, bringing a new sheen to this classical 40-year-old adaptation.

■ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 9–Sun 30 Dec, times vary; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 13 Jan. TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION Folk in their thousands, led by massed pipes and drums, carry a torch from George IV Bridge to Calton Hill and witness a spectacular fireworks finale. To mark the launch of Scotland’s Year of Young People in 2018, the climax of this year’s procession sees torches spell out one word chosen by the young people of Scotland answering the question ‘what makes you most proud to live in Scotland?’

■ Old Town, 7pm.

SLEEPING BEAUTY This year’s King’s panto features Elaine C Smith, Johnny Mac and Juliet Cadzow.

■ King’s Theatre, Sat 2 Dec–Sun 7 Jan, times vary.

CLUB NOIR Swansong for the great burlesque club, which promises to go out with a bang. Tonight’s theme is Moulin Noir: expect a vintage retro and modern soundtrack, with dressing up distinctly encouraged.

■ O2 ABC, 9pm.

OPTIMO HOGMANAY JD Twitch and JG Wilkes host their annual extravaganza, rounding off Optimo’s 20th anniversary year.

■ The Art School, 10pm.

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HOGMANAY

E NEW YEAR PHOTO: CHRIS WATT

PHOTO: DEAN CHALKLEY

NEW YEAR’S DAY EDINBURGH BABY LOVES DISCO HOGMANAY Midday is the new midnight for families and their wee ones, as Baby Loves Disco presents a special two-hour Hogmanay edition.

■ Festival Square Spiegeltent, 1pm.

CONCERT IN THE GARDENS See in the New Year with a lineup of excellent music and a spectacular view of the fireworks.

This year’s concert features Rag’n’Bone Man, Declan McKenna and Nina Nesbitt.

■ West Princes Street Gardens, 9pm (doors at 8pm).

BAIRNS AFORE New family-friendly Hogmanay event.

Celebrate with the kids and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and entertainment, all afore bedtime.

■ West Princes Street Gardens, 5pm.

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY Sixty thousand revellers descend on Princes Street for the world’s best New Year’s Eve party.

This year’s live stages feature Sacred Paws, Human League, Barns Courtney, Huey Morgan, Niteworks, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5.

■ Princes Street, 7pm.

CANDLELIT CONCERT Festive candlelit concert, this year featuring JS Bach’s ‘Lutheran Mass in F BWV 233’ and Handel’s ‘Dixit Dominus’.

■ St Giles’ Cathedral, 7.30pm.

GLASGOW MAXIMUM PRESSURE Glasgow techno duo Slam host this series of big club nights. This huge New Year’s Day blow-out features Jeff Mills, Alan Fitzpatrick, Paula Temple, FJAAK (live), Radio Slave, Dr Rubinstein, Edit Select and more.

■ SWG3, 5pm.

EDINBURGH

HEAD

LIST.COTO .UK FOR

MO HOGM RE A HIGHL NAY IGHTS

LOONY DOOK Dive into 2018 with a dip off South Queensferry.

Gather for the parade and watch as the swimmers freeze their proverbials off under the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

■ South Queensferry, 10.30am.

MESSAGE FROM THE SKIES Take a literary journey through the city and read a new story, ‘New Year’s Resurrection’, by leading Scottish writer Val McDermid. Told through projections onto Edinburgh’s buildings and landmarks.

■ Mon 1–Thu 25 Jan.

CEILIDH UNDER THE CASTLE Dance the night away at a traditional Scottish ceilidh, under the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

■ West Princes Street Gardens, 8.30pm.

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27/10/2017 16:59

Chris Stout

Celtic Connections celebrates its 25th festival in fine globetrotting style.

Alex Johnston takes a look at some of this year’s acts from the likes of Scotland, Northern Ireland, the USA, Cuba, Finland, the Congo and Mali

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eltic Connections is one of the very few festivals about which it can truly be said that it has something for everyone. It’s long since expanded beyond its initial focus on folk music, and although the 2018 programme has such beloved figures of the folk scene as Kate Rusby, Julie Fowlis and the Levellers, there’s also Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, who broke five years of silence with her 2017 album Mogoya featuring the great Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen; country singers and sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer singing songs from their duet album Not Dark Yet; and the Cuban singer-guitarist Juan de Marcos and his Afro-Cuban All Stars.

From Tennessee, there’s singer and mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull, only 19 but already on her third album: 2016’s Weighted Mind features guest stars Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss and Rhiannon Giddens, among others, and was nominated for a Grammy. Fiddler’s Bid, from Shetland, headline a concert of their native Shetland fiddle music and are joined by Finland’s splendidlynamed Frigg, a seven-piece band playing their own country’s fiddle tunes.

The Roaming Roots Revue focuses for the first time on a single artist. Roddy Hart, the Lonesome Fire and a host of transatlantic special guests pay tribute to the songbook of the late Tom Petty, who gave the world such much-loved numbers as ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘Free Fallin’’ and, as copyright lawyers the world over are agreed, a sizeable chunk of Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’ (‘Sam’s people were very understanding’, as Petty drily commented at the time). Congolese singer and bandleader Jupiter Bokondji appears with his irresistible band Okwess, mixing up soukous and conga music with funk, soul and rock.

The 25th Anniversary Concert features a celebration of all the artists who’ve played in the festival over the years, and among the guests are Eddi Reader, Tryst, Saltfishforty, Cherish the Ladies, Sharon Shannon, String Sisters and Kris Drever. If fusions of traditional and contemporary classical music are your thing, harp / fiddle partners Catriona McKay and Chris Stout team up with King Creosote and Scottish Ensemble.

Elsewhere, Northern Irish musician Hannah Peel adopts her Mary Casio persona for a performance of her work Journey to Cassiopeia, which describes a voyage by an octogenarian from Barnsley to outer space; she’s joined by Tubular Brass, who’ll also be having a go at Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Another performance to look out for comes from This is the Kit, whose mesmerising single ‘Hotter Colder’ was rotated very much on 6 Music: 2018 could be the year that sees Kate Stables and her ragtag bunch ascend to a new level of popularity.

The international partner for 2018 is Ireland, and the festival has collaborated with Culture Ireland on bringing leading and emerging artists to the festival, some of whom will feature in the Showcase Scotland weekend. Celtic Connections’ drive towards diversity is not unique to itself. As festival director Donald Shaw says, it’s all part of the direction that Scottish music is taking: ‘The influence and inspiration that the traditional music scene has had across the whole musical landscape in Scotland and worldwide has helped to make the journey of Celtic Connections all the more adventurous and exciting.’ Long may it continue to draw connections.

Celtic Connections, various venues, Glasgow, Thu 18 Jan–Sun 4 Feb, celticconnections.com

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FOOD & DRINK

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WHITE OUT Sugar’s sweet stranglehold starts to loosen For a city that’s notoriously sweet-toothed and built on the riches of the sugar trade, Glasgow is showing plenty of enthusiasm for cutting back on the sweet stuff. In preparation for the sugar tax (aka the Soft Drinks Industry Levy) starting in April 2018, local favourite fizz Irn-Bru will soon have its sugary content cut by 50 per cent as producer AG Barr ducks below the levy line of 5g sugar per 100ml (the levy increases at 8g per 100ml). As campaigners like Food Standards Scotland endeavour to get the tax extended to sugary foods, Glasgow City Council has also stemmed the flow of sugar at its 139 primary schools by removing all sweetened flavoured milk from its menus – ending the 16,000 cartons consumed each day.

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FOOD & DRINK

DRINKS NEWS

NEWS & REVIEWS

A new brewery in Glasgow’s East End is, somewhat unusually, concocting something good for us.

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, comes courtesy of Canadian Kelsey Moore who set up Clever Kombucha in the Glasgow Collective, where she ferments Assam tea in oak barrels before adding fruit and herbs. Think lychee & lavender and ginger & pear, packed full of vitamins and probiotics.

PIATTI IN PARTICK

Edinburgh company Flavourly have harnessed the desires of the 140k reviews on their online drinks emporium to create their crowdsourced craft beers. With Yorkshire brewers Bad Co., they’ve released four styles including Flamingo Juice (tropical pale ale) and Pillow Fight (chocolate marshmallow porter).

After decades satisfying diners in the East End, Celino’s has headed west and opened a second deli-restaurant, as Erica Goodey finds out

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here’s more than a glimmer of the up-andcoming food scene in Partick and Thornwood right now. Organic food joints, craft beer bars, and coffee shops with gluten-free and vegan delicacies have been sprouting up among the betting shops, old-school boozers and discount stores.

Newcomer Celino’s has taken Dumbarton Road up another notch, heralded by a window display of lobsters on ice flanked by bottles of prosecco.

Inside, deli and restaurant combine into a flabbergasting scene of food and drink, everywhere you look – counters full of deli produce, stacks of cakes and bakes, fridges with ready-made offerings, Glasgow’s only wine tasting machine, ice-cream, drinks, desserts, dried pasta, the whole works.

This is the big, ambitious, sophisticated sister to the Dennistoun original, which had humble beginnings in 1982 as a sandwich shop and deli before expanding into an award-winning restaurant.

One of the reasons owner Claudio Celino sidestepped the trendier, more obvious parts of the city when location hunting was Partick’s strong sense of community, which he found similar to Dennistoun. The scores of people waiting for a table in the 139-seat restaurant on a Friday night will surely attest to his shrewd decision. They’re here for the classic, comforting Italian food on offer – which is delivered in monumental portions.

If all those deli delights excite, there are sharing

plates of antipasti to start, along with a range of bruschetta and crostini, with toppings such as mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. Calzones are so big they’re jaw-dropping – and potentially gutbusting. The pizza dough comes plaited together with the precision of a sailor’s knot, sliced open to reveal a generous filling of chicken, steak and herby Italian sausage, held together with sweet San Marzano tomatoes and gooey mozzarella.

It’s a serious feast for any carnivorous beast.

Seafood pasta – an understandable favourite in the Dennistoun restaurant – comes packed with huge scallops, mussels, clams, king prawns and chunky, super-fresh squid rings, all swimming happily in a delicious white wine, garlic and chilli sauce.

As far as straplines go, Celino’s ‘Tutto per Tutti’ – everything for everyone – is entirely credible.

As well as the near-exhaustive food and drink that both branches offer – everything from a takeaway coffee to a three-course meal – by basing his foodcentric outlets in two of Glasgow’s humbler areas, Claudio Celino is making top-quality Italian dining accessible to everyone.

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Seemingly endless variety of Italian food and drink

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The acoustics: can get noisy when busy

CELINO’S PARTICK 235 Dumbarton Road, West End, Glasgow, G11 6AB, 0141 341 0311, celinos.com Mon–Thu 7.30am–9.30pm; Fri/Sat 7.30am–10.30pm; Sun 10am–9.30pm.

RECOMMENDS RECOMMEND DS . . .

THE WINGED OX AT ST LUKE’S GLASGOW

Scottish Bar of the Year 2017, The Winged Ox at St Luke’s serves food for the soul. Enjoy Badass Brisket and Heavenly Wings straight to your door from Glasgow’s latest American inspired gastro pub. stlukesglasgow.com/

Average cost two-course lunch £10.95 (set) / dinner £19 60 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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SIDE DISHES

It’s been awards season of late, when the great and the good of the Scottish food scene take various bows. The Michelin folks announced the movers and shakers in its star-studded lineup, and while it’s customary to add ‘coveted’ when talking about the star, one Scottish

holder publicly turned its back on the award prior to the 2018 dish out. The owners of the Boath House in Nairn caused a bit of a kerfuffle by saying they could do without the stress of the whole Michelin thing, and that they are moving away from fine dining just as they feel their punters are

News to nibble on

doing, even if it means losing their decade-old star. In the end, they retained their star, as did 11 other restaurants including four one-starrers in Edinburgh (Number One, 21212, The Kitchin, Restaurant Martin Wishart), with Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles again the only two-star spot. Losing their stars were Kinloch Lodge on Skye and Isle of Eriska near Oban, while Michael Smith (pictured), formerly of the Three Chimneys, gained a star at his Loch Bay Restaurant on Skye.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh continues its haul of awards this year. After winning our Special Award in the Eating & Drinking Guide, they’ve

taken the top Scottish award, Restaurant of the Year, in the AA Hospitality Awards for their Dining Room restaurant. Also basking in award glory were the country’s gin producers at the inaugural Scottish Gin Awards, with Glasgow’s Makar Gin getting gold gongs for their Cask Aged Gin matured in oak and their Old Tom varieties. Producers in the capital were also feted, with Edinburgh Gin winning gold and silver in the liqueur category and Pickering’s Gin winning for its marketing and Innovation of the Year – their stocking-filling Christmas gin baubles.

Following on from their annual fortnight celebrating all things Scottish and edible, Scotland Food & Drink are reaching out to the kids in preparation for next year’s Year of Young People. They want to hear from anyone under the age of 26 who has been doing inspiring work in the food and drink industry, be they farmers, chefs, charity volunteers, bloggers – go on, big up yourself or a friend.

‘Tis the season to bake free-from!

Whether you’re making gluten-free mince pies or a vegan plum pudding, Real Foods can cater for your every baking need this Christmas. As the largest independent Scottish retailer of organic, plant based and special diet foods, we are your one-stop shop for the festive season when you need free-from options.

We’ve been providing excellent quality baking ingredients since 1963, so you can count on us to supply you with everything you need – from gluten-free flours to vegetarian suet and dairy-free cream. We always go the extra mile to help you find the products you need, so whatever diet you may be following, no one needs to miss out on the festive fun.

With over 10,000 items in our range, there is plenty of choice, but we’re always happy to source new products to help you create your showstopping bakes!

Fabulous – high-quality ingredients for all your recipe requirements.

F ree-From – allergens. Our products are clearly marked and we have a wide range of alternatives for all dietary needs.

Baking – ingredients for traditional staples along with exciting new products.

The proof of the Christmas pudding is in the eating, so make sure you source your free-from ingredients from Real Foods!

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Get stocked up with Real Foods. Shop now for quality organic, plant based and free-from ingredients. iStockphoto©Jacob Ammentorp Lund

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IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE

RECENT OPENINGS

Rum, spice and a warm welcome – Ailidh Forlan finds plenty to recommend at the bright, buzzy Trenchtown Carribean Social Club

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ibrant, exotic and all the ‘tings’ Edinburgh was craving; Trenchtown Social nourishes with hearty Caribbean food and energising dance beats. Dive into a buttery puddle of plump garlic and chilli BBQ king prawns, or nibble away at pankocoated fiery fried squid, each dish a complex layering of spice with scotch bonnet undertones, eased by fresh pineapple or creamy coconut. Next up, the comforting stodge of traditional dumplings dunked into fragrant curried goat, or heavenly Trinidad-seasoned jerk pork belly on sweet potato mash – and if you’re struggling with the heat, it’s the perfect excuse to sample a dangerously moreish Trenchtini or two. There’s something addictive about this ‘social club’. Familiar reggae tunes and colourful Jamaican-inspired graffiti take you to a happier place, all topped off by laid-back staff who have the balance just right. The team behind Trenchtown – former owners of Tuk Tuk and current owners of Lancers – clearly know how to generate a buzz thanks to the rare authenticity of rich, unrivalled flavour. True, there could be a stronger focus on local sourcing, but you’re in safe hands here.

TRENCHTOWN CARIBBEAN SOCIAL CLUB 4–8 Lochrin Buildings, Gilmore Place, Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9NB, 0131 623 6786, trenchtownsocial.com £16 (lunch/dinner)

The best of the new restaurant, café and bar openings in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Prices shown are for an average two-course meal for one.

And those pizzas are easily good enough to carry the menu and nicely priced too. Licence is pending so BYOB if you want to really get lost in the music.

PIANOLA & CO

Glasgow KOELSCHIP YARD BARS & PUBS 686–688 Pollokshaws Road, Southside, koelschipyard.beer, £8 (bar snacks) No Tennent’s, no pints, no cash. The owners have certainly transformed this old Southside pub (previously Kelly’s), with no apologies for only serving craft beer, and only in two-third pints. No kitchen either, but Scotch eggs and charcuterie are fantastic, full of depth from good produce. A fair whack of the 16 lines and the bottles are lambic, gose or wild, in gloriously funky flavours. Hoppy pale ale drinkers are well catered for, but the obscure stuff stands out – from Flemish producers through to modern masters Mikkeller, while other taps dedicate themselves to particular breweries.

BASTA PIZZA BAR 561 Dumbarton Road, West End, 0141 339 8698, bastapizza.com, £12 (lunch/dinner) This compact spot in Partick’s outer reaches specialises in just pizza, but delivers it with soul, style and a fair bit of funk. Great music runs right through the place – as does a nice eye for design – all tinged with a welcome 1970s vibe. Run by locals who, after years working hospitality for the man, named their place after the Italian for ‘enough!’, Basta does pizza all the way – besides a handful of snacks and simple salads.

ITALIAN BISTRO 240 Crow Road, West End, 0141 334 6171, pianolaglasgow.co.uk, £11.95 (set lunch) / £20 (dinner) What was once a motor parts shop has undergone a startling transformation into an Italian bistro, courtesy of the folks who own nearby Kothel. Monochrome checked floor, wood panelling, brass and glass twinkling around the bar, upholstered seats at the huge windows – it’s a handsome number, oozing continental panache. The Italian food on offer is a fairly unfussy, traditional delve into classics, all well delivered with good quality produce. It all plays nicely through the day, from casual pasta lunches with good coffee, to pizza over beers or a blow-out dinner warranting a dress up.

Edinburgh THE FAT PONY BARS & PUBS 47–49 Bread Street, 0131 229 5770, thefatpony. com, £18 (dinner) A welcome addition to largely loveless Bread Street, The Fat Pony is a relaxed setting to explore an innovative selection of wines and cocktails. The modern décor is saved from austerity by colourful bar stools and little kitsch ponies, subtly mounted.

Helpful service and reasonable prices (from £2.75 a glass) mean you can roam freely through the quirky wine list. Try an orange wine (closer to sherry) or a sweet one, sample biodynamic production or a grape you’ve never heard of, or sip a herb-infused Bloody Mary while grazing on decent charcuterie, some Mellis cheese or a tasty small plate.

TOAST LEITH BARS & PUBS 65 The Shore, Leith, 0131 467 6984, toastleith. co.uk, £9 (lunch) / £15 (dinner) Whether you crave coffee and cake or wine and cheese, there’s no ‘right’ time to have either at Toast, Edinburgh’s first ‘all-day wine café’. Inside, large windows illuminate high ceilings, exposed brickwork and quirky wall tiles, with outdoor seating for sunny days. The rotating wine list showcases nearly 30 wines by the glass, mostly biodynamic, natural or organic, while the menu focuses on seasonal dishes with strong Middle Eastern influences – head chef Lizzie Arber has plans to add more plant-based food over time. Monmouth coffee and sweet offerings from The Pastry Section, Grams and Patisserie Madeleine are almost irresistible.

LEFT FIELD STEAKHOUSES & BURGER BARS 12 Barclay Terrace, 0131 229 1394, leftfieldedinburgh.co.uk, £12 (lunch) / £20 (dinner) Left Field (formerly Katie’s Diner) is a welcoming and relaxed neighbourhood eatery in a stripped-back space. The menu features Scottish ingredients served simply, such as starters of Shetland mussels and chicken liver pâté, and mains like beef burger, chicken or charred cauliflower. Scottish Border beef is prominent, matured for 28 days and served with proper chunky, crunchy chips. With good veggie options, short but interesting wine and beer lists and great value weekend set lunches, you’ll find little fuss or frill at Left Field. It’s confident, charming and uncomplicated, to the point of appearing effortless – the kind of place every neighbourhood deserves.

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 62 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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Festive food & drink For some, the festive period is the perfect time to experiment with food, while others prefer to rely on the classics – or shun cooking altogether and go out instead. But whatever your preference, it’s indisputable that food and drink comes into

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s ’ A & Q e Festiv

FREDERIC BERKMILLER L’ESCARGOT BLEU & L’ESCARGOT BLANC What’s the best way to celebrate Scotland’s food and drink during the festivities?

Lots of meat, lots of drink, lots of fish, all the freshest and the best quality and, of course, lots of great quality time at the table with best friends and family.

To turkey or not to turkey?

What else could work as a centrepiece?

Turkey is very traditional and is a great meal. What matters is to get the best ingredient around – goose, duck, whatever.

It is also a good idea to have a mix of great roasts, have a few different poultries, stick in a rack of pork, pick the best farm to buy from, and avoid supermarkets at any cost.

We’ve been eating that flaming Christmas pudding for centuries, can you give us an alternative big finale?

As a French man, a rich chocolate Christmas log is a must.

What edible (or drinkable) present will be in your letter to Santa?

A great bottle of Burgundy wine.

Any tips for those Boxing Day leftovers?

No tips, make it a lazy day. No leftover should be stored in the fridge but left overnight in the oven instead. A great homemade mayonnaise, bread and butter, and go through all the leftovers as they are, without warming up.

What’s the best breakfast on New Year’s Day? Hangover cures welcome The leftover as a brekkie is always the best then a glass of wine to help it go down.

L’Escargot Bleu, 56 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3SA, lescargotbleu.co.uk & L’Escargot Blanc, 17 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4QW, lescargotblanc.co.uk

64 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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What else could work as a centrepiece?

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I’m a traditionalist at heart so it’s always turkey with all the trimmings! However, depending on your preference and size of the gathering, you could substitute turkey for chicken, lamb or even fish.

What would you magic away from the traditional Christmas menu?

Nothing but if we are talking magic, that stuffed feeling after an enormous roast dinner would be the first thing to go and then the washing up.

We’ve been eating that flaming Christmas pudding for centuries, can you give us an alternative big finale?

Last year I put together an exotic pistachio cheesecake with a vermicelli base. It went like crazy when we tried it at TUK TUK and had the same response at home.

What edible (or drinkable) present will be in your letter to Santa?

Pickled garlic!! I can’t get enough and it features this year in this season’s menu at TUK TUK and my personal favourite drink this year is non-alcoholic Scottish ginger beer.

Animal-free dining has been big in 2017 – any ideas for a fancy festive vegan dish?

Winter is a great time of year for those hardy roasting vegetables, but a must-try for me is sautéed broccoli with Indian five spice in peanut oil with almond flakes. Just wow.

Any tips for those Boxing Day leftovers?

I’ve never been a fan of leftovers! So recently I make every effort to cook the right number of portions per person and if any extra people turn up then it’s all about sharing.

However, in the past I have been known to put together a spicy stew and with roast veg, add some besan flour and make delicious mixed vegetable pakoras.

TUK TUK, 1 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LH & 426 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3JD, tuktukonline.com

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&A Q e v i t s e F

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT AND WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO THE BIG FEASTIVAL INCLUDING GLAMPING AND TRAVEL FROM BIRRA MORETTI

CLAUDIO CELINO CELINO’S What’s the best way to celebrate Scotland’s food and drink during the festivities?

Round a table with as many friends and family members in the comfort of your own home. That way you can eat and drink as much as you want and still be in charge of the TV control!

KETT / FANATIC 2017

PHOTO: JUSTINE TRIC

To turkey or not to turkey?

What else could work as a centrepiece?

Rib roast dry-aged for 60 days.

What would you magic away from the traditional Christmas menu?

Turkey!!!

We’ve been eating that flaming Christmas pudding for centuries, can you give us an alternative big finale?

Panettone from Celino’s made into a bread and butter booze pudding, smothered in hot Pasticceria vanilla cream.

What edible (or drinkable) present will be in your letter to Santa?

Bottle of lemoncello and a bottle of Valpolicella Ripasso Lenotti.

Any tips for those Boxing Day leftovers?

Rib-roast beef stroganoff with a starter of re-roasted ribs smothered in fresh chilli and lemongrass.

What’s the best breakfast on New Year’s Day? Hangover cures welcome Full Scottish, Stornoway Black pudding and scrambled eggs using double cream!

Celino’s West End, 235 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AB & East End, 620 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 3BT, celinos.com

After last year’s race to pick up the coveted List Reader Award, we are back and ready to look for 2018’s winner.

The List’s Reader Award in association with Birra Moretti will be presented to the restaurant that receives the most online votes from our readers.

The winning restaurants will be announced at our Eating & Drinking Guide Awards in 2018 in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

This is the 10th year that Birra Moretti has supported Food & Drink in Scotland and helped promote Scotland’s rich gastronomic culture to a wider audience.

To vote, just log on to list.co.uk/readeraward before 1 April 2018 and you could win a trip for two to The Big Feastival next August in the Cotswolds which includes return travel and three nights glamping.

T&C’s apply. @thelistmagazine #ListReaderAward

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’s

&A Q e v i t s e F

VIC HENDERSON HARMONIUM

SCOTT SMITH NORN

To turkey or not to turkey?

What else could work as a centrepiece?

What’s the best way to celebrate Scotland’s food and drink during the festivities?

There’s tons of vegan goodies that would set centre stage. We even do a thing called a tofurkey which, believe it or not, actually comes with all the vegan meat trimmings like pigs in blankets, and stuffing. You also can’t beat mushrooms, in any form; they take on so much flavour and are so versatile. I like to use a mix of portobello and brown chestnut mushrooms and also pop some jackfruit in there and do a really lovely rich and unbelievably tasty bourguignon with puff pastry and all the trimmings or use a similar idea and do a Mushroom Wellington.

It’s got to be enjoying the stalls at the Edinburgh Christmas Market. Great place to soak up the atmosphere, eating some great bites from local guys, and from further afield. And always warming up with mulled cider or wine. Important to carry a flask of your favourite Scottish whisky too!

We’ve been eating that flaming Christmas pudding for centuries, can you give us an alternative big finale?

Sea buckthorn and chocolate cheesecake with vanilla ice-cream.

It’s not too sweet but it’s totally decadent, plus a really unusual taste with the sea buckthorn just coming through. Plus you want to leave room for that vegan cheeseboard after so you don’t want to be weighted down with a massive stodgy pudding.

Animal-free dining has been big in 2017 – any ideas for a fancy festive vegan dish?

One of my favourite dishes right now, which we have on at Harmonium and would totally work as a nice starter on a festive menu, is seared king oyster scallops with burnt sage butter, samphire and chorizo. I’ve been told I could take that dish to LA. I mean just taking it back to Glasgow to have on Christmas Day would be enough for me.

What’s the best breakfast on New Year’s Day? Hangover cures welcome Haggis and smoked tofu hollandaise bagels with Tabasco .You need as much stodge as possible to soak up the booze and knock you out for a few more hours sleep, so you can go out again that night for one last knees-up before you go back to work.

Harmonium, 60 Henderson Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6DE, facebook.com/harmoniumbar

What would you magic away from the traditional Christmas menu?

Overcooked sprouts. Sprouts are one of my favourite Christmas meal sides, but overcooked they are awful. Unless done properly, they shouldn’t be on the table.

We’ve been eating that flaming Christmas pudding for centuries, can you give us an alternative big finale?

Not very Scottish, but I really enjoy a well made clafoutis and clotted cream to finish the meal. You can use any fruit you want in it. Figs at that time of year are really nice. With brandy on the side instead of flaming over the top.

What edible (or drinkable) present will be in your letter to Santa?

Same as every year. Balvenie Double Wood.

It wouldn’t be a complete stocking without one.

Animal-free dining has been big in 2017 – any ideas for a fancy festive vegan dish?

Squash is great and versatile. Scoop out the middle and fill with a stuffing of chestnuts, onion and sage, and bake.

What’s the best breakfast on New Year’s Day? Hangover cures welcome Tend not drink a great deal on Hogmanay (even though some of the above answers may suggest otherwise), so New Year’s breakfast is usually a big treat. Champagne, smoked salmon and oysters.

Norn, 50-54 Henderson Street, Edinburgh EH6 6DE, nornrestaurant.com

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The perfect harmony of honey, spices, tangerines and blended Scotch whisky and the ideal accompaniment to rich, roasted coffee.

Visit the Glayva Bar at Edinburgh’s Christmas, George Street, Edinburgh, 17 Nov – 7 Jan 18.

1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 69

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Glasgow’s Best Seafood Restaurant

www.Gamba.co.uk 225A West George St, G2 2ND 0141 572 0899

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AROUND TOWN

F the latesotr listing news, reviews,sgand list.c .uko to /aroundoto wn

CHRISTMAS FAIRS AND MARKETS Revel in the Christmas spirit with our round-up of the best festive markets and fairs Tis the season to go shopping, and with Christmas just around the corner, there’s plenty of that to be getting on with. So go against the grain of rampant corporate consumerism and explore some local Christmas fairs and markets this festive season.

In Glasgow, the Urban Market Christmas (Sun 3 Dec, Drygate Brewing Co) promises a relaxed day of shopping for botanicals and beers, while the Festive Art, Design & Contemporary Craft Market (Sun Dec 10, Kibble Palace) means you can shop weird and wonderful stalls for homemade terrariums and gifts to tickle green fingers. Elsewhere, the Glasgow Charities Christmas Fayre

(Tue Nov 14, Glasgow City Chambers) lets you give back to the local community while searching for that special gift, or if you’re up for something bigger, the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair (Thu 23–Sat 25 Nov, SEC) offers more than 300 exhibitors punting crafts, home and garden accessories, clothing and jewellery (plus a range of demonstrations and tastings each day).

In the east, Edinburgh’s Christmas (Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan, George Street & East Princes Street Gardens) has its stalwart traditional European Christmas market. Stock up on unique trinkets and crafts while you enjoy a warming glühwein, or nip to Summerhall Christmas Market (pictured, Sun 10 Dec,

Summerhall) for locally sourced and fairtrade food, drink, crafts, art and jewellery, with Summerhall Singers providing a festive soundtrack. Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market (Sat 25 Nov, Steiner School) offers storytelling, games and performances for young ’uns while parents deal with the gift side of things. Or, for all your food and drink needs over the Christmas period, Foodies Festival Christmas (Fri 24–Sun 26 Nov, EICC) dishes up three days of producers, tastings, demonstrations, seasonal produce, and top advice on food-related Christmas presents. (Kirstyn Smith) ■ Various venues, Glasgow & Edinburgh, throughout Nov & Dec.

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HITLIST

MEADOWBANK ANNUAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh, Sun 5 Nov, edinburghleisure. co.uk Fun for all the family at Edinburgh’s only official fireworks display which has been running for over 30 years.This year features a sci-fi theme.

teams up with his brother Jamie for a doubles match against Mansour Bahrami and British tennis icon, Tim Henman. All profits to Unicef and Sunny-sid3up.

ANDY MURRAY LIVE SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Tue 7 Nov, andymurraylive. com The tennis champion plays a singles match against Roger Federer then

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, Fri 24 Nov– Sat 30 Dec, rbge.org.uk A one-mile illuminated trail that

winds its way through the garden. Wander beneath the tree canopies bathed in seasonal colour, enjoy the sounds of the Choir of the Trees and keep an eye out for Santa and his elves.

EDINBURGH HOGMANAY STREET PARTY Princes Street, Edinburgh, Sun 31 Dec,

edinburghshogmanay. com Edinburgh’s worldfamous Hogmanay celebration ushers the new year in with a bang. A Torchlight Procession on 30 Dec, a massive street party on 31 Dec, and for those brave souls still wanting more, there’s the Loony Dook (in the River Forth) on 1 Jan. See feature, page 54.

AROUND TOWN HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW WWE LIVE: WRESTLEMANIA REVENGE The SSE Hydro, Wed 1 Nov, wwe.com The ultimate in ‘sports entertainment’ as the real deal WWE superstars of US wrestling bring the pain to the UK. Also touring, see list. co.uk/events/sport for details.

GLASGOW HORROR FESTIVAL The Classic Grand, Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov, popcornhorror.com/glasgowhorror-festival Popcorn Horror presents this two-day horror festival featuring a horror market, industry panels, indie screenings, drag queen Lacy Rain, FX demo, podcast battle, a horror quiz and the Monster Mash club night.

GLASGOW GREEN FIREWORKS DISPLAY Glasgow Green, Sun 5 Nov, glasgowlife.org.uk/events Annual huge fireworks show for all the family.

Display starts at 7.30pm.

ARTICLES OF WAR The Lighthouse, Tue 7–Sat 11 Nov, afas.org.uk An exhibition of works by members of the Armed Forces Art Society, created in response to the theme ‘Articles of War’. The exhibition features the first sculpture created

by Bryn Parry about Si Brown, titled ‘Looking Forward’.

FESTIVAL OF BURLESQUE Riding Rooms, Thu 9–Sun 12 Nov, glasgowfestivalofburlesque.com A weekend festival celebrating the very best in the art of cabaret, with workshops and performances across the weekend.

GLESGA BRICKS Renfield St Stephen’s Church, Sat 11 Nov, glesgabricks.yapsody.com

A Christmas Fairy Trail

LEGO show run by fans, showcasing the works of builders throughout Scotland. All profits from the event go to Fairy Bricks charity.

GLASGOW’S WHISKY FESTIVAL Hampden Park, Sat 11 Nov, glasgowswhiskyfestival.com Glasgow’s festival of the national tipple is especially interested in distillers and bottlers from in and around Glasgow itself, but they welcome all, big or small.

GOK WAN NAKED & BEARING ALL Pavilion Theatre, Thu 16 Nov, gokwan.com Gok candidly unravels his life to reveal everything he has not yet dared to bare. No collar is left unturned in what is the most honest, campest and naked stage show ever to mince the boards. Also touring, see list. co.uk/days-out for details.

ARIKA EPISODE 9: OTHER WORLDS ALREADY EXIST Tramway, Thu 16–Sun 19 Nov arika. org.uk Four days of performances, readings, discussions, workshops, screenings (and a party) with sex revolutionaries, prison abolitionist poets, mutant dancers, haunted noise, fan fiction fantasists and more. See feature, page 47.

HANS REY: RIDING LIFE Drygate Brewing Co, Mon 20 Nov, drygate.com Hans Rey, the former World Champion, pioneer of Freeride, Mountain Bike Hall of Famer and mountain bike adventurer, takes audiences on an inspiring journey through his 30 year career.

HOLISTIC WAYS FESTIVAL Trades Hall of Glasgow, Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov, holisticwaysfestival.co.uk Featuring psychics, complementary therapies, alternative health products, crafts and more. Also Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, Sun 26 Nov. GLASGOW ST ANDREW’S DAY TORCHLIGHT PARADE Various venues, Thu 30 Nov, westendfestival.co.uk A torchlight procession passing through Glasgow’s West End to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. The event is supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals, Glasgow City Council and Byres Road and Lanes BID. TOY FAIR SCOTLAND Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 9 Dec, toyfairuk.com A one-day toy fair showcasing old and new toys. The market brings collectors and buyers together to showcase their toys.

IRN BRU CARNIVAL SEC, Thu 21 Dec–Sun 14 Jan, irn-bru-carnival.com Are you brave enough to take on the King Loops, Speed Buzz or Midnight Express Matterhorn at this indoor carnival? If you don’t have the stomach for thrill rides, there’s also traditional family rides like dodgems, waltzers and a helter skelter, with kids rides for the wee ones.

NATIONAL WHISKY FESTIVAL SWG3, Sat 20 Jan, nationalwhiskyfestival.scot A chance to try a selection of fine whiskies from over 40 tasting stands.

Some of the best drams from around the world are on offer and local restaurants are also providing dishes to complement the different whiskies. Part of Celtic Connections.

EDINBURGH CANCER RESEARCH UK’S TOUGH 10 Pentland Hills, Sun 5 Nov, cancerresearchuk.org A series of 10k runs to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. There are three levels of toughness available and Edinburgh has one of the toughest routes through the Pentland Hills.

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TIM BURTON FREE FILM FESTIVAL The Three Sisters, Sun 5–Thu 9 Nov, thethreesistersbar.co.uk Celebrate the magic of Tim Burton with a weekend screening some of his most-loved films. All films are screened on The Three Sisters’ outdoor movie screen.

BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE AND THE JACOBITES National Museum of Scotland, until Sun 12 Nov, nms.ac.uk Major exhibition telling the real story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the rise and fall of the Jacobites, drawing on a rich wealth of material to tell the story of the doomed rebellion.

EDINBURGH ART FAIR Corn Exchange, Fri 17–Sun 19 Nov, artedinburgh.com The chance to peruse and pick up artwork from 60+ exhibitors from the UK and the rest of Europe. Thousands of pieces by 20th and 21st century artists are on offer, and there’s also a fully licensed café and bar.

PREVIOUSLY . . . SCOTLAND’S HISTORY FESTIVAL Various venues, Fri 17–Sun 26 Nov, historyfest.co.uk The festival brings Scotland’s history to life in a packed programme of talks, walks, tours, teas,

activities, debates, exhibitions, theatre, comedy, art, photography, family history, film, open days and much more that will appeal to all ages.

BLOODWISE REINDEER RUN Holyrood Park, Sun 3 Dec, bloodwise.org.uk/reindeer-run A festive fun run held in Holyrood Park to raise funds for Bloodwise. Choose to walk or run 1km, 5km or 10km.

There’s mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks at the finish. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and you receive your very own reindeer antlers to wear on the day.

CHRISTMAS ABOARD THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA Royal Yacht Britannia, until 2 Jan, royalyachtbritannia.co.uk See the Britannia in all her Christmas glory, including the traditional tree on the bridge, and enjoy complimentary mulled wine and shortbread in the Officers’ Mess.

FOODIES FESTIVAL EICC, Fri 24–Sun 26 Nov, foodiesfestival.com The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink with a tantalising menu of new culinary features, MasterChef winners, Great British Menu stars and a lineup of foodie fun that promises a great day out.

SLEEP IN THE PARK Princes Street Gardens, Sat 9 Dec, sleepinthepark.co.uk A landmark event organised by Edinburgh homelessness charity Social Bite, this massive sleep-out in Princes Street Gardens aims to raise £4million to end homelessness in Scotland. There will be appearances from a host of stars including Rob Brydon, Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy MacDonald, Frightened Rabbit, and more. See feature, page 50.

SUPERNOVA KELPIES The Helix, Falkirk, Fri 10–Sun 12 Nov, supernovarun.com A 5km run around the Kelpies, two 30-metre high horses who each weigh 300 tonnes.

Bring your head torch and as much fluorescent clothing as you can handle.

EDINBURGH COMIC ART FESTIVAL Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Sat 2 Dec, comicartfestival.co.uk A weekend of new authors, new comic books and new comic art talent. Rachael Stott, artist for Star Trek, Green Lantern, Ghostbusters and Dr Who, is the guest of honor and is joined by over 40 creators from across the UK.

TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION Old Town, Sat 30 Dec, edinburghshogmanay.com Marking the beginning of the bumper Hogmanay celebrations, folk in their thousands – led by massed pipes and drums – carry torches through the Old Town from George IV Bridge to Calton Hill. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks display. See feature, page 54.

EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER REVOLUTION FESTIVAL Assembly Roxy, Thu 23–Sat 25 Nov, revolutioncraftbeer.com A craft beer festival offering over 60 beers from Scotland and across the UK, including Fierce Beer, Cross Borders, Pilot and Fyne Ales. Non beery tipples are also available as well as some carefully selected street food vendors.

OUT OF TOWN

A CHRISTMAS FAIRY TRAIL Archerfield Walled Garden, Dirleton, Thu 14 Dec–Sat 16 Jan, archerfieldwalledgarden.com A new immersive light show on Archerfield Estate in East Lothian, complete with a fairy disco, sparkling willow walk, food & drink and Christmas music.

LOONY DOOK South Queensferry, Mon 1 Jan, edinburghshogmanay.com Dive into 2018 with a dip off South Queensferry.

Gather for the parade and watch as the swimmers freeze their proverbials off under the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

The magical, botanical, illuminated trail AT THE

After-dark festive fun for all the family Scented Fire Garden • Choir of the Trees The Crystal Lawn • Santa and his Elves Seasonal Food and Gifts

24 NOV – 30 DEC rbge.org.uk/christmas

08716 207 051

A single charge of £2 per transaction applies for print at home tickets, £2.50 for tickets sent by post.

Not open every day. Check website for full details. No fees for bookings made in person at RBGE.

Raymond Gubbay

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Winter Golf Membership

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BOOKS

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

MURIEL SPARK 100

PHOTO: NEIL HANNA

Year of events mark the centenary of the author’s birth Muriel Spark may often be referred to simply as ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie author’ but, as longtime fans know, there’s much more to her oeuvre. And the next year is the time to celebrate her many achievements; Muriel Spark 100 is a 12 month-long celebration of the Scottish author. To kick off proceedings on Sat 4 Nov, Spark’s 22 novels are being released as collectable Centenary Editions, published by Birlinn (pictured here with Creative Scotland’s Jenny Niven and Birlinn’s Jan Rutherford).

Ali Smith will be delivering the The Muriel Spark Society Lecture at the National Library of Scotland on Tue 14 Nov, and the library will also host a personal exhibition about the

author, The International Style of Muriel Spark (Fri 8 Dec–Sun 13 May), highlighting her love of fashion. BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a series of programmes in January and February, as Louise Welsh, Val McDermid, Janice Galloway, Ali Smith and Kate Clanchy reflect on Spark’s career. Glasgow University host a two-day academic symposium (Wed 31 Jan–Fri 2 Feb), and Edinburgh’s Writer’s Museum will host their own exhibition of printed items and artwork too (Fri 2 Feb–Sun 10 Jun). Plus, St Andrews poetry festival StAnza will have a series of specially commissioned poems, which fans can discover through readings and a digital installation. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Nov 2017–Nov 2018, murielspark100.com

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BOOKS | Reviews MYSTERY

GRAEME MACRAE BURNET The Accident on the A35 (Contraband) ●●●●●

PHOTO: JEN CUNNION

In his Booker-shortlisted novel His Bloody Project, Macrae Burnet styled himself as an amateur historian, publishing a first-person account written by a young man found guilty of a brutal triple murder, a document discovered in the process of Burnet researching his family tree.

A similar elaborate and thoroughly enticing set-up opens The Accident on the A35. Macrae Burnet poses as a translator for the manuscript of the late author Raymond Brunet, who decreed his second novel should only be published after his mother's death. Thus begging the question: what in a book could be so shocking or upsetting that his mother could never have knowledge of it?

For this, Macrae Burnet’s third novel, he returns to the sleepy French town of Saint-Louis and the character of chief inspector Georges Gorski, first encountered in his debut, The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau. The narrative is split between the two main characters: Gorski and a teenage Brunet. The pair are kindred spirits, socially awkward and hyper conscious of how they imagine others perceive them.

The novel follows Gorski’s investigation of the titular accident and Brunet’s own investigation of his father’s life, but it isn’t built around the usual pace of a police procedural. Macrae Burnet revels in the banality of small town life, balancing the low-level subterfuge within the town’s population with moments of high drama and revelation. It’s an expertly paced novel of small town characters with big city intrigue. (Rowena McIntosh) ■ Out now.

DEBUT

DARK THRILLER

MUSIC HISTORY

MATTHEW WEINER

BARRY GORNELL

STUART COSGROVE

Heather, The Totality (Canongate) ●●●●●

The Wrong Child (Orion) ●●●●●

Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner’s debut novella moves at a pace that leaves you breathless, unnerved and itching for more. The story explores the dynamics of a privileged but unhappy family, whose false utopia is threatened by the actions of an unstable outsider. Mark and Karen Breakstone are stereotypical wealthy New Yorkers who live in a superficial bubble while Bobby, in the parallel storyline, has grown up in a particularly tough environment.

Heather is the focal point, seen as the Breakstone’s golden child and simultaneously as a tool for Bobby to visualise his violent fantasies.

The lingering feeling of menace and dread is well executed but, ultimately, Heather is a teenager and the over-sexualisation of her character is difficult to digest. There is also an underlying misogyny which runs throughout the story, with any profound insights reserved for the male voices.

The female characters, in contrast, are viewed through a shallow lens, devoid of any real character development.

Weiner’s style is short and sharp, with no laborious context or intricate detail in the two opposing narratives of the Breakstone family and Bobby. While the style helps to weave these two strands together in a way that is unexpected and disturbing, there is a sense that this brevity would be suited better to a medium like television or film. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out Tue 7 Nov.

First published by the now defunct Freight Books last year, Barry Gornell’s novel is being republished

by Orion this autumn. At its core, The Wrong Child centres on a horrific tragedy in which a school building collapses, leading to the death of 21 children. But under the surface lies a deeply unsettling tale of loss, abandonment and revenge, where the situation is impossibly complex, and the dichotomy between good and evil blurred.

As the only surviving child of the tragedy, Dog Evans is universally shunned; a problematic burden to his parents and a reminder to the villagers of their suffering and loss. Abandoned by his parents before his 16th birthday, Dog is left to live alone and fend for himself. With seven years having passed, the novel flits backwards and forwards in time, with the present being occupied by bereaved parents and the past moving towards the events of the disaster itself, gradually unravelling pieces of information about each child and their broken community.

The climax is gripping and carefully built up by Gornell, whose vivid portrayal of small-town life presents an interesting study on the ramifications of grief. He ultimately succeeds in depicting a pressure cooker environment in which retribution is the only adequate means of catharsis for a community consumed by their darkness.

(Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out Thu 2 Nov.

Memphis ’68: The Tragedy of Southern Soul (Polygon/Birlinn) ●●●●● It’s perfectly feasible that Stuart Cosgrove’s exhaustive but briskly readable trilogy of social, political and musical histories of Black America in the late 1960s (of which this is the second chapter) will go on to become deserved future classics, although the world didn’t quite catch up quickly enough to acknowledge the fact that 2015’s Detroit ’67: The Year That Changed Soul presaged Kathryn Bigelow’s movie Detroit by a couple of years. As with that great book, Memphis ’68 draws together a wealth of in-person academic and library research to paint a month-by-month picture of a year and a place which it’s possible to look back on and believe that the world shifted on its axis.

As with Detroit in 1967 and its riots and unrest as the Vietnam War ground on, Memphis in 1968 threw up epochal moments by the month, from the crushing blow to Stax Records of Otis Redding’s death in a plane crash to the confrontations between militarised police and striking sanitation workers which drew the attention of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, leading to the civil rights leader’s assassination in the city that year.

The book is forensic and journalistic, but Cosgrove masks his wealth of detail beneath an authorial voice which is as easily, blissfully evocative as a classic soul seven-inch. Once again, he has created a mighty but personable music history book which wears its own importance very lightly. (David Pollock) ■ Out now.

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Highlights | BOOKS

Mon 27 Nov–Sun 3 Dec, bookweekscotland.com 2017’s lineup features a writing workshop with Liz Lochhead, a family day with Metaphrog and conversations with Denise Mina, Chris Brookmyre and Lin Anderson.

BOOK WEEK SCOTLAND Various venues, Scotland,

METAPHROG Langside Library, Glasgow, Sat 2 Dec,

PHOTO: BOB MCDEVITT

HITLIST

GRAEME MACRAE BURNET Waterstones West End, Edinburgh, Wed 1 Nov, graememacraeburnet. wordpress.com See review, page 75. Also Waterstones, Falkirk, Thu 30 Nov.

metaphrog.com Glasgow-based duo Metaphrog talk about comics and graphic novels and how they create their stories.

MESSAGE FROM THE SKIES Various venues, Edinburgh, Mon 1–Thu 25 Jan, edinburghshogmanay.

com Read a new story by leading Scottish writer Val McDermid, told through projections onto Edinburgh’s buildings and landmarks.

MURIEL SPARK CENTENARY SYMPOSIUM Glasgow University, Wed 31 Jan –Fri 2 Feb, murielspark100.com This symposium explores the writing of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie author Muriel Spark, in the year of her 100th birthday. See preview, page 75.

BOOKS HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

Hollie McNish

co.uk Brookmyre discusses his newest book Places in the Darkness, a crime novel set in space. See feature, page 23.

Also Sloans, Glasgow, Thu 9 Nov, waterstones.com

GLASGOW IAN RANKIN The Caves, Thu 9 Nov The Scottish crime writer on his life, inspirations and plans for the future.

DIAS DE LOS MUERTES CCA, Thu 2 Nov, dovetalesscotland. co.uk Poets AC Clarke and Sheila Templeton take part in readings in an event chaired by Liz Niven.

JENNIFER EGAN Waterstones West End, Thu 16 Nov, jenniferegan.com The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Visit from the Goon Squad reads from her latest novel, Manhattan Beach.

JUNE SARPONG Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Thu 2 Nov, waterstones.co.uk June Sarpong MBE discusses her book, Diversify, where she casts a spotlight on six marginalised groups and reveals how a lack of inclusivity limits our economy, our society, and us as individuals.

JOHN HEGLEY: PEACE, LOVE & POTATOES Òran Mór, Thu 2 Nov, oran-mor. co.uk The reigning lord of comic verse performs some treats from his new poetry collection.

STORY CAFE Glasgow Women’s Library, Thu 2 Nov, womenslibrary.org.uk Author Ajay Close reads from her book, The Daughter of Lady Macbeth.

LIN ANDERSON Elder Park Library, Mon 27 Nov, lin-anderson.com The Scottish crime writer and founder of Bloody Scotland talks about the twelfth book in the Rhona MacLeod series, Follow the Dead.

JUDY MURRAY Tue 28 Nov, Mitchell Library, glasgowlife.org.uk Judy Murray discusses her autobiography, Knowing the Score. Also Wed 29 Nov, The Brunton, Musselburgh, thebrunton. co.uk TOM RUSSELL: GODFATHER OF ROCK Library at the Bridge, Tue 28 Nov, tomrussellrocks.com Radio DJ Tom Russell discusses his long career in the

THIS IS IT! LITERARY CABARET Central Hall, Thu 23 Nov, literaturealliancescotland.co.uk A 90-minute sprint through the highlights of 2017’s literary happenings. music industry. Also Bridgeton Library, Thu 30 Nov. WOMEN, WATER & WHEELS Arlington Baths Club, Wed 29 Nov, womenslibrary.org.uk Enjoy inspiring stories of the pioneers of women’s sport with Jenny Landreth, author of Swell: A Waterbiography and The Guardian swimming blog.

HER SPIRIT SOARED Tramway, Thu 30 Nov, womenslibrary.org.uk Stories of survival and hope from women moving on from abuse.

CHRIS MCQUEER Partick Library, Thu 30 Nov, chrismcqueer.wordpress.com Chris McQueer reads from his debut collection of short stories, Hings. If you like Limmy’s Daft Wee Stories, Hings is probably also your ’hing. See 404 Ink feature, page 43.

THE DARK SIDE OF REALITY WITH JEAN RAFFERTY CCA, Tue 5 Dec, scottishwriterscentre.org.uk Author Jean Rafferty explores the process of using real life in fiction.

HERLAND: ALTER NATIVE BURNS Glasgow Women’s Library, Fri 26 Jan, womenslibrary.org.uk An alternative Burns Night with song and storytelling in Gaelic & Scots from female creatives.

DILYS ROSE Amnesty Bookshop, Edinburgh, Wed 29 Nov, scottishbooktrust.com/ book-week-scotland The historical fiction author talks about her novel Unspeakable.

EDINBURGH STUART ASHEN Waterstones Fort Kinnaird, Wed 1 Nov, waterstones.co.uk YouTube sensation signs copies of his latest book Attack of the Flickering Skeletons.

WILFRED OWEN 100 YEARS LATER Scottish Poetry Library, Fri 3 Nov, scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk On the centenary of the day the war poet Wilfred Owen left Edinburgh, the SPL is staging a panel discussion on Owen’s legacy.

LONGING, BELONGING & BALFOUR Scottish Storytelling Centre, Sat 4 Nov, tracscotland.org Music and spoken word concert weaving together Jewish, Palestinian and British storylines.

CHRIS BROOKMYRE Blackwell’s, Wed 8 Nov, blackwell.

COLD TURKEY Summerhall, Fri 1 Dec, summerhall. co.uk Music from Withered Hand and Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison, plus poems and spoken word from Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen.

EDINBURGH COMIC ART FESTIVAL Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Sat 2 Dec, comicartfestival.co.uk A weekend of new authors, new comic books and new comic art talent. Rachael Stott, artist for Star Trek, Ghostbusters and Dr Who, is the guest of honour.

HAVE YOURSELF A LITERARY CHRISTMAS CCA, Tue 19 Dec, scottishwriterscentre.org.uk A festive evening of readings, performances and slams from members of the Scottish Writers’ Centre. The guest writer is Jim Ferguson.

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BY ARRANGEMENT WITH VIVIENNE SMITH MANAGEMENT PRESENTS

★★★★★

‘HYSTERICAL… A MUST-SEE SHOW. MY FACE STILL HURTS FROM LAUGHING SO MUCH’ THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER

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‘THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING… HE IS A TOTAL PRO AND TERRIFIC COMPANY’ THE TIMES

‘Bailey cuts a world-beating swathe all of his own... absolutely genius on so many levels’

MORNING STAR

UK TOUR 2018 ‘A genuine marvel...

Pretty much unmissable’

EVENING STANDARD

THE HERALD SUN IN MELBOURNE

17 FEBRUARY 2018

SEC CLYDE AUDITORIUM GLASGOW

www.sec.co.uk billbailey.co.uk

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★★★★

‘ONE OF THE FUNNIEST AND MOST ARTICULATE OF OUR ESTABLISHED COMEDIANS’

23 MARCH 2018

PAVILION THEATRE GLASGOW Box Office: 0141 332 1846 www.paviliontheatre.co.uk www.edbyrne.com

@MrEdByrne

Ed.Byrne.Comedian

27/10/2017 15:46

COMEDY

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

MARGARET CHO

PHOTO: ALBERT SANCHEZ

Boundary-pushing American comedian returns with UK tour In a 2015 article published in W Magazine, Sarah Silverman and Margaret Cho were described as comedians who ‘know no boundaries and inspire palpable fear any time they begin one of their riffs’. While British audiences have previously experienced genuine paroxysms of terror at the thought of Silverman’s ticket prices when measured against her onstage time, Cho certainly feels like a dangerous comedy animal.

A thorn bush in the side of the establishment and anything that reeks of conservatism, she rails against injustice and bigotry while advocating various ‘alternative sexualities’ such as BDSM and polyamory.

So, should we getting worried as she brings Fresh Off the Bloat to the UK? ‘I like being scary!’ she confirms. ‘I think I should have been Scary Spice! It’s very exciting to instil fear in people especially as a comedian. That power is very important to wield responsibility, and I use it for good.’ Among the good she is doing will be calling out the celebrities who have been exposed for their appalling behaviour and dark-age attitudes in recent times. ‘The show is a sickening romp through a vile landscape from Donald Trump to Harvey Weinstein, leaving no stone man unturned.

It’s not fat shaming: it’s shaming the bloated state of our society.’

Cho has been a popular visitor to the UK with past shows such as The Notorious C.H.O., State of Emergency and Cho Dependent. The mutual appreciation society seems to be in full flow. ‘UK audiences are very sophisticated because all of their well-loved comedians work on a brand new show every year so they’re used to the best. They want performers who rise to the challenge with grace.’ (Brian Donaldson) ■ Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Nov.

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COMEDY | Previews POETRY / MUSIC / COMEDY

HARRY & CHRIS The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 10 Dec; The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 18 Dec Though Harry Baker and Chris Read have been tickling Fringe audiences for the last two years with their jazz / performance poetry / comedy combo, their initial meeting was an inauspicious one. ‘We went to school together,’ Baker recalls. ‘I think Chris truly began to respect me when I came to do a paper round at the same newsagent as him and was so punctual they gave me extra work instead of him despite him having been there longer. He was the cool guy in a band in the year above.’

After collaborating on each other’s projects for a while they went their separate ways but got back together again once they’d completed their degrees. This second show has the pair embracing the comedy further after audiences for the first one seemed to particularly enjoy that element. ‘This way we get to be surprisingly poignant and tuneful for a comedy act rather than surprisingly funny for a poetry show,’ laughs Baker.

So given the long-lasting nature of their relationship and the fact that they have both got / are getting married this year, do they have any advice to pass on? ‘I reckon Chris’ top tip would be once you’re married and have had a honeymoon to immediately go on tour around the country with your (other) best friend. My tip would be to wait until after the tour to get married: we’ll let you know how both of those work out.’ (Marissa Burgess) MY COMEDY HERO

JOSIE LONG Lefty Scum is at The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 7 Nov; The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 18 Feb Eugene Mirman is to my mind the most inventive comedian in the world. I first heard of him through a friend in about 2005. He played me phone pranks Eugene had done to take the piss out of homophobic American conservatives. They managed to remain warm and good-natured without losing a political point. Above all they were so silly that we were in hysterics. I saw his Edinburgh show the same year and he gave out different coupons to the crowd. I still have mine which says ‘this coupon is for a hug when you’re feeling blue’.

I was lucky enough to support him on tour last year and one set would go from political Facebook surveys he’d placed and collected during the election to a fake tourist calendar he’d painted of the seaside town where he lives, and that he drops into shops unasked for. His stand-up is never not delightful, smart and surprising at once, and I always find myself giggling like an idiot.

On top of all of this, Eugene is a really generous performer and person. He cares about the comedy community and really loves comedy, but will also do a ridiculous Theremin solo for 20 minutes onstage, so what’s not to love? (As emailed to Brian Donaldson) ■ Lefty Scum comprises Josie Long, Jonny & the Baptists and Grace Petrie. See more of this column at list.co.uk/comedy

LOCAL LAUGHS RICHARD BROWN

RISING GLASGOW-BASED COMEDIAN RICHARD BROWN HAS A GO AT OUR Q&A Can you tell us about the moment when you thought: ‘stand-up is for me’?

There wasn't a specific moment, I’ve just always loved stand-up and in 2011 I did my first open spot.

That said, every September after the Fringe, I have to go back to a real-world job, and put the filter back up between my brain and my mouth to stop myself making the type of jokes I’ve just spent a month making in pubs with other comics.

I’m reminded that the world of stand-up, inhabited as it is by narcissists, drunks and damaged people, is where I want to be.

Where do you draw the line when it comes to ‘offensive comedy’?

When it’s shit. If you put thought into what you’re saying and how you’re saying it, you can talk about most subjects. Comics that say audiences are too politically correct are usually just too shit.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from another comedian so far?

When I first started, an Australian comic called Geoff Gawler told me, ‘stop being so self-deprecating. If you tell the audience “we’re on a big pink fluffy cloud” the audience will believe we’re on a big pink fluffy cloud.

If you tell the audience you’re a shit comedian the audience will believe you’re a shit comedian.’ That made a big difference.

Which comedian’s memoir would you recommend?

None. It takes so much ego and narcissism for a person to stand on a stage, so having that person talk exclusively about themselves for 300 pages would be fucking tedious!

■ The Stand, Glasgow, Thu 23–Sat 25 Nov; Yesbar, Glasgow, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec. See more of this Q&A at list.co.uk/comedy

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Previews | COMEDY

list.co.uk/comedy STAND-UP

JIM JEFFERIES SEC Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, Sun 21 Jan He’ll never be everyone’s cup of comedic tea, but Jim Jefferies gives the impression that he probably doesn’t really give a stuff about what people think. Still, even the anti-JJ brigade, of which there are plenty paid-up members, would have hooted in support of him flipping the bird at Piers Morgan who had gone into full-on Trumpapologist mode on Bill Maher’s talk show.

The former UK resident has performed personal shows about his close shave with cancer, being part of the porn industry, that time he was held bound and at machete-point in a Manchester flat and, more recently, the difficulties he has with his partner in being on the same page when it comes to raising their son. Now with The Unusual Punishment Tour, he will be back rattling the cages of those across the political spectrum, having mercilessly taunted the gun lobby on the one hand while skirting the line of decency about sexual assault by celebrities on the other.

For those who can’t stand the more brutal aspects of Jim Jefferies’ act, the bad news is that he fully intends to keep his show on the road for a very long time.

As he told The List ahead of his Freedumb tour of 2016, ‘I hope that I have longevity and am still doing theatres when I’m 80.

If I still had a strong enough fanbase to keep getting up and doing it, I’d be very happy.’ (Brian Donaldson)

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COMEDY | Highlights

HITLIST

LEFTY SCUM The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 7 Nov, thestand. co.uk Triple-header tour with music, comedy and socialism from Josie Long, Grace Petrie and Jonny & the Baptists. See My Comedy Hero, page 80.

MARGARET CHO: FRESH OFF THE BLOAT

The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Nov, thequeenshall.net The pioneering stand-up tackles the bad men who are finally being exposed.

See preview, page 79.

show about freedom, fascism, history, hope, resistance and milk. Also, The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 17 Jan, thestand. co.uk

AHIR SHAH: CONTROL The Stand, Edinburgh Tue 16 Jan, thestand. co.uk An Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated

JIM JEFFERIES: UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT SEC Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, Sun 21 Jan, sec.co.uk Leave your delicate sensibility at the door as Mr Jefferies is one of the most offensive comedians out there right now and is not afraid to revel in the fact. See preview, page 81.

CHRIS ROCK: TOTAL BLACKOUT SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Wed 24 Jan, thessehydro.com The actor, director, writer, producer and voice of a zebra (one for your kids, that, maybe?) returns to the stand-up stage, with his new eye-catching show, Total Blackout. See preview, page 17.

COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW JOHN HEGLEY: PEACE, LOVE AND POTATOES Òran Mór, Thu 2 Nov, oran-mor.co.uk The reigning lord of comic verse performs some treats.

TOM STADE: I SWEAR The Stand, Sun 12, Wed 29 Nov, thestand.co.uk Canadian comedian Tom Stade presents his show I Swear.

Also The Stand, Edinburgh, Wed 15 Nov, thestand.co.uk JAMES ACASTER: CLASSIC SCRAPES Òran Mór, Thu 16 Nov, oran-mor.co.uk Acaster presents his first book, Classic Scrapes. Also The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, Fri 17 Nov, aberdeenperformingarts.com/ venues/the-lemon-tree JOHN BISHOP: WINGING IT SSE Hydro, Sat 18 Nov, thessehydro.com Observational humour from the multi-award winning Liverpudlian stand-up. Also Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 20 Nov, atgtickets.com/edinburgh SUSIE MCCABE: LET’S GET PHYSICAL Platform, Fri 24 Nov, platform-online.co.uk Sharp observations on health, fitness and wellbeing from Susie McCabe, who has swapped the cigs and takeaways for fruit and exercise. Also touring, see list.co.uk/events/comedy for details.

FERN BRADY: SUFFER, FOOLS! The Stand, Mon 27 Nov, thestand.co.uk Incisive comedy from one of Scotland’s best up-andcoming stand-ups. Also The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 28 Nov, thestand.co.uk

DANIEL SLOSS: NOW Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 1 Dec, glasgowconcerthalls.com The Scottish comedian, and recipient of the 2016 Sydney Comedy Festival ‘Best of the Fest’ International Award, presents his latest show. Also touring, see list.co.uk/events/comedy for details.

FIN TAYLOR & KIRI PRITCHARD MCLEAN The Stand, Mon 22 Jan, thestand.co.uk Double bill from Taylor and Pritchard McLean, a pair who did fine work at this year’s Fringe. Also The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 23 Jan, thestand.co.uk JOHN KEARNS: DON’T WORRY THEY’RE HERE The Stand, Mon 29 Jan, thestand.co.uk Comedy shot through with originality from John Kearns, the only act to have won both the Edinburgh Comedy Award’s main prize and newcomer gong.

EDINBURGH JON RICHARDSON: OLD MAN Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 9 Nov, atgtickets.com/edinburgh Wry observations and pessimistic humour from the 8 Out of 10 Cats star, who is starting to feel his age. Also touring, see list.co.uk/events/comedy for details.

KATHY GRIFFIN: LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF Assembly Rooms, Sat 11 Nov, assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk No holds will be barred when this Grammy Award-winning comic makes her sole Scottish appearance on a globetrotting tour.

PHIL WANG: KINABALU The Stand, Sun 19 Nov, thestand.co.uk Phil Wang, son of the British Empire, muses on the realities of being a British East Asian in his laid-back style. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 20 Nov, thestand. co.uk

Fern Brady

KEARA MURPHY: DARK ONE Woodland Creatures, Thu 23 Nov, kearamurphy.com A show which explores three generations of Irish women, and was inspired by the death of Keara Murphy’s mother.

DYLAN MORAN: GRUMBLING MUSTARD Rose Theatre, Thu 23 & Fri 24 Nov, gildedballoon.co.uk The Gilded Balloon launches their new winter programme with the ever-popular Irish semi-surrealist offering his offkilter musings over the course of two evenings.

JIMMY CARR: THE BEST OF TOUR Edinburgh Playhouse, Sun 26 Nov, atgtickets.com/edinburgh Acerbic wit and dark, deadpan one-liners from familiar telly face Carr. If you like his stuff, then this is a greatest hits gig.

Also Perth Concert Hall, Perth, Thu 14 Dec, horsecross.co.uk THE HARRY & CHRIS SHOW 2 The Stand, Sun 10 Dec, thestand.co.uk Harry Baker and Chris Read bring us their unique mix of comedy, melody and poetry to The Stands where they’ll revise their successful Fringe ‘17 show. See preview, page 80. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 18 Dec, thestand. co.uk

ANDY ZALTZMAN LIVE The Stand, Tue 30 Jan, thestand.co.uk One half of the satirical podcast The Bugle is back with a show encompassing national identity, hope, fear and live-action democracy. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 31 Jan, thestand.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN JASON BYRNE: THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Sat 4 Nov, alhambradunfermline.com The Dublin-born stand-up follows his highlyacclaimed Propped Up tour with a new show full of energetic humour, not-real horse heads and fast-thinking improv.

See First & Last, page 128.

CRAIG HILL: SOMEONE’S GONNA GET KILT Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld, Fri 17 Nov, cumbernauldtheatre. co.uk High-camp buffoonery from the kilted comedian. Also touring, see list. co.uk/events/comedy for details.

A BUDDY GOOD LAUGH Paisley Town Hall, Paisley, Sun 17 Dec, renfrewshire.gov.uk Comedy promoters Dead Sheep Comedy present their new monthly stand-up show.

Compered by Scott Gibson, A Buddy Good Laugh promises a fantastic lineup of comedians.

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FILM

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

STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII THE LAST JEDI Yet more adventures in a galaxy far far away With the latest Star Wars film merely weeks away, it’s time to approach the internet with extreme caution, for the web is dark and full of spoilers. And if not spoilers, well, at the very least wild speculation. Is Luke the last Jedi?

Who are Rey’s parents? How will the franchise bid farewell to Princess Leia?

And, where can I get myself a ‘porg’ for Christmas?

It’s okay to feel giddy with excitement. The Force Awakens and Rogue One were both terrific and Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) is by far the most interesting filmmaker to take the helm yet. Expectations are rightly sky high.

(Scott Henderson) ■ General release from Thu 14 Dec.

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FILM | Reviews

BIOPIC

FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) 106min ●●●●●

DRAMA

MUDBOUND (TBC) 134min ●●●●● While the landscape of Mississippi may have been built on the farmlands that sustain it, its cultural identity is largely shaped by intolerance and discrimination that run as deep and dark as its abundant mud. Adapted from Hillary Jordan’s bestseller, Mudbound is told through the interlinking stories of two families – one white, one black – and is set during and immediately after WWII. Henry McAllan (Jason Clarke) has relocated from the city with his wife Laura (Carey Mulligan) and brother Jamie (Garrett Hedlund) to try his hand at farming. He inherits tenants Hap Jackson (Rob Morgan) and his family, who engage in daily servitude in an attempt to purchase a small piece of land of their own.

Like Jamie, Hap’s son Ronsel (Jason Mitchell) served in the war, and both have returned home much changed, only to find Mississippi exactly the same. Jamie and Ronsel’s struggle to reintegrate into this segregated society after risking their lives for American democracy brings them together ahead of Mudbound’s brutal climax.

Director Dee Rees, co-writing with Virgil Williams, takes a measured approach; while the deck is firmly stacked against the Jacksons, her film makes it clear that life isn’t easy for anyone. Through Laura’s meek deference to Henry we see how women, too, were treated like second-class citizens, while Jamie is clearly suffering from post-traumatic stress.

As portrayed by the exceptional ensemble, these characters are authentic products of their time, their individual voiceovers revealing difficult truths in language that is poetic and profound. Moreover, Mudbound speaks to America’s continuing injustices with its devastating contemporary relevance. (Nikki Baughan) ■ In selected cinemas and on Netflix from Fri 17 Nov.

Although she won an Oscar and more than made her mark on the silver screen, Gloria Grahame’s star had waned by the end, with her final years spent treading the boards in provincial British theatres. She was in humble digs when the much younger, aspiring actor Peter Turner became entranced by her without knowing who she was (or had been). As Grahame and Turner, Annette Bening and Jamie Bell – both of them outstanding – bring to the story of their affair all the right notes of lust, tenderness, vulnerability and tempestuousness. Even if you know how it was fated to end, this film based on Turner’s memoir makes for a captivating journey, from the fun of their first days to the touching postscript.

Writer Matt Greenhalgh is adept with true-life tales (Control, Nowhere Boy). And director Paul McGuigan’s background as a photographer and documentarian shows in crafty compositions and meticulous details, while there is a wonderfully fluid, dreamlike trick to transitioning from the ‘present’ into flashbacks. There’s also an ensemble to die for, including Julie Walters and Vanessa Redgrave. All in all, it’s a lovely celebration of a unique woman. May the Gloria Grahame rediscovery commence. (Angie Errigo) ■ General release from Fri 17 Nov.

SUPERNATURAL THRILLER

THELMA (15) 116min ●●●●●

CRIME THRILLER

GOOD TIME (15) 102min ●●●●● Starring consistent expectation-exceeder Robert Pattinson, Good Time is an enjoyably grimy, 80s-infused crime thriller about a bank robber from Queens busting his gut to free his incarcerated brother. It’s directed by siblings Benny and Josh Safdie and stars the former as Nick Nikas, the mentally handicapped brother of the twitchy, seemingly nogood Connie (Pattinson). Acting as both his corrupter and carer, from the outset Connie shows himself to be deeply uncomfortable with attempts to integrate Nick into society, coercing him instead into assisting with a robbery that inevitably goes south.

Connie is a man with his own moral code, judging other crooks he deems beneath him. He endlessly improvises and adapts his plans, with the next screw-up never too far off. This kinetic film takes a lead from Connie’s quick-thinking desperation, yet it works in enough detail to build a credible picture of criminality, of life on the fringes, and of brotherly love, with Pattinson and Safdie both superb. One scrape after the next rattles by, but Good Time ends hopefully, albeit on a melancholic note, as the final throes unleash a sadness hitherto only hinted at. (Emma Simmonds) ■ Selected release from Fri 17 Nov.

This beguiling slice of Scandinavian psycho-noir from director Joachim Trier follows the shy Thelma (Eili Harboe) as she starts a new life at university. It’s an awkward independence; she doesn’t make friends easily, not least because of her difficult relationship with her controlling Christian parents. She also suffers violent seizures, which have a strange effect on nearby electricity and animals. When Thelma meets fellow female student Anja (Kaya Wilkins), the igniting of secret desires sees these episodes grow in frequency and strength.

Comparisons with Carrie are unavoidable, but Trier shapes Thelma with a well-defined cultural identity. Shot in muted tones, Norway’s untamed beauty reflects the character’s own wild nature. Trier and co-writer Eskil Vogt shed the story’s myriad layers in a considered way, adding in dreamlike flashback sequences which augment the hypnotic atmosphere. Harboe is exceptional, initially imbuing Thelma with an affecting vulnerability. When she embarks on her journey of self-discovery, however, this gives way to a confident self-awareness, as she realises what her parents have always known, and feared: that she is capable of being both miracle and monster. (Nikki Baughan) ■ Selected release from Fri 3 Nov.

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Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/film

COMEDY

BIOPIC

SATIRE

INGRID GOES WEST

PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN

SUBURBICON

(15) 98min ●●●●●

(15) 104min ●●●●●

(15) 108min ●●●●● Social media show-offs are lampooned mercilessly in this wildly funny film from debut writer-director Matt Spicer that brings us into the crazed orbit of a cyberstalker. Played by Aubrey Plaza, whose commitment to comedy knows no bounds, we first meet Ingrid when she turns up at her online girl-crush’s wedding, mace in hand. The ensuing institutionalisation barely scratches the surface and she quickly moves on to her next obsession: Elizabeth Olsen’s Taylor Sloane. Moving to California to be near her, Ingrid remakes herself in Taylor’s carefully crafted image.

O’Shea Jackson Jr is endearing as Ingrid’s landlord, and Wyatt Russell plays Taylor’s husband, who is exhausted by her ludicrous pretence of perfection.

The film never lets us forget that its protagonist is a vulnerable young woman seeking a connection.

Moreover, the fantasy world Ingrid lives in is of Taylor’s creation and yet just one of them is labelled insane.

Attempts to shade in backstories are cursory, but so spot on is the satire that it’s hard to imagine this being done better. Although social media fanatics are the film’s primary target, more than might care to admit it will be caught by its swipes. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Fri 17 Nov.

Combining a modern thematic sensibility with oldfashioned filmmaking charm, writer-director Angela Robinson has crafted a film as empowering as it is entertaining. In the 1920s, Harvard professor William Moulton Marston (Luke Evans) embarks on a research project with wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall), centred on their fascination with the psychological effects of dominance and submission. Volunteer student Olive (Bella Heathcote) stirs up uncontrollable passions in them both, and the trio’s sexual and emotional experimentations result in Marston’s eventual creation of Wonder Woman.

The film is fuelled by three excellent performances, with Hall being the standout as Elizabeth, whose feminist ideals form the backbone of Marston’s whip-cracking heroine. Robinson deftly handles the story’s inherent kink, careful never to stray into overt eroticism. Their unconventional relationship is effectively contrasted with the buttoned-up conservatism of the day, highlighting a growing cultural tension that proved a fertile breeding ground for post-war women’s lib efforts and the movement’s most famous poster child: Wonder Woman herself.

(Nikki Baughan) ■ General release from Fri 10 Nov.

The best laid plans go hysterically awry in Suburbicon, a gleeful skewering of America’s dark heart from director George Clooney. Co-writing with Grant Heslov and the Coens, Clooney serves up a jarring mixture of pitch-black comedy and startling social commentary that never quite gels.

Suburbicon is a dream community of white picket fences, friendly neighbours and modern amenities.

Built in the post-war boom years, it is now starting to crack. It is 1959 and the first black family have dared to claim their share of paradise; their presence is met by waves of hatred. When businessman Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) and his family are attacked, his wife is killed but there is a sense that something else is going on. After his late wife’s sister (Julianne Moore) joins the household, suspicions are confirmed.

Like a Mad magazine parody of suburbia’s guilty little secrets, Suburbicon remains jaunty even as violence takes hold. Clooney casts Damon and Moore against the grain of their sympathetic screen images and brings out the best from a rogues’ gallery of a cast. The scene-stealer is a terrific Noah Jupe as Lodge’s young son; one of the few decent souls in an America that is rotten to the core. (Allan Hunter) ■ General release from Fri 24 Nov.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR

THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (15) 121min ●●●●● The first film that springs to mind when watching this deeply disturbing psychological horror from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dogtooth) is Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers. In the opening scene, a beating heart lays exposed on the operating table – a gruesome reminder of the fragility of life.

Colin Farrell plays Steven, a cardiac surgeon forced to deal with matters of the heart in a cold and scientific manner on a daily basis, but when his family are threatened with an inexplicable paralysis sickness, he begins to crack under the pressure.

There are shades of Haneke’s Funny Games and Kubrick’s The Shining in this disquieting disintegration of a wealthy family man.

Creepy teenage stalker Martin (Barry Keoghan – devilishly good) becomes obsessed with the surgeon, his ophthalmologist wife Anna (an icy Nicole Kidman) and their two children Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and Bob (Sunny Suljic), with his intimidating presence adding to the sinister and oppressive ambience. The Lanthimos trademarks, such as deadpan dialogue and dark humour, conspire to create an odd, heightened reality, where flashes of cruelty sit beside weird, haunting images and hilarious bursts of confession.

At first it is not clear what kind of relationship exists between Martin and Steven. Is it something sexual, or merely a wellmeaning mentorship? To reveal that would be to give the game away, as much of the film is spent laying down juicy intrigue and suspense. As Anna and Steven contemplate the unthinkable in their discussions on human life, Lanthimos and his regular co-writer Efthymis Filippou deal with the themes of control, sacrifice, judgement and revenge with chilling precision and operatic despair. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ General release from Fri 3 Nov. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 85

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Damon Albarn & Robert Carlyle, Edinburgh International Film Festival 1997

#edfilm festme mories

We’re building the complete history of the Festival, and we need your memories to do so.

Tell us your stories, send us your photographs.

Become part of the story of EIFF. edfilmfestmemories.org.uk | #edfilmfestmemories 86 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/film

BIOPIC

BIOPIC

COMEDY DRAMA

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

ONLY THE BRAVE

MENASHE

(12A) 121min ●●●●●

(12A) 133min ●●●●●

(U) 82min ●●●●●

Battle of the Sexes recreates the celebrated tennis grudge match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and unrepentant male chauvinist pig Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). It is an irresistible story and the stellar cast and smart screenplay from Simon Beaufoy extract every last drop of juice from it.

The 1973 encounter between King and Riggs was about much more than tennis. It was a pivotal moment in the battle for women’s rights. Riggs had been the number one tennis player in the world; a hustler and buffoon, you sense that for him it was all part of the chaotic circus of his life. In the case of King, it was a chance to strike a blow for women everywhere. There was the added pressure of her affair with hairdresser Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough) and her first steps to identifying as a gay woman.

Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) have assembled a slick crowdpleaser – especially for those with little knowledge of the context or the outcome. Carell finds the outrageous and the sad within Riggs’ personality but it is the warmth and force of Stone’s highly convincing performance that wins game, set and film.

(Allan Hunter) ■ General release from Fri 24 Nov.

Joseph Kosinski’s nerve-shredding biopic focuses on the elite group of Arizona firefighters who battled the Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013. A sharp deviation for the director, following sci-fi outings TRON: Legacy and Oblivion, this is a tale grounded in Mother Nature.

After his mountaineering sojourn in Everest, Josh Brolin continues his quest to be cinema’s answer to Bear Grylls, playing Eric Marsh, the leader of a team of firefighters known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots. With the likes of James Badge Dale and Taylor Kitsch among their number, the biggest impression is made by Miles Teller as rookie Brendan, a drug addict trying to get his life together.

Working from a script by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer, Kosinski lets the relationships build gradually before a devastating fire strikes close to the team’s hometown. The film is simplistic in its outlook – characters are largely the patriotic heroes that Hollywood loves – but Kosinski knows how to stage action, resulting in an impressive spectacle.

Giving a real sense of the dangers of trying to control wildfires, it’s a fitting tribute to the sacrifice of first responders – not just the brave souls of Arizona, but the world over. (James Mottram) ■ General release from Fri 10 Nov.

A go-to theme for the more mawkish end of the comedic spectrum – a father striving to parent alone after his wife dies – gets an illuminating, unsentimental new spin. According to the traditions of his conservative Hasidic community, the widowed Menashe must hand the care of his young son over to a relative until he remarries. But what if he isn’t ready? Or the right woman doesn’t present herself?

Or he’s just disinclined to do what custom demands?

Set in Brooklyn, delivered in Yiddish, and based upon the real-life experiences of lead actor Menashe Lustig, this lightly comic character piece has a rare willingness to let its audience draw their own conclusions about what they’re witnessing.

Director Joshua Z Weinstein has a background in documentaries, and his facility for unobtrusive, unmediated observation is on show here. Lustig, meanwhile, is suitably infuriating and endearing as a character whose insistence on going his own way secures him a sense of independence, but also leads him into frequent scrapes. The film’s chief appeal, however, is the affection and humour that Weinstein brings to his portrayal of a community usually regarded as impenetrably closed. (Hannah McGill) ■ Selected release from Fri 8 Dec.

DRAMA

THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) 111min ●●●●● Sean Baker follows the raucous and triumphant Tangerine with another low-key masterpiece; like that juicy fruit, The Florida Project is both sweet and a little sour as it tags along with a pack of adorable urchins. It’s a gloriously impish endeavour in which the key word is colour, from popping pastels to its quirky characters, sassy retorts and incidental charms.

A star is born in Brooklynn Prince, luminous as six-year-old Moonee. Raised in the vicinity of Disney World by single parent Halley (Bria Vinaite), this vivacious youngster is surrounded by cheap imitations of the Disney experience, as her mom scratches out a living on the wrong side of the law. Moonee’s home is a luridly painted motel dubbed The Magic Castle, while her and pal Scooty (Christopher Rivera) terrorise guests at a neighbouring establishment.

The Florida Project explores the flipside of parental irresponsibility, the thrill of running wild and free in a carnivalesque landscape. It’s not blind to the precariousness of the situation but doesn’t hammer this home. Instead, the motel’s affable, overworked manager Bobby (gorgeously subtle work from Willem Dafoe) is the film’s quietly concerned presence, making it his business to discreetly watch over Moonee and her chums.

The fluid visuals are a perfect match for the curiosity and exuberance of the kids, who prowl the motel grounds and beyond on the hunt for mischief. The sunny perspective is welcome in a film resplendent with affection for its characters, while the kitsch environs are a rich source of cinematic spectacle. At a stroke, vulgarity becomes majesty as Baker reminds us that you can find beauty everywhere when you see the world through the eyes of a child. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Fri 10 Nov. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 87

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FILM | Reviews

BIOPIC

MOLLY’S GAME (15) 140min ●●●●●

DRAMA

HAPPY END (15) 108min ●●●●● Michael Haneke has spent more than 30 years mercilessly exposing the fears and hypocrisies of the middle classes. Slow-burning ensemble drama Happy End is no exception as it focuses on a powerful, privileged family living near Calais, who are seemingly oblivious to everything that is happening right on their doorstep.

Haneke is never one to spell things out and here he proceeds through the lives of the Laurent family like someone trying to tiptoe through a minefield. Every once in a while there is a small narrative explosion in which a character is revealed more sharply, or we gain a different perspective on events. Key plot developments sometimes happen off screen and there are confrontations and conversations that are seen from afar but never heard. There is a constant sense of unease at what we might learn next.

We do know that 12-year-old Eve (Fantine Harduin) is capable of murder and that 85-yearold patriarch Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) wants to commit suicide. Once we meet the rest of the family it is easy to understand why. It says a lot about a Haneke film that Isabelle Huppert as Georges’ daughter Anne seems to be the most straightforward character. This is a family mired in dirty little secrets and self-absorption, where Anne’s guilt-ridden son Pierre (Franz Rogowski) may be the only one with a conscience. He creates the toe-curling moments at family gatherings, drunkenly describing servant Jamila (Nabiha Akkari) as their ‘Moroccan slave’.

Happy End doesn’t have quite the hypnotic intensity of Haneke’s Palme d’Or winners Amour and The White Ribbon but it is bleak and pitiless, combining black comedy and brutal satire as it showcases the horror of bourgeois complacency. (Allan Hunter) ■ Selected release from Fri 1 Dec.

Although she’s revisiting old ground here, Jessica Chastain freshens it up enough to make this just about worth your while. As in Miss Sloane, Chastain plays a woman who is better than she seems. Based on the memoir of competitive skier turned ‘poker princess’ Molly Bloom, it’s the directorial debut of wonder-scribe Aaron Sorkin.

We watch Molly pick herself up after a career-ending sports injury before establishing a hugely profitable poker game, which ultimately gets her arrested. By keeping things strictly professional, Molly irks some of her male associates, while others find her success an affront. We learn as much about poker as our protagonist in a film that’s shamelessly indulgent and therefore runs a little long. Much can be forgiven due to the pleasure of listening to Sorkin’s machine-gun fast, target-obliterating dialogue, which Chastain and Idris Elba, playing Molly’s attorney, make fly. Sadly, the feminist skew is undermined by the script’s preoccupation with Molly’s daddy issues; the sight of a twinkly eyed Kevin Costner imparting patronising pearls of wisdom is unwelcome, but Molly’s Game should still be cheered for putting a dysfunctional yet dignified female at the fore. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Tue 26 Dec.

BIOPIC

STRONGER (15) 119min ●●●●●

DRAMA

BEACH RATS (15) 96min ●●●●● There is an old-fashioned feel to Eliza Hittman’s moody second feature Beach Rats, a film that immerses itself in the lives of young, inarticulate boys who drift through an aimless summer in Brooklyn.

Teenager Frankie (rising British star Harris Dickinson) has the ‘sad, blue eyes’ and chiselled looks of an Abercrombie & Fitch model. As his father dies of cancer, Frankie hangs out with his mates, scoring drugs, chasing girls and surrendering to the tawdry delights of Coney Island. He also starts to spend time in internet chat rooms, meeting up for after-dark trysts with older men. Hélène Louvart’s grainy, low-lit cinematography lends an anxious, furtive quality to the night scenes, while a fleeting image of the Statue of Liberty hints at bigger themes.

Our hero’s tale is a timeless one of the struggle to be true to yourself, intensified by a world in which he feels pressure to conform to macho values. Self-loathing plays a part in Frankie’s search for his heart’s desire and you suspect that this will end badly. Hittman strains to avoid that cliché and the impressive Dickinson brings just enough anguish and confusion to his performance, making Frankie a character you decide to care about. (Allan Hunter) ■ Selected release from Fri 24 Nov.

David Gordon Green’s dramatisation of Jeff Bauman’s rehabilitation following the Boston Marathon bombing avoids many of the usual pitfalls of the ‘road to recovery’ film. Bauman (played here by Jake Gyllenhaal) is waiting at the finish line for his on/off girlfriend Erin Hurley (Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany) when a bomb explodes, resulting in the amputation of both his lower legs. John Pollono adapts Bauman’s memoir with a focus on the huge range of emotions experienced by both Erin and Jeff. Green doesn’t shy away from the practical consequences of Jeff’s injuries, with Gyllenhaal’s physical commitment as impactful as his ability to communicate inner turmoil. Maslany shines in a juicy role, playing a young woman in her prime craving freedom and wrestling with her conscience. Miranda Richardson is great too as Jeff’s mother Patty, who pressurises her son to appear on talk shows while he defiantly resists his new role as a symbol of strength. The impressive performances have the potential to attract awards nominations and deservedly so, yet as Green and Pollono move focus away from these characters to take in the bigger picture, their story assumes a more conventional shape. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ General release from Fri 8 Dec.

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Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/film

BIOPIC

SCI-FI COMEDY

COMEDY

DARKEST HOUR

DOWNSIZING

LAST FLAG FLYING

(PG) 125min ●●●●●

(15) 135min ●●●●●

(TBC) 124min ●●●●●

Is there an appropriate noun for a collection of Winston Churchill performances? A growl of Churchills, perhaps? Gary Oldman’s stirring tour de force comes at the end of a long line of recent contenders, from Brian Cox to John Lithgow and Michael Gambon. Virtually unrecognisable, Oldman outshines them all, attacking the part like a man faced with a three-course banquet after a diet of bread and water. He is the finest aspect of a film set in May 1940, as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) loses the confidence of the nation amid the growing possibility that Britain may be forced to seek a peace settlement with Hitler. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, when Churchill is appointed PM. Covering political backstabbing, the reservations of the King (Ben Mendelsohn), the rock-solid support of Churchill’s beloved Clemmie (an excellent Kristin Scott Thomas) and the evacuation of British troops from France, Darkest Hour is a lively jig through the pages of history, not immune to overdoing its hero worship of the central character. A morale-boosting jaunt on the London Underground to meet the common folk is a step too far in a confidently handled crowdpleaser from director Joe Wright. (Allan Hunter) ■ General release from Fri 12 Jan.

Big is no longer beautiful in Downsizing, a disjointed mixture of science-fiction whimsy, mild-mannered comedy and gentle romance that finds Sideways director Alexander Payne venturing into territory that seems a more comfortable fit for Wes Anderson or Charlie Kaufman. Initially, the film is a commentary on the sorry state of the planet. One solution comes via a pioneering Norwegian institute that develops a successful method of human miniaturisation. Years later, occupational therapist Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) make the decision to join America’s number one micro community. After a laboured change of gears, Paul becomes a more traditional Payne figure – cast adrift from his moorings, searching for an elusive happiness and finding the possibility of romance with a Vietnamese activist (Hong Chau).

A longstanding passion project for Payne, there is an overabundance of ideas and notions crammed into the script. It looks beautiful, Damon is, as ever, a solid, reassuring presence and Chau delights.

Nevertheless, it remains a sentimental, meandering tale in which all the little fleeting pleasures don’t quite constitute a satisfying whole. (Allan Hunter) ■ General release from Fri 19 Jan.

Richard Linklater turns a road trip and reunion between three ex-marines into an enjoyably silly and poignant Christmas-set comedy, exploring loss of faith and trust in government. Set in December 2003, it captures a particular moment in post 9/11 American history, and is told from the point-of-view of men who have faced conflict head-on and survived.

Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne make a charismatic central trio. Larry (Carell, in a performance imbued with real pathos) gets the gang back together for the funeral of his son, who is killed in the Iraq war. Cranston’s Sal has lots of fun delivering rebellious wise-cracks as a semifunctioning alcoholic dive-bar owner, while Fishburne gets the straight man role, playing reformed gambler turned pastor Mueller.

Co-written by Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan (who wrote the original novel), the film occasionally falters with plot points that feel contrived, though the sense of brotherhood remains convincing. Ultimately Larry, Sal and Mueller aren’t always the wisest of men, but Last Flag Flying is a touching look at family and responsibility, and a sincere reflection on the futility of war. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ General release from Fri 26 Jan.

COMEDY DRAMA

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (TBC) 115min ●●●●● Frances McDormand is one mean-ass mother in the third feature from British-Irish director Martin McDonagh (Seven Psychopaths, In Bruges). She plays Mildred Hayes whose daughter was raped and murdered seven months previous, a crime for which no one has been arrested. Exasperated at the lack of progress, and not the sort to keep quiet about it, Mildred sets about making a nuisance of herself, buying up advertising space on the titular billboards to confront the chief of police (Woody Harrelson) about his inadequacies in big, black letters.

The local priest tells her sternly, ‘Nobody is with you on this,’ before she tears him a new one. McDormand is magnificent (inscribe that Oscar immediately), a fount of barely, sometimes not remotely, contained fury, while the pain emblazoned on her face is as bold as the bandana and boilersuit combo that gives her gangster swagger.

Unpredictability abounds in a story that ultimately sees shambolic cop Jason (a superb Sam Rockwell) move further into the picture. The laughs are hearty and always in bad taste, however the crime chills the blood and Three Billboards never for a second stops being sad about it. Combining such elements is a delicate, difficult balance but it’s one that McDonagh achieves just as surely as his brother John Michael did in Calvary.

With female mistreatment and male failings defining the narrative, Three Billboards acts as a fine platform for the associated anger. The kind of ‘nasty’ woman Trump and his cronies fear and an abuse victim herself, there are genuinely no limits to what the mad-as-hell Mildred will do to make people sit up and listen. The film, too, just keeps tipping fuel onto the fire. What fun it is to watch it rage. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Fri 12 Jan. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 89

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Highlights | FILM

HITLIST

THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER Yorgos Lanthimos’ trademark deadpan dialogue and dark humour (last seen in the excellent The Lobster) exist alongside distressing flashes of cruelty in this psychological thriller, in which Colin Farrell plays Steven, a surgeon. See review, page 85. Out Fri 3 Nov.

THE FLORIDA PROJECT Moonee is a six-year-old being raised by her trashtalking mom in a motel near Florida’s Disney World, where she and her pal Scooty terrorise guests at a neighbouring establishment.

This low-key masterpiece is full of affection for its adorable urchins while not being blind to the occasional

danger of their situation.

See feature, page 48, and review, page 87. Out Fri 10 Nov. MUDBOUND Two men return home from WWII to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war. See review, page 84.

Out Fri 17 Nov.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Second act of the new Star Wars trilogy, this time directed by Looper’s Rian Johnson. See preview, page 83. Out Thu 14 Dec.

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI Starring Frances McDormand, the latest film from Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) delicately balances the lingering pain of the parent of a murdered child with dark comedy. See review, page 89. Out Fri 12 Jan.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS AFRICA IN MOTION Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries, as well as a short film competition to develop the next generation of African filmmakers. Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, until Sun 5 Nov, africa-in-motion.org.uk.

EDINBURGH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL The chance to see a number of films over two weekends, showcasing a selection of the best shorts by filmmakers from across the globe.

Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 3–Sat 11 Nov; Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Mon 6–Thu 9 Nov, edinburghshortfilmfestival.com LAWRENCE OF ARABIA — 70MM David Lean’s mammoth desert epic, restored to its director’s original cut and the big screen, where filmmaking on this scale belongs. Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Fri 3–Thu 9 Nov; Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 19–Wed 22 Nov.

new work by Scottish directors to the seaside town of Dunoon. Fri 10–Sun 12 Nov, dunoonfilmfestival.org.

ONLY THE BRAVE See review, page 87. Out Fri 10 Nov. PADDINGTON 2 When a unique pop-up book is stolen from Mr Gruber’s shop, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. Out Fri 10 Nov. PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN See review, page 85. Out Fri 10 Nov. FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL See review, page 84. Out Fri 17 Nov. Gremlins

GOOD TIME See review, page 84. Out Fri 17 Nov.

JUSTICE LEAGUE Inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new ally, Wonder Woman, to face an even greater enemy. Out Fri 17 Nov.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Archetypal Capra sentimentality with a superbly detailed fantasy framework and one of Jimmy Stewart’s most lovable performances. One to warm even the most glacial heart. Cineworld Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Wed 6– Tue 12 Dec; Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 15–Sun 24 Dec.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES See review, page 87. Out Fri 24 Nov.

MENASHE See review, page 87. Out Fri 8 Dec.

THELMA See review, page 84. Out Fri 3 Nov.

BEACH RATS See review, page 88. Out Fri 24 Nov.

THE 2017 JARMAN AWARD TOURING PROGRAMME The Jarman Award Touring Programme presents a selection of single screen film works by the six artists shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Jarman Award.

Glasgow Film Theatre, Sun 5 Nov, glasgowfilm.org

THE DISASTER ARTIST Comedy-drama about the filming of Tommy Wiseau’s notoriously awful cult film, The Room, starring James Franco.

Out Fri 1 Dec.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS Tim Burton followed up the excesses of Batman with this fairy tale for the 90s. Beautifully shot, tenderly acted and full of hidden depths. Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh, Mon 11 Dec.

PREDATOR (30TH ANNIVERSARY) Celebrating three decades of the Arnie classic. Out Thu 9 Nov.

WONDER Based on The New York Times bestseller, Wonder tells the heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Out Fri 1 Dec.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Big budget remake of the Agatha Christie classic, with a big name cast of suspects and an even bigger moustache on Kenneth Branagh, who takes his turn as Hercule Poirot. Out Fri 3 Nov.

DUNOON FILM FESTIVAL Boutique weekend festival bringing world cinema, forgotten classics and

INGRID GOES WEST See review, page 85. Out Fri 17 Nov.

HAPPY END See review, page 88. Out Fri 1 Dec.

GREMLINS Cute and cuddly little mogwais become malevolent monsters if not properly cared for and wreak havoc in idealised smalltown America. A tongue-in-cheek yuletide romp filled with in-jokes. Cineworld Renfrew Street, Glasgow, Tue 12 Dec. PITCH PERFECT 3 After winning the World Championships with an original song,

the Bellas unite for one last singing competition. Out Fri 22 Dec. JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game’s jungle setting, becoming the adult avatars they choose. Out Tue 26 Dec. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, this original musical celebrates the birth of showbusiness and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

Starring Zac Efron and Zendaya, alongside Hugh Jackman as Barnum.

Out Mon 1 Jan. DARKEST HOUR See review, page 89. Out Fri 12 Jan. COCO In Pixar’s first feature for 2018, aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) teams up with charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) on an extraordinary journey through the Land of the Dead. Out Fri 19 Jan. 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 91

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KIDS

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

SHREK THE MUSICAL Call the Midwife star returns to Scotland in hit musical When Laura Main was a young girl growing up in Aberdeen, trips to Edinburgh to see shows at the Edinburgh Playhouse were always a highlight. Little did she know that, via a fiveyear stint playing Sister Shelagh Turner on BBC drama Call the Midwife, she’d be treading those boards herself – covered in green paint.

‘I’ve been waiting a long time for an adventure like this to come along, and now that it has, I’m ready to swap the surgery for the swamp,’ says Main of her role as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical. ‘I’ve never performed at the Playhouse before and I’m very excited about playing such a huge theatre.

‘When I was younger, we used to travel to see the really big shows there, instead of

making the longer trip to London. And I had a wonderful month performing a new musical at the Pleasance during the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008, so I’ve got a great fondness for the city.’

Inspired by the 2001 film, which itself was inspired by William Steig’s 1990 picture book, Shrek The Musical has been entertaining audiences around the world since 2008, picking up an Olivier Award during its London run. And, just like the film, it ends with the Monkees’ hit that has the whole crowd on its feet. As Main says, ‘Shrek is one of my favourite musicals – it’s made a Believer out of me.’ (Kelly Apter) ■ Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 12 Dec–Sun 7 Jan.

PHOTO: HELEN MAYBANKS

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT

FESTIVE FESTIVAL

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS: TINSELTOWN

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 16 Dec; Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 17 Dec

Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan

Sitting on the sofa with a full stomach and watching a blockbuster movie has become as synonymous with Christmas as crackers and carols. So when Children’s Classic Concert’s dynamic hosts Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox were putting together the programme for this year’s festive concert, they looked beyond the usual yuletide tunes.

‘We’ll be playing some famous Christmas music from the movies,’ says Gunnell. ‘But a highlight will also be a medley of tunes from some of the most popular Hollywood musicals of all time, that we love watching at Christmas – like Frozen, Mary Poppins, Singin' in the Rain and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – featuring us both on percussion.’

Never afraid to be the butt of the joke, both Owen and Olly will be kitting themselves out with Christmas gear. ‘We’ll both be suitably attired as usual,’ says Gunnell, ‘but we can't give too much away for now.’ The percussion-playing duo have been fronting Children’s Classic Concerts since 2008, with Owen playing the fool to Olly’s straight man. Despite, or perhaps because of, their different personalities, their obvious friendship shines through. What’s the secret to their on-stage relationship?

‘Not seeing too much of each other when we’re not working!,’ laughs Gunnell.

‘And, although we’re very different, we both share the same aims – to make every concert as good as it can be, and as entertaining as possible.’ (Kelly Apter)

The thing about running an annual seven-week event that both locals and tourists flock to, is that you can’t stand still. So, while the team behind Edinburgh’s Christmas could have rolled out the big wheel, ice rink, a few shows and yuletide markets until the end of time, they wouldn’t have been happy with themselves.

‘This is the fifth year of Underbelly producing Edinburgh’s Christmas,’ says producer Ruth Fisher, ‘and our ambition is to present refreshed and revised plans every year. In 2017, it spreads wider across the city, reaching more communities.’

New attractions for families this year include the Ice Adventure: A Journey Through Frozen Scotland, an immersive, if chilly (the area is programmed to reach -10º) walk along George Street. ‘It’s an idea we’ve been developing for a few years and we’re delighted that Hamilton Ice Sculptors, who have over 40 years’ experience, have agreed to produce it,’ says Fisher. ‘The theme is the history of Scotland, and the Ice Adventure takes you on a tour from the mystical through to the contemporary.’

Another new feature, the Giant Advent Calendar, will be projected onto General Register House on Princes Street, with each day showing a different Edinburgh winter scene, dating back to the 1700s. ‘We delve into a different year of the archive every day of Advent,’ explains Fisher, ‘with a soundtrack from the year in question accompanying each animation. It’s a befitting close to the year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.’ (Brian Donaldson)

NEW CLASS

TRAMWEANS Tramway, Glasgow, weekly from Mon 20 Nov You only have to watch a group of young children playing to know that imagination is not thin on the ground in preschoolers. One woman looking to harness that quality is artist Ruth Barker, whose new weekly class, Tramweans, will use movement, storytelling and play to channel the inherent creativity in children aged 3–5.

‘A creative outlook is an incredibly powerful and joyous perspective to have on the world,’ says Barker. ‘And at this young age, creativity does comes naturally. But we can still work hard to support and nurture it, building it up with games and activities that encourage creative confidence and develop skills in movement and physical co-ordination.’

Barker’s activities may be shaped to bring out the best in pre-schoolers, but she’s equally keen for the adults standing next to them to get stuck in, too.

‘The classes are aimed at getting children and their grown-ups exploring together,’ she says. ‘So leave your inhibitions at the door – along with your shoes! All the activities will be collaborative and we hope that the grownups will learn as much, and have as much fun, as the wee ones.’

Each of the hour-long classes will be self-contained, so if you can’t make the full block of five sessions, you can still benefit from getting involved – both at Tramway itself and after you and your little one have left the building.

‘Families who come to the Tramweans classes are encouraged to continue to create and explore the techniques and games once they get home,’ says Barker.

‘We’ll use a minimum of equipment so that as many activities as possible can be done at home, in the park or anywhere else you have space.’ (Kelly Apter) 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 93

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KIDS | Highlights

HITLIST

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Fri 24 Nov– Sat 30 Dec, rbge.org.uk A one-mile illuminated trail that winds its way through the garden, with the sounds of the Choir of the Trees and an appearance from Santa and his elves.

See November Realist, page 6.

CINDERELLA Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 8–Sun 24 Dec, traverse.co.uk Award-winning children’s puppet show re-imagined

by Shona Reppe and performed by acclaimed puppeteer Rick Conte.

SHREK THE MUSICAL Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 12 Dec–Sun 7 Jan,

shrekthemusical.co.uk See preview, page 92.

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

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS: TINSELTOWN Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 16 Dec, glasgowconcerthalls. com Seasonal movie music with the RSNO

and Owen and Olly. See preview, page 93. Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 17 Dec, usherhall. co.uk RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT: THE SNOWMAN Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 23 Dec, glasgowconcerthalls.com Family-friendly carols and

seasonal tunes, including annual screening of the 1982 film The Snowman, with live accompaniment.

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

KIDS HIGHLIGHTS PHOTO: JAMES GLOSSOP

Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW BAMBINO Scottish Opera Production Studios, until Sun 5 Nov, scottishopera.org.uk Scottish Opera’s new opera for babies aged 6–18 months. See review at list.co.uk SANTA’S COVE intu Braehead, Sat 11 Nov–Sun 24 Dec, santascove.co.uk Families are greeted and guided by elves, Mrs Claus and of course, Santa in this Christmas experience made up of seven different activities.

THE SNOWMAN Theatre Royal, Wed 15–Sun 19 Nov, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk Bill Alexander directs a musical adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s children’s story about the airborne adventures of a boy and his frosty friend, with music and lyrics by Howard Blake and choreography by Robert North. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details.

TRAMWEANS Tramway, Mon 20 Nov–Mon 18 Dec, tramway.org Weekly activity sessions for preschoolers and their grown-ups led by Ruth Barker, all about building skills in imagination and creativity, using movement, storytelling, and play. See preview, page 93.

BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE Drygate Brewing Co., Sun 26 Nov, drygate.com Big Fish Little Fish brings together globally renowned DJs, fun craft and play activities for children, and a multi-sensory dancefloor experience with bubble machines and giant balloons. Also La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Sun 31 Dec, la-belleangele.com

Bambino

TINSEL TOON Tron Theatre, Thu 30 Nov–Sun 31 Dec, tron.co.uk Get into the Christmas spirit with this play directed

by Lisa Keenan. Suitable for ages 3–6.

RUDOLF Platform, Tue 5–Sun 17 Dec, platform-online.co.uk Classic tale of the red-nosed reindeer told by two unlikely storytellers.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec, glasgowlife. org.uk Christmas is just made for music and song. Sing-along, stomp, sway or simply listen and enjoy some yuletide favourites through the ages of Christmas.

EDINBURGH TINY TALES Scottish Storytelling Centre, Tue 7 Nov, Tue 5 Dec, tracscotland.org Stories, rhymes and songs for wee (and not so wee) ears. Ages 2–5.

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS

Various venues, Fri 17 Nov–Sat 6 Jan, edinburghschristmas.com Seven weeks of winter wonderland, with the city centre transformed by a fairground, a host of colourful lights, the fabled European Christmas market, a giant projected advent calendar and lots more. See preview, page 93.

IT’S IN THE BAG Scottish Storytelling Centre, Sat 9 Dec, tracscotland.org It’s in the Bag take kids on a storytelling adventure – jam packed with songs, drama, games, puppets and rhymes all coming together to create something wonderful.

SUNDAY STORIES! Golden Hare, until Sun 10 Dec, goldenharebooks.com Stories for kids aged 3–7, followed by crafts and games. Each session lasts 45 minutes and features a book from the shop’s Children’s Room.

FAMILY CEILIDH Scottish Storytelling Centre, Sat 30 Dec, tracscotland.org A ceilidh

for all the family – all dances are called and young ‘uns get their own, easier, circles.

SUNDAY FUNDAY The Yard Adventure Centre, until Sun 31 Dec, theyardscotland. org.uk Kids can enjoy the adventure playground, get messy in the art room, roll about on the soft play or build a castle in the sandpit. All money goes back into running services for disabled children and their families.

THE ATTIC The Studio at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 6–Sun 21 Jan, edtheatres.com Grandma and Lucy sort through all the memories in the attic in this imaginative show for little ones. But what happens when the sleepy room comes to life? Also Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Tue 12–Sat 16 Dec, onfife.com

OUT OF TOWN THE HAIRY MACLARY AND FRIENDS SHOW Falkirk Town Hall, Sun 5 Nov, falkirkcommunitytrust.org Meet the doggy crew and their feline antagonists in a show for those aged 3+ based on the enormously popular books by Lynley Dodd. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details.

SANTA STEAM TRAINS Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness, Sat 25 Nov–Sun 17 Dec, bkrailway.co.uk Steam train journeys with Santa on board with a present for every child and seasonal refreshments for the adults.

FUNBOX: SANTA’S FUNTASTIC FACTORY The Brunton, Musselburgh, Fri 22–Sun 24 Dec, thebrunton.co.uk Seasonal show packed with singalong favourites as Gary, Anya and Kevin are entrusted by Santa to help finish the lists for all the boys and girls before Christmas Day. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details.

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RETURNING TO EDINBURGH THIS CHRISTMAS!

‘THE PERFECT

‘

FAMILY MUSICAL’

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

THE HERALD, SCOTLAND

’

FOR 4 WEEKS TUE 12 DEC 2017 - SUN 7 JAN 2018 ON LY! 0844 871 3014* atgtickets.com/Edinburgh ShrekTheMusical.co.uk

Reviews and image from original London and UK tour companies. Shrek the Musical © 2014 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved. *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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MUSIC

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

THE DIVINE COMEDY Frontman Neil Hannon talks hits, touring and Father Ted requests ‘This is a special time for me,’ says Neil Hannon, referring to the ongoing creative process for his 12th album, the follow-up to 2016’s Foreverland, ‘when I can bask in my own genius without anyone telling me any different.’ It’s been nearly three decades since the Derry-born singer instigated his band-cum-solo guise, the Divine Comedy, and we shouldn’t let the fact that his big radio hits arrived during the ’90s heyday of Britpop fool us into thinking his force is spent, as it is with many of his contemporaries.

‘The fact that it (Foreverland) was our highest album chart placing ever was a bit of a surprise,’

he says. ‘But it’s a funny business right now, and I’m not sure what that means. So I took it to mean I am a legend.’ As ever, his studied and entirely non-serious egomania is as much part of the appeal as his wilting self-deprecation.

Still playing concert halls, the 46-year-old’s new dates will feature ‘lots of songs, possibly me dressed as Napoleon again, and someone up the back shouting for (Father Ted’s Eurovision entry) ‘My Lovely Horse’ – and me saying no.’

Now, he looks back on those loosely Britpopaffiliated days as a means to an end. ‘I was lucky, I didn’t jump on that bandwagon,’ he says. ‘I fell

into it, and it helped at the time. It took me a little while in the 2000s to get used to not having hits, but the pop stardom was a fun sideline. I kept releasing albums because it’s all I knew how to do.’ So what’s the difference between then and now? ‘The libido is a major motivation for creating art for anyone who’s young,’ he laughs, although he’s being serious. ‘But over time you strip away that veneer and what you’re left with is art – and what is any art for but telling people what it’s like to be you, or thinking about what it feels like to be someone else.’ (David Pollock) ■ Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Wed 22 Nov.

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MUSIC | Sub Club

TRIPLE THREAT Sub Club celebrated 30 years at the forefront of Scotland’s club culture this year. Arusa Qureshi catches up with managing director Mike Grieve and longtime Subbie residents Harri & Domenic to hear more about their extended XXX birthday plans

I

t won’t come as a surprise to anyone to hear that nightlife in the UK is suffering. With clubs closing at an alarming rate and licensing and planning contributing to an increasingly (and impossibly) regulated environment, our night-time industries are under threat. But in Glasgow, in an inconspicuous basement on Jamaica Street, you’ll find a club that has not only weathered the test of time but created a legacy that’s had a defining impact on Scottish club culture as we know it today.

Sub Club’s 30th anniversary is undoubtedly something worth celebrating, not only in the context of this trend of closures but because of its reputation and status within the wider world of electronic music.

From legendary nights like Atlantis to the ever-popular and longrunning Subculture, the club has a history packed with unforgettable parties, illustrious guest DJs and the best residents around, including Harri & Domenic (pictured) who have been at the helm of Saturday nights at the club for 23 years.

‘In the 30 years of its existence, the club has had a fairly significant influence on the music culture of Glasgow and Scotland more generally,’ states managing director Mike Grieve. ‘The club still being relevant to generations 30 years on is pretty unique. That doesn’t tend to happen in many places around the world so I think it’s something that the people of Glasgow, the people that have come to the club and the people that have contributed to it over the years, should feel proud of.’

‘Culturally, it is important,’ Harri adds, ‘especially for bringing in DJs from all over the world, which crowds from all over Scotland come to hear.’ The Subculture duo have been busy touring Europe in celebration of Sub Club’s 30 years, playing everywhere from Serbia’s Exit Festival to Jaeger in Oslo. But throughout November, this tour will be coming home to Scotland, taking Harri & Domenic to some of the country’s lesser-known venues while extending the spirit of the place beyond Glasgow. ‘The tour helps put a little bit of focus on what the club is, letting people outwith Glasgow and across Scotland see that,’ Grieve says. ‘It’s about creating more of an awareness about its longevity, where that comes from and what it’s about.’

For Domenic, the tour is a chance to do something a little different in the company of the crowds the pair know and love. ‘Scottish crowds are pretty much the same all over; they’re always up for it. So whether you’re from some nook and cranny in the middle of nowhere or wherever else, there’ll always be a similar vibe and a similar energy to a club in the bigger cities.’

The Sub Club XXX tour will see Harri & Domenic stop over in Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Kilwinning, Dundee and Inverness, before heading back to Europe to finish up at Barcelona’s Razzmatazz. The pair will also be on support duties alongside Optimo for Larry Heard’s

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Sub Club | MUSIC

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GLASGOW appearance at Barrowlands, another big party planned for the club’s 30th. So with Sub Club having succeeded in reaching this milestone, what will the next 30 years have in store for the Glasgow institution?

‘I never thought it would last 30 years!’ Domenic jokes. ‘The days of trying to guess what’s going to happen next are long gone.’

‘It’s pretty amazing,’ Harri continues. ‘It just feels slightly surreal that we’ve been around this long because I don’t feel that much older. But it has been a pretty long time and I still look forward to it every Saturday.’

The future may look murky for many clubs around the country but the folks at Sub Club have plenty of bright and innovative ideas in the works to keep the party going for as long as possible. ‘Everything’s changed a lot in the last 30 years,’ Grieve notes. ‘Sub Club itself has gone through many changes and we’ve had to deal with those challenges as they come along. But we’re pretty robust and we have always felt able to see our way through new challenges. So I’m optimistic and enthusiastic about what the future holds.’

Sub Club XXX Tour: Harri & Domenic All Night Long, Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Fri 3 Nov; Ice Factory, Perth, Sat 4 Nov; Fubar, Stirling, Fri 10 Nov; Taylors, Kilwinning, Sat 11 Nov; Reading Rooms, Dundee, Fri 24 Nov; Upstairs at The Gellions, Inverness, Sat 25 Nov.

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MUSIC | Creeper

DON’T FEAR THE CREEPER With a new tour, a new book and big future plans, Creeper’s Will Gould talks to Kirstyn Smith about the power of music for making friends and the strange case of James Scythe

‘T

he main thing with us is always trying to inspire other people to do their own things. We’re just trying to get people to leave the house. That can often be the hardest thing to deal with when you’re young.’

Will Gould, vocalist with horror punks Creeper, is calling from Oslo.

He’s just off the bus on a layover on the band’s European support slot with All Time Low. After this touring stint, the band have a break for a couple of months before launching into their own Theatre of Fear UK headline tour. For now, though, Gould is thinking about the past.

‘I certainly dealt with a lot of anxiety when I was younger,’ he says. ‘About leaving my house, about moving. I think what saved me was going to gigs.’

When he was younger, he found it hard to make friends, so going to shows at venues around his home town of Southampton opened his world to new experiences and, importantly, new people – friends he made as a kid that he still has today.

‘Our whole message is about putting something out into the world and doing your own thing. Be creative and join communities of people who go to gigs. It’s about trying to leave a positive impression on people.’

As well as their tour, another way Creeper are exploring their creativity is with the release of their first book, The Last Days of James Scythe. The characters of James Scythe, the Callous Heart gang, and the Stranger will be familiar to fans of Creeper’s EPs, and this year’s debut album Eternity, in Your Arms, but a new face, Lilly Banning, has been introduced into the mix. Borrowing from JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, The Last Days of James Scythe is an investigation of the titular character’s disappearance.

‘The Stranger represents Tick Tock the crocodile; in our world he represents the things that keep you awake at night,’ explains Gould. ‘James is Captain Hook, trapped eternally between two things: the lost boys and running away from the crocodile.

He’s running away from time and chasing what he wishes he has, everlasting youth.’

The story of Scythe is intrinsically linked with the band’s upcoming tour, but in ways Gould can’t delve too deeply into without spoiling what’s to come.

‘It truly is unlike anything we’ve done before.

It’s involved a lot of different elements coming together to try and make it work. If you order the book before the tour, you’ll have more of an insight to what we’re doing. You’ll probably get more out of it if you’re paying that kind of attention.’

What’s most important to him is that fans are

responding positively to the cryptic nature of the book and the tour.

‘Life has begun to imitate art a little bit. We have investigators of our own with fans looking into everything that happens in the world of Creeper, much like the fictional world of the music videos, the album and the book.’

Creeper play O2 ABC, Glasgow, Sun 3 Dec. The Last Days of James Scythe is out Thu 30 Nov via 404 Ink.

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RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

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Previews | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

FOLK THEATRE

INDIE FOLK

KARINE POLWART: WIND RESISTANCE

PICTISH TRAIL

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 3–Sat 11 Nov; A Pocket of Wind Resistance is released Fri 17 Nov by Hudson Records

Glad Café, Glasgow, Fri 17 Nov; Alterative Peers Ball, Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Nov

Until last summer, it would have been reasonable to refer to Karine Polwart as a folk singer and leave it at that. Then she wrote a piece with a more storytelling aspect based on the flight of geese over her local moor near Fala in Midlothian, a piece ‘with shoogly links to ecology, midwifery, and local history,’ she says.

‘Two days later I performed it at the Traverse Bar in Edinburgh, where the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s artistic director David Greig saw it. He said if I could get him a brochure description within 48 hours, he’d like the Lyceum to pitch it for the Edinburgh International Festival that summer. It was that sudden.’

Wind Resistance went on to become a substantial and very deserved hit with critics and audiences. ‘Truthfully, I didn’t expect to be performing it still, more than a year on,’ she says. ‘It’s a fairly expensive piece of work to stage compared to your average acoustic gig, but it’s brilliant that there’s life in it still. I’m not quite done with it yet.’ Next year it visits Cardiff, Perth and hopefully London.

For the moment, however, Wind Resistance returns to the Lyceum as Polwart and composer Pippa Murphy release an adaptation of the piece on record.

Beyond this, she now sees new opportunities for theatrical and compositional work. ‘Wind Resistance has been a proper gear shift in terms of what others think I can do,’ she says, ‘as well as a massive personal confidence boost in terms of my own ideas and ambitions.’ (David Pollock)

Your new tour poster, in which you appear to be sicking up strawberry milk, frightens us, we tell Lost Map label boss Johnny Lynch, aka Pictish Trail. ‘It frightens me, as well,’ he replies. ‘Too many tour posters these days are of plaintive, bearded singer-songwriters, looking earnest. I’ve been guilty of it, myself. It’s vomit inducing. Similarly, I’m using this tour as an opportunity to regurgitate some of the Pictish back catalogue. Earlier in the year I did some stripped-back reworkings of songs from my last album Future Echoes – I’ll be trying to recreate them in intimate venues with Suse Bear, who produced the new versions, and John B McKenna, aka Monoganon, who will also be opening.’

Despite the lack of a new album this year, it’s been a busy one for Lynch. Over the summer the BBC’s The One Show came to film his Howlin’ Fling festival on Eigg. ‘I tried my best to put them off, as it’s exactly the sort of show I despise,’ he says, ‘but I’m also not very good at saying “no” to people.’ He’s also toured with his own band and with his old friend from Fife, KT Tunstall, and signed a Future Echoes reissue and his next album with Fire Records.

‘Lost Map has a lot of new releases planned over the next six months, from Monoganon, Alabaster dePlume, Bas Jan, Firestations, Savage Mansion and others, and the thing I’m most excited about is our new music residency on Eigg . . . Things are going good, I think. Just insanely busy.’ (David Pollock)

TRIBUTE

CONCERT FOR STEWART

PHOTO: JANNICA HONEY

St Luke’s, Glasgow, Fri 24 Nov The late Stewart Cruickshank represented all that was enthusiastic, unpretentious and conscientious about bespoke radio production by fans for fans.

Over his 35-year career at Radio Scotland and as a freelance radio producer, Cruickshank championed so many Scottish musicians at all stages of their careers, via the curated playlists of Rock on Scotland and Beat Patrol, the jazz programme BeBop to Hip-Hop and folk shows Celtic Connections – from which the festival took its name – and Travelling Folk.

So it’s hardly surprising that the great and good of the Scottish music scene, including Emma Pollock (pictured), Justin Currie and Karine Polwart, are coming together at the Concert for Stewart, to celebrate his life and raise funds for Drake Music Scotland, which supports disabled musicians.

Cruickshank’s own band Mowgli & the Donuts are also on the bill, alongside the Crunchies, a Glasgow indie supergroup comprising members of Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, the 1990s and V Twin, and his former BBC colleague Rab Noakes, who affectionately describes his old friend as ‘somewhat creatively dishevelled in his methods. But I was impressed with Stewart’s ability to release the most surprising, yet erudite information on pop’s rich story at the drop of a hat.’

As was Lou Reed, when Cruickshank interviewed the notoriously media-unfriendly rocker, winning him over so completely with his forensic knowledge of the Velvet Underground that he returned with seven hours of Lou musings.

‘He did like attention to detail,’ says Noakes, ‘and that made him a good producer. But it also made him a really interesting companion. Everybody who came into contact with him loved him because he was such a lovely person. I miss him.’

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MUSIC | Records ELECTRO POP

ALBUM OF THE ISSUE

PUNK FUNK

GOLDEN TEACHER No Luscious Life (Golden Teacher Records) ●●●●●

Anyone who enjoys the work of LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy and co for nostalgic reasons needs to learn to appreciate Glasgow’s Golden Teacher as a younger, more widereaching, every bit as capable and enthusiastic extension of the DFA spirit. This is essential and deeply knowledgeable club music of a less obvious variety, the New York No-Wave scene to LCD’s Talking Heads.

No Luscious Life fails only in that it never had a chance of transferring the visceral perfection of a Golden Teacher live set to record. Yet it’s still a genuinely great, weird, dizzyingly infectious record, a distillation of acid house, post-punk, space rock, industrial and dub reggae sounds which is fiercely of its time and individual.

The opening ‘Sauchiehall Withdrawal’ sets the scene in breathtaking, get-the-hell-out-of-your-chair fashion. They drive on through the swirling, psychedelic looped Afrobeat drums of the instrumental ‘Diop’ and crash into purist old-school house beat ‘Spiritron’, Charles Lavenac’s gasping voice adding heavy sexuality.

‘The Kazimier’ fuses a soulful, trip-hop groove to a spacey dub vocal whoosh; on ‘Shatter (Version)’, singer Cassie Oji sounds like Grace Jones fronting Throbbing Gristle; ‘What Fresh Hell is This?’ transmutes what sounds like buzzing fly synth effects and jammed keyboard lines into an impossible to resist beat. The closing title track is furthest out-there, a cut-up sound experiment which bears only a passing resemblance to dance music, yet which somehow perfectly exemplifies the mutant disco brilliance of this most special group.

(David Pollock) ■ Out Fri 3 Nov.

BDY_PRTS Fly Invisible Hero (Aggrocat Records) ●●●●● Fly Invisible Hero is the debut album from Glasgow-based electro pop duo BDY_PRTS, aka Jenny Reeve and Jill O’Sullivan. Both parties, or PRTS, if you will, have been making music for years now, and you may already be familiar with some of their work; whether it’s O’Sullivan's local favourites Sparrow and the Workshop or Reeve’s time served with Arab Strap, Union of Knives and her own group, Strike the Colours. While both voices are likely instantly recognisable to existing fans and followers, BDY_PRTS is a far cry from projects past.

Taking a seemingly deep drink from the river of influence that still flows heavily from the mouth of the 80s, the duo deal largely in synth-heavy pop songs, often reminiscent of heavy-hitters such as Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, and, occasionally, Prince. Lead single, ‘Warrior’, for example is a pretty blinding example of the former, with O’Sullivan’s voice sliding in low under Reeve's and sounding so much like Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie together that it’s eerie. With its chorus aiming straight up into deep space, it’s not so much an imitation in the end, as a sharp jab into that same vein.

However, there are times when the production veers more into late 90s/early 00s R&B, with ‘Cold Shoulder’ sounding like it could have been written with Destiny’s Child in mind. But while that song’s chorus is one of the smoothest and most palatable on the album, it becomes clear, especially when hearing the likes of ‘Breathe’ and ‘Shame’ that the album’s true peaks lie in their more atmospheric depths.

Or in other words, they sound at their most powerful, and most focused when they paint with slower, fuller strokes as opposed to the spots and splashes of their more jerky, danceable numbers. But this is a band still figuring itself out and there's enough good stuff on here to warrant your close attention.

(Ryan Drever) ■ Out Fri 24 Nov.

INDIE POP

INDIE POP

MORRISSEY

SPINNNING COIN

Low in High School (BMG/Etienne) ●●●●●

Permo (Geographic) ●●●●●

Well now, here’s a difficult one. In times of easy, internet-assuaged polarisation of debate, the story of Morrissey appears to be a simple one. With his unselfconscious and relentless contrarianism, the 58-year-old has gleefully waded into the role of elderly, out of touch pariah. Whether his core fans believe this to be the case, we’ll discover when the album arrives later this month, but millennials appear largely unmoved by his words.

The trouble is, this follow-up to 2014’s World Peace is None of Your Business bears many powerful, personal moments, each further complicated and enlivened by the singer’s well-developed sense of the ambiguous. ‘Society’s hell / you need me just like I need you’, he declares on the flagrant, brassy opener ‘My Love I’d Do Anything For You’, setting out his stall as the imperfect arbiter of ugly times; ‘I Wish You Lonely’ fires off a full volley at the rich and those who serve them; the increasingly catchy ‘Spent the Day in Bed’ rails against the news media.

The ambiguity isn’t always the case, yet those who recoil at Morrissey’s increasingly fervent politicisation will find few reasons to be put off by obtuse tub-thumping here. ‘They say presidents come, presidents go / but all the young people, they must fall in love’, he swoons on ‘All the Young People Must Fall in Love’, a devil-may-care exhortation to ignore Trump, while the foreboding ‘Who Will Protect Us From the Police?’ is an unlikely Black Lives Matter anthem.

Most controversially, his views on the Israel/Palestine conflict are an open book, yet still he manages to veil ‘The Girl From Tel Aviv Who Wouldn’t Kneel’ behind a pretty, piano-led arabesque in which he glides over heavy-handed moral accusations to lament the fate of the region’; and if ‘Israel’s patronising lyrical tone (however musically gorgeous) seems ill-judged, it arrives in the context of keeping himself admirably in check elsewhere.

Almost despite itself – and its creator – this is an intriguing and often satisfying addition to Morrissey’s canon. (David Pollock) ■ Out Fri 17 Nov.

The C86 scene was a loose gathering of post-post-punk bands on UK independent labels, diverse in sound but united in DIY attitude, and so called after an NME cover-mounted cassette which showcased a strong Scottish contingent in Edinburgh’s Shop Assistants, Paisley’s Close Lobsters, Bellshill’s Soup Dragons and Glasgow dons Primal Scream and the Pastels.

Thirty years later, the wistful, melodic, lo-fi C86 sound retains its cult appeal, including among fans and musicians who weren’t even born when Bobby Gillespie first flicked his floppy fringe at the Splash One indie disco. Glasgow five-piece Spinning Coin are spookily attuned to its aesthetic and, appropriately for a band so steeped in the city’s DIY tradition, their debut album has been touched by the hands of two Glasgow indie legends.

Pastels frontman Stephen McRobbie has been a mentor figure for the band since their inception; now, he is also their label boss. And Permo has been produced by no less a figurehead than Edwyn Collins. Neither veteran is going to back a shoddy horse; Permo is a flattering tribute to their indie pop trailblazing. From the opening leisurely strum of ‘Raining in Hope Street’, its whimsical romanticism, weedy vocal and chiming guitar is a portal to a time when indie actually meant independent.

The group are fronted by a contrasting vocal tag team. Sean Armstrong sings in the childlike style of Daniel Johnston and writes delicate but astutely arranged indie pop songs, from the lyrical picking on ‘Metronome River’ to the slightly off-kilter psychedelia of ‘Starry Eyes’, which are reminiscent of softer Teenage Fanclub numbers.

Jack Mellin’s contributions, such as the raw rant of ‘Sides’ and the low-slung New York punk attitude of ‘Magdalene’, are offspring of the more strident, politicised end of the C86 sound such as the wiry Wolfhounds. This contrasting sweet/sour combination of vocals is prime nostalgia for old bowlies as well as being commendably independent of many of their peers. (Fiona Shepherd) ■ Out Fri 10 Nov.

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Records | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music AMERICANA

INDIE POP

GUN OUTFIT

THE JUST JOANS

Out of Range (Paradise of Bachelors) ●●●●●

You Might Be Smiling Now . . . (Fika Recordings) ●●●●●

Gun Outfit are a band birthed in the US indie mecca of Olympia in Washington State, but with their musical hearts in the desert, much closer to their adopted home of Los Angeles. They call their music ‘western expanse’ – which is a neat epithet for their sprawling cosmic country sound, a cinematic marriage of American folk and psychedelic rock’n’roll jamming which has influenced their guitar-toting countrymen from Gram Parsons and the Velvet Underground right through to Yo La Tengo, My Morning Jacket and Silver Jews.

Their fifth album, Out of Range, features a faded family photograph of Monument Valley on the cover. The scene of many a John Ford western appears pale and hazy here, an elusive American dream. This is not the only history/mythology invoked or referenced, with songs also inspired by the Flemish artist Breughel the Elder (‘Landscape Painter’), Anatolian goddesses and, for openers, Greek mythology.

Gun Outfit are the latest musicians to draw on the Orpheus myth. ‘Ontological Intercourse’ picks up the tale post-mortem when Orpheus’ lyre continues to play following his beheading. It’s one of the perkier numbers here, as related by Dylan Sharp in a characterful, clipped drawl. Co-vocalist Carrie Keith fronts the wispy southern gothic folk reverie of ‘The 101’ and the mellow acid Americana of ‘Three Words’ with the same heavy-lidded sensuality as Mazzy Star, as well as delivering ‘Background Deal’, the most traditionally rootsy number on the album.

Their slow, sumptuous soundscapes are laced with banjo, dulcimer and hybrid instruments with Frankensteinian names, created by multi-instrumentalist Henry Barnes. Is that the fabled ‘springocaster lapslide’ creating the languorous country twang on ‘Cybele’?

Occasionally, they up the pace to a rock’n’roll canter. The druggy catalogue of ‘Strange Insistence’ is set to a gentle but propulsive psych country backing. But whatever the tempo, Gun Outfit are no musical slouches.

(Fiona Shepherd) ■ Out Fri 10 Nov.

The inexorable march of time is never far from mind throughout You Might be Smiling Now . . . , the Just Joans’ first album in more than ten years. Just as self aware as ever before, the decade wait between records has seen the band grow up (and expand, over the years, from brother/sister duo David and Katie Pope to a sprawling six-piece), but themes of adolescence, angst and heartbreak are prevalent.

‘The years are running out / it’s tragic, but it’s true,’ mourns opener ‘O Caledonia’, while ‘A Matter of Time’ posits: ‘It’s just a matter of time til they break your heart / and time’s so unkind.’ The chasing and stealing of time is highlighted in tracks that detail teenage hormones, through 20s confusion, winding up in middle-aged resignation.

‘You Make Me Physically Sick (Let’s Start Having Children)’s retro 8-bit bloops underlie the tale of a couple who have settled, and aren’t happy about it: ‘You’re dull and your tunes are shit,’ taunts Katie Pope, channeling a vaporwavey Clare Grogan.

Their lo-fi self production places the record squarely in early 90s Scottish indie pop, with tongue firmly in cheek and David Pope’s sarcastic cynicism a hallmark of the band’s legacy.

‘Johnny, Have You Come Lately’ gives the teen horror of pregnancy scares a jaunty whistle-along soundtrack, while ‘Reading in Public Places’ is a poppy takedown of posturing lit wannabes using faux intellectualism to try to pick up women. ‘Biblically Speaking’ sees a young man’s religion battling lust, with hormones, inevitably, winning out.

Ultimately, You Might be Smiling Now . . . is a sharper, on-thenose take on indie pop, proving the Just Joans may be older, but, in their own whimsically nostalgic way, perhaps no wiser, and for that we can only be glad. (Kirstyn Smith) ■ Out Fri 1 Dec.

INDIE POP

EXPERIMENTAL ROCK

SHAMIR

RICHARD YOUNGS

Revelations (Father/Daughter Records) ●●●●●

This Is Not A Lament (Fourth Dimension) ●●●●●

When Shamir released his debut album Ratchet back in 2015, there seemed to be an instant frenzy that surrounded the artist, with Pitchfork describing the record as ‘the best dance-pop of the past decade’. Fast forward to 2017 and Shamir has shed his ‘accidental pop star’ skin, embracing a sound that is more raw, real and unapologetic in both its composition and delivery.

Many of the tracks on new album Revelations are a far cry from the infectious kitsch of Ratchet’s lead single ‘On The Regular’, taking a more stripped-back approach that places a heavy emphasis on emotional depth. Opener ‘Games’ sets the pace with its minimal keyboard chimes accompanying Shamir’s trademark falsetto, at times providing an almost eerie dissonance between the two. This simplicity is a key element of Revelations but not one that diminishes the impact of the album as a whole. Instead, the unembellished and understated nature of the instrumentation provides a texture that is warm and sonorous.

‘You Have a Song’ has a 90s grunge feel to it, with fuzzy guitars and prominent bass lines that continue in tracks like the sun-bleached ‘Blooming’ and lo-fi ‘Her Story’. Lead single ‘90's Kids’ is a tongue-in-cheek ballad, detailing the anxieties and clichés of millennial life, with its chorus emphatically stating ‘fuck you, we out here strugglin’. Closing track ‘Straight Boy’ is a candid finish to the album where Shamir offers up some real truths about the unnecessary focus that straight men place on how they're viewed by others.

Overall, Revelations can be viewed as a more developed version of Shamir’s self-released second record Hope. There isn't a huge amount of variation between tracks but it's still positive to see Shamir continue to undertake such a progression from dancepop to indie and disco synth to dense, hazy guitars, without losing his penchant for penning a good pop melody. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out 3 Fri Nov.

If your interest in Richard Youngs has been piqued by his involvement in Glasgow mutant disco supergroup AMOR, then why not dive into the underground legend’s more outré side with this new double album of weirdo Celtic drone? If you’re new to Youngs, then you might be best off first investigating the urban pastoral synthpop of Beyond the Valley of Ultrahits, or the beautiful echo-folk of Autumn Response, but there’s no harm in throwing yourself in at the deep end.

This is Not a Lament features a host of co-conspirators, from Alasdair Roberts to Australian underground hero Oren Ambarchi, but there's a unifying quality, specifically its focus on pibroch, the extended piping form associated with the Scottish highlands. That’s no more apparent than in the tracks with piper Donald WG Lindsay. On ‘Kinning Park’, Lindsay lays wheezing bagpipe drones against Young’s processed harmonies and Roberts’ wordless folk melodies, while ‘Bridge of Allan’ sets the pipes against shimmering synth drones and choppedup vocals suggestive of Berlin-era Bowie at a Hebridean séance. Then there’s the remarkable ‘Airdrie’, where Youngs’ backward vocals sing into existence some alter-universe Gàidhealtachd, where the Free Church psalmists jam with the Steve Reich of ‘It's Gonna Rain’.

The cycling guitar feedback of ‘Constantinople’ sounds like a fleet of ice-cream vans playing Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music, while ‘Genghis City’ sets Sybren Renema’s throat singing against processed organ jitters. Kiwi legends Alastair Galbraith, Reg Norris and Mick Elborado appear on the wiggy guitar and harmonium fest ‘Otira George’, while Ambarchi cranks up the oscillators behind the synth skirls of ‘Kitazawa'. Add to this the cello and synth of the Norifumi Shimogawa collaboration ‘Kilsyth’, and a beautifully uncanny reunion with Simon Wickham Smith, and you have a truly radical engagement with Scottish tradition.

(Stewart Smith) ■ Out now.

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MUSIC | Records – Jazz & World

JAZZ & WORLD

EXPOSURE

JAZZ

IRREVERSIBLE ENTANGLEMENTS Irreversible Entanglements (International Anthem/Don Giovanni) ●●●●● Camae Ayewa follows her extraordinary releases as Moor Mother with this arresting album of radical poetry and free jazz. Formed in early 2015 to perform at a Musicians Against Police Brutality event, the group also features saxophonist Keir Neuringer, bassist Luke Stewart, trumpeter Aquiles Navarro and drummer Tcheser Holmes. The poetry and jazz format recalls Amiri Baraka’s incendiary collaborations with Sunny Murray and the New York Art Quartet, but Irreversible Entanglements have a distinctive sound of their own. The musicians create remarkable settings for Ayewa’s unflinching accounts of black trauma, survival and power, from the barrelling drum rolls of ‘Chicago to Texas’, to the distorted industrial howls of the harrowing ‘Projects’. Ayewa is an extraordinary poet and performer, delivering her vivid imagery and fragmented narratives with a ferocious combination of rhythm and rage. On ‘Enough’, her voice becomes an instrument, screaming as the horns upset a hornets’ nest.

JAZZ

BANANA OIL The B.O.’s (Winning Sperm Party) ●●●●● Jazz fusion from the Glasgow underground: who’d have thunk it? The trio of Joe Howe (Ben Butler & Mousepad) on sax, Niall Morris (Sham Gate) on electric bass, and Laurie Pitt (Golden Teacher, The Modern Institute) on drums, aim to ‘sound like Mothers of Invention without all the toxic masculinity.’ From Zappa’s sexist ruins, Banana Oil salvage a wiggy tunefulness and playful sense of structure, channelling it all through the no wave jazz of James Chance and The Lounge Lizards. Viewed from another angle, the group offer a scrappier take on the contemporary jazz of Shabaka Hutchings and Polar Bear, taking their knotty unison themes and propulsive grooves into the garage. ‘Kiss from a Seal’ is more than just a good pun: Morris’s squelchy bass really does sound like someone locking lips with a pinniped, and the piece is a winning combination of melody, skronk and groove.

WORLD

MDOU MOCTAR Sousoume Tamachek (Sahel Sounds) ●●●●● In 2015, Nigerien guitar hero Mdou Moctar starred in Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai, a homage to Purple Rain that was the world’s first Tuareg language film.

Rather than follow it with a full band album based on his dynamite live shows, Moctar has turned left with the atmospheric desert balladry of Sousoume Tamachek. Electric guitars swirl and flow over cycling acoustic riffs and the steady pulse of calabash percussion, creating a mesmeric setting for Moctar’s hushed vocal melodies. The intimacy of the recording is magical, as if you’re right there with Moctar, under Saharan skies.

WORLD

SAZ’ISO At Least Wave Your Handkerchief at Me (Glitterbeat) ●●●●● Subtitled ‘the joys and sorrows of Southern Albanian song’ this is a gorgeous, life-affirming album from Saz’iso, masters of the Saze tradition. Hailing from Albania’s isolated mountain regions, Saze is one of Europe’s richest folk traditions, defined by the iso-polyphony of its singers, and an instrumental palette of violin, clarinet, lute and frame drum. Donika Pecallari, Adrianna Thanou and Robert Tralo sing keening laments and hypnotic arabesques with grace and fire, their voices rising and falling in intricate, otherworldly polyphony. Aurel Qirjo’s violin and Telando Feto’s clarinet snake around each other, breaking free for solos and gutsy riffs. A revelation.

WORLD

VARIOUS Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk) ●●●●● Habibi Funk is a crate diggers’ invention, covering everything from the demented Moroccan garage rock of Fadoul’s ‘Bsslama Hbibti’ to the smooth Tunisian reggae of Dalton’s ‘Soul Brother’. Bob Destiny’s ‘Wang Dang’ is a frenzied R&B rave up, while Al Massrieen’s ‘Sah’ is blissed out Egyptian disco.

I can live without the misogynist yacht rock of Lebanese duo Samir & Abboud’s ‘Games’, but Algerian singer Ahmed Malek’s ‘Tape 19.11’ is a real gem, featuring spiralling clarinet melodies over crunchy lo-fi organ funk.

(All reviews by Stewart Smith)

L-SPACE Their idiosyncratic electronic dream pop mixes ghostly vocals with big synthy sounds to create raw, personal songs about the future. Influenced by the likes of Mogwai, Radiohead and Sigur Rós, L-space put together speculative tunes that are worth a closer listen. We caught up with singer Lily Higham to chat musical pals, the creative process, and how they'd really describe their sound.

On their sound Dramatic, ethereal, noisy electro pop about a better future.

On writing songs To get into the songwriting zone, I listen to some chilled-out tunes and have a nip of whisky. I usually write lyrics last and it’s a mixture of thinking really hard and not thinking at all. I like to write about the future and speculative ideas, but at the same time making it personal and human. Right now we’re working on a song about the ‘grey goo’ end of the world scenario, but it’s also about self destruction and other things more relatable than out of control nanobots.

On their Scottish music peers Recently we played with Cracked Hands and she was amazing. Sounded like a scrambled Grimes.

On the Scottish scene While there’s always great live music to go and see, if you want to stay at home wrapped up against the cold Scottish winds there are so many great Scottish bands to find online doing interesting stuff. There are independent record labels releasing amazing music and putting on events, like Last Night From Glasgow, Song, By Toad, Olive Grove, Lost Map and Gerry Loves Records.

On what to expect next We've got some great gigs coming up, playing Broadcast, Nice’n’Sleazy’s and Henry’s Cellar Bar. After that we'll be working on the music video for our first single with Last Night from Glasgow which is coming out in February with the album following in September. Exciting times!

(As told to Kirstyn Smith) ■ L-space support Mt Doubt, Broadcast, Glasgow, Sat 4 Nov; they play the Sun Rose album launch, Nice’n’Sleazy’s, Fri 17 Nov; Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh, Fri 24 Nov.

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JAMES YORKSTON PRESENTS

COMING UP AT THE QUEEN’S HALL Friday 10 November, 7.30pm

LULU: ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC s

S AT U R D AY 2 5 T H N O V E M B E R

s

=5696= @29D.F

Returning with her biggest tour yet.

“Her voice has lost none of its sassy, soulful crackle” (The Times)

(RADIOHEAD)

Friday 24 November, 8.00pm

1.C61 A5<:.@ /?<B45A<; 8.A5?F; D6996.:@ s

S AT U R D AY 2 N D D E C E M B E R

CHRIS STOUT & CATRIONA MCKAY

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Celebrating the long-awaited release of their new album Bare Knuckle.

“Sonically exquisite” (The Guardian)

@0<AA 5BA056@<; (FRIGHTENED RABBIT)

@2?.36;. @A22? .9.@1.6? ?</2?A@ ADAM SMITH THEATRE, BENNOCHY ROAD, KIRKCALDY, KY1 1ET Box Office: 01592 583302 Bar from 7:30pm / Music from 8pm

www.taesup.co.uk / www.onfife.com Wednesday 20 December, 7.30pm

A CHRISTMAS WINGDING WITH JACQUI DANKWORTH, CHARLIE WOOD & FRIENDS Festive merriment featuring Chris Garrick, Todd Gordon, Alyn Cosker & Oli Hayhurst

Sunday 31 December, 9.00pm

AFORE THE BELLS: HOGMANAY AT THE QUEEN’S HALL Ring in 2018 with a foot-stomping ceilidh with live music, champagne, whisky and haggis

Sunday 28 January, 7.30pm

THE TOMMY SMITH QUARTET Tommy pays tribute to his greatest inspiration, John Coltrane, with a new band of major talents.

Clerk Street | Edinburgh EH8 9JG thequeenshall.net | 0131 668 2019 T: @queens_hall F: @queenshall

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KARINE POLWART WITH PIPPA MURPHY

R E L E A S E D 17.11.17 AVA I L A B L E F R O M W W W.K A R I N E P O LWA R T.C O M

A POCKET OF

Hudson RECORDS

WIND RESISTANCE SEE THE THEATRE SHOW THAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM

The Telegraph

The Stage

The List

The Scotsman

The Guardian

3 - 11 November 2017 TICKETS 0131 248 4848 | lyceum.org.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a Registered Company No. SC062065, and Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509 Photography: Laurence Winram

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Highlights | MUSIC

HITLIST

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 23 Nov, usherhall. co.uk Josh Homme brings his hip’n’heavy rock’n’roll band round again, this time performing tracks from their acclaimed new album Villains.

CREEPER O2 ABC, Glasgow,

Wed 22 Nov, usherhall. co.uk Neil Hannon, the always charming Irish songwriter, leads the Divine Comedy’s musically diverse repertoire. See preview, page 97.

Sun 3 Dec, academymusicgroup. com/o2abcglasgow Southampton Goth punks.

See feature, page 100.

THE DIVINE COMEDY Usher Hall, Edinburgh,

ALICE COOPER The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Sun 12 Nov, thessehydro.com Old school shock rock at its

very best, featuring a full horror show theatrical spectacle from the Coop.

Support comes from the Mission and the Tubes.

PICTISH TRAIL The Glad Café, Glasgow, Fri 17 Nov, thegladcafe.co.uk Offkilter indie-folk from Johnny Lynch, aka Pictish Trail.

See preview, page 103.

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW ALISON MOYET Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Wed 1 Nov, glasgowconcerthalls.com The much-loved Yazoo chanteuse with the big smokey voice tours her latest album Other. Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 2 Nov, usherhall. co.uk.

THE FALL Òran Mór, Sat 4 Nov, oran-mor. co.uk Gruff indie diehard Mark E Smith is back with the latest incarnation of the Fall, whoever that might involve. No change in musical status though — it’s ramshackle indie punk all the way.

VAN MORRISON Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Tue 7 Nov, glasgowconcerthalls. com Legendary Irish curmudgeon and hugely influential blues and jazz artist plays tracks from his career. In 2016 he was knighted for his musical achievements and his services to tourism and charitable causes in Northern Ireland. Also Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon 6 Nov, atgtickets. com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse AKALA O2 ABC, Wed 8 Nov, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Hip hop artist once best-known for being the brother of Ms Dynamite, now an outspoken and vital political commentator.

LITTLE MIX The SSE Hydro, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Nov, thessehydro.com Pop with an R&B twist from the first girl group to win the X-Factor, back in 2011.

WOLF ALICE Barrowland, Sat 11 & Sun 12 Nov, glasgow-barrowland.com Off-kilter indie rock from this London four-piece.

Blondie

THE LEMON TWIGS Queen Margaret Union, Sun 12 Nov, qmunion.org.uk Long Island brothers – Michael and Brian D’Addoria — present their flamboyant, nostalgic powerpop sound.

PINS Stereo, Sun 12 Nov, stereocafebar.com Jangly indie pop from Manchester’s Pins.

BLONDIE The SSE Hydro, Tue 14 Nov, thessehydro.com New York punk’s eclectic pop wing continue to enjoy popular acclaim.

RUN THE JEWELS O2 Academy Glasgow, Thu 16 Nov, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Hard hitting American hip hop duo consisting of rappers Killer Mike and El-P.

MARIKA HACKMAN King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Sun 19 Nov, kingtuts.co.uk Brighton singersongwriter in the nu-folk vein.

THE KILLERS The SSE Hydro, Mon 20 Nov, thessehydro.com Las Vegas rockers, led by frontman Brandon Flowers, famed for their glamorous take on indie rock’n’roll.

ROYAL BLOOD The SSE Hydro, Fri 24 Nov, thessehydro.com Brighton-based alternative rock duo of Michael Kerr (vocals/bass) and Ben Thatcher (drums).

The band tour in support of their new album How Did We Get So Dark.

Support comes from At The Drive-In and Black Honey.

PVRIS O2 Academy Glasgow, Mon 27 Nov, academymusicgroup.com/

o2academyglasgow American alt. rock outfit.

THE DARKNESS O2 Academy Glasgow, Wed 29 Nov, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow The classic rock revivalists return from the wilderness.

GOOD CHARLOTTE Barrowland, Thu 30 Nov, glasgowbarrowland.com Pop punk shot through with a dash of metal from twins Joel and Benji Madden, behind the massive hit ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’.

QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT The SSE Hydro, Sun 3 Dec, thessehydro.com Queen guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and new vocalist Adam Lambert (American Idol/Glee) embark on a series of European dates.

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MUSIC | Highlights

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED KOBI ONYAME SWG3, Sun 3 Dec, swg3.tv Ghanaborn, Glasgow-based hip hop and grime artist.

JAKE BUGG The Queen’s Hall, Mon 13 Nov, thequeenshall.net Solo acoustic show from the singer-songwriter peddling a folky country indie sound.

SONGHOY BLUES Òran Mór, Sun 3 Dec, oran-mor.co.uk The group from Mali, led by guitarist Garba Toure, performs its desert blues material.

BILLY BRAGG The Queen’s Hall, Wed 15 Nov, thequeenshall.net Self-styled ‘progressive patriot’ and veteran political activist who is still one of the UK’s finest writers of love songs.

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES O2 ABC, Tue 5 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Passionate, fiery hardcore from former Gallows frontman, Frank Carter.

ALTERNATIVE PEERS BALL Assembly Rooms, Sat 25 Nov, usherhall.co.uk Brilliant lineup of Scottish pop culture to celebrate the Assembly Room’s 230th birthday. Featuring Django Django, Pictish Trail, Meursault, Man of Moon, Siobhan Wilson, SKJØR, Monoganon, plus live art from Too Much Fun Club and LuckyMe DJs.

MARILYN MANSON O2 Academy Glasgow, Tue 5 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Androgynous king of the alternative who eats controversy for breakfast and is known to his mum as Brian Hugh Warner.

Siobhan Wilson

MASTODON Barrowland, Thu 7 Dec, glasgowbarrowland.com Atlanta-based hefty rock behemoth with a proggy approach to metal.

RAT BOY Barrowland, Wed 31 Jan, glasgowbarrowland.com Hip hop and punk from Chelmsford singer and producer, Jordan Cardy. In 2016 he won Best New Artist at the NME Awards.

DINOSAUR JR Glasgow School of Art, Sun 10 & Mon 11 Dec, theartschool.co.uk Return of the American indie/grunge godheads, led by stoner dude J Mascis.

MOGWAI The SSE Hydro, Sat 16 Dec, thessehydro.com Glaswegian postrock instrumental heroes. Support comes from Ride and Sacred Paws.

GOGOL BORDELLO O2 Academy Glasgow, Sun 17 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Gypsy punk band whose frontman Eugene Hutz was one of the stars of the Liev Schreiber-directed film Everything is Illuminated.

NEHH: COLD TURKEY Summerhall, Fri 1 Dec, summerhall.co.uk By their own admission, Cold Turkey ‘may or may not evolve into an international touring show’. There also may or may not be a Q&A session. What can be guaranteed is music from Withered Hand and Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison, plus poems and spoken word from Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen.

EDINBURGH

Father John Misty

HONEYBLOOD O2 ABC, Fri 22 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Christmas show with Glasgow-based grunge rock duo featuring Cat Myers on drums and Stina Tweeddale on guitar and vocals.

THE PRODIGY O2 Academy Glasgow, Mon 18 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Veteran techno rockers, renowned for their blistering live shows and single ‘Firestarter’.

GERRY CINNAMON Barrowland, Fri 22 Dec, glasgowbarrowland.com Singer-songwriter from Glasgow mixing folk, blues and loop pedals, whose prominence grew substantially thanks to his pro-Indy Referendum anthem ‘Hope Over Fear’.

IDLEWILD O2 ABC, Tue 19 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow The Edinburgh indie rockers head out on the road.

PARAMORE The SSE Hydro, Sat 20 Jan, thessehydro.com Melodramatic poppunks from Tennessee, fronted by the feisty Hayley Williams.

THE LIST HOT 100 PARTY Assembly Roxy, Wed 1 Nov, list. co.uk/hot100party Celebrate the top 100 cultural Scots in 2017 with an evening of live entertainment from artists, musicians, writers and performers, with drinks from Caledonian Brewery and Russian Standard Vodka.

Hosted by Nicola Meighan, acts include 404 Ink writers Jen McGregor and Ren Aldridge, singer-songwriter Siobhan Wilson, rapper Kobi Onyame and comedian Mark Nelson. Tickets are £5.

FATHER JOHN MISTY Usher Hall, Wed 1 Nov, usherhall. co.uk The stage name of Joshua Tillman, American singer-songwriter and former drummer in Fleet Foxes.

After years of performing as a folk artist under his own name, he was reborn as Father John Misty in 2012. Also O2 Academy, Glasgow, Thu 2 Nov MARC ALMOND Usher Hall, Sun 5 Nov, usherhall. co.uk The former Soft Cell perv pixie turned torch song crooner and old school cabaret interpreter revisits his long career.

RM HUBBERT Filmhouse, Sun 3 Dec, filmhousecinema.com Hubby treats you to a solo performance of the soundtrack to By the Law. Also Burgh Hall, Dunoon, Fri 10 Nov, dunoonburghhall.org.uk; Dreel Hall, Anstruther, Sun 12 Nov, dreelhalls.org CONCERT IN THE GARDENS West Princes Street Gardens, Sun 31 Dec, edinburghshogmanay.com 9pm.

See in the New Year with a lineup of music and a spectacular view of the fireworks. Rag’n’Bone Man headlines. See feature, page 54.

STIRLING STRANGE BEHAVIOURS Tolbooth, Sat 18 Nov, culturestirling.org/tolbooth Stirling’s lively musical showcase features a host of local talent.

Winter Party with Pictish Trail, the Lochbacks, Shogun, Beerjacket, Scott William Urquhart, Emme Woods, Jason Riddell, Fairweather & the Elements and Triptych.

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Highlights | CLUBS

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS GLASGOW I AM PRESENTS ENTER TRON SWG3, Fri 3 Nov, theiam.eventcube.io Immersive club experience based on classic sci-fi Tron with full staging, lights and soundtrack from Beta and Kappa. Also Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, Fri 17 Nov. ANIMAL FARM: BLACKOUT Glue Factory, Sat 4 Nov, thegluefactory.org Full-on techno event that modifies the venue for sensory deprivation. With Blawan, Shifted, Janice (live) and Animal Farm.

THE ELECTRIC FROG & HUNTLEYS + PALMERS Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Fri 24 Nov, huntleyspalmers.com Special guests Talaboman (John Talabot & Axel Boman).

SUB CLUB XXX Barrowland, Fri 1 Dec, subclub.co.uk As part of the Sub Club’s 30th birthday celebrations, Larry Heard performs live

as Mr Fingers for the first time in the UK for 20 years, Harri & Domenic and Optimo support. The party continues at the Sub Club itself (Sat 30 Dec) with the Black Madonna. See feature, page 98.

Ivory Blacks, Sun 31 Dec, facebook. com/IvoryBlacksGlasgow Industrial, EBM, 80s, post punk and goth beats with Frankie D and Rio (Mechanical Cabaret).

CLUB NOIR O2 ABC, Sun 31 Dec, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow The burlesque club present their vintage, retro and modern soundtrack for the last time.

MAXIMUM PRESSURE SWG3, Mon 1 Jan, swg3.tv Techno duo Slam’s New Year’s Day blow-out featuring Jeff Mills, Alan Fitzpatrick, Paula Temple, FJAAK (live), Radio Slave, Dr Rubinstein, Edit Select and more.

FRIDAY STREET NEW YEAR’S EVE MOD PARTY Blackfriars, Sun 31 Dec, blackfriarsglasgow.com Scotland’s premier mod club’s annual NYE bash.

Residents Mikey and Paul are joined on the decks by Michael Higgins.

STEVE AOKI O2 Academy Glasgow, Tue 30 Jan, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Californian electro producer.

OPTIMO HOGMANAY The Art School, Sun 31 Dec, optimo. co.uk Twitch and Wilkes host their Hogmanay extravaganza. Lineup tbc.

STORYTIME PRESENTS ROMARE La Belle Angèle, Fri 3 Nov, labelleangele.com STORYTIME welcome Romare to Edinburgh with Francis Dosoo and Pugz on support.

STIGMATA NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

EDINBURGH

KURUPT FM

La Belle Angèle, Fri 24 Nov, thisisourvision.com The People Just Do Nothing crew step out of the TV for a set of jungle, grime and bassy beats.

BIGFOOT’S TEA PARTY Sneaky Pete’s, Fri 8 Dec, sneakypetes.co.uk Techno and electronic music party. Ninth birthday with special guest Anastasia Kristensen.

JACKHAMMER The Caves, Sat 23 Dec, unusualvenuesedinburgh.com Techno night’s 16th birthday with Hans Bouffmyhre, Steve Bicknell and Neil Landstrumm (live).

VEGAS! GRAND HOGMANAY BALL Voodoo Rooms, Sun 31 Dec, thevoodoorooms.com Expect showgirls, big band tunes, swing, easy listening, cabaret and burlesque.

TASTE NEW YEAR’S DAY PARTY The Liquid Room, Mon 1 Jan, liquidroom.com Fisher and Price keep the party going on New Year’s Day.

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Handel Messiah

Additional 45 minute performances for children before the main concerts. A fun introduction to classical music!

19/12/2017 | The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh £12 – £25 20/12/2017 | New Auditorium, Glasgow Concert Hall £20 – £25 Both Concerts commence at 7pm.

Short Children’s performances at 4pm £5 - Adults attending evening performance go free Tel Booking: Edinburgh 0131 668 2019 | Glasgow 0141 353 8000

Director John Butt | www.dunedin-consort.org.uk 746 AD pages.indd 112

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Classical | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music

L A C I S AS

MUSIC THEATRE

HEBRIDES ENSEMBLE: RESTLESS LOVE

CL

Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Mon 20 Nov; Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Wed 22 Nov

PHOTO: KARL GIANT

At first glance, cabaret artist Meow Meow – who captivated full houses at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival – and German lieder by Schubert and Schumann sound an unlikely, if not impossible, pairing. However, in Dutch composer Reinbert de Leeuw’s transformational reimagining of the romantic texts of Schubert’s ‘Winterreise’ and Schumann’s ‘Dichterliebe’ – ‘A Poet’s Love’ – the intimacy of emotion becomes something raw and guttural, and Meow Meow is just the person for the job.

With two performances of Restless Love, orchestrated for 14-piece classical forces, Hebrides Ensemble presents this darkly compelling take on love and loss for the first time in Scotland. ‘It’s a piece I’ve wanted to do for a long time’, says artistic director, William Conway. ‘The question was who to do it with, but we always had Meow Meow in mind as someone who would really get under the skin of it. When you meet her, she is actually a very quiet person, and you wouldn’t expect what she can do on stage, but she is a stage animal, a huge extrovert.’

Reinbert de Leeuw has structured 21 songs by Schubert and Schumann – including the title number ‘Im wunderschönen Monat Mai’ – in three groups of seven (similar to Schoenberg’s ‘Pierrot Lunaire’) and although their music is very clearly present, he has reworked it into a music-theatre piece in which the words are sometimes sung, sometimes spoken, or delivered in sprechgesang, a vocal technique somewhere between the two.

Sharply focused, direct and earthy, ‘it’s expressing the emotions in an exaggerated way,’ says Conway, ‘and is a legitimate interpretation of the music that has inspired it. If Hebrides is about anything, it’s about keeping people guessing, and not following patterns. Just as long as Meow Meow doesn’t do any crowd-surfing this time.’ (Carol Main)

CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE AND VANISHING POINT: TABULA RASA Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 9–Sat 11 Nov See preview, page 118. Also Tramway, Glasgow, Wed 22–Fri 24 Nov. SCOTTISH OPERA: LA TRAVIATA Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 15, Sun 19, Tue 21, Thu 23, Sat 25 Nov Sir David McVicar’s production is a stunner, featuring RussianDutch soprano Gulnara Shafigullina. Also Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 30 Nov, Sat 2 Dec. RSNO: MENDELSSOHN VIOLIN CONCERTO Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 8 Dec Stunning young AmericanKorean violinist Esther Yoo makes her RSNO debut Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 9 Dec.

EDINBURGH QUARTET City Halls, Glasgow, Thu 9 Nov What a great programme of string quartets from Scotland’s longest established and busiest string quartet. What’s not to like about Janácˇek’s ‘Intimate Letters’, inspired by a married woman almost 40 years younger than him, a new quartet by young Scottish composer Tom Harrold, and the darkly coloured gorgeousness of Tchaikovsky’s second quartet. Also Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 12 Nov. ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Sat 18 Nov At just over 100 miles, it’s not too far for the Northern Sinfonia to whizz up the east coast to Musselburgh for a rare orchestral

PHOTO: NICHON GLERUM

HITLIST

SONICA Tramway, Glasgow, Wed 1 & Thu 2 Nov Much to tantalise in this visual sonic arts festival, but Shorelines is a highlight. Inspired by the North Sea Flood of 1953, which devastated the Netherlands and took almost 400 lives in the UK, this latest Cryptic show explores the beauty and catastrophic power of the sea at a time of increased uncertainty surrounding climate change.

Sonica

night at the Brunton. And it’s all good, popular stuff with No 1’s from Bach (Brandenburg Concerto), Bruch (Violin Concerto) and Mendelssohn (Symphony).

FRETWORK St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Edinburgh, Sat 18 Nov Described as ‘the finest viol consort on the planet’, there’s nothing else quite the same as Fretwork. They’ve won all sorts of prizes and accolades in their 25 years of existence and their consistently high standards have brought many new ears to the

inspiring sound-world of the viol, an instrument that started life in the 15th century.

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 7 Dec Not something that’s at all well known, and pretty much eclipsed by his violin and cello concertos, Dvorˇák’s piano concerto is championed by one of the piano’s greatest champions, Sir Andras Schiff, who will no doubt intrigue and delight in equal measure in his interpretation of this rarity. Also City Halls, Glasgow, Fri 8 Dec.

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A fun and alternative twist on a classic tale

ROXY

28 Nov â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31 Dec

By Stuart Paterson

NOVEMBER The List Hot 100 Party, 7pm & â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Ash Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by MGA PerformingAcademy, 7:30pm & â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hansel and Gretelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Le Petit Verre Opera Production, 7:30pm

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love and Informationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Solar Bear Ltd (BSL Performance), 7:30pm

The Radical Book Fair by Lighthouse Bookshop Edinburgh, open daily Derek Acorahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whispers From Heaven Tour, 7:30pm

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Who Do You Think You Are? Barbara Brownskirtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 8pm Recommended for 6+ Relaxed performances 13 Dec 10.30am & 7pm

BOOK NOW

0141 429 0022

citz.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Soul Struttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Edinburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice of the Town Choir, 8pm

Edinburgh University TedX Talk Event, 7:30pm

Citizens Theatre Ltd. Registered in Scotland No. SC022513 and is a Scottish Charity No. SC001337. Photography by Reuben Paris

TAKE A TRIP TO SAIGON THIS CHRISTMAS

Edinburgh Craft Beer Revolution Festival, various afternoon and evening sessions â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mother and the Monsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by ParadigmLab, 7:30pm* *until Dec 2nd â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cinderellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by SJM Performance Academy, 7pm** **also on Dec 1st

0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com

Festive Phoenix Gospel and Soul Celebration, 7:30pm

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Recklessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group, 7:30pm

17 Jan to 17 Feb

DECEMBER James Kirby, 8pm Little Red Riding Hoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Adventure, Nonsense Room Productions, times vary

For tickets and further information www.assemblyroxy.com - 0131 623 3001 Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9SU

114 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Jan 2018

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THEATRE

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

SCOTTISH BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER Lovingly restored take on the Christmas classic Scottish Ballet had quite a year in 2017, presenting its ground-breaking digital season, Under the Skin, then performing at the Royal Opera House in London for the first time in its 60-year history.

One man who would have been hugely proud of the company’s achievements is its founder, Peter Darrell. So it seems fitting that this landmark year comes to a close with one of Darrell’s most popular works: The Nutcracker.

First performed in 1974, the ballet was adored by audiences for many years, until it fell into retirement. Then, in 2014, the original full-length production was taken out of the archive, Philip Prowse’ set was given a brand new look (or ‘re-imagining’) by award-winning designer Lez Brotherston and Darrell’s Nutcracker was back in play.

This lovingly restored production hit the spot with everyone who witnessed it – those

nostalgic for Darrell’s original along with newcomers to the ballet. Happily, three years later, we’ll see those shiny baubles, hear Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score, and enjoy Darrell’s entertaining choreography once more when Scottish Ballet takes it on tour across Scotland throughout December and January. (Kelly Apter) ■ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 9–Sat 30 Dec; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 13 Jan.

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THEATRE | Previews YOUTH FESTIVAL

CHRYSALIS FESTIVAL Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 17–Sun 19 Nov The Traverse Theatre has always had a reputation for championing new and vital voices, and this is certainly true of the three-day Chrysalis Festival, which returns in November. Curated and created

by Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, Chrysalis is an annual festival of youth performance. It showcases emerging youthful companies who present uncompromising, thought-provoking work which aims to challenge preconceptions of what young companies can do.

Inverclyde’s Beacon Young Company present How To Save The World . . . Ish, which puts complacency and responsibility under the spotlight, examining when and why it’s time to step up and grow up. Contact Young Company, from Manchester, tackle living with a cancer diagnosis in teen years in their tender and honest There is a Light: BRIGHTLIGHT. Based in West Lothian, Firefly Arts have a reputation for making intelligent physical theatre which pushes boundaries. This is certainly the case with Dark Mechanics which scrutinises the vagaries of capitalism and plays with gender roles. Written by Kirsty Byers, Eleanor Morrison and the cast, this promises to cut to the heart of human motivation, asking what impels people to behave as they do.

Reading Rep, whose work is tough and unflinchingly immersive and very much influenced by the grit of Trainspotting, present Queer Fish. It’s a dystopian piece that’s not for the easily offended, focusing on three young misfits called Sweets, Skinny and Baby, who play dangerous games involving chem-sex and their own morality.

The aim of Chrysalis is to demonstrate how youth theatre need not lack the excitement and experimental panache of professional companies, and a series of accompanying events will highlight the range of YTAS support available for the talent that will shape the next generation of theatre. (Lorna Irvine)

PHOTO: KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

PHOTO: NIALL WALKER

FESTIVE SHOW

STREET THEATRE

WAR DRAMA

ARABIAN NIGHTS

NURSERY CRYMES

THE WIPERS TIMES

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 26 Nov– Sat 6 Jan

Near Trongate, Glasgow, Fri 24 & Sat 25 November

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 7–Sat 11 Nov

Inspired by the moral and malicious subtext of classic children’s tales, Nursery Crymes recalls Mischief La-Bas’ epic street theatre events that, as the company’s vision statement promises, gently warp the underlay of the fabric of society.

‘It’s a perfect invitation to play with dark themes and question innocence and guilt in both historic and contemporary society,’ says artistic director Angie Dight. With Liz Aggiss and Dav Bernard (of 85A Collective) involved alongside Tramway’s innovative young company Junction 25, the promenade show will take over the area surrounding Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon music hall for a ‘mixing up of different art forms, breaking down the fourth wall and the blurring of realities which is at the root of all Mischief La-Bas’ work, as well as humorous irreverence and audience interaction.’

By converting the streets into a home for installations, performances and surprises, Nursery Crymes challenges both the accepted understanding of the stories and the environment.

Far more than a dry presentation of routines, Dight recognises the potential of art for changes of perception. ‘Performance might be an alternative reality,’ she says, ‘but the experiences are still real.’

(Gareth K Vile)

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, the impressive creative team behind the WWI-set play The Wipers Times, are perhaps best known as editor and cartoonist respectively of the legendary satirical magazine Private Eye, but they have been collaborating since meeting in sixth form college.

‘I’ve spent a big chunk of my life writing in a room with Ian,’ admits Newman. ‘And we are keen to tell each other when something’s not funny,’ Hislop retorts.

The Wipers Times, based on the title of a magazine produced by a group of soldiers in the trenches of Ypres, was first commissioned for BBC2. ‘All throughout the writing process it was pretty clear that it’s about small spaces,’ Hislop explains. ‘Dugouts, trenches, their HQ beneath the ramparts. Everything is about men in small rooms trying to be funny – and isn’t that the stage?

‘The sound of 600 people laughing at jokes written 100 years ago is pretty hard to beat,’ adds Hislop. However, the pair have been mindful not to lose sight of the poignancy of the soldiers’ publication by getting caught up in punchlines. As Hislop observes, ‘you can’t laugh with them if you aren’t prepared to understand why it is they are laughing.’ (Irina Glinski)

Like the Citizens’ Christmas show in Glasgow, Edinburgh’s Lyceum swerves panto for a play that combines festive adventure with a theatricality that fits in with its year-round products. But, as actor Natalie Arle-Toyne (pictured) explains, ‘They have festive spirit and are riotous family fun, with the villain and the good guys and everyone in between. The audience will still get involved but there is no traditional dame and the stories aren't ones you hear every Christmas.’ This year, the classic collection of tales, Arabian Nights, has space for plenty of great stories.

‘I'm playing so many characters,’ Arle-Toyne continues. 'I'm part of telling stories like The Girl Whose Mouth Ran Away with Her and The Genie, the Girl and the Chess Playing Monkey Boy. You can tell from those titles it's going to be fun and a little crazy!’

With Joe Douglas – who recently revived The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black Black Oil – directing, Arabian Nights promises excitement and a serious sensibility. It also fits elegantly with the Lyceum’s vision of an international, inclusive theatre.

Yet Arle-Toyne knows that it’s no dour enterprise: ‘It's going to be fast and fun and surprising. It'll be a feast for the eyes with lots of rich colour and fast-paced action.’ (Gareth K Vile) 116 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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Gary Lamont’s Festive Floozy 19th + 20th December

Rock ‘N’ Roll Xmas with Dave Anderson & Friends 22nd + 23rd December

Hogmanay @ Club O with DJ Bobby Bluebell Sunday 31st December

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THEATRE | Previews VISUAL THEATRE

MANIPULATE Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Jan–Sat 3 Feb After Christmas and the quiet of January, manipulate has become the annual herald of Edinburgh’s spring theatre programme. Now in its eleventh year, and still curated by artistic director Simon Hart of Puppet Animation Scotland, the festival champions Scottish and international visual theatre, a label for a collection of performance genres that encourage experimentation.

2018’s programme includes puppetry, choreography and physical theatre: as project manager Melanie Purdie observes, ‘it’s interesting to see the wide range of the remit. Visual theatre is what it says on the tin: it doesn’t necessarily have to have dialogue.

But it is always eye-catching.’ With a mixture of returning guests, developing work from local artists, animation and the workshops that accompany the shows, manipulate is an intensive introduction to visual theatre that also demonstrates the state of the art.

For Hart, manipulate has encouraged the growth of Scottishbased artists: ‘I think the biggest single change is that we have so many Scottish artists in the programme. It took until year four until we had any. This year we will have three full productions, and in our Snapshots programme we offer opportunities for Scottish artists, so we have 13 performances in total.’

Visual theatre offers a powerful engagement with the intellect as well. ‘Audiences do have to work a bit harder to create their own narrative with all the elements on the stage,’ Hart adds. ‘It’s a much more active way of engaging.’

Through an ongoing collaboration with the Alliance Française, manipulate will also be presenting four Francophone shows this year. While full details of the programme are still to be announced, the atmosphere and dynamism of previous festivals has made manipulate a unique opportunity to sample the best international theatre, and has established the importance of plays that don’t always need words to entertain. (Gareth K Vile)

PHOTO: HUGH CARSWELL

CO-PRODUCTION

TABULA RASA Platform, Glasgow, Fri 3 & Sat 4 Nov; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 8–Sat 11 Nov; Tramway, Glasgow, Wed 22–Fri 24 Nov Theatre makers Vanishing Point and Scottish Ensemble have teamed up for a new production, Tabula Rasa, set to the music of the same name by revered composer Arvo Pärt. It imagines two characters, one of whom is dying and the other who has to cope, wondering if hospital visits are really caring enough for them.

As Vanishing Point’s artistic director Matthew Lenton explains, the work is an interrogation into why Pärt’s 1977 composition still emotionally resonates: ‘With audiences, they connect to it and you don’t always understand why. It is so delicate, and it exists in a world of its own. To hear variations in it, you have to listen carefully. My role was to think, how does the theatre part come in?’

Lenton worked closely with Jonathan Morton, from Scottish Ensemble, who says: ‘That’s an interesting idea, that you can take a serious subject matter or series of complex ideas, and present them in a way that people can find a way into them.’ The collaboration was a way to bounce ideas off each other, he adds. ‘It’s very much a two-way process, and in the rehearsals of the shows, the musicians and myself very much feed into the process and affect it in quite meaningful ways.’

With an ageing population, and cuts to the NHS and creative industries, the piece is timely. Music often has the power to comfort during dark days. Lenton concludes, ‘We want to see how art can transcend our lives, the pain and the suffering’. (Lorna Irvine) DARK COMEDY

HOW TO DISAPPEAR Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 8–Sat 23 Dec Gareth Nicholls is a perfect choice as the new associate director of Edinburgh’s prestigious Traverse Theatre, bringing a distinctive voice, keen wit and a youthful dynamism to the role. Following his recent directorial Fringe success with Gary McNair’s Letters to Morrissey, and another sell-out run of Trainspotting at the Citizens Theatre, he is now helming critically acclaimed playwright Morna Pearson’s Traverse show, How To Disappear.

Delighted with his new role, Nicholls says the Traverse has ‘a real energy that’s quite infectious, the output of the building is extraordinarily high and the whole team care deeply about the work.’ And he’s keen for audiences to see How To Disappear, as it is particularly of the moment, addressing the big human issues of alienation and sadness. But it’s not all about the angst, he explains: ‘It is a darkly comic drama, focusing on three characters all struggling to make their way through life. It mixes pitch black comedy, biting social commentary and some highly theatrical magic realism to explore the lives of those abandoned on the fringes of society, both politically and personally.

‘Morna Pearson has managed to create a world that is very funny and deeply moving,’ he continues, ‘whilst also raising important questions about austerity Britain and what type of society we want to live in. I hope it will resonate with people – especially around Christmas time’. Officially part of Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, How to Disappear should be a thoughtful antidote to entertainment for its own sake over the festive period. (Lorna Irvine) 118 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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E C N DA

CONTEMPORARY / BALLET

ACOSTA DANZA: DEBUT Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Nov For almost 30 years, he danced to somebody else’s tune. Now, after thrilling audiences around the world, Carlos Acosta has struck out on his own. Based in his native Havana, Acosta Danza is currently touring the UK with its first show, aptly titled Debut.

Starting your own company isn’t something you do lightly – what prompted Acosta to take such a bold move?

‘I was keen to pass on what I had learned, and also to go back to Cuba and help my country,’ says the former Royal Ballet principal. ‘And the best way to do that was by having a company that could launch the careers of the next generation of Cuban talent. To give dancers a better way of life, so they don’t have to resort to defecting, but can live comfortably doing what they do best, and still travel the world.

For Acosta, that was ‘an opportunity I never had’, with both salaries and conditions in Cuba generally poor. He also calls the repertoire available to him in Cuba as a young dancer ‘stagnant’ – something he’s determined won’t be the case at Acosta Danza.

For Debut, he enlisted five acclaimed choreographers to ‘build my repertoire from zero’. So in came Spaniards Goyo Monetero and Jorge Crecis, New York City Ballet’s Justin Peck, Cuban Marianela Boán, and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Between them, they’ve created a mix of classical and neo-classical ballet and contemporary dance – perfect for the dancers Acosta has been shaping over the past two years.

‘In the beginning, the ballet dancers were really classical and had never experienced contemporary dance before,’ he says, ‘and the contemporary dancers had only a very basic classical training. So the gap between those two techniques was huge. But two years down the line, when you watch the company, you see that everybody does everything – contemporary but also pointe work and neo-classical – and that’s very refreshing.’ (Kelly Apter)

CONTEMPORARY

DANCE FUSION

BALLETBOYZ: FOURTEEN DAYS

SLANJAYVAH DANZA: 6 FEET, 3 SHOES

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 7 Nov; Dundee Rep, Thu 9 Nov

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Fri 24 Nov

Many people need a deadline for motivation, but the eight choreographers and musicians behind the BalletBoyz’ latest show really had their eyes on the clock.

Choreographers Iván Pérez, Christopher Wheeldon, Craig Revel Horwood and Javier de Frutos were paired with composers Joby Talbot, Keaton Henson, Charlotte Harding and Scott Walker and given just 14 days to create a brand new piece. The resulting works are currently touring the UK, performed alongside Russell Maliphant’s acclaimed work, Fallen.

For Revel Horwood, a man better known for his Strictly judging and musical theatre direction, working with the all-male contemporary dance company offered a chance to experiment with new ideas – and that’s exactly what he did.

Having discovered, on an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, that his great, great grandfather was a champion clog dancer in Australia, Revel Horwood asked the BalletBoyz crew to pull on a pair.

‘I was a novice myself,’ says Revel Horwood. ‘The first time I wore clogs was in Who Do You Think You Are?, so it was a real challenge for both me and the boys.

‘Story-wise, my family were goldminers and there was a revolt in their town during the mid-19th century. So I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to get miners clog dancing, and have a clog dance battle between the miners and the soldiers?

‘So we started improvising and having some fun, and it was extraordinary to see it evolve – the boys have done brilliantly well.’ (Kelly Apter)

One came from Scotland, two from Spain, all headed in the same direction: Yorkshire. Inspired by the true-life story of three friends who met at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, 6 Feet, 3 Shoes fuses traditional Scottish step dance, flamenco and contemporary dance in a percussive celebration of cultural integration.

‘I moved from Perthshire, my two friends came from Cordoba, Spain – and we all met in Leeds 17 years ago,’ says Jenni Wren, who directed and choreographed the show. ‘So it’s about how we got there, how we all found a family away from family, a home away from home.’

Wren formed Slanjayvah Danza in 2004 (a name inspired by the Gaelic for welcome, ‘Slàinte’ and the Spanish word for dance), to create dance that speaks to different generations and cultures, and marries dance with other artforms.

All of which comes together in 6 Feet, 3 Shoes, performed by three dancers and three musicians hailing from England, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland.

‘It’s been interesting looking at the rhythms of flamenco and traditional folk music,’ says Wren, ‘and finding lots of similar patterns in the footwork of flamenco and Scottish step dancing, as well as similarities between the Spanish Escuela Bolera dance and Highland dancing. So we’ve got Spanish, Scottish and contemporary dance happening separately on stage – but also moments when all three elements really come together.’ (Kelly Apter) 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018 THE LIST 119

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THEATRE HIGHLIG

Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

GLASGOW THE WIPERS TIMES Theatre Royal, Tue 7–Sat 11 Nov, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play about the WWI newspaper. See preview, page 116.

LAMPEDUSA Citizens Theatre, Wed 8–Sat 18 Nov, citz.co.uk Telling the stories of human kindness behind the headlines, Lampedusa was a sell-out during its premiere run at Soho Theatre in London in 2015.

ENTERTEASMENT The Hold (underneath the Admiral Bar), Sat 11 Nov, Sat 9 Dec, theadmiralbar.com A spellbinding mix of comedy, magic and burlesque.

PHOTO: ANDY CATLIN

HITLIST

BALLETBOYZ: 14 DAYS Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 7 Nov, edtheatres.com/festival The BalletBoyz return with four new works, choreographed and composed in just 14 days, by Javier de Frutos, Craig Revel Horwood, Iván Pérez and Christopher Wheeldon, plus Russell Maliphant’s Fallen.

See preview, page 119. Also at Dundee Rep, Thu 9 Nov.

ACOSTA DANZA: DEBUT Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Nov, edtheatres.com/festival Former Royal Ballet star Carlos Acosta tours his debut

tron.co.uk Panto fun written by Johnny McKnight.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK SEC, Sat 16 Dec-Sun 7 Jan, sec. co.uk Family panto with Greg McHugh (Gary: Tank Commander) starring as Jack. Only An Excuse’s Louise McCarthy and River City’s Gayle Telfer Stevens) join him as ‘The Dolls’, Jack’s naughty aunties. This SEC panto boasts 3D effects, so pop on your glasses and disappear into the depths of the forest with the Trot family.

SCOTTISH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Theatre Royal, Thu 4–Sat 13 Jan, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk Peter Darrell’s magical world of The Nutcracker has been reimagined by Olivier Award-winning designer Lez Brotherston, bringing a new sheen to this classical 40-year-old adaptation.

See preview, page 115. Also Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 9– Sat 30 Dec, edtheatres.com/festival

ARIKA EPISODE 9: OTHER WORLDS ALREADY EXIST Tramway, Thu 16–Sun 19 Nov, tramway.org Four days of performances, readings, discussions, workshops, screenings (and a party) with sex revolutionaries, prison abolitionist poets, mutant dancers, haunted noise, fan-fiction fantasists and more. See feature, page 49.

TANGO MODERNO King’s Theatre, Tue 16–Sat 20 Jan, atgtickets.com/venues/kingstheatre Tango performance from two spectacular dancers, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace. Also Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 23–Sat 25 Nov, playhousetheatre.com

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Theatre Royal, Thu 23 Nov, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk The acclaimed contemporary dance company presents a triple bill featuring Martin Lawrance’s Tangent, and Alston’s Chacony and Gypsy Mixture.

STARTING NOW: YOUTH DANCE PLATFORM Traverse Theatre, Sat 4 Nov, traverse.co.uk Celebrating the freshness, enthusiasm, and talent of Scotland’s young dancers; a family friendly evening, showcasing just what these young people can do.

ALICE IN WEEGIELAND Tron Theatre, Fri 1 Dec–Sun 7 Jan,

EDINBURGH

CABARET Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 14–Sat 18 Nov, playhousetheatre.com The

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LIGHTS show, featuring the work of five contemporary choreographers. See preview, page 119.

CHRYSALIS FESTIVAL Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 17–Sun 19 Nov, traverse.co.uk Chrysalis festival brings together theatre companies from across the UK for a weekend of youth theatre.

See preview, page 116.

CINDERELLA Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Tue

28 Nov–Sun 31 Jan, citz.co.uk Alternative to traditional panto fun.

MANIPULATE VISUAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Jan–Sat 3 Feb, manipulatefestival.org Puppet Animation Scotland collates a collection of world-class animation and puppetry and related performing arts, with masterclasses providing further learning opportunities. See preview, page 118.

PHOTO: KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

The WipersTimes

multi-award winning musical returns, with Will Young and Louse Redknapp in the starring roles.

6 FEET, 3 SHOES Scottish Storytelling Centre, Fri 24 Nov, tracscotland.org/scottishstorytelling-centre Spain meets Scotland meets Yorkshire in this story celebrating friendship, cultural references and humour through dance, music and traditional storytelling. See preview, page 119.

ARABIAN NIGHTS Royal Lyceum Theatre, Sat 25 Nov–Sat 6 Jan, lyceum.org.uk Family show featuring the familiar faces of Aladdin, Sinbad and Ali Baba, along with mysterious genies, magic carpets, talking birds, and a whole host of heroes and villains. See preview, page 116.

CINDERELLA King’s Theatre, Sat 2 Dec–Sun 21 Jan, edtheatres.com/kings Pantomime fun featuring Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott.

SHREK THE MUSICAL Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 12 Dec–Sun 7 Jan, atgtickets.com/ edinburgh An all-singing, alldancing stage version of the popular films, packed with laughs and the odd tear. See preview, page 92.

HOW TO DISAPPEAR Traverse Theatre, Fri 8-Sat 23 Dec, traverse.co.uk Merging biting social commentary and fantasy in unexpected ways, How to Disappear is a pitch-black comedy which gives a voice to those who often go unheard. See preview, page 118.

TICKETS 0131 248 4848 | lyceum.org.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a Registered Company No. SC062065, and Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509

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VISUAL ART

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ALEKSANDRA VAJD & MARKÉTA OTHOVÁ: WHAT IS LIFE? Celebrating two eminent figures in Central and East European photography Opposites attract in this joint exhibition which forms part of the Czech Season in Scotland. Where Markéta Othová’s off-kilter still life studies are writ large, Aleksandra Vajd’s images are miniscule in comparison. Just as Othová’s pictures are figurative and recognisable, Vajd’s miniatures play with form, colour and concept. With each artist’s work hung side by side, the pair mark out their territory by way of a spectrum of scale.

Othová takes the seemingly ordinary and choreographs it with a sense of sculptural definition: an isometric patterned rug sprawls into view; a small plate is placed inside a larger one so it resembles a target; the curves of a lamp set against a jet-black backdrop lends new meaning to mood lighting. A half-full/empty glass of water houses a leaf-strewn plant captured in that fleeting moment of thriving.

Vajd’s assorted images on sheets of rectangular photographic paper contrasts their central blacks with yellows, pinks, browns, greens and blues at the corners. Like department store sock displays, they’re either filed or coded atop each other and lined up side by side in groups of six, or else overlap and conjoin to form graphs of pure colour. In one room, the sheets are split into op-art triangles of black and white. It’s all very New Wave.

For all the differences between the artists, there is some common ground, most noticeable in Othová’s cloudburst of pink fireworks placed next to Vajd’s Day-Glo graph. If a black void is at the centre of both, it’s merely a trick of the light. (Neil Cooper) ■ Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow, until Sat 18 Nov ●●●●●

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VISUAL ART | Reviews PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG: PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHILDHOOD FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 13 May ●●●●●

PHOTO: DAVID WILLIAMS

This new display of more than 100 photographs is presented jointly

by Photography Scotland’s Season of Photography 2017 and the Luminate Festival. The collection’s stated mission is to explore how attitudes towards childhood have changed in tandem with the evolution of the photographic medium, and these moments come in snapshot rather than through any kind of rigorous survey.

Where technology and faster exposures have clearly led to more off-the-cuff and naturalistic images, most of them – the range of odd, otherworldly Victorian portraits aside – give a visceral sense of being there, and those social-realist photographs from the post-war years reveal their iconic nature yet again. Joseph McKenzie’s ‘Fall From Grace’, with a baby tumbled from its pram, and his scruffy but gallus 1960s ‘Beatle Girl’; David Peat’s poignant images of childhood companionship in bombed-out streets; Larry Herman’s studies of playing kids dwarfed by the modernist Red Road and Gorbals flats: all are iconic and well worth viewing again.

There are other striking, singular images, like the prints from David Williams’ ‘No Man’s Land’ series from 1984 (particularly a great shot of a cool, late-teen schoolgirl alongside a cheerful and unselfconscious pigtailed primary schooler), Diane Arbus’ simple, round-cheeked 1968 portrait of a newborn, and Edith Tudor-Hart’s eerie shot of London children receiving ultraviolet light treatment.

On one level it’s an enjoyable and illuminating show, and yet it feels too white, and too black and white; the latter, because a sense of the really contemporary feels somehow absent. And the former, because non-white faces – an extended family portrait of Bashir Maan, the Pakistani-Scots judge, politician and writer, plus a handful of other images aside – are sadly in too-short supply.

(David Pollock)

PHOTO: COURTESY TALBOT RICE GALLERY.

PHOTO: ALAN DIMMICK

PHOTO: PAUL ROBERTSON

MIXED MEDIA

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY

INSTALLATIONS

VARIOUS ARTISTS

STEPHEN SUTCLIFFE: WORK FROM THE COLLECTION

JOHN AKOMFRAH: VERTIGO SEA

Lust and the Apple, Temple, until Fri 8 Dec ●●●●● It’s worth the pilgrimage to Midlothian to see new work by a cross-generational quartet of international artists in this adventurous contemporary art space.

In the driveway, GSA graduate Amy Leigh Bird’s Topophilia, An Archeology puts locally sourced natural detritus in vitrines full of water. Inside, Rotterdam-based Bobby Sayers performance-based So What Do You Do? attempts to subvert the daily grind with a mixture of work, rest and play. In the garden, Square Metres is an ever-expanding carpet of vinyl records laid down by German noise duo Kommissar Hjuler and Mama Baer, who invite viewers to walk all over their collaborations with contemporary Jonathan Meese.

Back indoors, the show's centrepiece is I/Not I, a room devoted to veteran French iconoclast Christian Boltanski. At one end, Homage A Samuel Beckett is a digital enlargement of a new work by Boltanski covering the entire wall.

Inspired by Beckett’s play, Not I, in which only a mouth is seen in spotlight, Boltanski puts his own lips in the picture in close-up. The image recalls the opening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as much as the Irish playwright. While all about is rotting, Boltanski's image looks like a kiss of life. (Neil Cooper)

Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 21 Jan ●●●●● A detuned radio transmission of pop culture ephemera and individual visual snippets with their own discrete purpose are transposed and moulded together in this exhibition by Glasgow-based Stephen Sutcliffe. His collage film works cut together sound and vision from separate sources, while his posed photographs and wall drawing installations adapt the iconic New Yorker cartoons of the late Saul Steinberg.

This latter group is the most accessible, big, bold images whose painstaking method of construction transforms (but doesn’t transcend) the original work.

There are photographs of a man in the power position telling another man (the artist) ‘NO!’ in a large chalkboard speech bubble; the artist painting sad faces on boxes covering childrens’ heads; a wall-and-floor painting of viciously crossed out speech bubbles. Alongside two longer films, ‘Come to the Edge’ incongruously pairs an uplifting mantra by the poet Christopher Logue with a 100-second film of a teenager apparently being bullied in a school common room. These are works which assert their own meaning over the source material, walking a fine line between the transcendence and crushing failure of making art. (David Pollock)

Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sat 27 Jan ●●●●● There is something clichéd about John Akomfrah’s Vertigo Sea. A man stands looking out over a rugged and mysterious Skye landscape, a women silently mourns as household objects lie scattered to the wind, a dead deer is trussed and hung in a desolate glen. These are all images that have represented Scotland’s national identity since the clearances of the 19th century; but whose images are they?

Harrowing footage of whales being slit open for their blubber and black slaves being dumped from a sailing ship is juxtaposed with glowing sunset vistas, the aurora borealis and flocks of migrating jellyfish; their poignant similarity with drowned refugees washed up on a sandy beach made clear. In this rush of sensory overload there are contradictory aspects of human experience that are impossible to reconcile. Cruelty and beauty are equally compelling and the logic of who hunts whom with the camera or the harpoon seems flawed.

Colonial fantasy finds refuge in cliché, in images that allow us to look without seeing. Akomfrah is bound to all manner of phantoms; he shines a light on where they walk and where they hide in our own psyche. (Jessica Ramm)

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JOHN AKOMFRAH: VERTIGO SEA Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sat 27

PHOTO: COURTESY TALBOT RICE GALLERY

HITLIST

STEPHEN SUTCLIFFE: WORK FROM THE COLLECTION Gallery Of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 21 Jan, glasgowlife.org.uk/ museums See review, page 124.

Jan, trg.ed.ac.uk See review, page 124.

CHILDHOOD FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 13 May, nationalgalleries.org See review, page 124. Part of Luminate Festival.

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG: PHOTOGRAPHS OF

AGES OF WONDER: SCOTLAND’S ART 1540 TO NOW

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Sat 4 Nov--Sun 7 Jan, royalscottishacademy. org Largest ever show of the RSA’s collection of five centuries of Scottish art.

JACQUELINE DONACHIE The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 11 NovSun 11 Feb, fruitmarket.

co.uk New and existing work from the artist.

A NEW ERA: SCOTTISH MODERN ART: 19001950 Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two, Sat 2 Dec-Sun 10 Jun, nationalgalleries.org Alternative look at Scottish art from the first half of the 20th century.

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add

finalists in the inaugural competition to find Scotland’s best student and graduate photographers.

DEERHART Summerhall, until Fri 22 Dec, summerhall.co.uk Combining drawing, painting and text, Deerhart is the latest stage in the collaboration between artist Diana Zwibach and poet Yvonne Reddick.

GLASGOW THE VIGOROUS IMAGINATION — REVISITED Roger Billcliffe Gallery, until Sat 18 Nov, billcliffegallery.com Exhibition to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1987 show The Vigorous Imagination: New Scottish Art, which showcased 17 young artists, many of whom became household names.

ROBIN GILLANDERS Still, until Sun 14 Jan, stills.org Work by veteran Edinburgh-based photographer and teacher celebrating his vital contribution to the medium and marking the 40th anniversary of Scotland’s centre for photography.

ALEKSANDRA VAJD & MARKÉTA OTHOVÁ: WHAT IS LIFE? Street Level Photoworks, until Sat 18 Nov, streetlevelphotoworks.org See review, page 123.

MUSIC FROM THE BALCONIES – ED RUSCHA AND LOS ANGELES Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, until Sun 29 Apr, nationalgalleries.org Work drawing upon urban landscape and architecture, cinema and other aspects of the visual culture of Los Angeles and Hollywoood.

See review at list.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL POSTER EXHIBITION The Lighthouse, until Sat 25 Nov, thelighthouse.co.uk A showcase for exceptional poster design from all around the world.

VANESSA BILLY, EDITH DEKYNDT AND ERIN SHIRREFF: SLOW OBJECTS The Common Guild, until Sun 17 Dec, thecommonguild.org.uk Video, sculpture, installation and photography from three artists examining the way we perceive objects.

THE TRUEST MIRROR OF LIFE: 19TH CENTURY FRENCH CARICATURES Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 21 Jan, gla.ac.uk/ hunterian A display of 19th-century French caricaturists, notably Honoré Daumier and Gavarni.

HANNE LIPPARD: NUMB LIMB David Dale Gallery and Studios, Sat 4 Nov–Sat 9 Dec, daviddalegallery. co.uk Sound installation from the UKbased Norwegian poet and artist.

OUT OF TOWN

Deerhart

TOGETHER Glasgow Film Theatre, Sun 5 Nov, glasgowfilm.org Scottish-Italian artist Eduardo Paolozzi gave his first and only acting performance in this silent film about everyday, working-class life, which follows two deaf-mute dockers in London. Q&A. AMANDA ROSS-HO Tramway, Glasgow, Fri 10 Nov– Wed 20 Dec, tramway.org New work inspired in part by Chaplin’s film Modern Times.

ZANELE MUHOLI: SOMNYAMA NGONYAMA — HAIL THE DARK LIONESS Reid Building, Glasgow School of Art, Sat 11 Nov-Sun 17 Dec, gsa. ac.uk Self-portraits by acclaimed South African artist who uses her own

body as a canvas to explore questions of race and representation.

ANNE COLLIER The Modern Institute, Sat 11 NovSat 13 Jan, themoderninstitute. com New work by the US artist.

SARAH ROSE, SUSANNAH STARK, HANNA TUULIKKI: LILT, TWANG, TREMOR CCA, Thu 4–Sun 14 Jan, ccaglasgow.com Work by three Scottish artists whose work examines the politics and production of voice.

EDINBURGH THE JILL TODD PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARD Summerhall, Sat 4–Sat 18 Nov, summerhall.co.uk Showcase of

CHRISTIAN BOLTANSKI, KOMMISSAR HJULER AND MAMA BAER WITH JONATHAN MEESE, BOBBY SAYERS, AMY LEIGH BIRD Lust & The Apple, Temple, until Fri 8 Dec See review, page 124.

ULAY: SO YOU SEE ME Cooper Gallery, Duncan Of Jordanstone College Of Art And Design, Dundee, until Sat 16 Dec, dundee.ac.uk/djcad The first major exhibition in the UK of work by Slovenian artist best known for his collaboration with Marina Abramović.

KATE V ROBERTSON: THIS MESS IS KEPT AFLOAT Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, Sat 9 Dec–Sun 25 Feb, dca.org.uk New sculptural work in Robertson’s first solo UK exhibition.

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TV

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

ALIAS GRACE TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s exploration ABOREHENAT DOLUM of crime and punishment starring Sarah Gadon Id qui berum fugita sa nonseriam fugiature vereritisi dolum ius molo and strong performance from Gadon.

Traditional folk song ‘Let No Man Steal Your Thyme’ plays the viewer outmolorum of Sarahquoditatis Polley Toriame que volo magnate and Mary et Harron’s televisionaut adaption moluptas aut expeliquisit ex es of Margaret Atwood’s historical crime novelpel Alias ipicabo reictatur, tenis eturio dit escitae Grace. It’s a sly wink to the message this maximusant fuga.

Tioreriatur si occusthat sendae. gripping and engaging extols ut Oditatem quoditat fuga.six-part Os aut series ex elesequid about aciassincit the value and importance women delici ea si aces etur, of quod maximet telling their own stories.

The metaphor aut erita cus.Rem faccum ex quilting ea que plandem thatevendigendel appears in the novel is translated to great ex eiur?Ommoloratia acesendis effect across withtincto the signifi cance ipidellendi quothe moseries occupta is molora of their meaning to women throughout nimagniet is elignam, oditistor ab illectohistory detailed through visuals and ossitati physical essintenis apelesthaunting arion essiti quoditi needlework. ut latqui corem non por anihil ilibeate nus.

Sarah Gadon as the enigmatic Busdande questars voluptu reperis inihit Grace Marks who was thenet, murders of aborporrum ium convicted quis es autofpra sam restia Thomassum, Kinnear housekeeper volore, que and etur his sitio molores nis Nancy untio Montgomery in 1843 andveliquis sentenced to life con est omnissi modita aut offi ciur ad imprisonment. Gadon plays her role with a furtive relish, teasing the audience and the man re-examining her case, Dr Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft), with the question of whether she is innocent or guilty of the crimes. The tone recalls David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method in terms of the smart conversations

Cronenberg even appears as quae a reverend endae.

Ut quia parchit, venis maionand est counsel to Dr excesciatque Jordan. aperit acesto voluptatet, iusci Theporectem series threads together Grace’s life con ex et que volesse quiamus, story,fuga. fromIm herimil emigration Canada from sunt mod queto pore, tet debis Ireland, her brutal upbringing the hand of audis velecat dolescipiet fugit,atsimusandi an abusiveseque fatherdende and the world of servitude. doloratur, inum quamus exerum,It also spendsvoloreperum time in her memories andmo dreams, velesequas qui si archil te showing startling refl ections the doluptatur?Evenda inum sitisof mil eictragedy tem. and difficulties she hasetfaced her Pudignis dolo consed autasthroughout seque estissi lifetime. Treated as anearuptasita object of curiosity ommolor ectio. Orest voles by the prison staff and Drctem Jordan, Grace appears to necerum fugit offi et, omnim dia doluptat be a product faccum eat. of her time.

Atwood’s Temos ex feminist et harumgaze quidthroughout et re, sequoher et,body of work peliqua has recently been depicted in TV show sequae eriamusapedi ate volumquis The Handmaid’s Tale,esequos and Alias Grace once eosRorrorent ut que quassitate again explores how the treatmentrem of women parumquam illiciant acesequam reperume as vessels and pure beings is degrading and harmful. Writer Polley and director Harron defiantly pull apart the male gaze and patriarchy through an unpredictable female protagonist. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ Alias Grace is available on Netflix from Fri 3 Nov ●●●●●

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Previews | TV

list.co.uk/tv

HIGHLIGHTS ALIAS GRACE Netflix, Fri 3 Nov The latest Margaret Atwood novel to be adapted for television. See review, page 126.

BABYLON BERLIN Sky Atlantic, Sun 5 Nov, 9pm German thriller set during the 1920s based on a series of novels by Volker Kutscher. Apparently the most expensive non-English language TV series of all time.

Ratburger

BOX SELECTION Henry Northmore checks out the festive treats and yuletide specials to keep you glued to the gogglebox this Christmas COMEDY Perhaps the most exciting news is the return of The League of Gentlemen (BBC Two) for three halfhour specials as the full team (Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson) head to Royston Vasey for more pitch-black character comedy. ‘We’ve been dying to do it for ages.

This is a really good year because it’s been 20 years since we did our Radio 4 series,’ Pemberton recently told the Adam Buxton podcast. ‘We wanted to do a one hour special essentially, but as we started writing, the material was just coming out of us.’ Also back is smash hit sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys (BBC One) while Ben Elton’s Shakespeare comedy Upstart Crow (BBC Two) scores its first Christmas special. In panel show land, Would I Lie To You? (BBC One) and QI (BBC Two) have special episodes. Charlie Brooker is also on hand to sum up another tumultuous year in his razor sharp 2017 Wipe (BBC Two).

DRAMA The big draw has to be Peter Capaldi’s final appearance as Doctor Who (BBC One, Christmas Day) in ‘Twice Upon a Time’ (also starring David Bradley as the First Doctor) before Jodie Whittaker becomes the first ever female Doctor. The Victorians invented many of our favourite Christmas traditions so Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes’ return as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in a festive edition of Victoria (ITV) feels like the perfect fit. Ordeal by Innocence (BBC One) fills the annual big budget Agatha Christie slot in the December schedules. And Eric, Ernie & Me (BBC Four) is a one-off drama about comedy scriptwriter Eddie Braben and his work with perennial festive favourites Morecambe and Wise. There’s also specials from Call the Midwife (BBC One) and Father Brown (BBC One), if you like that kinda thing.

ENTERTAINMENT Everyone was so cynical about The Great British Bake Off moving to Channel 4 but it worked out a treat, and Prue, Paul, Noel and Sandi return for two Christmassy specials. Popular family favourites Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One, Christmas Day), Cannonball (ITV), The Crystal Maze (Channel 4) and Blind Date (Channel 5) all return with special tinsel-drenched episodes.

KIDS David Walliams’ children’s books have become a publishing phenomenon and both BBC One and Sky 1 have tapped into his brand of kid’s comedy with Grandpa’s Great Escape and Ratburger respectively. Another modern Xmas tradition is a brand new adaptation of a Julia Donaldson short story, and this year The Highway Rat (BBC One) gets the animated treatment with the vocal talents of Rob Brydon and David Tennant, while the kids battle it out with the adults on the Child Genius vs Celebrities Christmas Special (Channel 4).

MOTHERLAND BBC One, Tue 7 Nov, 10pm Graham Linehan and Sharon Horgan’s sitcom about the pressures of motherhood gets a full series.

THE PUNISHER Netflix, Fri 17 Nov Brutal vigilante action.

Jon Bernthal is Frank Castle in this Marvel / Netflix collaboration.

SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT Netflix, Thu 23 Nov Updated remake of Spike Lee’s classic 1986 debut about the life and loves of Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) and her three potential suitors.

THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL Amazon Prime, Wed 29 Nov Fifties-set drama / comedy about a housewife who decides to try her hand at stand-up, loosely based on the life of Joan Rivers. Brought to the small screen by Gilmore Girls duo Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino.

THE CROWN – SEASON 2 Netflix, Fri 8 Dec The life of the Windsors heads to the 60s, where Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip’s (Matt Smith) relationship hits a few roadbumps.

JEAN-CLAUDE VAN JOHNSON Amazon Prime, Fri 15 Dec Meta action comedy starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as himself as an undercover agent.

THE TUNNEL – SEASON 3 Sky Atlantic, Dec, date tbc The UK / French remake of Nordic noir The Bridge is back for a third and final season.

SHETLAND – SEASON 4 BBC One, Jan, date tbc Douglas Henshall returns for another series of this rugged murder mystery set on the Scottish isles.

AGENTS OF SHIELD – SEASON 5 E4, Jan, date tbc After their encounters with Ghost Rider, the Darkhold and Aida, the team need to regroup in this Marvel TV spin off.

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BACK PAGE FIRST&LAST JASON BYRNE The freewheeling Irish comic is careering around the country on his The Man With Three Brains tour, and is also set to host a new outdoors gameshow for Dave. Here, he discusses flowers, Full Metal Jacket and fire extinguishers First record you ever bought

It was ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson. I had no money as a kid so I’d always play my brother’s records and I could only play them when he was out. He once beat me in his bedroom for playing his Lynyrd Skynyrd album.

Last extravagant purchase

I bought a painting of the west of Ireland by this amazing lady who only does paintings of the Atlantic Ocean: it was about £300 but for me that was extravagant.

Last time someone criticised your work

First object you’d save from your burning home

Full Metal Jacket, which wouldn’t have been a big barrel of laughs.

But she enjoyed it: she turned out to be a tough individual. The other thing I remember was that I had two bags of shopping with me.

The audience every night. A guy heckled me in Edinburgh at one show, so I picked him up out of his seat, kicked open the exit door, put him in the lane and closed the door.

He never came back.

A fire extinguisher.

Last crime you committed

First three words your friends would use to describe you

Collecting trolleys in a supermarket. Payment was a can of Coke and packet of crisps.

First date movie

I murdered a family of crows.

First crush

Wonder Woman and her very high pants.

Last time you were starstruck

Local heroes impress me more than stars.

First song you’ll sing at karaoke

‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.

Because I’m such a worrier, that kind of miserable title attracts me.

Last time you exploited your position to get something

I jumped the queue in an Edinburgh joke shop to get the last piece of fake shit.

Total utter tit.

Last funny thing you saw online

Chris Eubank talking about the Conor McGregor fight.

Last person you fantasised about

I bought three sausage dogs but only had room for one, so I gave my mates the other two.

My wife, of course!!!

First concert you ever attended

Myself.

First time you realised you were famous

Last time you bought someone flowers

When I jumped the queue to buy some fake shit.

My dead grandmother for her grave.

THU 1 FEB

First job

Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it

Mama’s Boys in Dublin, 1988, when I was 16. My mate Carl was two years older than me and brought alcohol with him. He was passed out on a pillar inside the gig while I was just standing over him crying because I didn’t know what to do. I’d never seen a young person hammered. I was only 16 and hadn’t drunk any alcohol at all.

NEXT ISSUE

First person you’d thank in an award acceptance speech

Last thing you think of before you go to sleep

Myself.

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

Myself.

Jason Byrne: The Man With Three Brains is at the Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Sat 4 Nov; Byrne hosts Don’t Say It, Bring It on Dave, Mon 13–Fri 17, Mon 20–Fri 24 Nov, 7pm.

After the trials and traumas thrown at us all by 2017, we can all do with a good laugh.

Thank the blazes, then, that the Glasgow International Comedy Festival is not far off. Among those seeking to put smiles back on our faces are David Baddiel, Mat Ewins, Mae Martin, Iain Connell and Richard Herring. If cinema is more your bag, then Glasgow is also the proud host of a film festival which, in 2018, will focus on the Coen Brothers with screenings of classics including The Big Lebowski (pictured), Blood Simple, Fargo and No Country for Old Men.

128 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018

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