Marjolein Robertson

what’s in the bag?

In this month’s instalment, Megan Merino politely asked to see inside comedian, storyteller and proud Shetlander Marjolein Robertson’s bag before she headed to a gig

MAKKIN BAG

‘Makkin’ is the Shetland word for knitting and, as a Shetlander, I’ve been wanting to learn how to knit Fair Isle, our traditional patterns, for a long time. But first I need to get better at the basics . . . so I’m making a patchwork blanket for my friend. Dunna look too closely . . .

WATCH

I’m really bad at timekeeping, I hate clocks and watches, and almost have an inability to tell the time. However, for gigs you need to ken how long to speak on stage for, so I use this Casio, as most comedians do, because it has a stopwatch. Time is irrelevant; we all just basically use wrist-based stopwatches.

BOOKS

I usually have books on me and I’ve been putting them in this silk bag to keep them nice. Over lockdown to keep myself entertained, and hopefully entertain others, I started telling these folktales every night on Twitch. I’ve been streaming ever since, but now four days a week I tell folktales from Shetland and further afield.

NOTEPAD

My gig notepad with all my jokes in it. I fill one a year roughly, with mostly rubbish. My cousin got this for me with my name on it. Never had this before; was on the cusp of changing my name to Mary just to get some pens with my name on it. Now I’m set.

MENSTRUALPADS

I always keep a reusable pad, you just never know when the blood will arrive. Also a disposable one in case you go to a public toilet and someone else needs one! I got the inspiration from Dylan Mulvaney on TikTok.

SHETLAND CHARMS

Shetland has a lot of Norse heritage, so I always have this Odin necklace with two ravens (from Etsy) when I’m travelling or doing gigs, a cow’s tooth (I like animal bones for luck) and a pin of the Shetland flag.

PARKING TICKET

This is what happens when a Shetlander comes back to the city and doesn’t know how parking works.

LEFTOVER POSTGIG MEAL

So that banana is what I meant to eat at the gig last night for my supper . . . the chips are what I actually ate. The best laid plans of comedians heading home past a takeaway (specifically Graziano’s in South Queensferry).

shop talk

Megan Merino continues her retail adventures with a trio of shopping and fashion treats to check out

Edinburgh College Of Art Fashion Show

VINTAGE OUTFITTERS

This new Newington vintage store specialises in recycled and upcycled American branded clothing. Amrit Kaur started the business in May and sells bespoke co-ords and joggers as well as a range of pre-loved gems.  72 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, vintageoutfitters.co.uk

WILD GORSE POTTERY

Founded by Jen Smith, this contemporary pottery shop uses expert craftsmanship to create beautiful and durable glazes and pots. Signature muted tones and weathered surfaces are inspired by ancient pottery techniques and make wonderful gifts for that stoneware lover in your life.  684 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, wildgorsepottery.com

EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART FASHION SHOW

The pieces here may not be on a rack near you just yet, but if you’re into discovering homegrown cutting-edge fashion designers of the future, the Edinburgh College Of Art Fashion Show is where it’s at.  St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Friday 10 June, eca.ed.ac.uk/event/ecafashion-show-partnership-st-james-quarter

GOING OUT

PHOEBE BRIDGERS

At long last, Californian singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers is taking her Grammy-nominated 2020 album Punisher on the road. Since her acclaimed debut Stranger In The Alps came out in 2017, Bridgers has carved a space for ‘sad girls’ in the indie world with fellow Boygenius bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, plus artists like Mitski, Soccer Mommy and Adrianne Lenker (the list goes on) falling into the sub-genre. As a self-professed fan of the late Elliott Smith, emotionally raw lyricism and folk-like storytelling is what Bridgers does best. But, in truth, it's her cynical wit and signature skeleton onesie that we're most excited to experience in the flesh. (Megan Merino) n Barrowland, Glasgow, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 June.