Issue 745

GLASGOW & EDINBURGH EVENTS GUIDE 1 SEP–31 OCT 2017 | ISSUE 745 LIST.CO.UK

FREE

Join the world's biggest sleep out to end homelessness in Scotland

T Bedtime story from

Hosted by

Liam Gallagher

John Cleese

Rob Brydon

FOR FULL

LI

Untitled-1 Cover1

Busking sets including

E AG

NP UR

N

E– UP

25/08/2017 13:41

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

Untitled-1 IFC1

Media Partner

Supported by

25/08/2017 13:39

INSI DE STU DE GUI NT DE 2017

IN A SS

O C IA T IO N

W IT H

GLASGOW & EDINBURGH EVENTS GUIDE 1 SEP–31 OCT 2017 | ISSUE 746 LIST.CO.UK

FREE

THE SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROLLS IN FOR TAKE THREE PLUS SONICA CRYPTIC'S BIENNIAL FESTIVAL IS BACK

745-Cover.indd 1

ROSALIND NASHASHIBI GSA-GRAD TALKS TURNER PRIZE

SMHAFF MENTAL HEALTH FEST RETURNS

25/08/2017 13:58

BACK FOR IT’S EIGHTH YEAR!

art by Abe-san

EDINBURGH 13th- 15th

16th - 22nd

OCTOBER FOLLOW US ONLINE

LOVESANIMATION.COM 2 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 2

25/08/2017 13:41

FRONT

CONTENTS 1 SEP–31 OCT 2017 | LIST.CO.UK

H

appy autumn, folks. We're certainly ready for some cosy time after an event-filled summer. Having said that, there's plenty to get you out and about over the next few months: here at List HQ, we're super excited about the third Scottish Queer International Film Festival (page 23), which opens with Bruce LaBruce's The Misandrists, our cover film. The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival returns too, with some excellent theatre in store (page 29). And visual art and music festival Sonica has some gems in its 2017 programme (page 18).

Plus, we take a look at this season's best local book festivals (page 45), get excited about Halloween (page 42 and page 93) and look ahead to the Africa in Motion film festival (page 53). And don't forget to find out more about December's landmark fundraising event Sleep in the Park, who we're proud to be partnering with – turn to page 14 for further details on that.

Welcome students! Or welcome back if you're returning. Flick to page 95 for our essential Student Guide for 2017 and read our top tips for eating, drinking, shopping, going out and just generally having a good time. We're back on 1 Nov, when we'll be revealing this year's Hot 100, our annual countdown of Scotland's top cultural figures. We're throwing a Hot 100 party too – turn to page 116 to find out how you can come along and celebrate with us.

Realist

4

News

13

Take One Action!

17

FEATURES

18

Shorelines

18

SQIFF

23

Rosalind Nashashibi

32

FOOD & DRINK

COVER STORY

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Away from February (Glasgow Film Festival) and June (Edinburgh International Film Festival), autumn's our favourite time for film lovers in Scotland. This September, the SQIFF returns for its third outing, and we are super excited. Heading up this year's proceedings is The Misandrists from cult hero Bruce LaBruce, plus, a selection of shorts, workshops and events to sink your teeth into.

PHOTO: NICHON GLERUM

18

95

36

Surf Dogs

38

AROUND TOWN

42

Highlights

43

BOOKS

45

Autumn book festivals

47

Highlights

48

COMEDY

49

Pajama Men

49

Luisa Omielan Highlights

GREAT OFFERS

From clubs and gigs to pizza and beer, our Student Guide has you covered. Find out all about the best Glasgow and Edinburgh have to offer, and read advice from local DJs, music promoters and publishers and more.

Win tickets to the Glasgow Youth Film Festival Opening Gala

10

Win tickets to Scottish Chamber Orchestra's Opening Concert 10

Win tickets to Museum Late: Jacobites at the National Museum of Scotland 10 Win tickets to Edinburgh Art Fair 2017

11

Win tickets to Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party Win a free 13-week course at Dance Base

53 54

Call Me By Your Name

56

Highlights

58

KIDS

61

Family Art Trail

62

Highlights

63

MUSIC

65

Ímar

65

Farewell to Club Noir

66

Ela Orleans

70

Kobi Onyame

70

Highlights

77

81 81 84

Rambert

85

Highlights

86

VISUAL ART

89

Sahej Rahal

90

Robin Gillanders

90

Highlights

91

92

Tin Star

92

Stranger Things

93

11

FIRST & LAST Elaine Paige

745-Contents 3 pics.indd 3

53

God's Own Country

TV 11

51 52

Africa in Motion

Damn Rebel Bitches

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

45

Hings

THEATRE & DANCE

Glasgow's Sonica, produced by Cryptic, has a cracker of a programme this year, including epic underwater concert Aquasonic. Here, we find out about Shorelines, a moving musical exploration of the 1953 North Sea Flood.

42

Halloween

Tap Factory

SHORELINES

35

Quay Commons

FILM Editor

3

128 128

25/08/2017 14:07

GRAPHIC CONTENT

CONTRIBUTORS

What we’ve been talking about As I Love The 90s rolls into the Glasgow SEC on 30 September, we started to wonder just what was the best decade ever in the history of time? As we took a sample of opinion on this very matter, against all the odds, three people actually did plump for the 1990s. But what about all the other decades that there have been . . . ?

THE 1940S: OK, a devastatingly apocalyptic war took place in that decade, but what about these movies: Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Dumbo, Rebecca, Ivan the Terrible, The Big Sleep, The Great Dictator.

They sure don’t make ’em like that anymore, etc.

THE 90S: William Byrd’s masses, the opening of the Globe Theatre, the introduction of the water closet to the UK, Jacopo Peri composes the first opera, birth of Diego Velázquez. I meant the 1590s, obviously.

THE 1990S: Because Illmatic, Twin Peaks, Tazos, R Kelly, Married with Children, Bhindis, Daria, My SoCalled Life, leopard print coats, Kids (the film), pagers, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), global hypercolour t-shirts, Northern Exposure, Romeo + Juliet, Pavement, Naf Naf, Beauty and the rop p Beast (TV series): *mic drop*

THE 1990S: The ladies of hip hop (Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, Salt-N-Pepa, Lil’ Kim and others) finally got their chance to shine with some excellent releases. Grunge was in its heyday and the riot grrrl movement was spreading thanks to bands like Bikini Kill. But, perhaps most importantly, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was still on TV.

THE 00S: The mantra ‘if Britney can survive 2007, I can survive today’, still gets me through the hard times.

I think there’s something about that era when reality TV was just beginning to flourish, with Big Brother being streamed live on E4 throughout the night, when Justin Timberlake had ramen hair, and Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were flavour of the month, that was just amazing. As Paris Hilton used to say, inexplicably, that’s hotttt.

THE 1960S: A decade that I never lived in but it has to be the greatest as it gave birth to alternative lifestyle choices and destroyed automatic respect for all authority. It was the decade when people really began to question. The music was experimental and it spawned many of the greatest bands of our time. The pill gave women greater sexual freedom and it was a decade of fighting for what you believed in. Whilst much of the positivity was crushed in the 70s, it still provided the foundation for modern culture as we know it today.

THE 1990S: A classy period unparalleled in culture – The Sopranos, Bill Hicks and Bottom.

THE 1970S: The fashion, the disco and Bianca Jagger. Because who doesn’t want to ride on a white horse!

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 Subeditor Paul McLean Work Shadow (Editorial) Kenza Marland 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 Carol Soutar, Carys Tennant DIGITAL Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Sharon Irish Software Developer Iain McCusker 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.

The List provides this content in good faith but no guarantee or representation is given that the content is accurate, complete or up-to-date.

Use of magazine content is at your own risk.

Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd, W.Yorkshire.

4 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-GraphicContent PM.indd 4

25/08/2017 13:31

NCLU I S E T A D DE B

DE :

K N’S WOR A M O W –A ED RS AN E ARMAN K H A T E TELEVIS E I P E R B S R T A O H N • L TY ION WIL YOUTH? T U B L A A DYNAS O R F V A E O R R E O E N F I H T ION ECL OLKIT • EVOLUT E AND D O R S I T D R H E – T L I U S OV TR A FA ROMAN E POSTE H E T H – T S I • V LECTUR S D X I R K A S M E EVAN DA FILM. N – TH – KARL O D L S N A B A T O I C J I P D US DAS KA RICHAR LL AS M E W S A , E TS MOR WITH LO

THURSDAY 19 - SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER AT THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW parliament.scot/festival /ScottishParliament #FoP2017

@FoP2017

1S Sep–31 ep p–31 Oc Oct 2017 2017 7T THE HE L HE LIST IST F FESTIVAL EST E TIIV T VA VAL A AL L5

FoP17 Untitled-1 List Full 5 Page Ad indd 1

18/08/2017 16:46 25/08/2017 13:39

The

REALIST R E B M E T P SE

MUSIC

2 LCD Soundsystem

PHOTO: DAVID MONTEITH-HODGE

James Murphy gets the band back together, not to plough through past glories, but because he has something to say about modern-day USA. In American Dream, you can hear despair, weariness and ferocity. See album review, page 73. Out Fri 1 Sep; Barrowlands, Glasgow, Tue 19 & Wed 20 Sep.

THEATRE

1 Adam

One of the big theatre hits at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe heads west. Conceived for the stage by Cora Bissett, Adam is the astonishing true story of a young trans man’s journey from Egypt to Scotland in search of a better life. This multimedia production also features the Adam World Choir, a 120-strong collection of trans individuals from across the globe. See Highlights, page 86 and review at list.co.uk/ theatre. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 13–Sat 16 Sep.

FILM

3 SQIFF This year’s Scottish Queer International Film Festival features a Feminist Porn Night, shorts, and movies, like Bruce La Bruce’s The Misandrists and Signature Move. See feature, page 23. Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep–Sun 1 Oct.

6 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Realist PM 3pics.indd 6

25/08/2017 13:45

So much culture, so little time.

We boil it down to 20 of the best events PHOTO: NIALL M WALKER

MUSIC

FILM

4 Ela Orleans

5 IT

Auschwitz-born, Glasgow-based Orleans was nominated for the latest Scottish Album of the Year Award, and here she live-scores filmmaker Guy Maddin’s 2003 anthology work, Cowards Bend the Knee. See preview, page 70. CCA, Glasgow, Thu 21 Sep.

‘Don’t go down to the sewers today . . . ’ A creepy version of Stephen King’s clown-based horror – in which the unfortunate children of Derry, Maine, are terrorised – won’t do much good for anyone suffering even the mildest coulrophobia. See Highlights, page 58. Released Fri 8 Sep. PHOTO: CHRIS CLOSE

PHOTO: MEETESH TANEJA

DANCE

BOOKS

6 Daksha Sheth Dance Company

7 Byres Road Book Festival

Drawing inspiration from India’s rich and diverse traditions of movement, Daksha Sheth’s group brings us Sari, showing us exactly why they’re still pioneers of their country’s contemporary dance field.

See preview, page 85. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 27 Sep.

The folk in Glasgow’s West End love a good book, and this festival should help sate that appetite with more than 20 events across four days. There’ll be upcycling, storytelling, signings and Mr Chris Brookmyre (pictured).

See Highlights, page 48. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 22–Mon 25 Sep.

VISUAL ART

FILM

8 Sahej Rahal

9 Take One Action!

This Mumbai-born artist makes his Scottish debut with Barricadia, in which he brings together sci-fi, myth and flotsam and jetsam from shorelines for work that features references to George Lucas and Jorge Luis Borges. See preview, page 90. CCA, Glasgow, Sat 16 Sep–Sun 29 Oct.

The UK’s major ‘global change film festival’ marks its tenth year with a terrific programme, including short films for schools, and documentaries about everyday heroes from across the world. See Big Picture, page 17. Glasgow Film Theatre; Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Wed 13–Sun 24 Sep.

CHOSEN BY COMEDIAN RAB FLORENCE

10 Neil Sedaka

For me, the most exciting thing happening in Glasgow in September is Neil Sedaka’s gig at the Royal Concert Hall.

Sedaka is the real deal. He’s not the most fashionable guy in the world, and never was. But as far as songwriting goes, the guy is in a different class. I mean, this guy was knocking out world-class pop songs in the 50s and 60s. Then in the 70s he was back, firing out even more belters. And he has the voice of an angel, and just seems to be an all-round good guy. And now, 78, he’s still touring with his piano? What a guy. One listen to ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ in the morning can set your day up to be a happy one. And you can’t beat ‘The Hungry Years’ if you fancy a wee greet. Rab Florence: Poetry and Swearing Volume I, Òran Mór, Glasgow, Thu 14 Sep; An Evening with Neil Sedaka, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Tue 12 Sep.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 7

745-Realist PM 3pics.indd 7

25/08/2017 13:45

R E B O CT

AROUND TOWN

1 Scottish Mental Health Arts and

O

Film Festival

PHOTO: JANNICA HONEY

With a theme of reclamation for 2017, SMHAFF moves into its 11th year, with hundreds of events staged across the country as preconceived ideas about mental health are challenged once more. Among the people involved this year are the Adam World Choir, Julia Taudevin with her musical cabaret Hysteria! (pictured) and Mariem Omari’s One Mississippi, while spoken word nights Neu! Reekie! and Flint & Pitch are also doing their bit. See feature, page 29. Various venues across Scotland, Tue 10–Sun 29 Oct.

PHOTO: JENS PETER ENGEDAL

THEATRE

TV

2 Sonica

3 Stranger Things

Cryptic’s biennial festival of visual sonic arts presents emerging British talent alongside international artists, with the Czech Republic and Mexico heavily represented. Among the treats are Oliver Coates’ Shorelines and underwater concert Aquasonic (pictured) from Denmark’s Between Music. See feature, page 18. Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 26 Oct–Sun 5 Nov.

The cult hit from 2016 returns for more episodes of 80s-inflected paranoia with unseen monsters, secret government shenanigans and kids cycling away from things really quickly. If the trailer for Season 2 is anything to go by, this one’s going to be a belter. Make sure you’ve got your proton pack on for the first episode. Netflix, Fri 27 Oct.

8 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Realist PM 3pics.indd 8

25/08/2017 13:45

The

REALIST PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND SUPPORTICO LOPEZ

PHOTO: CHRISTINA RILEY

DANCE

VISUAL ART

COMEDY

4 Scottish Ballet: Stravinsky

5 Plant Scenery of the World

6 Nick Helm

Scottish Ballet’s Stravinsky season lays on The Fairy’s Kiss (inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ice Maiden) and The Rite of Spring. See feature, page 20. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Fri 6 & Sat 7 Oct; Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 11–Fri 13 Oct.

Inspired by the half-century anniversary of the modernist glasshouse in the nearby Botanics, archive material is placed alongside freshly commissioned work by new artists. See Highlights, page 91, and review at list.co.uk/visual art.

Inverleith House, Edinburgh, until Sun 29 Oct.

He might be promising a little more sitting down than usual, but with There Is Nothing You Can Do to Me That I Haven’t Already Done to Myself, you can expect some intimate and sweat-fuelled music, poems and interaction. See feature, page 27. Òran Mór, Glasgow, Fri 13 Oct.

FILM

7 Call Me By Your Name A big hit in Sundance at the start of the year, this 1980s-set Italian love story and coming of age drama, about an academic and a young man, is directed by Luca Guadagnino who made 2015’s A Bigger Splash and the upcoming Suspiria remake.

See review, page 56. Released Fri 27 Oct.

KIDS

FILM

8 Music, The Universe and Everything

9 Thor: Ragnorok

Blue Peter’s ‘Science Guy’, Greg Foot, joins forces with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon in which you’ll find out how sound waves work and what exactly is going on in your ears. See preview, page 61. City Halls, Glasgow, Sun 8 Oct.

More 80s-based business as Thor, Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie team up to take on the Goddess of Death (aka Cate Blanchett). A sharp detour in pace and style from New Zealand director Taika Waititi whose last movie was Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

See Highlights, page 58. Released Fri 27 Oct.

CHOSEN BY LITERARY DUNDEE DIRECTOR PEGGY HUGHES

10 Luminate

Ageing: we’re all doing it. And yet it’s not something people are comfortable talking about, let alone celebrating. Luminate, Scotland’s festival of creative ageing, came along six years ago to address that, and this year presents its latest festival, with a wide range of creative events and activities organised with, by and for older people across Scotland. I love Luminate because the programme is diverse and full of surprises, both celebrating creativity in older people and showcasing it. The programme isn’t out yet but in festivals past I’ve attended a tea dance, a spoken-word slam, and a gig, all starring fabulous older people, some living with dementia. With dance, drama, music, visual arts, storytelling, photography and craft all over the country, Luminate shows us that creativity has no age, and that age is just a number. Dundee Literary Festival, various venues, Wed 18–Sun 22 Oct; Luminate, various venues across Scotland, Sun 1–Tue 31 Oct.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 9

745-Realist PM 3pics.indd 9

25/08/2017 13:45

READER OFFERS WIN TICKETS TO GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL OPENING GALA

WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S SEASON OPENING CONCERT

After a summer of glitz and glam at London’s BBC Proms and Virgin Money’s iconic fireworks concert, the internationally-renowned Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) kick off their new Season this October.

In a musical world studded with stellar performances of Mozart, no one is rated more highly than pianist Mitsuko Uchida. Hot on the heels of her five star, sold out recital at the Edinburgh International Festival, the SCO welcome Uchida to the stage this October for a performance of Mozart Piano Concerto No 27. And if that’s not enough, Robin Ticciati launches his final Season as Principal Conductor with Dvovrák Symphony No 8!

To be in with a chance of winning tickets to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Season Opening Concert just log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us;

Who is performing the Mozart Piano Concerto in the Season Opening Concert on Thursday 12 October?

Dvovrák Symphony No 8 Thur 12 Oct – Usher Hall, Edinburgh 7.30pm Fri 13 Oct – Glasgow City Halls, 7.30pm Visit sco.org.uk for more info TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 9 Oct 2017.

The List’s usual rules apply. Tickets to be picked up at Box Office.

Glasgow Youth Film Festival (GYFF) is one of the most innovative youth film festivals in Europe. Programmed by young people, it presents an outstanding range of international films and creative workshops for young people across the city.

WIN TICKETS TO MUSEUM LATE: JACOBITES AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

The 9th edition of the festival takes place from 22 - 24 September, opening with the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2017 Audience Award winner, Just Charlie. An intelligent and moving drama, Just Charlie follows a young football prodigy on a transgender journey. Exploring the impact on family and peers, this film tackles transgender issues head-on with insight and compassion.

The 2017 programme includes: a special Late Night Cult Classic screening of Luc Besson’s 1994 New York revenge tale Léon; the UK premiere of charming family film At Eye Level; empowering documentary Step; the critically acclaimed adaptation of Craig Silvey’s bestselling 2009 novel, Jasper Jones, starring Hugo Weaving and Toni Colette, as well as a host of innovative workshops and more. Bringing the festival to a close this year, GYFF celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Wes Anderson’s modern love story, Moonrise Kingdom, with an exciting pop-up screening at Mackintosh Queens Cross.

The full Glasgow Youth Film Festival programme is available to browse on glasgowfilm.org/gyff Glasgow Youth Film Festival 22-24 September 2017 glasgowfilm.org/gyff To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the Glasgow Youth Film Festival opening gala, simply log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us;

What film will bring GYFF to a close this year?

Credit: © Chris Scott The legendary Museum Lates returns on Fri 10 Nov, offering a not-to-bemissed evening of entertainment set against the inspiring backdrop of the National Museum of Scotland.

Enjoy a Jacobites-themed extravaganza with live music from Bossy Love, pop-up bars and a last chance to see the major exhibition Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites which closes on Sun 12 Nov. To be in with a chance of winning tickets to Museum Late: Jacobites at the National Museum of Scotland, just log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us:

What is the name of the National Museum of Scotland’s major exhibition, closing on Sun 12 Nov? National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Fri 10 Nov 7pm - 10:30pm

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 15 Sep 2017. The List’s usual rules apply.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 27 October 2017. The List’s usual rules apply.

Strictly over 18s.

10 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 10

25/08/2017 14:30

READER OFFERS WIN TICKETS TO EAF2017 WIN A FREE 13-WEEK COURSE AT DANCE BASE

Bringing together 60+ Art Galleries of national and international standing and many hundreds of professional artists from all four corners of the globe, the Edinburgh Art Fair has established itself as the largest event of its kind in the UK outside London. It is an event to be embraced and experienced by everyone.

A family friendly event catering for avid collectors and first time buyers alike, there are literally thousands of artworks for sale and with price tags ranging from £100 to £100,000, EAF is an Art Fair sure to appeal to all penchants and pockets.

Famous Edinburgh resident and author Ian Rankin, who is taking time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance, will open this year’s preview evening.

EAF is an annual gathering of creative minds and talents, all displaying original, unique and cutting edge artwork under the one roof of the city’s Corn Exchange for three days only.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the Edinburgh Art Fair, simply log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us;

Which famous Edinburgh resident is opening The Edinburgh Art Fair?

Edinburgh Art Fair 17–19 Nov Artedinburgh.com TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 10 Nov 2017. The List’s usual rules apply.

WIN TICKETS TO EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY 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 9 Sep – 8 Dec, 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. Whether it’s hip hop or Highland, ballet or burlesque, tap or tango, you can take your first steps to mastering something new.

Based in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, Dance Base has four world class dance studios and the best dance teachers working in Scotland.

To be in with a chance of winning a free 13-week course at Dance Base, just log on to list.co.uk/offers and answer the following question;

Say to the world... I WAS THERE. At the BEST. PARTY. EVER. Join people from around the world to bring in the New Year at one of the world’s biggest and best outdoor parties with live music, DJs, street entertainment and the ultimate fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle, with host Sanjeev Kohli (Still Game, BBC).

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, log onto list.co.uk/offers and answer the following question;

Which celebrity is hosting the Street Party this year?

Jack Cole was considered a founding father of which dance style?

Dance Base National Centre for Dance 14-16 Grassmarket Edinburgh, EH1 2JU 9 Sep – 8 Dec 2017 Dancebase.co.uk

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party Princes Street Sun 31 Dec 17 edinburghshogmanay.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 31 Oct 2017. The List’s usual rules apply. Subject to availability. Winner can pick up tickets from any Edinburgh’s Christmas box office from Fri 17 Nov 17.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 7 Sep 2017. The List’s usual rules apply.

Course or class places are subject to availability and cannot be exchanged for cash. Credit for an equivalent number of drop-in classes may be possible, if no suitable course is available.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 11

Untitled-1 11

25/08/2017 14:22

BREAKFAST

FROM 6AM FOR STUDIOUS

STUDENTS BREAKFAST

TIL 12PM FOR STUDENTY

STUDENTS

ARGYLE

STREET 6AM TIL MIDNIGHT 7 DAYS A WEEK

™ & © 2017 Tim Hortons. All rights reserved.

12 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

TH3140 Untitled-1Tim 12Hortons The List Press Ad AW indd 1

24/08/2017 09:23 25/08/2017 13:41

NEWS

For more news go to

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

MASS SLEEPOUT

EXPLORATHON

Social Bite are inviting 9000 people to sleep in Princes Street Gardens on Sat 9 Dec to help end homelessness in Scotland, for good. There’s busking sets from Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue, Amy MacDonald and Frightened Rabbit, a bedtime story from John Cleese, bacon rolls served by Rob Brydon and Scottish ministers, and an address from Sir Bob Geldof himself. Money raised is invested in a nationwide jobs programme for the homeless, new housing and accommodation models, addiction rehabilitation schemes, and Social Bite food provision and events. Get more details at sleepinthepark.co.uk

Scotland joins countries from across Europe to celebrate European Researchers’ Night on Fri 29 Sep. Events take place in four locations: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St Andrews and include talks, debates, hands-on demonstrations and quizzes. Events continue over the weekend and are aimed at both children and adults.

YOUNG TALENT The ninth Glasgow Youth Film Festival (Fri 22–Sun 24 Sep) has announced its 2017 programme.

Curated by local programmers aged 15–19, GYFF includes Scottish premieres of At Eye Level and Jasper Jones. For the closing gala, Mackintosh Queens Cross Church will be transformed into Camp Ivanhoe for a screening of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (pictured right).

BE AFRAID Club Night Elrow bring their Halloween haunted house to the capital for their Edinburgh debut on Sat 28 Oct. Billed as an indoor festival, the immersive production takes place from noon to 11pm in a warehouse, with performers and stilt walkers unleashing a world of spooky spectres and bloodied beasts to a soundtrack of dance music. Lineup to be announced.

HIPPFEST BRANCHES OUT GINSPIRATION The first Scottish Gin Awards are due to be held in Glasgow on Thu 14 Sep. This new annual business event celebrates innovation and excellence in gin distilling in Scotland and is held in partnership with The Scottish Gin Society. The finalists feature 28 producers and 51 gin brands.

After a successful fundraising campaign, the team behind the Hippodrome Silent Film Festival in Bo’ness launch a new season of films with live musical accompaniments for the autumn.

The programme includes the famous 1923 thrill comedy Safety Last!, starring Harold Lloyd (pictured above), with piano accompaniment by Mike Nolan, plus Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail with music by Stephen Horne.

AULD LANG SYNE Tickets are already on sale for the 25th Edinburgh Hogmanay. Now produced by Underbelly, the celebrations include a Street Party featuring a carnival on Princes Street, hosted by Sanjeev Kohli; Bairns Afore, a new event for families and young people to celebrate early in Princes Street Gardens; a new route for the Torchlight Procession climaxing in a ‘spectacular visual moment’ that will kick of the Year of Young People; an extended fireworks display; and Message from the Skies, showcasing Edinburgh and Scotland’s literary heritage.

BOOK PRIZES Autumn is awards season in Scottish literary circles, with the winner of the McIlvanney Prize (formerly known as the Scottish Crime Book of the Year) announced at the opening night of the Bloody Scotland festival on Fri 8 Sep. Last year’s winner was Chris Brookmyre with Black Widow. Then in October, the winner of the Dundee International Book Prize, for an unpublished novel in any theme and in any genre, is announced at Dundee Literary Festival.

Last year’s winner was Jessica Thummel with The Cure for Lonely.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 13

745-News+BigPic PM.indd 13

25/08/2017 13:14

NEWS LET’S GET POLITICAL As the Festival of Politics gets rebellious in its 13th year, Rowena McIntosh takes a look at some of 2017’s programme highlights

COMING UP DOORS OPEN DAYS A chance to have a good nosy about buildings not usually open to the public. Open Doors Day offers free access to over a thousand venues including theatres, churches and breweries across the country. Various venues, Scotland, throughout Sep. PHOTO: EOIN CAREY

BLOODY SCOTLAND Stirling plays host to the sixth edition of Scotland’s international crime writing festival. Writers include Lynda La Plante, Peter May, Chris Brookmyre (pictured), Denise Mina and Graeme Macrae Burnet. Various venues, Stirling, Fri 8–Sun 10 Sep. GLASGOW MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL October is ‘Mackintosh month’, with events staged in Mackintosh venues focusing on architecture, design, visual arts and crafts. Various venues, Glasgow, throughout Oct.

T

he Festival of Politics has entered its teenage years. 2017 marks the festival’s 13th birthday and they’re embracing their teen status with a theme of rebellion and revolution that spans topics from women’s equality to fake news and investigative journalism.

Highlights from the three-day programme include a series of events engaged with music.

Repetitive Beats: The Rave Revolution examines the two decade journey of rave culture, from the underground to a multi-billion pound industry.

Writer Sheryl Garratt, journalist Luke Bainbridge and DJ / producer Graeme Park discuss if rave’s success suppresses its original counter-culture ideals. Richard Jobson of Fife punk band the Skids talks about growing up in punk rock Scotland with music business expert Ronnie Gurr. Gurr also joins Bruce Craigie, manager of Idlewild and Fatherson, and musician Martha Ffion to discuss whether musicians still have to sell their souls and rights to major labels to make it big in How to Get Rich in the Music Business.

Greg McHugh of Gary: Tank Commander joins Dr Trevor Lakey and members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Speak Your Mind: Youth Mental Health, an interactive exploration of the modern

issues that affect so many young people’s mental health and addresses how we can work together to challenge them. Also keeping a teen focus are Christine Grahame MSP, singer Horse McDonald, actor David Ames and podcaster / presenter Scott McGlynn as they look back on their own formative years and discuss what still needs to happen for true LGBTI equality in LGBTI Teen Years. Scott McGlynn also pairs with Sam Jeffers, creator of website Who Targets Me?, for The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, to discuss the opportunities and impact of living in a virtually connected world.

As well as talks and debates, the Festival of Politics features live music from Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion, winners of the 2017 Young Scot Award the Ayoub Sisters and 20-strong Dundonian ukulele band Dee Ukes (pictured), because everyone appreciates the political power of a ukulele. Throughout the festival, the Festival Cafe Bar is home to two exhibitions; the Scottish Press Photography Awards 2017, celebrating images that outlive their headlines, and Teenage Instamatics: Punk Rock in Edinburgh 1977, featuring photos of artists and audiences from 1977, punk’s year zero.

Festival of Politics, Scottish Parliament, Thu 19–Sat 21 Oct, parliament.scot.festival

GLASGOW AMERICANA Blues, country and folk fest featuring performances from Mark Olson, James Edwin & The Borrowed Band, Adam Holmes & The Embers and Rachel Sermanni. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 4–Thu 8 Oct. SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL SMAFF returns to challenge perceptions, support art and promote change with regards to mental health. See feature, page 29. Various venues, Scotland, Thu 10–Tue 29 Oct. EDINBURGH COFFEE FESTIVAL Now in its third year, the baristas of the capital’s vibrant coffee scene unite for a day of demonstrations, interactive workshops and exhibitors, and as many flat whites as you can handle. Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Sat 14 Oct. SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL A celebration of the Celtic New Year, featuring a torchlit procession along the Royal Mile to West Parliament Square, with acrobatics, fireworks, beautiful costumes and breathtaking performances. Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Tue 31 Oct.

14 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-News+BigPic PM.indd 14

25/08/2017 13:14

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 15

Untitled-1 15

25/08/2017 14:17

ILLUMINIGHT Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock 25 October - 19 November See Dean Castle Country Park in a whole new light this autumn!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ILLUMINIGHT.CO.UK

DCCPIlluminight Created and Produced by

16 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 16

25/08/2017 13:42

TAKE ONE ACTION! In these darkened times, it’s often hard to conceive of a ‘kinder, fairer and more sustainable world’ ever coming to pass.

But while groups such as Take One Action! exist, hope will still thrive. This year marks the tenth edition of their film festival, the initial aim of which was to show cinema from across the world that hailed the everyday hero. Among the films on this year’s menu are Disturbing the Peace, in which former enemy combatants across the IsraeliArab divide seek common ground; A Revolution in Four Seasons, concerning parallel lives of very different Turkish women; and An Insignificant Man (pictured), which chronicles the rise of Arvind Kejriwal, a man known as ‘the Bernie Sanders of India’.

Glasgow Film Theatre & Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Wed 13–Sun 24 Sep.

BIG PICTURE

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 17

745-News+BigPic PM.indd 17

25/08/2017 13:14

PHOTOS: NICHON GLERUM

SHORELINES

18 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Shorelines PM.indd 18

25/08/2017 13:02

SHORELINES

AGAINST A long-forgotten disaster which claimed thousands of lives in the UK and Netherlands has been remembered in a new music-theatre piece. Kelly Apter travels to Rotterdam to meet the team behind Shorelines ahead of its performance at Sonica 2017

I

t was 1am when Peggy Morgan reached out her hand from under the bed covers, and felt ice-cold water rising from the floor beneath. Disorientated in the darkness, she woke her husband and young baby and the trio battled their way outside, clinging to the shed roof as they awaited rescue.

It’s a true story that’s as fascinating as it is harrowing, and one of many such testimonies that fed into Shorelines, a new music-theatre piece inspired by the North Sea flood of 1953. A tragic event that took place in the early hours of a freezing February night, the flood claimed over 2500 lives in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Now largely forgotten on this side of the water (for reasons we’ll come to in a moment), the North Sea flood remains a prominent event in Dutch history – as director Josh Armstrong discovered when Glasgow’s Cryptic teamed up with the Netherlands-based Ragazze Quartet to discuss creative ideas for a show.

‘We talked about shorelines, that transitory space between the land and the sea,’ says Armstrong, ‘which is beautiful but can also be quite catastrophic. And then one of the players said that shorelines make her think about her grandfather, and how he always regretted not being able to save more people on the night of the North Sea flood.

‘So I began to research it and found out that the flood affected both the Netherlands and the UK, so it made sense to look at that shared history.’

The resulting piece is extraordinary, with Armstrong’s direction bringing this terrible natural disaster back to life with subtlety and pathos, alongside Oliver Coates’ beautiful score and the Ragazze Quartet’s masterful playing.

When Shorelines premiered in Rotterdam, local people were surprised to discover that Britain had been affected by what the Dutch called ‘our flood’. Older people in Britain feel the same way, but in reverse. As for those too young to remember it, there’s a reason it’s not still talked about today.

‘I’d never heard of the flood,’ says Armstrong, who was born in Ohio but is now based in Glasgow, ‘and I know a lot of British people haven’t heard of it either. But apparently because 1953 was the year of the Queen’s coronation and the first British climber to scale Mount Everest, the flood didn’t fit into the post-war history they were trying to

create. And the other reason is a lot of the low-lying regions in Norfolk and Essex which were flooded were populated by poorer people in prefab housing.’

Which brings us back to Peggy and her flooded home on Canvey Island, Essex. Her vocal testimony closes the piece (bring your tissues), and all the on-stage images that have gone before your eyes over the previous hour start to make perfect sense.

In a stroke of theatrical genius, Armstrong and set and costume designer, Christophe Coppens, came up with the idea of dressing the Ragazze Quartet members in rescue gear with loops and pulleys – and the four women literally drag furniture around the stage as they play.

Which may sound clunky, but proves to be an extremely effective, and moving, way to create the kind of domestic chaos which surrounded the homeowners on that terrifying stormy night.

‘I think one of the biggest challenges in doing a piece like this,’ says Armstrong, ‘is how to present the event in such a way that gives a sense of the catastrophe but without making it like a disaster film – which is really the only medium that could even come close to it.

‘Because it wasn’t just about sea levels rising, it wasn’t that people were suddenly peacefully under water, it was a massive storm and it was the 1st of February, so the water was freezing. How do you show that violence – houses literally being smashed into each other? You can’t do that onstage. So for me, the best way to approach it was by not showing everything – that way everyone stays in a state of questioning and wondering, and maybe filling the images in yourself.’

The Ragazze Quartet had tackled numerous works of music-theatre before, but even for them, Shorelines was a challenge. Initially, they planned to use sheet music while playing, but once the pulleys were attached during rehearsal it quickly became clear that wasn’t possible.

‘I could tell it was difficult for them, but they never complained and were very up for doing something new,’ says Armstrong. ‘Obviously playing an instrument while you’re being pulled is difficult – especially when you’re trying to play beautifully and not have any kind of ricochet – and they do it so well.’

Shorelines, Tramway, Glasgow, Wed 1 & Thu 2 Nov. Sonica, various venues, Glasgow, Thu 26 Oct–Sun 5 Nov.

THE TIDE 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 19

745-Shorelines PM.indd 19

25/08/2017 13:02

SCOTTISH BALLET

LEAPS AND BOUNDS As Scottish Ballet’s Stravinsky season opens, Kelly Apter speaks to two young dancers shooting straight to the top

How does it feel to have such an opportunity so early in their career? ‘Really good,’ says Rook Bishop. ‘They’re both really challenging roles, but that’s one of the main reasons I became a dancer – I love being pushed to do new things.

‘When I had my audition with Chris [Hampson, artistic director] he said he really wanted to push me to do soloist roles, even though I was only coming in as a corps de ballet member. And that was great but also quite daunting, because my previous company was very classical and Scottish Ballet’s repertoire is so diverse, with lots of contemporary dance as well – but it’s been great for me developing as a dancer.’

Tarantolo, on the other hand, had nothing to compare it to, having joined Scottish Ballet upon graduating from the Dutch National Ballet Academy.

‘I wasn’t expecting anything really,’ she says, ‘because I was only 17 and was just here for experience. So even just to be noticed, I was over the moon. But from there it’s just progressed – the Christmas season was incredible, getting the opportunity to dance Gretel in Hansel & Gretel. And now I’m learning the fiancée role in The Fairy’s Kiss and I’m loving it. It’s really classical, with quite a few pas de deux and some solos.’

PHOTO: CHRISTINA RILEY

PHOTO: ANDY ROSS

PHOTO: CHRISTINA RILEY

P

rincipal, soloist, first artist, artist – that’s the way the pecking order goes at Scottish Ballet. Once you’ve climbed up the ranks to principal, dancing the lead parts is a given.

And with three different casts usually assigned to each show (in case of injury and to give dancers breathing space on tour), chances are as a soloist and maybe even a first artist, you’ll get the chance to take on a meaty role.

But as an artist, you know your place – a vital member of the ensemble, potentially picked out for the odd shining moment. However, in the case of Australian dancer Kayla-Maree Tarantolo (pictured left and centre) and Inverness-born Barnaby Rook Bishop (right), things have happened a little quicker than they’d imagined.

Both dancers joined Scottish Ballet in 2016 as artists, but in the company’s upcoming Stravinsky season, they’re already taking on lead roles. In Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s The Fairy’s Kiss (Le Baiser de la Fée) Bishop will play the boy made immortal by a kiss at birth, and Tarantolo his bride-to-be. And in Christopher Hampson’s The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps), Bishop is also learning the pivotal role of the brother.

Not only are the young dancers stretching themselves in terms of choreography and characterisation, but the music of Stravinsky provides a whole other set of challenges.

Instead of the usual counts of eight that keep a dancer tethered to a score, the music here is more free range.

‘There are odd counts,’ explains Tarantolo, ‘and sometimes you get a 13, which is strange because we’re so used to even numbers. But I actually really like it because it’s definitely a challenge.’ Rook Bishop has found that ‘when you have amazing music like Stravinsky’s, it makes conveying the emotion a lot easier.’

But an opportunity like this doesn’t just last the length of the tour. As Rook Bishop says, they’ll both carry this experience with them into the future: ‘I think it definitely gives you confidence, not necessarily as a person but as a dancer and performer. And to actually have to lead a ballet is a massive learning curve – you learn a lot about yourself as a dancer and I think you take that knowledge with you throughout your career.’

Scottish Ballet: Stravinsky, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Fri 6 & Sat 7 Oct; Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 11–Fri 13 Oct, then touring.

20 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Scottish Ballet PM KA.indd 20

25/08/2017 13:03

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 21

Untitled-1 21

25/08/2017 13:42

COMING SOON BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING NOVEL NOW A STUNNING NEW PLAY

by Henrik Ibsen in a new version

by Patrick Marber

Dates FESTIVAL THEATRE 26 – 30 Sep KING’S THEATRE

Dates FESTIVAL THEATRE 3 – 7 Oct KING’S THEATRE

A LINHA CURVA

& OTHER WORKS

Dates FESTIVAL THEATRE 9 – 14 Oct KING’S THEATRE

LAURENCE FOX

Dates FESTIVAL THEATRE 17 – 21 Oct FESTIVAL THEATRE JEMMA

REDGRAVE

OLIVER

COTTON

THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTIONS, CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE AND ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON Present

THE

real thing

by TOM STOPPARD

17 – 21 Oct KING’S THEATRE

26 – 28 Oct FESTIVAL THEATRE

24 – 28 Oct KING’S THEATRE

BY TOM KEMPINSKI

31 Oct – 4 Nov KING’S THEATRE

PRODUCED BY SADLE SADLER’S WELLS AND VALID PRODUCTIONS

A Citizens Theatre Production

TRAINSPOTTING

By Irvine Welsh Adapted by Harry Gibson

DEBUT D EBUT

Directed by Gareth Nicholls 1 – 5 Nov FESTIVAL THEATRE

6 – 11 Nov KING’S THEATRE

10 & 11 Nov FESTIVAL THEATRE

14 – 18 Nov KING’S THEATRE

C A M ERO N M AC K I N TO S H PRESENTS

B O U B L I L & S C H Ö N B E R G ’S

27 Nov – 2 Dec FESTIVAL THEATRE

9 – 30 Dec FESTIVAL THEATRE

17 Jan – 17 Feb FESTIVAL THEATRE 18 Apr – 12 May FESTIVAL THEATRE

0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com 22 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1MKT 22 PRE Li t AD AUG17 3 i dd 1 J394174

25/08/2017 22/08/2017 13:42 17 14

SQIFF PHOTO: JONATHAN JOHNSON

SQIFF, the annual celebration of queer film and media, returns for its third year. Arusa Qureshi takes a closer look at what’s in store for 2017

F

ollowing two excellent and highly successful years, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival is back with its third programme, featuring 40 events at venues across Glasgow. The annual festival celebrates the best in queer film and media, showcasing bold filmmaking from around the world while creating an inclusive and accessible environment for widespread discussion and engagement.

This year’s programme has been expanded over five days to allow for a wider range of events, with the festival set to include premieres, documentaries, workshops, parties and more. To kick things off, queer filmmaking hero Bruce LaBruce (pictured, above) will be introducing his latest film The Misandrists on Wed 27 Sep, while the festival will close with the Scottish premiere of Jennifer Reeder’s SXSW hit Signature Move, which explores the queer Muslim experience and the world of female Mexican wrestling.

The festival in general aims to place queer lives centre stage, with highlights including a host of documentaries that examine what it means to be LGBTQ+ in different communities around the world. Chavela (28 Sep) looks at the life of Mexican ranchera singer and lesbian icon Chavela Vargas, while in the Queer Revolution strand, Carlos Jáuregui: The Unforgettable Fag (29 Sep) is the story of the first leader of the pioneering Argentine Homosexuality Community. Jacqueline Gares’ documentary FREE CeCe (1 Oct) is about the experiences of trans woman CeCe McDonald, who was incarcerated for defending herself against a hate crime. The story is narrated by Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox and examines some of the realities of life as a trans woman of colour. >> 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 23

745-SQIFF PM captions.indd 23

25/08/2017 13:18

SQIFF

Clockwise from top: Carlos Jáuregui: The Unforgettable Fag, Gaysian Superheroes, Chavela; below: Signature Move

‘We hope to achieve a space we have some control over and can make safe and inclusive’

<< Elsewhere on the programme, you’ll find a variety of short films that survey the LGBTQ+ experience in Switching Teams (30 Sep), Defiant Dykes (30 Sep) and Queer Scotland III (1 Oct). The massively popular Feminist Porn Night (29 Sep) will also be returning with a screening of Berlin vampire erotica Enactone, with director Sky Deep in attendance. The following night, SQIFF will be teaming up with Glasgow School of Art Pornography Society for M4M, a night of queer sex on camera, with rare archive clips from prominent gay porn company productions also featured.

SQIFF’s porn strand was the subject of much attention last year, when tabloids honed in on the festival’s workshop with Vex Ashley, falsely claiming that the festival’s entire funding budget was spent on the 90-minute event. It kickstarted an important conversation, not just about tabloid hypocrisy, but about queer porn and how it differs from the mainstream.

Speaking to us last year, SQIFF co-founder Helen Wright said, ‘Generally speaking, alternative/feminist/queer porn features actors who are treated well and fully consulted over what they perform, with an emphasis on the importance of their own pleasure, and such work critiques and explores porn film language. For example, mainstream porn can have a tendency to promote white, skinny, able-bodied, normatively attractive and feminine women as objects of desire. Alternative porn might feature a wider range of women, including those who have larger bodies, disabilities, are not white, and might be butch or masculine-presenting.

‘Queer and feminist porn is drowned out of the conversation by those wishing to pretend it doesn’t exist,’ Wright continued. ‘You can see this in the way the tabloids covered our workshop because they didn’t make any distinction between mainstream porn and what we are showing and promoting, beyond giving our festival name. This seems part of an overall attempt to pretend alternative voices don’t exist for the benefit of those who don’t want to be challenged in their lives or views. We hope to achieve a space that we have some control over and can make safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ people: misleading tabloid articles threaten that space and in so doing show why the festival is necessary.’

But back to this year: there will be a range of free workshops to take part in that are designed specifically for LGBTQ+ creatives including a masterclass with Emmynominated producer Catherine Gund (30 Sep) and a session on low-budget filmmaking with Lasse Långström. The festival will also be celebrating the life and work of artist, activist and drag king Diane Torr (1 Oct) as well as the work of two British-South Asian queer women filmmakers in Gaysian Superheroes (30 Sep). We Are Failing (28 Sep) is an evening inspired by Jack Halberstam’s book The Queer Art of Failure, which encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to assert their right to failure.

To round off all the educational and moving events on offer, the festival has organised two parties with Free Pride taking over The Art School on Fri 29 Sep and Lock Up Your Daughters returning for the Babadook Ball at Drygate (30 Sep).

If you can’t wait until the end of September or won’t get a chance to make it through to Glasgow, SQIFF will be bringing a selection of queer movies to venues across Scotland including Dundee, Aberdeen and Stornoway from 21–26 Sep. Highlights from this teaser period include The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin and German-Mongolian drama Don’t Look At Me That Way. Scottish Queer International Film Festival, various venues, Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep–Sun 1 Oct, sqiff.org

24 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-SQIFF PM captions.indd 24

25/08/2017 13:18

1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 25

Untitled-1 25

25/08/2017 13:42

#Paisley2021

Keep your eye on Paisley!

Paisley is bidding to be UK City of Culture 2021… and if you haven’t been for a while, we might just surprise you…

Unmissable events 13–22 October 2017

The Spree Festival thespree.co.uk

27–28 October 2017

Paisley Halloween Festival paisley2021.co.uk

4 November 2017

Paisley Fireworks Spectacular paisley2021.co.uk

18 November 2017

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On paisley2021.co.uk

Join Team Paisley and spread the word! paisley2021.co.uk/get-involved

25 November 2017

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On paisley2021.co.uk

2 December 2017 /Paisley2021

@Paisley2021

@Paisley2021

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On paisley2021.co.uk

2 December 2017

Scottish Trad Music Awards paisley2021.co.uk

26 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 26

25/08/2017 13:42

NICK HELM

T

THE QUIET MAN Nick Helm has been stepping out of his comfort zone on TV recently, but he’s now back on stage where he belongs. Brian Donaldson talks to the comic about being less brash in his live act

here’s an old showbiz adage that all comedians are playing an exaggerated version of themselves. Even if they’re performing the most intimate and personal of material, what you see on stage is a heightened reality.

That’s much easier to accept when it’s an obvious ‘character’ up there with a different name and wardrobe to the real person. For the record, though, Nick Helm is as far from the bellowing, aggressive, bombastic and occasionally bullying act you might have seen in the flesh or on TV affairs such as Russell Howard’s Good News or Live at the Apollo.

For one thing, offstage Helm has the gentlest of voices, perhaps as a way of protecting his vocal cords from all that sustained growling, but just as likely because that’s who he really is. ‘People say I shout all the time,’ he says, all hushed. ‘It’s not true. I do a lot of quiet talking; you can’t just have shouting. That would be ridiculous.

There’s no longevity to that. So, on this tour, there will be a lot of whispering and talking quietly and sitting down.’

A low-energy Nick Helm might be quite a sight to behold, so accustomed are we to him bounding around, top sometimes off, pointing in an audience member’s face and loudly repeating: ‘d’you like jokes!?’ One thing that the people who design his posters might not especially like is the extra work he’s given them due to his tour’s title: There is Nothing You Can Do to Me That I Haven’t Already Done to Myself.

‘I’ve paraphrased it from Some Kind of Wonderful, one of my favourite films when I was growing up,’ Helm reveals. ‘There’s a bully who’s going to get his comeuppance but instead of beating him up they say, “there’s nothing I could do to him that he hasn’t already done to himself”. I always thought it was a nice little insult so I’ve used that. The basic gist of the show is about redemption and acknowledging the past and moving forward and rising from the ashes. It’s about me having a rocky couple of years on a personal level and moving on from that to learn from your mistakes.’

Helm promises songs, poems and some sitting down, but not being able to help himself, there will also be plenty sweating. But will he have a specific look for the tour? ‘When I was at university, I did a sort-of drama degree and you’d get these group assignments where the first thing that was said was “what are we going to wear?” I think it’s better to concentrate on the thing and then decide what to wear.

So, I might have a tour haircut, and there will be costumes and stuff: I’m still working it out.’

While fans will know Helm from Edinburgh Fringe shows such as 2011’s Dare to Dream and 2013’s One Man Mega Myth, both of which were nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award, he’s also gained a higher profile through TV. In BBC Three’s Uncle, he played the titular relative, reluctantly taking a socially awkward nephew under his wing before a true bond gels them together. He’s currently hosting his own Dave TV food travelogue show, Eat Your Heart Out with Nick Helm, and he appeared in Channel 4’s Loaded playing Watto, a key member of a tech firm that suddenly makes an awful lot of money thanks to a terrible smartphone game.

Loaded, in particular, dragged Helm firmly out of his comfort zone. ‘There’s a scene where I ride a bike,’ he recalls seemingly innocently. ‘After I passed my cycling proficiency at the age of nine or whatever, I was in an accident riding home after that test and I never rode a bike again. But when I was in Loaded, they said “can you ride a bike?”. It turns out that I can. And I did zorbing and had to hang out with a dog and had to take my clothes off for a couple of scenes: I did all these things that normal people wouldn’t have a problem with but I have all these hang-ups. I had to just do it all on camera because I didn’t want to draw attention to that in front of a crew.’

While Helm is grateful for the opportunity to have made TV which has given him extra exposure (Elephant, a short film he co-wrote and starred in was nominated for a BAFTA last year), the live stage is where he truly comes alive. Which is not to say that he doesn’t feel a pang of nervous tension before he enters the room, a disposition that may even feed the more intense moments in his live act.

‘Comedy is quite a crazy thing, and I get nervous because I never know how an audience will react. But in a weird way that’s when I’m good, because you use that energy on stage. I have had great gigs in my life and I have had terrible gigs in my life. I have had great gigs and terrible gigs at the same time. You just never know . . . ’

Nick Helm: There is Nothing You Can Do to Me That I Haven’t Already Done to Myself, Òran Mór, Glasgow, Fri 13 Oct. Eat Your Heart Out with Nick Helm is on Dave, Thu, 8pm.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 27

745-Nick Helm PM YS BD .indd 27

25/08/2017 13:17

ODY M

ESFF was born in 2014, to strengthen the cultural and artistic links between Spain and Scotland, as well as creating a platform and networking opportunity for Scottish and Spanish-based cultural entities.

I work in the Hispanic Studies department at Edinburgh University and the Project started with the purpose of engaging with the public. It has been supported b y t h e Spanish Ministry of Culture and Creative Scotland, as well as some small businesses in town.

R 25

This year sees the fourth edition of the Festival. I am happy to announce a vibrant and energetic programme in Edinburgh, and this year there will be screenings in Glasgow and Stirling between October 5-31.

Film Presentation with the Director Alberto Baamonde

El equilibrio de los opuestos Glasgow Q&A with Alberto Baamonde & Chef Javier Olleros

24 - 26

Followed by wineth tasting and ‘tapas’ th created by ONDINE The University of Edinburgh 50, George Sq. EH8 9JU | Screening Room

SPAN GLASGOW FILM THEATRE 12 Rose St • G3 6RB

Edinburgh 5th - 14th

Stirling 19th & 31st MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA

FILMHOUSE

F

88 Lothian Rd EH3 9BZ

We are proud to make our Festival accessible, inclusive and diverse for all audiences and show a variety of Spanish and Latin America cinema.

For this reason, we will continue to offer a window into Catalan, Galician and Basque cinema.

Our opening film this year is a moving, uplifting, humorous film 100 metros, the true story of a man suffering from MS who takes on the Iron Man. We have decided to make this a fundraising event for the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic who we will be supporting throughout the Festival.

The returning ‘Gastronomic Film Evening’ will be focused on Galicia with El equilibrio de los opuestos, featuring Chef Javier Olleros who will join us to share the ups and downs of life when his restaurant Culler du Pau was closed for two years. The evening will conclude with wine and tapas, offering the chance to taste the delicacies of the Spanish and Galician cuisine.

Don’t miss it!

All of this and much more at……

2017

EDIN

SPANISH Engaging with youngsters is one of our priorities so we will tour around Scotland with films for primary and secondary school pupils.

Commemorating the 80th year of the 1937 Gernika bombing, we will hear some personal testimonies from the descendants of the 4000 Basque children who were evacuated to the UK during the Spanish Civil War.

FILM FEST OCTOBER

5TH | 31ST Marian A. Aréchaga Curator. Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival

28 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 28

25/08/2017 13:43

SMHAFF

FREE YOUR MIND Gareth K Vile takes a look at the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival’s 2017 lineup, which aims to reclaim mental health through the magic of creativity >>

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 29

745-SMHAFF PM.indd 29

25/08/2017 13:19

SMHAFF

T

PHOTO: JASSY EARL

‘It’s obvious we need to change the very fabric of our society’

PHOTO: JJAMES TAYLOR WILSON

he arts and mental health have not always had the best relationship: throughout history, ‘madness’ was more frequently a plot point or a signifier of villainy rather than a serious attempt to understand mental processes. However, in the last decade – notably through state-supported initiatives in the UK – a more thoughtful engagement with mental health has encouraged the arts to become a valuable platform for the discussion of ideas surrounding mental well-being.

Now in its 11th year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival has been an important part of this dialogue, and artistic director Andrew EatonLewis recognises its role. For 2017, the theme of reclamation is at the heart of the programme: through a wide range of art forms and public discussions, SMHAFF seeks to both increase the visibility of the debate about mental health and offer new ways to think about its impact. As intersectionality – the space of connection between different concerns and identities – becomes more familiar, SMHAFF is recognising the need for nuance and proposes that it is the arts that can both enhance and refine the conversation.

The programme reflects an engagement with both local and national artists: popular Scottish performance poetry nights Neu! Reekie! and Flint & Pitch have commissioned themed nights, with Flint & Pitch taking the festival’s theme of ‘reclamation’. For theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company actor Mark Lockyer stars in Living with The Lights On, an autobiographical show about the manic depressive episode that almost ended his career and his subsequent road to recovery, while two new commissions approach mental health through the lens of gender.

One Mississippi sees Mariem Omari address the potent issue of male suicide: a piece of verbatim theatre, it gives voice to the stories of four men who were on the brink of suicide. Inspired by her own experience of her father’s behaviour, Omari draws a connection between depression, aggressive conduct and the expectations placed on men. ‘It didn’t excuse what they had done,’ she says. ‘But they recognised what they had become, and found this so distressing that they saw suicide as an escape. And the ways in which they contemplated suicide were really violent as well.’

The sensitivity of Omari’s work relies on the direct honesty of her storytelling technique. She allows the men to tell their own stories in the script, then interprets them through the bodies and voices of the actors. Her love of stripped down, ‘low budget’ shows emphasises the immediacy of documentary theatre. By selecting across religious and ethnic boundaries, Omari suggests that male depression is a matter of systemic pressure, spurred on by adverse childhood experiences – as revealed in the massive CDC-Kaiser study, one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect, and its impact on later-life health and well-being.

This linking of serious academic thought and theatricality appears elsewhere in the programme. Julia Taudevin’s musical cabaret Hysteria! is based on stories collected during workshops by Taudevin and Dr Iris Elliot (head of policy and research for the Mental Health Foundation). Taudevin, creator of 2016’s Fringe hit Blow Off, recognises both the challenges of working complex ideas into a popular format and its powerful possibilities.

‘Shortly after Trump was elected, Andrew Eaton-Lewis asked me if I wanted to do something about the impact on women’s mental health: I broadened my pitch to include Brexit policy,’ she says. While she has been influenced by the revival of the ceilidh-play format, she’s aiming for ‘ a post dramatic form, like Sarah Kane, and a Brechtian approach, to get a more contemporary feel’, even as she respects the ‘alternative radical spaces Dr Eliot and I have created for the workshops’.

‘It’s obvious we need to change the very fabric of our society – finding new ways to be in the world with each other. And theatre is a way to experiment with this. The more we progress, the more we see the nuances, as the discussion becomes about intersectionality, it’s not possible to talk about one subject purely: so how can I use the form of cabaret satire to reflect this?’

Taudevin’s sensitivity to the need for change and belief in the arts reflects the dynamism of SMHAFF, and promotes the vision of reclamation, which is the over-arching theme for 2017. The intersectionality of her vision is echoed in Adam World Choir, a group formed from Cora Bissett and the National Theatre of Scotland’s show Adam. Using technology to draw together transgender and non-binary people, the choir formed the centerpiece of the biographical play, a major hit at this year’s Fringe. The choir will appear at SMHAFF as part of the Dundee Literary Festival, creating a book of stories about their experiences.

The presence of the choir is a reminder that the discussions of SMHAFF are never parochial but recognise the international dimension and strive towards inclusivity as an important factor in the arts. It’s a vision that firmly insists on visibility, diversity and engaged creativity, linking the political, the social and the artistic in an expression of optimism.

Previous page: One Mississippi. This page: Beyond the Binary (top), 5 Ways to Begin.

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, various venues across Scotland, Tue 10–Sat 29 Oct. 30 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-SMHAFF PM.indd 30

25/08/2017 13:19

FRIDAY FRIDAY

MURDER AT THE MUSEUM

MURDERMuseum AT THE MUSEUM National of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF National Museum of| Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, 1JF || All ages | No booking required | 12pm – 4pmEH1 | FREE 12pm – 4pm | FREE | All ages | No booking required Join our experts to explore forensic science and crime.| Joinyour our experts explore forensicskills, science andabout crime.the lethal links Test forensictoreconstruction learn Test your forensic skills, the lethal linksdeath, between poison andreconstruction herbalism, and diglearn into about the stories behind between poison and herbalism, and dig into the stories behind death, past and present. past and present.

In partnership with the National Museum of Scotland. Part of Dig It! 2017 In partnership with the National Museum of Scotland. Part of Dig It! 2017 and VisitScotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and VisitScotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology

EXPLORATHON @ THE JOHN HOPE GATEWAY John Hope Gateway, Garden EXPLORATHON @ THERoyal JOHNBotanic HOPE GATEWAY Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ | John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden

SATURDAY SATURDAY

12pm – 4pmArboretum | FREE | AllPlace, agesEdinburgh | No booking | Edinburgh, EH3 required 5NZ | Discover world| FREE of fascinating and investigations 12pm –a 4pm | All ages stories | No booking required | into the health of plants and ourstories planetand at investigations the Botanics.

Discover a world of fascinating Meet researchers, play a virtual forest strategy game and delve into the into the health of plants and our planet at the Botanics. secrets of the soil with fun strategy activitiesgame and and things to into see the and do.

Meet researchers, play aa range virtual of forest delve of thewith soil with a rangeBotanic of fun activities and things to see and do.

In secrets partnership the Royal Garden Edinburgh In partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

EXPLORATHON @ CURIOSITY FOREST // LATE EDITION EXPLORATHON @ CURIOSITY FOREST // LATE EDITION Charteris Centre, 138/140 The Pleasance, Charteris Centre, 138/140 The Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR | Edinburgh EH8 9RR | 6pm – –9pm foradults adults| | 6pm 9pm| |FREE FREE|| Suitable Suitable for NoNo booking bookingrequired required Join ususfor of short shorttalks talksonona arange range curious Join fora aunique uniqueevening evening of of of funfun andand curious topics from ourindoor indoorart/science art/science woodland. topics frominspiring inspiringresearchers researchers ininour woodland.

Enjoy a drinkand andaadiscussion discussion and stories from thethe Enjoy a drink andhear hearentertaining entertaining stories from world research! world ofofresearch! partnershipwith withthe the Curiosity Curiosity Forest Centre In In partnership Forestand andthe theCharteris Charteris Centre

EXPLORATHON @ LEITH LABS

EXPLORATHON @ LEITH LABS Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ | Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ | 12pm – 7pm | FREE | All ages | No booking required | 12pm – 7pm FREE | All ages | No booking requiredwhile | you Find out about| the amazing things happening in research do out yourabout shopping!

Join us forthings an extravaganza Find the amazing happeningofindemonstrations, research while you installations exhibits, plus drop-in doamazing your shopping!

Joinand us fascinating for an extravaganza ofinspiring demonstrations, talks forinstallations adults at theand Living Memory Association. amazing fascinating exhibits, plus inspiring drop-in In partnership Leith Labs, the Living Memory Association and talks for adults with at the Living Memory Association.

Ocean Terminal

In partnership with Leith Labs, the Living Memory Association and Ocean Terminal

EXPLORATHON @ WHALE ARTS WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, EXPLORATHON @ WHALE ARTS Edinburgh EH14 2SA |

WHALE 30 Westburn Grove, 2pm –Arts 4pm Agency, | FREE | Suitable for children | Edinburgh EH14 2SA |

Booking required: please email info@whalearts.co.uk

2pm – 4pm | FREE | Suitable for children | or call 0131 458 3267 | A fun, interactive, for children ages 6-10 Booking required:creative pleasesession email recommended info@whalearts.co.uk community-led orfrom call the 0131 458 3267arts | charity and social enterprise, WHALE Arts.

EXPLORATHON@@EDINBURGH EDINBURGH ACTIVE EXPLORATHON ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP GROUP CITIZENSHIP GROUP Council Chamber, Edinburgh City Chambers,

Council Chamber, Edinburgh City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ High Street, EH1 for 1YJadults and older 7pm – 9pmEdinburgh, | FREE | Suitable teenagers booking required 7pm – 9pm || No FREE | Suitable for |adults and older teenagers booking required | Join us for| aNo special meeting of the Edinburgh Active Citizenship Group.

Charteris 138/140 Edinburgh EH8 9RR | 10am – Centre, 5pm | FREE | All agesThe | NoPleasance, booking required |

Tonight topic under discussion Brexit: CliffActive Edge orCitizenship Launch Pad? Join us forthe a special meeting of theisEdinburgh Group.

Hear from Professor of Territorial Nicola McEwen and share your Tonight the topic under discussionPolitics is Brexit: Cliff Edge or Launch Pad? views in this lively and wide-ranging discussion.

Hear from Professor of Territorial Politics Nicola McEwen and share your In partnership with the Edinburgh Active Citizenship Group views in this lively and wide-ranging discussion.

10am – 5pm | FREE | All Join ages NoEdinburgh's booking required | Curiosity Forest returns! us|for art and research-inspired

In partnership with the Edinburgh Active Citizenship Group

In partnership with the Curiosity Forest and the Charteris Centre

EXPLORATHON @ EDINBURGH CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE Levels Café and Lounge, 9C Holyrood Rd,

event inForest a beautiful indoor woodland!

Plenty of activities delight Curiosity returns!

Join us for Edinburgh's art and to research-inspired children and their families. event in a beautiful indoor woodland! Plenty of activities to delight In partnership the Curiosity Forest and the Charteris Centre children and theirwith families.

EXPLORATHON @ WHALE ARTS WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove,

EXPLORATHON EDINBURGH CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE Edinburgh EH8@ 8FQ |

EXPLORATHON @ 2SA WHALE ARTS Edinburgh EH14 |

Levels and Lounge, 9C Holyrood Rd,required | 7.30 Café – 9.00pm | FREE | 18+ | No booking Edinburgh 8FQof| prehistory, but how did they grow Dinosaurs EH8 are icons

WHALE Agency, Westburn 10amArts – 3pm | FREE |30 Suitable for allGrove, the family | Edinburgh EH14 2SA | | No booking required

to such huge sizes and become dominant? do new 7.30 – 9.00pm | FREE | 18+ |soNo bookingWhat required | discoveries

A fun, creative session from |the community-led 10am – interactive, 3pm | FREE | Suitable forfor allchildren the family charityrequired and social |enterprise, WHALE Arts. Check our website for the Noarts booking

from the community-led arts charity and social enterprise, WHALE Arts.

In partnership withhow WHALE Arts meets fun. Check our website for the Come along to see research latest information, including age suitability and booking process.

from Scotland reveal about the lifestyles of these 170-million-yearDinosaurs are icons of prehistory, but how did they grow old beasts? Come find out more from University of Edinburgh dinosaur to such huge sizes and become so dominant? What do new discoveries specialist, Steve Brusatte. from Scotland reveal about the lifestyles of these 170-million-yearpartnership with Edinburgh Café Scientifique oldInbeasts?

Come find out more from University of Edinburgh dinosaur specialist, Steve Brusatte.

In partnership with WHALE Arts

In partnership with Edinburgh Café Scientifique

Come along to see how research meets fun. Check our website for the A fun, interactive, creative session recommended for children ages 6-10 latest information, including age suitability and booking process.

EXPLORATHON @ CURIOSITY FOREST

EXPLORATHON @ CURIOSITY FOREST Charteris Centre, 138/140 The Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR |

latest information, including age suitability and booking process. Come

A fun, interactive, creative session for children from the community-led along to see how research meets fun! arts charity and social enterprise, WHALE Arts. Check our website for the In partnership with WHALE Arts latest information, including age suitability and booking process. Come along to see how research meets fun!

In partnership with WHALE Arts

BOOK NOW AT WWW.EXPLORATHON.CO.UK/EDINBURGH ONLINE BOOKING HELPLINE PLEASE TELEPHONE 0131650784/5 #EXPLORATHON17

Untitled-1 31

25/08/2017 13:43

ROSALIND NASHASHIBI

I

EYE ON THE PRIZE GSA graduate Rosalind Nashashibi is one of this year’s Turner Prize nominees. Rachael Cloughton chats to her about the works that got her selected

n June 2014, Glasgow School of Art graduate Rosalind Nashashibi travelled to Gaza to begin work on a new commission from the Imperial War Museum. The day before she arrived, three Israeli settlers had been kidnapped and were later found killed – a crime attributed to Hamas. This was the catalyst for Israel’s Operation Protective Edge, a catastrophic 50-day war that killed over 2200 people (mostly Palestinian civilians) and destroyed vast expanses of Gaza.

Nashashibi’s film captures the time between the kidnapping and the war – the building tensions, ‘the oncoming of violence’ as she describes it. But the final work, ‘Electrical Gaza’ challenges expectations of what this might mean. Nashashibi captures the day-to-day realities of living in Gaza; horses cool off from the heat in the sea, kids play in the street, people mill around shops and market stalls. These are scenes of ‘routine emergency’ – a blockade so longstanding that it has become normalised; life goes on. Tensions are captured less with the live footage and more with Nashashibi’s artistic interventions; animations rupture the narrative, often directly copying live footage to suggest a life lived at a remove from reality, from the rest of reality outside of their zone, or revealing what the camera might not capture (or have been allowed to capture) like the threatening presence of Israeli troops on street corners. At one point you can hear the artist breathing, in another, a black circle expands across the screen obliterating the footage beneath and serving as a chilling momento mori. ‘I wanted to capture the feeling of enclosure – of being under siege, that’s how it feels to be there,’ explains Nashashibi. ‘It’s difficult to translate into words, and it took a long time to find the language for film.’

These edits equally jolt the audience from their cosy position as passive observers, reminding us that this is a film and therefore a very partial view of a territory so impenetrable that it exists almost entirely through images.

‘It’s meant to be a very subjective film – I’m showing what it was like for me, it’s not an objective study,’ she says.

Nashashibi has been nominated for the Turner Prize this year for her work in Gaza, and also for the project that followed – ‘Vivian’s Garden,’ a film commissioned for Documenta 14 and shown in Kassel this year.

This work concentrates on Swiss-Austrian painter Vivian Suter, and her mother, the nonagenarian artist Elisabeth Wild, and their life in Panajachel, Guatemala. It is a visceral, joyful film – Nashashibi’s camera slowly wanders over the lush flora of their garden, the luscious fresh food they eat and their vibrant, colourful home. ‘For me, it was a really incredible place – a magical, healing place,’ explains Nashashibi. ‘It helped me – I visited at an important time in my life. My marriage broke up over the three times I visited [between 2015 and 2016] and my children and I moved into a flat near my mother.’

The most affecting part of ‘Vivian’s Garden’ is the relationship between Suter and Wild and the intimate glimpse Nashashibi gifts us through her camera. It is hard to believe the pair were strangers to Nashashibi before the commission – she is granted such complete access to their world.

‘Adam Szymczyk, the director of Documenta, suggested I meet them. He helped us to find each other.’ If this sounds cathartic, it’s because it was: ‘As artists we look for different models of working, Vivian showed me a model to follow,’ explains Nashashibi. ‘The ease and speed in which they both work, breaking down the boundary between life and practice – I feel now my daily practice has become lighter.’

In some respects, ‘Electrical Gaza’ and ‘Vivian’s Garden’ present two different propositions; the former is a prison, a gritty, grey, dangerous enclosure with impenetrable boundary lines, while the former is a bright, protective oasis where the boundaries between work and play, inside and outside, even the roles of mother and child are blurred and exchanged. But tensions and danger lurk in ‘Vivian’s Garden’, though they are discreet and ambiguous. At one point, Elisabeth tells talks about a ‘scary’ man who poisoned the dogs and trapped her in the house. In another, she talks about a catastrophic flood. In both instances, their world feels as much a prison as a place of refuge. What’s more, Vivian and Elisabeth’s lives are entirely supported by the domestic labour of their staff – all Guatemalan natives who cook, clean and step outside of their peaceful haven to collect groceries, newspapers and materials, which make Suter and Wild’s highly creative existence possible. Hierarchies of power are prevalent here, too, and dictate and determine access – physical and otherwise.

Though Nashashibi cannot discuss the new work she is making for the Turner Prize until the show opens on 26 September, she tentatively explains that she is interested in showing the nominated work in a new context. She is also full of appreciation for her fellow nominees – ‘I’ve known Hurvin [Anderson] for 12 years – we both had a studio at Gasworks at one point and I’ve known Andrea [Buttner] for around 10 years too. We showed in Germany together and have met quite a few times,’ she says.

‘It’s a really great group of artists and mix of media – and it’s great to be in a year that I’d really like to go and see!’

The Turner Prize 2017 exhibition, Ferens Gallery, Hull, Tue 26 Sep– Sun 7 Jan. The winner of the prize is announced on Tue 5 Dec.

32 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Rosalind Nashashibi PM YS RC.indd 32

25/08/2017 13:04

ROSALIND NASHASHIBI

THIRD-DEGREE BYRNE David Byrne talks to Claire Sawers about life after Talking Heads – collaborations, creativity and How Music Works

Electrical Gaza

‘I’m showing what it was like for me, it’s not an objective study’

Vivian’s Garden

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 33

745-Rosalind Nashashibi PM YS RC.indd 33

25/08/2017 13:04

Untitled-1 34

25/08/2017 13:43

FOOD & DRINK

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

UWA TEQUILA Have a shot at the new spirit with a Scottish twist Scotland’s seeming mission to have a hand in the full spectrum of spirits continues as the country’s whisky, gin, vodka and rum production is joined by the first tequila with a Scottish connection. While no one’s going to be growing agave cacti in these parts for the base spirit, owners of UWA Tequila, Michael Ballantyne and Ross Davidson, hit on the idea of letting their handmade, triple-distilled tequila – made in Tequila, Mexico – sit in selected Speyside whisky casks for seven or 14 months. The result is a smooth, complex spirit, able to be sipped, shot, slammed or mixed up. As tequila looks set to be the latest drinks trend, we’ll certainly raise a glass to the new tipple on the Scots gantry.

■ UWA Tequila is out in Oct, with aged versions released Dec and early 2018, uwatequila.com

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 35

745-Food&Drink Lead PM DR.indd 35

25/08/2017 12:42

FOOD & DRINK

DRINKS NEWS

NEWS & REVIEWS

October is a big month for Edinburgh’s cocktail fans.

The Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend (6–8 Oct) goes first with a cocktail-crawl between many of the city’s leading bars, each creating a special drink for the event.

Then Cocktails in the City (12 & 13 Oct) sees a selection of bars popping up in the stunning surroundings of the Mansfield Traquair church.

FOR THE COMMON GOOD

Continuing with cocktails, the Finnieston Distillery Company (previously Dram20) have launched a range of whisky-based cocktails in a can (always handy for the train, that).

Flavours include the Shanghai Sour and the Finnieston Fling, featuring whisky with mint, lemon, lime and ginger.

Tara Klein finds a new venture from the team behind the Gardener’s Cottage stands out for its simplicity and seasonality

I

t’s safe to say the Gardener’s Cottage took Edinburgh by storm when it burst onto the scene back in 2012. While the city was no stranger to the concept of the tasting menu, the Cottage offered something altogether different: a no-choice set menu of (then) five courses, utterly seasonal, based around what they had grown, foraged, preserved or sourced from a tight-knit network of local suppliers. That it all took place in a picture-perfect restored William Playfair cottage entered through a flourishing garden, with communal seating, an open kitchen and a cool soundtrack from the pile of vinyl in the corner sealed the deal.

In Edinburgh terms, the Cottage as a venue feels as far removed from the row of modernised, glassbox warehouse units at Commercial Quay as day does from night, so the location of Quay Commons, their second permanent venue, does feel like a surprising choice. But space in the listed Cottage has always been limited – and that seems to have been a big pull towards this second multi-functional site: it’s part butchers, part bakers, a prep space, a daytime café, an evening bistro and a wine shop too. Even on quieter mornings, the place bustles with the team prepping, baking and experimenting – earwigging on the action feels like a treat, a rare chance to peek behind the kitchen door.

The clean, bright, simple interior is industrial in feel, with off-whites, polished concrete flooring and

a roomy outdoor terrace. Breakfast leans heavily on their fabulous sourdough, including a toasted bacon sarnie, or topped with pea and mint. An open counter displays fresh pastries and cakes, like moist elderflower and gooseberry; all perfect accompaniments to a well-executed Williams and Johnson coffee. Lunch offers a range of sandwiches (although the term hardly does them justice).

Packed full of good things like Arbroath smokie and lobster, each comes with three interesting salads. Service stretches into the evening come the end of the week, when sharing platters, hearty meat pies and appealing specials make lingering feel like a very good idea, especially as the carefully selected wines available for off-sales can be opened for a £10 corkage fee. It’s all simple and delicious, stylish, informal and, considering the quality of ingredients and generous portions, affordable.

Quay Commons feels fresh – a bold move, towards simplicity rather than stars, community rather than complexity (the lovely waiting staff will have your life story out of you before your order arrives). Uncommonly fine stuff.

+

An informal setting for brilliantly simple food

-

The granola could pack more flavour

QUAY COMMONS 92 Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX, 0131 554 6681, quaycommons.co Mon–Wed 8am–6pm; Thu/Fri 8am–11pm; Sat 9am–11pm; Sun 9am–6pm.

RECOMMENDS . . .

KIMCHI CULT! GLASGOW

Worship at the altar of spicy fermented cabbage!

Scotland’s first Korean fast food joint serves up cracking kimchi, burgers, bao and their famous Korean fried chicken.

It’s ferment to be! kimchicult.com

Average cost two-course lunch/dinner £14 36 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Food+Drink PM DR.indd 36

25/08/2017 12:40

SUPPORTED BY

SIDE DISHES

News to nibble on is Toast, a casual wine café. And as things gear up for the opening of the Queensferry Crossing, it’s worth knowing about The Shore Grill & Fish House in North Queensferry, a splashy refurb of the former North Shore Restaurant by the people behind Twenty Princes Street, which will have one of the best views of the new bridge on either side of the water.

St Andrew Square continues to redevelop, repurpose and generally polish up, with two glossy new restaurants announcing launch plans. In the autumn, The Ivy on the Square (above) will become the first Scottish site for the Ivy Collection, promising an all-day brasserie menu based on British classics.

They’ll be joined by Italian megabrand Vapiano who are due to open a huge three-story restaurant in October. The scaffolding has also come down on The Edinburgh Grand, a luxury hotel based in the former RBS building.

They’ll incorporate a restaurant, bar and café among the plush rooms and ghosts of bankers past.

ICYMI, pre-festival time saw the traditional flurry of restaurants, cafés and bars opening their doors in Edinburgh. There’s The Fat Pony on Bread Street, a laid-back wine bar with a strong wine list, cocktails and small plates. Brewhemia (above) has taken over a seemingly endless space in Market Street – there’s room for a café, prosecco bar, taproom and six giant copper beer tanks. Harmonium is bringing joy to veggies and vegans alike, with innovative plant-based cooking down Leith way. Also on The Shore

Glasgow is mourning the demise of some notable operators recently.

The grandaddy of the city’s up-scale Italian dining, La Parmigiana, has closed after nearly 40 years at Kelvinbridge. Rather handily, the next in line for the grandaddy title, La Lanterna (est. 1970), has taken over the premises for their second venue. Riverhill’s restaurant has gone – though their excellent Coffee Bar remains. Also heading south is Southside’s bakery47, shutting up shop in September. And finally, the Curse of Partick Cross bites again with the disappearance of Pizza West after less than a year spent battling whatever hell-bent demons congregate there.

We’ve always had high organic standards!

Real Foods has been at the forefront of the organic movement ever since the business started, in 1963. We were selling organic brown rice and oatmeal long before they became popular health food staples.

As members of the Soil Association we’re committed to providing you with the best organic food, full of the good stuff we need – and less of the bad stuff we don’t need. Our fresh produce is free from chemical nasties and GM ingredients – better for our health, better for wildlife and better for the environment.

Our customers can be assured that we provide good food from a balanced, living soil, delivered from organic farms straight to your doorstep – it also happens to taste great too!

Authentic – produce that comes with full traceability and from trusted sources. All our organic products are Soil Association certified.

O rganic – products bearing the Soil Association symbol – to give you complete peace of mind.

Food – that’s of the highest quality, from organic nuts and seeds to dried fruits, grains and superfoods.

So as you can see, Real Foods has grown from strength to strength over the past 50 years – it’s the standard you’ve come to expect!

Providing wholefoods to the people for over 50 years

Shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk FREE UK delivery for online orders £29 or over* 37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JU 8 Brougham Street, Tollcross Edinburgh EH3 9JH

Fresh local seasonal value

We reach further for products with higher organic standards, so that when you shop with us, you don’t have to. iStockphoto©ideabug

*Applies to UK mainland orders only and does not include wholesale bulk items

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 37

745-Food+Drink PM DR.indd 37

25/08/2017 12:40

SUPPORTED BY

FOOD & DRINK

SURF ON TURF

RECENT OPENINGS

A pop-up street fooder has settled into a permanent home in Shawlands dispensing gourmet hot dogs, as David Kirkwood discovers

G

lasgow’s street food scene has grown up to the point that many traders have made the move into bricks and mortar.

Fortunes have been mixed, and some have already been and gone. But everyone likes a hotdog. Surf Dogs might ring bells as one of the original outlets at Taste Buchanan – the street food shopping centre set-up. And these dogs have nice credentials: Bavarian smoked pork with lovely, chewy skin, and rolls made nearby at Newlands Bakery. Loaded extras like jerk chicken (the ‘Bob Marley’) or chilli (a classic chilli dog) are all made in house, too, though perhaps lack a wee bit in ‘oomph’ and character. But, hey, this is dude food, that’s just the topping, and it all comes in under the price of your typical gourmet burger-fries combo. Students and other younger customers will fit right in (lunchtime deal; free refills on soft drinks). Owner Martin Capaldi gloriously demonstrates an affection for his formative years with décor that gives us Star Wars, Thundercats, Nintendo and The Goonies. A solid debut, with delivery service and a brunch menu on the horizon.

SURF DOGS 49 Kilmarnock Road, Southside, Glasgow, G41 3YN 0141 230 6392, surfdogsglasgow.net £12 (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.

– patties with succulence and smokiness, addictive ‘onion strings’, good fries. And if it’s not good, you’ll be mainly to blame.

THE PANTRY EPOCH

Glasgow ‘BABS KEBAB HOUSE 49 West Nile Street, 0141 465 1882, babs.co.uk, £16 (lunch/dinner) The Bread Meats Bread team have turned their sights on kebabs. A Med-Middle East vibe covers both menu and décor, while their charcoal-fired grill is essential – can’t do kebabs right without one. Chunks of lamb in the shish are a tad inconsistent – some beautifully blushing, some less so – but that’s grilling. A tuna version feels summery and sun-kissed – nicely grilled fish, minty pea purée and pickled veg. There are various toppings for skin-on chips or fries, plus salads, including an enjoyable Greek classic, and a burger or two. No bookings, and no licence yet so BYO.

THE COUNTER BURGER BAR Springfield Quay, Paisley Road Road, Southside, 0141 418 0873, thecounter.com, £17 (lunch/dinner) The burger bubble has deflated enough recently to approach this US newcomer with a less jaded palate. Tucked away in Springfield Quay leisure complex, it’s the first UK outlet for the custom-built specialist. The tick-sheet menu gets a bit Trainspotting: choose protein, choose size, choose style, choose cheese, choose sauce, choose toppings, choose sides, choose premium.

With 100 boxes to swither over, it’s borderline gimmicky but fun. And when it comes, it’s good eating

fire pit. Finish with a hot chocolate espresso martini brownie and ice-cream sharing dessert.

BISTROS & BRASSERIES Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, City Centre, 0141 261 0291, epochglasgow.com, £18 (lunch/dinner) / £25 (six-course taster) Swanky shopping centre Princes Square is home to this rather dramatically named newcomer. Independently run by a husband and wife team, it’s a stylish contemporary bar and restaurant – with tables ‘outside’ next to the open ground-floor space (perfect for parents letting the kids have a runabout). Various menus offer predominantly sharing plates but also full mains, with culinary nods to Scotland and the continent. Dishes are diligently prepared, with the occasional flourish befitting the setting. There’s a six-course taster option with wines to match if you feel like settling in and soaking up the surrounding swish courtyard action.

CAFES 2–4 Bridge Road, Colinton, 0131 629 4420, thepantryedinburgh.co.uk, £12 (lunch) / £22 (dinner) Based in leafy Colinton, Edinburgh’s second Pantry is a picturesque pit-stop for walkers and locals. The bright, spacious dining area features Scandi-style décor – neutral tones against colourful soft furnishings. Their ethos of simple, fresh food translates to an emphasis on all-day brunch featuring homemade waffles, while dinner (available Wed–Sat) far exceeds the usual café offerings. Seafood stew is a hearty bowl of queen scallops, meaty king prawns, mussels and tender white fish, subtly seasoned with smoked paprika. For dessert, toasted pecan and caramelised butter tart delivers a melt-in-the-mouth sweet shortcrust.

CLARK AND LAKE

Edinburgh RABBLE TAPHOUSE & GRILL BISTROS & BRASSERIES 55a Frederick Street, New Town, 0131 622 7800, rabbleedinburgh.co.uk, £17 (lunch) / £26 (dinner) After 17 years, the Montpeliers group have retired the once style-setting Ricks. Now relaunched as Rabble, Edinburgh’s first ‘rough-luxe’ low and slow taphouse and grill is already pulling them in for cocktails and unpasteurised beer. The redesign has opened up the room into a see-and-be-seen space: an island bar, turquoise banquettes, a bare brick, glass-roofed backroom and foliage throughout. If dining, start with coal-fired asparagus with poached duck egg and hay hollandaise or salt-baked beetroots with crowdie.

Splash out on a tomahawk steak for two, cooked for six hours, or a range of mains done over an open

BARS & PUBS 8 Gillespie Place, Tollcross, 0131 281 6021, clarkandlake.co.uk, £15 (dinner) Tollcross newcomer Clark and Lake describes itself as a charcuterie and bar and while the charcuterie is indeed interesting, the cheese definitely deserves equal billing. Don’t miss the gooey, squidgy raclette, whatever you do. Select from around 20 meats and cheeses to create your own grazing board, or plump for one of three pre-selected boards. There’s also a compact range of small plates (the cauliflower frittelle is a must). For drinks, there’s a well thought-through wine list, and a neat selection of craft beers. Informal and simple, this is a solid addition to the neighbourhood.

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 38 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Food+Drink PM DR.indd 38

25/08/2017 12:40

SUPPORTED BY

FOOD & DRINK

NEW DISTILLERIES We look at a few of the independent operators making the move into whisky production this year

DORNOCH DISTILLERY Set up by brothers Phil And Simon Thompson, who run the Dornoch Castle Hotel, the distillery is squeezed into the old fire station in the castle grounds.

While they wait on the whisky maturing, they’ve produced a limited amount of Highland Gin. dornochdistillery.com

ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY

WHISKY A GO-GO Glasgow is currently enjoying a revival of its rich whisky heritage with the imminent opening of its second distillery in the last few years, as Jay Thundercliffe discovers

A

nyone passing by the old Pump House between the Riverside Museum and the SEC on 21 March this year would have been greeted by the unusual site of copper stills dangling on the end of a crane. The two stills weighing a couple of tonnes apiece were being installed into the new Clydeside Distillery and visitor attraction due to open later this year.

The new distillery is owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers, a company set up in 2012 by Tim Morrison, formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers and current proprietor of the AD Rattray Scotch Whisky Company. His son Andrew Morrison, commercial director, has family ties to the site beyond his dad’s recent project: ‘Few people know the historical significance of the Pump House building, which was actually built by my great great grandfather in 1877,’ he explains. ‘It’s fantastic to know we will be bringing it back to life again. Glasgow was once home to numerous whisky distilleries and we think the Clydeside Distillery will put Glasgow right back on the Scotch whisky map.’

For some time, the story of Scotch seemed to be one of a slow decline in numbers, with distilleries mothballed or closed, or subsumed into larger global corporations. Yet, the rennaissance of artisan food and drink that has swept the country in recent years has helped

independents to touch the once-untouchable whisky industry, with distilleries popping up or in the pipeline across the whole of the UK. It’s the waiting game that often proved the biggest obstacle. It takes a serious lump of cash – the Clydeside Distillery is costing £10.5 million – and a lot of patience before there’s any drop to drink. There are other income streams in the early days such as pre-sales, club memberships, visitor centres and other spirit lines, particulalry gin and vodka, which can all ease the cash flow issues in the early years.

One company that went the gin route was the city’s other recent newcomer, the Glasgow Distillery Company – the first malt whisky distillery in the city for 112 years when it began operations in Hillington in 2014. David Thompson, brand ambassador, explains the issue: ‘Unlike gin, which is ready for the consumer shortly after production, whisky keeps you waiting. The spirit has to rest in the cask for three years and one day before it can legally be called whisky, and we still have several months before reaching that milestone.’

In the meantime, the company has been busy picking up awards for their growing range of Makar Gin – with Old Tom, Oak Aged and Mulberry versions now available, as well as G52 Vodka.

The first (legal) distillery on Raasay will produce lightly peated Scotch using water imbued with volcanic minerals.

Owned by R&B Distillers, it is housed in the renovated historic Borodale House. rbdistillers.com

LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY Fife’s latest whisky distillery taps into a heritage none other can match. The ruined 12th-century abbey featured in the earliest written record of Scotch, when King James IV granted ‘eight bols of malt’ to the Friar to make acqua vitae (aka whisky) in 1494. lindoresabbeydistillery.com

NCN’EAN DISTILLERY This distillery named after the Gaelic Queen of Spirits, Neachneohain, is one of two new operations (see also Toulvaddie, below) headed up by a woman – a real rarity in the whisky world. CEO and founder Annabel Thomas has built the first distillery to use only organic ingredients and sustainable production methods. ncnean.com

TOULVADDIE DISTILLERY This micro set-up from owner Heather Nelson is, along with Ncn’ean Distillery, unusual in being founded by a woman.

On the site of the former WWII airbase at Fearn in Ross-shire, construction is underway, with production commencing as soon as the build is finished. toulvaddiedistillery.com

theclydeside.com, glasgowdistillery.com

40 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Food+Drink PM DR.indd 40

25/08/2017 12:40

A new independent charcuterie restaurant and bar in Tollcross, Edinburgh, near the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre. We serve WKH ĘŽQHVW 6SDQLVK ,WDOLDQ DQG %ULWLVK FXUHG PHDW FKHHVH UDFOHWWH FKHHVH DQG DQ HYHU FKDQJLQJ PHQX RI VPDOO SODWHV Ĺ&#x2DC; SDUWQHUHG ZLWK D FDUHIXOO\ FKRVHQ OLVW RI ZLQHV DQG EHHUV clarkandlake.co.uk 8 Gillespie Place, Edinburgh ǼǨĘ&#x160;Ę&#x2030; Ę?Ǩdz y Ę&#x2030;Ę&#x160;Ę&#x152;Ę&#x160; Ę&#x2039;Ę&#x2018;Ę&#x160; Ę?Ę&#x2030;Ę&#x2039;Ę&#x160; ǎǼǥDz ǴǨǼ ǍNJǎǧĘ&#x2020;Çł ǴǨǼǥǴDzǼ ǥǎǤ ÇŁÇĄÇ­ÇĽÇŻ ÇŁÇŠÇŽÇĽÇ­ÇĄ

Ex xpe erie ence e ou ur 1st Au uthe ent n ic i Sic ich huan n Cu uissin ne in n Sco otla and d.

349 Sauchiehall Street G2 3HW

http:// www.sichuanhouse.co.uk

0141 333 1788

1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 39

Untitled-1 39

25/08/2017 13:44

I N P L E A

CHRISTMAS

HAS ARRIVED AT THE POTTING SHED BOOK

YOUR CHRISTMAS

PARTY NOW

Call on 0131 662 9788

om h.cco burgh nb info@thepottingshededi

2 COURSES FOR £14.95 OR 3 COURSES FOR £19.95.

PACKAGE INCLUDES CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES. AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH AND DINNER. LARGE GROUPS WELCOME AND DRINKS PACKAGES AVAILABLE.

www.thepottingshededinburgh.com

Untitled-1 41

25/08/2017 13:44

AROUND TOWN

HALLOWEEN ROUND-UP A look at some of the best events to send a shiver down your spine this autumn Scotland has always done Halloween well: our rich history brings with it morbidity, intrigue and our fair share of grave robbers. While we’ll never beat the Americans in terms of all-out obsession, guising, dooking for apples and sacrificial effigies will always have their place come October. So we’ve rounded up the top Halloween events for you to decide which one best suits your level of fearty cat.

The not-so-brave can check out Day of the Dead Glesga (Saint Luke’s and the Winged Ox, Glasgow, Sat 28 Oct) letting you live out Dia de los Muertos through theatre, carnival and music til the early hours. Over in Edinburgh, Ghostly Underground (Mercat Tours, Fri 1 Sep–Tue 31 Oct), is a lighthearted daytime tour of the city’s vaults, promising not to be too scary.

For the slightly braver, there’s Glasgow Horror Fest

(Classic Grand, Glasgow, Fri 4 & Sat 5 Nov), a horror convention with a Scottish twist, with cult movies, macabre performance and horror panels, plus a gore drag show. Or join paranormal illusionist Ash Pryce for the magic-themed The Twilight Seance (Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Oct).

You ain’t afraid of no ghost, right? The bravest among you can put your money where your mouth is on an Extreme Paranormal Ghost Tour (City of Edinburgh Tours, Fri 1–Sat 9 Sep). Not for the fainthearted, the tour takes in Edinburgh’s most haunted locations both above and below ground. Or head to The Vaults Ghost Hunt (The Vaults, Edinburgh, Fri 17 Nov) where, using traditional methods, you can attempt to make contact with the other side.

(Kirstyn Smith)

42 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Around Town Lead PM YS.indd 42

25/08/2017 12:20

Highlights | AROUND TOWN

HITLIST

EDINBURGH RIDING OF THE MARCHES Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Sun 17 Sep, edinburghriding themarches.co.uk Follow the Edinburgh Captain and Edinburgh Lass up the Royal Mile as they lead over 250 horses towards the Mercat Cross in this procession through the city’s historic heart.

1–Tue 31 Oct, glasgowmackintosh. com/festival Month-long festival celebrating the creative genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL Various venues, Glasgow, Sun

EDINBURGH RESTAURANT FESTIVAL Various venues, Edinburgh, Thu 5–Sun 15 Oct, edinevents.com/

edinburgh-restaurantfestival Foodie events and offers at Edinburgh bars and restaurants, now in its fourth year.

FESTIVAL OF POLITICS Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, Thu 19–Sat 21 Oct, festivalofpolitics.org.uk See feature, page 14.

GOOD FOOD SHOW SCOTLAND SEC, Glasgow, Fri 20–Sun 22 Oct, bbcgoodfood showscotland.com The food and drink extravaganza heads north of the border again for another serving of celebrity chefs, bakers and experts, highlighting the best in Scottish cuisine.

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

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

GLASGOW CYCLEHACK GLASGOW Whisky Bond, Fri 15–Sun 17 Sep, thewhiskybond.co.uk A global movement on a mission to make cycling more accessible in the city.

The event begins with discussions and designing of prototypes before they are pitched to an audience.

RACE FOR LIFE: PRETTY MUDDY Bellahouston Park, Sat 16 Sep, raceforlife.cancerresearchuk. org Time to get dirty. Pretty Muddy is Race for Life’s 5k obstacle course.

Crawl under nets, slip down slides and clamber over inflatables to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK. All abilities welcome.

BIG FAT DRAG BOOTY SALE Britannia Panopticon, Sun 17 Sep, britanniapanopticon.org If you’re looking to get into doing drag – or just

Race for Life: Pretty Muddy

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

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 43

745-Around Town Highlights PM.indd 43

25/08/2017 11:57

AROUND TOWN | Highlights

AROUND TOWN HIGHLIGHTS

Festival of Politics

want to zhoosh up your existing drag wardrobe – this car booty sale will give you inspiration to knock it out of the park both on and off stage.

CLYDEBUILT FESTIVAL Kelvin Harbour, Fri 22–Sun 24 Sep, clydebuiltfestival.com A new festival of boats, folk and maritime heritage that celebrates boats and the people that use them for work and play.

SCOTTISH GIN FEST Trades Hall of Glasgow, Sat 23 Extreme Paranormal Ghost Tour

Sep, scotginfest.com A celebration of Scottish gin with tastings and masterclasses from more than 40 brands. Hear from various distillers and small batch gin producers.

BANK OF SCOTLAND GREAT SCOTTISH RUN Various venues, Sun 1 Oct, greatscottishrun.com Take to the streets of Glasgow for a 10k or half marathon starting in George Square and finishing at Glasgow Green. There are bands along the route to spur you on and photographers poised for action shots.

RAI CON Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 28 Oct, raicon.co.uk Anime convention, with a bit of manga thrown in there for good measure. Featuring a host of talks, panels, workshops, screenings and exhibitors.

EDINBURGH EDINBURGH OUTLANDER EXPERIENCE Mercat Tours, Sat & Sun, mercattours.com Visit locations from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels as visited by characters Claire and Jamie. Hear stories of the Jacobites, the Stuarts, witchcraft, clans and how the fictional story intermingles with history.

EXTREME PARANORMAL GHOST TOUR City of Edinburgh Tours, Fri 1-Sat 9 Sep, cityofedinburghtours.com Venture into some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations both above and underground on this adults-only tour.

ROADBLOCK RUN Holyrood Park, Sun 10 Sep, roadblockrun.com RoadBlock Run returns with another race filled with obstacles for runners to navigate in aid of a variety of charities including Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. Prizes for fastest males, females and teams, as well as a special prize for runners in fancy dress.

W3L Southside Community Centre, Sat 16 Sep, w3lwrestling.com Big characters and bigger body slams at this familyfriendly American-style wrestling show featuring stars from the World Wide Wrestling League. Also touring, see list. co.uk/daysout for details.

YESBIKERS AND FREEDOM CONVOY Various venues, Sun 17 Sep, yesbikers.scot YesBikers are teaming up with the Freedom Convoy Group to celebrate #SCOTREF and the anniversary of IndyRef by showing the spirit is alive through the capital of Scotland.

HOW TO TALK TO THE DEAD Lauriston Castle, Mon 2 Oct, psychicconman.co.uk This mock seance is part magic show, part comedy and part rational inquiry into the supernatural. Expect levitating tables, ectoplasm manifestation and spirit communication.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Scottish Storytelling Centre, Fri 20–Sun 29 Oct, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk A celebration of live storytelling and imagination uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians.

Performance, workshops, talks and children’s events radiate out from the capital with guest storytellers from across the globe.

EDINBURGH DIWALI Princes Street Gardens, Thu 26 & Fri 27 Oct, edhorrorfest.co.uk Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ symbolises the victory of light over dark, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Enjoy music, dance, food and fireworks.

EDINBURGH GHOST STORIES Lauriston Castle, Fri 27 Oct A family friendly introduction to Edinburgh’s haunted places from actor and writer Alex Staniforth who unveils the phantoms of this ancient city.

44 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Around Town Highlights PM.indd 44

25/08/2017 11:57

BOOKS

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

AUTUMN BOOK FESTIVALS The best events for book lovers this season When it comes to book festivals in Scotland, autumn is where it’s at. Outside the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August and Glasgow’s Aye Write! in the spring, the next few months play host to some of the year’s best local literary celebrations.

First up is Stirling’s Bloody Scotland (Fri 8–Sun 10 Sep), the country’s premier crime writing festival. This year’s highlights include Denise Mina, Louise Welsh, Graeme Macrae Burnet and Lynda La Plante. Plus, Val McDermid is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her first novel, Report for Murder. And look out for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year, whose winner is announced on Sat 8 Sep.

Wigtown, Scotland’s Book Town, is a yearround favourite with book-lovers but it comes into its own when the Wigtown Book Festival is on (Fri 22 Sep–Sun 1 Oct). In addition to a range of talks, look out for its annual ceilidh and the dedicated Children’s Garden.

Elsewhere, Glasgow’s Byres Road Book Festival (Fri 22–Mon 25 Sep) welcomes Christopher Brookmyre; the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (Fri 20–Thu 31 Oct) takes over Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre for a 12-day celebration of traditional storytelling; and the Dundee Literary Festival (Wed 18–Sun 22 Oct) welcomes a variety of local and international authors to the City of Discovery. (Yasmin Sulaiman)

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 45

745-Books Lead PM.indd 45

25/08/2017 12:15

@literarydundee #dundeelitfest

www.literarydundee.co.uk

RARE, EXPENSIVE, HANDMADE. AND THAT’S JUST THE CASKS.

THAT’S THE GLENGOYNE WAY. glengoyne.com

46 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 46

25/08/2017 13:44

Reviews | BOOKS

list.co.uk/books SHORT STORIES

CHRIS MCQUEER Hings (404 Ink) ●●●●●

You’ll be hard pressed to find a short story collection that starts with more of a bang than Chris McQueer’s Hings. ‘Sammy’s Bag of Whelks’ is one of the shorter tales in the book, but it sets the jarring, surreal tone for the remainder: don’t assume you know where any story is going, because you don’t.

McQueer is painted, according to the cover blurb, as ‘Limmy meets Irvine Welsh’, and there are definitely shades of both in his writing. The snaking courses his stories follow obviously take inspiration from the former’s Daft Wee Stories, while his depictions of working class people and places do for Glasgow what Welsh does for Edinburgh. But McQueer is entirely his own storyteller. As a collection, Hings reads like a TV series, exhibiting snapshots of absurd and ludicrous lives. We return to Sammy again and again like a weird commercial break, and follow a murderous pair of lawn bowl fans like a soap opera.

While the spotlight is on oddballs and outsiders, McQueer deals strongly in social commentary when he’s not inventing half-human, half-sea creature stalkers. Toxic masculinity and misogyny is explored in ‘Bowls’, the non-linear spectrum of sexuality in ‘Lads’, while in ‘Is it Art?’, the snobs and civilians of the art world are exposed.

The comparisons to such big names in the writing and comedy worlds could have led to Hings being unable to live up to such luminaries. Luckily, McQueer is talented enough to hold his own, and this first collection is hopefully the start of something really weird. (Kirstyn Smith) ■ Out now.

POETRY

NON-FICTION

SCRIPTS

LEMN SISSAY

PETER ROSS

MARK THOMAS

Gold from the Stone (Canongate) ●●●●●

The Passion of Harry Bingo (Sandstone) ●●●●●

The Liar’s Quartet (September Publishing) ●●●●●

Lemn Sissay’s poetry is ingrained in the fabric of British culture, his words appearing regularly on our TV screens and airwaves, buildings and pavements, meant for widespread public – and not just elite – consumption.

Gold from the Stone is a collection of new and old works, detailing his incredible and heartbreaking journey from a childhood of loneliness, abandonment and abuse in care homes to becoming one of the country’s finest and most cherished voices.

There is a sense of otherness that runs through many of the poems selected from his earlier publications, with clear anger and passion attached to his discussions of family, home and identity, as seen in the touching ‘Suitcases and Muddy Parks’. Elsewhere, hope and messages of resolve shine through, for example in ‘Belong’ and ‘Adventure Flight’, the latter written for the 2015 FA Cup Final. The performative element to his poetry is evident but no vibrancy or emotion is lost on paper, where his honesty, charm and humour prevail.

Gold from the Stone maps Sissay’s development as a poet and writer but also his many personal triumphs, even when the odds were stacked against him. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out now.

Even the introduction to this new collection of writing is a joy to read in its own right, a manifesto for journalism which is simply intrigued by the lives of other humans for the sake of their stories being told, rather than obsessed with the obfuscatingly sensational and the grindingly political.

Ross cites Orwell as an inspiration, not surprisingly, but it’s for his warmth and humanity, rather than the more tub-thumping reasons readily adopted by others. Yet Ross starts with politics here, as if to get it out of the way. ‘The whole day felt diseased. Stillborn, diseased, a thing of smirr and haar, hard words and soured dreams.’ He’s talking of the first day ‘After the Referendum’ in 2014, taking the temperature of a hangover of a day in a manner which represents all concerned with crisp honesty; such balance isn’t dispassionate, it simply funnels the passion of others without getting swept up in their fervour.

More typical subjects for Ross are the men who take part in the Clavie fire ritual on the Moray coast; Stephen Gough, the Naked Rambler, who Ross goes hiking with on his release from prison; or 97-yearold Partick Thistle fan Henry Calderhead, the ‘Harry Bingo’ of the title. There are forty-two such stories in the book, each meticulous yet fiercely readable, and possessed of a sense of urging to discover the stories which live all around us. (David Pollock) ■ Out now.

When Stewart Lee took a step back from the standup scene ito co-write a controversial modern opera, it seemed to give his comedy career a kick-start.

Similarly, had Mark Thomas kept plugging away at the politically driven stand-up which helped forge his name in the late 80s / early 90s, he may have slipped off the cultural radar. Instead, his work has become more theatrical, layered and personal.

The fruits of that professional gear-change can be vividly witnessed on the pages of The Liar’s Quartet, ‘playscripts, notes and commentary’ of his last three stage works, Bravo Figaro!, Cuckooed and The Red Shed. While, there’s certainly a lot of politics in all three tales, it’s the personal slant of family, betrayal and memory which makes them so compelling.

Bravo Figaro! tells of his attempts to stage an opera in his dying father’s home. In Cuckooed, his friend, a longstanding activist in Campaign Against Arms Trade, turns out to be an undercover cop, while The Red Shed verges on a nostalgic romp through the world of Labour clubs. Though not as emotionally stirring as the two other pieces, its narrative thrust is skilfully maintained with the dark suggestion that memory can be a powerful and deceptive function, especially when we continue to believe facts and situations are true when they may be nothing more than tricks of the mind. (Brian Donaldson) ■ Out now.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 47

745-Book Reviews PM.indd 47

25/08/2017 12:17

BOOKS | Highlights

HITLIST

BLOODY SCOTLAND Various venues, Stirling, Fri 8–Sun 10 Sep, bloodyscotland.com An innovative festival drawing on Scotland’s love of the literary macabre and celebrating crime writing.

Fri 22–Mon 25 Sep, byresroadbookfestival. com Four-day festival with discussions, signings, storytelling sessions and literary tours. Confirmed authors include Chris Brookmyre.

BYRES ROAD BOOK FESTIVAL Various venues, Byres Road, Glasgow,

DUNDEE LITERARY FESTIVAL Various venues, Dundee, Wed 18–Sun 22 Oct,

literarydundee.co.uk Bonar Hall serves as the festival hub and the programme covers a mix of literary genres, including crime, autobiography, kids’ literature and comics.

LA BELLE SAUVAGE: THE BOOK OF DUST VOLUME ONE UK wide, Thu 19 Oct, philip-pullman.com The

very long-awaited first volume of Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust series is published on Thu 19 Oct. Twenty-two years after Northern Lights, The Book of Dust returns to the parallel world.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Fri 20–Tue 31 Oct, scottishstory tellingcentre.co.uk A celebration of live storytelling and imagination uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians. The programme includes performance, workshops, talks and children’s events.

BOOKS HIGHLIGHTS GLASGOW THE BRITANNIA PANOPTICON COMIC MART Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Sat 2 Sep, britanniapanopticon.org Get your paws on comics, memorabilia, collectibles and original artwork.

RUMMAN FESTIVAL WRITINGS THAT EXPLORE IDENTITY WITH THE DIASPORA CCA, Sun 3 Sep, cca-glasgow.com Canadian-Iraqi Shawk Alani presents her writings which explore Iraq, identity and migration.

RODDY DOYLE Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Mon 4 Sep, roddydoyle.ie Roddy Doyle, author of the likes of The Commitments, The Van and most recently Smile, talks about his life and work.

NEW WRITING SCOTLAND ISSUE 35 LAUNCH Waterstones Byres Road, Wed 6 Sep, waterstones.com Celebrate the publication of the latest New Writing Scotland, titled She Said, He Said, I Said.

HELEN SEDGWICK Waterstones Argyle Street, Thu 7 Sep, helensedgwick.com The Comet Seekers author Helen Sedgwick discusses her second novel The Growing Season. See review at list.co.uk/books LIN ANDERSON Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Wed 13 Sep, waterstones.com Edinburgh crime writer Lin Anderson presents the 12th Rhona MacLeod novel, Follow the Dead.

AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SCOTT, ANDREW FERGUSON AND MARGOT MCCUAIG Waterstones Byres Road, Thu 21 Sep, waterstones.com Authors Kevin

PHOTO: EOIN CAREY

Events are listed by city, then date.

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

Scott, Andrew C Ferguson and Margot McCuaig discuss their work.

ADAM KAY Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Fri 6 Oct, waterstones.com Comedian and former junior doctor Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt provides a noholds-barred account of his time on the NHS front line.

CHRIS RYAN Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Sun 15 Oct, waterstones.com SAS soldier turned bestselling author Chris Ryan chats about and signs copies of his new book Safe.

Lin Anderson

EDINBURGH RL MCKINNEY Waterstones West End, Tue 5 Sep, waterstones.com Novelist RL McKinney discusses her new book The Angel in the Stone.

DAVID SEDARIS Usher Hall, Sat 9 Sep, davidsedarisbooks.com The writer and humorist comes to town, brimming with sardonic social observations.

MARIAN KEYES Waterstones West End, Mon 11 Sep, mariankeyes.com Irish novelist Marian Keyes chats about her new novel The Break.

ORHAN PAMUK EICC, Sun 17 Sep, orhanpamuk. net Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author Pamuk discusses his new novel, The Red-Haired Woman. Organised by the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

MENTORED BY A MAD MAN: THE WILLIAM BURROUGHS EXPERIMENT Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Wed 20 Sep, eventbrite. co.uk The writings of William Burroughs are the unlikely starting point in a search for a treatment for Parkinson’s disease in this lecture from Professor Andrew Lees.

POLARI LITERARY SALON Assembly Roxy, Fri 22 Sep, polariliterarysalon.co.uk London’s award-winning LGBT literary salon, hosted by Paul Burston with readings and performances from Horse McDonald, VG Lee, Alexis Gregory, Chita Ramaswamy and more.

STAIRS AND WHISPERS ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH Scottish Poetry Library, Wed 27 Sep The launch of Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back features readings, performances and films from contributors including Sandra Alland, Khairani Barokka, Bea Webster (BSL) and Claire Cunningham, Nuala Watt and Sarah Golightley.

ALAN HOLLINGHURST Pleasance Theatre, Tue 10 Oct, edbookfest.co.uk Man Bookerwinner Alan Hollinghurst discusses his sixth novel, The Sparsholt Affair. Set in 1940, it follows two young men who start Oxford University knowing the call-up to war is only a year away.

ARMISTEAD MAUPIN Assembly Roxy, Fri 27 Oct, armisteadmaupin.com Armistead Maupin, author of the groundbreaking Tales of the City series, reads from his memoir Logical Family.

OUT OF TOWN OUTWITH Various venues, Dunfermline, Thu 7-Sun 10 Sep, outwithfestival. co.uk New Dunfermline-based festival.

Featured authors include John Cairney, Philip Pullman and Alan Bissett.

CHRIS BROOKMYRE Albert Halls. Stirling, Sun 10 Sep, brookmyre.co.uk Brookmyre discusses his eighth Jack Parlabane novel, Want You Gone, the follow up to McIlvanney Prize-winner Black Widow.

FALKIRK STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Various venues, Falkirk, Thu 21-Sun 24 Sep, falkirkstorytelling.com A new event in the heart of Falkirk town centre, with storytelling, music and performance.

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL Various venues, Wigtwon, Fri 22 Sep-Sun 1 Oct, wigtownbookfestival. com Guests this year include Denise Mina, Judy Murray and Andrew O’Hagan. A dedicated Children’s Garden hosts events for younger readers.

RAY MEARS Albert Halls, Stirling, Sat 14 Oct, raymears.com The TV survival expert tells stories of his experiences in the wild.

48 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Books Highlights PM 1pic.indd 48

25/08/2017 12:17

COMEDY

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

PAJAMA MEN Shape-shifting Albuquerque improv-sketch duo bring together the old and the new If, as is likely to happen, the Pajama Men duo start giggling on stage in the middle of a scene, it’s not because they’re in awe of their own comic genius. Chances are that one of them has simply pulled something straight out of the bag that the other wasn’t expecting. This is how the New Mexico pairing of Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez have been rolling ever since their arrival on the improv-sketch hybrid scene in the mid-90s.

This shape-shifting couple are taking to The Stand stages for Pterodactyl Nights, a

merging of old and new stuff in which they will transform themselves into old men, young girls, elderly women, little boys and all manner of beings from across the animal kingdom (as well as an inanimate object or two). Armed with absolutely zero props and no costumes (other than their by-now iconic night-time uniforms), they rely entirely on their own bodies, voices and imagination, as well as the confidence they have in each other as performers.

Citing the likes of Jim Carrey, Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Rosie Perez and

Tom Waits as major influences, Allen and Chavez promise that Pterodactyl Nights will be more unwieldy and raucous than previous shows as they explore the thin divide between the surreal and the real.

And if you catch one of them trying to suppress a chuckle, don’t think they’re being unprofessional: they’re just enjoying playing for your entertainment.

(Brian Donaldson) ■ The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 16 Oct; The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 17 Oct.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 49

745-Comedy Lead PM BD.indd 49

25/08/2017 12:22

COMEDY | Previews

LOCAL LAUGHS GARETH WAUGH

EDINBURGH’S GARETH WAUGH HAS A GO AT OUR Q&A Can you tell us about the moment when you thought ‘stand-up is for me’?

When I was backpacking in Australia I picked up a job at the Sydney Comedy Store behind the bar.

They have a competition called Raw there that’s for new acts and I remember watching one night and the standard was shocking! I remember watching it and thinking ‘I could be as bad as that’.

Do you have any pre-show rituals you can tell us about?

Not really, though there is a slight moment right before I go on stage at some gigs where the absurdity of what I’m doing washes over me and I realise I’m getting to do something and play the same stages as some of my heroes and idols have played and it really gees me up.

5

How do you handle hecklers?

I actually do get heckled quite a lot. I think people look at me as an easy target or think I won’t handle it. I really enjoy it; it keeps you fresh and on your toes.

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

Racism, homophobia etc etc. I think that type of comedy is very rare, however. If you’re getting upset by a so-called ‘offensive’ comedian like Jim Jefferies, then grow up.

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

Don’t be a dick.

■ The Stand, Edinburgh, Mon 4, Wed 27 Sep; The Stand, Glasgow, Tue 12, Thu 21–Sat 23, Tue 26 Sep. See more of this q&a at list.co.uk/comedy

Y O R K

P L A C E

EDINBURGH | 0131 558 7272

333 WOODLANDS ROAD GLASGOW | 0141 212 3389

SCOTLAND’S LEGENDARY NEW

W W W. T H E S TA N D . C O . U K

Edinburgh: Mondays | Glasgow: Tuesdays

THE STAND COMEDY CLUB

COMEDY NIGHTS ONLY £3

STANDEDINBURGH STANDEDINBURGH

S C O T L A N D ’ S FAV O U R I T E C O M E D Y C L U B

STANDGLASGOW

LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK

STANDGLASGOW

50 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Comedy Previews PM BD.indd 50

25/08/2017 12:24

Previews | COMEDY

list.co.uk/film STAND-UP

JOEL DOMMETT King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 23 Sep; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sun 24 Sep You can slog away for years on the live comedy circuit making steady in-roads on the nation’s affections, but all it takes is a spot on a reality TV show to suddenly propel you into the big league. That is the fate which has befallen Joel Dommett whose appearance on I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! (for those who care about this kind of thing, he came second behind Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt) means he can now take his cheeky brand of stand-up to large theatres across the country.

Did he have any idea that the ITV show would have such an impact on his career? ‘It was a real gamble doing it,’ he admits. ‘I thought a lot about the pros and cons; the entire time I was in there I was so scared that the comedy community was going to shun me because I’d gone into a massively commercial reality show. But they’ve been so lovely, as well as this new demographic of people. To have both of those teams on my side is the dream, really.’

Now the Gloucestershire-born stand-up can take his work into sizeable rooms, but he doesn’t feel that it’s as much of a leap as others might think. ‘My shows, weirdly, have always been quite big, but whereas before they were kind of ironically big in small venues, now they just fit the larger rooms. There’s a real story arc to the show, a huge crescendo, and a really big epic ending.

‘People saw me on a reality show being kind of funny, so I feel I’m in a real position where I have to deliver more.

I’m fully aware that this reality TV thing might be a small bubble and that bubble might burst, so I’ve got to do my absolute best to deliver something which is beyond people’s expectations so they come back to see me again.’

(Brian Donaldson)

STAND-UP

LUISA OMIELAN Òran Mór, Glasgow, Fri 27 Oct; The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 29 Oct It’s been five years since Luisa Omielan brought her debut show to the Edinburgh Fringe. A singalong sob story turned on its head, wrapped in glitter and covered in hairspray, it asked What Would Beyoncé Do? She wrote it after coming out the other side of an especially tough time in her life, and found herself back living with her mum, comfort eating sandwiches and crying over an ex.

Proving you can’t keep a good woman down, the Salford Uni graduate (she got a first in performing arts) bounced back with Am I Right Ladies?!, a fierce but lovable and very real story of body positivity, daddy issues and take-no-shit female role models. It sold out in the West End, Australia, Singapore, America and Canada, and she brought out a book of the same name last year, too. She’d sent a copy to her dear old mum – her best friend, and also a big part of her stand-up material – to read, and shared her reply on Instagram: ‘Luisa darling, I have finished reading your book, I think it’s moving, very funny and simply beautiful. But what is “tea bagging?” I am from a different generation.’ Omielan’s much-loved mum sadly passed away in July, prompting an outpouring of tweets, letters and gifts from her fans, who’ve followed the pair online over the years. Omielan’s return to Scotland will be with that second hit show, a manifesto on good mental health that sticks the Vs up at thigh gaps and arrogant alpha males.

Her ‘mumma’ would be so very proud. (Claire Sawers) MY COMEDY HERO

YIANNI AGISILAOU The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 26 Sep; The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep You might think that touring a show called The Simpsons Taught Me Everything I Know would mean my comedy heroes must be Simpsons-related. And some are. But since The Simpsons is such a collaborative effort, who do you choose? Matt Groening, who conceived the show but has hardly written an episode? Conan O’Brien, author of classic episodes like ‘Homer Goes to College’ and Marge vs the Monorail’? John Swartzwelder, the Ron Swansonesque reclusive genius and recordholder for most episodes written (look up his self-published books, they’re utterly laugh-out-loud hilarious)? The amazing voice talents: Sam Simon? Al Jean? George Meyer?

They’re all incredible but if I have to nail it down, I choose satirical masters Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Their ability to reinvent South Park multiple times during its life (have you watched it recently?

Admit it, you haven’t. Rectify that and binge some RIGHT NOW!) and their eye for hypocrisy and ability to skewer both sides of a debate is rare: in the increasingly polarised world we live in, it’s sorely needed. They are bold and brave and risk significant backlash from their targets (‘Mom! Tom Cruise won’t come out of the closet!’). And what else is there to say about their side projects such as Book of Mormon, BASEketball and Team America except ‘fuck yeah!’.

Finally the fact that episodes are made in SIX DAYS (oh hamburgers!) means they’re able to react to and satirise events pretty much in real time. They’re ridiculously talented geniuses and I love them. (As told to Brian Donaldson) 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 51

745-Comedy Previews PM BD.indd 51

25/08/2017 12:24

COMEDY | Highlights

HITLIST

GREG DAVIES: YOU MAGNIFICENT BEAST The Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 12 Oct, atgtickets.com/ edinburgh The enormously tall and slightly manic-eyed comedian you’ll know from many a telly show returns to stand-up. Also King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 15 Oct, atgtickets.com/ venues/kings-theatre

oran-mor.co.uk Selfdescribed ‘human car crash of light entertainment’ puts on a belter of a show. See feature, page 27.

NICK HELM: THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO ME THAT I HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE TO MYSELF Òran Mór, Fri 13 Oct,

PAJAMA MEN: PTERODACTYL NIGHTS The Stand, Mon 16 Oct, thestand.co.uk Sketches, improvisations and character comedy from the physical duo. See preview,

page 49. Also The Stand, Edinburgh, Tue 17 Oct, thestand.co.uk SOFIE HAGEN: DEAD BABY FROG Citizens Theatre, Sat 21 Oct, citz.co.uk Brand new show from the 2015 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer, which we hope won’t actually contain any dead baby frogs.

LUISA OMIELAN: AM I RIGHT, LADIES? Òran Mór, Fri 27 Oct, oran-mor.co.uk The comedian returns with a follow-up to her What Would Beyoncé Do? show.

See preview, page 51. Also Perth Concert Hall, Perth, Sat 28 Oct, horsecross. co.uk; The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 29 Oct, thestand.co.uk

COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS GLASGOW FRANKIE BOYLE WORK IN PROGRESS The Stand, Mon 4 Sep, thestand.co.uk The razor-tongued comedian presents some brand new jokes, as well as more of his trademark dark, witty and hilarious material.

PHOTO: MARC MILLAR

Events are listed by city, then date.

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

upbeat wit from the former contestant on ITV’s Show Me the Funny.

JASON BYRNE: THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS The Stand, Sun 29 & Mon 30 Oct, thestand.co.uk The Dublin-born stand-up follows up his highly-acclaimed Propped Up tour with a new show full of energetic humour, props and fastthinking improv.

EDINBURGH

VIR DAS Òran Mór, Sun 17 Sep, oran-mor.co.uk Indian Bollywood actor and comedian who has his own Netflix special if you want to do your homework.

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS Usher Hall, Sat 9 Sep, usherhall. co.uk Writer, humourist and wit, brimming with sardonic social observations.

COMEDIAN RAP BATTLE The Stand, Wed 6 Sep, Mon 4 Oct, thestand.co.uk Are you bored with hiphop scene bores moaning on about their fast cars and beautiful women? The Wee Man aims to solve all this by bringing a Scottish slant to the genre and pitting the country’s best comedians against its finest rappers.

JOEL DOMMETT: LIVE King’s Theatre, Sat 23 Sep, edtheatres.com/kings The young comedy star with a cupboard full of accolades and dreadfully modern hair.

See preview, page 51. Also Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sun 24 Sep, atgtickets.com/venues/theatreroyal-glasgow

ABANDOMAN The Stand, Mon 9 Oct, thestand. co.uk Fast-paced musical comedy sketches and hip-hop improvisations from Rob Broderick. Also The Stand, Edinburgh, Wed 11 Oct, thestand. co.uk

MIRANDA SINGS Usher Hall, Sun 24 Sep, usherhall. co.uk A one-woman show from Colleen Ballinger’s alter ego, featuring magic, comedy, songs and dramatic readings of hate mail.

JIMMY CARR: THE BEST OF TOUR Perth Concert Hall, Sun 10 Sep, horsecross.co.uk Acerbic wit and dark, deadpan one-liners from familiar telly face Carr. Also SEC, Glasgow, Sat 21 Oct, sec.co.uk

SPAMALOT King’s Theatre, Tue 26-Sat 30 Sep, edtheatres.com/kings The Knights of the Round Table-spoofing musical from Monty Python, written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

DANIEL SLOSS: NOW Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Fri 15 Sep, macrobert.org The Scottish comedian, and recent recipient of the 2016 Sydney Comedy Festival ‘Best of the Fest’ International Award, presents his latest show. Also Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley, Sat 16 Sep, whatsonrenfrewshire. co.uk/listings/paisley-arts-centre; Cumbernauld Theatre, Sun 24 Sep, cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk; Birnam Arts & Conference Centre, Wed 27 Sep, birnamarts.com; The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, Thu 28 Sep, aberdeenperformingarts. com/venues/the-lemon-tree;

MILTON JONES IS OUT THERE Pavilion Theatre, Fri 20 Oct, paviliontheatre.co.uk Absurd oneliners from telly regular Jones.

JERRY SADOWITZ: COMEDIAN, MAGICIAN, PSYCHOPATH! Pavilion Theatre, Sat 21 Oct, paviliontheatre.co.uk Angry brilliance, with magic and stand-up, from the hurricane of Sadowitz. Adults only, and hard-to-offend ones at that.

PAUL FOOT: TIS A PITY SHE’S A PIGLET The Stand, Sun 15 Oct, thestand. co.uk Surreal and chaotic humour from the 2013 Sydney Comedy Awardwinning stand-up.

ELLIE TAYLOR: THIS GUY The Stand, Mon 23 Oct, thestand. co.uk Bubbly banter and energetic,

LEE NELSON: SERIOUS JOKER The Stand, Wed 25 Oct, thestand. co.uk Serial sneaker-into-places-he-

Susie McCabe

shouldn’t-be, Lee Nelson, returns with a new stand-up show.

OUT OF TOWN

Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, Sat 30 Sep, gardynetheatre.org.uk; Byre Theatre, St Andrews, Tue 10 Oct, byretheatre.com SUSIE MCCABE: LET’S GET PHYSICAL East Kilbride Arts Centre, Sat 30 Sep, slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/48/ east_kilbride_arts_centre Sharp observations on health, fitness and wellbeing. Also The Drouthy Cobbler, Elgin, Fri 6 Oct, thedrouthycobbler. uk;The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 8 Oct, thestand.co.uk; Mad Hatters, Inverness, Sat 21 Oct, hootananny. com; The Tunnels, Aberdeen, Fri 27 Oct, thetunnels.co.uk; Behind the Wall, Falkirk, Sat 28 Oct, behindthewall.co.uk SHAPPI KHORSANDI: OH MY COUNTRY! FROM MORRIS DANCING TO MORRISSEY Tolbooth, Stirling, Sun 22 Oct, culturestirling.org/tolbooth As a way of celebrating the 40th anniversary of her arrival in Britain, Shappi’s offering up a love letter to her country.

52 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Comedy Highlights PM BD.indd 52

25/08/2017 12:25

FILM

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

AFRICA IN MOTION Annual celebration of African cinema returns for its 12th year One of the highlights of Scotland’s autumn cinema calendar, Africa in Motion once again showcases a variety of stories addressing African and black identity. Among this year’s strands are Latin (in)visibility, which focuses on Afro-descendant history in Nicaragua, Colombia and Cuba; Reviving Scotland’s Black History, a mentoring programme for aspiring film curators to learn about black history in Scotland; and African Lost Classics, which will bring rare films to local audiences.

Screening as part of the last strand is Soleil O from Mauritanian auteur Med Hondo, which received critical acclaim at Cannes in

1970 but has not been much seen in the UK. Opening the festival this year is Alain Gomis’ Felicite; the film follows an aspiring singer as she navigates her way through Kinshasa, and won the Berlinale Silver Bear this year. Plus, there’s Pascale Lamche’s Winnie (pictured), a new documentary about the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, one of South Africa’s most controversial political figures. But that’s just a small taste: look out for the full programme announcement on Mon 25 Sep. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Various venues, Glasgow & Edinburgh, Fri 27 Oct–Sun 5 Nov.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 53

745-Film Lead PM.indd 53

25/08/2017 12:32

FILM | Reviews

ROMANTIC COMEDY

HOME AGAIN (12A) 97min ●●●●●

ROMANTIC DRAMA

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) 105min ●●●●● Domestic discord gives way to a transformative romance on a struggling farm in the assured debut of director Francis Lee. Festival favourite God’s Own Country is a fluidly shot, achingly honest film that reaches beyond its modest setting and low-key love affair to make a potent plea for countrywide change.

Josh O’Connor captivates as Johnny Saxby, a young Yorkshireman living an unhappy existence with his sour grandmother (Gemma Jones) and disgruntled father (Ian Hart).

He’s burdened with the upkeep of the family farm by day, following his father’s stroke, and drinks himself stupid by night. Things get interesting for Johnny when swarthy Romanian migrant Gheorghe (an instantly appealing Alec Secareanu) arrives to assist with the lambing. Theirs is a liaison that begins as primordial passion, consummated against the land itself, but that grows more intimate as the bitterly closed Johnny slowly opens himself up to the possibility of a better life.

Writer-director Lee grew up on a farm in Yorkshire and is fittingly respectful of the toil.

There’s real satisfaction in the gradual softening of a hard lad and joy in the lust and laughter that acts as a salve to the scowling oppression of the Saxby home, and the film shows the hidden humanity of those who at first seem almost comically unwelcoming.

Although Jones and Hart are underused, Lee beautifully illustrates how personal disappointment begets cruelty to others – a cycle that cannot easily be broken from within.

With Gheorghe as capable as he is kind, this outsider’s value to an insular, damaged family goes beyond his potential as a partner for Johnny. In a divided Britain crippled by its fear of foreigners, the wider point is clear. (Emma Simmonds) ■ Selected release from Fri 1 Sep.

Sickly sweet and tough to swallow, rom-com Home Again is a jagged little pill of contrivance and cliché from debut writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer that wastes the talents of Reese Witherspoon. She plays newly-single mum of two Alice who moves back to her childhood home in California, where a drunken night leads to a meeting with a trio of twentysomething wannabe filmmaker dudes. Improbably, the boys move into Alice’s guest house, winning over her cutesy kids and cynical mother (Candice Bergen) in no time.

That Witherspoon’s charm almost rises above such insipid material is no mean feat, considering it paints her as a clutz who we first meet ugly-crying over her separation. Later, she swoons over Harry (Pico Alexander), with whom she enjoys a steamy flirtation after he fixes her kitchen cabinet. Although there is chemistry between Alice and Harry, their dynamic relies too much on broad generational strokes: he throws up after drinking too much, she does his laundry, etc. And more time is invested in watching these boys attempt to realise their lofty ambitions than on Alice’s own journey. She, it seems, is content simply to plug the gap left by her ex with the new men in her life. (Nikki Baughan) ■ General release from Fri 29 Sep.

DRAMA

UNA (15) 92min ●●●●●

DOCUMENTARY

THE WORK (15) 89min ●●●●●

PHOTO: JOE WIGDAHL

Crime and punishment are viewed from a fresh perspective in a wide-ranging documentary that won the Grand Jury Award at this year’s SXSW. An acutely observed account of a group therapy session within the walls of Folsom State Prison, it challenges the purpose of incarceration without end and the restrictive expectations of modern masculinity. The result is an emotional journey resonating well beyond this hidden corner of America.

Twice a year, members of the public are allowed to join inmates of this maximum security Californian prison for four days of intense therapy. The Work selects three of the incomers from one session.

All of them have issues they want to explore and all arrive with varying degrees of scepticism about the therapy. What follows is a raw account of their experience in which director Jairus McLeary and co-director Gethin Aldous appear to have won a huge degree of trust. The film is unfiltered and uncompromising, with camerawork that places us right in the middle of the action as souls are bared and vulnerabilities confronted. Anyone dubious about the process is faced with the proof of their own eyes in a film that never feels exploitative and remains gripping throughout. (Allan Hunter) ■ Limited release from Fri 8 Sep.

The screen version of Scottish playwright David Harrower’s award-winning Blackbird makes for uncomfortable viewing as it explores the legacy of a relationship between a middle-aged man and a 13-year-old girl. Shifting between sympathy and revulsion, the film challenges an easy understanding of what transpired. There is no question it was child abuse, but are we willing to even consider that it might also have been a romance?

Una (Rooney Mara) is now in her twenties. She is promiscuous, embittered and shackled to her past. She heads to an industrial estate to confront Ray (Ben Mendelsohn), an ex family friend who took a shine to the young Una, promising they would run away together. Moving between the current confrontation and the past, Una struggles to break free from its theatrical roots and wastes the fine Riz Ahmed in a thankless supporting role. The quality of the central performances is what keeps you watching, with Mara impressing as a damaged survivor in search of a way to escape her living nightmare. A shifty Mendelsohn is creepily plausible, bringing out the ambiguity of a man who may have been sincere or may have been predatory, but who certainly should have known better. (Allan Hunter) ■ Selected release from Fri 1 Sep.

54 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Film reviews PM ES.indd 54

25/08/2017 14:08

Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/film

THRILLER

THRILLER

DRAMA

THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM

WIND RIVER

INSYRIATED

(15) 109min ●●●●●

(15) 107min ●●●●●

(15) 86min ●●●●●

A Victorian whodunit, Juan Carlos Medina’s second feature promises much but doesn’t always deliver.

Based on the novel Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem by Peter Ackroyd, it’s a Jack the Ripperesque tale set in a foggy old London. With a killer on the loose, in comes Scotland Yard detective John Kildare (Bill Nighy) to solve a case that has baffled the country’s finest minds.

Scripted by Jane Goldman, who did a better job with The Woman in Black than she does here, it sees Kildare become embroiled with music hall performer Lizzie Cree (Olivia Cooke), whose husband has died in mysterious circumstances. The detective suspects this dead spouse to be the Golem and, with Lizzie facing the gallows for his murder, Kildare busts a gut to prove his theory and rescue an innocent woman.

Medina never quite gets to grips with Goldman’s ever-shifting script, struggling to find a consistent rhythm. Cooke transfixes, while Nighy is good value, yet no cast member is able to overcome a story that telegraphs its twists so blatantly. Lacking any real scares, its ghoulish terror feels muted; but Medina’s depiction of Victorian London – particularly the music hall scene – is amply atmospheric. (James Mottram) ■ General release from Fri 1 Sep.

Noble of intention but no stranger to cliché, this is the first major feature from director Taylor Sheridan, the screenwriter behind Sicario, Oscar-nominated for his gloriously salty work on Hell or High Water. Adopting a solemn approach to its mystery and inspired by actual events, it highlights the appalling treatment of young Native American women. Set in snowy Wyoming, Jeremy Renner plays wildlife officer Cory who comes across the body of his dead daughter’s friend Natalie (Kelsey Asbille) whilst hunting wild cats on an Indian reservation. Elizabeth Olsen is a rookie FBI agent who brings Cory onboard as a tracker.

The emphasis on Natalie’s almost superhuman strength in the face of her ordeal is welcome. There are other positives: the overwhelming sense of sadness, the disinterest in grisly details and the awful credibility of the crime itself. But there are missteps too, whether it’s the sometimes hokey dialogue, or the way that Olsen’s agent is portrayed as needy and even love-struck. And that a maverick man is the film’s most valued person undermines its determination to humanise the female victim. Wind River is a film that intermittently impresses, yet keeps getting blown off course. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Fri 8 Sep.

‘Don’t let anyone manipulate you now,’ a woman earnestly advises her husband as they prepare their risky departure from war-battered Damascus. Sound advice, but a touch ironic in the context of a film which uses the most manipulative of genres – the melodrama and the home-invasion horror – to lend cinematic shape to the shapeless misery ongoing in Syria. Arguably anything that draws us closer to the ordeals of ordinary Syrians is doing useful work; and Philippe Van Leeuw’s cloistered drama of an ordinary household under fire has its strengths, chief among them the raw, heartfelt work of lead actresses Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bou Abboud and Juliette Navis.

Tension is effectively built up; the danger and the human drama feel painfully real. But it’s hard not to feel overly directed – by the one-note characterisation, by the highly constructed moral problems, and by the horribly syrupy score. Few would query the sincerity of the piece, nor the technical achievement of constructing a whole war movie within the confines of one apartment. What is questionable is whether much is achieved beyond a reminder of how lucky any of us is who gets to watch this and walk away at the end. (Hannah McGill) ■ Selected release from Fri 8 Sep.

MUSICAL DRAMA

PATTI CAKE$ (15) 109min ●●●●● This big-hearted, flavoursome yarn from first-timer Geremy Jasper unfolds against a backdrop of blistering beats and raucous rhymes. Yet the brash posturing of its fantasy sequences and fierce cusses of its rap battles make room for a more subtle brand of self-discovery.

New Jerseyite Patti (Danielle Macdonald) dreams of rap superstardom but, for now, she’s stuck in the doldrums. Although mocked for her size, she’s a grafter working two jobs to pay off the medical bills of her beloved Nana (a scene-stealing, foul-mouthed turn from Raging Bull’s Cathy Moriarty). Patti receives little thanks for her efforts from her chaotic mother Barb (Bridget Everett), a nearly-was rock-balladeer brought low by bitterness.

Australian actress Macdonald is an understated delight during the dramatic sequences, making her gusto during the musical numbers especially potent. Everett wails convincingly and has presence but some of her domestic scenes feel stiff.

More successful is the dynamic between Patti and her bestie (Siddharth Dhananjay) who dresses like a tough guy but whose unshakable bouncy positivity defines the film, while the tenderness of the romance between Patti and a forest-dwelling metalhead (Mamoudou Athie) adds a sweet note.

Patti Cake$ generates more than enough goodwill with its depiction of endearing outsiders to earn its shamelessly euphoric conclusion. As Patti spits out her lyrics – lewd, incendiary and eventually empowering – writer-director Jasper announces his own arrival with a great deal of swagger. His debut shows how it’s easy to lose sight of your dreams when life delivers body blows, but ultimately Patti’s journey is a joyous one as she learns to speak her truth. (Emma Simmonds) ■ General release from Fri 1 Sep. 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 55

745-Film reviews PM ES.indd 55

25/08/2017 14:08

FILM | Reviews

MUSIC DOCUMENTARY

ON THE ROAD (TBC) 112min ●●●●●

ROMANTIC DRAMA

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (TBC) 130min ●●●●● A coming-of-age romance, sensitively and sensuously hewn, Luca Guadagnino’s latest film is a triumph. Following his hyper-stylised marital drama I Am Love and the more looselimbed remake A Bigger Splash, this adaptation of André Aciman’s novel is yet another change of gear. Featuring a career-best performance from Armie Hammer and a careermaking one from Timothée Chalamet, it’s a dreamily evocative piece that transports the viewer to rural Italy for an intimate summer of love.

Set in 1983, the story begins as Hammer’s Oliver arrives at the lavish Perlman residence in Lombardy, where he will spend the warm summer months as intern to the family’s patriarch (Michael Stuhlbarg), a professor specialising in Greco-Roman sculpture. Slowly but surely he forms a strong bond with his mentor’s 17-year-old son, Elio (Chalamet), a bond which goes beyond friendship as feelings begin to flourish.

With a screenplay by veteran filmmaker James Ivory, this is a beautifully written, almost bashful piece that watches events cautiously from Elio’s point-of-view, as he observes and gradually falls for the handsome twentysomething. Chalamet, who previously came to attention in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, is almost painful to behold at times, so unbearable is it to see this young man struggling with his heightened emotions.

Seasoned with ideas and intellect, Call Me by Your Name is a cultured work that jettisons the usual patronising adult-adolescent barriers, presenting a languid world where innocence and experience mix and, frankly, it’s intoxicating. With the love scenes reserved but ripe, Guadagnino and his team get every creative decision just right. The result is one of the year’s best films. (James Mottram) ■ General release from Fri 27 Oct.

For this documentary following indie band Wolf Alice, British director Michael Winterbottom blends fact and fiction, in a similar but less accomplished manner to his work on The Trip. He inserts a flimsy fake romance between a roadie and a music manager played by James McArdle and Leah Harvey.

The young actors are fantastic and ease into the group convincingly, yet their story feels fabricated from the start. The film is at its best when it lets the music and musicians speak for themselves.

Observing the band play acoustic radio sessions, attempt to get some rest, dance to noughties rock hits and share jokes as they wait around for the next gig adds an intimacy that also reveals how much hard work goes into making them successful.

Winterbottom captures that giddy feeling between excitement and exhaustion that comes from being on tour, and inserts interesting snippets of conversations from the crew. The gig scenes are atmospheric and filmed from the audience’s pointof-view, with vocalist and guitarist Ellie Rowsell whipping up a thrilling mood. After watching the modest musicians perform and hang out for nearly two hours you’ll want to book tickets to see them play live immediately. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ Selected release from Fri 29 Sep.

ACTION THRILLER

STRATTON (15) 94min ●●●●●

DRAMA

ZOOLOGY (15) 91min ●●●●● Growing a tail might be the best thing that ever happened to the central character in Zoology, a complex story told in a compact, satisfying fashion.

Director Ivan I Tverdovsky’s second feature is a sly contemporary fairytale that speaks to Putin’s Russia but resonates much wider as it explores the cost of daring to be different when conformity seems safer.

Natasha (a wonderful, beautifully nuanced performance by Natalya Pavlenkova) is a middle-aged procurement manager at a zoo. She has a better relationship with the caged animals than she does with her cruel colleagues. Life unfolds in shades of grey until she starts to grow a tail, a special secret that becomes a great catalyst for change as she attracts the attentions of a younger doctor (Dmitriy Groshev) and begins engaging with the world. But Natasha’s individuality comes at a price.

One of the great achievements of Zoology is the effortless way it encourages the suspension of your disbelief. The premise seems ridiculous on paper but is handled with such conviction and wit that you never doubt it. Tverdovsky’s sure touch, bone-dry social satire and affinity with the outsider confirms him as a talent to watch. (Allan Hunter) ■ Selected release from Fri 29 Sep.

This formulaic B-movie starring Dominic Cooper focuses on the Special Boat Service, the special forces unit of the Royal Navy. Based on the novel by Duncan Falconer – a former SBS commando who co-adapts here – Stratton shows the highly skilled, crazily dangerous work involved. The underwater opener alone is enough to give you the bends.

Cooper’s John Stratton is 007-lite, a loner dedicated to working for Her Majesty. When his partner is killed in action, he hunts down international terrorist Grigory Barovsky (Thomas Kretschmann) who is threatening to set off a dirty bomb.

The characterisation is anaemic but what Stratton does have going for it, particularly given its limited resources, is a director who can stage action; Con Air’s Simon West generates a few thrills along the way and Cooper convinces in the lead.

Unfortunately, the film is hampered by dreary exposition and poor acting, particularly from Connie Nielsen – totally miscast as the SBS boss – and Derek Jacobi, who hams it up as Stratton’s boozy mate. Locations like Rome add glamour but hardly on the scale of, say, Spectre. Enjoyable, but only if your expectations are low, this is not likely to inspire a sequel anytime soon. (James Mottram) ■ General release from Fri 1 Sep.

56 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Film reviews PM ES.indd 56

25/08/2017 14:08

Reviews | FILM

list.co.uk/film

PHOTO: ANDREW OGILVY PHOTOGRAPHY

DRAMA

WESTERN

COMEDY HORROR

DAPHNE

BRIMSTONE

DOUBLE DATE

(TBC) 90min ●●●●●

(18) 149min ●●●●●

(TBC) 90min ●●●●●

Young women in crisis are still a rarity onscreen, especially outside of rom-coms. The narrative feature debut of Scottish director Peter Mackie Burns has its share of unconventionally packaged romance and comedy but eventually plumps for a more sombre outlook. Emily Beecham plays 31-year-old Daphne: heartbreaker, wisecracker, know-it-all and headcase, who’s yet to get her shit together and is spiralling even before she witnesses something which knocks her for six.

Although not well-served by Nico Mensinga’s script, which fails to gift her the pithy put-downs the character deserves, Beecham radiates charisma and is shot with such reverence by Adam Scarth that trainee-chef Daphne inhabits London Town like a 60s siren. Scarth’s vibrant cinematography captures the thrill of big city living, the random encounters and the equally random acts of violence. However, there’s not much meat for the supporting characters and the film never finds its footing tonally, meandering in a way that suits its directionless protagonist but that isn’t always compelling or insightful. Still, it has plenty of promise for a debut and Beecham makes a persuasive pitch for star status. (Emma Simmonds) ■ Selected release from Fri 29 Sep.

Female suffering fuels Dutch writer-director Martin Koolhoven’s relentlessly brutal and weirdly flat western, set at the end of the 19th century. Dakota Fanning is Liz, a young woman stalked mercilessly by an evil reverend (Guy Pearce). Kit Harington appears as an unconvincing cowboy who attempts to save the day; Carla Juri is far more persuasive as a fearless prostitute whose tongue is cut out for insubordination, while Carice van Houten’s pale complexion and stooping demeanour poignantly reflect her tortured existence.

As events draw to a close you’ll be gasping for sweet relief after watching women being raped, flogged and murdered for two and a half hours. The persistent violence and bloodshed borders on the absurd the longer the film wears on, and Pearce’s cartoonish villain is hard to take seriously.

Koolhoven conjures up the occasional arresting image concerning the silencing and erasure of women, which infuses his film with traces of power.

The landscapes are beautifully shot and Fanning is an engaging presence throughout, yet the punishing themes make contact like a blunt instrument.

(Katherine McLaughlin) ■ Limited release from Fri 29 Sep.

Swedish psychedelic band Goat provide the pulsating score for director Benjamin Barfoot’s promising debut. Combining tomfoolery and bloodshed, and penned by leading man Danny Morgan, it sees two sisters embark on a quest to kill a virgin for an occult ritual. Morgan plays Jim, about to turn 30 and gagging to pop his cherry. While out with best mate Alex (Michael Socha), he bumps into the alluring Kitty (Kelly Wenham) and Lulu (Georgia Groome) who agree to head to East London with him. Jim’s awkward chat-up lines aren’t a turn-off for women with murder on their minds and so debauchery, hilarity and ultimately carnage ensues.

Wenham gives a great physical performance, kickboxing with panache and killing with relish.

Groome is assured, too, while the more established Socha (This Is England) plays a wise-cracking lad with his usual confidence, and Morgan delivers some of the film’s funniest moments. The dialogue lacks some snap but the fight scenes are a heady display of fury and fun, and Barfoot’s first film zips along, with momentum maintained even in the quieter sequences thanks to the commitment of its cast. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■ General release from Fri 13 Oct.

COMEDY DRAMA

THE PARTY (TBC) 71min ●●●●● British writer-director Sally Potter returns with her most uproarious film yet. Shot in black-and-white and running to a succinct 71 minutes, The Party is a nimble ensemble comedy that gathers together a fine cast for a cutting swipe at the uppermiddle-class. Set over the course of a single evening, the film begins as high-flying Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) prepares for an intimate gathering at her home to celebrate her promotion to Shadow Health Minister.

As her mournful-looking academic husband Bill (Timothy Spall) plays his music too loudly in the living room, their friends begin to arrive. The acerbic April (Patricia Clarkson, superb) is accompanied by a partner (Bruno Ganz) she seems to despise.

Meanwhile, Martha (Cherry Jones) and her younger lover Jinny (Emily Mortimer) have just discovered they’re about to become parents to triplets. And then there’s Tom (Cillian Murphy), a banker with a coke problem who arrives looking to spoil the party.

Indebted to films like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Potter serves up revelations and recriminations alongside the champagne and canapés.

Socialism versus capitalism is also a huge topic, as Potter’s wellto-do left-wing idealists turn on Murphy’s city boy.

Filled with fine performances – notably Ganz, who is hilarious as airy-fairy life coach Gottfried – it’s as riotous as it is pertinent, the perfect tonic in Brexit Britain. Aided by some expert cinematography and production design and making for a fascinating contrast to her anti-mainstream movies like The Tango Lesson and Rage, Potter proves that she can tap into the zeitgeist and take the pulse of the nation. This is well worth catching.

(James Mottram) ■ General release from Fri 13 Oct. 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 57

745-Film reviews PM ES.indd 57

25/08/2017 14:08

FILM | Highlights

HITLIST

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY A young Yorkshireman living with his sour grandmother and disgruntled father has his life turned upside-down by the arrival of a Romanian migrant. This transformative romance from director Francis Lee opened this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival.

See review, page 54. Out Fri 1 Sep.

to Ridley Scott’s classic film of emotional androids, this time with added Ryan Gosling. Out Fri 6 Oct.

IT New Stephen King adaptation. When children disappear in Derry, Maine, the neighbourhood kids

unite against evil clown Pennywise. Out Fri 8 Sep. BLADE RUNNER 2049 The long-awaited sequel

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Summer of 1983, Northern Italy. A 17-year-old American-Italian (Timothée Chalamet) is enamoured by an American student (Armie Hammer) who comes

to study and live with his family. Together they share an unforgettable summer full of music, food, and romance that will forever change them. See review, page 56. Out Fri 27 Oct. THOR: RAGNAROK Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) gets his crack at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Out Fri 27 Oct.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

Borg/McEnroe

MOON DOGS Step brothers Michael and Thor are joined by Irish waitress Caitlin on a road trip from Shetland to Glasgow. Out Fri 1 Sep. PATTI CAKE$ Big-hearted drama about New Jerseyite Patti (Danielle Macdonald), who dreams of rap stardom. See review, page 55. Out Fri 1 Sep. A TASTE OF SILENTS A new season of classic silent films from the team behind HippFest, with each screening featuring a live musical accompaniment. Hippodrome, Bo’Ness, Sat 2 Sep–Sat 11 Nov. INSYRIATED A middle-class family is barricaded inside their flat in the middle of Damascus as war rages outside, in Philippe Van Leeuw’s cloistered drama. See review, page 55. Out Fri 8 Sep. THE WORK This documentary follows three men who participate in a group therapy session in Folsom Prison. Winner of the Grand Jury Award at this year’s SXSW. See review, page 54. Out Fri 8 Sep. AMERICAN ASSASSIN Michael Cuesta’s thriller centres on counter-terrorism agent Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien), with a cast that includes Michael Keaton, Taylor Kitsch and David Suchet. Out Thu 13 Sep. DAVID GILMOUR: LIVE AT POMPEII An audio-visual spectacle, featuring lasers, pyrotechnics and a huge circular screen on which specially created films complement selected songs, but paramount above all is the music and performances from an all-star band.

Out Wed 13 Sep.

TAKE ONE ACTION! FILM FESTIVAL A film festival with a political slant, founded on the belief that ‘cinematic experiences can inspire lasting change’ and offering a series of talks and programmes showing how films can be used to empower communities on an international stage. This year’s highlights include Whose Streets?, a first-hand account of the Ferguson protests and an important insight into the Black Lives Matter movement; Stranger In Paradise, a provocative look at EU immigration policy; and An Insignificant Man, a documentary about the rise of ‘the Bernie Sanders of India’, Arvind Kejriwal. Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, Wed 13–Sun 24 Sep, takeoneaction.org.uk/ festivals.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND – DIRECTOR’S CUT

(4K RESTORATION) Richard Dreyfuss plays a power company technician who investigates a mysterious blackout and finds himself facing an alien. A magnificent movie, and Steven Spielberg at his best. Out Fri 14 Sep. MOTHER! In Darren Aronofsky’s latest horror drama, a couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Domnhall Gleeson and Javier Bardem. Out Fri 15 Sep. VICTORIA AND ABDUL An unlikely friendship between young Indian clerk Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal) and Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is frowned upon by the Queen’s inner circle. But as their friendship develops, she begins to see a changing world through new eyes, in this new film

from Stephen Frears (Florence Foster Jenkins, Philomena) Out Fri 15 Sep. THE VILLAINESS (AK-NYEO) A trained assassin tries to put her former life behind her when she starts a new life as an actress. But her past soon returns to haunt her. Out Fri 15 Sep. VHS TRASH FEST 2017 Film festival celebrating the worst of bad films. Opening with Brian Yuzna’s body horror yuck-fest Society, and featuring Clive Barker’s Nightbreed and Video Nasty slasher The Burning.

Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 15 & Sat 16 Sep, facebook.com/vhstrashfest.

BORG/MCENROE Danish director Janus Metz takes on the story of the 1980s tennis rivalry between the placid Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and the volatile John

58 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Film Highlights PM.indd 58

25/08/2017 12:37

Highlights | FILM

McEnroe (here played by the one and only Shia LaBeouf). Out Fri 22 Sep. IN BETWEEN Three Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture, in Maysaloun Hamoud’s acclaimed drama. Out Fri 22 Sep. GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL Innovative festival for young audiences curated by programmers aged 15–19. This year’s highlights include the Scottish premiere of At Eye Level, winner of the Best Family Film at the German Film Awards, and the Scottish premiere of Jasper Jones, starring Toni Collette and Hugo Weaving. Also look out for screenings of Luc Besson’s Leon and Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. Various Venues, Glasgow, Fri 22–Sun 24 Sep, glasgowfilm.org/shows/glasgowyouth-film-festival.

BLACK SABBATH: THE END OF THE END Music doc chronicling the heavy metal legend’s final ever live show. Out Thu 28 Sep. DAPHNE Daphne (Emily Beecham) is a

wisecracking 31-year-old who thinks she knows it all before she witnesses something which knocks her for six.

Peter Mackie Burns’ narrative debut benefits from Beecham’s charismatic performance: a star in the making. See review, page 57. Out Fri 29 Sep. ZOOLOGY Natasha (Natalya Pavlenkova) feels more at home with the animals that she works with at the zoo than her colleagues. When she starts to grow a tail, she becomes confident and happy, attracting the attention of younger doctor Petya (Dmitriy Groshev). But her happiness comes at a price as there are consequences to standing out in Putin’s Russia. See review, page 56. Out Fri 29 Sep. METROPOLITAN OPERA LIVE: NORMA Bellini’s masterpiece in a new production directed by Sir David McVicar. Out Sat 7 Oct. ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: CORIOLANUS A chance to see the RSC’s take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Out Wed 11 Oct. THE PARTY Sally Potter’s latest starts as a celebration and ends with blood on the floor. The star-studded cast

A Taste Of Silents

includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall, Cillian Murphy and a superb Patricia Clarkson. See review, page 57. Out Fri 13 Oct. 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. See preview, page 53. Various venues, Scotland, Fri 27 Oct–Sun 5 Nov, africa-in-motion.org.uk.

GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI Music doc covering the life of Grace Jones, featuring a selection of live performances. Out Fri 27 Oct. EDINBURGH SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL Film festival for anyone interested in cinema and Spanish and Latin American culture. Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Wed 4–Sat 14 Oct; Glasgow Film Theatre, Tue 24–Thu 26 Oct; Macrobert, Stirling, Tue 31 Oct, edinburghspanishfilmfestival.com

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 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 59

745-Film Highlights PM.indd 59

25/08/2017 12:37

Featuring Jousting and much more

A C E L E B R AT I O N O F E Q U I N E H E R I TAG E

A full day of activity on Saturday 9 September, 10am-4pm at the Helix Park, Falkirk HelixFalkirk |

@HelixFalkirk |

helixfalkirk | thehelix.co.uk

#Horsepower #HHA2017 #TheKelpies Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council. Reg. charity number SC042403

60 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 60

25/08/2017 13:45

KIDS

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

MUSIC, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING Fun exploration for kids of the collision between music and science Intervals are usually for rushing to the toilet or eating crisps, but make sure you nip to the loo beforehand at Music, The Universe and Everything because at this afternoon concert, the fun never stops. Hands-on music and science demonstrations are planned for before the concert and in the interval – during the show itself, you can leave it to Greg Foot (pictured) to make some mess and noise.

He’ll have some competition though, with the 80 musicians of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra backing his demonstrations and chat about the various ways music and science collide. Aimed at anyone aged eight and over, the

concert will explore the inner workings of our ears, explain how sound waves work, and play you music by composers who were inspired by the solar system.

Foot is known to many as Blue Peter’s ‘Science Guy’, as well as accruing millions of YouTube views answering curious questions about science. ‘I’m really excited about this event,’ he says, ‘because it combines two of my real passions: science and music. And I’m also really looking forward to working with the marvellous BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra — it’s going to be a really special afternoon.’ (Kelly Apter) ■ City Halls, Glasgow, Sun 8 Oct.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 61

745-Kids Lead PM KA.indd 61

25/08/2017 12:45

KIDS | Previews & Reviews BOOK ADAPTATION

AWFUL AUNTIE Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 28–Sat 30 Sep Grown-ups know David Walliams as a television personality from Little Britain and Britain’s Got Talent, but the younger generation is probably more aware of him as the prolific and best-selling writer of a range of children’s books in the Roald Dahl tradition. A good indicator of just how popular his works are is how readily theatre groups adapt them, and this autumn will see the arrival of the latest book-to-stage transfer – 2014’s Awful Auntie, in which awful Aunt Alberta and her owl try to take young Stella Saxby’s inheritance from her.

‘I adored the book when I read it and fell totally in love with Stella,’ says adaptor / director, Neal Foster, of Birmingham Stage Company who have previously adapted Walliams’ Gangsta Granny. ‘I knew this gripping and very unusual story would make a fabulous theatre show, with an epic struggle between two very strong female characters.

‘The problem was, I had no idea how it could be physically done, but my wonderful set designer Jackie Trousdale has created a very adventurous and ambitious set. It recreates Saxby Hall with a Rolls Royce car, a giant owl and special effects, all wrapped up in the most thrilling story which unfolds in real time. If we get it right, it will be scary and hilarious all at the same time.’

(David Pollock)

INTERACTIVE BOOKLET

FAMILY ART TRAIL Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, until Sun 29 Oct ●●●●● If the recent proposal to close Inverleith House as an art gallery served to remind people just how wonderful a place to see art it is, the current exhibition Plant Scenery of the World doubles that resolve.

The gallery has produced a smart little resource for families, too, in the form of a small booklet for children to fill in as they go round the exhibition. It is best-suited to the kind of lively minded over-six-year-old who is happy to lie on the floor and draw. At its best, it really enhances the more abstract elements of the exhibition – and it’s worth grabbing a copy even if you are kid-free.

Younger children will need more guidance and the booklet better serves as a handy tool for adults to help the child engage with the art. Not that any is needed in the super-tactile room with big glass eyes where you take your shoes off to walk on the fabric-lined floor.

Not all elements can be rendered child-friendly. Perhaps the most interesting room is hung with Victorian drawings prepared for a book which was never published. The pictures contain fantastic detail of exotic plants and animals, but are just too high for anyone under five foot, or in a wheelchair.

However, the booklet serves its purpose well. There are drawing and colouring activities in the basement of the building, too, but if engagement is what you want, not rainy day activities, then grab the booklet on the way in. (Thom Dibdin) PLAY

ROCKET POST Platform, Glasgow, Tue 19 & Wed 20 Sep, then touring Scotland until end of Oct It’s 1934 and German rocket scientist named Gerhard Zucker is about to show off his fantastic new invention. He’s designed a rocket, he says, which will be used to deliver post, and he’s going to launch it from the Western Isles of Scarp to Harris. The fact we don’t launch letters by missile in the 21st century probably tells us all we need to know about the success of his mission, but it’s a great story, which is why the National Theatre of Scotland have adapted it as a children’s play.

‘Some people think Gerhard was a fraud and trickster, others think he was a pretty poor scientist but an excellent showman,’ says writer and director, Lewis Hetherington. ‘Some think he had the makings of a great rocketeer, some think he was a dangerous eccentric. That’s partly what appealed to me – trying to find the story amongst the fragments of history, to make sense of how he might have been. Plus the idea of rockets full of letters exploding into the sky feels like such a great metaphor for communication going in the most surprising and unexpected directions.’

In this story, Hetherington sees a wealth of relatable themes – of ambition, failure, hope and a sense of connection. ‘A big part of the story is about a young girl called Bellag,’ he says, ‘and how inspired and amazed she is by this newcomer, how he expands her worldview and challenges everything she knows. The show is staged in a way that feels like you’re part of the action. I like the idea of it feeling like a group of people round a campfire, all sharing a moment before heading off back to our own lives.’ (David Pollock) 62 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Kids Previews PM KA.indd 62

25/08/2017 12:45

Highlights | KIDS

HITLIST

ROCKET POST Platform, Glasgow, Tue 19 & Wed 20 Sep, platform-online.co.uk The National Theatre of Scotland present this fun show about an eccentric inventor trying

to send post by rocket. See preview, page 60. Also touring, see list.co.uk/ kids for details

no idea what has happened.

See preview, page 60. Also touring, see list.co.uk/ kids for details

AWFUL AUNTIE Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Thu 28–Sat 20 Sep, glasgowtheatreroyal.org. uk David Walliam’s tale of Stella, who goes to London with her parents and wakes up three months later with

MUSIC, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING City Halls, Glasgow, Sun 8 Oct, glasgowconcerthalls. com A BBC SSO concert exploring the weird worlds of music and science.

Suitable for ages 8+. See preview, page 59.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Fri 20–Tue 31 Oct, scottishstorytelling centre.co.uk A 12-day celebration of stories, with

a diverse programme of events for adults, children and families. See preview, page 45.

BAMBINO Scottish Opera, Glasgow, Sat 21 Oct–Sun 5 Nov, scottishopera.org.uk Scottish Opera’s new opera for babies aged 6–18 months. See our 4-star review at list.co.uk/kids

KIDS HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW PAW PATROL LIVE SEC, Glasgow, Fri 1–Sun 3 Sep, pawpatrollive.com The popular cartoon about young Ryder and his gang of rescue dogs makes the transition to the stage. Also touring, see list.co.uk/kids for details.

STICK MAN King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Sep, stickmanlive.com Scamp Theatre use puppetry, live music and songs to present Julia Donaldson’s popular picture book about a stick man trying to get back to the family tree. Also touring, see list.co.uk/kids for details.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN Braehead Arena, Glasgow, Fri 22 Sep–Sun 1 Oct, braehead-arena. co.uk The extremely popular Disney animation makes the transition to ice.

Naturally. Also touring, see list.co.uk/ kids for details.

LIZ PICHON SEC, Glasgow, Sat 14 Oct, sec.co.uk This interactive book reading features doodling, sound effects and lots of other fun activities. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details.

MAGIPUP FESTIVAL Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow, Sat 14–Sun 22 Oct, maskandpuppet.co.uk Eight days of magic, puppet shows and workshops.

THE HAIRY MACLARY AND FRIENDS SHOW Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 15 Oct, hairymaclaryshow.co.uk 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.

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen

EDINBURGH MURDER AT THE MUSEUM National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Fri 29 Sep, explorathon. co.uk/edinburgh An afternoon of forensic science: learn about poisons and dig into the stories behind death, past and present.

OCTOBER HALF TERM: ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, Sat 14–Sun 22 Oct, dynamicearth.co.uk This October half term, be an Earth Explorer at Dynamic Earth, travel through time in the immersive exhibition and enjoy extra activities with your admission.

MINI ZOOMERS Summerhall, Edinburgh, until Fri 29 Sep, lensonlegsworkshops.co.uk Tactile play and sensory fun with your little one.

HALLOWEEN MAGIC SCHOOL Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh, Mon 16 Oct, edinburghmuseums.org. uk Learn, create and perform your own magic at a spooky, magic workshop this Halloween.

SING-A-LONG-A DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 7 Oct, edtheatres.com Celebrate the brand new adaptation of Disney’s iconic fairytale with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in.

RECITALS FOR WRIGGLERS Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Sun 22 Oct, royalcollection.org.uk/ visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse Gentle classical music and stories for babies and toddlers. See our 4-star review at list.co.uk

VOLCANO FUN DAY Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Sat 7 Oct, historicenvironment.scot Family activity day based around volcanoes extinct, dormant and active, with handson activities and walks up our own volcano, Arthur’s Seat.

FAMILY ART TRAIL Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, until Sun 29 Oct, rbge.org.uk Family trail running alongside Plant Scenery of the World, an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Botanic Gardens’ iconic modernist glasshouses. See

review, page 60.

SUNDAY FUNDAY The Yard Adventure Centre, Edinburgh, 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.

OUT OF TOWN WHITE Cumbernauld Theatre, Fri 20 & Sat 21 Oct, catherinewheels.co.uk Catherine Wheels’ popular show set in a world of white, until bright colours start to appear and change everything.

Perfect for tinies.

PIRATE FUN DAY HM Frigate Unicorn, Dundee, Sat 28 Oct, frigateunicorn.org All aboard for a pirate-themed day of fun activities and a pirate exhibition on the Unicorn. Enjoy face painting, treasure hunts and more.

HALLOWEEN FUN DAY Traquair House, Innerleithen, Sun 29 Oct, traquair.co.uk A day full of ghouls, games and ghosts for all the family.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 63

745-Kids Highlights PM KA.indd 63

25/08/2017 12:46

64 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 64

25/08/2017 14:23

MUSIC

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

ÍMAR

International folk supergroup hit the road Ímar, the latest folk supergroup to emerge from the British Isles’ scene, features players from Scotland, Ireland, England and the Isle of Man, with members of groups including Manran, RURA and Talisk among their number. In folk circles, their rise is on its way to becoming meteoric.

‘We launched in 2016 and not long after that arrived at a career highlight when our first billed gig was opening Cambridge Folk Festival,’ says Glasgow-raised concertina player Mohsen Amini. ‘Then we launched our album [Afterlight] at Celtic Connections, and that took us by surprise when it earned five-star reviews. Since then we’ve been touring. We’re just really enjoying the

chance to play our music and take it around the world.’

It’s a modest ambition for a group who who have amassed a significant haul of trad music trophies between them. The band members – Amini, Adam Brown (bodhran), Ryan Murphy (pipes, whistle), Tomas Callister (fiddle) and Adam Rhodes (bouzouki) – have won nine Irish and eight British titles altogether.

‘All our traditions have a common ground,’ says Amini. ‘From the first rehearsal we all blended together really well. Our sound has continued to mature and become a distinctive Ímar voice.’ (David Pollock) Q Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Mon 4 Sep.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 65

745-Music Lead PM YS KS.indd 65

25/08/2017 13:12

MUSIC | Club Noir

NOIR NO MORE As Club Noir closes after 14 years, Henry Northmore talks to the brains behind the world’s biggest burlesque club

W

hen Club Noir started, there wasn’t anything like it in Scotland. It took cabaret to the next level, inviting the audience to forget their humdrum lives and dive head first into a world of decadence. What really set it apart was the attention to detail from founders Tina Warren and Ian Single, who genuinely loved the artform. Each night was handcrafted with individual acts and performances, alongside set dressing and custom costumes.

Music has been a key element, too, with DJs spinning a mix of vintage and modern music. ‘People might think there wasn’t any great dance music from the 30s,’ says Warren. ‘But there definitely is and our DJs are absolutely wonderful.’ The night consists of two live sets mixing classic burlesque, musicians, bands and dancers, plus they’ve hosted performers from the RSNO, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet over the years. ‘When we had Ballet Blue join us – two amazing dancers from Scottish Ballet – that was a game changer. It gave us a stamp of quality and you have to up your game when you are sharing a stage with someone like that.’

However, performers come from all walks of life. ‘Sometimes I’ll just see a waitress and she’s got that little something special, so I’ll say: “hey, you should give burlesque a try.” Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t,’ admits Warren, ‘but I think that’s what makes our shows and our troupe quite exciting, it’s not all amazing classically trained dancers. You think: “maybe I could do that”.’

Club Noir is now the longest running burlesque night in the world and is officially the biggest. ‘When we set out we never, ever dreamed it would get that big,’ explains Warren, ‘it just happened –

a big thanks to the people of Scotland for that. We had an idea we were much bigger than anyone else, so we thought “let’s make this official” and got Guinness World Records to verify it for us.’

Channing Tatum, Helena Bonham Carter and Vanessa Paradis have all walked through the doors of Club Noir. Tatum popped in while filming The Eagle around Loch Lomond and ‘coincidently’ set up his own burlesque bar, Saints & Sinners, in New Orleans a couple of years later.

Now, sadly, Club Noir have decided to pack up their sequins and bring down the final curtain. ‘I’ve been doing it for 14 years and that’s 14 years super-intensely,’ says Warren. ‘I love burlesque, I love Club Noir, it’s my passion, it’s my baby, but I need a break from it. I want do something else and now feels like a good time to end it on a high while everyone still loves it.’

There will be two final chances to experience the glitz and glamour: Halloween and Hogmanay. Naturally, All Hallows Eve fits Club Noir like a silk glove with their ethos of dressing up and otherworldly thrills, but with a ghoulish supernatural twist. Warren promises the return of several of the club’s favourite acts alongside some new performers.

And, of course, New Year’s Eve is the biggest party on the planet, the perfect date to bow out. ‘I thought, going into 2018, there’s a finality to it. The end of an era. We’ll wake up the next day and have all these lovely memories; it’ll be very poignant.’

Clubbers are also asked to play their part; encouraged to dress up and embrace the madness. If you arrive dressed in jeans and a

66 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music Club Noir PM YS KS.indd 66

25/08/2017 13:08

MUSIC | Club Noir

list.co.uk/music

A REGULAR MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY

t-shirt or leggings, you will be turned away. ‘As soon as you step through the doors it feels like you’ve been transported into a parallel universe,’ explains Warren. ‘Our audience always go further than we expect, they dress madly and wildly. You can be completely yourself.’

Club Noir proved there was an appetite for burlesque in Scotland. And since they burst onto the scene, other clubs and venues have followed their lead. Glasgow has plenty to offer with the 1920s themed Gatsby Club; Spangled Cabaret at the QMU; Enterteasement adds comedy and magic to the mix at the Admiral and there’s ‘Scotland’s only dedicated cabaret restaurant’, Wild Cabaret & Wicked Lounge, in the Merchant City. Over in Edinburgh, the Voodoo Rooms hosts regular burlesque nights, and if you want to go even more extreme, London’s Torture Garden swings into town on a semi-regular basis.

As burlesque has grown in popularity, there have been thousands of column inches devoted to whether it is empowering or demeaning, a feminist statement or glorified stripping.

Warren just laughs: ‘It is stripping! If anyone starts trying to put an arty spin on it they are just being pretentious. I pride myself on burlesque being the lowest form of art: it’s meant to be sexy and sleazy and fun.’ (Henry Northmore)

NO SUPPORT WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

GLASGOW THE SSE HYDRO by arrangement with Neil O’Brien Entertainment

STONE FOUNDATION “STREET RITUALS AUTUMN TOUR 2017” plus special guests

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST

& THE PALLBEARERS

SETH ENNIS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

Saturday 14 October

O2 ABC

GLASGOW Sunday 15 October

THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER

GLASGOW ORAN MOR

QUEEN’S HALL EDINBURGH

EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 0141 353 8000 LITTLEBIGTOWN.COM

0131 668 2019

IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAA by arrangement with Neil O’Brien Entertainment

SIOBHAN WILSON

Club Noir Halloween, O2 Academy, Glasgow, Sat 28 Oct; Club Noir New Year’s Eve, O2 ABC, Glasgow, Sun 31 Dec.

plus special guest Plastic Animals (solo)

Sun 1st Oct

Tues 3rd Oct

GLASGOW EDINBURGH Concert Hall Usher Hall 0141 353 8000 0131 228 1155

SUN 24 SEPT TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER

Voodoo Rooms Edinburgh

EDINBURGH QUEEN’S HALL 0131 668 2019

FROM

p us spe i l g est

WED 13 SEPT GLASGOW

J n t a C u t n

GLAD CAFÉ

SUN 29 OCT

O2ABC G asg w

Wed 11 Oct

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 0141 353 8000

AMBER TOM RU N HICKOX

+ + + + +

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

‘Strangers’ Album Tour

PLUS

SPECIAL GUESTS

T H U R SDAY 12 OCTOBER

EDIN BU RGH THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER

LIQUID ROOM

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

VOODOO ROOMS

Friday 6 October

EDINBURGH

Glasgow ORAN MOR

Sacred Paws

SATurday 16 DECember th

SSE HYDRO GLASGOW 0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

regularmusic.com

In person from Ticket Scotland Glasgow/Edinburgh.

Venue Box Offices and all usual outlets

regularmusicltd

regularmusicuk 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 67

745-Music Club Noir PM YS KS.indd 67

25/08/2017 13:08

MUSIC | DAREfest

SHE WHO DARES WINS DAREFest is a music and activism festival aimed at self-identifying women.

Kirstyn Smith spoke to the organisers to learn more about its riot grrrl ethos

A

shley Stein (pictured), one of the organisers of DAREFest, is talking about an article she read by a popular music researcher from Leeds University which stated: ‘There remains a small number of groups who can actually generate consumer interest, and I think it’s down to sheer economics. If you [a punter] are spending hundreds of pounds, you are not going to go for an indie band, you are going to go and see the Red Hot Chili Peppers or whoever.’

‘Bullshit,’ she says. ‘People do not spend hundreds of pounds on festivals tickets to go and see one band. This is a tired old argument rolled out by the white men at the top of the festival industry who are too scared to book female bands because of the revolution that might start.’

This revolution is what DAREFest is fighting towards. It’s a one-day music and activism festival, a space for women to meet and discuss their ambitions, take part in workshops and get angry, passionate and create. ‘We hope DAREFest will inspire women to take down the music industry from the inside. Infiltrate, destroy, re-build,’ says Stein.

An inside look at the music industry and a chance to consider following music as a career path, or just a chance to hang out with like-minded lassies, DAREFest is a punky, bolshy day for women to channel their anger at the industry and start creating their own opportunities. There’s a workshop, run by Lou McLean – singer-songwriter and co-founder of the festival – called ‘How to be a Badass’.

‘I was going to call it “Emotional Self-Defence for Women” but it doesn’t have the same impact!’ she says. Using her degree in psychology, McLean has created a class about dealing with confrontation and sexism

in music, having confidence in your decisions and building resilience.

Stein will be running her own, titled ‘DIY Tour Management’, where she will discuss how to fund, book and promote your tour – without getting ripped off.

DAREFest is serious, and as important as ever given recent wellpublicised events in music: both Kesha and Taylor Swift have been through the ringer with sexual harassment trials. If someone as allpowerful as Swift still has to defend herself against being invalidated and not believed, what hope do the rest of us have?

‘Instead of making me feel frightened and disempowered, like it used to, it makes me furious,’ says McLean. ‘We’re sending the message that this isn’t ok and we, as a community in music and beyond, don’t have to accept it as “the way it is”. The behaviour needs to be called out, and we need to support and believe victims.’

As well as the support and the workshops and meeting new pals, DAREFest is, obviously, also focused on music’s potential to empower.

‘Little girls are expected to be quiet and small,’ says McLean. ‘But as a musician, you are big and noisy and you scream at the top of your lungs, wearing a glitter cape or a dress, or a shirt and tie, and do whatever you want. Play whatever you want. Sing whatever you want.’

‘That feeling,’ adds Stein, ‘when you go to see your favourite band live and you come away so inspired, so desperate to create? That. That’s what I want everyone who attends to walk away with.’

DAREFest, The Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, Sat 23 Sep.

68 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music DAREfest PM KS.indd 68

25/08/2017 13:07

r e b o t c O 2 2 13– al v i t s e F l a n o i t Paisley’s Na NO / S R e h t h t i w Rabbit d e n e t h ean g i L r c F a / M i n e i i t g u u N o D o Paol lisk / a T d n a r e v e r / a h Kris D r t i a w F h d c n a a b n a o e n r B n Shan o r a h S / n a t n sA e Code s o R e u l B with De Temp , e i l ss Ains o R t f y r t s e p ese t r o C a r u a A Musical Ta L d rter an a C a l o Y / rt / n e o b y b L u s H u g M n R A d and lock an l o P a m m E / Cards tory / S d l o t n & The Dance U e h t Paisley s t n e s e r y Kyle p n t n n a a D r / G f s f e u t m a S J / Mod n o i t a t i v n I e ng er / a p r p t u S : S p s a k M n a t s B Lo edy / m o C t h g i N y a t/ rid s F o P / t e e g k a c t o S R n s e Op resent p d n a l t o c S f tre o National Thea ore.... m h c u m , h c u a nd m

0 1 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 : e c fi f o x Bo k u . o c . e e r p s /thespreefestival www.the @spreefestival @spreefestival 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 69

Untitled-1 69

25/08/2017 13:46

MUSIC | Previews RAP

MC ALMOND MILK Full Day, Cool Times is out Fri 22 Sep via Save As Collective MC Almond Milk’s Full Day, Cool Times definitely falls into the nostalgic category; the theme runs from track to track, unifying the album. ‘I think I wallowed in it a bit,’ he says, ‘but also how does what I look back on inform how I’m moving forward?’

Despite the record not being released yet, MC Almond Milk (or James Scott for the purists) has already moved on to his next album, which is nearly finished. He’s surprising friends with how much music he is creating and is pleased with his output just now. Formerly of CARBS (with Jonnie Common) and last year’s collaboration with Jay Rolex, Smell the Audi, he’s happy to have finally found his niche and doesn’t want to hang around.

‘In the opening track “Wet Wednesday Pt 2”, I’m addressing my collaborators directly,’ he says. ‘“I can’t wait for you” is literally me saying that I’ve got all these ideas ready to go and I need to work at my own pace to get them out there. I can’t lean on you any longer.’

Full Day, Cool Times blends hip hop with electronic influences, smart, eccentric tracks dotted through with surprises that bring the themes back in on themselves. ‘Lost in Drakies’ with Gav Prentice of ULTRAS uses the Windows 95 start-up sound as a base, expanding out into patterns and loops as Scott raps about ‘white van speech that turns the air blue’.

‘One thing about rap,’ Scott says, ‘is that it is so often tied to location and place and people’s specific slang and people’s specific accents. I like that about Scottish music.’ The references and dialect and vocal tics mean this is an album entirely of a place and specific time in Scott’s life, but he sums it up best: ‘I’m not going for one sound or one genre. I’m just trying to be me, which is a guy in Glasgow making some music.’ (Kirstyn Smith)

LIVE SCORE

ELA ORLEANS CCA, Glasgow, Thu 21 Sep The hope is that many more listeners have been turned onto the distinctive beauty of Ela Orleans’ music after her nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year Award this year. For anyone who wants to hear her play live, this gig will offer a unique environment in which to do so; as part of Matchbox Cineclub, she’s created a live score for Canadian director Guy Maddin’s brilliantly titled 2003 film Cowards Bend the Knee, an anthology of short and disturbingly odd pieces he created for an installation at Rotterdam Film Festival earlier that year.

‘Cowards is a cult classic by my favourite living director,’ says Orleans, who is based in Glasgow but originally from Auschwitz in Poland. ‘I’ve been voicing my desire to work with him and now it’s happening. Each of his movies feels like a perfect home for my music, so I had no choice but to accept the call to do this.’ It was Matchbox Cineclub who had the idea to pair film and singer, and who asked Maddin’s permission. ‘It was met with huge enthusiasm from Mr Maddin,’ says Orleans. ‘I became involved in a conversation with Guy, and I’m updating him on my progress.’

At the moment, she says, expect a solo performance with vocal, samples, violin and synthesiser, although that might change in future. ‘If this project gets any interest from funding bodies, then I’m open to having an orchestra on stage!’ says Orleans. ‘The film is a melodrama bomb, so there will be a lot of twisted love, murder and revenge in there.’ (David Pollock) EXPERIMENTAL

JONNIE COMMON Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, Thu 5 Oct; Tolbooth, Stirling, Fri 6 Oct; Hug and Pint, Glasgow, Sat 7 Oct

PHOTO: MARIO CRUZADO

Jonnie Common has a healthy reputation for experimentalism. His last album, 2016’s unexpectedly beautiful Kitchen Sync, sampled found sounds from around his kitchen; the year before, his release with hip hop side-project CARBS (the excellent Joyous Material Failure) was built on a backdrop of malfunctioning electronic devices. It’s surprising, then, that his latest, still unreleased album originated with a more stripped-back approach to songwriting. ‘I wanted to be able to play all of the songs on guitar, unaccompanied, as a kind of measure of how good they were,’ says Common.

Ever the deadpan, he waits a beat. ‘That hasn’t really happened.’

Following a few standalone gigs to workshop the material, he’s now embarking upon a short stint of tour dates in early October – and Commonites should take note, as they’re the last guaranteed airings of the new tracks for a while. ‘It’s entirely written – I just don’t have time to record it, which is super-frustrating,’ says Common. ‘I don’t know, it might be another year before it’s out, which is horrible now that I’ve said it out loud.’

And the title? Jonnie’s got one, but he’s not sharing. ‘I don’t want to say in case it changes. I’m pretty sure it’s not gonna change. I feel like it’s a good representation of the album, which is kind of reference to . . . not mood swings specifically, but emotional ups and downs, just because I felt like a bit of a basket case when I was making it.’ (Niki Boyle) 70 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music Previews PM YS KS.indd 70

25/08/2017 13:11

Founded in 1977 by Yehudi Menuhin, LMN is the largest music outreach organisation in the UK. It: • Supports talented musicians at the start of their careers with paid We’re looking for musicians / performances and ongoing training ensembles for paid performances in • Provides performances and workshops unusual settings – bringing live in venues such as care homes, schools, music of the highest quality to people day care centres and rural communities. in the community who can’t easily LMN Scotland works with over 100 access concerts. Classical, Scottish traditional, rock, pop, jazz specially auditioned & trained musicians who deliver over 650 performances and and world styles are all welcome (if able to perform without PA). workshops each year.

Live Music Now Scotland (LMN Scotland) is registered in Scotland No. SC442910 and Registered Charity No. SC043868

Musicians should be in the early stages of professional careers.

auditions:

GLASGOW

8th & 9th nov 2017 Closing date for applications:

MON 2nd October 2017 e: auditions@livemusicnow.org tel: 02920 554 298 www.livemusicnow.org.uk Those accepted will attend an induction session, 8 Jan 2018, and a training session on connecting with audiences, 22 Jan. Both are afternoons in Edinburgh.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 71

Untitled-1 71

25/08/2017 14:16

MUSIC | Records INDIE FOLK

ALBUM OF THE ISSUE

HIP HOP

KOBI ONYAME

OUT LINES Conflats (Rock Action Records) ●●●●●

Gold (self-released) ●●●●●

Kobi Onyame is by no means a new face in the Scottish contemporary music scene, with two albums behind him and an impressive resume that includes support slots for the likes of Kanye West and Nas. But with his new release, the Glasgowbased Ghanaian rapper has entered fresh territory, and in doing so, firmly positioned himself at the forefront of Scottish hip hop.

Gold is not your typical modern-day hip hop record. It refrains from falling into the trap of over-production and over-saturation, instead relying heavily on West African sounds and rhythms for impact. The references to Ghanaian highlife and early Fela Kuti are apparent throughout, such as in the colourful ‘Imminence (Only Matter of Time O)’ with its dynamic brass accompaniment and twinkling percussion section. Brass plays a prominent role on Gold, a nod to the horns in traditional highlife, giving the album a vibrancy that lifts it immensely.

Elsewhere, guest appearances add an interesting flavour to some tracks, for example the mellow ‘Chosen Ones’ with Ghanaian rapper M.anifest and ‘Wedadi’, on which the velvety vocals of Heir of the Cursed run in parallel with Onyame’s own melody, coalescing seamlessly in between his rapped verses. Closing track ‘Still We Rise’ does something similar, with Wanlov the Kubolor’s rhymes working in response to Onyame’s and vice versa. The track epitomises much of the album’s primary themes: the idea of fighting for what you believe in and remaining vigilant in the face of adversity.

Gold is an intelligent record in its defiant lyrical commentary but it also creates an interesting bridge between Onyame’s Ghanaian heritage and hip hop / grime leanings. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out Fri 1 Sep.

At only seven tracks, and bearing a similarly sombre tone throughout, thanks to the continuing presence of a mournful accordion and striking vocal performances, Out Lines’ debut album feels more like an extended EP. Yet the abilities at the heart of the record and the biographies of the people behind it are so perfectly matched that it’s hard to escape the sense that this is one of the tentpole records to come out of Scotland this year.

Out Lines are a trio, although the keys points of focus are the voices at the heart of the project, and they’re what elevate it to something worthy of wider attention. The singers in question are Kathryn Joseph, past winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award, and James Graham, lead singer of The Twilight Sad, and there are parallels to be drawn between both as artists who only came to real success and recognition later in life.

Together they sound so evenly matched, with Graham possessing a dry, folksy tone and Joseph bearing a distinctive, prickly voice; it feels lazy to compare it to Kate Bush, because she’s the acme of female vocal references, but it’s true. The pair’s voices possess the kind of richness which only age and experience can bring. The trio is rounded off by producer Marcus Mackay, former member of The Reindeer Section and owner of the Diving Bell Lounge recording studio and Hits the Fan Records, who discovered Joseph and Frightened Rabbit.

Under his ear, the album gathers a kind of rootsy postrock sensibility, with droning accordion and clattering drums combining on ‘Our Beloved Dead’; those voices left to lead over a rising acoustic guitar line on ‘There is a Saved Place’; and epic, guitar-washed indie balladry emerging on ‘Open Shut’ and ‘These Three Desire Lines’. The permanence of the project is uncertain, but it would be good to hear it taken further in future.

(David Pollock) ■ Out Fri 27 Oct.

INDIE FOLK

HIP HOP

RODDY WOOMBLE

TOO MANY T’S

The Deluder (A Modern Way/Empty Words) ●●●●●

South City (South City Records) ●●●●●

Roddy Woomble’s solo career began in the mid 2000s, seemingly a vehicle for his trad leanings, which had, in turn, seen Idlewild veer away from the noisy indie of their formative years toward a more contemplative folk-flavoured sound. While solo records Listen to Keep and The Impossible Song and Other Songs had drifted away from the strict folk confines of his beautiful solo debut, My Secret is My Silence, The Deluder comes as a bolt from the blue. Gone are the folk ballads, largely replaced by a collection of 80s-tinged alternative tracks.

Sparse opener ‘Look Back Like Leaving’ lurches along, calling to mind Various Positions-era Leonard Cohen, at the same time showing that Woomble has lost none of his ability to turn a phrase. Similarly, ‘A Skull with a Teardrop’s hesitant delivery and discordant keys continues this use of space in the arrangement, all but stopping more than once to create an air of film noir. Equally cinematic is ‘On N’a Plus de Temps’, an ethereal duet sung mostly in French with Hannah Fisher providing celestial accompanying vox.

References throughout are by turns esoteric and oblique; in ‘Caruso’ the subject’s life is compared with early 20th-century tenor Enrico Caruso, while ‘Feel Like a Fool’ contains the wonderfully cryptic line 'It’s like that / I’ve told you that / So many words and they all mean something like that'.

‘Jupiter’ was released as a single back in June and begins with Postcardstyle post-punk before introducing a chorus that’s uncannily reminiscent of Elvis Costello, a feat that’s achieved again in ‘I’ll Meet You by the Memorial’, along with some distinctly new-wavey goth-rock synth sounds in the outro.

While ‘Remember to Breathe’ and closing track ‘Floating on a River’ are much closer to previous solo territory, and the chorus of ‘First Love is Never Returned’ could be latter day Idlewild, The Deluder remains an eye-opening departure, executed with no shortage of style and wit. (Joe McManus) ■ Out Fri 1 Sep.

Hip hop as a genre has many strands, ranging from the old school rap of masters like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa to the politically conscious social activism of Public Enemy. Within this wide spectrum, there is a crossover that exists between hip hop and comedy, with the incorporation of humour and parody made popular by acts like the Beastie Boys. Although Too Many T’s are often labelled as ‘Britain’s answer to the Beastie Boys’, the south London duo’s output can be seen as more of a mix of different styles, from the intelligent and satirical lyricism of Ugly Duckling to the ironic and quirky verses of Eminem and Detroit collective D12.

Their debut album South City may not be serious in its overall message or focus but its intentions are not to be meditative or profound in any real way.

Instead, there is an emphasis on its high-energy and tongue-in-cheek make up, as evident on tracks like ‘Sixty’s Ford’ and the funk-infused ‘Hang Tight’.

There isn’t a huge amount of substance here, but there is obvious skill in Leon Rhymes and Standaloft’s interplay and rapid-fire bursts of call and response.

‘God Save The T’s’ is an excellent example, with its fast and furious flows adding hints of grime into the mix above more 90s-era instrumentation.

Though submerged in positive vibes from start to finish, ‘Patterns’ is the one exception on the album, offering a moment of solemnity with its gentle and ambient electronic backing. It’s an atypical but welcome addition that adds a sense of variation from which the whole album could have benefited.

While South City certainly features the kind of playfulness that is characteristic of Licensed to Ill and Paul's Boutique-era Beastie Boys, there are elements which position Too Many T’s’ sound and output firmly within the British musical landscape.

It may not be groundbreaking, but South City is still a feelgood, animated and lyrically slick release. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Out Fri 15 Sep.

72 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music Records PM YS KS.indd 72

25/08/2017 13:10

Records | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music GYPSY PUNK

POST ROCK

GOGOL BORDELLO

MOGWAI

Seekers and Finders (Cooking Vinyl) ●●●●●

Every Country’s Sun (Rock Action Records) ●●●●●

Gogol Bordello’s breakthrough in 2005 can be at least partially attributed to their appearance on that year’s Warped Tour compilation. Drunkenly making elbow room among the likes of Fall Out Boy, Plain White T’s and Dropkick Murphys (the latter the closest thing they had to kindred spirits on the LP), ‘Start Wearing Purple’ was (and is) a rambunctious singalong that flew the flag for swaggering individualism over identikit emo whining. The album from whence it came – Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike – and the 2007 follow-up, Super Taranta!, cemented their reputation as boisterous, globestraddling party-starters.

In the decade or so since, at least one of two things has happened: I grew out of punk, and Gogol Bordello stopped having fun. That unhinged quality that defined ‘Start Wearing Purple’ (and turned heartbreakingly remorseful on Super Taranta!’s ‘Alcohol’) is barely in evidence on latest release Seekers and Finders, a collection of country-and-western-tinged plodders that lack excitement or verve. A lively fiddle-driven intro on opener ‘Did it All’ gives way to a turgid chorus and a middle-eight that rhymes ‘mojo’ with ‘juju’. ‘Love Gangsters’ is the surf-rocky interlude when the moshpit empties to the bar.

‘Clearvoyance’ is called ‘Clearvoyance’. And so on.

There are a few glimmers of GB’s previously boundless energy. ‘Familia Bonfireball’, one of only two songs to top four minutes, takes its sweet time to ignite, but it’s fun and bouncy when it finally gets there. ‘If I Ever Get Home Before Dark’ has Cold War Kids-ian soul, with vocalist Eugene Hutz indulging in believably earthy specifics (‘I will sink my fingers in your hair’) instead of the cod-philosophical nonsense elsewhere on the album (‘Not all horses are gonna need blinders / not all seekers will be finders’). Still, even if it’s me that got old, Gogol Bordello are the ones that sound tired.

(Niki Boyle) ■ Out now.

There seems to be a school of thought working in certain corners that says Mogwai offer more of the same every time they return, that their disciplined and regular output has remained stuck in stylistic amber since Young Team first emerged on the scene in 1997. They’re the acme of noisy indie guitar groups for people whose ears are still stuck in the 20th century, runs this train of thought, although it’s an opinion which doesn’t survive the first listen to Every Country’s Sun. Produced by Dave Fridmann for the first time since 2001’s Rock Action, the record condenses a looming sense of all that has happened since Rave Tapes was a surprise chart hit in 2014; the Scottish Indyref, Brexit, Trump, the death of David Bowie. From these remarkably fresh old-timers comes the sound of their times, a blend of dark, foreboding build-ups and euphoric release.

Complaining about their instrumentation is a tired excuse for not immersing oneself in Mogwai’s mastery of pulling at emotional strings, from the hesitant uplift of ‘Battered at a Scramble’ to the title track’s strident resolve. The above tracks are two of the most rock things on here, and despite the band’s ready identification of themselves with the genre, the sound of clashing guitars is no longer the most exciting thing Mogwai do on record.

Their current emphasis is on a dream-like ambience created by heavily produced analogue instruments and electronic elements; for example, on the shimmering nuclear sunrise of ‘Coolverine’, whose outro appears to contain a saxophone part reminiscent of Berlin Bowie; the Cure-evoking anthem ‘Party in the Dark’ (the album’s sole track with proper vocals); ‘Crossing the Road Material’, which begins amid Neu!-like synths; and the fearsomely minimalist ‘aka 47’. For those attuned to Mogwai’s aesthetic, it’s the next layer of strata to a career which rewards geological excavation. (David Pollock) ■ Out Fri 1 Sep.

ROCK

RAP ROCK

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

THE LAFONTAINES

American Dream (Columbia Records/DFA) ●●●●●

Common Problem (Wolf at Your Door Records) ●●●●●

If LCD Soundsystem’s 2002 debut single ‘Losing My Edge’ was bathed in knowing sarcasm about James Murphy’s fear of falling out of touch with the pillars of underground freak-rock history, there’s a more tangible despair to ‘Change Yr Mind’, in a lyric which will doubtless be quoted all over reviews of LCD Soundsystem’s new album American Dream. ‘I’ve just got nothing left to say,’ it runs. ‘I’m in no place to get it right / and I’m not dangerous now / the way I used to be once / I’m just too old for it now.’

Is this another piss-take, railing against pre-emptive accusations that his band should not have bothered returning to the fray? Possibly, but there’s a weariness to his voice as he croons ‘you can change your mind’ over and over; on top of a gorgeous, clashing guitar line which reminds of Bowie’s ‘Fashion’. And despite the buoyant DIY disco of ‘Tonite’ this isn’t primarily a party record in the LCD tradition.

It feels, instead, like Murphy has reconvened the group because he has something to say about the USA today, rather than because he has new music to explore. In this respect, the centrepieces are the propulsive LCD cowbell funk of ‘Other Voices’, through which Nancy Whang wonders: ‘who can you trust / and who are your friends . . . who is the enemy?’, and the ferocious overdrive of ‘Emotional Haircut’, during which Murphy orders the listener to ‘get on the streets / wipe the shit off your feet.’

It’s an album offering little new but plenty of value to fans of this band, an LCD Soundsystem-style protest record which was created for the purer-than-most reason that the band felt compelled to make it.

In the 12-minute ‘Black Screen’, the synthesised closing funeral march, it’s possible to hear lines which may be directed at Murphy’s sometime collaborator and influence David Bowie, and reflect upon them that perhaps following Bowie’s lead of artistic perpetual motion is where Murphy feels most at home.

(David Pollock) ■ Out Fri 1 Sep.

In naming their second album Common Problem, Motherwell rap-rockers The LaFontaines declare they have something to say about our shared societal ills. There are scraps of this ambition littered through the album: ‘They gave us Brexit and The Apprentice’ sneers rapper Kerr Okan in the opening bars of ‘Explosion’, while the video for single ‘Release the Hounds’ has dancers in Donald Trump masks thrust and gyrate while the band post wads of cash through housing estate letterboxes.

These token mentions aside though, the targets on Common Problem are pretty vague: a general angst about the world we live in, but with no specific focus. Take the lyrics of recent single ‘Asleep’: ‘Trip just to fall with finesse / Or drop like bombs from the West / Wasted faithless man has awoken / Baptised in the ocean – soaking’. It scans well enough, but what does all that actually mean? (It doesn’t help that Okan’s vocals are often poorly served by the guitarheavy production, a criticism to be shouldered by guest producer and erstwhile Courteeners bassist, Joe Cross..)

Musically, things are much more satisfying. The LaFontaines, having grown-up in the era of rap-rock and nu-metal, are clearly indebted to both Linkin Park (with their rapped verses and sung choruses) and Rage Against the Machine.

There’s even an explicit nod to RATM’s spiritual successors – not the (frankly embarrassing) Prophets of Rage, but hip-hop duo Run the Jewels – on ‘Goldmine’: ‘they tell me to run for the jewels, whatever it costs, just cut me a piece of the cheque’.

Elsewhere, ‘Armour’ and ‘Total Control’ are built on Royal Bloodlike riffs, ‘Asleep’ has a satisfying Die Antwoord synth throb and ‘Atlas’ is possessed of an indietropical bounce that’ll function well as part of The LaFontaines’ much-revered live performances.

It’s just a shame that Common Problem’s melodic inventiveness is undermined by a lack of lyrical incisiveness. (Niki Boyle) ■ Out Fri 27 Oct. 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 73

745-Music Records PM YS KS.indd 73

25/08/2017 13:10

MUSIC | Records – Jazz & World

JAZZ & WORLD JAZZ

WORLD

ZARA MCFARLANE

ABATWA

Arise (Brownswood) ●●●●●

Why Did We Stop Growing Tall? (Glitterbeat) ●●●●●

On her third album, British singer Zara McFarlane continues her exploration of jazz and African-Caribbean music, aided by producer-drummer Moses Boyd, saxophonist Binker Golding, and man-of-the-moment Shabaka Hutchings.

Arise opens with the hand drums and horns ‘Ode To Kumina’, a short tribute to the kumina tradition brought to Jamaica by indentured workers from the Congo. McFarlane’s honeyed vocals contrast with Goldings’ gutsy saxophone on ‘Pride’. Her style is more poised on the luscious reggae of ‘Fussin’ and Fightin’ and the Latin inflected nu-soul of ‘Peace Begins Within’. Hutchings contributes clarinet to the reflective ‘Silhouette’, tootling sensitively over shimmering organ and graceful piano. McFarlane follows up her 2012 cover of Junior Murvin’s ‘Police & Thieves’ with a stately take on the Congos’ roots reggae masterpiece ‘Fisherman’. Rather than attempt to recreate the original’s otherworldly rasta vibes, McFarlane recasts it as dubwise gospel. A classy celebration of black British music.

The fourth entry in Glitterbeat’s excellent Hidden Musics series documents the music of Rwanda’s marginalised Abatwa (‘pygmy’) people. There’s some wonderful material played on traditional instruments, not least the beautiful ‘Ihorere (Stop Crying Now)’, where husband and wife duo Emmanuel Habumuremy and Ange Kamagaju sing modal counter-melodies over resonant plucks of the 11-string icyembe harp, but it’s the electronic tracks which are particularly startling. ‘Umwana W’umuhanda (The Child From The Streets)’, by 19-year-old rapper Rosine Nyiramfumukoye is an absolute mind-melter, as she spits her nimble rhymes in a tough, slightly sing-song voice over syncopated electronic crackles. Then there’s ‘Sida Ni Mibi (AIDS is Bad)’, where Christoph Ntabanganyimana and Bihoyiki Dathive chatter intensely against fuzzy glitch loops.

The Abatwa musicians’ secret weapon is the Stylophone Beatbox, a batteryoperated synth/drum machine/looper from which they coax inspired DIY beats.

JAZZ

WORLD

ROSCOE MITCHELL

MERIDIAN BROTHERS

Bells For The South Side (ECM) ●●●●●

Dónde Estás María? (Soundway) ●●●●●

The master reedist and composer Roscoe Mitchell pays tribute to his home town of Chicago on this stunning double album. Featuring four trios ‘contrasted and combined’, Bells for the Southside runs the gamut of Mitchell’s compositional interests, from pensive explorations of tonality and space, to uncanny electronic textures, and radical visions of jazz. Percussion is the unifying element, from the sleigh bells that bring an element of dance to the ruminative piano clusters of ‘Spatial Aspects of Sound’, to the clattering roto-toms and timpani of ‘Panoply’. Tyshawn Sorey plays Mitchell’s percussion cage on the title track, illuminating a deep indigo backdrop of bowed bass and electronics, while Kikanju Baku goes gangbusters on the trap kit for the avant-jazz of ‘Dancing in the Canyon’. The epic ‘Red Moon in the Sky/Odwalla’ moves through electroacoustic nocturnes and clamorous abstraction before sending us off with a warm jazz embrace. A work of genius.

On Dónde Estás María?, Colombia’s Meridian Brothers dial back on the kitchen sink hyperactivity of their earlier albums to work with a clearly defined tonal palette in which cello, percussion and electronics dominate. Deft touches of synth and fuzz guitar cut across breezy string parts that recall Brazilian Tropicalia. Mastermind Eblis Álvarez marries these finely honed arrangements to some of his sharpest songwriting, resulting in the group’s most accessible album to date. Álvarez takes us on a tour of South American genres and traditions, but rather than mush them together in an insipid fusion, he retains their distinctive character, giving them a contemporary upgrade through a seamless blend of acoustic percussion, electronic beats and effects. ‘Él No Está Muerto’ offers a woozy take on the staggered rhythm of Quechuan huayno, while ‘Hablame Amigo, Citadino’ gives us a freaky psychedelic take on reggaeton. Inspired experimental pop. (All reviews by Stewart Smith)

EXPOSURE SISTER JOHN They were once described as ‘what the Velvet Underground would have sounded like if Lou Reed had been writing for Vashti Bunyan rather than Nico’. Sister John, Glasgow’s folk-country four-piece, are also influenced by Neil Young and by the effects integrating strings into their work can have. We caught up with singersongwriter / guitarist Amanda McKeown to chat about pals, community and their debut album On their origins Sister John came together as a vehicle for songs I wrote. The first gig we ever had was when I was asked to play at a local night at the Tron Theatre. Rather than go and do that myself, I put the band together. We stuck with it because the sound really clicked. The songs are very much from my head; I bring them to the group and we arrange them together.

On Glasgow’s music communities Glasgow’s a really exciting place to be. It’s difficult to identify one particular scene, as there’s so much going on. Being involved with [record label] Last Night From Glasgow has been special, because they’re something quite unique. The networks and opportunities for people to play and collaborate are never-ending, and every day I discover someone I’ve not heard of.

On their peers Stephen Solo has been making music for years, but in his current guise he’s releasing a record which he’s recorded on his

iPhone. He’s really experimental and interesting with a pop touch, as well as being lyrically interesting. I find him quite inspiring.

On their upcoming debut album Returned from Sea has a lot of themes – water, rain, rivers, seas and tides – that I hadn’t thought of while I was writing it. Side one of the record is quite a disruptive sound. I see it as a journey through the

album. Side two has a slightly different feel; it’s a bit more reflective. There are strong themes in there, like loss and redemption and how you see yourself and people you meet along the way. (As told to Kirstyn Smith) ■ Returned from Sea is out Fri 15 Sep via Last Night From Glasgow. Sister John play the Hug and Pint, Glasgow, Thu 14 & Fri 15 Sep.

74 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music Records PM YS KS.indd 74

25/08/2017 13:10

PR ESENTS

- ( ; / , 9 : 6 5 â&#x20AC;˘ FOOD â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ DRINK â&#x20AC;˘

Spec Guest ial plus set VI DJ GALL C OWAY

â&#x20AC;˘ BAR â&#x20AC;˘ from local providers

SATURDAY

9

TH

COMING UP AT THE QUEENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HALL

SEPTEMBER

Lauderdale Park Dunbar SUPPORTING ACTS

POSABLE ACTION FIGURES

DROPKICK

ALEX CORNISH

SHUNA LOVELLE

ALAN GRAY

BUGEYED

TICKETS ONLINE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Sat 30 September, 7.30pm

PHIL CUNNINGHAM & ALY BAIN â&#x20AC;&#x153;probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hearâ&#x20AC;? (The Herald)

www.dunbardaytripper.co.uk

Thu 12 October, 7.30pm

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AVVENTURA WITH OLD BLIND DOGS & SIOBHAN MILLER Orpheus Caledonius: 18th Century Scottish Music Ć&#x152;. ,,#5 &&3Ƥ (#' . šƤ1)( , /&Ƥ ( ,!3Ć&#x192;Ƥ!),! )/-Ć?Ƥ (BBC Radio 3)

Take a ride with our supernatural orchestra featuring CREEPY CLASSICS, SPOOKY SINGALONGS and GHOSTBUSTING MOVES!

Fri 13 October, 7.30pm

RAY MEARS: BORN TO GO WILD The joy of travelling in wild places

GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL

The Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2017, 3PM

EDINBURGH USHER HALL SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017, 3PM

CHILDRENSCLASSICCONCERTS.CO.UK

Clerk Street | Edinburgh EH8 9JG thequeenshall.net | 0131 668 2019 T: @queens_hall F: @queenshall 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 75

Untitled-1 75

25/08/2017 13:46

LOVE STRUGGLE PASSION ECSTASY UNDER 26 TIX FOR FOR A HANDY GUIDE TO YOUR FIRST CLASSICAL CONCERT GO TO LIST.CO.UK/SCO

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SCO.ORG.UK Untitled-1 76SCO U26for6 advert indd 2 The List FPC

25/08/2017 16:34 13:46 24/08/2017

Highlights | MUSIC

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM Barrowland, Glasgow, Tue 19 & Wed 20 Sep, glasgow-barrowland.

PHOTO: RUVAN WIJESOORIYA

HITLIST

ÍMAR Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Mon 4 Sep, traverse.co.uk Britain’s latest folk supergroup are riding a wave of popularity and critical acclaim. See preview, page 69.

com James Murphy’s back on the road, following the release of LCD Soundsystem’s fourth album. See album review, page 73.

ELA ORLEANS CCA, Glasgow, Thu 21 Sep, cca-glasgow.com Grab this chance to see the 2017 SAY Award nominee play live. See preview, page 70.

THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN O2 ABC, Glasgow, Sat 23 Sep, academymusicgroup.

com/o2abcglasgow Psychedelic noise rock from the Scottish band formed by brothers Jim and William Reid.

JONNIE COMMON The Hug and Pint, Glasgow, Sat 7 Oct, thehugandpint.com Eccentric lo-fi electrofolk from Glasgow. See preview, page 70. Also

The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, Thu 5 Oct, thevoodoorooms.com SONICA Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 26 Oct– Sun 5 Nov, sonic-a. co.uk Expect cutting edge performances at this festival produced by Cryptic. See feature, page 18.

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS PHOTO: ELIOT LEE HAZEL

Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW JOHN LEGEND The SSE Hydro, Fri 8 Sep, thessehydro.com The neo-soul smoothie and Academy Award winner (for Selma’s ‘Glory’, with Common) heads to the Hydro. Supported by Jack Savoretti.

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS The SSE Hydro, Wed 27 Sep, thessehydro.com The brooding singer is accompanied by a backing band of current and former Bad Seed members, touring after the release of his latest album Skeleton Tree.

MARGARET GLASPY CCA, Sat 9 Sep, cca-glasgow.com Indie-rock singer-songwriter.

DICK VALENTINE The Glad Café, Wed 13 Sep, thegladcafe.co.uk The Electric Six frontman performs an acoustic set.

Danger, danger, low voltage . . .

Also Tolbooth, Stirling, Thu 14 Sep, culturestirling.org/ tolbooth

SISTER JOHN The Hug and Pint, Thu 14 & Fri 15 Sep, thehugandpint.com See Exposure, page 74.

BABY STRANGE The Garage, Fri 15 Sep, garageglasgow.co.uk Glasgow-based trio specialising in energetic lo-fi garage rock.

Also Beat Generator, Dundee, Tue 12 Sep, beatgenerator.co.uk; Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Sat 16 Sep, sneakypetes.co.uk; PJ Molloy’s, Dunfermline, Sun 17 Sep, pjmolloys.co.uk

ADORE DELANO AXM, Sat 23 Sep, axmgroup.co.uk American singer-songwriter, notable for reaching the semi-finals of the seventh season of American Idol and getting to the final three in RuPaul’s Drag Race season six, goes all out with a soundtrack of raunchy electro pop.

SIGUR RÓS SEC, Sun 24 & Mon 25 Sep, sec. co.uk Icelandic post-rockers who, like the Cocteau Twins before them, have developed their own musical language, called Hopelandish. Spellbinding or navel-gazing, take your pick.

GIRLPOOL Stereo, Sat 9 Sep, stereocafebar. com Raw, stripped-back guitar and bass duo Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad.

NE-YO Barrowland, Thu 14 Sep, glasgow-barrowland.com Smooth hip hop/R&B operator.

Standing and the 25th anniversary of her fourth album 99.9F.

John Legend

FREAKENDER The Old Hairdressers, Fri 15–Sun 17 Sep, theoldhairdressers.com Garage/ psych/pop festival brought to you by Eyes Wide Open, El Rancho and Fuzzkill Records.

BARNS COURTNEY The Hug and Pint, Wed 20 Sep, thehugandpint.com Singer-songwriter with a beautiful voice and great lyrics.

Also The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, Tue 19 Sep, thevoodoorooms.com

ELVANA O2 ABC, Sat 16 Sep, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Elvis-fronted Nirvana tribute combining rock’n’roll with grunge.

GHOSTFACE KILLAH SWG3, Thu 21 Sep, swg3.tv Hip hop from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan star.

MT DOUBT The 13th Note Café/Bar, Sat 16 Sep, 13thnote.co.uk Dark pop and alt. rock noises from Mt Doubt. Tonight is the launch of their split AA single with Acrylic.

SUZANNE VEGA Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 22 Sep, glasgowconcerthalls.com The American singer-songwriter and guitarist performs folk-infused alternative rock and folk-rock. Her latest tour is a dual celebration of the 30th anniversary of her sophomore record Solitude

TENEMENT TRAIL Various venues, Sat 30 Sep, tenementtv.com/tenement-trail The likes of The Temperance Movement, Louis Berry, Clean Cut Kid, Neon Waltz, The Big Moon, Anteros, Catholic Action, Life, Emma Woods, Lucia, Sway, Rascalton, Stevie Parker and Fauves play this Tenement TV-promoted gig crawl which takes in Nice’n’Sleazy, O2 ABC2, Broadcast, Flat 0/1 and King Tut’s.

LORDE O2 Academy Glasgow, Mon 2 Oct, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Much-respected New Zealand vocalist and songwriter.

DIZZEE RASCAL O2 Academy Glasgow, Tue 3 Oct, academymusicgroup.com/ o2academyglasgow Squawking young garage MC who combines the sublime and the ridiculous in his progressive music and has scored some huge hits with ‘Bonkers’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Dance Wiv Me’.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 77

745-Music Highlights & Classical PM YS KS spacingp2.indd 77

25/08/2017 13:06

MUSIC | Highlights

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED THE DRUMS The Art School, Thu 5 Oct, theartschool.co.uk Brooklyn indie pop band who dig all things Scottish and jangly from the 80s.

Metallica

SLEAFORD MODS O2 ABC, Sat 7 Oct, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Angry punk and electro duo from Nottingham. Also Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Fri 6 Oct, liquidroom.com THE MOUNTAIN GOATS The Art School, Mon 9 Oct, theartschool.co.uk Folk-rockers from Norwalk, USA with support from singersongwriter Alessi Laurent-Marke.

GARY NUMAN O2 ABC, Tue 10 Oct, academymusicgroup.com/ o2abcglasgow Pioneering electro rocker, who’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.

NADINE SHAH Òran Mór, Wed 11 Oct, oran-mor. co.uk Dramatic singer/pianist influenced

by Frida Kahlo, Philip Larkin and Arthur Russell.

RODDY WOOMBLE City Halls, Sat 14 Oct, glasgowconcerthalls.com Idlewild’s Woomble has established a formidable back catalogue of contemporary folk solo work, most recently with The Deluder. See album review, page 72.

Also The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Fri 13 Oct, synergyconcerts.com PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING Barrowland, Wed 18 Oct, glasgowbarrowland.com The London duo layer spoken word from vintage propaganda films over soaring beats and electronic melodies to thrilling effect.

BE CHARLOTTE King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Wed 25 Oct, kingtuts.co.uk Electro pop singer-songwriter from Dundee. Also The Reading Rooms, Dundee, Tue 24 Oct, readingroomsdundee.com METALLICA The SSE Hydro, Thu 26 Oct, thessehydro.com Chart-topping metal behemoths on a worldwide tour following the release of their latest album Hardwired . . . To Self-Destruct.

GHOSTPOET Stereo, Sat 28 Oct, stereocafebar. com Singer and producer Obaro Ejimiwe performs a mix of alternative

hip hop and electronica, with dubstep and grime elements, from his album Some Say I So I Say Light. !!!

Stereo, Tue 31 Oct stereocafebar. com Awkwardly named New York punk funk collective.

EDINBURGH NEON WALTZ Sneaky Pete’s, Wed 6 Sep, sneakypetes.co.uk Indie rock from the Caithness-based band. Also PJ Molloys, Dunfermline, Fri 8 Sep, pjmolloys.co.uk MILES HUNT & ERICA NOCKALLS La Belle Angèle, Sat 9 Sep, labelleangele.com Solo venture from the Wonder Stuff singer, with vocal/ violin backing from his partner Nockalls.

Also Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, Fri 8 Sep, whatsonayrshire.com/ harbourartscentre.html BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT The Voodoo Rooms, Tue 12 Sep, thevoodoorooms.com Singersongwriter, favoured by Elton John, mixing electronic music, house, disco and synthpop.

RYAN ADAMS Usher Hall, Fri 15 Sep, usherhall. co.uk The impish New York troubadour known for a) being incredibly prolific and b) the occasional public meltdown on the internet, returns with new material. His output to date has spanned straight country, alt.rock, Taylor Swift and even punk.

THE VAN T’S Teviot, Fri 15 Sep, eusa.ed.ac.uk Described as ‘everything you ever wanted from a 90s dream’.

SPARKS The Queen’s Hall, Wed 20 Sep, thequeenshall.net The genre-defying groundbreakers take their theatrical alt. rock sound on tour.

DAREFEST The Wee Red Bar, Sat 23 Sep, weeredbar.co.uk A one-day festival focused on helping women to build up skills and resilience needed for performance and feminist activism.

Throughout the day there will be workshops and live music. See feature, page 66.

SIOBHAN WILSON The Voodoo Rooms, Sun 24 Sep, thevoodoorooms.com FrancoScottish folk singer-songwriter, known for her heartbreaking voice and beautiful lyrics. Also Tolbooth, Stirling, Thu 28 Sep, culturestirling. org/tollbooth BON IVER The Edinburgh Playhouse, Wed 27 & Thu 28 Sep, atgtickets.com/ venues/edinburgh-playhouse Justin Vernon returns with more delicate and beautiful acoustic folk and Americana.

NEHH PRESENTS... TIM HECKER Summerhall, Wed 4 Oct, summerhall.co.uk Celebrated Canadian composer performs his unique brand of ambient music, electronic noise and experiential sound design.

NEHH PRESENTS... JAMES YORKSTON/KRIS DREVER/ WITHERED HAND Summerhall, Fri 6 Oct, summerhall. co.uk Three of Scotland’s leading singer-songwriters perform together.

PLACEBO Usher Hall, Sat 7 Oct, usherhall. co.uk The angsty Gothic alt.rockers celebrate 20 years as a band with a world tour. Also Caird Hall, Dundee, Sun 8 Oct, dundeebox.co.uk EH6 FESTIVAL Various venues, Sat 21 & Sun 22 Oct, eh6music.com A live music, food and craft beer festival taking over 11 venues across Leith. Lineup includes Alabama 3 (acoustic), Big Country, Space, the Kyle Falconer Band, Gerry Cinnamon, Mark Morris (the Bluetones), Sham 69 and John Power (Cast).

THE SOUTHERN TENANT St Mark’s Unitarian Church, Fri 27 Oct, southerntenantfolkunion. com/tour A special screening of John Carpenter’s horror classic The Prince of Darkness with a warm-up set of moody electronica from the Southern Tenant.

KIRKCALDY JAMES YORKSTON’S TAE SUP WI’ A FIFER Adam Smith Theatre, Sat 16 Sep, taesup.co.uk Fife’s folkster James Yorkston curates a programme of musical nights. Featuring the Vaselines, Salena Godden and Marry Waterson & David A Jacock.

78 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Music Highlights & Classical PM YS KS spacingp2.indd 78

25/08/2017 13:07

Classical | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music

L A C I S AS

CLASSICAL PIANIST

ROMAN RABINOVICH

CL

Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 20 & Fri 21 Oct

PHOTO: BALAZS BOROCZ PILVAX

A hit at last year’s Lammermuir Festival, the young US-based pianist Roman Rabinovich is causing quite a stir on the international piano circuit. He returns to Scotland to make his debut with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Edinburgh and Glasgow in October. Born in Uzbekistan and first taught piano by his mother at age six, Rabinovich is not only a pianist – with the honour of being one of the first three young pianists of outstanding promise to be championed by Sir András Schiff in his Building Bridges series – but also a composer and highly talented visual artist, often creating artwork to illustrate what he is doing musically.

‘For me,’ he says, ‘playing the piano, composing and visual art come from the same creative impulse. There are many parallels between the two art forms and one informs the other. There are colours and sense of line in music and there are tonalities and structure in painting.’

Much of his artwork is created on an iPad, which he also uses in place of a conventional printed score if not performing from memory. Combined with his talent across multiple art forms, Rabinovich is particularly appealing to younger generation audiences.

Thinking about the exuberance of Mendelssohn’s ‘Piano Concerto No 1’, which he plays with the RSNO and conductor Sir Roger Norrington, Rabinovich says, ‘Composing helps me to understand how great composers created their masterpieces and keeps my performing life fresh. It is ultimately about selfexpression and wanting to communicate and share what I love.’ (Carol Main)

CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS HITLIST

SCOTTISH OPERA: LA TRAVIATA Thu 19, Sun 22, Wed 25, Sat 28 Oct, Thu 30 Nov, Sat 2 Dec, Theatre Royal, Glasgow Sir David McVicar’s production of La Traviata is a stunner. Set in late 19th-century Paris, the tragic love story of Violetta and Alfredo is one that never fails to melt the heart. Also Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 15, Sun 19, Tue 21, Thu 23, Sat 25 Nov.

EDINBURGH

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION FINAL 2017 Sun 10 Sep, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Competitors from all over the world vie for the prestigious prize, with stages 1 & 2 finals and the semi-finals over and done with as the three selected to perform a piano concerto with orchestra bring the event to a nail-biting conclusion.

RSNO: CHINA STORY Fri 29 Sep, Usher Hall, Edinburgh An evening predominantly about music from Chinese composer Xiaogang Ye, arguably China’s greatest living composer writing in the western classical tradition. Three of his pieces for soloists and orchestra frame Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 30 Sep. PHOTO: PER VICTOR

BBC SSO: KAREN CARGILL SINGS ELGAR Thu 28 Sep, City Halls, Glasgow See Scotland’s favourite mezzo in Elgar’s Sea Pictures, the Edwardian English composer’s settings of five poems inspired by the sea, along with Michael Tippett’s Symphony No 3, a masterpiece ahead of its time, which brings in blues and a direct quote from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

GLASGOW

SONICA Thu 26 Oct– Sun 5 Nov, various venues, Glasgow Held every two years, Sonica returns to Glasgow for eleven days to present the world’s best in visual sonic arts, with emerging British talent side by side with top international artists from 14 different countries. Produced and promoted by the fearless Cryptic. See feature, page 18.

ROMAN RABINOVICH Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 21 Oct The US-based pianist is a rising star on the international scene, and returns to Scotland to make his RSNO debut.

See preview, above. Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 22 Oct. DUNEDIN CONSORT: BACH MASSES Sun 29 Oct, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh Enjoy the beautiful purity of Bach’s music from the perfectly matched pure voices of the Dunedin Consort, who present his Lutheran masses, smaller scale than the grandeur of the B minor Mass, but with the most glorious music full of colour and rhythmic vitality.

OUT OF TOWN THE CUMNOCK TRYST: SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE, WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND SEAN SHIBE Sun 1 Oct, St John’s Church, Cumnock What a lineup for the Cumnock Tryst festival’s closing performance, with the strings of the Scottish Ensemble joined by brilliant young guitarist Sean Shibe and the glowing voices of Westminster Cathedral for festival founder James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross, conducted by the composer.

RED NOTE ENSEMBLE Fri 22 Sep, Eastfield Farm, Whittingehame All sorts of interesting and exciting concerts are once again part of Lammermuir Festival this autumn, but Red Note’s is one of the most unusual programmes and locations. Inaugurating a farm granary as a concert venue must be a first, as is a new Red Note commission from Thomas Butler, heard alongside The Lighthouse Keepers, an edge-of-the-seat tale of a keeper and his son trapped in their lighthouse with music by David Sawer.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 79

745-Music Highlights & Classical PM YS KS spacingp2.indd 79

25/08/2017 13:07

A CITIZENS THEATRE PRODUCTION

TRAINSPOTTING

By Irvine Welsh

Adapted by Harry Gibson Directed by Gareth Nicholls

THE SCOTSMAN THE HERALD THE GUARDIAN THE INDEPENDENT

CITIZENS THEATRE 18 OCT – 11 NOV

KING’S THEATRE EDINBURGH 14 – 18 NOV

citz.co.uk 0141 429 0022

edtheatres.com 0131 529 6000 Sponsored by

Dundee Rep Ensemble presents

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY A Play by Tracy Letts Director Andrew Panton

29 Aug - 16 Sep Box Office: 01382 223 530

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited is a Registered Company No: SC021201 - Scottish Charity Registered No: SC017315 Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited gratefully acknowledges support from:

dundeerep.co.uk SCOTTISH PREMIERE - Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize For Drama and Tony Award for Best Play 80 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 80

25/08/2017 13:47

THEATRE

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

TAP FACTORY The boys are back in town bringing trashcan percussion, high-octane dance and comedy

PHOTO: PHILIPPE FRETAULT

Tap dance has come a long way since the days of Fred and Ginger. Back in the 1990s, Aussie troupe Tap Dogs ripped up the rulebook on elegance and injected tap with a distinctly macho flavour. Now you’re as likely to see it performed by men in boiler suits as tuxedos – which is exactly the case with Tap Factory.

The eight-strong crew are returning to Scotland with a show that uses brooms and bins, and puts the drumming into oil drums. But it’s not all about men making noise. ‘My first inspiration is Charlie Chaplin,’ says director Vincent Pausanias. ‘What could be a better place than a factory to mix together all these different artistic disciplines; music, tap dance, hip hop, circus, acrobatics and comedy?’

The show follows a factory worker on his first day, meeting the foreman, the sweeper, the mechanics, giving the troupe the chance to flit between skills. ‘What is great is the contrast between scenes – to go from the strong energy of the urban percussions to the poetry and softness of an African flute, or to jump from a fast and strong tap routine to an amazing aerial acrobatic performance.’ (Lucy Ribchester) ■ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sun 24 Sep; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon 25 Sep.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 81

745-Theatre Lead PM YS KA.indd 81

25/08/2017 13:28

THEATRE | Previews UPCOMING WORK

LYCEUM AUTUMN SEASON Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, What Shadows 7–23 Sep; Cockpit, 6–28 Oct

PHOTO: ALY WIGHT

For David Greig, artistic director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre, his older audience members have become a source of inspiration. ‘They were excited by the more experimental work in last season’s programme.

I think of them as my ultras, the season ticket holders who are loyal fans,’ he laughs. After a first year in the post which saw a mixture of traditional theatre alongside more challenging offerings, Greig’s autumn season is going bolder.

‘If not now, then when?’ he observes, when asked about the political content of the shows, which include a scathing look at race relations in What Shadows and a trip back to post-war Europe in Cockpit. Greig’s plays, including the Macbeth ‘sequel’ Dunsinane, have always revealed his belief in theatre’s importance as a place for debate: in the aftermath of Brexit, he feels that he has a responsibility to lead the arguments.

Cockpit is a rarely revived script that Greig regards as a ‘classic’. The Lyceum is reimagined as a transit camp: refugees from World War II inhabit backstage, the circle and the stalls, and old grudges, new fears and the restructuring of Berlin for the Cold War sharpens the anxiety and sense of dislocation.

Throughout the year, the Lyceum’s programming reflects this awareness of history – both social and theatrical – but What Shadows pokes at the uncomfortable truth that the revival of racist rhetoric in the Trump era has precedents in British party politics. By staging a confrontation between Enoch Powell (played by Ian McDiarmid) and a young student in the 1980s, it suggests that hate speech has never dropped out of popular discourse.

For Greig, a vision of a relevant and dynamic theatre guides his curation: the Lyceum’s reputation for conservativism is undeserved, and his regime is keen to present a lively, engaged and conscious season.

And as one of Scotland’s major production houses, it does much to set the tone for the year ahead. (Gareth K Vile)

PHOTO: DOUGLAS ROBERTSON

PERFORMANCE ART

ADAPTATION

SCOTTISH CLASSIC

ALL THE THINGS I’VE LIED ABOUT

THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV

THE STEAMIE

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Sep

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 12-Sat 28 Oct

As Donald Trump plunges the world into greater chaos with his advocacy of ‘fake news’ and general macho posturing, Katie Bonna’s 2016 Fringe success, All The Things I’ve Lied About has taken on a new relevance. ‘I wanted to write about my relationship with my estranged father,’ she explains.

‘I ended up writing about Donald Trump and Alan Partridge. I’m pretty sure I’ve joined the dishonesty dots joining the two.’

All The Things . . . uses the format of a TED Talk to reveal Bonna’s own lies – and their consequences – to make wider comments on a culture that appears to be spiralling out of control.

Yet despite the serious political themes, Bonna still wants to have fun.

‘This show relies on the audience, so my aim every time I step on stage is to give them the best night I can,’ she continues. ‘The whole show is a reflection of my process in making the show – the bits where I got sad, frustrated, angry and where we had loads of fun dancing to inappropriate 90s tunes. Plus, there are water pistols!’

Bonna’s sense of humour allows her to delve into deeper topics without losing immediacy or playfulness: this is one bunch of lies that tells a profound truth. (Gareth K Vile)

Richard Crane & Faynia Williams were the first dramaturge and artistic director of the Tron Theatre.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Glasgow venue has invited them to stage an adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s epic novel, The Brothers Karamazov.

Exploring the author’s fascination with themes of faith, family relationships, justice and redemption, it stands at the front of the literary canon, and gives Crane and Williams plenty of theatrical material.

‘The audience in Glasgow should experience a new performance of a story that is classic and universal as well as topical and brand new,’ they explain. ‘There are no half measures with this show, as there were none with Dostoyevsky, whose major works arose out of his experience of a last-minute reprieve from execution and subsequent prison sentence in Siberia, where, incidentally, he lightened the load for his fellow inmates by directing them in vaudeville plays.’

This production fits elegantly within current artistic director Andy Arnold’s programming, mixing a classic text with contemporary theatricality, distilling the drama into a meeting between the four brothers with the cast alternating roles. Ambitious, and fully aware of the source’s depth, Crane and Williams both celebrate the classic and lend it a modern urgency.

(Gareth K Vile)

Dundee Rep, Mon 18 Sep; Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Mon 9 Oct; King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 29 & Mon 30 Oct; King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Mon 6 Nov ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time and luckily for me it was,’ says Tony Roper, author and director of The Steamie, which is currently embarking on its 30th anniversary tour. Despite his laconic reply, he is well aware of the reasons for its continued success.

‘It contains all the ingredients for a good night out.

Laughter, tears and a happy ending.’

Roper’s sense of humour – as seen on Scottish TV in the likes of Scotch and Wry and Rab C Nesbitt – is one of the reasons for the affection that audiences have for this tale of a group of women in a communal wash house. ‘And it’s become a history lesson,’ he adds. ‘An entertaining glimpse into life as it was 70-odd years ago, before daytime telly, Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity.’ The warmth and compassion of the writing and the determined resilience of the characters, however, has prevented the play from becoming a mere museum piece.

Roper is refreshingly blunt about the recipe for such a success. ‘Get a great cast, point them in the right direction,’ he says, describing his direction technique. ‘Light the blue touch paper and watch all the generations smile.’ (Gareth K Vile)

82 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Theatre Previews PM GKV steamiecredit.indd 82

25/08/2017 13:26

INST

WWW.IFECOSSE.ORG.UK

0131 225 53 66 info@ifecosse.org.uk

ITUT

WE A FRANÇAIS RE M D’ÉCO to W est P SSE arlia OVIN men G t Squ are E H1 1 RF

Presenting Chinese Cultural Quintessence in Edinburgh As an important part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, over 2000 audience took part in the 3rd Chinese Arts and Culture Festival at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 12th and 13th August, 2017.

At the opening ceremony, Lord Provost of City of Edinburgh, Provost of South Ayrshire Council, Deputy Consul General - Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh warmly welcomed Chinese delegates. Senior executives from the City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Committee, Creative Scotland, VisitScotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Confucius Institute for Scotland also made remarks or attended the festival, making it one of the most influential Chinese arts-related events in Edinburgh.

TALKS MUSIC KIDS & TEENS FILM SCREENINGS FRENCH CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

BY BRIDGET BOLAND

This year’s artists and performances include: world leading Director Yimou Zhang’s 2047 Apologue performance team (Zhang has been nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscars several times and won a Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Bear), Guangdong Modern Dance Company (Beyond Calligraphy) and Zhaoliang ART (The Tea Spell), both led by China Dancers Association, Wuhan Peking Opera Troupe (Chinese Cultural Quintessence), young artists from Xi’an Gaoxin No. 1 Middle School (Bring you a Changan), Beijing Shangdi Experimental School (Singing of China in Edinburgh), Guangzhou Panyu Xinghai Children Palace Children’s Star Art Troupe (Star Sea Rhyme), and Modern Chinese Artist Lifan Wu (Chinese modern ink painting exhibition).

Scotland and China Chamber of Commerce is the organizer of Chinese Arts and Culture Festival. The Chamber Chairperson Jie Song commented: ‘in the past three years, more than 1,000 Chinese artists performed at our festival in Edinburgh, greatly promoting cultural exchange between the U.K. and China.’

THE WHOLE THEATRE BECOMES A STAGE IN THIS EXPLOSIVE WWII DRAMA

6 - 28 OCTOBER 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

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 83

Untitled-1 83

25/08/2017 13:47

THEATRE | Previews DRAMA

THE COOLIDGE EFFECT Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 21 Sep; Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep ‘Pornography and sex in general are massive taboos in this country, and with this performance we really wanted to challenge that in a fun and, hopefully, enlightening way,’ claim the Wonder Fools: and where better to break taboos than in public?

Inspired by a TED Talk that discussed the impact of pornography on young men, The Coolidge Effect promises to bring the discussion out from underneath the bed and onto the stage. Originally part of their graduate show at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire, it has been developed from a plethora of interviews with ‘porn advocates, addicts, mental health experts and scientists and, with the help of Skype, these conversations spanned the globe: Quebec, California, Sweden, New York, Indonesia, Pittsburgh, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London.’

Committed to theatre as a space for ideas and reflection, the Wonder Fools (Robbie Jordan and Jack Nurse) are unafraid of divisive topics. Their website has a series of blogs exploring their process and thoughts on the future of intimacy, and pornography clearly attracts their concern.

‘As young adults, Robbie and I have grown up with the advent of the internet and at the beginnings of the mass consumption of pornography that this new media has allowed,’ says Nurse.

‘In the UK alone, 10 million porn videos are consumed every day and the average age a young boy starts to watch porn now is 12 years old.’ This disturbing statistic does, as they suggest, demand analysis.

‘What we aim to do is start a conversation: what we present on stage must be discussed or challenged, even,’ he concludes.

‘Whether it’s in the bar, online a month later or even randomly in a coffee shop somewhere, it’s vital the conversations continue to happen.’ (Gareth K Vile)

AMERICAN CLASSIC

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 5–Sat 9 Sep, then touring Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Tennessee Williams’ classic Pulitzer prize-winning play, A Streetcar Named Desire, is the latest work to be staged by Scottish touring company Rapture Theatre following their success with Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?.

Under the direction of artistic director Michael Emans, the production aims to transport Scottish audiences to mid-century New Orleans. Gina Isaac (National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and Joseph Black lead the cast as Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, who find themselves clashing over the soul of Stella DuBois (Scottish actress and theatre-maker Julia Taudevin) after Blanche moves in with the young married couple.

When asked about staging this classic work in 2017, Emans comments that ‘the play deals with the eternal themes of class, race, gender and power struggles – and is therefore as relevant today as ever.’ Despite these larger themes, Emans sees A Streetcar Named Desire as an essentially human story with strong characterisation, familial strife and powerful, poetic language.

Established in 2000 and inspired by the work of legendary Scottish companies such as Wildcat and 7:84, Rapture believes in theatre’s ability to create a space for the public to informally, and enjoyably, discuss important concepts and ideas. ‘Live theatre, as has been proven over and over again, creates a direct connection with audiences’ Eman says. ‘It makes abstract ideas personal – what better basis for discussion?' (Sean Greenhorn) NEW WORK

DAMNED REBEL BITCHES Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Sep; Platform, Glasgow, Wed 4 Oct; Paisley Arts Centre, Sat 7 Oct; and touring Scotland ‘I saw about three pieces in a row where the older female character either died so their funeral could give young characters a life-changing moment, or they gave advice then disappeared whilst the young characters went out on adventures,’ says Sandy Thomson of Scots theatre company Poorboy. ‘I never saw any of the tough and funny older women who raised me reflected on stages or screens, instead I saw thoughtless scripts by men who cast these women as functions that serviced the young, normally male, main character’s arc and life.’

Damned Rebel Bitches is her attempt to redress the balance, telling the tale of two sisters in their 80s and their lives from the Clydeside Blitz of 1941 to Hurricane Sandy hitting New York in 2012. The script is a combination of influences, from real discussions with women aged over 65 and Thomson becoming a gran for the first time, to the ‘part art, part luck, part mission’ wonder of a successful marriage.

‘I always say I hope our show makes audiences laugh, cry and phone their families, that’s success to me,’ says Thomson. ‘The majority of ticket buyers for theatre are women over 50, I hope they enjoy seeing themselves reflected onstage being pivotal and vital here. Equally I really believe this is a show for everyone; it’s about the intense and sprawling connections across the decades that make up a family, and I think absolutely anyone can relate to that.’ (David Pollock) 84 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Theatre Previews PM GKV steamiecredit.indd 84

25/08/2017 13:27

Previews | DANCE

list.co.uk/theatre

E C N DA

INDIAN DANCE

DAKSHA SHETH DANCE COMPANY Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 27 Sep

PHOTO: MEETESH TANEJA

When Indian dance appears in British theatres, one of two styles is usually in attendance: Bharatanatyam or Kathak. But they’re just the tip of the iceberg, as we’ll discover when Daksha Sheth Dance Company arrives in Edinburgh this September. In Sari, the acclaimed Indian choreographer will gift us a whole range of styles from across the country.

‘Daksha’s style draws its inspiration and vocabulary from India’s rich and varied traditions of dance and movement,’ explains Devissaro, visual and musical director of the company, and husband of Daksha. ‘This journey took her into the towns and villages of regional India, to research folk traditions like Mayurbhanj Chaau from east India, the martial arts of Kalaripayattu and Silambam from south India, and the gymnastic traditions of Mallakhamb from western India.’

It’s an approach that has resulted in ground-breaking productions, placing the company at the forefront of contemporary dance in India over the past 30 years.

This latest production uses dance and striking theatrical design to celebrate the sari, a unique garment worn in India for centuries, which has an emotional tie completely in contrast to the western approach to clothing.

‘A sari doesn’t go out of style – it’s not something you have to throw away after six months because the fashion industry tells you it’s out of date,’ says Devissaro. ‘Saris are ageless, precious and valued garments, beautifully crafted and handed down from mothers to daughters.

They gain, rather than lose, value for the wearer over time, because of the rich and deeply personal associations they have.’ (Kelly Apter)

TRIPLE BILL

RAMBERT DANCE COMPANY

PHOTO: TRISTRAM KENTON

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thu 26–Sat 28 Oct In 1976, Nina Simone performed an eight-song set at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Her mental health far from robust, and the gig was a poignant shambles with flashes of brilliance. It was while watching a clip from the show that choreographer Ben Duke began thinking about the pleasure and pain of performing. It resulted in Goat, a new work set to some of Simone’s best-loved songs (performed live by jazz singer Nia Lynn) and due to receive its world premiere in Edinburgh as part of Rambert’s forthcoming triple-bill.

‘I’ve loved Nina’s music for a long time,’ explains Duke. ‘But this bit of footage was the real stimulus for the piece. She’s singing ‘Feelings’ and is kind of unhinged, but it takes you through a range of emotions which is just extraordinary, and incredibly theatrical.’

Duke began talking to the Rambert dancers about the personal problems and world issues performers are expected to leave at the door of the rehearsal room, or side of the stage, and just get on with it.

‘There’s a pleasure in moving, but how does that fit alongside difficulties in relationships, family stuff or world events happening outside?’ says Duke. ‘Nina Simone is an example of someone who has sacrificed a lot, exchanging a private life for her incredible performance persona. And I’m not saying the Rambert dancers have done the same to that level, but it’s the idea of going onstage in the middle of emotional turmoil and having to pretend that everything is OK.’ (Kelly Apter) WORLD PREMIERE

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 22 Sep For choreographer Richard Alston and his loyal fans, the company’s annual tour to Edinburgh has become a fixture in the city’s dance calendar. This autumn, however, audiences are in for an extra treat, as Alston has chosen the Festival Theatre for the world premiere of his new piece Carnaval.

Showing alongside two of his other works — one a revival of 2004’s Gypsy Mixture, the other Chacony, created last year around composer Benjamin Britten’s response to the liberation of Auschwitz - Carnaval is certain to provide the light and colour in a triple bill of ranging emotions.

But it wasn’t fantasies of Harlequins and Columbines that sparked the choreographer’s imagination.

Instead, his inspiration was entirely aural.

‘It is always music that inspires me,’ Alston says. ‘I was listening to Schumann through my headphones at home and the piece of music that began to catch my attention, because there’s somehow a lot of movement in the music, was a piece called Carnaval.’

This triggered a memory of having seen Schumann’s Carnaval danced before, in the 1960s by the Western Theatre Ballet – the company that went on to become Scottish Ballet. Deciding he needed a ‘fresh approach’, he tossed aside notions of traditional carnivals and has chosen to conjure up a contemporary party. It only remains to be seen how Edinburgh audiences will respond — according to Alston, they don’t pull their punches. ‘They look very hard and they tell you whether they like it or not. So far, we’ve always been very lucky.’ (Lucy Ribchester) 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 85

745-Dance Previews PM YS KA.indd 85

25/08/2017 12:29

THEATRE | Highlights

HITLIST

DAMNED REBEL BITCHES Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Sep, traverse.co.uk A very personal tribute by writer/ director Sandy Thomson to the resourceful, independent and risk-taking Scottish women of the war years generation, who lost everything – more than once. See preview, page

84. Also touring, see list. co.uk/theatre for details.

SCOTTISH BALLET: STRAVINSKY Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Fri 6 Oct, glasgowtheatreroyal. org.uk Two contrasting works set to the music of Stravinsky: The Fairy’s Kiss

by Kenneth MacMillan and Christopher Hampson’s The

Rite of Spring. See feature, page 20. Also Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed 11– Fri 13 Oct then touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details.

HEDDA GABLER Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 17–Sat 21 Oct, edtheatres.com/ festival Ivo van Hove directs Henrik Ibsen’s

portrait of a marriage in crisis.

preview, page 82.

THE STEAMIE King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Mon 23 Oct– Sat 4 Nov, edtheatres. com/kings Magrit, Dolly, Doreen and Mrs Culfeathers do their last wash of the year and chat about food, family and the plight of a working class woman. See

RAMBERT Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 26–Sat 28 Oct, edtheatres.com A triple bill of Itzik Galili’s A Linha Curva, plus Symbiosis by Andonis Foniadakis and a new Nina Simone-inspired piece by Ben Duke. See preview, page 85.

THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS PHOTO: DAVID MONTEITH-HODGE

Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW ORESTEIA: THIS RESTLESS HOUSE Citizens Theatre, until Sat 9 Sep, citz.co.uk New adaptation of the Aeschylus trilogy by Zinnie Harris. See review at list.co.uk/theatre A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Theatre Royal, Tue 5–Sat 9 Sep, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk Tennessee Williams’ classic drama, presented by Rapture Theatre Company. See preview, page 84.

Also King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 3–Sat 7 Oct, edtheatres.com ADAM Citizens Theatre, Wed 13 Sep, citz. co.uk A remarkable, true story of a young trans man fleeing from Egypt to Scotland. Presented by National Theatre of Scotland. See Realist, page 6 and review at list.co.uk/theatre. Also Macrobert Arts Centre, Wed 5 & Thu 6 Sep, macrobertartscentre. org EVE Citizens Theatre, Thu 14 Sep, citz. co.uk Jo Clifford offers insight into the real life experiences of trans people in Scotland. See review at list.co.uk/ theatre EVE / ADAM DOUBLE BILL Citizens Theatre, Fri 15 & Sat 16 Sep, citz.co.uk A chance to see both NTS pieces in one evening.

ALL THE THINGS I LIED ABOUT Tron Theatre, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Sep, tron.co.uk A comic exploration of how Katie Bonna became estranged from her father and what she is going to do about it. See preview, page 82.

Adam

WONDER FOOLS PRESENT: THE COOLIDGE EFFECT Tron Theatre, Wed 22–Sat 30 Sep, tron.co.uk Contemporary piece exploring society’s relationship with pornography. Also Macrobert Arts Centre, Fri 21 Oct, macrobertartscentre.org.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY King’s Theatre, Tue 10–Sat 14 Oct, atgtickets.com Musical comedy about the spooky family. Wednesday Addams is all grown up and has fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family.

THEO CLINKARD COMPANY: THIS BRIGHT FIELD Tramway, Fri 13 & Sat 14 Oct, tramway.org This two-part work by British choreographer Clinkard provides audiences with an intimate on-stage encounter in part one, followed by a full stage, cinematic experience in part two.

SON OF A PREACHER MAN King’s Theatre, Tue 17 Oct–Sat 21 Oct, atgtickets.com/venues/kingstheatre A witty musical set to the hits of Dusty Springfield. Also King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 17-Sat 21 Oct, edtheatres.com TRAINSPOTTING Citizens Theatre, Wed 18 Oct–Sat 11 Nov, citz.co.uk Irvine Welsh’s iconic 90s novel about heroin addiction in Edinburgh is brought to life on stage. Adapted by Harry Gibson.

BREWBAND Platform, Thu 19 Oct, platformonline.co.uk Superband created by award-winning disabled choreographer Marc Brew, with music and dance from Graeme Smillie, Jill O’Sullivan and Peter Kelly. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details.

ADITI MANGALDAS DANCE COMPANY: INTER_RUPTED Tramway, Sat 21 & Sun 22 Oct, tramway.org A high-octane work based on disintegration, fragility, vulnerability, age and transience which follows the trajectory of modern Kathak.

EDINBURGH WHAT SHADOWS Royal Lyceum Theatre, Thu 8–Sat 23 Sep, lyceum.org.uk Ian McDiarmid stars as Enoch Powell in Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s staging of Chris Hannan’s drama about how a politically divided country moves forward in the wake of a crisis. Directed by Roxana Silbert. See preview, page 82.

GREASE Edinburgh Playhouse, Fri 11–Sat 16 Sep, atgtickets.com The classic romantic musical, set in an American high school in the 50s.

86 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Theatre Highlights PM GKV.indd 86

25/08/2017 14:20

Highlights | THEATRE

CILLA THE MUSICAL Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 19–Sat 23 Sep, atgtickets.com A new musical celebrating the life and career of Cilla Black.

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Fri 22 Sep, edtheatres.com The acclaimed dance company presents a triple bill of Alston works: Chacony, Gypsy Mixture and Carnaval, a brand new piece premiering in Edinburgh, set to Schumann’s music of the same name.

See preview, page 85.

27 Sep, edtheatres.com This innovative Indian dance company returns to Edinburgh with Sari, a celebration of the creation of this unique garment, in constant play with the body, both in stillness and in movement. See preview, page 85.

SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 30 Sep, edtheatres.com Fresh from a run at Summerhall this August, SDT return with their celebrated piece, Velvet Petal, inspired by the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe.

TAP FACTORY Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sun 24 Sep, edtheatres.com This lively, percussive show mixes tap dance, hip hop, comedy and acrobatics, accompanied by a live band. See preview, page 81. Also Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon 25 Sep, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk

SUNSET BOULEVARD Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 3–Sat 7 Oct, atgtickets.com Ria Jones stars as Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of Billy Wilder’s classic 1950 film.

Also Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Mon 28 May–Sat 2 Jun 2018, glasgowtheatreroyal.org.uk

SPAMALOT King’s Theatre, Tue 26–Sat 30 Sep, edtheatres.com The Knights of the Round Table-spoofing musical from Monty Python, written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

COCKPIT Royal Lyceum Theatre, Fri 6–Sat 28 Oct, lyceum.org.uk The whole theatre becomes a stage and all of Europe the actors in Bridget Boland’s explosive 1947 drama. See preview, page 82.

DAKSHA SHETH DANCE COMPANY: SARI Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed

THE KITE RUNNER King’s Theatre, Mon 9–Sat 14 Oct,

COAL

edtheatres.com Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel about friendships that can span continents.

the stories of six women in the Italo-Scottish community featuring traditional song from both countries.

OUT OF TOWN LOVE SONG TO A LAVENDER MENACE Royal Lyceum Theatre, Thu 12–Sat 21 Oct, lyceum.org.uk James Ley’s play set in a gay bookshop in 1987 Edinburgh. Also Byre Theatre, St Andrews, Fri 27 Oct, byretheatre. com A BENCH ON THE ROAD Assembly Roxy, Sun 15 Oct, assemblyroxy.com A play telling

COAL Macrobert Arts Centre, Thu 28–Sat 30 Sep, macrobertartscentre.org Created to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the 1984/85 British Miner’s strike, choreographer Gary Clarke presents this dance theatre show about life at the coal face. Also Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, Thu 21 Sep, beaconartscentre. co.uk

BIRMINGHAM BIRM BI RMIN M INGH GHAM AM R REPERTORY E ER EP ERTO TORY RY THEATRE THE HEAT ATRE RE PRESENTS

WHAT SHADOWS

By C Chris hris hr is H Hannan an n na nan n

7–23 7– 23 S SEPTEMBER EPTE EP TEMB MBER MB ER 2017 201 0 7

Starring Starri Sta rring rri n Ian Mc ng McDia McDiarmid D rmi Dia rm d as Enoch E ch Pow Eno Powell ell ll

TICKETS TICKET TIC KETS S

0131 0 01 31 2 248 48 4 4848 848 84 8 llyceum.org.uk yceu yc eum. m.or org. g.uk uk

Royall Lyceum Roya Lyceum Theatre The atre Company Company Ltd is a Registered Re gistered Regist ered Company Company n No. SC062065, SC06206 SC0 6206 6 5, and and Scottish S cottish Scott sh Charity Cha ity Char ty Registered Reg sterr ed No. Regi No. SC010509 S SC010 C010 05 509 9

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 87

745-Theatre Highlights PM GKV.indd 87

25/08/2017 14:20

SURGE A curated exhibition of work from Dumfries & Galloway

by Upland Members

2 - 10 September 2017 Preview: Friday 1 September 6-8pm Open daily 12 - 6pm Patriothall Gallery, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AY

www.weareupland.com Image: Colin Tennant

THAT’LL DHU NICELY Tamdhu, arguably the finest 10-year old single malt whisky; Established on Speyside 1897, reborn on Speyside 2013 (in hand-selected sherry casks no less). So, once more, all can enjoy Tamdhu’s fresh, rich, spicy notes and pure natural colour.

Rediscover Tamdhu at Tamdhu.com

Enjoy your dram responsibly.

88 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 88

25/08/2017 13:47

VISUAL ART MARLIE MUL: THIS EXHIBITION HAS BEEN CANCELLED

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

Empty gallery becomes talking point, but not much else After careful consideration, Marlie Mul’s exhibition at GoMA has been ‘cancelled’, turning visitors’ attention to the historic context of the building itself while raising searching questions about the role of publicly funded arts organisations today.

The ornate vaulted ceiling and imposing Corinthian columns are certainly impressively grand. A lone exhibition assistant sits in the corner. The echoing emptiness of the space means more attention falls on this single figure.

No doubt used to acting as the main interface between the curious public and the work on show, the mutual awareness between visitor and invigilator is more palpable than usual.

In place of an exhibition text, visitors can pick up a short synopsis of the building’s history from its ostentatious beginning as a private mansion, through many stages of commercial use, to its public opening as an art gallery in 1996. Since the building was originally built on the proceeds of the tobacco industry, this seems like an appropriate moment to consider Glasgow’s dual legacy as both a colonising power and a colonised people.

Against this historical backdrop, promoting the gallery as a potential site for community use is a generous and democratic act. In practice, the application form that can be filled in and returned at reception undermines this premise.

Besides, the proliferation of selfies taken in the space suggests that members of the public are perfectly content looking at themselves as art.

Leaving the gallery empty rather than reworking the exhibition programme could also be a statement about the under-supported nature of working in the arts. The debate about the impact continued austerity is having on the artistic community as a whole is something that should be heard, but artists need work to look at. For the time being, an empty gallery sits at the centre of the city as a talking point. Materials and objects are expensive but talk is cheap.

(Jessica Ramm) Q GoMA, until Sun 29 Oct OOOOO

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 89

745-Visual Art Lead PM YS RC.indd 89

25/08/2017 13:40

VISUAL ART | Previews MIXED MEDIA

SAHEJ RAHAL: BARRICADIA CCA, Glasgow, Sat 16 Sep–Sun 29 Oct There is a rich tradition of artists who invent whole new worlds in which to explore their ideas. This summer, Mumbai-born Sahej Rahal has spent eight weeks at Cove Park, the artist residency centre in Argyll, creating a body of new work for Glasgow’s CCA about the country of Barricadia.

Flotsam and jetsam picked up in Scotland will come together with mythology and science fiction to create the artefacts and histories of this invented land. Rahal’s practice combines performance, film, installation and sculpture, and also references contemporary political events in his native India, such as the peaceful protests which followed a recent spate of Islamophobic lynchings.

Rahal, who was born in Mumbai in 1988, is one of India’s most interesting young contemporary artists, and was selected to make work for the Liverpool Biennial last year. This will be his first show in Scotland, and it will also include remade versions of previous works and a film, ‘Dry Salvages’, first shown in Nottingham earlier this year.

CCA curator Ainslie Roddick believes Rahal’s work will chime with many of his Glasgow-based contemporaries. ‘I think his work here will speak to practitioners working in the city who think through materials and sculptural practice,’ says Roddick. ‘It will also raise important questions about the worlds we all create for ourselves in uncertain times. Sahej is a prolific thinker and maker and it’s been a great process working through the sculptural works and performative actions together.’

With a broad frame of references stretching from Star Wars to Jorge Luis Borges, his imagined world promises to be unique. Rahal says: ‘Barricadia emerges, fragmented across borders and histories. It is a temporal, autonomous, organic place. It is built and undone each day, and each night it is rebuilt upon the masonry of hope, held steadfast across lands, across ages, against the dire winds of hate.’

(Susan Mansfield)

PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTALLATION

COUNTER-CINEMA

ROBIN GILLANDERS

KELLY RICHARDSON: THE WEATHER MAKERS

LAURA MULVEY AND PETER WOLLEN

DCA, Dundee, Sat 23 Sep–Sun 26 Nov

Cooper Gallery, Dundee, Fri 29 Sep–Sat 7 Oct

Canadian artist Kelly Richardson’s environmental films show fantastical large-scale scenes which have been digitally manipulated to display an imagined future environment. ‘She’s been making these spectacular works for many years now,’ says DCA’s head of exhibitions Eoin Dara. ‘The questions Kelly is asking in her immersive installations about the ways in which we’re mistreating the world around us are more pertinent than ever.’

This exhibition will feature three large video installations alongside a new suite of prints by Richardson that are currently in production. ‘We’re presenting the show’s most expansive installation in partnership with NEoN Digital Arts Festival,’ says Dara. ‘It’s called ‘Mariner 9’, and it’s a 12-metre-long panoramic view of a Martian landscape set hundreds of years in the future.

We’ll also be showing two further multi-screen film works called ‘Orion Tide’ and ‘Leviathan’, which draw on histories of landscape painting, wildlife cinematography, science fiction and apocalyptic cinema, and the C-print series ‘Pillars of Dawn’, which show a crystallised future landscape where flora and fauna have been transformed by unknown environmental catastrophes.’ (David Pollock)

In December 2016, Laura Mulvey gave a keynote address at the Cooper Gallery as part of the 12hr Action Group symposium, the culmination to the gallery’s sprawl through feminist art since the 1970s.

This September, the veteran feminist film theorist, who first introduced the notion of the male gaze to cinematic critique, returns to Dundee with her partner in art and life, Peter Wollen, for a series of screenings of some of the key films they made together.

Urgency and Possibility: Counter-Cinema in the 70s and 80s will show five films, dating from Penthesilea: Queen of the Amazons, made in 1974, through to 1982’s Crystal Amazons. Like them, 1977’s Riddles of the Sphinx is feature length, while the shorter Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti (1981) will also be screened. The season will open with a screening of the pair’s 1980 film, AMY!, preceded by a talk by Mulvey. Only the pair’s final outing, The Bad Sister, (1982) will not be seen in a canon that taps into patriarchal myths, male fantasy and subGodardian disruptions of narrative.

With a new wave of radical thought rising up as a counterblast to reactionary global forces, Mulvey and Wollen’s back-catalogue look like key touchstones for possible futures yet to be written. (Neil Cooper)

Stills Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Oct–Sun 14 Jan Robin Gillanders, one of the foremost photographic artists working in Scotland, will be the subject of a major exhibition this autumn at Stills in Edinburgh.

Beginning with portraits of Scottish writers, artists and public figures made in the 1980s, the show will celebrate three decades of work, finishing with a new hot-off-the-press series of portraits of women in the arts today.

The exhibition will include work Gillanders made in collaboration with Ian Hamilton Finlay in the 1990s and early 2000s, and will exhibit for the first time a series of photographs taken in Hamilton Finlay’s cottage, Stonypath, in 2009, three years after his death. Other bodies of work represented in the show include ‘Ten Men’, a series of portraits made for Street Level Photoworks in 2012 to mark Gillanders’ 60th birthday, and ‘A Lover’s Complaint’, a series of still lives made in response to philosopher Roland Barthes.

Gillanders, who taught photography at Napier University from 1988–2012 said: ‘I’ve exhibited nationally and internationally and published four or five books, but this is the biggest and most comprehensive show I’ve ever done. To see representation from various projects in one place is very exciting.’ (Susan Mansfield) 90 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Visual Art Reviews PM YS RC.indd 90

25/08/2017 13:39

Highlights | VISUAL ART

HITLIST

PLANT SCENERY OF THE WORLD Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, until Tue 31 Oct, rbge.org.uk A major exhibition celebrating the garden’s innovative modernist glasshouse. See review at list.co.uk

AND ERIN SHIRREFF: SLOW OBJECTS The Common Guild, Glasgow, until Sun 17 Dec, thecommonguild. org.uk Video, sculpture, installation and photography from three artists examining the way we perceive objects.

VANESSA BILLY, EDITH DEKYNDT

SAHEJ RAHAL: BARRICADIA

an imaginary land. See preview, page 90.

CCA, Glasgow, Sat 16 Sep–Sun 29 Oct, cca-glasgow.com Work by mischievous Mumbaibased artist, developed at Cove Park, to create

JOHN AKOMFRAH: VERTIGO SEA Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sat 27 Jan, trg.ed.ac.uk Multi-screen installation by the distinguished artist, in part inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick and Heathcote Williams’ epic

poem Whale Nation.

KELLY RICHARDSON Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee until Sun 26 Nov, dca.org.uk Kelly Richardson creates hyperreal digital films of rich and complex landscapes that have been manipulated using CGI, animation and sound. See preview, page 90.

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

New Edition

GLASGOW LINES OF THOUGHT The Lighthouse, Glasgow until Sun 1 Oct, thelighthouse.co.uk An exhibition about architectural drawing and representation centring on the work of renowned architect Alexander Thomson.

MARLIE MUL: THIS EXHIBITION IS CANCELLED Gallery Of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 29 Oct, glasgowlife.org. uk The artist was going to have her first solo exhibition in the gallery, but after consideration she has cancelled it, and instead the gallery is empty except for large posters proclaiming that the exhibition is cancelled. See review, page 89.

STUART MIDDLETON: BEAT Tramway, Glasgow, Tue 5 Sep–Fri 20 Oct, tramway.org Installation by London-based artist.

SARA BARKER: THE FACES OF OLDER IMAGES Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Sat 16 Sep–Sat 28 Oct, gsa.ac.uk The fourth solo show by the Glasgow-based artist.

STEPHEN SUTCLIFFE: WORK FROM THE COLLECTION Gallery Of Modern Art, Glasgow, Fri 22 Sep–Sun 21 Jan, glasgowlife. org.uk The Glasgow-based artist has his first solo show at the gallery, with new works drawing from his extensive collection of broadcast material and printed ephemera. See review at list. co.uk EAST AND WEST WALK FORWARD Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Sat 23 Sep–Sun 29 Oct, gsa.ac.uk A major exhibition of work by staff at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts (LAFA).

EDINBURGH NEW EDITION Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh, until Sat 2 Sep, edinburghprintmakers.co.uk Curated

by Sarah Lowndes, this group exhibition displays newly-commissioned printed works by Museums Press, Poster Club and Emer Tumilty. See review at list. co.uk ART WALK PORTY Various venues, Edinburgh, until Sun 10 Sep, artwalkporty.co.uk Art project celebrating the public space and artistic activity of Portobello, featuring open artist studios, site-specific beach art, pop-up makers markets and more.

PABLO BRONSTEIN: THE ROSE WALK Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston, until Wed 27 Sep, jupiterartland.org Two pavilions connected by a 25m-long rose garden, created by London-based artist of Argentine origin.

JAC LEIRNER The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 22 Oct, fruitmarket.co.uk The first solo exhibition in Scotland for the Brazilian artist who makes work from a limited range of ordinary materials. See review at list.co.uk TRUE TO LIFE: BRITISH REALIST PAINTINGS IN THE 1920S AND 1930S Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art One, Edinburgh, until Sun 29 Oct, nationalgalleries.org A major review of British realist painting in the 20s and 30s, with works by the famous (Stanley Spencer) and the not-so-famous. See review at list.co.uk SHADOWS OF WAR: ROGER FENTON’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CRIMEA, 1855 The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, until Sun 26 Nov, royalcollection.org.uk The Crimean War was one of the first wars to be given extensive photographic

documentation, and Roger Fenton was in the thick of it. See review at list.co.uk DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh, until Sat 20 Jan, dovecotstudios.com A look at the work of key women weavers and artists.

HIDDEN GEMS City Art Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 7 Oct–May 2018, edinburghmuseums. org.uk, Little-seen and lesser-known treasures from the centre’s collection.

DUNDEE LAURA MULVEY AND PETER WOLLEN: URGENCY AND POSSIBILITY: COUNTER-CINEMA IN THE 70S AND 80S Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design Cooper Gallery, Dundee, Fri 29 Sep–Sat 7 Oct, dundee.ac.uk/djcad A two-week screening programme . See preview, page 90.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 91

745-Visual Art Highlights YS RC.indd 91

25/08/2017 13:40

TV

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

TIN STAR Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks star in a revenge thriller set in the Rocky Mountains Appearances can be deceptive. Tin Star opens with bloody violence then cuts to ‘one year earlier’. Little Big Bear in the Rocky Mountains seems like the perfect town. The Worth family have relocated from London to this small rural community. Jack (Tim Roth) is the new chief of police, struggling to find enough crime to keep him occupied, squabbling with his moody teenage daughter Anna (Abigail Lawrie) and goofing around with his infuriatingly cute son. It seems like an idyllic life until big business rolls into town.

Tin Star is about lies and duplicity. Elizabeth Bradshaw (Christina Hendricks) seems sweet as pie but is the canny and conniving PR for North Stream Oil. False promises bring a multinational company to Little Big Bear then lures in migrant workers. Bradshaw hides the truth behind spin while Jack, a recovering alcoholic, fights to control the darkness within. As big business takes over, the entire township is changed

forever. The community splits – half desperate for money, half wanting a return to peace and tranquillity.

The final reveal of what really happened in those opening five minutes is even more brutal than most would guess; an act so vicious it unleashes a demon with a thirst for revenge.

Written and created by Rowan Joffe (28 Weeks Later, Brighton Rock), Tin Star’s portrayal of smalltown life doesn’t always feel convincing (a couple of rubbish CGI moments don’t help). The message of big business standing for the evils of the world (corruption, exploitation, pollution) is well meaning but a little simplistic. However, Roth and Hendricks are always watchable and, after The Casual Vacancy and Murdered For Being Different, Lawrie has proved she is a superb young actor. (Henry Northmore) ■ Tin Star starts on Sky Atlantic, Thu 7 Sep, with all 10 episodes available on Sky Boxsets and NOW TV ●●●●●

92 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-TV Lead PM HN.indd 92

25/08/2017 13:38

Previews | TV

list.co.uk/tv

HIGHLIGHTS NARCOS – SEASON 3 Netflix, Fri 1 Sep With Pablo Escobar out of the picture, Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) takes on the cartels competing to fill the power vacuum the drug lord left in his wake.

THE X FACTOR ITV, Sat 2 Sep, 8pm Simon Cowell and some other people judge a singing competition. Take this as a warning or a reminder, depending on your viewpoint.

TIN STAR Sky Atlantic, Thu 7 Sep A tale of bloody revenge in this new series from writer Rowan Joffe, starring Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks. See review, page 92.

Stranger Things

FRIGHT NIGHT With horror fans spoiled for choice on TV these days, Henry Northmore picks out the best new series to scare the pants off you this Halloween AMERICAN HORROR STORY: CULT The seventh season of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s anthology horror series kicks off Halloween early. While plot details are a closely guarded secret as we go to press, Murphy told E! Online: ‘The first 10 minutes of this season take place in a very eerie macabre way on election night [2016] . . . which in itself was a horror story, so it’s like a horror story upon a horror story.’ Lady Gaga and Kathy Bates are out but Lena Dunham is a surprise addition to the cast alongside returning favourites Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy and Evan Peters.

■ FOX (UK), Fri 8 Sep.

LUCIFER – SEASON 3 Based on Neil Gaiman’s version of the Devil from the pages of The Sandman comics. Bored of ruling over the damned, Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis) swaps Hell for Los Angeles. The wicked premise is played as a black comedy / police procedural. Season 3 will start with four standalone episodes held over from last year before Tom Welling (Smallville) joins the cast as a new antagonist.

BOJACK HORSEMAN – SEASON 4 Netflix, Fri 8 Sep More animated misadventures for everyone’s favourite washed-up equine actor (voiced by Will Arnett). Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg has vaguely hinted at a political angle for season 4.

COLD FEET – SEASON 7 ITV, Fri 8 Sep, 9pm The Cold Feet reunion was a dull, stodgy affair. But it was massively popular so James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Fay Ripley, Hermonie Norris and Robert Bathhurst return for more midlife dramedy.

OUTLANDER – SEASON 3 Amazon Prime, Mon 11 Sep The timetravelling historical romance returns after an extended break, picking up after the Battle of Culloden.

TRANSPARENT – SEASON 4 Amazon Prime, Fri 22 Sep Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) stars as the transgender Maura Pfefferman is this superb dramedy created by Jill Soloway.

■ Amazon Prime, Tue 3 Oct.

THE EXORCIST – SEASON 2 Nothing could be as terrifying as the 1973 movie but The Exorcist TV show went for old-school horror. Season 2 will see demonologist duo, Fathers Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) and Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels), contending with a new case of possession centring around a group foster home for troubled kids in Seattle. It also sets up the future of the series as an anthology show with our favourite priests battling Satan across America.

■ SyFy, Wed 11 Oct.

THE WALKING DEAD – SEASON 8 The Walking Dead is the most successful horror TV show of all time. Following Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his rugged band of survivors after the zombie apocalypse, WD isn’t afraid of bloodshed, regularly culling even fan favourite characters. It all kicked off at the end of season 7 as Rick and co finally fought back against Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Expect a huge fight for survival as the two sides gather their forces. Creator Robert Kirkman told the Television Critics Association: ‘it’s the all-out war story . . . a more fast-paced season, a more action-packed season, really focusing on momentum, and we feel like over the first seven seasons we kind of set all of the characters into place, and now it’s time to break them.’

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Netflix, Mon 25 Sep Trek heads back to TV. A prequel focusing on the conflict between the Klingons and the United Federation of Planets.

■ FOX (UK), Mon 23 Oct.

MINDHUNTER Netflix, Fri 13 Oct New 70s-set thriller, produced by David Fincher, about a special FBI unit who hunt serial killers.

STRANGER THINGS – SEASON 2 Stranger Things was Netflix’s breakout hit of 2016. It tapped into a love of 80s sci-fi and horror, referencing Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Poltergeist, ET and Stephen King. Expect more retro thrills (the trailer features Dragon’s Lair, ‘Thriller’ and Ghostbusters) and another super-scary sci-fi mystery as the kids face a new monster.

ASSASSIN’S CREED: ORIGINS PC, PS4, Xbox One, Fri 27 Oct Forget the misfiring movie and head back to the source with the latest instalment in the AC universe set in ancient Egypt.

■ Netflix, Fri 27 Oct. 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 93

745-TV Preview PM HN.indd 93

25/08/2017 13:38

94 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 94

25/08/2017 13:47

ST UDE NT GUIDE

2017

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SG17.indd 95

25/08/2017 14:14

STUDENT GUIDE 2017 CULTURAL CALENDAR DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ................98

EAT & DRINK PIZZA AND BEER ............................. 100

CLUBS

BOOKS

OH141...................................................108

404 INK ............................................... 121

LGBTQ+

THEATRE

DRAG NIGHTS AND PARTIES ............................................... 111

AUTUMN EVENTS ROUNDUP ........ 122

INTERNATIONAL ............................. 102 COFFEE ...............................................104

COMEDY

MUSIC HOW TO GET STARTED.................... 112 NEW MUSIC......................................... 114

SHOPPING

PATTISON AND WANG .................... 125

VISUAL ART

RECORDS, VINTAGE, BOOKS,

FILM

GALLERIES OFF THE

CRAFT & ONLINE SHOPS ............... 106

FILM FESTIVALS ............................... 117

BEATEN TRACK ................................ 126

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HERE'S SOME OF THE GREAT RESTAURANTS YOU CAN GET DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

Five Guys

Five Guys

Wagamama

Wagamama

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

BRGR

Redbox Noodle Bar

Kimchi Cult!

Bentoya

Bar Soba

Don’t settle for below-par takeaways of measly leftovers. Get the food you really love delivered, fast. Whether you’re in need of something tasty to go with your pre-drinks, a healthy-kick to fuel your essay writing, or a hearty feast after your big night out, we’ve got you covered.

PizzaExpress

Old Salty's

Barburrito

Zizzi

Kenji Sushi

Barburrito

Byron

Di Maggio's

BURGER.

PizzaExpress

Fusion Gourmet

Burger King

For exclusive Deliveroo student discounts, head to UNiDAYS.

Sushiya

KFC

Better Fresher Food

96 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 96

25/08/2017 14:14

WELCOME TO SOUQ EDINBURGH At Souq Edinburgh, we bring the Middle East to you.

A stunning array of hand crafted Turkish & Moroccan lights as well as ceramics, leather goods, sweets, and gifts from the region, adorn our loaded Souq shelves.

SOUQ CAFE AND DELI The owners of the well loved Hanam’s, Pomegranate and Laila’s restaurants also bring you their atmospheric Arabic cafe in the basement of Souq for that authentic market place experience.

57-59 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh info@souq-edinburgh.com www.souq-edinburgh.com

01316676601

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 97

Untitled-1 97

25/08/2017 13:48

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

CULTURAL PHOTO: ANDY ROSS

THE MACKINTOSH FESTIVAL Celebrate the life and work of architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh with a range of exhibitions, workshops, tours and events held in locations around the city as well as plenty of free additions to the arts-focused programme. Glasgow, Sun 1–Tue 31 Oct.

SCOTTISH QUEER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SCOTTISH BALLET AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON

Scotland’s annual celebration of queer cinema is back for another mammoth year, with the aim of encouraging discussion and appreciation of work made by and for the LGBTQ+ community.

Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep–Sun 1 Oct.

Dance can be good for the soul. Catch Scottish Ballet's take on Stravinsky’s The Fairy Kiss and The Rite of Spring in Oct/Nov and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker from Dec. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen & Inverness, Oct 2017–Jan 2018.

PHOTO: STUART WESTWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

REST

OF

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL Annual film festival with international premieres, filmmaker appearances, discussion panels and other events.

Glasgow, Wed 21 Feb–Sun 4 Mar.

GLASGOW LIVE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL SCOTTISH MENTAL HEALTH ARTS AND FILM FESTIVAL

SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AWARDS

SMHAFF is an important cultural festival that aims to challenge perceptions of mental health through music, art, film and theatre. 2017 marks its 11th year, with the full programme to be announced on 14 Sep. Scotland-wide, Tue 10–Tue 31 Oct.

These independently run music awards are all about honouring the underground Scottish music scene. With showcases running throughout the year, the SAMAs bring together the best emerging acts in Scotland. Glasgow, Thu 12 Oct.

Top comedy stars from around the UK and beyond make appearances at Europe’s largest comedy festival. Glasgow, Thu 8– Sun 25 Mar.

HIDDEN DOOR Cool and quirky interdisciplinary arts

98 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 98

25/08/2017 14:15

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Going to uni in Scotland is no easy feat, what with all the glorious cultural distractions on offer all year. It is, of course, important that you work hard, but we figured you probably deserve some downtime, too. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best events and festivals for you to look forward to before the end of 2017

CALENDAR PHOTO: SOLEN COLLET

SPREE FESTIVAL The Paisley arts, music and comedy festival has a cracking programme planned this year with special guests including Emma Pollock and RM Hubbert, Frightened Rabbit with the RSNO and Paisley’s own Paolo Nutini. Paisley, Fri 13–Sun 22 Oct.

Meat and music lovers, this is your chance to shine. Enjoy steak, burgers, ribs and wings at communal feasting tables while you’re serenaded by regularly changing music from the past five decades. Edinburgh, Fri 20–Sun 22 Oct.

Twelve days of storytelling events with workshops, performances and talks drawing attention to storytelling talent from all over the world. Expect guests from New Zealand, India, Russia and more. Edinburgh, Fri 20–Tue 31 Oct.

YEAR

PHOTO: CHRIS WATT

PHOTO: RAINI SCOTT

THE

MEATS AND BEATS FESTIVAL

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

festival with musicians, artists and filmmakers showing off their works.

Edinburgh, May.

TRNSMT Glasgow’s new music festival is set to return for its second year with another superb lineup expected. Glasgow Green, Fri 6–Sun 8 Jul.

EDINBURGH’S FESTIVALS Summer in Edinburgh is a mecca for culture with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, International Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival, Art Festival and more. Edinburgh, Jul & Aug.

SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL

HOGMANAY

Beltane Fire Society’s legendary Fire Festival marks the transition from summer to winter with a stunning torchlit performance, epic street theatre and fireworks right in the heart of Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town. Edinburgh, Tue 31 Oct.

There’s no party quite like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

This year, take in an extended fireworks display, a fantastic lineup of bands, DJs and performers and plenty of events in the run-up to the street party itself, including the iconic Torchlight Procession on Sat 30 Dec. Edinburgh, Sun 31 Dec. 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 99

SG17.indd 99

25/08/2017 14:15

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

EAT & DRINK

MATCH MADE

EDINBURGH

CIVERINOS SLICE

WILDMAN

PIZZERIA 1926

Civerinos second venture is just a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh University student union, perfect for some post-lecture pizza and beer.

Choices include Porky’s Revenge, Grizzly Pear or 99 Problems & Cheese Ain’t One; available in 20” inch pizzas or by the slice. Grab a can of Birra Moretti or Brooklyn Lager to wash it all down. 49

Another popular student hangout, Wildman offers a creative menu of small plates and pizzas. Their frutti di mare is deliciously fresh and there’s plenty of options for vegetarians, too. Black Isle beers suit those wanting a local tipple, while bottles of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Sol complement the pizza perfectly. 27–29 Marshall Street, facebook.

Get in the pints of Birra Moretti and order some fritto misto to share before tucking into a Neapolitan-style pizza. A confidently short menu has everything from a classic margherita to calzones and a ‘pocho’– provola (smoked mozzarella), smoked swordfish, yellow cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and courgette flowers. 85

Forrest Road, civerinos.com

com/wildmanrestaurant

Dalry Road, pizzeria1926.com

BIER HALLE

PAESANO PIZZA

STRIP JOINT

You’ll be spoilt for choice at Bier Halle, with a menu of over 100 bottled and draught beers from 30 countries. The thin and crispy pizzas are permanently on a 2-for-1 offer and include Hoi Sin Duck, Tandoori Chicken and an Avacado, Bacon & Egg pizza. When the sun shines, you can enjoy them in the bier garden. 9 Gordon Street,

Traditional Neapolitan pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens from Naples. Paesano keep things simple with just nine pizzas to choose from and at £5–£8 a pizza, it’s great value. Moretti is served by the schooner or there’s a choice of bottled world beers.

For dessert try their soft scope ice-cream, served retro style in oysters or as a classic 99. 94 Miller

republicbierhalle.com

Street; 471 Great Western Road, paesanopizza.co.uk

Billed as a pizzaplace and drinkmonger, Strip Joint serves pizzas as rustica-style strips. They’re named after songs, so you can enjoy a Susie Q or Rebel Rouser, plus there’s dips for crusts.

Pair your pizza with a pint of Krusovice tank beer, direct from the Czech Republic or there's lagunitus IPA, Three Hop and Coast to Coast on draft. 956 Argyle Street, stripjointglasgow.co.uk

GLASGOW

100 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 100

25/08/2017 14:15

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

IN HEAVEN

Cancel your Domino’s delivery and head out to one of these top pizza joints in Edinburgh or Glasgow that are well-known for their beer selection too. Rowena McIntosh and Louise Stoddart pick their favourites

ORIGANO

LA FAVORITA

SÖDERBERG PAVILION

One of the city’s more established pizza restaurants, Origano serves authentic Italian food from their stylish establishment on Leith Walk. Starters and sharing platters play supporting roles to a wide selection of pizzas.

With local Paolozzi lager on tap, it’s worth the trip across town. 236 Leith Walk,

Conveniently close to the university buildings, and with a great outdoor space, is Söderberg’s informal Pavilion café. Try their delicious smoked salmon pizza with a Barney’s Beer – brewed less than a mile away – and finish your meal with a delicious pastry fresh from the bakery upstairs. 1 Lister Square, soderberg.uk/

origano-leith.co.uk

You'll know their little yellow delivery vans that drive about town, but La Favorita’s hub is their award-winning, third-generation Italian family restaurant on Leith Walk. The menu is largely pizza dominated, but there are interesting pasta and risotto dishes, too. There's Birra Moretti on tap and fridges filled with Corona, Peroni and Innis & Gunn bottles. 325–331 Leith Walk, vittoriagroup.co.uk

BLOC+

PIZZA PUNKS

MOZZA

A Bath Street basement bar, Bloc+ has great Scottish beers on draught, from Innis & Gunn to Brewdog and Drygate, as well as Blue Moon and Samuel Adams from the US. Their ever-changing selection of craft beer cans always throws up a few surprises. If you get peckish later on, their meat, veggie and vegan pizzas are served until 3am. 117 Bath Street, bloc.ru

Choose your own base, sauce and cheese then punk up your pizza with a whole range of weird and wonderful toppings, including cauliflower, falafel and Irn-Bru pulled pork. The drinks menu features IPAs, APAs, pilsners and porters from the likes of Magic Rock Brewing and Beavertown Brewery. 90 St Vincent Street,

Relatively new to the Glasgow pizza scene, Mozza serves Neapolitan pizza, with ingredients sourced from Campania, Calabria and Naples.

Even their beer is local to Italy; 32 is the first Italian microbrewery and their beer is served in impressive 75cl bottles with corks. Even their tiramisu has beer in it: it's called a birramisu. 39

pizzapunks.co.uk

Renfield Street, mozza.it

soderberg-pavilion

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 101

SG17.indd 101

25/08/2017 14:15

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

EAT & DRINK

AROUND THE WORLD Louise Stoddart picks some of the best international restaurants to help you eat your way across the globe

EDINBURGH PHOTO: CAITLIN COOKE

THE BASEMENT

POMEGRANATE

TING THAI CARAVAN

SPITAKI

As boards of fajitas are taken to the tables, aromas of sizzling meat greet visitors. With an impressive tequila menu, The Basement is as much a drinking spot as an affordable, rustic Mexican restaurant. 10–12a Broughton Street, basement-bar-edinburgh.co.uk

Grab a bottle and head to Pomegranate with some pals for a BYOB night. The Middle Eastern mezze-style menu means you can order a ton of food and all tuck in – shisha pipe smoking optional to round off the night. 1 Antigua Street, pomegranatesrestaurant.com

Queues out the door indicate the popularity of this Thai street food restaurant. The menu is confidently short and service is fast, so you’ll be getting stuck into some goong frong beer in no time. Cash only, so come prepared. 8–9 Teviot Place, facebook.com/tt.caravan

This taverna up near Bonnington has some of Edinburgh’s finest Greek food.

In true Greek style, food comes out as and when it’s ready, and is made for sharing. They’ve an impressive wine list and beer selection, too. 133–135 East Claremont Street, spitaki.co.uk

BANANA LEAF

LA BODEGA TAPAS BAR

HALLOUMI

SURF DOGS

This atmospheric Malaysian restaurant changes its menu monthly to reflect the freshest flavours of Chinese-Malaysian food. Their lunch deal is a bargain at £10.50 and there’s also some interesting homemade drinks to try. 67 Cambridge Street, bananaleafglasgow.com

Head west along the Clyde, keep going, and you’re opposite Braehead by the time you’ve reached La Bodega. But the character of this place makes it worth the trip and the portion sizes leave you more than satisfied. 1120 South Street, labodegaglasgow.com

For Greek-Cypriot cuisine, head to Halloumi on Hope Street which offers traditional Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary flair. If you opt for the express lunch menu at £9.95, make sure you order the dolmades. 161 Hope Street, halloumiglasgow.co.uk

A taste of North America in Shawlands, the flavour-packed hot dogs are topped with chicken, slaw, melted cheese, onion rings and more (vegan and vegetarian options available too). Order halloumi fries for added indulgence. 49 Kilmarnock Road, surfdogsglasgow.net

GLASGOW PHOTO: STEPHEN ROBINSON

102 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 102

25/08/2017 14:15

£5 OFF

The List has teamed up with Little Canteen, Cailin’s Sushi and Tea Time to give lucky readers £5 off when spending £20 or over until October 31st. Just show this advert, or log onto List.co.uk/offers and show the digital offer to claim your £5 off.

T&C: List usual rules apply, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer available until 31/10/2017

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 103

Untitled-1 103

25/08/2017 13:48

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

EAT & DRINK

EDINBURGH

CUPPA JOE?

ARTISAN ROAST

BABA BUDAN

BREW LAB

CULT ESPRESSO

138 Bruntsfield Place, 57 Broughton Street & 100A Raeburn Place Having kick-started the city’s coffee revolution, Artisan now has three sites and is stocked in venues all over town.

Buy 9 get 1 free.

17 East Market Street In the middle of a wee row full of independent shops with killer views, Baba Budan’s coffee is well-sourced, well-made and a perfect foil for their unmissable handmade doughnuts.

Buy 8 get 1 free.

6–8 South College Street Unashamed coffee geekery and pioneers of the cold brew. Their laidback evening menu puts Brew Lab at the heart of student coffee culture in this part of town. Buy 9 get 1 free, with four-tiered loyalty scheme.

104 Buccleuch Street A hip, split-level, brick-lined shabbychic venue serving expertly made single origin coffee. Plus teas, shakes, smoothies, soups and sandwiches, and good bacon rolls, too. Buy 9 get 1 free.

BENNU

CAFFÈ DA SARA

GORDON STREET COFFEE

MCCUNE SMITH

262 Woodlands Road The area around Woodlands Road is a major hubbub of activity. This unassuming family-run affair is right in the middle of it, looking onto the University buildings opposite, with a menu featuring student-friendly fare.

Buy 8 get 1 free.

102 Queen Margaret Drive There are a fair few places on Queen Margaret Drive where you can get a takeaway brew, but this family-owned Italian independent has perhaps the best combination of snappy service and strong coffee. The sandwiches are great, too. Buy 8 get 1 free.

79 Gordon Street Gordon Street roast their coffee on site, beside the entrance to Central Station.

Upstairs has a few seats, but it’s all about takeaway on street level – within a minute of getting off the train, you can have your fix of the ‘Glasgow Roast’ – their in-house blend. Buy 6 get 1 free.

3–5 Duke Street McCune Smith’s focus on quality and provenance makes for some of the best sandwiches, salads and flat whites anywhere in town. If you’re not in a hurry, owner Dan will give you a wee history lesson on the area while you wait. Swipii loyalty points.

GLASGOW PHOTO: RENZO MAZZOLINI

104 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 104

25/08/2017 14:16

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Whether you can’t live without your morning double shot or prefer to savour a simple pour-over mid-afternoon, Edinburgh and Glasgow’s independent coffee shops are thriving. What’s more, most will reward you for your loyalty (or disloyalty).

Jo Laidlaw and David Kirkwood size up the best coffee shops around PHOTO: ABI HARDY, OCTOABI.COM

THE DISLOYAL 7 There’s a real sense of togetherness between Edinburgh’s indie coffee shops, perfectly illustrated by the Disloyal 7 card.

Buy a coffee from Cult Espresso, Filament Coffee, Baba Budan, Lowdown Coffee, Fortitude Coffee, Cairngorm Coffee or Brew Lab, and get a stamp. Once filled, use your card to claim a free drink from any of the seven venues.

FILAMENT COFFEE

FORTITUDE COFFEE

MACHINA ESPRESSO

38 Clerk Street A big sunny window, a menu helpfully divided into ‘coffee’ and ‘not coffee’, local cakes and coffee from Has Bean, Williams & Johnson and Square Miles all mean Filament consistently shines. See Disloyal 7 scheme, right.

3c York Place Handy for the bus, tram and train, Fortitude is a stylish wee place with an impressive attention to detail. Try a pour-over to appreciate the subtle aromas of beans roasted in their own roastery. Buy 6 get 1 free.

80 Nicolson Street & 2 Brougham Place Cool, casual spot for grabbing a coffee plus everything you need to recreate the barista experience at home. If you’re after a late fix, they’re open into the evening in summer. Buy 9 get 1 free.

OFFSHORE

PAPERCUP

PIECE

SOUTHSIDE ROASTERS

3 Gibson Street A bright and airy spot between Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow University that really comes into its own in the winter months when many a student snuggles into a window seat with a cushion and a laptop. Swipii loyalty points.

603 Great Western Road One of the heavyweights of Glasgow’s coffee scene. The vibe is laid-back and artsy, with more than a bit of Antipodean influence. The original site is typically pretty busy but there’s now a second spot (where they do the roasting) in the lane nearby. Buy 6 get 1 free.

1056 Argyle Street, 100 Miller Street, 126 West Regent Street, 200 Albion Street & Dawson Road Their reputation is built on the fantastic artisan sandwiches, but Piece also roast their own coffee, and have refined the blend over the last seven years. It’s damned good. Buy 6 get 1 free.

742 Pollokshaws Road A minimalist little space in the most upand-coming stretch of the Southside, with all gourmet coffee needs catered for. Swift takeaway service and homemade baked goods seal the deal.

Plus, it’s on a main bus route, and near two train stations. Buy 6 get 1 free.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 105

SG17.indd 105

25/08/2017 14:16

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

SHOPPING

Edinburgh and Glasgow may both be great for shopping but when loan day comes around, it’s the independent stores you’ll want to be hitting for all your music, art, fashion and bookish needs. Rowena McIntosh rounds up some of the best places to spend your cash, as well as online outlets worth checking out

EDINBURGH

GODIVA

ARMSTRONGS

GOLDEN HARE BOOKS

VOXBOX MUSIC

RED DOOR GALLERY

Fashion boutique stocking vintage products, as well as collections from local designers. 9 West Port, godivaboutique.co.uk

Vintage emporium for everything from faux fur coats to handbags. 81–83 Grassmarket; 64–66 Clerk Street, 14 Teviot Place, armstrongsvintage.co.uk

Independent bookshop stocking fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, art and design, and more. 68 St Stephen Street, goldenharebooks.com

Treasure trove of secondhand and new vinyl, where you can try before you buy. 21 St Stephen Street, voxboxmusic. co.uk

Shop for work by local artists and illustrators, as well as fashion accessories, jewellery and artist cards. 42 Victoria Street, edinburghart.com

WELCOME HOME

VALHALLA’S GOAT

MONORAIL

FORBIDDEN PLANET

A showcase of craft, design and illustration from emerging and established designers.

CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, welcomehome.bigcartel.com

Owned by the Williams Bros, of brewing fame, this shop boasts an awe-inspiring wall of beer. 449 Great Western Rd, valhallasgoat.com

Long-established record shop stocking a great array of music genres and limited edition vinyl.

Kings Court, 95 King Street, monorailmusic.com

Comic shop chain stocking graphic novels, comics, manga and action figures.

168 Buchanan Street, forbiddenplanet.co.uk

GLASGOW

MR BEN RETRO CLOTHING

ONLINE

An emporium of retro and vintage finds from decades gone by. Kings Court, 101 King Street, mrbenretroclothing.com

LIVINGINLALALAND.CO.UK

LITTLE-LIES.COM

La La Land is a Glasgow-based online shop stocking pop culture gifts, from Harry Potter make-up bags to Stranger Things badges and Star Wars notebooks. There are plenty of animal motifs across the range of clothing, jewellery and stationery, especially sloths, cats and alpacas.

Fife’s Little Lies describes itself as ‘your worst kept secret of rock’n’roll inspiration’. It’s a music-influenced shop and blog where you can listen to playlists, read interviews with people in creative industries and shop for clothes and accessories. Inspired by 70s boho, Led Zeppelin and all things festival.

106 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 106

25/08/2017 14:16

Stone baked pizza, seawater dough and goodies

We make really good pizza, from simply good ingredients, sourced from good foodie types, for people who like good food. We’re on a mission to slow fast food down, change its unhealthy image and give the lunchtime sandwich and the disappointing Friday take-away a run for its money.

If you can’t visit in person, you can call, email or order online and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Visit us in Edinburgh Rose Street - 0131 225 1588 | Newington - 0131 667 5343

#WErDough

STEP INTO

STUDENT NIGHT THURSDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2017 6-9PM

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FUN ACTIVITIES & EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS JUST FOR STUDENTS! Enjoy an incredible evening filled with FREE fun activities, prizes, exclusive discounts, freebies and a whole lot more! Come and check out our unique student deals from New Look, Lipsy, and Costa to name a few...

Register for FREE on our website for your chance to win some great prizes! OR you can register in-centre on the night from 5pm. /WaverleyMallEdinburgh @waverleymallsc @WaverleyMallSC

waverleymall.com

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 107

Untitled-1 107

25/08/2017 13:48

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

CLUBS

EXIST TO RESI Sarra Wild of OH141 tells Arusa Qureshi why representation and safe spaces are vital to the future of our nightlife and clubbing communities

T

o say that clubs can be transformative spaces is not an exaggeration. For many, they are the focal point of a city, responsible for fostering a sense of community, identity and collective spirit. But this isn't always the case, especially for minorities who often lack inclusion and equality in these environments.

Sarra Wild, DJ, promoter and boss of club night and collective OH141, is well aware of this dichotomy, particularly in Glasgow. 'I saw that there was a lack of women getting represented, along with a huge lack of people of colour and members of the queer community. It was basically straight white dudes wherever you went. I got a bit sick of it so I started OH141 to give those exact people a platform and opportunities to play.'

In an incredibly short period of time, OH141 has blossomed from a club night to a radio show, a host of panel discussions, DJ workshops and more. 'It's been a year and a half and so much has happened,' Sarra explains. 'I think it's just because what I'm trying to do speaks to so many people.'

Having worked behind the scenes in clubs for some time, Sarra's decision to start her own night was down to her belief in creating the kind of club environment that embraces a more diverse group of people. 'Representation and feeling represented in a club is huge for me. When I first started putting on nights, I never once thought about DJing until I saw other women of colour behind the decks. I remember seeing Honey Dijon, who is a trans black woman, behind the decks and I was in awe.'

Along with creating a safe space for people of all backgrounds, ages and experiences with OH141, Sarra has been involved with hosting workshops through Grassroots Glasgow, which aims to improve representation in electronic music by providing support to women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

'I figured, what better way to get more POC people, queer people and women involved in the scene? Obviously, for me as a woman of colour, that was one of my main aims. Because I know how hard it is to believe in yourself let alone to make other people believe in you.'

With the goal of teaching the basics and providing access to decks, the six-week workshops proved a massive success, resulting in five of the attendees playing their very own club night for the first time.

'At that gig, it was five girls who had never touched a deck before and six weeks later, they were badder than most dudes in the scene. It was mad! The whole hype of guys saying that girls can't DJ, it's bullshit. It's not that we can't DJ, it's that we don't get given the same opportunities.'

Although the presence of OH141 and the Grassroots Glasgow workshops have kickstarted a greater level of discussion about diversity and inclusion in the city, there is still some way to go as far as attitudes are concerned.

'I remember when we first started and I was talking about misogyny in the scene and the amount of guys that called me crazy and said that I was creating an issue that didn't exist. You can't just dismiss our experiences because you haven't

been through it or experienced it. At this point, you know that it's happening and you're choosing to ignore it.'

Sarra has been at the forefront of many of these discussions in Glasgow's clubbing community, along with her friends and fellow OH141 DJs. She's adamant that being ballsy enough to talk about these issues, even if makes people uncomfortable, is important. But she also believes that there are steps that the electronic music scene on the whole could take to make a real difference.

'Book more diverse lineups and have people present, not just behind the decks but in tech positions,' she says. 'Put minorities in positions where decisions can be made and it will trickle down. My night OH141 or Grassroots is the perfect example of that. Have a POC or a woman of colour or a queer person or someone who isn't a majority at the top and everything changes.'

The origins of many forms of electronic music, including techno, lie in the hands of people of colour. That this history, along with the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, are often forgotten or dismissed is indicative of the wider issues of diversity that exist in the scene.

But people like Sarra and nights like OH141 are the antidote to this, slowly but surely stimulating a change in the system, and above all else, in people's thinking of what is and should be considered the norm.

Keep up to date with future OH141 nights and workshops on facebook.com/ oh141

108 THE LIST 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 108

25/08/2017 14:18

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

CLUBS CALENDAR PHOTO: TRACKIE MCLEOD

FLY PRESENTS DENIS SULTA The Glaswegian house superstar and FLY club resident returns to his Edinburgh home. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Fri 15 Sep, 11pm–5am.

HOTLINE The Hotline girls are back for a Freshers party with Emily and Julia (Miss World), Lauren (Ride) and more playing your favourite R&B, hip hop, funk and house.

The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Fri 15 Sep, 11pm–3am.

LIONOIL: JANE FITZ & TELFORT The Lionoil pride present Freerotation and Pickle Factory resident and Night Moves co-founder, Jane Fitz, with Telfort on support. The Mash House, Edinburgh, Sat 23 Sep, 11pm–3am.

ALGORHYTHM 001: FEDE LNG

SIST

London-based Axe On Wax and Axe Traxx boss Fede Lng joins Algorhythm for their opening night at La Cheetah.

La Cheetah Club, Glasgow, Wed 27 Sep, 11pm–3am.

LEFTFIELD Neil Barnes of legendary British electronic group Leftfield plays one of his renowned sets at the Subby. Sub Club, Glasgow, Thu 5 Oct, 11pm–3am.

I AM X SUB CLUB – EROL ALKAN The electronic music veteran and Phantasy label chief gets invited back to Glasgow for another all-night set before the year is up. Sub Club, Glasgow, Fri 6 Oct, 11pm–3am.

SUBSTANCE – BEN UFO, PANGAEA, PEARSON SOUND A celebration of 11 years of Substance and 10 years of Hessle Audio with the three heavyweights playing all night in the main room. The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Oct, 11pm–5am.

PRESSURE HALLOWEEN 2017 The launch of Slam’s new party series, Maximum Pressure, with Richie Hawtin, Rødhåd, Laurent Garnier and more to be announced. SWG3, Glasgow, Fri 27 Oct, 8pm–3am.

JACQUES GREENE AT MINDSET The Canadian DJ and producer is back at Sneaky’s, having last appeared at the club's 7th birthday in 2015.

Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Mon 30 Oct, 11pm–3am.

HEALTHY The quarterly dance music night brings Swedish duo Genius of Time to Glasgow, with resident Ewan Chambers going b2b with Optimo's JG Wilkes. The Berkeley Suite, Glasgow, Fri 10 Nov, 11pm–3am.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 109

SG17.indd 109

25/08/2017 14:18

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A H A NDY G U I D E Iconic Canadian coffee shop Tim Hortons® has come to Glasgow, serving up premium coffee, donuts, hot breakfasts, freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, bagels and more on Argyle Street – their first store not just in the UK, but in Europe. Glasgow was definitely the right uni choice TRY? WHAT SHOULD YOU For early lectures Tim Hortons ® coffee is legendary, and great value: get a cup of Original Blend at just £1.19, or make it a Double Double (two creams and two sugars). No droopy eyes in the lecture theatre for you.

For the morning after Late night? Tim Hortons ® serves breakfast from 6am to noon. Try a Double Sausage with Egg and Cheese Muffin or a Brioche with Bacon, with a side of Hash Brown. That’ll sort you out.

For the train Tim Hortons ® is just along the street from Central

Station, so you can grab a coffee and a donut for the journey. Try the Boston Cream or Apple Fritter Donut, baked in store daily.

prepared Crispy Chicken Sandwich or a Steak and Cheese Panini – with wedges and dip on the side, of course.

For a group project

For when the sun shines

Get a sharing box of Timbits. These legendary delicacies are bite-sized pieces of donut joy, some coated with sugar or sprinkles, others filled with jam or chocolate. Prepare to be converted.

Hey, it happens. Keep cool with a cold beverage: order an Iced Capp Supreme or go fruity with a Raspberry Fruit Cooler or Frozen Lemonade.

For late night snacks?

For shopping Glasgow’s main shopping streets are Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, where Tim Hortons ® is.

Take a seat in the cafe and refuel with a freshly

If you want a donut or a Grilled Cheese Toastie at 11pm, you can have it. Tim Hortons ® is open and serving their full lunch menu right through to midnight. Winner.

184 ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW, G2 8HA 110 11 110 10 T TH THE HE LI HE L LIST IS ST T 1 JJun Ju Jun–31 un –3 un un–3 31 Aug Au A u g 2017 2017

Untitled-1 110

25/08/2017 13:48

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

LGBTQ+ PHOTO: CRAIG WADDELL

Arusa Qureshi explores the thriving drag scenes in Glasgow and Edinburgh

D

rag has always been a vital part of LGBTQ+ culture and activism, from the queens that fought against police harassment at the Cooper Do-nuts Riot of 1959 to the key voices behind the Stonewall uprising of 1969. But despite this essential role that drag queens have played within the wider LGBTQ+ community, it has only been in the past decade or so, and certainly as a direct result of the success of RuPaul's Drag Race, that drag has truly exploded as a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Drag, in a way, has become the jewel in the crown of queer culture, encouraging a greater level of engagement with issues of gender and sexuality.

For those starting university, the process can be intimidating and overwhelming, perhaps all the more so if you identify as LGBTQ+.

Luckily, Glasgow and Edinburgh are two cities with a huge array of networks where you can find support and friendship when you need it.

The drag scenes in both cities are thriving and blossoming, providing more opportunities and safe spaces for members of the queer community to let loose, meet friends and generally enjoy university the way you're supposed to.

The drag scene in Glasgow is gaining a lot of traction, especially thanks to venues like AXM and Katie's Bar, who host tremendous nights. Past AXM headliners have included Violet Chachki, Latrice Royale and Kim Chi, with Adore Delano popping by for her birthday tour at the end of September and Sasha Velour expected on Fri 26 Jan and Tue 6 Feb. While it's great to see the queens of Drag Race make pit-stops in Scotland, make sure you don't forget to support your local queens too.

Mothertucker at The Polo Lounge is a weird and wonderful weekly drag show starring Lacy Rain, CJ Banks, Perry Cyazine, October Fist, Ru Jazzle and guests.

On the first Sunday of every month, head over to the Drury Bar for a drag and cabaret extravaganza with your host Eli Buck and residents Ann Phetamine, Frans Gender and Violet Grace. Meanwhile, Let's Get Savage at Savoy Nightclub is a new LGBTQ+ night featuring drag queens, DJs and cheap drinks. If you're after something a little more alternative, Drag Punk have just announced that they're bringing I'm Not Okay to Glasgow on Sat 16 Sep, which mixes drag with the perfect amount of emo, punk, rock and metal.

In Edinburgh, The Rabbit Hole (pictured) at CC Blooms is a great place to start with fierce and fabulous host Alice Rabbit and her drag sisters giving you some epic performances every Tuesday night. Along with Alice, expect to see well-known Scottish queens like Groundskeeper Fanny, Roche Rabbit and so many more doing what they do best. While we're talking about CC Blooms, another excellent night worth checking out is The Church of High Kicks, which takes place every Sunday with a rotating lineup of guests.

For a strictly anything-goes get-together, the folks behind Dive Queer Party have got you covered. An eclectic night with everything from drag to burlesque, Dive has become a mainstay on the Scottish queer club scene, popping up for regular nights around Edinburgh. Over at the Wee Red Bar, XOYO is another popular monthly queer party that usually incorporates a theme, with past events titled 'Prom' and 'Summertime Sadness'. And if you're looking for a synth and electro-pop heavy night, look no further than Temptation, a fairly new addition to the Wee Red calendar that donates all its profits to LGBTQ+ charities such as Edinburgh Action for Trans Health.

1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 111

SG17.indd 111

25/08/2017 14:18

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

MUSIC

HOW TO GET STARTED IN MUSIC

If you’ve ever had rock star aspirations or thought you could spot the next big thing a mile off, you’ve presumably considered a career in the music industry. Whether it’s writing, performing, managing or promoting, being choosing music as a viable career might seem like a pipe dream. Kirstyn Smith spoke to four figures from the Scottish music scene who say it’s entirely possible – it just takes a bit of hard work

ANASTASIA CONNOR FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND MUSIC PR MAKE CONNECTIONS

Music is a contact sport. It’s all about developing your networks.

Make sure you go to showcase events and festivals that tend to attract artists, press, labels and agents. If writing is your thing, I wouldn’t recommend starting your own blog; start writing for someone else. You have to push yourself to get outside of your comfort zone, to aim to do things that are difficult. You’ll learn a lot, become more resilient and gain confidence. If you can, try and find yourself a mentor. I think everyone should have a mentor at any stage of their career.

WORK HARD AND SMART

The music industry is a practical discipline. You have to have the confidence to get out there and do things – nobody is going to come to you with an offer. It’s difficult to get paid work, but there are plenty of work experience and internship opportunities. Try writing for blogs, or start a DIY label, or get into promoting gigs. All those things are easy enough to do, but they’ll give you an insight into how things work, and also help you build your networks and your name. I don’t think most people are prepared for the terrible poverty and insecurity they have to endure in the first few years. You often hear about mental health issues in music but usually with reference to musicians, which I find quite worrying because the

same problems affect other people working in music. There aren’t enough women in some areas of the music industry. This, however, is changing rapidly. We’re definitely moving in the right direction. Ageism, on the other hand, is never talked about but I see it as a far bigger problem. Most jobs in music are really customer services jobs. Only a small number of jobs have a creative element to them. It’s definitely not glamorous.

ROSE MANSON MANAGER OF SUBCITY RADIO, GLASGOW DON’T GIVE UP

Try everything, but be ready to realise you might not be that

great at everything. Things don’t always work out smoothly at first; it’s about dedication and not giving up. Things don’t happen right away, but that’s OK. MAKE SOME PALS

By going to events and meeting people who are also trying to get started, you’ll make friends who you can end up collaborating with. Instead of trying to get to know people who’ve established their careers, get to know people in the same boat as you and start getting creative.

Surround yourself with people who support you, people who encourage you to be confident in your own ideas – and listen to them when they do.

112 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 112

25/08/2017 14:18

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Girls Rock School and co-founder Fiona Watt (with guitar, front centre) PHOTO: JANNICA HONEY

Olaf Furniss

Anastasia Connor

OLAF FURNISS

GET OUT THERE

FOUNDER OF BORN TO BE WIDE

It is surprising how few people actually approach music organisations and companies about work experience, but this is an excellent way to get a perspective on different areas of the business.

A lot of people start out in one area of the business and end up somewhere different, so nobody should worry about it too much.

Making connections across the board is always useful and will be seen as a positive by potential employers. If someone has spent a week at a label, a week working for a merch company and a week with a promoter, I know they will be able to pick up the phone to any of them. It also shows initiative.

Connections are everything and should come organically if you are

HAVE THE RIGHT REASON

What is it that really attracts you to working in music? Too many people just want to hang out with bands or, in the case of some musicians, only want to be famous. Employers can usually spot the former as they are reluctant to get their hands dirty. In the case of the latter, the best thing to do is just find out when the next heats are for one of the TV talent shows. That saves everybody a bit of time and irritation. Most acts who just want to be famous stand out because they do not go to see other bands and come across as entitled narcissists. Above all, their music usually ranks somewhere between mediocre and generic pish.

Rose Manson

going to gigs and taking a genuine interest in the music scene. The more you are out and about, the more people will notice you and friendships will develop.

FIONA WATT CO-FOUNDER AND VOCALS TUTOR AT GIRLS ROCK SCHOOL EDINBURGH PREPARE FOR HARD GRAFT

It takes dedication and hard work, but you need to be able to enjoy it too. At GRSE, we’re focused on people getting started; we’re interested in attitude and passion, rather than technical ability – that comes with time and effort. Making your living from performing can be a hard road: you just have to keep all

options open and don’t give up the day job. The music industry offers lots of career opportunities besides being a musician, so we also run classes on music promotion, sound engineering, and DJing. The only way to find out what you like doing best is to give it a try.

CONFIDENCE IS KEY

A big part of our classes is about confidence and we aim to teach in a very supportive way, but the most important thing is that people come along and give it a go. Our school motto is: ‘Just Keep Going’. We also advise people to get in touch with Help Musicians UK, who can help provide funding for career development, and offer advice and support.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 113

SG17.indd 113

25/08/2017 14:18

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

ON THE HORIZON

MUSIC

You might already be familiar with many of Scotland’s fine musical exports. But in a country with so many exciting bands and musicians making innovative and interesting music, there are always new discoveries to be made. To give you a head start on your own journey through Scottish music, we've assembled a crack team of writers to offer their insights into the acts you should be listening out for in the next year PHOTO: DAVID BOYSON COOPER

CUCINA POVERA

SIOBHAN WILSON

ELECTRONIC / EXPERIMENTAL

INDIE POP

One of the most striking new voices from Glasgow’s vibrant underground scene, Cucina Povera is the solo project of musician and artist Maria Rossi. Named after the Italian culinary concept which emphasises the use of a few simple ingredients, Cucina Povera conjures gorgeous, otherworldly songs from layered vocals and electronics. Live, her music unfolds beautifully, as beguiling melodies emerge from harmonic drones and looped phrases. Her debut album is out this autumn on Glasgow’s Night School Records, and there are plans to issue a tape through GLARC (Greater Lanarkshire Auricular Research Council), the pseudo-academic body releasing some of Glasgow’s most inspired young acts. (Stewart Smith) soundcloud.com/rossiriot

Siobhan Wilson is hardly a newcomer on the scene, but her signing this year to Song, by Toad – a label renowned for being generally interested in thoughtprovoking and high-quality acts – has brought her back to the forefront of Scottish indie folk. Her new album, There are no Saints was released in July: a Gallic-inspired exploration of faith and love that’s vulnerable and deeply emotional. She needs to be seen to be believed, however: her voice – live – is so beautifully pitch-perfect, it feels ethereal. Wilson is such an honest performer, unafraid to broach difficult subjects like mental health and the actual realities of heartbreak, and she’s got so much more to give. (Kirstyn Smith) siobhan-wilson.com

KOBI ONYAME

OUT LINES

HIP HOP

INDIE FOLK

Though involved in the Scottish music scene for some time, Kobi Onyame is carving a new space for himself with the release of Gold (see review, page 72).

The Ghanaian-born Glasgow-based rapper offers an alternative take on the genre, blending his West African upbringing with contemporary hip hop stylings to create a buoyant, confident and highly engaging sound. The characteristics of Ghanaian highlife are clear in the brassy instrumentation and diverse rhythms, but what makes Onyame truly special is his ability to pen intelligent lyrics and combine ideas, sounds and influences from past and present. Scotland’s hip hop and grime scenes are gaining prominence but Onyame sets himself apart with this release. (Arusa Qureshi) kobionyame.com

Scottish supergroups tend to be fairly low-key affairs, but the wealth of talent and styles of music in the country means that all manner of exciting and unlikely collaborations can happen. Here’s one of them; a new trio on Mogwai’s Rock Action label comprising the elemental vocals of 2015’s Scottish Album of the Year Award winner Kathryn Joseph and James Graham of post-rock monoliths (and the Cure’s support band of choice), The Twilight Sad, marshalled by producer and musician Marcus Mackey. The first single ‘Buried Guns’ reveals a kind of post-folk sound, with a keening accordion complementing both voices perfectly; October’s debut album Conflats (see review, page 72) will tell us more. (David Pollock) outlinesmusic.com

114 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 114

25/08/2017 14:18

PRESENTS...

magfest

SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST AND BEST FESTIVAL OF MAGAZINES 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 CENTRAL HALL, EDINBURGH

FEATURING PUBLISHING HEROES & VISIONARIES...

IAN RANKIN, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR ZILLAH BYNG-THORNE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF FUTURE PLC ALEX MILLER, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF VICE UK JAMES HYMAN & TORY TURK, CURATORS OF THE HYMAN ARCHIVE JOHN BROWN, FOUNDER OF JOHN BROWN PUBLISHING MARK NEIL, ART DIRECTOR OF PREMIUM MAGAZINES, THE TELEGRAPH PAUL McNAMEE, EDITOR OF THE BIG ISSUE AND MANY MORE...

TICKETS & INFO WWW.MAGFEST.CO.UK #MAGFEST17

@MAGAZINEFEST

STUDENT

MEMBERSHIP ONLY Y £5 FOR F O R THE ENTIRE EN YEAR! YE EAR! AR!

ENINGS £2 SCRE UESDAY T Y R E EV

TICKET DISCOUNTS ON DVDS, DISCOUNTS NKS CKS AND DRI A SN , D O FO M WW W.F ILMH OUS ECIN EMA .CO D FILM HOU SE | 88 LOTH IAN ROA EDIN BUR GH | EH3 9BZ

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST FESTIVAL 115

Untitled-1 115

25/08/2017 13:49

HOT 100 Y T R A P

LOOK OUT FOR OUR ANNUAL COUNTDOWN OF THE TOP

CULTURAL SCOTS IN 2017 IN OUR NEXT ISSUE, OUT 1 NOV We’ll be celebrating in style with this year’s hottest artists, musicians, writers and performers, with drinks provided by Caledonian Brewery and Russian Standard Vodka.

For the first time, we’ll be welcoming the public, and you can get tickets for £5. Previous Hot 100 party acts have included Scottish Album of the Year Award-winner Kathryn Joseph, 80s inspired Glasgow band White and Dance/electronica DJ Auntie Flo.

TICKETS ARE £5 /HOT100PARTY K .U O .C ST LI T A T A M E TH T E G WED 1 NOV 2017 | ASSEMBLY ROXY | 2 ROXBURGH PLACE | EDINBURGH | 7PM - 11PM Caledonian Brewery will be offering guests a taste of their range of beers, including Coast to Coast Pale Ale. Russian Standard Vodka’s ‘Mule Market’ will make its debut at The List’s Hot 100 Party this year, offering guests smooth tasting Russian Mule cocktails served in beautiful copper mugs.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Tickets allow entrance to the event on the 1st of November, at the Assembly Roxy, plus two drinks tokens to enjoy on the night. Pre-book to avoid disappointment, acts to be announced. Strictly over 18’s only. Doors open at 7pm.

Untitled-1 116 indd 1 Hot 100 promo promo.indd

25/08/2017 09:34 13:50

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

FILM

READY, SET, ACTION! If you dream of running your own film festival, uni's the best time to lay your roots. Here, two local film festival directors give us their take: Morvern Cunningham, co-founder of Edinburgh's surreal and experimental film collective KinoKlub and VHS Trash Fest, Scotland's premiere trash film bonanza, and Sean Greenhorn, programme manager at Glasgow Film (Theatre and Festival) and co-director of Dunoon Film Festival >>

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 117

SG17.indd 117

25/08/2017 14:20

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

EDINBURGH CINEMAS

FILM

<< What's the best way to get into film-making / filmcurating as a student?

Go and see as many films as you can, and volunteer at film festivals. Glasgow and Edinburgh both boast two great film festivals in GFF and EIFF, so just get in amongst it as much as you can!

Sean: With both things it is just as important to make sure you are well versed in cinema history whilst keeping up to date with what is happening right now, particularly in your local film scene – if that is where you want to work.

I studied film at Glasgow University but did lots of short term work for Glasgow and Edinburgh Film Festivals, along with others.

Morvern:

How can people find their film community while they're at university?

Edinburgh is absolutely teaming with filmic activity! The first stop would probably be Edinburgh Uni's Film Society who run regular film screenings during term time. Next would be Edinburgh's only independent arthouse cinema Filmhouse, which is also home to the Edinburgh Film Guild and Edinburgh International Film Festival, which takes place in June.

Filmhouse also plays host to a myriad of film festivals throughout the year including Africa in Motion, Take One Action! and various foreign language-based festivals. Outside of that, there are a number of community cinemas operating in Edinburgh too, including Freeze Frame Film Club at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, where you can see a number of classic films from the 50s to the 80s accompanied by a three course meal!

Sean: I seem to remember it was pretty easy to find them at things like freshers fairs and on notice-boards.

But also I can't recommend enough just heading along to festival parties and chatting to people. Every night at Glasgow and Edinburgh film festivals, the venues are packed and people are chatting about what they have seen that day. From there, you can create your own film community.

Morvern:

experiencing a festival with an audience, as that's when all the hard work comes together and creates a special shared moment in space and time.

Sean: The pleasure I get when something works, when a film that people wouldn't otherwise have seen really connects – it doesn't always happen (in which case I tend to make myself scarce) but when it does it is really the best. Also just the goodwill that people have, and the willingness to go on a journey.

What's been the most influential film for you, creatively?

I think watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a kid had a profound effect on me, as I realised that you could make a film about literally ANYTHING. I think it sparked my love of trash and b-movies too – crazy mad efforts from weirdos like myself, just passionate about bringing the most outlandish stories to life, and hopefully making a buck at the same time.

Sean: When I decided I was going to study films I did buy box-sets of everything I thought I should watch – Goddard, Kurosawa, Powell and Pressburger etc – but I think that something more influential would be a cinema experience that was totally unique, as that is what we are often trying to create with festival screenings.

Something like a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey I went to as a teen that was followed by a discussion about artificial intelligence that made me see that film wholly anew, or a Hans Richter shorts programme that was scored by an improvisor orchestra that couldn't be replicated ever.

Festivals are crazy mad beasts where you get to present a bunch of stuff you think is worth sharing with the general public. They bring people together, and create new readings by sitting next to one another in the same programme. There's nothing quite so special as

GLASGOW CINEMAS

Morvern:

What's your number one tip for anyone who wants to run their own film festival?

Speak to people – approach supportive organisations such as Film Hub Scotland who can give advice on licences etc. First and foremost, just do it.

Sean: Make sure there is an audience out there for your programming. As much as we all want to, do not just screen the films for yourself – remember cinema is a communal experience.

Morvern:

What do you like about running a festival?

Morvern:

Away from the multiplexes at the Omni, Fountain Park and Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh is home to some gems of cinema: the Cameo in Tollcross opened in 1914 and is one of Scotland's oldest cinemas; the Dominion in Morningside delivers on the old-school cinema charm; and the Filmhouse on Lothian Road (whose beautiful Screen 1 is pictured on the previous page) is the spiritual home of film in Edinburgh and the hub for the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which takes place yearly in June. Plus, this year, you can get a free year's membership in freshers week (£5 after).

KinoKlub screens The Beast (1975), Summerhall, Edinburgh, Sun 10 Sep. VHS Trash Fest, Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 15 & Sat 16 Sep. Dunoon Film Festival, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Nov. Glasgow Film Festival, Wed 21 Feb–Sun 4 Mar 2018.

Head straight to Glasgow Film Theatre for your fix of independent cinema love. This wonderful place just off Sauchiehall Street is the home of Glasgow Film, which runs the Glasgow Film Festival (February), Glasgow Short Film Festival (March) and Glasgow Youth Film Festival (September), as well as a variety of strands throughout the year (look out for Cult Classics to catch up on your cinema ABCs).

With a 15–25 card, you can get £5.50 tickets too. Elsewhere, the Grosvenor on Ashton Lane is a must for horror fans, thanks to their All Night Horror Madness nights. And the CCA on Sauchiehall Street may be better known as a gallery and arts venue, but its cinema is an essential part of the calendar of many film festivals, including the Scottish Queer International Film Festival in September (see feature, page 23).

118 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 118

25/08/2017 14:20

Ed Ruscha, The Music from the Balconies © Ed Ruscha. ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly The d’Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund 2008 © DACS 2017. National Galleries of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (SC003728).

Untitled-1 119

25/08/2017 13:51

S C I T I L O P F O L FESTIVA LIST CO-PROMOTION

NT E M A I L R A P H S I T T O C S , R E B O T C O 1 2 Y A RD U T A S 9 1 Y A D S R U TH The Revolution Will Not Be Televised 16:30 - 18:00, £6.00/£4.00 Twenty years ago, with no tweeting, texting, selfies or Snapchats, news came from TV programmes like Newsround. Nowadays, Generation Z has the world at its fingers and fame just a million clicks away. But what is the real impact of this virtually connected world?

George Monbiot - Out of the Wreckage

Repetitive Beats - The Rave Revolution

15:30 - 17:00, Debating Chamber, £8.00/£6.00 With his new book, Out of the Wreckage, George Monbiot offers hope and a vision to politically re-engage people amidst a world of environmental collapse, civic breakdown and anti-politics.

Attack of the 50Ft. Women - Gender Equality 11:00 - 12:30, £6.00/£4.00 In a world where fewer than 10% of world leaders are women, progress towards gender equality appears to have stalled. Journalist, author and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party, Catherine Mayer hopes to fight back with her ideal of ‘Equalia’, a truly gender balanced society.

S Speak Your Mind - YOUTH Mental Health IIn Partnership with The S Scottish Youth Parliament 1 11:00 - 12:30, Debating Chamber, £8.00/£6.00 Did you know that an estimated one in ten children and young people b t tthe ages of five and sixteen have a clinically th between diagnosable mental health problem? Join our panel including members of the Scottish Youth Parliament; Greg McHugh, aka Gary Tank Commander; and Dr Trevor Lakey, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, on this interactive exploration of mental health.

POLITICS DEBATE

parliament.scot/festival

Untitled-1 120

FILM

LGBTI Teen Years 14:30 - 16:00, Debating Chamber, £8.00/£6.00 Today in Britain the LGBTI community has made huge strides towards equality. Yet, the Time for Inclusive Education campaign recorded that around 90% of LGBTI youth have experienced homophobia, biphobia or transphobia. So is the world really that different? Join Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame MSP and our panel including musician, Horse McDonald; Holby City actor David Ames; and Scott McGlynn, podcaster, author and TV presenter, as they discuss growing up, equality today and what still needs to happen for true LGBTI equality.

...AND MUCH MORE

2017

FESTIVAL of

14:00 - 15:30, £6.00/£4.00 Two decades after its heydey, the rave revolution is a multibillion pound industry but does its success suppress the original counter-culture ideals? Join our panellists, Sheryl Garratt, writer and former editor of The Face magazine; Luke Bainbridge, journalist; and Graeme Park, former resident DJ at The Hacienda Manchester, now international DJ and producer, as we attempt to find out.

MUSIC

/ScottishParliament

@FoP2017

@scotparl

#FoP2017

25/08/2017 13:51

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

PHOTO: SUZANNE HEFFRON

BOOKS

Laura Jones (left) and Heather McDaid

A LEAP OF FAITH It’s been a phenomenal year for new trailblazing indie publisher 404 Ink, with two highly acclaimed books and two issues of their literary magazine under their belts, backed by a strong community of supporters.

Co-founder Heather McDaid tells us more

4

04 Ink are the ‘nasty women shaking up the book industry’. Laura Jones and I are two twentysomething freelancers working from a spare room in Edinburgh, who decided to set up a publisher as there weren’t any out there that really fitted what we wanted from a publisher. We wanted someone to be loud on social media, to really use crowdfunding and to build a community around what they were publishing. Instead of waiting any longer, in July 2016 we took the leap ourselves.

Fast forward a year and everything has changed, except for the spare room we cram ourselves into. We’ve published two issues of our literary magazine featuring fiction, non-fiction, poetry and comics, have released our first two books, Nasty Women and Hings (see review, page 47), have seen the support of some of our idols – Margaret Atwood, Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Amanda Palmer – and have sold out events all around the UK. Most importantly, we have a really strong and amazing community of readers around our books.

At the core is that we knew from the start what we wanted to do: we wanted to create a publisher that we would be fans of. We wanted to be different. We also

didn’t want to wait around for someone else to do it.

Our first book, Nasty Women, was an idea spawned the day after Donald Trump was elected President of the United States in November 2016. By December, this essay collection on being a woman in the 21st century had been announced. By January, it was on Kickstarter, ending up 369% funded and raising over £22,000. By February, it was off to print and in March, it was published on International Women’s Day. We work fast and with passion, and people joined us for the ride.

Around the same time, we signed the hilarious Glaswegian short story writer Chris McQueer, and by July his debut collection Hings was published.

Though very different books, both have strong and engaged communities around them. We can’t even begin to explain the Photoshop madness that came with Chris’s book!

As for the future, we have a few more books in the pipeline, and the continuation of our literary magazine.

Our mantra is to publish less but publish louder, making sure that everything we do can be yelled about loudly. Our other main focus is to keep publishing what we’d be fans of: we took the leap headfirst into the book industry by doing it ourselves, and it really is the coolest, most rewarding, fun thing to do.

HOW TO GET INTO PUBLISHING SOCIETY OF YOUNG PUBLISHERS The non-profit dedicated to helping those looking to get into the publishing industry. @SYPScotland, thesyp.org.uk

BOOKY EVENTS Great for getting a feel for what’s going on, celebrating books and meeting new people in the industry.

WORK IN BOOKSHOPS Booksellers know what sells, trends, what designs work – it’s a great route in.

DEGREES If you’d like a publishingspecific course, Stirling and Napier have excellent Masters programmes, and Dundee excels in comics.

DO IT YOURSELF! There are plenty of brilliant resources to help startups. Don’t wait around for permission to do something – go for it!

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 121

SG17.indd 121

25/08/2017 14:21

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

PHOTO: DAVID MONTEITH-HODGE

PHOTO: TIM MOROZZO

PHOTO: THE OTHER RICHARD

THEATRE

From top: Two Man Show, Trainspotting, Eve 122 THE LIST 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 122

25/08/2017 14:21

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE Gareth K Vile investigates the theatrical delights that await you in each city this autumn

W

hile both Glasgow and Edinburgh's universities offer plenty of opportunities for participation – STAG in Glasgow and Bedlam in Edinburgh even have notable productions at the Edinburgh Fringe – the central belt has a rich performance culture for those who prefer to observe from the stalls. The autumn season is always the time that the theatres announce their intentions, crafting programmes that reflect their distinctive identities. Here's what's in store over the next few months.

GLASGOW Led by director Dominic Hill – known for his intellectual and imaginative direction of classic texts and currently celebrating a successful EIF run for Oresteia, adapted by Zinnie Harris – The Citizens is Glasgow’s larger production house. In September, the venue hosts the National Theatre of Scotland’s Adam (Wed 13) and Eve (Thu 14, with a double bill Fri 15 & Sat 16), two contrasting true stories of trans liberation. October sees the return of Gareth Nicholl’s Trainspotting (Wed 18 Oct–Sat 11 Nov), which tells the familiar tale of drugs, male insecurity and Edinburgh’s schemes in a way that both evokes the film and adds a new, visceral perspective.

Glasgow’s other major production house, The Tron, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a visit from Rashdash’s Two Man Show (Thu 28 & Fri 29 Sep). A wildly inventive consideration of 21st-century masculinity, it’s a five-star production that pushes the boundaries of theatrical invention and hits hard with some home truths about men and feminism. Then its first artistic director Faynia Williams directs an adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece, The Brothers Karamazov (Thu 12–Sat 28 Oct, see preview page 82).

Scottish Ballet tour across Scotland with Stravinsky, a selection of works including a radical new choreography of The Rite of Spring by artistic director Christopher Hampson (see feature, page 20). Scottish Ballet’s attitude towards ballet – using its classical rigour but adding a contemporary edge – is expressed eloquently in this programme, which mixes and matches style and serious substance, EDINBURGH Under the direction of playwright David Greig, the Lyceum is shaking off its (admittedly unfair) reputation for ‘safe’ theatre to delve deeply into the history of politically engaged performance, with an immediate relevance. What Shadows

(Thu 7–Sat 23 Sep) goes back to recent racist history, as Ian McDiarmid (off Star Wars, apparently) plays Enoch Powell, the MP who made the notorious ‘rivers of blood’ speech in the 1960s. When a student in the 1980s meets him, it opens up a conversation about how politics impacts on the personal. By October, however, Cockpit (Fri 6–Sat 28 Oct) goes back to 1945 and, through a clever manipulation of the entire theatre, examines how World War II redrew the map of Europe and threw its notion of boundaries into confusion.

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre begins September with an event cinema showing of Titus Andronicus (Fri 8 Sep) from the National Theatre in London: in spite of fears that the live broadcast of productions might undermine local companies, their success has allowed audiences in Scotland to enjoy some of London’s top shows, both at the EFT and, over in Glasgow at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

If Titus’ blood and guts Shakespeare doesn’t appeal, the arrival of Richard Alston Dance (Fri 22 Sep, see preview page 85) brings the master of polite contemporary choreography to Scotland, and the musical Spamalot (Tue 26– Sat 30 Sep) ends the month with a song and a Pythonesque laugh.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 123

SG17.indd 123

25/08/2017 14:21

Edinburgh

Shop

OPEN 7 DAYS 129 Lauriston Place EH3 9JN 0131 229 1809 www.EdinburghArtShop.com

State of the art studio • A wide range of classes and styles, 7 days per week • Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced • Timetable and prices on our website Hot yoga classes held in our studio at Conference Square in the city centre 2 Ladyfield EH3 8EZ See our website for more details w: hotyogaedinburgh.com : facebook.com/hotyogaedinburgh m: 0791 775 1501

R΍

Discover our range of courses

www.ed.ac.uk/short-courses

for students

MURRAYFIELD

scottish football comes to the home of

scottish rugby #murrayfieldmatters

23RD - 24TH

SEPTEMBER INCLUDES PARACLIMBING CUP See the world’s best climbers at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.

h e ar t s v s

Tickets from edinburghleisure.co.uk

multi-game packages available along with special student offers SUPPORTED BY

YOUR COUNCIL – YOUR SERVICES

124 THE LIST FESTIVAL 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

Untitled-1 124

25/08/2017 13:51

STUDENT GUIDE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

2017

COMEDY

PHOTO: ANDY HOLLINGWORTH

FUNNY PEOPLE If you’re drawn to the world of stand-up, improv or sketch comedy, uni can be a good place to get up on stage and put yourself out there for the first time. Brian Donaldson catches up with Phil Wang and Lauren Pattison to find out more about their student comedy days and get some top tips and advice for any budding comics What made you want to get up on stage during your student days?

Lauren Pattison: I did my first gig towards the end of my last year at

sixth form; it was the heats for a comedy competition and I entered for stage time and ended up making the semi-finals. I was gobsmacked.

So after the summer when I started uni, I was really keen to keep going.

Phil Wang: I actually did my first gig at school during A-Levels. I wanted people to understand how clever I was. That was the driving factor. I was also quite awkward and unpopular at that school so I thought stand-up would force me out of my shell. People were impressed but still didn’t want to hang out with me.

In what way did your student pals encourage (or discourage you) you to get up there?

LP: I was on a drama course: if ever there’s a bunch of people to

encourage you to get up on stage it’s drama students! I remember when word got round that I did comedy, they found out I was doing Red Raw and, no word of a lie, about 30 of them turned up.

PW: They encouraged me to do stand-up by consistently talking over me. In stand-up that’s not allowed and I have a microphone: an arrangement I found profoundly preferable.

What do you remember about your first student gig?

LP: I remember being really scared before I went on and running

through my set a million times, not knowing whether it was going to be too long or too short, but thinking afterwards that it had actually gone well.

PW: The drama teacher had set up a little show in the drama room called Club HaHa, and advertised five-minute open spots to the students. I accepted the challenge and did a successful set of mainly stolen material. I did a joke about a Chinese brothel that I now can’t remember.

How did you conquer any nerves that were there initially?

LP: I used to like playing games on my phone so I had something to focus

on other than the increasing sense of worry at having to go on stage and attempt to make people laugh.

PW: Ego, and the fact that socially I had nothing to lose.

What advice would you offer to someone at college or uni who is thinking about getting up on stage to tell jokes?

LP: Don’t just limit yourself to the student circuit; it can be really

easy to just get comfortable doing the student circuit and not venturing out into the big bad comedy world, and this is where the progression is.

PW: Write your own jokes. Relax. Don’t get drunk. Don’t address a friend while you’re on stage unless there’s something funny to say about them.

What’s the one thing you took away from your student days that helps you in comedy now?

LP: The ability to drink a terrifying amount of gin means I can keep up

with the boy comics when we go out drinking. Most of the time.

PW: Never pander.

Finally, do you have a joke you could tell us about students or student life?

LP: Going to uni was the first time I lived out of home, and I remember

realising that for a fiver I could buy three treble vodkas, or one big block of Cathedral City cheese. I had to decide whether I wanted the one that would give me nightmares or the one that would make me wake up next to one.

PW: Why did the student cross the road? To get to university.

Phil Wang tours his show Kinabalu, Fri 29 Sep–Sun 26 Nov. Lauren Pattison was nominated for Best Newcomer at this year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards. She might even have won – but we printed this before the announcement. Fingers crossed.

1 Sep–31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 125

SG17.indd 125

25/08/2017 14:21

STUDENT GUIDE 2017

VISUAL ART

ART AND ABOUT

Discover the best galleries that lie off the beaten track in Edinburgh and Glasgow with Rachael Cloughton

S

ome of Edinburgh and Glasgow’s best art spaces aren’t too easy to spot and you’re unlikely to stumble across them in your first few weeks at uni – but they’re well worth seeking out. The grassroots scenes in these cities are where some of the most innovative and exciting exhibitions are happening, often in locations equally fascinating.

Take for example, the Glue Factory in North Glasgow – this 19th-century building was designed by John Keppie, whose assistant was none other than Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Over the years, it has played host to a mineral water factory, Argyle Cycles and, most recently, a Scottish adhesive company. Today, white-walled gallery space and artist studios, occasionally interrupted by decommissioned glue vats, fill the cavernous, industrial warehouse. The Glue Factory has been home to artists and makers since 2010, when FINN Collective used it as a venue for their show during the Glasgow International.

Since then, it has shown a diverse programme with film, music and performance rubbing alongside the visual arts. Other major artist studio complexes like the Whisky Bond and Grey Wolf Studios are also nearby.

In the Barras, there’s the Pipe Factory, a former 19th-century clay tobacco pipe factory that artists have converted into a complex of studios and a gallery. The building retains much of its period charm and the exhibition programme showcases some of the most interesting Glasgowbased artists – this year alone Geneva Sills, France-Lise Mcgurn, Urara Tsuchiya and Zoe Williams have all had exhibitions here.

Also in the East, you’ll find David Dale Gallery & Studios, set up by Glasgow School of Art graduates in 2010. The space takes its name from the 18th-century businessman, David Dale, who set up Britain’s first Turkey-red dyeing works on the original site. Dale used his wealth to promote education among the working classes and was one of the more progressive industrialists in Glasgow. No doubt he’d have approved of the uncompromising, innovative programme this space runs in his name.

Other unusual Glasgow art spaces include Queens Park Railway Club, run by artists Patrick Jameson and Ellis Luxemburg. The club occupies a waiting room on the station platform and hosts a lively programme of events,

exhibitions and residency programmes for artists and writers.

In the West End, you’ll find the Common Guild – unlike the other gallery spaces mentioned here, the Common Guild isn’t artist-led or supported by studios and couldn’t be described as grassroots.

It has a firmly established, international programme; in 2015 Janice Kerbel was nominated for the Turner Prize for ‘DOUG’, which was commissioned by the Common Guild. In 2014, Duncan Campbell went on to win it for his film ‘It for Others’, which was also commissioned by the gallery. Despite the Common Guild’s profile, it occupies a discreet space outside of the city centre in a beautiful Victorian townhouse on

GLASGOW The Pipe Factory 42 Bain Street, thepipefactory.co.uk The Whisky Bond 2 Dawson Road, thewhiskybond.co.uk Grey Wolf Studios 131 Craighall Road, facebook.com/greywolfglasgow David Dale Gallery & Studios 161 Broad Street, daviddalegallery.co.uk The Glue Factory 22 Farnell Street, thegluefactory.org Queens Park Railway Club 492 Victoria Road, queensparkrailwayclub.co.uk The Common Guild 21 Woodlands Terrace, thecommonguild.org.uk Gallery Celine 493 Victoria Road, galleryceline.com

EDINBURGH Rhubaba Gallery and Studios 25 Arthur Street, rhubaba.org DOK Artist Space The Steel Shed, Ocean Drive, dokartistspace.org The Biscuit Factory 4–6 Anderson Place, biscuitfactory.co.uk Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop 21 Hawthornvale, edinburghsculpture.org

Woodlands Terrace. The house belongs to none other than Turner Prize-winning artist Douglas Gordon and, alongside a consistently impressive exhibition programme, you can actually browse through his library, which remains on site.

One of the more recent additions to Glasgow’s grassroots art scene is Gallery Celine, which opened in 2015. Possibly inspired by the Common Guild, or perhaps by the wave of artists opening their homes up during Glasgow Open House, the city-wide DIY arts festival in May, this is another gallery inside a residential space. It is currently run by Céline Amendola, David Excoffier, Adam Lewis Jacob and Michael White In Edinburgh, some of the most exciting projects are happening in Leith. Rhubaba Gallery and Studios opened here in 2010 in a warehouse off Leith Walk, initially by a group of recent graduates from ECA. One of its founding aims was to give early-career artists the opportunity to produce new work among peers. The gallery space is small, but the ambition of the exhibition programme is anything but – in the last few years Ed Atkins, Benedict Drew, Alan Currall, Serena Korda, Lucy Pawlak, James Clarkson and Hannah James have all had exhibitions here.

Travel a little further down towards The Shore until you reach Ocean Terminal and you’ll find DOK Artist Space – a steel shed that is the last remaining building from Henry Robb's Shipyard.

The group behind DOK saved it from ruin by converting it into affordable studio and events space. It’s early days (their first show was only in February 2016) but they’ve already hosted some knockout exhibitions, such as Intersection in Archifringe and group shows by students at ECA. Another promising development in Leith is the Biscuit Factory – an arts and fashion hub in the former biscuit factory off Bonnington Road.

Plans are in motion to convert the space into 20 studios and a 7500-square-foot gallery space, cementing Leith’s reputation as the creative quarter of the city.

Nearby in Newhaven, there’s Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop. Visitors can drop in to see exhibitions or attend talks or seminars and the workshop has a fantastic range of evening and weekend courses, if you fancy making your own ceramics or trying out metal sculpture alongside your studies. MILK have one of their popular cafés on site, too, making a trip all the more enticing.

126 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

SG17.indd 126

25/08/2017 14:21

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PHOTO: JAMES FARLAM

PHOTO: RUTH CLARK

PHOTO: TOMMY GA KEN WAN

The Glue Factory (also below)

Queens Park Railway Club

Common Guild

DOK Artist Space 1 Sepâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Oct 2017 THE LIST 127

SG17.indd 127

25/08/2017 14:21

BACK PAGE FIRST&LAST ELAINE PAIGE The singer and radio broadcaster is back on tour, singing some of the classics which made her name plus tunes from contemporary songwriters. Here she muses on Dick Whittington, Roger Federer and Daphne du Maurier First record you ever bought

One of the first albums I bought was Sunshower by Thelma Houston, an album written entirely by the great Jim Webb whose songs I sing in the show. But the actual first ever record I bought was ‘Magic Moments’, a 45rpm single by Perry Como for my mum.

Last extravagant purchase you made

It’s probably a gown for onstage, for a concert or an event. I’ve recently been having fittings for my Queen Rat costume for this year’s London Palladium pantomime, Dick Whittington; it’s being designed and made by Hugh Durrant who is a genius. He’s designed for Cher . . . but I’m not going to be THAT brave!

It has to be West Side Story. It inspired me to follow a career in this industry after completing a three-year course at drama school.

Last meal on earth

Roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings: mint sauce and lots of gravy.

Last crime you committed

What? Really? I’ve never committed a crime! Well . . . unless you count smoking grass on the roof of the Shaftesbury Theatre when I was in Hair in the 60s. But I was never arrested.

Funny, generous, kind . . . and gorgeous. Oh that’s four words!

Am I allowed four? Surely I’m allowed four . . .

Last funny thing you saw online

Last song at your funeral

His name was Mick Eagling at secondary school! Where is he now?

I can’t remember the last thing as my friends are always sending me funny pictures, jokes and videos.

My favourite I can remember is the baby panda that sneezes and scares its mother: it still makes me giggle.

Something stirring, something that makes everyone leave feeling triumphant. Maybe ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ or ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. I know: what about something from Dreamgirls: ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’!! Ha ha ha.

Last time you were star struck

First job

Has to be meeting Roger Federer.

He’s my tennis hero. Doesn’t get better than that!

My mother was a milliner, so I used to work in her hat shop sometimes after school and on a Saturday. But my first proper job was at 16 when I landed the role of an urchin in the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd.

Last lie you told

I don’t lie. I find it always comes back and bites you on the . . . bum!

Always best to be honest whatever the consequences.

First crush

First thing you’d do if you ran the country

Oh, don’t get me started . . . how many pages have we got?

WED 2 NOV

First book you read for a second time

I love Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and have read it more than twice. It really draws you in and hooks you as a reader. If you haven’t read it, do so: you won’t be disappointed.

First three words your friends would use to describe you

NEXT ISSUE PHOTO: FRASER CAMERON

First film you saw that really moved you

Currently I’m hankering after running Transport for London!

No: perhaps best leave this unanswered!

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

I’m still here! Ha ha ha ha.

Elaine Paige In Concert, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Oct; Elaine Paige on Sunday, Radio 2, Sun, 1pm.

Not long to go now until our 2017 Hot 100. Our annual countdown of who’s who in Scottish arts and culture is our favourite time of year.

This year, we’re having a party too and you could come – see page 116 for details. Plus, we’ll have the lowdown on some of the biggest events at the end of the year, from Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations to Sleep in the Park. And look out for our Christmas Wish List too for all the suggestions you need this festive season, from great gifts to where to go on your work night out.

128 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2017

745-Backpage PM nextissuepic.indd 128

25/08/2017 12:01

Untitled-1 IBC1

25/08/2017 13:39

31.12.17

SAY TO THE WORLD...

I WAS THERE

STREET PARTY LIVE MUSIC, DJS AND STREET ENTERTAINMENT.

HOSTED BY SANJEEV KOHLI (STILL GAME, BBC)

LOCAL MUSIC, FOOD AND DRINK WILL KEEP YOU DANCING ALL NIGHT UNDER THE CASTLE.

CEILIDH UNDER THE CASTLE

BAIRNS AFORE CELEBRATE WITH THE KIDS, AND ALL AFORE BEDTIME!

SCOTLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW YEAR FESTIVAL #EDHOGMANAY ON SALE NOW EDINBURGHSHOGMANAY.COM THE FIRST 5,000 EH POSTCODE HOLDERS TO BOOK STREET PARTY TICKETS GET 25% OFF

Untitled-1 OBC1

25/08/2017 13:38