The List Issue 754

n i y tt e r P GLASGOW & EDINBURGH EVENTS GUIDE

1 JUN–31 AUG 2019 | ISSUE 754 LIST.CO.UK

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P I NK UGLYDOLLS BRINGS FUN TO THE EIFF

PLUS ARCHITECTURE FRINGE

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

SAY AWARD

MORE THAN 100 PROJECTS AND EVENTS CELEBRATING SCOTTISH DESIGN IN JUNE

STIRLING FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS MAMMOTH 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT SCOTLAND'S PRESTIGIOUS MUSIC PRIZE

CONTENTS 1 JUN–31 AUG 2019 | LIST.CO.UK

In the words of the great DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince; 'Summer summer summertime, time to sit back and unwind . . . '

T

Editor

COVER STORY

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Opening galas, closing movies, premieres, retrospectives, and fun themes are all in place for this year's bumper EIFF. It's not easy picking out the thing we're most excited about: is it the screenings of UglyDolls and Toy Story 4, the Spain theme highlighted by the SNJO performance of a classic Miles Davis album, or Eddie Izzard as a scary laird for the opening film? Or maybe it's the closer, Mrs Lowry & Son, or having a vote in the Audience Awards? Or perhaps it's all just leaving us dizzy with excitement . . .

PHOTO: ROBB MCRAE

PHOTO: CAMILLA CAMAGLIA

54

Realist

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

ARCHITECTURE FRINGE

The Cardross Estate hosts yet another splendiferous mid-July bill featuring musical artists across an array of genres. Sister Sledge, the Wailers, Hawkwind, Kathryn Joseph and BEAK> are merely the tip of an excellent iceberg.

With the theme of In Real Life (a 'provocation' they call it), this year's cross-nation event has events, exhibitions, installations, performances, talks, screenings and a summer school, with the likes of You + Pea and Ann Nisbet Studio getting involved.

GREAT OFFERS

12 Win VIP tickets to the Edinburgh Dungeon

12 Win festival wristbands to Outwith Art Festival

12 Win tickets to Summer Rugby at BT Murrayfield

13 Win a bottle of Johnnie Walker White Walker

13 Win tickets to the EIFF Opening Gala and VIP Party

6 16

Black Mirror

19

FEATURES

21

Edinburgh International Film Festival 21 TRNSMT

36

Jupiter Rising

46

69

Spirit & Spice

69

Grazing by Mark Greenaway

70

AROUND TOWN Glasgow Mela

BOOKS Cymera

80 80

82 82

Kate Atkinson

83

Ariana Harwicz

83

COMEDY

85

James Acaster

85

Gary Meikle

86

Eleanor Conway

87

FILM

89

The Dead Don't Die

89

Booksmart

90

Never Look Away

91

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

92

KIDS

96

Wee Hansel and Gretel

96

Wallace & Gromit's Musical Marvels

97

MUSIC

101

Honeyblood

101

KISS

102

Stone Temple Pilots

107

Konx-Om-Pax

108

Music at Paxton

THEATRE & DANCE 549

114

116 116

Bard in the Botanics

117

Hormonal Housewives

118

Ballet Black

119

TELEVISION Stranger Things

VISUAL ART Self Evidence

12 Win 12 free drop-in classes at Dance Base

4

News

FOOD & DRINK

his time of year is always a bit hectic with music festival season starting to properly ramp up and the Edinburgh Festivals edging closer and closer. So while we might not be able to properly sit back and unwind, would we really want to when there's so much great stuff going on?

The start of summer in Edinburgh signals the return of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and this year's edition has premieres, galas and special events galore. We're really looking forward to seeing the adorable new all-star musical comedy UglyDolls (page 28), along with opening gala flick Boyz in the Wood (page 21) and the SNJO's performance of Sketches of Spain (page 22).

Elsewhere, we look ahead to all the wonderful music festivals that Scotland has coming up and chat to headliners Shingai (page 38), Hot Chip (page 44), The Comet is Coming (page 46) and the legends that are Sister Sledge (page 40). We also take a behind-the-scenes look at the SAY Award process (page 56), which is currently in progress, and catch up with Sara Sheridan (page 55) about her latest book.

There's also the Architecture Fringe (page 54) to look forward to and, of course, all that August craziness. But as always, you'll be well prepared with our Festival Guide (out Wed 3 Jul), weekly August issues and daily online shenanigans at list.co.uk/festival.

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FRONT

122 122

125 125

Videogames: Design / Play / Disrupt 126

FIRST & LAST Nick Offerman

128 128

GRAPHIC CONTENT

CONTRIBUTORS

What we’ve been talking about There’s nothing quite like an outdoor music festival (unless you’re an indoors sort of dude), with all that trudging around fields, trying to find something to eat while running manically between stages and tents before realising you’ve headed off in entirely the wrong direction. They feel as though they’ve been around forever, and while not many people you know will be able to say they were at that Glastonbury with all the mud and acid, we wondered what some people chose as their best and worst memories from being at a summer music festival . . .

At Burning Man in 1999 with friends who, knowing me to be a music snob, rather apologetically took me to see a techno version of Jesus Christ Superstar, called DJ Christ Superstar. Performed into a 20mph sandstorm on a cold desert night, it was one of the most heroic things I’ve ever seen, and I came away with a new respect not just for the show, but for Jesus Christ Superstar itself

Taking my son to Electric Fields last year. It was his first festival and he was completely starstruck when Noel Gallagher came on; he also now wants to go to festivals all the time

Neneh Cherry doing ‘Buffalo Stance’ in a small tent at Field Day in 2014

Last year’s TRNSMT was my first-ever experience of a British music festival, and so I was rather unprepared for the amount of beer / piss being thrown about (in Canada we like to drink our beers) but was determined to be brave for the Arctic Monkeys

Green Velvet doing ‘Flash’ live to an almost empty Slam Tent at T in the Park before he got really famous. Never had as much room to jump around like a lunatic to that song ever again

Everything about the ritual of spending a long weekend in Balado at the start of July for T In the Park was magical. It was grizzly, dirty and aggressive, but it was also lifeaffirming and the first time I felt pure joy and freedom as a teenager

Young Fathers at Benicàssim in 2016: who knew predrinking in a Spanish car park would have so many lasting memories!

BEST The Beastie Boys at T In the Park 1998, who I could just make out the strains of through the window of my parents’ house (they lived in Kinross at the time) as I practically hallucinated with crazily high temperature, too ill to move. The biggest gig let-down of my life, by far

Waking up to someone’s bowel movement on the side of my tent at T in the Park . . . never camped again after that!!

WORST Being propelled about 20 feet forwards against my will due to an over-excitable Pogues fan at the Reading Festival

Pete Doherty struggling to strum a chord on his guitar during a 30-minute solo set

Primal Scream at Wickerman when the guy in front of me lit a flare and I spent the majority of the set choking 4 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

Some scary men sieg heiling at a Frank Black gig in a T in the Park tent, somewhat missing the point of both the festival and the estimable Mr Black

CONTENT Editor Arusa Qureshi Head of Digital Media Scott Henderson Content Manager Murray Robertson Senior Content Producer Alex Johnston Content Producers Deborah Chu, Katharine Gemmell, Sofia Matias Subeditors Brian Donaldson, Paul McLean SECTION EDITORS Books Lynsey May Comedy / Front Brian Donaldson Dance / Kids Kelly Apter Film Reviews Emma Simmonds Food & Drink Donald Reid Music: Gigs / TV Henry Northmore Music: New Releases Arusa Qureshi News Katharine Gemmell Theatre Gareth K Vile Visual Art Rachael Cloughton PRODUCTION Senior Designer Lucy Munro Designers Stuart Polson, Seonaid Rafferty, Carys Tennant DIGITAL Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Data Developers Andy Bowles, Alan Miller, Stuart Moir COMMERCIAL Digital Business Development Director Brendan Miles Partnership Director Sheri Friers Senior Events and Promotions Manager Rachel Cree Senior Account Managers Ross Foley, Debbie Thomson Account Manager Jakob Van den Berg Ad Ops Executive Victoria Parker Affiliate Content Executive Becki Crossley Events and Promotions Assistant Amy Clark Events and Promotions Intern Shaun Scott 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 editor@list.co.uk GLASGOW OFFICE: at the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD Tel: 0141 332 9929, glasgow@list.co.uk; list.co.uk ISSN: 0959 - 1915 © 2019 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.

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19 – 21 JU

O

10 YEARS

F

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

19 – 21 JULY 2019

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The

REALIST E N U J

2 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE MUSIC

Taking the musical action indoors won’t blunt the effect of Southern Exposure unduly, especially with a bill featuring the likes of Bossy Love, Carla J Easton (pictured), Be Charlotte, Meursault and Pictish Trail.

See feature, page 33. Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Jun.

PHOTO: MORAG MYERSCOUGH

1 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM

Opening galas, closing events, retrospectives, premieres and themed strands: it’s the recipe for a perfect film festival and the Edinburgh lot know how to do this kind of thing with their eyes wide shut.

Boyz in the Wood kicks things off and Mrs Lowry & Son brings the curtain down. Just before it all gets rolling, there’s a special screening of Toy Story 4 while St Andrew Square Garden again opens its gates to some open-air screenings. See feature, page 21. Various venues, Edinburgh, Wed 19–Sun 30 Jun.

6 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

3 ARCHITECTURE FRINGE VISUAL ART

With a ‘provocation’ titled ‘In Real Life’, this year’s series of contributor-led projects and events has plenty to say (across the entire nation) about where our built environment is headed. See feature, page 54. Various venues, nationwide, Fri 7–Sun 23 Jun.

So much culture, so little time PHOTO: BILL COOPER

PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

4 THE DUCHESS OF MALFI

5 BALLET BLACK DANCE

THEATRE

Having adapted Aeschylus and Ionesco in recent times, Zinnie Harris turns her attention to the John Webster play about female agency, power structures and family relationships. See preview, page 117. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 8 Jun.

Celebrating their 18th year, Ballet Black are back in town (ahead of an Edinburgh Fringe appearance no less) with a triple bill of works choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, Martin Lawrance and Sophie Laplane. See preview, page 119. King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun.

PHOTO: JOSEPHINE TENG

6 CYMERA BOOKS

An exciting new sci-fi, fantasy and horror book festival with open-mic business, a ceilidh, quiz, and authors such as Lari Don, PM Freestone (pictured), Ken MacLeod, Ever Dundas and David Quantick. See preview, page 82. The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Fri 7–Sun 9 Jun.

JAZZ 7 GLASGOW FESTIVAL MUSIC

Yet another excellent line-up for Glasgow’s jazz fans to lap up including Ruby Turner, Fergus McCreadie, David McAlmont (pictured), Madison McFerrin, Mulati Astatke and Haftor Medbøe. See feature, page 32. Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 19–Sun 23 Jun.

8 KILLING EVE TV

& GROMIT’S 9 WALLACE MUSICAL MARVELS KIDS

Phoebe Waller-Bridge can do little wrong at the moment, and she’s back as executive producer on series two of the show which had folk salivating last year. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer return to lock deadly horns. See preview, page 123. BBC iPlayer.

A treat for fans of the dynamic duo with a live orchestral accompaniment to a selection of Wallace & Gromit’s many daft but beloved adventures.

See preview, page 97. Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun; Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sun 9 Jun.

10 WEST END FESTIVAL GUIDED WALKS CHOSEN BY AUTHOR ANNE DONOVAN

PHOTO: ALAN DIMMICK

A highlight of the West End Festival is its programme of guided walks, where experts in local history and architecture take you round an area and focus on significant buildings, architects or an aspect of the landscape. A previous stand-out for me was one on industrial architecture, something I knew little about. There’s a great selection and I’m especially looking forward to a walk round the wonderful architecture of Govan, including the Pearce Institute and Govan Parish Church. The Women of Maryhill walk also looks fascinating, exploring the history of Maryhill women and the places they lived and worked.

There are also some great free talks in Hillhead Library (pictured) throughout the festival. Anne Donovan, Scottish Writers Centre, Glasgow, Tue 4 Jun; West End Festival, Glasgow, until Sun 30 Jun. 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 7

JULY

THE 1 DOUNE RABBIT HOLE MUSIC

Doune the Rabbit Hole is not just one of the most exciting music festivals in Scotland, it’s hands down the one with the best name.

There are almost too many highlights to squeeze in here, but we’ll give it a go: the Damned, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry (pictured), Skerryvore, John Grant, Asian Dub Foundation, C Duncan, Gwenno, the Wailers, John Cooper Clarke, Sister Sledge, Hawkwind, Kathryn Joseph and Shonen Knife all make for a self-evidently diverse weekend. And that really is just for starters. Get on Doune etc. See feature, page 40. Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul.

PHOTO: CHRIS WERRETT

2 KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

3 JAMES ACASTER

Dubbed as ‘a festival like no other’, there’s music, art and adventure less than an hour from Glasgow, this year featuring the likes of Brass Gumbo, Heir of the Cursed, the Poozies and an Optimo takeover. See feature, page 38.

Kelburn Castle, Largs, Fri 5–Mon 8 Jul.

The acclaimed Kettering comic is dissecting both a good year and a bad year in his life for his latest semi-surreal banterings, this time entitled Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999. Don’t pretend you’re not intrigued. See preview, page 85. O2 Academy, Glasgow, Sat 20 Jul.

AROUND TOWN

8 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

COMEDY

The

REALIST PHOTO: RIMBAUD PATRON

4 ELECTRIC FIELDS

5 WEE HANSEL AND GRETEL

6 STRANGER THINGS

Opened up by Metronomy (pictured), this year’s event has shifted from Thornhill to Glasgow. Also on another great bill are the Vaccines, Malcolm Middleton, Frank Turner, Nadine Shah and a whole bunch yet to be announced. See feature, page 35.

SWG3, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 6 Jul.

Scottish Ballet has taken a little bit off the edges to make this potentially too-scary story palatable for very young ones. Dancing treats and toys that come to life will certainly go down well with the intended audience. See preview, page 96. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul.

Beloved by young folks and the grown-ups who let them have their Netflix log-in, the 80s-shaped sci-fi show reaches season three with the adorable gang now entering their teenage years. A rollercoaster ride is promised once again. See preview, page 122. Netflix from Thu 4 Jul.

7 SELF EVIDENCE

8 BARD IN THE BOTANICS

9 TRNSMT

Diane Arbus, Robert Mapplethorpe and Francesca Woodman (pictured) are all explored through the power of their own lens with an exhibition of ground-breaking photographic art. See review, page 125. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 20 Oct.

There really is nothing in the theatre world quite like a bit of summer Shakespeare in the glorious outdoors. This time around, Henry V, Richard III, Hamlet and As You Like It (pictured) get the botanical treatment. See preview, page 117.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Wed 26 Jun–Sat 3 Aug.

The event which sort-of aimed to take over from T in the Park has some nifty stuff going on in its line-up, with Richard Ashcroft, Stormzy (pictured), Example, Kobi Onyame and Jess Glynne all gracing Glasgow Green. See feature, page 36.

Glasgow Green, Fri 12–Sun 14 Jul.

MUSIC

KIDS

TV

PHOTO: RYAN JOHNSTON

VISUAL ART

THEATRE

MUSIC

10 INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR PHYSICS CHOSEN BY COMEDIAN CHRIS FORBES

Whether you’re genuinely interested in furthering your understanding of how the universe works, or you’re just looking for something to say that will make your friends think your super intelligent, then the 27th International Nuclear Physics Conference is for you. After conferences in Adelaide, Florence and Vancouver, INPC 2019 comes to Glasgow and will cover a whole range of topics, from the study of hadrons to the heaviest nuclei. What fun! This is not just for physics geeks.

I know virtually nothing about nuclear physics but I’m obsessed with listening to incredibly smart people trying to explain what life is all about. It’s the same reason I enjoy watching University Challenge. I never understand the answers (or questions!) but I know whatever they’re on about is mighty impressive.

Chris Forbes: Prophecy, The Stand, Sun 30 Jun; The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 7 Jul; International Nuclear Physics Conference, SEC, Glasgow, Mon 29 Jul–Fri 2 Aug. 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 9

The

REALIST

T S U AUG

1 EDINBURGH FESTIVAL AROUND TOWN

It’s only the world’s biggest arts festival, and it just so happens to be on our doorstep. Even if you’re a Glasgow type, it’s 50 minutes on a train away, people. And there really are no excuses to miss out on the fun which this year is led by the likes of Grayson Perry, Basil Brush (yep, you read that right), Omid Djalili, Frisky & Mannish, Cindy Sherman, Stephen Fry, Neneh Cherry, YUCK Circus (pictured), Danny MacAskill, Oona Doherty, Eddie Izzard, Be Charlotte, and Rose McGowan. Various venues, Edinburgh, Jul & Aug.

PHOTO: HANNAH SORRELL PHOTO: RONALD DICK

2 NICK OFFERMAN COMEDY

He was the legendary Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, and while the thick mouser may be gone, Mr Offerman will have us bristling with pleasure as he brings us his unique stand-up schtick for a show he’s opted to call All Rise. See First & Last, page 128. Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 24 Aug; O2 Academy, Glasgow, Wed 28 Aug.

PHOTO: BRIAN SWEENEY

4 TRANSIT FILM

3 GLASGOW SUMMER SESSIONS MUSIC

A superlative Summer Sessions line-up for Glasgow once more with the likes of the Cure, Foo Fighters, the 1975, Mogwai (pictured), the Van T’s, and Twin Atlantic making it another sizzler. See feature, page 50. Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Fri 16–Sun 25 Aug. 10 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

Cerebral German director Christian Petzold takes on the Nazis invading France in World War II and thankfully makes it more Kafka than Casablanca. Franz Rogowski and Paula Beer excel in the key roles.

See review, page 93. Selected release from Fri 16 Aug.

5 PLAYGROUND FESTIVAL MUSIC

A sweltering clubby vibe will be warmly welcomed for this weekender which includes the likes of Groove Armada, Lauryn Hill, Anna Calvi, Hot Chip (pictured) and Django Django.

See feature, page 44. Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, Fri 2–Sun 4 Aug.

Celebrating 10 years of debate, literature, music & art

Beyond Borders International Festival 24-25 August 2019 Traquair House, Innerleithen, EH44 6PW

“It’s intimate, it’s expansive, it’s joyful and an engaging festival to be at” Razia Iqbal, Journalist and Broadcaster

Full programme launched in June 2019 www.beyondbordersscotland.com Beyond Borders Scotland

@beyondborders__ #BBIF

@beyondbordersscotland

Beyond Borders Scotland

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 11

READER OFFERS WIN VIP TICKETS TO THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON

WIN FESTIVAL WRISTBANDS TO OUTWITH FESTIVAL

The List are partnering up with Edinburgh Dungeon to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a VIP experience for themselves and three friends.

Experience the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history and face your fears at their newest feature Burke & Hare: The Business of Murder, opening on Sat 29 Jun. You could win four VIP Passes to the Edinburgh Dungeon, including a souvenir guidebook and a photo each.

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

Burke & Hare were notorious for what crime in early 19th century Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Dungeon Sat 29 Jun – Fri 4 Oct 31 Market St Edinburgh EH1 1DF

thedungeons.com/edinburgh

The List are teaming up with Welcome to Fife to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of festival wristbands to Outwith Festival.

Dunfermline’s Outwith Festival brings you a brilliant programme of music, film, comedy, theatre, literature, art and children’s events.

The wristbands will give free entry to the live music day on Sat 7 Sep, part of Dunfermline’s exciting six-day festival, on from Tue 3 to Sun 8 Sep. Confirmed artists also include Idlewild, William McCarthy (Augustines), Avalanche Party, Siobhan Wilson, Dancing on Tables and DJ Rebecca Vasmant.

In order to win, simply download the brand-new Fife App from the App Store or Google Play and tell us one Fife event that you would love to attend.

Outwith Festival Tue 3 – Sun 8 Sep Various venues around Dunfermline Tickets available to purchase from Fri 7 Jun

outwithfestival.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Mon 1 Jul 2019. Valid until 31 December 2019. The Edinburgh Dungeon is closed on Wed 25 & Thu 26 December. Children under 5 not allowed, not recommended for children under 8 or those of a nervous disposition. The List’s usual rules apply.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Fri 22 Jun 2019.

Winner must download Fife Events App. The List’s usual rules apply.

WIN 12 FREE DROP-IN CLASSES AT DANCE BASE

WIN TICKETS TO SUMMER RUGBY AT BT MURRAYFIELD

The List are teaming up with Dance Base to offer you the chance to win 12 free drop-in classes that can be used during the 2019 summer/autumn term.

Fancy dancing your way through the year at Edinburgh’s home of dance?

Make time for you and treat yourself to 12 free dance classes that you or your children have always wanted to try or brush up on.

Whether you fancy West African dance, hip-hop, jazz or a movement and sensory class with the little ones, Dance Base have got it all. Shout ‘ole!’ as many courses now have a new drop-in option too, like Flamenco Beginners!

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

What course has recently added a drop-in option at Dance Base?

Dance Base 14-16 Grassmarket Edinburgh EH1 2JU

dancebase.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Thu 20 Jun 2019. Subject to availability.

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

12 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

The List are teaming up with Scottish Rugby to offer you the chance to see Scotland v Georgia this summer.

Catch some sizzling summer rugby at Scotland’s largest stadium, BT Murrayfield, as Scotland get ready to turn up the heat when they face Georgia on Fri 6 Sep (kick-off 7.30pm).

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

What is the name of Scotland’s largest rugby stadium?

Scotland v Georgia Fri 6 Sep 2019 7.30pm kick-off BT Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh EH12 5PJ

scottishrugby.org TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Mon 1 Jul 2019. The List’s usual rules apply.

WIN TICKETS TO EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENING GALA AND VIP PARTY

The List are teaming up with the Edinburgh International Film Festival to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets to their Opening Gala and VIP Party on Wed 19 Jun. The 73rd edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival opens with the European premiere of Boyz in the Wood. Think Trainspotting mixed with Calibre, but with more humour.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, four city kids are pursued by a mysterious huntsman played by Eddie Izzard in what’s described as an ‘anarchic cocktail of generational politics, hip-hop loving farmers and hallucinogenic rabbit droppings’. What more could you want from an opening night gala?

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

Where is Boyz in the Wood set?

WIN A BOTTLE OF JOHNNIE WALKER WHITE WALKER

The List are teaming up with Johnnie Walker to offer one reader the chance to win a bottle of White Walker.

Transport to the Frozen North with one sip of the limitededition whisky inspired by the most enigmatic and feared characters on the hit HBO® show Game of Thrones.

Best served straight from the freezer, this blend has been crafted to replicate the chilling presence of the infamous White Walkers. The exclusive scotch features two of the key single malts that go into making Johnnie Walker, Cardhu and Clynelish, carrying notes of caramelised sugar and vanilla, fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit.

Hidden in the body of each bottle as a nod to the frozen environments north of the wall is a secret message of ‘Winter is Here’, using temperature-sensitive ink technology, that will only appear when frozen.

Following the final and eighth season of the show, White Walker is a must-have for all Game of Thrones fanatics.

To shop White Walker, please visit www.johnniewalker.com.

Please enjoy responsibly. Visit drinkiq.com.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below:

This limited-edition bottle is inspired by which Game of Thrones characters?

Edinburgh International Film Festival Various locations Wed 19 Jun – Sun 30 Jun 2019

edfilmfest.org.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes Mon 10 Jun 2019. Only one entry per person is permitted. Entry is open to UK residents only. Winners will be notified by telephone or email, no cash alternative. The List’s usual rules apply.

johnniewalker.com TERMS & CONDITIONS: Competition closes 1 July 2019. The List’s usual rules apply.

Entrants must be 18+

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 13

GLEN’S G GET YOUR COAT. JIM SMITH: BACK TO THE TEUCHTER! EDINBURGH The Stand, Sun 2 Jun, 8.30pm, £11–13.20 The Stand-Up Farmer presents his third solo show, described as a mix of Countryfile and The Only Way is Essex.

PROPAGANDA EDINBURGH Liquid Room, Every Fri, 10.30pm, £4–6 Weekly Indie club night in the Scottish capital featuring all your favourite throwback hits, from Mumford & Sons to Blink-182.

GARY DELANEY: GAGSTER’S PARADISE

SPICE GIRLS

PASSIONFRUIT & PEACH FIZZ Glen’s Passionfruit & Peach Lemon / fresh lemon juice Sugar syrup Prosecco Grab a flute (or a wine glass will do!). Pour in a shot of Glen’s Passionfruit & Peach, add a splash of fresh lemon and a splash of sugar syrup. Give it a stir, then top with Prosecco. Enjoy!

Please enjoy responsibly

14 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

EDINBURGH BT Murrayfield Stadium, Sat 8 Jun, 5pm, £60.50–196 You can tell them what you want, what you really, really want, as the Spice Girls (minus Victoria Beckham) bring their pop hits to Edinburgh.

RACHEL JACKSON & FRIENDS GLASGOW Tron Theatre, Wed 26 Jun & Wed 31 Jul, 8.30pm, £8.50 Scottish actress and comedian Rachel Jackson hosts this monthly comedy show, featuring established names in the comedy circuit and up-andcoming talent.

EDINBURGH The Stand, Tue 25 Jun, 8.30pm, £18.70 Gary Delaney is the one-liner master, and you might have seen him in Mock the Week, Robert’s Web and Loose Ends. Also at The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 26 Jun, 8.30pm, £18.70

TRINITY THE TUCK GLASGOW Glee Club, Wed 12 Jun, 7.30pm, £20–40 One of the joint winners of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars season four, Trinity The Tuck embarks on a onewoman show tour. Also at La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Tue 30 Jul, 7pm, £22

.

GUIDE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

YOU’RE GOING OUT OUT! Sun? Who knows. Cocktails? Definitely. Good times? Always.

We’ve joined forces with The List to bring you Glen’s Guide — our pick of the very best events happening across Scotland this summer. Whether it’s date night, a Father’s Day treat, or you just fancy a spontaneous night on the tiles, look no further.

Pre drinks in the garden? Fancy whipping up some summery cocktails? We’ve got you covered with our new Flavours — Passionfruit & Peach and Strawberry & Apple! Summer? Sorted.

BACKSTREET BOYS

SCOTT GIBSON TRIES NEW JOKES (WITH PALS)

GLASGOW SSE Hydro, Fri 14 Jun, 6.30pm, £40–650 Backstreet’s back, alright, and with the original line-up. The 90s pop sensations are on a world tour promoting their new album, DNA.

EDINBURGH Gilded Balloon Basement, Wed 17 Jul, 8pm, £5.50 The multi award-winning comedian tests out some of his newest material alongside a line-up of his comedian friends.

THE GARDENER MOSTLY MOVIE PUB QUIZ GLASGOW The Gardener, Every Thu, 9pm, Free Test your movie knowledge at this weekly pub quiz, hosted by Quizmaster Neil, and battle it out with the other teams for a chance at a fancy prize.

BESOMS: COMEDY AND CABARET EDINBURGH Gilded Balloon Basement, Thu 27 Jun, 8pm, £6 Monthly comedy evening hosted by Jay Lafferty, featuring comedians from under-represented backgrounds.

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Announcements, line-ups and opinion PHOTO: ROSS FRASER MCLEAN

BLOODY SCOTLAND Bloody Scotland will launch its 2019 programme with a one-off event featuring tartan-noir star Val McDermid. The event will take place at the Golden Lion Ballroom in Stirling on Monday 3 June and will combine the launch of the festival with McDermid’s new book, In My Scotland. Val will be joined by Alan McCredie, whose photographs illustrate the book, to discuss the work.

ANNIE LENNOX GETS TED X TEDxGlasgow returns for its seventh year on Friday 14 June and singer Annie Lennox will lead the lineup. Lennox is set to discuss global feminism and her talk will relate to the event’s theme of ‘connection’.

Joining her on the bill is Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Skyscanner’s former COO Mark Logan and upand-coming comedy writer Amna Saleem.

V&A Dundee

V&A DUNDEE UP FOR PRIZE The V&A Dundee has been chosen as one of five museums in the running for the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year prize. The award throws a spotlight on museums and galleries across the UK that have shown exceptional innovation and achievement. The winner receives £100,000 pounds and will be announced on Wednesday 3 July.

THE NEXT BIG STAR BBC Radio Scotland have launched a hunt to find Scotland’s next big star with their brand new Singer/ Songwriter of the Year 2019 award. Entrants were asked to submit submissions through the month of May, which will then be reduced to a 10-strong shortlist by a panel of industry insiders and go to a public vote in September. The top four will get specialist mentoring and the grand finale will take place during BBC Music Day on Thursday 26 September.

iCombat

ICOMBAT LASER TAG COMES TO GLASGOW Remember Glasgow’s Alien Wars or heard of Reading’s Zombie Shopping Mall Experience? Well the creative mind who was involved in both has opened a brand new iCombat laser tag in Glasgow.

Zed Events will turn the Arches into a battleground this spring with the most advanced laser tag in the world. Expect to fight for your own survival with realistic weapons, movie quality special effects and situations ranging from post-apocalyptic wastelands to zombie uprisings.

SAY AWARD GETS ROLLING

Young Fathers 16 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

The Scottish Album of the Year award just closed submissions for the 2019 award and will soon be edited down to a longlist of 20 albums chosen by 100 impartial nominators from fields like journalism, music venues and music shops. The longlist will be announced at a live showcase event at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday 26 July. This year the award will relocate from the west coast of Scotland to Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms for a ceremony in September. Last year Young Father’s won the award for the second time with Cocoa Sugar.

NEWS Country Roads Turner Prize-winning artist Charlotte Prodger is representing Scotland at this year’s Venice Biennale with new film, SaF05. Katharine Gemmell finds out more about the work as it heads out on a tour of rural Scotland

COMING UP

Catrin Finch

OBAN LIVE A two-day open air concert showcasing international acts in Oban, featuring Skerryvore, We Banjo 3, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Lucy Spraggan and more. Mossfield Stadium, Oban, Fri 7 & Sat 8 Jun.

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ince 2003, Scotland + Venice has given Scottish artists a place on the international stage at the prestigious Venice Biennale – one of the best visual arts festivals in the world. Supported by Creative Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and British Council Scotland, the partnership commissions a new and ambitious piece of work that is staged at the Biennale and then returns to tour Scotland.

This year, Charlotte Prodger, recipient of the 2018 Turner Prize, was commissioned for a major singlechannel video artwork. This new piece, SaF05, is the last in the trilogy of videos that began with 2015’s Stoneymollan Trail and 2016’s Turner-winning BRIDGIT and was curated in partnership with curator Linsey Young and Alexia Holt, associate director and visual arts producer at Cove Park. It was at Cove Park, Scotland’s international residency centre near Helensburgh, where Prodger developed the concept for her Venice work. Holt says: ‘It’s a really amazing piece that deals with a lot of the key concerns and issues that Charlotte’s earlier works deal with. The idea of growing up in a rural location with a queer identity; how that relates to your environment, and the contexts of which you grow up. It’s a personal piece and it’s very rich as well – the more you see it, the more that’s revealed.’

Due to the medium of this year’s commission, for the very first time, the 2019 work will tour Scotland at the exact same time as it is shown in Venice. ‘With Scotland + Venice, the work has always come back to Scotland,’ explains Holt. ‘That’s usually been the following year because, with sculptural work and those forms, you obviously can’t show the work

simultaneously. But with Charlotte’s work being video, it has meant that we had the opportunity to do something new for this particular version. It’s a lovely moment that we can allow international audiences to see Charlotte’s work with audiences at home as well.’

The Scottish tour of SaF05 begins in Helensburgh at the Tower Digital Arts Centre on Thursday 27 June and then continues to Glasgow Film Theatre (Wed 3 Jul), Campbeltown Picture House (Thu 25 Jul), Aros Community Cultural Centre, Skye (Thu 27 Aug), An Lanntair, Isle of Lewis (Fri 27 Sep), Mareel, Shetland (Thu 24 Oct) and finishes at the Belmont Filmhouse, Aberdeen (Thu 21 Nov).

Holt says that the choice of a rural tour has significance to the project as a whole: ‘The tour will travel to rural venues in areas that have a particular meaning and resonance for the artist; the screening in Aberdeen will link the programme to the region in which Charlotte grew up and the event in Glasgow will connect the tour to the city in which she now lives and works. The tour will also involve young artists and curators involved in the [Scotland + Venice] Professional Development Programme, providing an opportunity for these individuals to present Prodger’s work in their own home regions.’

After each screening, there will be a short ‘making of’ documentary shown that reveals the behind-thescenes creation of the project and tour, as well as a talk with the curators and different participants involved in the Professional Development Programme. Tickets are free and available from individual venues.

For more information, visit scotlandandvenice. com or covepark.org

ARCHITECTURE FRINGE Throughout June, architecture in all its forms will be given a platform at this nationwide event that’s going into its fourth year. Expect exhibitions, talks, installations and community projects that focus on 2019’s ‘In Real Life’theme. See feature, page 54. Various locations, Scotland, Fri 7–Thu 23 Jun. GLASGOW COMIC CON The comic gurus over at BHP Comics are gearing up to present their annual event that showcases sequential art to the city. They’ve got big names from the comic world lined up including Frank Quietly, Chip Zdarsly, Brian Stelfreeze and many more. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sat 29 Jun. EAST NEUK FESTIVAL World-class, critically acclaimed music, art and literature converge on this busy corner of Fife. You can expect Belcea and Pavel Haas Quartets, piano legend Elisabeth Leonskaja, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and harpist Catrin Finch.

Various venues, Fife, Wed 26–Sun 30 Jun. DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE The boutique music festival celebrates 10 years with a strong line-up of acts over the weekend including the Damned, Sister Sledge and the Wailers. The festival is both child and dog-friendly. See feature, page 40. Cardross Estate, Stirling, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 17

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BLACK MIRROR While popular opinion was divided on the highly (arguably, way too) interactive Bandersnatch one-off, anticipation remains positively fever-pitched for season five of Black Mirror. The three new episodes from Charlie Brooker feature the show’s regular ‘sense of mischief and romp’ (according to executive producer Annabel Jones), and have the likes of Miley Cyrus, Andrew Scott, Anthony Mackie and Topher Grace among their casts. The current trailers don’t give a huge amount away (mercifully), so best get onboard when they launch soon on a Netflix platform near you.

■ Netflix from Wed 5 Jun.

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Dubbed Deliverance meets The Inbetweeners, Ninian Doff’s debut feature Boyz in the Wood is a fittingly visceral EIFF opening gala. David Pollock chats to the young cast members about their mischievous adult co-stars

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inian Doff has previously been better known as the creator of music shorts for artists including Royal Blood, Migos, Miike Snow and Chemical Brothers. Now he’s created Boyz in the Wood, his debut feature in which a quartet of lads attempting to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Awards in the Highlands become unwitting fodder in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Eddie Izzard’s scary huntsman.

Set to be a cult classic, this South by Southwest audience awardwinner is an outrageous and dark coming-of-age comedy with added hallucinogens and fun trippy scenes. To tell us more about it, we’re on a conference call with the four young lead actors: Rian Gordon, who plays macho loose cannon Dean; Lewis Gribben, the less-than-sharp Duncan; Viraj Juneja, an aspiring rapper DJ Beatroot in impractical white trainers; and Samuel Bottomley as Ian, the only one who actually wants to be there.

‘They auditioned loads of kids,’ recalls Gordon. ‘So they put us in groups of four, took us out to the woods and got all freaky with us.’

Freaky how? ‘Mind now Rian, we’ll be getting sued!’ laughs Juneja.

‘Nah, we just went to Film City [in Glasgow], took us out into the park in fours and just shot loads of full scenes,’ recovers Gordon. ‘I think by the time we got the jobs, we’d learned eight or nine full scenes.’

The film is a lot of fun, but was the shoot as entertaining as it sounds? ‘No, was it fuck! It was mental!!’ bursts out Gordon. ‘Six weeks on location up in the Highlands, I was wearing binbags on my feet; Viraj had Nikes and I had binbags. It was like World War I. Getting shot at!’ The chattiest of a chatty bunch, Gordon echoes the raw Scottish delivery of Dean. ‘Midges,’ chimes in Bottomley in his dry Bolton accent. ‘Aw man, I’ve never seen as many midges!’

The one doing the (pretend) shooting was Eddie Izzard, one of the more experienced actors in the cast alongside Kate Dickie and James

Cosmo. ‘Eddie was intimidating, man, I didn’t know how to speak to him,’ says Gordon. ‘He was in character and he looked terrifying; his eyes are piercing.’

Juneja says Izzard kept the character going off-camera. ‘We were sitting eating lunch and he was pointing his gun at us! Nah, not really.

But I spent a bit of time with James Cosmo when we were doing our scene at two or three in the morning, and he’d tell me some of his stories: it was just incredible.’

Adding to the film’s Scottish flavour is its soundtrack composer Bobby ‘S-Type’ Perman, working here on his first feature after commercial work for Nokia, Adidas and Cadillac. ‘I love working to pictures,’ he explains, of how he came up with the rap beats he’s composed. ‘I find having the visuals in front of me before I touch the keyboard really fulfilling. I’m not so keen on working to a written brief, where it can be tricky to gauge a mood.’

The film’s mood is generally dark and tense, epitomised by a pivotal five-minute scene which starts off as a rap number. ‘It develops into a whole movement, adding tension as the scene progresses,’ says Perman. ‘I really enjoyed the collaborative aspect, going back and forth with Ninian, developing rough ideas into full pieces to drive the different scenes.’

The young actors are thrilled with the film’s early success.

‘Especially for Ninian,’ says Gribben, ‘because this is his first film and it’s done so well. What that means for his future is endless, he’s such a great writer and director.’ The actors believe the full process – from entering pre-production to completion – was as little as a year, which is a significant achievement. ‘Folk keep asking us what our ambition is for it,’ says Gordon. ‘I just want it to win five Oscars: that’ll do!’

Boyz in the Wood, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 19 Jun.

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EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

As Laura Jurd prepares to perform Sketches of Spain at a special EIFF event, the trumpet star tells Brian Donaldson how she aims to channel Miles Davis while being true to herself

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n September 1990, a future British trumpet star was born.

Meanwhile, just one year and 13 days later, a legend of the jazz world died, leaving behind an unmatchable musical legacy. As part of this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Spain strand, the spirit of Miles Davis will prove to be alive and kicking as Laura Jurd plays his classic Sketches of Spain album, alongside Tommy Smith and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

Having performed the album with the SNJO on a mini-tour of Scotland a couple of years back, Jurd (whose own acclaimed jazz quartet Dinosaur was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2017) has already gone through the unique experience of approaching such a legendary piece of music for the first time. While not exactly daunted by the album, she is still all set for another stiff challenge.

‘Funnily enough, Sketches of Spain wasn’t one of the Miles albums that I was familiar with compared to some other ones, so it was a nice excuse to check out something new,’ she recalls.

‘The challenge for me in doing a project with such an iconic recording is to take the essence of how he plays but still make it your own. I’m less interested in doing a museum-like super-similar performance to Miles Davis. Finding what serves the music while maintaining your own voice on the trumpet is the fun challenge for me.’

Davis was a master of eclecticism who switched genres and hopped between styles several times throughout a career which helped bring bebop into the public consciousness before

PHOTO: DEREK CLARK

DRAWING BREATH

experimenting more broadly with soul, funk and even pop (in the 80s he duetted with Sting and covered Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper).

One thing that never altered was his own individualistic approach to his art: if he wanted to play with his back to the audience and barely say any words, then that’s exactly what he was going to do.

‘I guess I’ll be facing the audience,’ Jurd reassures us while considering whether Davis’ performance style was borne from petulance or practicality. ‘I was listening to an interview with Miles the other day and while he did come across as quite hostile at times, he did talk about how he loved hearing how the trumpet sounded in different parts of the room. So maybe he just enjoyed the sound of it against a wall? But he was quite eccentric so you’d never know with him.’

While the original Sketches of Spain album clocks in at around the 45-minute mark, chances are that the existing spaces within the music will allow for a bit of improvisation, nudging the stage-time closer to an hour. It’ll be similar but there might be open improvised moments. ‘I’m a talker on stage depending on the concert and the music, but if it feels right for the arc of the music to just keep playing, then it’s better to do that sometimes,’ Jurd states. ‘With this one, I expect Tommy Smith will probably talk at the beginning and the end, but because it’s a big extended work, I feel we’ll just play the whole thing through. It’s a bit of a journey so fasten your seatbelts.’

Tommy Smith and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra with Laura Jurd, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 28 Jun.

festival PARTY IN LONDON

On Wednesday 22 May, we took our famous List Festival Party down to Dingwalls in London to kick off the world’s biggest arts festival and launch the Edfest.com brochure with Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and Underbelly.

Armed with some of the best acts lined up to play the forthcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we showed the capital what to expect in Edinburgh this August.

The List would like to give a big thanks to their event partners Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and Underbelly. A big bravo also goes to the talented acts who entertained: Marlon Davis, Ginger Johnson, Flo & Joan, Sex Shells, Sara Barron, Maisie Adams, and the roaming performers wowing the crowd Tom Brace Magic and Pamela’s Palace.

You can catch all of these acts and their shows this August at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Thanks also go to the generous drinks sponsors Johnnie Walker and Truman’s for showcasing their incredible whisky cocktails and beer, and Söderberg for serving yummy Swedish goodies from their new Soho bakery.

Finally, a shout out to The List’s events staff Sheri Friers, Rachel Cree, Amy Clark, Shaun Scott and Candida Alderson from the Edfest team – who made the entire evening possible.

Check out photographs from the launch courtesy of Johnathan Lappin at facebook.com/thelistmagazine and stay up to date on all things festival related at edinburghfestival.list.co.uk. See you next year London!

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 23

Blizzard 16:25, 1-26 Aug Assembly Hall

Eddie Izzard: Expectations of Great Expectations (WIP)

What if winter has taken over? With breathtaking acrobatics and outstanding visual poetry, the latest creation by the rising stars of new circus is taking the stage by storm.

14:00, 7 - 25 Aug Assembly George

Rose McGowan: Planet 9

Frisky & Mannish’s PopLab

13:00, 15 - 18 Aug Assembly Hall

19:00, 1 - 25 Aug Assembly George Square Gardens

Best-selling author, actress and activist Rose McGowan makes her Fringe debut.

Via memoir and music she presents her manifesto for a BRAVE new world, taking the audience on a healing journey to Planet 9.

Akala: In Conversation

Square Studios

Eddie Izzard invites you to his Work in Progress reading of the epic journey. Acting was his first love, before standup. See him merge them and follow Dickens to read/perform the great story.

Shameless Edinburgh Fringe sellouts since 2009. Frisky & Mannish are officially Pop PhDs, fully qualified to conduct scientific analyses of the molecular intersections between every pop song ever.

Friendsical: A Parody Musical About Friends 13:00, 1 - 25 Aug Assembly Rooms Newly divorced Ross wants to find love again. Enter Rachel. With original songs, the gang celebrate ten years of comedy in one night. This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc series Friends.

La Galerie 18:00, 1 - 25 Aug Assembly Rooms After the worldwide success of its namesake show, Machine de Cirque is back with a new production that takes you to the boundaries of art. Enticing live music, breathtaking acrobatics – let yourself be drawn into an unusual exhibit.

Craig Ferguson: Hobo Fabulous

The Nights

By Henry Naylor

8.00pm, 11 Aug, GB at Edinburgh Playhouse

4.15pm, 31 Jul - 26 Aug, Gilded Balloon Teviot

One of the most important voices in Britain, Akala is a BAFTA and MOBO award winning hip-hop artist, writer and socialentrepreneur who’s online lectures, views and performances have gathered millions of views throughout the world on YouTube.

The Grammy-nominated, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian brings ‘Hobo Fabulous’, his smash-hit US tour, to the Gilded Balloon for its European premiere! This is Ferguson’s first UK standup show in over 25 years.

Don’t miss it!

A returning Jihadi bride. An Islamophobic journalist. And an antique dealer with a violent past, in a dark fairy tale. Three-times Fringe First Winner Naylor is ‘The Fringe’s unofficial star writer-inresidence’ Mark Lawson (Spectator).

Ronni Ancona & Lewis Macleod: Just Checking In

Hughie (Starring Phil Nichol & Mike McShane)

Madame George

By Keir McAllister

9.00pm, 31 Jul - 17 Aug, Gilded Balloon at the Museum

1.45pm, 31 Jul - 26 Aug, Gilded Balloon Teviot

Natives: Race & Class In The Ruins Of Empire

9.00pm/4.30pm, 2 - 6 Aug, Gilded Balloon Teviot

A once-glamorous Scottish hotel is being sold to Donald Trump.

Eccentric staff and celebrity guests conspire to prevent the sale. If their plan is to succeed, a menacing mystery must be investigated.

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Comedians’ Theatre Company presents Eugene O’Neill’s classic one act play that makes us question how our lives are shaped by the people we meet. Starring Mike McShane (Whose Line Is It Anyway) and Phil Nichol (Edinburgh Comedy Award)

1.00pm, 31 Jul - 26 Aug, Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose Madame George is a psychic in a slump. When finally there comes a message, will she want to hear it? A comedy about how far we will go for what we choose to believe in.

EDFEST.COM, a joint initiative between Assembly, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and Underbelly celebrates twelve years of working in partnership, with the launch of its new programme for 2019. The EDFEST venues are an integral part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The group grows year-on-year and in 2019 will collectively bring 948 shows to perform in 107 spaces across 24 venues in Edinburgh.

John Robins: Hot Shame

Ruby Wax: How to be Human

Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang

7.30pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

4.00pm, 18 - 24 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

8.00pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

2017 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, digital DJ, vibe-magnet, yells into a well. Soul-bearing, selflacerating, piping-hot shame. “He fills the room with complicated joy” Guardian

Based on her bestselling book, Ruby’s new show answers every question you’ve ever had about evolution, thoughts, emotions, addictions, relationships, sex, the future and compassion. A blend of brilliant comedy and insightful life lessons.

Phil Wang is back with a new hour of absolute gold. This one is about self-obsession and what it means to be good.

Also, like, dating and being Chinese and that.

Classic Wang stuff.

Bryony Kimmings: I’m a Phoenix, Bitch

Elements of Freestyle

Fishbowl

4.00pm, 3 - 25 Aug, Pleasance at EICC

1.00pm, 31 Jul - 26 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

Following a critically acclaimed, extended run at Battersea Arts Centre, Grand Hall and an Offies 2019 win, I’m a Phoenix, Bitch hits the festival as part of the British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2019.

An adrenaline-fuelled explosion of extreme sports, music, dance and theatre, ISH fuse breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, BMX and freerunning to create breathtaking poetry with every single movement.

“Sparkles with pleasure” Theaterkrant, Amsterdam

The hilarious misadventures of three eccentric and lovable antiheroes crammed in their wacky rooftop bedsits. The funniest show in Europe comes to Edinburgh after a sell-out tour. Molière Award for Best Comedy Play. Physical comedy extravaganza!  Le Monde

Backbone

Symphonic Ibiza

Fags, Mags and Bags

5.00pm, 31 Jul – 26 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square

9.00pm, 15 – 17, 22 – 25 Aug, Underbelly Central Hall

4.40pm, 1 – 26 Aug, Underbelly George Square

Featuring some of the most famous club anthems from the last 30 years, Symphonic Ibiza fuses thrilling live orchestra with high tempo beats from renowned DJ Andy Joyce and musical genius Steve Etherington. A party like no other!

“Shop is the world... and the world is shop”. Awardwinning Radio 4 sitcom Fags, Mags and Bags finally brings the Wall of Crisps and its peculiar brand of Shop Logic (TM) to the stage.

Manual Cinema’s Frankenstein

Marlon Davis: Emotional Black Male

Stevie Martin: Hot Content

2.45pm, 31 Jul – 26 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square

6.50pm, 31 Jul – 25 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square

6.35pm, 31 Jul – 25 Aug, Underbelly Bristo Square

Love, loss, and creation merge in unexpected ways in this thrilling gothic tale conceived by internationally renowned multimedia company Manual Cinema. Stories of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley and her monster expose how community and education shape personhood.

As seen on Live at The Apollo and Comedy Central’s Comedy Store Live, Marlon returns to Edinburgh with a hilarious new show. ‘A compelling storyteller whose anecdotes carry the elusive stamp of urban authenticity’ (Scotsman).

Stevie Martin returns with a lovely bit of business involving sketches, talking and absolute bangers (jokes). For anyone who likes their content hot (and their bangers stone cold). ‘Pure entertainment’  Entertainment-focus.com

5.30pm, 31 Jul - 25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

A high-octane spree of physical virtuosity, Backbone tests the limits of strength: physical, emotional, individual and collective.

Sexy, sincere, raw yet disciplined, Backbone is proof you can’t do the impossible without spending a little sweat.

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Katharine Gemmell tucks into the tasty treats dished up in CineCuisine, the EIFF’s new gastronomic-centred strand

Clockwise from above: The Amber Light; Chef’s Diaries: Scotland; Virgin & Extra: The Land of the Olive Oil (Jaén: Virgen & Extra)

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his year, the Edinburgh International Film Festival has introduced a new strand, CineCuisine, to its ever-growing programme.

It features a series of screenings and events that explore the connections between food and film, celebrating gastronomic excellence and shining a spotlight on the history, origins and traditions of the food industry. Whether the cordon bleu cooking in Ratatouille springs to mind, the great feasts in Harry Potter, or the elaborate home-cooking in Ang Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman, food and film have a fascinating and intricate relationship. Read on to find out more about the screenings and events that will be part of CineCuisine.

VIRGIN & EXTRA: THE LAND OF THE OLIVE OIL (JAÉN: VIRGEN & EXTRA) With a retrospective on Spain taking centre stage at the festival, this documentary delves into one of its most famous exports: olive oil.

Director José Luis López-Linares investigates the superfood from the perspective of the makers in Spain’s Jaén region – where almost half the olive oil in Spain is made. It reveals the complexity of the liquid, just how diverse its flavour and character is, and exposes the passion and pride that the people of the region have for the oil and good food in general. Odeon Lothian Road, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Jun.

THE AMBER LIGHT Presenting its world premiere at the festival is Adam Park’s whisky journey film The Amber Light. Featuring well-known names like Alasdair Gray, Ian Rankin and Rachel Newton, it follows spirits writer Dave Broom who takes an unconventional route through the lesser-known parts of Scotland’s whisky. Broom seeks a deeper understanding of the national drink and traces its links to other areas of culture like music, literature and history. With plenty of anecdotes and fun along the way, it’s an idiosyncratic look at the evolution of the ‘water of life’ and its place in the fabric of the nation. Odeon Lothian Road, Sat 22 & Sun 23 Jun. 26 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

CHEF’S DIARIES: SCOTLAND Connecting both the Spanish strand and the home of the festival, Chef’s Diaries: Scotland follows Michelin-starred chefs, the Roca brothers, as they embark on a mission to track down what Scotland’s larder has to offer. Their restaurant El Cella de Can Roca opened in Girona in 1986 and since then has been consistently named one of the best in the world.

Directed by Laura Otálora, they Rocas seek new inspiration for their menu at the restaurant and are dumbfounded by what they find. The film questions why Scotland is so modest about its culinary delights and is a flattering endorsement of the country from two of the best chefs in the world. Odeon Lothian Road, Fri 21 Jun; Filmhouse, Sat 22 Jun.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT This special gastronomic event traverses the important questions facing the Scottish food and drink industry in a panel discussion chaired by Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink.

Topics include the tradition and development of Scottish food and drink, current trends, plus the future of the industry. The event also includes a delicious tasting session with locally sourced Scottish produce, including classics with a twist, prepared by the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine. Odeon Lothian Road, Fri 21 Jun.

KINO CUISINE: FOOD AND DRINK ON FILM To tie the theme together and analyse the subject, the EIFF has teamed up with the University of Edinburgh to present an informative lecture. Dr Pasquale Iannone will present an illustrated talk on culinary cinema from around the world. Whether it’s a family coming together over a home cooked meal, or a couple eating together on a first date, food and drink has an important role in cinema and both the obvious and subtle ways it is utilised will be investigated. Filmhouse, Mon 24 Jun.

TOY ST D With its starry musician-led cast and its message of diversity, acceptance and inclusion, new animated movie UglyDolls is a feelgood choice for EIFF’s family gala. Director Kelly Asbury tells Katie Goh what sparked his interest in the project and the pivotal role music plays in the film

28 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

ifference, unconventionality and freakiness rule in UglyDolls, the new animated film from STX Entertainment. While many kids’ films preach about the need for self-acceptance, they tend to feature perfect, unrealistic animated versions of people that don’t look much like their audiences. UglyDolls, in comparison, is a breath of fresh air; a good-hearted, fun kids film about celebrating difference and friendship no matter what you look like.

In the town of Uglyville, we meet a host of colourful characters who, curious about the outside world, decide to venture beyond the safety of their town. On the other side of the mountain that shelters Uglyville, they discover another town, Perfection. There, conventional dolls are trained to be ‘perfect’ before heading into the arms of a child. The UglyDolls are forced to grapple with their identities and figure out what it means to be different in a world surrounded by perfection.

While UglyDolls explores relatively deep and timely issues for a kids movie, the film is also a musical adventure, packed full of catchy tunes by the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae, Blake Shelton and Pitbull who also lend their speaking voices to the dolls. Other speaking roles are voiced by a similarly star-studded cast, including Wanda Sykes, Emma Roberts, Gabriel Iglesias, Wang Leeho, Bebe Rexha, CharliXCX and Lizzo.

For director, Kelly Asbury, both the music and the emotions behind the film sparked his interest in getting involved with the production. ‘I first

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STORY met with several executives at STX, who presented UglyDolls to me,’ he explains. ‘Some development work had been done on the proposed movie.

Basically, when I heard the opening song “It Couldn’t Get Better” and saw the very emotionally charged ending, I was hooked.’

UglyDolls is as much a music adventure as it is an animated kids film, and Asbury was keen to use the music to hit both narrative and emotional notes. ‘My aim was to make UglyDolls a full-on traditional movie musical, like the ones from the 1940s and 50s,’ he explains. ‘Fun, light-hearted and emotional, where the characters express themselves through songs. Our songwriters Chris Lennertz and Glenn Slater delivered each song as a narrative guide post to reinforce a given character’s point-of-view, all while helping move the story forward.’

For a film so driven by its musical numbers, Asbury knew he had to enlist singers at the top of their game who could also do voice acting. ‘Once Pitbull and then Kelly Clarkson were signed, it became apparent that most of our cast needed to be very good musical performers as much as actors,’ he says. ‘We lucked out in that the individuals we selected could also deliver a nice speaking role as well.’

While the film UglyDolls is very much its own thing, UglyDolls – the toys – have existed since 2001. ‘It’s a true love story,’ says Asbury explaining the history behind the toys. ‘The original creators of the UglyDolls [David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim] did so as a means of keeping in touch during a post-college long-distance relationship. The resultant characters evolved into hand-sewn dolls, which other people wanted. Birth of a toy line!’

With so many animated kids films being sequels or spin-offs, UglyDolls is an increasingly rare example of an original animation. While the toys existed before the film, Asbury wanted to create a new world that felt real and that audiences could invest in. ‘For me, it is less about putting my stamp on things and more about trying to create a world that the audience believes in and cares about,’ he explains. ‘I try for sincerity and I try for the characters to genuinely exist and interact within the rules that created reality. It all must appear as if it is really happening. No winking at the audience.’

Similarly, UglyDolls is sincere in its messages of diversity, acceptance and inclusion, all of which feel particularly timely, what with current debates about social media promoting unrealistic standards of beauty.

Asbury wanted audiences – both young and old – to look deeper into what perfection means and why difference should be celebrated. ‘This movie is about everyone learning to be more kind to one another; to look past our physical differences and give more of a chance to what’s inside us; to learn to look in the mirror and give ourselves a break,’ he explains. ‘To try looking beyond the physical and see the emotional. We all are more alike than meets the eye.’

Not bad for a kids animated film about some cute plushy toys. And which UglyDoll does Asbury himself relate most to? ‘Gibberish Cat, as probably evidenced by my above answers!’

UglyDolls, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 23 Jun. 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 29

SUPPORTED CONTENT

Despite being one of the world’s longest-running celebrations of the medium, the Edinburgh International Film Festival has consistently kept its finger on the pulse of cinema for the past 73 years, programming thrilling stories that highlight the form’s cultural and technical importance. We take a look through their 2019 offerings to find out what cinematic journeys lay in store for us this year

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Y R Y O R T S E A V E ELLS T SHE PERSISTED Despite some bleak headlines this year, these stories of inspiring women and non-binary individuals are a timely reminder that the fight for justice must always forge on. Among these awe-inspiring tales is that of Ifrah Ahmed, whose biopic A Girl from Mogadishu recounts her harrowing journey to Ireland from Somalia as a teen, and her dedication to eradicating female genital mutilation around the world. Courageous women face down the patriarchy in God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya, which sees Petrunya (Zorica Nusheva) raise the ire of her conservative town when she participates in an all-male Epiphany ceremony, and in Bhutanese psychological drama Red Phallus, which charts a schoolgirl’s slow-burning rage against her community’s stifling misogyny. Meanwhile, with a quiet, intimate touch, So Pretty observes the everyday lives of four young, queer and trans New Yorkers as they make art, discuss politics and fall in love.

In EIFF’s documentary selection, rightful homage is paid to the trailblazing Pauline Kael in What She Said, whose ferocious tenure as the New Yorker’s film critic left an indelible impact on the American New Wave.

Watch out for the likes of Quentin Tarantino and David O Russell as they pay their respects to this industry titan. Boasting a similarly star-studded line-up, This Changes Everything examines the persisting issue of gender and racial inequality in Hollywood, featuring appearances by Natalie Portman, Taraji P Henson and the great Meryl Streep.

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30 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

SUPPORTED CONTENT

Y GROWING PAINS No two coming-of-age stories are quite the same, and several films in this year’s selection explore the hilarious, painful and downright bizarre process of finding your place in the adult world. EIFF 2019 kicks off with such a saga in the anarchic comedy Boyz in the Wood, which finds a rag-tag gang of teenage boys heading off into the Highlands to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award, only to lose their way and get stalked by a pair of tweed-wearing toffs. Balance, Not Symmetry follows Glasgow art student Caitlin (Laura Harrier) in her struggle to cope after her father’s untimely death, and finding inspiration in audacious new peer Hannah (Bria Vinaite).

Another distinctly Scottish tale comes from Schemers, which sees a group of Dundonian pals hustling hard circa 1979, as they run discos, survive local mobsters and try to book Iron Maiden to play at the Caird Hall.

Joining them is the hard-hitting drama Farming, based on writer and director Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s own childhood. Young Enitan (Damson Idris) is ‘farmed out’ by his Nigerian parents to a white family in the hopes that he’ll have a better future, but ends up falling in with a white skinhead gang. Or if Endgame has left you hankering for your next superhero fix, Brightburn offers a twist on the classic Superman origin story, which sees an alien child raised by loving humans who encourage him to use his powers for good, but there’s a darkness in him that cannot be denied.

From top: The Black Forest, The Wind, End of Sentence

BUMP IN THE NIGHT

FAMILY FEUD

The unknown inspires some of our greatest fears, either real or imagined.

Several thrillers this year explore this most primal terror, including Gwen’s macabre depiction of an isolated Welsh town turning against a teenage girl after an inexplicable string of sheep slaughter and crop failure. We Have Always Lived in the Castle adapts Shirley Jackson’s seminal Gothic mystery, which follows the dissolution of the Blackwood family upon the arrival of a mysterious cousin (Sebastian Stan), who raises the spectre of an unsolved family tragedy.

Such eerie psychological disturbances also take root on the American frontier in The Wind, in which Lizzy Macklin’s (Caitlin Gerard) new life in the desolate wilderness is haunted by her paranoia about a couple living in a nearby cabin, upending the western’s traditionally masculine gaze. Aspiring park ranger Wendy (Karina Fontes) must likewise keep her wits about her when she stumbles across a corpse in Body at Brighton Rock, and must wait with it until help arrives in the morning – if she can survive whatever is lurking in the deep, dark woods.

‘Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.’

Tolstoy’s words ring particularly true in this year’s line-up of domestic dramas.

Among its more tender offerings include The Black Forest, which finds tensions fizzing to the surface as two families holiday in Germany together, while End of Sentence sees an estranged father and son reunite for a trip to Ireland to spread their wife and mother’s ashes. Meanwhile, a pair of sisters grapple with the discovery that their long-deceased mother is still in fact very much alive as a veteran soap star in Before You Know It. Things take a darker turn in Strange But True, which finds Melissa (Margaret Qualley) show up on the doorstep of her boyfriend Ronnie’s (Connor Jessup) family home, pregnant with a child that she insists is his — despite the fact he died five years earlier. Meanwhile, the indomitable Olivia Colman stars in Them That Follow, in which an accidental pregnancy tests the faith of those in an extreme Pentecostal community that practices the deadly ritual of snakehandling.

Edinburgh International Film Festival, various venues, Wed 19– Sun 30 Jun, edfilmfest.org.uk 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 31

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Featuring everything from funky brass players to Ethiopian pioneers, Stewart Smith takes the temperature of this year’s Glasgow Jazz Festival and finds it to be decidedly hot

T

he tuba played a fundamental role in the early jazz bands, only to fall out of favour as the double bass commandeered the bottom end. In the modern era, players like Bill Barber, Ray Draper, Howard Johnson and Bob Stewart have explored the possibilities of the instrument, paving a new way for contemporary tubists like Marcus Rojas and José Davila.

On this side of the pond, Oren Marshall and his protégé Theon Cross, as well as Glasgow’s own Danielle Price who plays with Bill Wells in the Sensory Illusions, have led the field. A member of Shabaka Hutchings’ mighty Sons of Kemet, and a key player in the new London jazz scene, Cross brings a funky swagger to the tuba, laying down fiery basslines and mind-boggling solos that channel grime, hip hop and bashment as much as they do jazz. His debut album Fyah, featuring saxophonist Nubya Garcia and drummer Moses Boyd, came out in February to great acclaim, and now Cross brings his earthquaking bass and infectious grooves to the Glasgow Jazz Festival, completing a programme of international legends and homegrown talent.

Ethiopian jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke makes a welcome return to the festival, backed by a crack band of UK jazz talent including master bassist John Edwards. Characterised by his shimmering vibraphone and otherworldly harmonies, Astatke’s music is an elegant fusion of Ethiopian melodies, Latin percussion, modern jazz and psychedelic funk. Since finding a new audience through Jim Jarmusch’s film Broken Flowers and the wonderful Ethiopiques compilations, Astatke has continued to push ahead, working with the Heliocentrics and US experimentalists Either / Orchestra, and writing The Yared Opera as part of a Harvard fellowship.

Representing the avant-garde are Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra and their special guests Maggie Nicols and Joëlle Léandre. Towering figures of improvised music, that pair were

32 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

members of the European Women’s Improvising Group in the 1980s, later forming the feminist cabaret trio Les Diaboliques with Irène Schweizer. A pioneer of vocal improvisation, Nicols has been a friend of GIO since its inception. A powerful vocalist in her own right, Léandre is one of the great double bassists, having worked with Pierre Boulez, John Cage, Derek Bailey, Anthony Braxton and Nicole Mitchell. For their concert’s first half, Nicols and Léandre will perform in small groups with GIO members, while the second half features a full-scale GIO performance of A Madman’s Approach to Music, based on a poem by the late Scottish bassist (and tubist!)

Lindsay L Cooper.

GIO’s Raymond MacDonald plays his own show at the Glad Café, reprising his homage to the great Scottish writer Muriel Spark.

His GIO comrade, Stuart Brown plays with Paul Harrison as their electronic duo Herschel 36 heads for the Glasgow Science Centre planetarium to perform a live soundtrack of the extraordinary 1925 German silent film, Wunder Der Schöpfung. At the Old Fruitmarket, Graham Costello’s explosive outfit Strata join Fat Suit and Mezcla for an evening of contemporary Scottish jazz, while the Fergus McCreadie Trio play from their acclaimed debut Turas at The Blue Arrow.

Glasgow Jazz Festival, various venues, Glasgow, Wed 19–Sun 23 Jun.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

Despite suffering a major setback last year, Southern Exposure is back. David Pollock talks to those behind Summerhall’s beloved music festival and hears from some stars of the future

T

hrough the excitement at bringing back the compact music festival Southern Exposure, it’s possible to detect just a hint of regret in Jamie Sutherland’s tone. After all, the music programmer of Summerhall’s Nothing Ever Happens Here series of year-round gigs, witnessed last year’s debut event becoming a roaring success, only for it to be ultimately derailed.

Southern Exposure 2018 was an ambitious, weeklong programme of indoor and outdoor shows in association with the National Museum of Scotland’s Rip it Up exhibition and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Yet the perfect, enclosed dimensions of the Summerhall courtyard weren’t enough to stop complaints about noise. Everything was moved inside before the final weekend to prevent further action being taken.

Even though the outdoor element is not there this year, we can still look forward to 12 live bands alongside bars and street food in the courtyard. ‘By moving it indoors, we can control the space, and at the end of each set head down to the courtyard for hopefully glorious sunshine,’ says Sutherland. ‘The main premise hasn’t changed. Our remit has always been to put on some of the best music coming out of Scotland, and I think our bill does justice to that.’

Among those highlights are Meursault, Callum Easter, Carla J Easton, Shhe, Pictish Trail, Piroshka and Bossy Love, plus Harry Harris and Little King from a new Summerhall initiative to aid rising acts. Launched towards the end of last year, their musicians’ associate scheme is a development programme intended to assist artists by giving them practice space, access to the venue’s press team and specific showcase events. Sutherland explains he chose both candidates for their sophisticated approach to songwriting and sense of potential.

‘I usually describe my music as folk, although it’s probably more towards indie-rock,’ says Harris, who is from mid-Wales but has lived in Edinburgh since 2016. His third album I Feel Drunk All the Time is released at the weekend of Southern Exposure. ‘This record is a lot more expansive, so calling it folk might give the wrong impression. My main influences are Counting Crows, Jenny Lewis, Karine Polwart and the Hold Steady, but for some of the bigger songs

I was thinking about 80s rock, specifically Marc Cohn and Don Henley, and my favourite Springsteen album, Tunnel of Love. Being an associate artist is good ballast against the insecurities that come with being a solo artist, so having the support of a respected institution helps me think I’m moving in the right direction.’

Little King aka Matt Regan is from Belfast but lives in Glasgow; a composer for theatre whose first major album / stage project was Greater Belfast, he will be releasing his second album The Swansong of Steam later this year. ‘My work is usually characterised by the interplay of words and music,’ he says. ‘I combine the two in an intimate way to make conceptual albums that mix poetry, instrumental music and songs. I’m most inspired by artists who push the form, like Sun Kil Moon or Richard Dawson, but I have much love for pop artists like Robyn and the Divine Comedy. I want my music to be unlike anything else.’

‘I have no real expectations for this year,’ Sutherland sums up. ‘It would be nice to make a niche for ourselves as a specific, venue-based festival, as we have everything here to make a really great experience for everyone involved. I guess we’ll see how this one goes and then plan it all again for next year.’

Southern Exposure, Summerhall, Edinburgh, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Jun. PHOTO: GAVIN DAY

ONE DIRECTION Harry Harris

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 33

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ELECTRIC FIELDS

WAKE ME UP PHOTO: KI PRICE

Worried that audiences might get fed up with his ‘moaning’, Merseyside singersongwriter Bill Ryder-Jones tells Sean Greenhorn that there’s a line of positivity that artists should never cross

B

ill Ryder-Jones released his fourth album Yawn last November to critical acclaim. A follow-up to 2015’s breakthrough success West Kirby County Primary, it continues that album’s appeal of darkly confessional lyrics underscored with transcendent alt-rock. A founding member of noughties hit-makers the Coral, Ryder-Jones splintered off to start his solo career in the mid-2000s.

‘It was quite daunting,’ Ryder-Jones tells us about the process of starting to write Yawn. ‘I am always writing, but when it comes to the point where you have actually got to focus on what you are doing, I find that part daunting.’ It is understandable, as his music deals with weighty themes and dark lyrical content, a difficult headspace to keep yourself in. In West Kirby County Primary, Ryder-Jones spoke openly about his own past, referencing a brother he lost as a young child.

Yawn is equally divulging, although less direct and more concerned with the ever-changing present, looking outward to shared stories that sit just below the surface. The approach to melody was different, which in turn had an impact on the lyrics’ directness. ‘I tried to rethink the way I write melodies, and in doing so not be talking at people quite so much. It makes me feel less self-obsessed, despite being more self-obsessed than ever.’

The album has a grungier feel than his previous works, akin to Dinosaur Jr or Pavement. Tellingly, Ryder-Jones admits that

he was listening to lots of 90s garage rock at the time. ‘It just colours your world and when that’s all your listening to, it would feel odd to then make an acoustic or orchestral album.’

For his current listening habits, he tells us that, awkwardly, it’s 80s Australian pop, full of positivity. When asked if that is for the next album he chuckles ‘you have to draw the line somewhere: I’m not sure I can get away with that!’

Alongside his own album work, Ryder-Jones has produced records by younger musicians and bands, such as the Wytches, Our Girl and Hooton Tennis Club. ‘It means I put more thought, and more pressure, on my own record,’ he says. ‘Working with other artists is one of the times when I feel a real sense of pride and get quite energised.’ His work with Our Girl led to that band’s lead singer, Soph Nathan, featuring on Yawn.

The album title comes from Ryder-Jones’ self-awareness at his own openness, and his questioning the audience’s capacity to listen to him. He tells how he began to question ‘am I really doing this again? Moaning about myself again?’ and his worry that the album would be seen as one big yawn. This dichotomy shines throughout this chat with Ryder-Jones, a unique voice who is equal parts mysterious and confessional, amusing and devastating, weary and energised.

Bill Ryder-Jones plays Electric Fields, SWG3, Glasgow, Sat 6 Jul.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 35

TRNSMT

When former Beta Band member Steve Mason got bored making music on his own, he chose to team up with a Britpop legend. Ahead of his appearance at TRNSMT, he tells Craig Angus why he didn’t want to end up living alone in the woods

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ne thing’s for sure, there’s no danger of Steve Mason calling About the Light ‘fucking awful’. Those were the words he used to ‘hype’ up the Beta Band’s debut studio album in 1999. His fourth full-length record under his own name exudes confidence. ‘I think I got to the point where I really wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of doing it on my own,’ he says. After a fruitful decade, the point, you sense, has now been made.

About the Light is Mason’s first release since relocating from Fife to Brighton. It’s also, by design, the most band-centric record of his solo career. ‘I just wanted to make something that was really exciting to play live and that was exciting to listen to on record,’ he says, explaining that he’d started to find himself ‘bored’ when working alone. ‘In order to do that, you need to have an uplifting time making it and writing it, and to feel the power of four people and the excitement of writing new parts.’

Helmed by Britpop super-producer Stephen Street (the Smiths, Blur and the Cranberries), About the Light is a record characterised by horns and backing singers, an extra dimension that Mason wanted to bring into the mix from the word go. ‘The strange thing is that I hadn’t actually worked before with a producer whose records I own,’ he explains. ‘I was wary of working with a producer who was too big and worried they would take away the DIY element I love and get too professional. I guess it’s part of a new thing I’m trying of pushing it and working with the best people you can get.’

Talking to Mason, you wonder if his changing circumstances (since moving to Brighton he’s married and become a father for the first time) are responsible for a renewed focus and apparent desire to seize the day. But while he acknowledges he’s in a good place now, he recalls a ‘rollercoaster year’ in the build up to About the Light’s release. ‘When I wrote this record my wife and I had just found out that we were gonna have a baby,’ he says. ‘That whole year was just quite mad; I had some other much more sad things going on with my family [Mason lost his stepmother to cancer].’

He stops to think, briefly, before adding, ‘maybe it became a release; when the four or five of us got in the

36 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

studio we were trying to build this thing that would protect us, a little world that didn’t have all this going on. Even the good things, like getting married, can be fucking stressful as hell, especially when you’re trying to organise a wedding in four months: it’s mental! And then obviously at the back of your mind, you’re thinking “I’m gonna be a dad, I’m gonna be a dad”. I was ready for that and really excited about it but it’s a lot of pressure. You start to think “am I an adult now?”’

It’s a ride that he’s enjoying though, and his relocation is a big part of that. ‘I was living in a cottage in the woods near St Andrews, and it was great,’ he says. ‘The whole house was a recording studio so I was making music all the time. I came off tour, walked into the cottage and had this moment of clarity that I could blink and be 50 years old and be this little weirdo living in the woods on his own. So I just thought now’s the time to try and do something about this.’

Touring throughout 2019, Mason is making some festival appearances this summer, including a return to one of his favourites, Green Man in Wales and – after a few appearances at T in the Park – a debut show at TRNSMT on Glasgow Green. ‘Most of my memories are of the punters,’ he says of the old festival. ‘You’d see these guys who’d nicked a shopping trolley, pushing it towards the site loaded with a massive carry-out on the Friday morning. It did get a bit out of hand at points but I had some very good times there.’

Just don’t expect a Beta Band reunion anytime soon. I ask Mason about last year’s 20th anniversary re-release of his old band’s seminal breakthrough The Three EPs. Did he dig it out for old times’ sake? He gives another of those warm laughs that appear so frequently throughout our conversation. ‘No, I didn’t. They did a great job repackaging it but I didn’t listen to any of it. I was in the middle of writing and recording About the Light. I’m sure I’ll go back to it. One day.’

For now, Steve Mason is only looking forward.

TRNSMT, Glasgow Green, Fri 12–Sun 14 Jul. Steve Mason plays King Tut’s Stage, Sat 13 Jul.

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MORE KING TUT’S STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

MAHALIA Soulful singer-songwriter, whose breakthrough came with her 2017 single ‘Sober’. A debut album is due imminently. Fri 12 Jul.

THE BIG MOON The London quartet were shortlisted for the 2017 Mercury Prize for their debut album Love in the 4th Dimension and also appeared on Marika Hackman’s second album I’m Not Your Man. Fri 12 Jul.

THE

Camden rapper known for his DIY bedroom pop jams has amassed a pretty loyal following thanks to his self-directed viral videos. Fri 12 Jul.

FONTAINES D.C. Five-piece Irish indie band’s debut album Dogrel continues their ascent, after having relentlessly toured and charmed audiences in the process. Sat 13 Jul.

SKINNY LISTER Energetic London punk sixpiece released their highly anticipated new album The Story Is . . . in March, going on to tour extensively in the UK and Europe in the months after. Sat 13 Jul.

RETRO VIDEO CLUB Edinburgh band Retro Video Club (RVC) recently became the act to sell out three nights in a row at Sneaky Pete’s, and also supported Barns Courtney on his European tour. Sun 14 Jul.

PHOTO (MAIN): GAVIN WATSON

L IGHT

JIMOTHY

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 37

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY

Noisettes frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa returns with a new solo record of South African-inspired tracks. She speaks to Arusa Qureshi ahead of her upcoming headline set at Kelburn

KELBURN HIGHLIGHTS LTJ BUKEM

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s the frontwoman and bassist of early 2000’s favourites Noisettes, Shingai Shoniwa is synonymous with a certain retro-pop sound that, at the time, distinguished her from her indie counterparts. It might have been a few years since the group’s last release but Shingai continues on as a solo artist, having just announced the next chapter in her career with debut EP Ancient Futures, set to be released later this year.

‘Making this EP has been a huge undertaking and a sonic adventure like no other,’ Shingai explains about the process. ‘The record was created in a number of different places including LA, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Brighton, Milan and London. Noisettes had some amazing musical experiences playing at Lake of Stars, Malawi and HiFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts), Zimbabwe. It further inspired [Noisettes guitarist] Dan and I’s musical process and was a natural step after three very different albums. For me, this project is an evolution of myself as an artist and, musically, is an evolution of Noisettes.’

The first two singles off the new EP, ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Zimtron’, sparkle with an energy that is wholly absorbing, radiating lively South African rhythms and melodies.

‘They were both inspired by a lot of 70s and 80s Southern African rhythms. Thomas Mapfumo, my uncle, is a legendary musician. I grew up with such a rich musical culture, so it may have been easy for me to take it for granted as it was always there. “Coming Home” is more of a love song and still shares the playfulness of “Zimtron”, but this track was designed to get people on their feet dancing.’

The two tracks signal what the

overall theme and feel of the EP, but Shingai is also keen to note the importance of her connection to Africa, which runs throughout the album’s varying soundscape.

‘Although I grew up in London, my culture has always been an intrinsic part of my nature,’ she says. ‘Music is a huge part of black identity in the UK and culturally it has given birth to countless subcultures such as reggae, sound systems, soul, jazz, rock’n’roll, garage and punk. I was really lucky to grow up in a household which celebrated all of this music and more. Music has played a massive part in uplifting the community I grew up in and bringing together people from all walks of life. Music is indiscriminate and can make you feel you belong in a place you might stick out.’

Having previously headlined festivals and sold out tours across the country with Noisettes, Shingai is no stranger to playing legendary live sets. And with summer festival season approaching, she’s excited to get out there and share Ancient Futures with fans new and old.

‘I love Scotland and it’s one of my favourite places to play in the UK, with authentic music fans,’ she says about her upcoming dates. ‘I feel this record is going to take on a whole new dimension at festivals. It’s a rhythmic record with lots of percussion, call and response that the crowd can sing along with. Our band are lovely and the vibes on stage will be infectious.

It will be my first time at Kelburn though, so be gentle!’

Kelburn Garden Party, Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, Largs, Fri 5–Sun 7 Jul. Shingai plays the Viewpoint Stage, Sat 6 Jul.

Jungle innovator plays an exclusive set on the mighty Electrikal Sound System. Fri 12 Jul, The Landing.

FANTASTIC TWINS Solo project of French producer Julienne Dessagne, who performs as part of the Optimo Music 10th Birthday Takeover. Fri 5 Jul, Viewpoint Stage.

MAN OF MOON Edinburgh two-piece who create atmospheric and psychedelic garageinfluenced rock. Fri 5 Jul, Pyramid Stage.

ACID ARAB Parisian duo mix electronic music with Eastern sounds and vocals. Sat 6 Jul, The Landing.

MAKENESS Experimental and electro-pop sounds from the Scottish producer. Sat 6 Jul, Pyramid Stage.

HEIR OF THE CURSED Glasgow-based singer-songwriter pens ethereal music, taking inspiration from her dual Kenyan and Scottish identity. Sat 6 Jul, Pyramid Stage.

NATHAN FAKE Electronic wizard and Ninja Tune artist arrives at Kelburn, with a live AV presentation in tow. Sun 7 Jul, The Landing.

ANU London DJ, illustrator and radio host, who also happens to be a valued member of the Rhythm Section family.

Sun 7 Jul, The Landing.

FUTURE SOUNDS 38 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

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1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 39

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE

Legends come and legends go, but the era-defining disco classics from Sister Sledge will always be with us. Preparing to go Doune the Rabbit Hole for their only Scottish show this summer, Kim Sledge tells Kenza Marland the secrets of their longevity

Despite having performed since she was a child, Kim insists that she will never tire of it. ‘There is no feeling like singing on stage.

My grandma’s favourite song was “Amazing Grace”, and in the midst of all our pop, disco, funk and R&B, we’d stop the music and sing that. The whole crowd would join us, from the guy covered in tattoos to the kids in their school uniforms and the little old lady at the back.

There is no other feeling like that, I tell you!’

Our epoch will be known largely for its battles around gender equality and misogyny.

There is something in the Sister Sledge story which suggests an environment defined by independent, strong-willed and unintimidated female figures; it’s an assumption confirmed by Kim. ‘Mum was definitely a “She-ro”. She dealt with everyone, from label managers to people trying to pull one over us, and she just took no crap! It gave us confidence and independence.

I remember hearing, “there is nothing more powerful than a confident woman”. Within the group, there has been everything from rainbows to thunderstorms, but when you work with family, you always have each other’s back. That is the real advantage. When it comes down to it, and someone starts, you are like, “back right off.

That is my sister”.’

Kim’s joy and energy are infectious, strikingly alike to the euphoria her music has imparted to the world over the last four decades. And she has no plans to stop now. ‘We’ve got a feature film coming out, mostly based on my memoirs, and then we’ve got more shows and some new music coming out as well. It’s a huge year for us!’

Doune the Rabbit Hole, Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul. Sister Sledge play Sat 20 Jul.

PHOTO: CAMILLA CAMAGLIA

FAMILY PLOT

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his year marks the 40th anniversary of the We Are Family album, a milestone in more ways than one. For family band Sister Sledge, it’s a time of reflection and a chance to take stock of their global-treasure status. For the huge swathes of millennial music fans, house party DJs, and young disco-lovers, it’s a timely reminder that the true greats can often be found in the past.

What is evident across the board, however, is the astonishing manner in which the music of Sister Sledge has stood the test of time. ‘Thinking of You’, ‘Lost in Music’ and ‘We Are Family’ comprise a mere selection of the group’s greatest releases, though you’d be hard pushed to think of more genre-defining contributions to disco.

Kim Sledge is touring with sister Debbie this year, with the pair performing at Stirling’s Doune the Rabbit Hole. The group have had their fair share of tribulation and hardship over the years, most tragic being the loss of sister Joni in 2017. Attempting to pin down why their music continues to resonate with generation after generation is a challenge Kim is ready to take on.

‘It is music that can connect with everyone,’ she insists. ‘We’ve all got family in some shape or another, and our music is about love and family, and about happiness and dancing. We need these kinds of values and ideas more than ever!’

DOUNE TH E RABBIT H OLE

NOSE TO THE GROUND

SINGING IN TONGUES

David Pollock speaks to Billy Fuller of psych-rock trio BEAK> about their indefinable sound and rather weird album-title formatting

Welsh musician Gwenno talks to Craig Angus about acceptance, why language is important and her current favourite cheese

BEAK> play Doune the Rabbit Hole, Sat 20 Jul.

PHOTO: JEN ABELL

PHOTO: HOLLIN JONES

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hen Bristolian psych-rock trio BEAK> started recording their debut album in 2009, they had barely spoken to one another. ‘We turned up in the studio, got our instruments out, the engineer turned some mics on, and I just started playing a bassline,’ says the band’s Billy Fuller.

‘Everyone began to play along, but we didn’t even talk to each other, we just recorded it. That was the first song on the first record, the product of us being shy and not knowing what to say, really.’

After 2009’s eponymous debut album and 2012’s follow-up, >>, the band only released their third record, >>>, last year, although Fuller points out they’ve maintained a presence with a number of singles and the soundtrack for Tom Geens’ 2005 film Couple in a Hole. Their sound is indefinable but rooted in a particularly classic and off-kilter sensibility, grabbing diverse inspiration from early electronica, horror-folk and Krautrock. ‘It’s called the third album,’ says Fuller, when asked if the diverse album-naming system is a veiled Neu! reference.

‘People think it’s “Three Chevrons” or “Three Times Greater Than” or “Three Beaks” . . . It’s just the third album; we’ve always been awkward sods and this is an extension of that.’

Their sound has always been deeply rooted in improvisation, although lately they’ve yielded to using the occasional overdub.

Onstage, however, it’s a different story. ‘We play live with pretty much zero improvisation going on,’ says Fuller. ‘What we do is relearn what we improvised in the studio and play it again. People may find that odd, but we want to put on a good show. I’ve been to loads of improv gigs and some of them are great, but 80% are terrible; there’s nothing worse that hearing gloomy rock going on and on and on. We’re aware of that, so we keep the improv for our own amusement, you know?’’

I

n her previous lives, Gwenno Saunders was a dancer in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance in Las Vegas and spent much of her twenties travelling the world with critically acclaimed pop group the Pipettes. But she’s making the defining work of her career right now. ‘It’s just naturally happened as I’ve grown older and stopped trying to run away from myself,’ she says. ‘That level of acceptance is therapeutic.’

The idea of embracing and celebrating one’s identity is paramount in Gwenno’s music. Following her debut solo album, the Welsh language (and Welsh Music Prize-winning) Y Dydd Olaf, Gwenno turned to another minority tongue. Le Kov is a truly unique proposition; how many radio-friendly pop records are made in Cornish, a culture kept alive only by the diligence and commitment of a tiny group? ‘It was about taking ownership over a language I’d been given [her father Tim Saunders is a well-known Cornish poet] and trying to understand its history,’ she says. ‘It was a tribute to the people that speak it more than anything. It’s amazing that it exists at all considering the battering it’s had.’

The trilingual Saunders grew up in Cardiff’s Riverside, where around 90 languages were spoken in total. ‘I think the respect of that diversity is key, and I see my languages in that context; it just makes the world richer that we are culturally diverse within our communities. There’s nothing better than getting another perspective on the world, whether that be culturally, musically or linguistically. I think that needs to be celebrated.’

Saunders continues to take her live show on the road, celebrating both her own idiosyncrasies and those of the communities close to her. Le Kov’s ‘Eus Keus’ (translated as Is There Cheese?) is a stand-out, with Saunders taking it upon herself to engineer and command a mass singalong. ‘I’m an enormous fan of cheese,’ admits Gwenno, who cites the Cornish Kern as a current favourite. ‘It’s harvesting, it’s farming, it’s something we’ve done for thousands of years; it’s the fabric of who we are,’ she says, briefly impassioned, adding, ‘it’s ridiculous too, to shout about cheese. It takes the edge off the seriousness a bit.’

Gwenno plays Doune the Rabbit Hole, Sat 20 Jul.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 41

SUPPORTED CONTENT

With the inclusive festival and global movement continuing to expand each year, founder Jordi Albareda tells Arusa Qureshi what to expect from this year’s Fair Saturday celebrations in Scotland

PHOTO: DOUGLAS ROBERTSON

When Saturday comes The idea for Fair Saturday initially came to life in 2014, when 20 choirs and three soloists got together and organised 18 concerts across the city of Bilbao.

With 8000 attendees and around €8000 raised for various charities, it was seen as a resounding success, resulting in the birth of the participatory cultural movement that we know today. With the movement returning to Scotland on Sat 30 Nov, as a key part of Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations, we catch up with the father of the idea, Jordi Albareda, to hear more about what the future holds for the project . . .

How did Fair Saturday start and what were your main goals for the movement?

Fair Saturday was born in Bilbao in 2014 as a crazy idea: would it be possible to trigger a massive mobilisation around culture on the day after Black Friday?

And what if the accelerating driver would be social empathy instead of greed?

The only requisite for a cultural organisation to participate in Fair Saturday is to support a social cause. We want people to think about the kind of world we should build for the future.

What was the general reception to Fair Saturday when it started? And how has it grown in the past few years?

We were lucky to start in the Bay of Biscay, a basque region very committed to social issues. We convinced 20 choirs to perform in different parts of the city, with each one supporting a social cause of their choice. Everyone wondered ‘who is going to attend my concert if we all perform at the same time?’ But the response was amazing and it was an exciting day. Then we started to spread the message with some new socially-committed cities joining up such as Malaga, Santander, Huelva, Bristol and Lima. And Scotland was the first country to embrace the movement nationwide. It is a win-win-win model. You gain a day for the cultural ecosystem; you gain a day for the social sector; and you gain a day for humanity. And you spark many other positive initiatives for the rest of the year. We estimate that there will be Fair Saturday events in more than 100 cities worldwide this year.

Why are arts and culture so important to the movement?

Arts and culture are not important: they are essential. We should value the role that thousands of artists and cultural organisations play everyday. We should value their work in the same way we value material things. Culture must be a priority of every city and region.

Why did you decide to combine Fair Saturday with St Andrew’s Day? Scotland is probably one of the best countries in the world to lead Fair Saturday. There’s culture everywhere, combining tradition and a brave look towards the future. I still remember the first meetings we had with

42 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

@jalbareda

some Scottish leaders: ‘we want to be part of it’, they said immediately.

Fair Saturday fits very well with some values that Scotland wants to foster worldwide: being open, connected, fairness, diversity, inclusivity. And the reason to combine it with St Andrew’s Day celebrations, apart from the similar date, is to enhance national celebration making it more open and inclusive to all Scottish people.

Last year was your first time in Scotland. What are you hoping to achieve the second time around?

The first year is always the most difficult one. Despite this, the engagement from many cities and communities all across Scotland last year was amazing.

We reached around 85 events in 23 different locations. In 2019, we would love to spread the message to as many cities and towns as possible.

What are you hoping that people will take away from attending St Andrew’s Fair Saturday?

Fun. Smiles. Reflections. Inspiration. The courage to place human beings’ needs at the centre of our daily lives. I would hope to take a little step towards this. We will only change the world through little steps. Let’s take one.

■ St Andrew’s Fair Saturday, various venues, Scotland, Sat 30 Nov. Registration is open at standrews.fairsaturday.org

Perú · Dunkeld Cathedral · INVERNESS · Outside front of Inverurie Town Hall · Botanic Cottage - Royal Botanic Gardens · Bristol · The Circle, Dundee · Dedrige Primary School · NORTH BERWICK · Santander · ABERDEEN · Consort of Voices · Kirkcaldy Galleries · GLENROTHES · Dundee Rep Theatre · Judy dobbie · LOCHGELLY · Scottish Storytelling Centre · Pisa · Nicola Donnelly · Hillhead Library · Louise Malone · The Scottish Parliament · University of Dundee · Institut français d'Ecosse · DUNKELD · Royal Mile · Inverness Cathedral · The Lawn, Eden Court · CUPAR · Hampden Park · Monica Callaghan · St Andrews Cathedral · St Andrews Cathedral · Michael Dale · Meadowbank Church · GLASGOW · Northlight Gallery · Leven Library · St Baldreds Church · Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries · SOUTH UIST · Victoria Lanata Briones · ST ANDREWS · Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow · High Life Highland · Je Bowmore Hall · Beacon Arts Centre · Quincy · Rose Cedarbank Primary School · BEMIS Scotland · Rothes Spoon Café · Recreation Hall, Raigmore Library · Hospital · The Worm · St Giles' ArtWorks of Cathedral · FYVIE · Crathes Earth · Gerda School · Milano The Stevenson · Jessic Clutha Bar The · Royal Botanic Gar Welcoming nne B Edinburgh · Sarah Jan Asso e · Rothes Dooley · EDINBURGH alls Library · Málaga · Bizkaia · City Sq ArtWorks of the and McManus Galleries · Per · Gerda Stevenson Dunkeld Cathedral · INVERNE GLENROTHES · Royal Outside front of Inverurie Town Ha anic Gardens Edinburgh · Botanic Cottage - Royal Botanic Gard a Reid · Sarah Jane Dooley · Bristol · The Circle, Dundee · Dedrige P NBURGH · Málaga · Bizkaia · School · NORTH BERWICK · Santander y Square and McManus Galleries · ABERDEEN · Consort of Voices · Kirkcaldy ú · Dunkeld Cathedral · INVERNESS · Galleries · GLENROTHES · Dundee Rep Thea tside front of Inverurie Town Hall · Botanic LOCHGELLY · Judy dobbie · Scottish Storytelling Cottage - Royal Botanic Gardens · Bristol · The Centre · Pisa · Nicola Donnelly · Hillhead Library · L cle, Dundee · Dedrige Primary School · NORTH Malone · The Scottish Parliament · University of Dunde WICK · Santander · ABERDEEN · Consort of Voices Institut français d'Ecosse · DUNKELD · Royal Mile kcaldy Galleries Dundee Rep Theatre · LOCHGELLY · Inverness Cathedral · The Lawn, Eden Court · dy dobbie · Scottish Storytelling Centre · Pisa · Nicola FALKIRK · CUPAR · Hampden Park · Moni elly · Hillhead Library · Louise Malone · The Scottish Callaghan · St Andrews Cathedral · St An arliament · University of Dundee · Institut français Cathedral · Michael Dale · Meadowba d'Ecosse · DUNKELD · Royal Mile · Inverness Church · GLASGOW · Northlight G hedral · The Lawn, Eden Court · FALKIRK · · Leven Library · ST ANDREW ANDREWS AR · Hampden Park · Monica Callaghan Baldreds Church · Dunfermline · St Andrews Cathedral · St Andrews Carnegie Library & Galleri edral · Michael Dale · Meadowbank FYVIE · SOUTH UIST Church · GLASGOW · Northlight Victoria Lanata Brion Gallery · Leven Library · ST Jeline Hunterian Museum DREWS · St Baldreds Church Carnegie University of nfermline Carnegie Library Library & Glasgow · & Galleries · FYVIE · Galleries · FYVIE · Life High OUTH UIST · Victoria SOUTH UIST · Victoria Bowm Lanata Briones · Lanata Briones · Hunterian H nterian Museum, Museum, University of Glasgow · High University of Life Highland · Bowmore Hall · Beacon Arts gow · High Centre · Quincy · SCOTLAND · Cedarbank Primary ighland · School · BEMIS Scotland · Spoon Café · Recreation Hall, wmore Raigmore Hospital · The Worm · St Giles' Cathedral · Crathes all · School · Milano · The Clutha Bar · The Welcoming Association · GREENOCK · George Street · Leeuwarden · Ceòlas · Scottish Poetry Library · LEVEN · Dunedin Consort · DUNFERMLINE · STIRLING · Gaelic Books Council · The Lemon Tree · INVERURIE · Cupar Library · Dawson Community Centre · Jennie Lee Library, Lochgelly Centre · The Queen's Hall Edinburgh · Huelva · Live Music Now Scotland · Fife Contemporary · Old Fruitmarket · Bearsden Hub · DUNDEE STROMNESS · Cardiff · The Clutha · Scottish Poetry Library · Carinish Community Hall · Massachusetts · Spoon Café · Fergus Weir · Annie Wheeler · KIRKCALDY Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church · The Queen's Hall · Rae Jappy and Friends · Angie Spoto · Fyvie Castle · Gemma Henry · The Clutha Trust · The Byre Theatre · SCOTLAND · Macrobert Arts Centre · Artworks of the Eart · Nicola Stubbs · Canongate Kirk · Isabel Stewart · Carlos Arredondo · Mesagne · English Speaking Union Scotland · Strathbrock Community Centre · Cary · St Andrews Library · Daniel Abercrombie · BANCHORY · Inverness Cathedral · Scottish Arts Club · Cathcart Old Parish Church · Martin Laird · Byre Theatre ·

PLAYGROUND FESTIVAL

JOY BOYS PHOTO: RONALD DICK

With a new album on the way and a headline slot at the inaugural Playground Festival, Hot Chip have a busy summer ahead. Sean Greenhorn catches up with the band’s Owen Clarke to find out more

44 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

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pproaching their third decade, Hot Chip have become something of an institution. With their unique blend of synthpop, disco, house, R&B, hip hop, and everything inbetween, they have consistently managed to balance critical acclaim with chart-bothering bangers. As they gear up to release their seventh studio album, A Bath Full of Ecstasy, guitarist Owen Clarke insists there’s no great tale to tell around the long wait between releases.

‘We all need some headspace,’ Clarke says, ‘spending time with family, living your life, that is how you recharge and add to the well.’ In the four years since their last album Why Make Sense?, the group have focused on separate projects, with Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor each releasing solo albums and Al Doyle resuming his role with a resurrected LCD Soundsystem. The Hot Chip flag has continued to fly however, with DJ sets and ‘Megamix’ shows (a blend of live performance and DJ set) keeping the members active, in communication, and considering music.

‘We are always thinking “maybe this is or is not a Hot Chip thing”’ Clarke explains, ‘so when we come back together we can bring those ideas to the table.’

They worked with two producers on the new album, Rodaidh McDonald and Philipe Zdar (one half of

French duo Cassius), marking the first time the group has overtly worked with outside help. ‘It may not be a huge news story – “band works with producer” – but for us, seven albums in, it is actually a little challenge,’ says Clarke, detailing how working with outside help forced them to look at the music differently. Zdar’s influence, in particular, can be found on the latest album, with the lightness of his ‘French touch’ style adding another layer to the group’s sound.

The album is described as ‘a celebration of joy that recognises the struggle it can take to get to that point of happiness,’ something that Clarke admits the band has always been enamoured with. ‘It’s a theme that runs through dance music . . . the lyrics come from a position of emotional struggle but then the music can be unexpectedly uplifting.’ One of the tracks on the new album, ‘Positive’, speaks directly to a character plagued with illness, loneliness and sadness. These themes are juxtaposed against euphoric music and a blissful chorus that offers a light in the darkness.

Hot Chip’s studio output is not immediately replicable in a live setting. For their shows, they balloon to a seven-piece and essentially relearn their music.

Tinkering with their back catalogue, they add subtle newness to arrangements. ‘When we come back to the recordings it’s like “oh that’s how that is”,’ explains Clarke. ‘It’s a nice way of keeping it alive. We could knuckle down and learn them exactly as they are on the record, but that is not why people go to gigs, and that is not the reason we do gigs; we do them to create a new experience.’

Since their early days, Hot Chip have been a dependably great live act, and have injected life into festivals everywhere. ‘Festivals are a big part of what we do, we have been doing them for a while and we realise now that we know how it works.’ They will headline the final night of the inaugural Playground Festival in Glasgow in August, playing after a hefty line-up of electro-pop from Django Django, Little Dragon and Maribou State.

Clarke recognises that getting a festival set right is not a given, and a band has to work for it, something that Hot Chip are sure to do in Glasgow. ‘There is an energy that coalesces, and when it goes well, it is a great thing to capture, to be part of this big moment.’

Playground Festival, Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, Fri 2–Sun 4 Aug. Hot Chip play Sun 4 Aug. A Bath Full of Ecstasy is out Fri 21 Jun on Domino.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landing, we have a fantastic range of events for all the family from 13th - 21st July.

From launch to landing.

To find out more visit our website glasgowsciencecentre.org

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 45

MUSIC SUMMER JUPITER RISING

MYSTER 46 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

JUPITER RISING

Ahead of their headline slot at Jupiter Rising, The Comet Is Coming’s enigmatic Dan Leavers tells Arusa Qureshi about their new celestial record and why contemporary jazz is now speeding miles ahead

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generation of jazz musicians are largely responsible for, plus the sense of freedom and experimentation in the genre that continues to attract new followers.

‘The explosion of jazz has come from many different angles,’ he says. ‘Not least, the Labour government in the UK in the previous decade that allowed for investment in music lessons at school, which the Tories are currently dismantling, and then community jazz groups like Tomorrow’s Warriors in London that nurtured and encouraged young talent. And then the beautiful immediacy of watching a musician right in front of you give everything through an instrument that they’ve spent years learning the technical ability to play, and the unity of the crowd of experiencing that one-off performance fuelled by improvisation taps into our craving of “experience” rather than commodity.’

Danalogue is also of the belief that the stuffy canonisation of jazz is being broken down by newer, younger listeners.

‘Where there were rigid boundaries in the past regarding how you approach jazz, now the younger generation are feeling free with their instruments to express how they feel right now. Gilles Peterson said to me recently, “this is such a great time for music!” And he’s right.’

Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery has been lauded across the board, with critics hailing the 45-minute record as a dynamic intergalactic adventure while fans love every second of the band’s explosive live shows. ‘The crowds have been magnificent and we offer all our gratitude and love to those who come out to experience our shows. We’ve always had a varied audience for The Comet Is Coming: young kids raving at the front, some older long beards and hair, original psychedelic heads from the first time round, record collectors, middle-aged jazz aficionados who follow everything Shabaka plays on, and all sorts of people who have accessed our music through BBC6 Music too.’

The band have a busy summer ahead of them, with dates in the US, Japan and beyond, not to mention a headline slot at Edinburgh’s Jupiter Rising in August. ‘We are thrilled; we’ve heard this festival is a great one,’ Danalogue says.

‘Our top pick for the festival has to be Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business!’

With plenty of touring on the horizon and some new music potentially arriving before the end of the year, the future continues to look truly celestial for the trio. As Danalogue summarises in quintessential The Comet Is Coming fashion: ‘the future is willing us on. The eternal present is where we shall harness our awareness. It is only in the now that everything exists.’

Jupiter Rising, Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston, Fri 23–Sun 25 Aug. The Comet is Rising play Fri 23 Aug.

PHOTO: FABRICE BOURGELLE

ith a sound rooted firmly in the cosmic afrofuturism of Sun Ra, Fela Kuti and George Clinton, London trio The Comet Is Coming represent a new wave of British jazz that is equal parts innovative and exciting. Comprised of Sons of Kemet bandleader and saxophonist King Shabaka (Shabaka Hutchings), keyboard / synth player Danalogue (Dan Leavers) and drummer Betamax (Max Hallett), the group offer a nod to the past, while incorporating elements of grime, hip hop and dubstep into their euphoric and energised take on spiritual jazz.

‘In 2019, we’re seeing complexification and bifurcation everywhere,’ explains Danalogue. ‘I think this is being reflected by artists who no longer care about the genre boundaries and boxes so revered by the industry establishment and critics alike. What we’re trying to do is to make new music, new sounds, new forms of expression, new ideas, and make music that comes from the here and now and projects a vision into the future. We don’t seek inspiration from anywhere other than deep inside our souls, and often we’re just channelling the music from someplace else.’

Following on from the 2016 Mercury-nominated Channel the Spirits, which, in itself, was a bold and hugely creative debut, Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery is their spellbinding new record which takes The Comet Is Coming’s cinematic instrumentation and atmospheric grooves to new heights. ‘All the answers are found encoded in the music,’ Danalogue states when asked about the primary themes and ideas behind the album. ‘We have a firm belief that you cannot take a journey to another dimension without bringing back a message or proof of where you’ve been, otherwise you could have just been hiding in a bush somewhere. So, this is a souvenir from deep astral travelling, and most people find, especially live, that they can receive some sort of contact experience and access some of the cosmic download.’

Being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize is no mean feat, but as Danalogue notes, the trio were careful not to let the success of their debut cast a negative shadow on the process or conception of its follow-up. ‘One thing that we were consciously aware of was the potential for second album syndrome, expectations from yourself and imagined others, and this quest for seeking a bigger and better sound.

Through being consciously aware of this, I think we were able to relax and trust that together we were going to record some exciting music, and that our honest expression would shine through if we didn’t get in the way of it.’

Consistently held up as an example of where the contemporary jazz scene is headed, The Comet Is Coming have been embraced by a varying contingent of music fans.

For Danalogue, it’s the cross-pollination of styles that a new

RY MEN 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 47

ADVERTISING FEATURE

e m i t er

m Y S m A E u S I G N I S LIV E H T AND

There’s nothing quite like the Kingdom of Fife in the summertime, with so many beautiful seaside towns to explore and outdoor celebrations to enjoy. This year sees the return of several annual favourites, from coastal food festivals and artistic offerings to Highland Games, as well as a few new gems for this season’s calendar. So why waste a moment of this glorious sunshine? Pack a picnic and head on out to discover all that Fife has to offer

in Fife

KIRKCALDY BEACH HIGHLAND GAMES SAT 8 JUN KIRKCALDY WATERFRONT As the UK’s only Highland Games to take place on a beach, thousands of spectators flock to Kirkcaldy’s waterfront for this annual day of summertime family fun, sport, entertainment, activities and food and drink. This year will feature a parade and pipe band, Highland dancing, kids’ races and a full athletics programme. To top it off, the grand finale will feature a closing ceremony in front of the stunning backdrop of the Firth of Forth. kirkcaldy4all.co.uk

CRAIL FOOD FESTIVAL SAT 8 & SUN 9 JUN CRAIL TOWN HALL & BEECH WALK PARK Sample wares from some of the very best food and drink providers at this foodie celebration in the picturesque fishing village of Crail. This year’s theme is ‘picnic’, and all guests will be invited to enjoy the food and drink available to purchase at the festival and to have their lunch in and around the village. For the musically inclined, there’s an ‘open air open mic’ event taking place at Beech Walk Park, so don’t forget to pack your picnic blanket and guitar. crailfoodfest. co.uk

CUPAR ARTS EDEN SAT 15–SUN 23 JUN VARIOUS VENUES Cupar Arts EDEN returns to the rural town of Cupar to 48 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

showcase a fantastic selection of art, music, comedy and theatre throughout the former royal burgh. The festival’s central venue, Cupar Corn Exchange, will feature an exhibition of portraiture by artist Celie Byrne and stand-up from professional funnyman Phill Jupitus. There will also be many more exciting events taking place across the town, such as musical performances from Pictish Trail and Coaltown Daisies, a family ceilidh and the Scottish Opera’s pop-up roadshow featuring scenes from Iolanthe and The Magic Flute. cupararts.org.uk

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL VARIOUS VENUES WED 26–SUN 30 JUN A hallmark of the classical music lover’s calendar, the East Neuk Festival showcases a wide range of classical, jazz, roots and world music across various scenic coastal villages, often in unusual and charming venues. This year, the programme includes the Colin Currie Quartet, Belcea Quartet, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita and many others. There will also be free events taking place throughout the festival, including a family-friendly garden party with pop-up live music performances, a maze at Kellie Castle and an art installation in the castle’s meadows. eastneukfestival. com

ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FESTIVAL ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR FRI 19–SUN 21 JUL Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Anstruther Harbour Festival, which will once more play host to the burgh’s

e m

Y

ADVERTISING FEATURE historic Anster Fair, featuring local food and craft stalls, alongside plenty of live music and street theatre for the whole family to enjoy.

Highlights such as the Anstruther Muster and Classic Boat Rally will also be making their colourful return to the waterfront, alongside a welcome new addition of the Dunedin International Folk Dance Festival to the programme. anstrutherharbourfestival.co.uk

on the Forth and the role of the Polish navy in Rosyth. With indoor exhibitions at the Glen Pavilion, a parade through Dunfermline’s town centre, a tea dance, military re-enactments and family activities, visitors can experience the story of 1940s Dunfermline and the people who worked to keep Fife safe from invasion. defendfife. co.uk

LARGO ARTS WEEK

PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL

VARIOUS VENUES FRI 19–SUN 28 JUL An exciting new addition to the Fife events calendar, the Largo Arts Week boasts a range of exhibitions, musical performances, workshops, street food, talks, workshops and family events to be enjoyed throughout the parish. Local artists will also be opening the doors of their studios, so do poke your heads in to see genius at work. The line-up for this inaugural festival features the likes of artist David Mach; music from Fife’s famous folkster James Yorkston, Rab Noakes, Withered Hand and Mairi Campbell; comedy from Phill Jupitus; and poetry from Michael Pedersden, Liz Lochead and Hollie McNish. largoartsweek.com

VARIOUS VENUES SAT 3–SUN 11 AUG Experience a true artistic feast at this celebration of the visual arts, which will see over a hundred exhibitions by British and international artists hosted in galleries, homes, studios and public venues across this small coastal village.

Invited artists this year include Allan Black, Avril Cunningham, Gail Duncan and Paul Bartlett. The festival also hosts a full programme of talks, workshops and live music to be enjoyed alongside its visual arts offering. pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk

DEFEND FIFE PITTENCRIEFF PARK, DUNFERMLINE SAT 3 & SUN 4 AUG Go back in time at this festival of military history, which explores life in Dunfermline and West Fife during the Second World War. This year, the festival will focus on the defenders of Fife in 1940, air raids

BREABADAIR FESTIVAL BOW BUTTS, CERES SAT 10 & SUN 11 AUG This brand new Celtic music festival is set to rock the peaceful countryside village of Ceres, with live music performances on the Saturday from some of the best contemporary folk and trad musicians in Scotland and beyond, including Salsa Celtica, Niteworks, Jarlath Henderson and the Ross Ainslie Band and Tommy Bentz.

Sunday takes a more relaxed tone with a

family-friendly artisan and vintage market to explore, and a showcase of acoustic tunes. breabadairmusicfestival.com

WOMEN’S TOUR OF SCOTLAND (STAGE 1) VARIOUS VENUES FRI 9 AUG A new and permanent fixture of the professional cycling calendar, this worldclass race will cover 350km of Scotland’s central belt, with over 20 elite teams from across the world coming to throw their hat in the ring. The first stage of the competition will see cyclists racing through Fife’s gorgeous rural scenery, running through Cupar and North East Fife and finishing in Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park, so come along to witness a world class sporting event up close. womenstourofscotland.com

OUTWITH FESTIVAL VARIOUS VENUES, DUNFERMLINE TUE 3–SUN 8 SEP The third annual Outwith Festival returns to Dunfermline, as its usual colourful range of musicians, comedians, writers and artists descend upon the town to host concerts, exhibitions, workshops and Q&As over the six-day celebration.

Though this year’s full line-up has yet to be announced, with over 200 events programmed to take place over 23 venues, this multi-arts festival in Scotland’s ancient capital promises to continue going from strength to strength. outwithfestival.co.uk

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 49

GLASGOW SUMMER SESSIONS

FRIDAY OOK THONY CR PHOTO: AN

I’M IN LOVE Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite tells us about his passion for the Cure and why it’s an honour to support them at Glasgow Summer Sessions this August

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50 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

huge honour. It will be the most people we’ve ever played to in Scotland by a long way, and one of the biggest shows we’ve ever done. It’s also amazing how they’ve helped out the Twilight Sad [who are also on the bill] by proxy, because we are putting their records out [via Mogwai’s Rock Action label], and they are really good friends of ours, and it just shows what a champion he is of new music.

Robert is really into details. He listens back to every show, and remember they play for hours and hours and hours. They aren’t one of these bands that will take anyone on tour that their booking agent suggests – they take everything about their shows very seriously. So he will have really thought about and considered the bill for Glasgow [as well as Mogwai and the Twilight Sad, the line-up also includes the Joy Formidable].

It’s fantastic to see them playing Scotland again. I was actually at their last Scottish show when they did two nights at the Playhouse in Edinburgh [1992]. I’ve no idea why it’s been so long. It’s almost a cliché but Glasgow is such a great place for live music, people are really receptive and like having a good time. I think it’s going to be a special night. [As told to Henry Northmore] The Cure headline Glasgow Summer Sessions, supported

by Mogwai, Bellahouston Park, Fri 16 Aug. Foo Fighters headline Sat 17 Aug and the 1975, Sun 25 Aug. PHOTO: ANDY VELLA

got into music through my big sister and the Cure were her favourite band. Growing up they meant everything to me.

There’s a real universality to their music, for me they were the band I could turn to for all sorts of things, whether I was feeling really good or really bad. They were my band.

It’s very honest music, very dreamy, it has something unique, it can go from being really melancholic to being really celebratory.

A lot of bands have great miserable songs or great joyous songs but the Cure manage to cover it all.

They were also the first band I ever saw live, on the Disintegration tour [1989], arguably their best record. It was really special and had a profound impact on me. I remember it vividly; they started with ‘Plainsong’, the first track from Disintegration, and it was an incredible experience. They also played for a long time, which is kind of their trademark. I didn’t realise most bands only play for an hour or 90 minutes. You need strong ankles to go see the Cure.

You don’t need to listen very hard to see the Cure’s influence on our music. Disintegration was the first record I fell in love with and, along with a few other records, it was part of the blueprint of what Mogwai have become musically, that sprawled-out melancholy atmosphere.

I’m still a massive fan but obviously the relationship has changed because they’re a band we’ve played with quite a lot and I consider [frontman] Robert [Smith] a friend. It’s slightly surreal because when you’re younger, you think of people like that as being more than human, but at the end of the day everyone is just a normal person. But I still absolutely love them and really love their music.

I’m really grateful for all the help Robert has given Mogwai over the years. He’s been really supportive and championed us. Asking us to play this gig in Glasgow is a

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SKYE LIVE

David Pollock chats to Skye Live co-founder Niall Munro about the island festival’s focus and future plans

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oming into its fifth year in existence this year, Skye Live is a hidden gem of the Scottish festival scene for a variety of reasons. There’s the spectacular location, of course – only accessible by car or by a well-planned combination of road, ferry and rail, Skye Live takes place on the Lump, a two-tier wooded park on the side of a small hill jutting out into the harbour at Portree.

Beautiful to get to and beautiful when you arrive, Skye Live also features one of the most distinctive – and counterintuitive – line-ups in the land. At once it’s a folk festival, with Lau, Tide Lines, Martha Ffion and Peatbog Fairies all playing the big tent, with the Waterboys headlining a new Thursday night opening concert; and it’s also a first-rate club festival, with Erol Alkan, Optimo (Espacio), Leon PHOTO: RYAN BUCHANAN

Vynehall and Auntie Flo set to appear on the outdoor second stage. The many locals who turn out seem to love both incarnations.

‘I grew up in Portree, and always thought our site would make a special location for a festival,’ says Niall Munro, who co-founded the festival with Ali MacIsaac in 2015 .

‘I ran some parties in Glasgow while studying there, while Ali ran parties on Skye. We both felt the island was missing something bigger, but we could never have imagined the demand there would be that first year. That’s what drove us on to establish it long-term.’

‘We want to deliver a unique experience, and the location and type of music we put on does that,’ explains Michael Pellegrotti, who now runs Skye Live with Munro. ‘Traditional and electronic music are both heavily driven by rhythm, and provoke a tribal reaction in people similar to the emotions the landscape generates.

Skye has some of the most striking landscapes in the world; the site itself is set atop a peninsula that juts out from Portree with stunning views of the island. It feels remote, despite being right in the centre of a village buzzing with life.’

The pair are eager to welcome very different Skye musical institutions Peatbog Faeries and Niteworks (it was the latter group, the festival’s resident band, who introduced Munro and Pellegrotti), and most excited about this year’s Waterboys coup, a band who last played Skye 30 years ago. Their set will be a fitting special event to mark the fifth anniversary of a festival which aims for long life over commercial scale.

‘Our aim is to sustain the festival at its current level, while keeping the music fresh and exciting,’ says Pellegrotti. ‘The site’s compact nature means we can’t change much, but I think that’s a good thing; too many events focus on growing and lose their original spirit in the process. I was just a punter the first year I came here, but I remember being blown away by the site and wanting to help as many people find out about it as possible.’ It’s that kind of event – one you take to heart for more than just the music as soon as you experience it.

Skye Live, Portree, Isle of Skye, Thu 5–Sat 7 Sep.

SKYE

HIGH 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 51

ADVERTISING FEATURE

e r u t n e v d A o t y a w e t a G The acBrayne with

Stressing over where to go on holiday this summer? Whether you fancy a weekend away, a day trip or a staycation, Scotland’s islands on the west coast are the ideal location. And it’s much easier to get there than you might think with Caledonian MacBrayne. Caledonian MacBrayne offers 29 diverse destinations to visit at reasonable prices that won’t break the bank. They even offer a range of tours and adventures that takes the hassle out of organising your trip. A great place to begin your island adventure is in Oban, known both as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ and the ‘gateway to the islands’. Oban’s accessible location – reachable by any mode of transport in less than three hours from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness – makes it a fitting starting point for an unforgettable trip.

TOURS FROM OBAN For shorter escapes, Caledonian MacBrayne’s adventure tours are an awe-inspiring way to pack in plenty in a small amount of time. Delve into history and take in spectacular scenery on the Mull and Iona Tour. It takes you to the Isle of Mull, past its lochs and sandy beaches, and across the sound of Iona to the island of the same name. On Iona, witness where Christianity first came to Scotland and the burial ground of Kings.

Adult £39; Child £19.50 52 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

Caledonian M

If grand castles are more your thing, Caledonian MacBrayne’s Duart Castle Tour zooms guests across the sound of Mull to Craignure. The ticket even includes complimentary transport to and from the castle to allow more time for sightseeing. The castle is the ancestral home of Clan Chief MacLean and there’s a lofty grand hall and expansive grounds to get lost in. There’s even time to sample culinary delights from the castle’s own kitchen garden.

Adult £19.40; Child £9.70; Family £52.20

The Sunday Coll Day Adventure is an excellent way to spend the final hours of the weekend. Catch an early ferry from Oban and spot Duart Castle and the colourful Tobermory harbour on the way to the island. When you reach Coll you’ll be treated to a 4x4 tour from a native islander who will show off the sites and stunning beaches – all in a day’s work!

Adult £40; Child £20

ISLAND HOPPING As the gateway to the isles, Oban is also an exceptional starting point for island hopping – where you go from one island to another. With Caledonian MacBrayne’s Hebridean Island Hopping Adventure you can tick off Barra, South Uist and North Uist, Harris and Lewis on one ticket

and admire the interconnectedness of these remote western islands. Experience the home of the Whisky Galore story on Eriskay, see wildlife on the Uists, or marvel at the turquoise waters of Barra.

Adult £30.90; Car £143

If you love the Oban tour and get bitten by the island hopping bug, Caledonian MacBrayne also has a Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure departing from Ardrossan. On this tour, you’ll be introduced to the Clyde Coast and the Cowal and Kintyre Peninsulas.

Starting by taking the ferry to ‘Scotland in Miniature’, or Arran as it’s also known, you’ll be able to see the sweeping vistas and rich landscape of Kintyre, Cowal and Bute and boataholic’s can revel in riding on five stellar Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.

Adult £14.25; Child £7.15; Car £52.25 n To find out more about Caledonian MacBrayne’s adventures, visit calmac.co.uk. Share your island adventures on social media using #MyCalMacStory

BARRA TO STORNOWAY WITH MARLOW IN TOW

by Bee, Fi and Marlow the Dog I remember stepping off the boat in Leverburgh and feeling awfully proud of the two of us; even at that point, with one full and very testing day ahead. We’d come a long way together – literally – on two bikes, chauffeuring my little pooch Marlow across the Outer Hebrides. Fi’s grandparents were from this part of the world, and we’d made the trip in their memory, to raise a little money for a charity close to their hearts.

One hundred and thirty nine miles in total... one-threenine! Although it definitely felt like more. A ferry to Barra’s Castlebay from Oban; a cycle up to Ardmhòr for the ferry to Eriskay; then a whopping two-day effort through South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist up to Berneray, in order to catch the boat to Harris. The final stretch would take us up over the North Harris Hills and down to Stornoway.

Truth be told, it was an incredible effort matched only by some incredibly beautiful scenery. Shattered by the end, we stretched ourselves out in Stornoway harbour as the ferry appeared in the distance. Fi rolled our bikes on board while Marlow and I made a beeline for the restaurant. After all, one hundred and thirty nine miles is hungry work!

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Every journey starts a story.

Begin yours today. Set sail at calmac.co.uk

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23/05/2019 15:32

ARCHITECTURE FRINGE

blueprint future FOR THE

Architecture Fringe is an annual series of contributor-led projects and events. As the event heads into its fourth year, Arabella Bradley catches up with co-producer Chris Dobson to discuss where our built environment is headed

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How did the provocation ‘In Real Life’ come about?

We aim to focus attention on the contradictions and opportunities presented by our everyday lives, in which the only constant is rapid change. From the perspective of a profession that is traditionally slow to adapt and realise its projects, we’re looking to pose pertinent questions about how architecture can help contribute to solving the real problems that we face in our physical environment, away from our own digital bubbles.

What can we expect to see from participants in this year’s Architecture Fringe?

Across the programme, the built environment will be explored through architecture, art, dance, spoken word, music, live performance, film, photography, tours, talks, debates, live-

build projects and a summer school. Something for everyone, I think! We’ve always encouraged a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to the programme’s events, so we couldn’t be happier to see such a diverse array of talent and output coalesce for our 2019 edition.

How has the concept of ‘In Real Life’ been interpreted in the various works?

Our House Rules, an exhibition at Edinburgh’s Custom Lane, seeks to question the output of house-builders. Have the 70% of new homes they’ve been responsible for delivering in Scotland over the past decade met our aspirations in terms of how we wish to live our lives as part of a healthy, happy society? We’re also excited to welcome Andy Wightman MSP, Nicola Barclay (Homes for Scotland) and Stuart Henderson (Stewart Milne Homes) for a debate on this subject.

ReTypes, an exhibition at The Lighthouse, concerns the creative and radical repurposing of building types that are becoming increasingly redundant in our towns and cities. On display will be commissioned work from a selection of the UK’s most exciting young and emerging practices, including Ann Nisbet Studio, Moxon, Studio Niro and You+Pea. Also at The Lighthouse, we’ll explore the topic of Queer Space through the Glasgow club scene, featuring collaborations with Shoot Your Shot, OH141, VAJ.Power, Junglehussi and Hot Mess. A research and design project by the GSA People of Colour Collective called /other profiles people of colour working in architecture, and Home, At Last features a small group of Scottish-based creatives seeking to generate a provocative alternative model to current care-home culture.

The festival opening party is at The Lighthouse and The Old Hairdresser’s, Glasgow, Fri 7 Jun. Architecture Fringe, various venues, nationwide, Fri 7–Sun 23 Jun.

Images, from top to bottom: Frankentypes, Hammocks & Highlanders, Waste Street Art, Reservations in Hyperreality 54 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

PHOTO TOP TO BOTTOM: IHEARTBLOB, VICTORIA CAUBET, ANDERSON BELL + CHRISTIE, GOLD RUSH COCKTAIL

ack in 2015, the Architecture Fringe was conceived by a volunteer group of architects, designers, engineers, visual artists and curators in order to encourage broader public debate about architecture and design in Scotland. The 2019 edition promises to be the biggest and best yet, with over 100 events taking place throughout Scotland in June.

This year’s provocation is ‘In Real Life’, with commissions for the core programme centred around this theme. Meanwhile, the submissionsbased open programme invites anyone who wishes to join in the discussions surrounding Scotland’s built environment to bring their own exhibitions, talks, installations and events to the Fringe for two weeks. Participants hail from across Scotland, ranging from established institutions to community organisations, collectives, students and active individuals, all united by their drive to engage in the wider discussions surrounding housing, sustainability and community.

Speaking to Chris Dobson, co-producer of Architecture Fringe, we found out more about what visitors can expect from this year’s festival.

SARA SHERIDAN

Historical novelist Sara Sheridan has achieved an impressive feat of the imagination with her new book about gender equality. She tells Lynsey May that it’s high time Scotland properly honoured its foremothers

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n Where are the Women?: A Guide to an Imagined Scotland, author Sara Sheridan tackles the thorny problem of gender representation on our streets and in our collective landscapes. By taking Scotland and rewriting it, Sheridan gives us Triduana’s Seat (named for a pious Pict) instead of Arthur’s Seat. And rather than it belonging to Fingal, it’s Malvina’s Cave we visit on Staffa. It’s quite astonishing just how different the country seems when its monuments, streets and statues are renamed.

Even Sheridan, who writes historical novels with women at the centre, was surprised to find that a clear narrative revealed itself to her once she started joining up various time periods: Scotland’s women have consistently been loud, angry, passionate and powerful, with one generation of firebrands leading on to the next.

She discovered ‘the sense that our foremothers are amazing. They weren’t at home doing nothing; they were fighting.’ Yet those fights, and many achievements, are forgotten as if they have

no part in our history.

Named as one of the Saltire Society’s most influential women, past and present, Sheridan is something of a firebrand herself. A strong work ethic (when I caught up with her, she was co-ordinating launches for three separate books all published within the space of a few months) combined with her writing, data-crunching and historical researching skills, make her perfectly placed to take on a project of this scale.

REEK, the perfume company Sheridan runs with daughter Molly, crafts scents that are a living memorialisation to inspirational women.

In Where Are the Women?, Sheridan finds new ways to bring the past into the present. Not that this was in any way an easy task. There are so many women missing from our collective consciousness (only 15% of the statues raised in the UK are of women) that it feels impossible to recollect – and commemorate – them all.

Sheridan certainly does her best, though. What was initially meant to be a 50,000-word tome

quickly increased by 50%, and the final volume includes 1000 women. There could have been more, but the book was never meant to be an exhaustive, static list. In fact, Sheridan hopes it will be a guide not only to the places in Scotland and the women associated to them, but also a blueprint for change. There have been some big advances in gender equality over the years, but there’s a ‘confidence that comes from your landscape,’ Sheridan explains. ‘And we women don’t have that.’

A 50/50 split in statues and street names could have a huge impact on the subconscious foundations of future generations. Renaming or reclaiming some of the monuments to men might seem like a radical route, but what becomes clear when reading this book, is that it’s high time to celebrate the foremothers that helped create Scotland.

Where Are the Women?: A Guide to an Imagined Scotland is out now, published by Historic Environment Scotland.

PHOTO: BETHANY GRACE

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SAY AWARD

some might

Top: Blue Kirkhope, bottom: Robert Kilpatrick, right: Hilary Goodfellow 56 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

PHOTO: ELAINE LIVINGSTON

SAY

SAY AWARD

As the Scottish Album of the Year Award returns for another year of championing our country’s music, the SAY team tell Kate Walker what makes it such a special campaign

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he Scottish Album of the Year Award is a competition with more than just one winner. As well as a lucrative prize fund – every year first place is awarded £20,000 with the nine runners up getting £1000 each – the SAY Award is a project that promotes Scottish musical life from all angles. A chat with some of the 2019 SAY Award team offers an insight into the various ways that the campaign nourishes Scotland’s sonic soul.

‘A lot of the time Scotland isn’t very good at blowing its own trumpet’, says Robert Kilpatrick, general manager of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) who annually produce the award. ‘I think when something like the SAY Award comes along every year, it’s a really unifying platform where everyone comes together, and it’s all about just celebrating how special Scotland is in terms of the music we produce in a mutually supportive environment.’

As well as providing financial rewards to shortlisted artists, the campaign focuses on highlighting the albums on the longlist. According to the award’s events manager, Hilary Goodfellow, being placed on the campaign’s longlist is like being given a ‘badge of merit’ because of the award’s democratic nomination and judging process. ‘It can place emerging talent, someone who has made an incredible album pretty much in their bedroom, on the same podium as some of Scotland’s most established artists, and it’s given the same consideration from our judges.’

For Blue Kirkhope, SMIA project and programmes co-ordinator, it also comes down to the authenticity of the award’s aims as ‘a pure celebration of music’ that ‘connects the dots between the breadth of musical talent in Scotland.’ This ethos runs deep throughout the project, and is perhaps most potently reflected in their partnership with the charity Help Musicians Scotland. After the Scottish branch of Help Musicians was set up in 2018, the SAY team were keen to work with them as closely as possible. As well as raising money for the charity at SAY Award live events, the partnership is also about boosting awareness of the charity and their services to facilitate more access for artists and fans alike.

The 20 artists to have won a place on the longlist will be announced exclusively at the first of the SAY campaign’s live events, which will be held at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh on Friday 26 July. The musical vitality of Scotland could not be extolled without involving listeners, and Goodfellow explains how the event is a true celebration of Scottish music that fans can get involved with. ‘The live event puts music fans first. The SAY Award celebrates the album as an artform, but it’s really good to bring back the excitement of the live gig experience.’

‘It’s not just a competition with one winner at the end,’ says Kilpatrick. ‘At the point when the longlist is announced we’re basically saying “here are 20 absolutely outstanding albums to come out of Scotland: we encourage you to listen to

them”.’ Goodfellow agrees: ‘I think it serves as a sort of cultural snapshot of Scotland at that time, and the incredible diversity across genres.’

This emphasis on the importance of diversity permeates every nook and cranny of the SAY Award campaign. Kirkhope explains that in her role she feels a responsibility to ensure that the campaign is as reflective of Scotland’s music world as possible. ‘It’s at the forefront of what I do so that when I do approach nominators and judges, I want to make sure that they come from all sorts of backgrounds and from all corners of Scotland. The longlist and the shortlist can then be truly representative of what Scotland’s about.’

If we look at the SAY campaign as a reflection, what is Scotland’s music scene about? For the team, accessibility is key; regardless of artist nationality, if you’ve made Scotland your creative base for at least the last three years, your album is eligible for nomination.

Goodfellow emphasises how important this is for the SAY team, and illustrates her point with a quote from Ela Orleans, the Polish composer and multiinstrumentalist who was shortlisted in 2017: ‘The SAY nomination is the stamp of acknowledgment that I am an integral part of the country’s musical landscape. I cannot express how significant this is for me, as an immigrant in this post-Brexit climate.’

The SMIA have just received regular Creative Scotland funding for the first time, which puts the award in the strongest position it has ever been in. The future is bright for the SAY Award, which is a win for everyone involved in the Scottish music scene.

The Scottish Album of the Year Award will be announced at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Fri 6 Sep.

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Where eclectic bars meet bustling hotspots With a compact accessibility, it’s small enough to explore from rooftop bars to street party, world-class festivals to the latest epicurean pop-up and a time out in surrounding parklands.

It’s a place where even a closed road opens a party.

Adelaide. Designed for Life.

cityofadelaide.com.au/explore

F O M CREA P O R C E TH

ADELA IDE

There could well be a new show business saying that if an act does well in Adelaide, they’re going to conquer Edinburgh. Here’s a bunch of shows that lit up the Australian city’s Fringe festival and are ready to do the same in Scotland this August

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PHOT AR HA M TIN

Top to bottom: Michelle Pearson, YUCK, Bernie Dieter

ustralians love a good cabaret, and three acts are preparing for a strong showing in Edinburgh this summer. Michaela Burger’s A Migrant’s Son celebrates the arrival of the Greeks to Australia, through original songs, a live band and a choir in this hard-hitting yet hilarious show. Evoking the hazy ‘kabarett’ nights of Weimar, Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club brings us another troupe of misfits, miscreants and ‘fantastic freaks’ for a cabaret evening ‘where you can be whoever you want to be’.

Michelle Pearson had major success in this year’s Adelaide Fringe with Comfort Food Cabaret, and for Edinburgh she will deliver some Just Desserts, where she will prepare puddings for the punters while delving deep into topics such as body image, social pressure and gluttony.

Circus has become much bigger in recent years at both Adelaide and Edinburgh’s Fringes, and Ampersand’s show for kids, Jelly or Jam, could be one of the big hits in August. Award-winning creators Jascha Boyce and Joren Dawson have put together an acrobatic adventure which features real stories about what it means to be a child, but with plenty of squishy jelly. Much anticipation surrounds YUCK, an all-female physical theatre powerhouse which will tackle difficult topics while hurling themselves through the air. They’ve been dubbed ‘disgustingly hilarious’, which will be an attraction to plenty. In the world of magic, the multi-award winning Ben Hart is currently taking audiences into some dark corners of their imagination. For The Nutshell, he’ll perform some mind-blowing tricks and leave an imprint on your brain that might be difficult to shake.

The Latebloomers know how to butter up an Edinburgh audience. This comedy / physical theatre trio (from Adelaide, Sweden and London) have only gone and named their show Scotland!. Well played to them.

The Caledonian spirit will be bubbling through body percussion, clowning, singing and a bit of stomping as they take crowds on a truly wild ride. In Le Bureau de Strange, The Establishment pairing of Dan Lees and Neil Frost channel their inner Monty Python with some classic British absurdity. One of the UK’s true rising comic stars, Ahir Shah had a strong showing in Adelaide with the excellent Duffer, while he returns to Edinburgh with a new show, Dots. This one promises to explore ‘love, sadness, belief, Mexico, cigarettes, dead German sociologists, pragmatism, idealism, giving up, and not giving up’.

In theatre-land, Britt Plummer’s Chameleon attempts to salvage some hope from the darker side of society, as she details accounts of sexual assault with an honest mix of sincerity and humour. Tim Marriott might be familiar to British TV audiences for his roles in 20th century sitcoms The Brittas Empire and ‘Allo ‘Allo!, but he’s since proved himself to be a powerful voice on the stage. Judas is a timely speculation on what would happen today if a charismatic figure wandered out of the desert in the Middle East and spoke of peace and harmony. (Brian Donaldson)

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9/5/19 2:37 pm

ADELA IDE

Adelaide may be Australia’s festival city, but there’s plenty of arts and culture to enjoy all year round. Brian Donaldson rounds up some of the places to visit and events to attend for a strong fix of culture

H E A PS GOOD Adelaide Oval

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PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: BEN GOODE, WADE WHITINGTON, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

esigned for Life’. As a slogan for a city, it rather Other major events throughout the city include the LGBTI neatly captures the Adelaide way. People there have festival Feast, world music festival Womadelaide, biennial a strong sense of place in a city that celebrates both food and wine extravaganza Tasting Australia, and the Royal heritage and forward-looking ambition. The capital of South Adelaide Show agricultural fair. As a nod to the city’s EuroAustralia and the fifth most populous city in the entire country, diversity, there’s Schützenfest (a German cultural festival), Adelaide’s city centre is truly unique in being surrounded by and Glendi (translated as ‘party’) which has been celebrating parks, and is renowned for its festivals, sporting events, food, Greek culture in Adelaide since 2013 and is the largest ethnic drink, and long beachfronts. festival in South Australia.

While the original design of many cities can be a hindrance For art-lovers, there’s the Art Gallery of South Australia when they expand through the centuries, Adelaide’s position which holds over 30,000 works, Tandanya National Aboriginal between the hills and the sea has allowed it to grow in balance Cultural Institute (featuring indigenous art, storytelling and with nature. Designed in the 1830s by Colonel William Light, music), and ACE Open which was the result of a merger South Australia’s first Surveyor-General, his vision was to between the Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia and create a city of the future: which celebrated the surrounding the Australian Experimental Art Foundation in 2017, while landscape and prioritised quality of life. the South Australian Museum combines The grid-like pattern of broad streets, a natural history museum with a public tree-lined terraces and public squares is library, and the Migration Museum deals enveloped by the wide open spaces of the with South Australia’s immigration and Adelaide Park Lands. Adelaide’s beautiful settlement history. botanic gardens are also bang in the heart For live music fans, there’s the Adelaide of the city, while Adelaide Central Market Oval (home to Aussie rules football and is one of the largest undercover produce cricket) which has played host to David markets in the Southern Hemisphere (the Bowie, Madonna and AC/DC, and the city is also home to the National Wine Adelaide Entertainment Centre (Kylie, Centre of Australia).

Miley and Westlife have strutted their Adelaide is a delight all year round, stuff in there), while the more intimate but truly comes to life in the first half of Thebarton Theatre has hosted diverse the year, when festival frenzy hits and acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Public the population swells. Adelaide’s arts Enemy and Miles Davis. For nightlife, scene flourished in the 1960s with that HQ Complex is a mega-club that decade’s opening year ushering in the regularly features international DJs. The Adelaide Festival of the Arts and Fringe city has also played host to touring music Festival. The Adelaide Festival Centre, festivals such as the dance-oriented Australia’s first multi-purpose arts venue, Creamfields, and the indie / rock-shaped was constructed throughout the 1970s and Laneway. Dance addicts will be happy to now hosts a number of events including note that Adelaide is home to two of the the Adelaide French Festival in January, country’s leading contemporary dance the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in June, and Top: HQ Complex, Bottom: Tandanya companies, Australian Dance Theatre the Adelaide Guitar Festival a month later. National Aboriginal Cultural Institute and Leigh Warren & Dancers.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 61

BEYOND THE FRINGE This great city is not just about the arts. There are plenty of other attractions to take in away from the cultural hubbub

PHOTO: MARC MANDICA

D’Arenberg Cube

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he Cube, situated in the McLaren Vale wine region, is less than an hour’s drive away from Adelaide and features a tasting room, restaurant and interactive sensory spaces, including a 360-degree video room, a virtual fermenter, and a wine sensory room. The idea to build the Cube came to Chester Osborn, d’Arenberg’s chief winemaker, in 2003 when he was inspired by the puzzle of winemaking to create a cube-shaped building on his vineyard property.

Less than half an hour’s journey from the city are the Adelaide Hills, the home to hipster wine makers, artisan producers, passionate local farmers and some wonderful accommodation.

One top idea is to book a day’s wine touring with a local guide.

Adelaide residents are keen on cycling, and visitors looking to explore the region on two wheels have plenty of choice when it comes to one-day and multi-day bike tours. Escapegoat offers brilliant mountain bike and e-bike tours of the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

If you fancy a spot of wildlife, there are few better places around than Kangaroo Island. Hop on a 30-minute flight from Adelaide and stay a while to sample some jaw-dropping beaches, national parks and wildlife experiences. You could even swim with wild dolphins, see rare sea-lions in their natural habitat at Seal Bay by day and indulge in fresh island produce and delicious local gins by night. (Brian Donaldson)

Strong, vibrant communities They underpin a thriving and sustainable world for generations to come.

From education and training, to cultural events and the arts, the Gupta Family Group (GFG) is committed to initiatives which strengthen communities, and make the cities and towns we operate in around the world more liveable.

As an Adelaide Fringe partner, we were proud to support the innovative Yabarra: Gathering of Light immersive installation at this year’s festival. And that partnership extended to supporting the UNEARTH arts and cultural festival at Whyalla, in regional South Australia.

We celebrate diversity and the power of the arts to entertain, challenge and inspire us. We wish everyone an enjoyable and successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019. ’Yabarra’ used light and sound to share stories of First Nation culture along Adelaide’s River Torrens

62 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

www.gfgalliance.com

IN THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SUN! T

hroughout Australia’s long envious summer, Adelaide comes alive in February and March with a host of Festivals and events; Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, Adelaide 500, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Writers Week and more!

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eave the winter blues behind and head to Australia’s festival city in 2020. Aside from soaking up the festival fun in Adelaide, there are many experiences to be enjoyed on the doorstep. A stunning coastline and white sandy beaches 20 minutes in one direction and quaint villages, wineries and wildlife 20 minutes in the other direction.

Over 200 cellar doors are within an hours’ drive including the world-famous Barossa. Complete your Australian holiday experience with a trip to Kangaroo Island where you’ll encounter an abundance of Australian wildlife in their natural habitats or venture north into the majestic outback and the Flinders Ranges.

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hether it’s a first time holiday or a return visit, a road trip adventure or a world class wildlife escape, this is a region where you can create your dream holiday and unearth unique experiences, half the world away. So what are you waiting for, let Barrhead Travel help design your perfect Australian holiday, starting in Adelaide.

For special package deals including flights and accommodation to attend Adelaide’s Festivals in 2020, call the experts on 0330 094 0332 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/south-australia.

Prices start from £1,297 per person including flights, accommodation and more!

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Next Stop: Adelaide 2020! . Photo: Josie W

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Register your interest via our website today!

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Fringe World Congress brings together international fringe festivals to develop networks, share ideas and innovate.

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Meet Us Down Under

Come and learn about Adelaide Fringe!

We’ll be holding and attending a number of events during Edinburgh Fringe 2019, come meet our team and learn about the second largest Fringe in the world!

INFO SESSIONS

8 Aug 11.30am & 23 Aug 5pm Fringe Central, Lecture Theatre

FRINGE FAIR

19 Aug 1pm–6pm Fringe Central

ADELAIDE FRINGE LATE NIGHT PARTY

Photo: Frank Lynch. Artist: Dazza & Keif.

22 Aug 11pm – 3am Dissection Room, Summerhall

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N R E H T SOU

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FESTIVAL CALENDAR

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY FESTIVAL Annual celebration of South Australia’s history. 27 Apr–31 May.

PHOTO: SOUTH AUSTRALIA

DREAMBIG CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Arts festival for children and families with a history dating back to 1974. 22 May–1 Jun.

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Adelaide Fringe’s Heather Croall and Adelaide Festival’s Rachel Healy tell Arusa Qureshi why Adelaide proudly holds the title of Australia’s festival city

Largest cabaret festival in the world, since 2001. 7–22 Jun.

ADELAIDE GUITAR FESTIVAL Immersive winter festival celebrating the world’s most popular instrument. 1–31 Jul.

SALA FESTIVAL The South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA) is an innovative communitybased visual arts festival. 1–31 Aug.

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amously nicknamed the ‘city of churches’ for its religious history and sheer volume of church buildings, South Australia’s capital has picked up a different moniker in more recent years. Adelaide is Australia’s festival city for its year-round programme of festivals and packed calendar of events offering something to suit all tastes. The months of February and March undeniably make up the city’s main festival season, with Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Fringe – renowned as the second biggest fringe festival in the world after Edinburgh – taking over. Having both begun life around 60 years ago, the city’s Festival and Fringe are the backbone of Adelaide’s cultural offerings, attracting a record number of visitors each year. To find out more about the city and its many attractions, we catch up with Adelaide Fringe’s Heather Croall and Adelaide Festival’s Rachel Healy.

OZASIA FESTIVAL International arts festival entirely dedicated to engagement with Asia. 17 Oct–3 Nov.

FEAST FESTIVAL Annual festival of arts and culture celebrating diverse sexualities and genders. 9–24 Nov.

ADELAIDE FRINGE

Heather Croall Director and CEO, Adelaide Fringe Adelaide Fringe is the absolute best time of year to visit Adelaide! The city is totally transformed by wild and wonderful Fringe celebrations.

Adelaide becomes a massive playground full of art, culture and creativity for 31 days and nights from mid-February to midMarch. The weather is stunning with beautiful sunny days and balmy nights. You can spend the evenings going out to Fringe shows, dining al fresco or enjoying drinks with friends under the gum trees and big starry skies. The climate is comparable to sunny California so imagine a Fringe festival with sunshine and beaches thrown in. Each year the Adelaide Fringe programme bursts at the seams with incredible acts in venues big and small; you can see shows in spiegeltents in the park, in theatres around town or even in laundrettes or cafes or wine cellars. Literally everywhere becomes a Fringe venue.

The venues are filled with thousands of artists from across Australia and around the world, who all descend on Adelaide to join this amazing party that defines our city. From comedy to cabaret, music to magic, Adelaide Fringe-goers can immerse themselves in a diverse range of art forms and be inspired, delighted, shocked, awe-struck and enlightened.

Adelaide Fringe is for everyone. We are an open-access festival that is renowned for new

ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL

Australia’s largest open-access arts festival.

14 Feb–15 Mar 2020.

ADELAIDE FESTIVAL Internationally renowned multi-arts festival with a long and successful history. 28 Feb–15 Mar 2020.

WOMADELAIDE Outdoor art and music festival with contemporary and traditional musicians, dancers, DJs and more. 6–9 Mar 2020.

ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL Biennial eleven-day celebration and exploration of Australian and international screen culture. Oct 2020.

festivalsadelaide.com.au

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ideas, spontaneity and fun, offering cultural experiences, from performing arts to street art tours and lots of free family entertainment in between. By day you can also experience Adelaide’s world-class beaches and wineries that are only a stone’s throw from the city including McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley and more.

The 2020 Adelaide Fringe is going to be bigger, bolder and more daring than ever before as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. It will be an unmissable experience for audiences and artists alike. Escape the winter and book your ticket now for Adelaide February 2020!

Rachel Healy Co-artistic director, Adelaide Festival In a beautiful New York Times piece, Oliver Sacks spoke of his detachment and sense of clarity after receiving the cancer diagnosis that would kill him. ‘There is no time,’ he writes, ‘for anything inessential.’ It reminded me, when considering the role of the Adelaide Festival, that its purpose is to renew and energise our pleasure in the beauty of life and of the world. It’s a vitamin pill for our souls. The work of its artists invades our dreams and, at times, screams in our faces. We come out of the 17-day experience with a renewed connection to the essentials of life, inspired by human creativity that is vivid, joyous, and gloriously uncompromising.

The Adelaide Festival gives its audience the opportunity to binge-watch the work of the greatest artists of our time – opera, theatre, dance, music, experimental arts, visual art, and writing are all present – and cities like Adelaide provide the perfect urban context for a full immersion in their work. Adelaide has a gorgeous Mediterranean climate and it’s a famously intimate and walkable city – your Festival experience isn’t spent anonymously in cabs; instead its spent walking from venue to venue in the sunshine, meeting friends along the way, comparing notes with strangers on shows you’ve seen, dropping into Adelaide Festival’s legendary free literary festiva, Writers’ Week, or WOMADelaide, a four day celebration of global music, dance, art and ideas. It’s post-show wine bars and breakfast with the thought leaders of our age, it’s a quick dip in the ocean at 6pm before an 8pm show. It’s parties and summer breezes and unmissable conversations late into the night. And then we do it all again the next day. It’s one of the greatest festivals in the world and since 1960, it’s the international arts festival you’ll never forget.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

MAKING HIS

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Suzy Pope meets Mark Donald, the new chef behind the Michelin-starred Number One at The Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh Hidden within the prestigious walls of The Balmoral, Michelin-starred Number One stands on its own as a destination restaurant, welcoming foodies from far and wide. Number One is an Edinburgh institution and has a long-established history of delivering exceptional dishes. With new chef Mark Donald at the helm, the classic menu has been reinvented into something new and invigorating while keeping the superior level of quality for which it is known.

Mark is a classically trained chef, but that doesn’t mean he intends to stick to the tried and tested traditional ways of cooking. ‘I started washing dishes when I was 16,’ the Glasgow-born chef says, and perhaps it’s these humble roots that shape his vision for Number One. ‘I want the focus to be on flavour overall.

That’s how I made the menu, it sounds basic, but I just chose food that I like to eat,’ he says. Simple. This comes across loud and clear in Mark’s self-confessed favourite dish; BBQ squab pigeon. It’s barbecued over an open fire and combines a number of different techniques and flavours. In Mark’s words, ‘it’s all the tastiest things in one dish.’ The pigeon comes with a side of blood cake, essentially dauphinoise potatoes cooked in blood sauce. The plate is finished off with XO spicy crab sauce, a little bit of Asian fusion. It’s a dish that crosses continents, cuisines and cultures summing up the entire menu on one plate.

Mark has travelled across the world, working in kitchens in Sydney, London and Copenhagen. He’s worked with some of the top names in fine dining, including the exclusive Hibiscus in London and Noma in Copenhagen. On top of his classic training, he’s taken aspects from the molecular and Nordic movements. The spring menu at Number One is a marriage of Scottish produce and international flavour, with wagyu beef from Perthshire, or that spicy sauce with the squab dish, which is made with Scottish crab but based on a recipe from Hong Kong.

‘Of course, it has to look beautiful too,’ he says, adding that the elegance on the plate should match the artfully designed interior of the restaurant. ‘There’s something psychological about food presentation. If it doesn’t look good then your brain tells you it doesn’t taste good,’ he says. Preparation begins hours before opening and the result is art on a plate. The pink lady apple tartlet looks like a tiny Catherine wheel, with a neat quenelle of yoghurt sorbet on the side. The whole dessert wouldn’t be out of place on display in a modern art gallery.

‘I want to be playful, not fussy,’ Mark says. Diners can experience the chef’s inherent fun side in the form of a sweetie trolley, finishing their fine dining experience with a rhubarb and custard macaron, foie gras chocolate truffle or a traditional piece of Scottish tablet with a coffee and a dram.

The food at Number One has always been exceptional, but perhaps in the past has aired on the classic, safe side. With Mark Donald at the helm, it has revamped its menu with the aim of innovating and surprising its guests. n Number One at The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-andresorts/the-balmoral-hotel/restaurants-and-bars/ number-one/, 0131 557 6727

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SPIRIT & SPICE Cookbook jazzes up the local larder Spirit & Spice, a new recipe book from Highlands-based author Ghillie Basan, brings an international influence to the Scottish landscape and its produce. From her Cairngorms cottage, Basan explores her own life story growing up in Africa, and the travels across Turkey, the Middle East and South-east Asia that have influenced her culinary style. As well as information on various spices and flavourings, the book also focuses on our great outdoors with chapters on foraging and breakfasting in the open, plus whisky gets a look in with a users’ guide to pairing food with a dram.

■ Spirit & Spice, out now, £25, kitchenpress.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

DRINKS NEWS

NEWS & REVIEWS

BrewDog Distillery Co. has officially replaced LoneWolf – the spirit operation of the craft beer behemoth. They’re celebrating with three bespoke boilermakers to be paired with their brews: the rye Torpedo Tulip from Dutch distillers Millstone to go with Dead Pony Club; Skeleton Key by blender Duncan Taylor for Jet Black Heart stout or Zombie Cake porter; and Transistor from Compass Box for the flagship Punk IPA. Another from Compass Box sees the Auld Alliance brought together in a Brexit-busting union of two European heavyweight spirits. Affinity (46% ABV, £100) is the firstever blend of the Normandy apple brandy Calvados with Scotch malt whiskies. Sláinte!

– or ‘santé’ as our Gallic brethren would say.

SQUARING THE CIRCLE Jo Laidlaw finds a new Edinburgh opening showcases a chef using every inch of his fine dining experience, while also rediscovering his bistro roots

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here’s a pleasing symmetry to Mark Greenaway’s new venture. Restaurant Mark Greenaway, his eponymous fine dining restaurant which closed back in September, was known for cheffy flourishes and a level of fine-dining complexity that was loved by a legion of fans. But an earlier restaurant was Stockbridge’s Bistro Moderne, which offered an imaginative, modern take on casual dining – and it’s this experience he appears to be drawing on for Grazing by Mark Greenaway, a new 160-cover restaurant inside the Waldorf Astoria (that’s the Caley, to you and me).

In fact, Greenaway cheerfully admits the team have been looking to get ‘back to bistro’ for a number of years, but the right premises have eluded them. So this is a canny move for both – the hotel get a little bit of star power to entice locals through the dining room doors, and Greenaway gets a big canvas to play upon. And play he does: the food here is creative, exciting and very good indeed.

That’s not to say everything is perfect. Big rooms need generous numbers of diners to make them buzz and prices are on the high side, especially as most mains need a side (though it’s hard to

grudge four quid for the amazing ugly potatoes – squashed knobs of tattie with cheese and garlic, yum.) But what Greenaway does so brilliantly is to use his fine dining instincts to elevate, creating dishes that are accessible yet so much more than the sum of their parts.

So a starter of mackerel, as fresh as the hibiscus flower it comes with, is cooked very simply but comes with a complex little salad of apple and beetroot that layers acidity and earthiness against the fish’s oiliness. Halibut is perfectly roasted, its herb crust turning out to be an intense, green garnish, topped with wee bits of salt beet. Hake likewise gets its flaky moment in the spotlight, while a striped cigar of rich seafood cannelloni adds colour and drama. And desserts? They’re no doubt all perfectly lovely, but if the sticky toffee pudding soufflé is on the menu, there’s literally no point eyeing up anything else – it’s sweet-toothed heaven.

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Playful, original food you won’t find anywhere else in Edinburgh

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While some dishes are designed for sharing, the name doesn’t quite fit the concept

GRAZING BY MARK GREENAWAY Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Rutland Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB, 0131 222 8857, markgreenaway.com/grazing-restaurant Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, 6–9.30pm; Sat 12.30–2.30pm, 6–9.30pm; Sun 12.30–9pm Average cost of two course lunch/dinner: £40 70 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

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SIDE DISHES

News to nibble on the review of our impressive Flavabomb experience recently at list.co.uk/food There’s no such thing as a free lunch – but there really is a free breakfast.

As part of the Wake Up to Organic campaign (feedyourhappy.co.uk), on Wed 12 Jun a number of cafés and shops in Glasgow will be showcasing organic food with a free, yes free, (‘mini’) breakfast along with demos, chats to producers and more. The city’s well covered with Roots, Fruits & Flowers, the Project Café and Locavore, among others, getting in on the promotion.

On Glasgow’s busy popup scene, Mad Lab are in residence at SWG3’s Acid Bar where diners can sample the creations of Cail Bruich’s offshoot on their evolving and experimental menu, available Thu–Sun until Sep. Down the road at Partick’s rum distillery, Wester Spirit Co have teamed up with Undercover Dinner Society for a weekend of

seafood and paired rum cocktails (Fri 14–Sun 16 Jun).

Meanwhile in the Glasgow Climbing Centre, chef Liam McAlpine’s Flavabomb Project Kitchen continues with the five-course themes – Scottish seafood (Sat 8 Jun) and a collaboration with recent Eating & Drinking Guide award winners Locavore for some meat-free cuisine (Sat 13 Jul). Check out

As Edinburgh starts to get ready for the festival season, visiting a food event or two is a great way to get yourself warmed up for the fun to come. The Scottish heats of the British Street Food Awards visit The Pitt on Sat 15 & Sun 16 Jun, while the same weekend also sees the brilliant Power of Food festival taking over the city’s community gardens and spaces. The Edinburgh Food Festival is back for its sixth

year at Assembly George Square, with an extended run (Fri 19–Sun 28 Jul), while Foodies hits Inverleith Park from Fri 2–Sun 4 Aug. Jupiter Artland has just re-opened its doors for the summer season, with a new partnership with Broughton Street’s Fhior on the menu. Laura and Scott Smith will be bringing their brand of seasonal cooking to Café Party, a work of art in its own right. They’ve developed a casual all-day menu for visitors, as well as planning a short series of evening dinners, which include an evening walk around the site to view the installations.

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FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORTED BY

FLAMING SHOW-OFFS

RECENT OPENINGS

Teppanyaki specialists Benihana come to town with their first UK opening in two decades. Andrea Pearson gets a taste of the theatrical

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ig brands and franchises don’t always take off here but Benihana’s winning formula seems to be bedding into 21stcentury Glasgow with ease. This new opener combines the ritual and theatre of Japanese teppanyaki and the slickness of a US corporation with the cheery hospitality of Glasgow. And, most importantly, the food is terrific. Diners are seated in groups around a searingly hot teppan behind which the chefs prepare the food – warming up with impressive juggling before slicing and dicing the fish, meat and veg. While the showstopper moment is an onion volcano that shoots flames into the air, the speedy butterflying of a batch of prawns is equally impressive. Most people opt for a traditional teppanyaki dinner which includes soup, salad, a dish cooked on the hot plate (usually meat, fish or a combo) with veggies and a bowl of rice. Starting at around £20 they offer great value, but prices can rise with upgrades – particularly if you opt for a wagyu steak at around £60. Leave room for a sublime ginger and lime sorbet. The experience is uplifting and a great way to celebrate a birthday – or even the end of the working day.

BENIHANA 7 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G1 2PR 0141 442 0141, benihanainternational.com £12 (lunch) / £26 (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.

Glasgow

ERROL’S HOT PIZZA PIZZA BAR 379 Victoria Road, Southside, instagram.com/ errolshotpizzashop, £16 (dinner) Opened by a group of friends – all local residents – Errol’s old-school divebar aesthetic and classic New York pizza distinguish it. The chefs are formerly of Finnieston’s Alchemilla and their small plates here are reminiscent of that spot’s excellent Med food – refreshingly tangy artichoke, lemon and almonds, or purple-sprouting broccoli with chilli and garlic. The pizza is a swaggering headliner, with a gorgeous thin base that’s robust but foldable.

Punchy puttanesca (anchovies, capers, and sun-dried tomato) is a particular hit. With nods to everything from Serie A to The Sopranos, Errol’s has bags of personality to stand out from the crowd.

LOCKER 1012 CAFES 1012 Argyle Street, West End, fb.com/Locker1012, £10 (lunch) Pink. If you ever want an unequivocal first impression, walk into this café in Finnieston and you’ll no doubt think ‘pink’. It’s all-pervading – splashes in the mock marble floor, chairs, crockery, plus wall decorations of artificial flowers in multi-hues of it. It’s the sort of place to host a fashion shoot rather than a queue of hi-vis workmen. It’s all-day brunching here, from smoothie bowls and buckwheat pancakes to sourdough this and

thats, and ‘guacaroni’ – guacamole and macaroni, of course. Dishes are decently done and it’s all helped by good produce including Peelham Farm bacon and sourdough from Glasgow’s Freedom Bakery.

SUPPER CLUB BY NICO BISTROS & BRASSERIES 142 Nithsdale Road, Southside, supperclubglasgow.co, £45 (set lunch / dinner) The latest from busy Glasgow chef Nico Simeone, Supper Club is modern Scots-European in style. During the week, this chic bistro is the development kitchen for Simeone’s restaurant family. Open to the public at weekends, it’ll hook food fans with a taste for the future and some no-holds-barred experimental dining. Each limited edition set-course tasting menu varies, with early appearances from aged beef carpaccio with fermented pepper and smoked marrow, a light salmon tartare with crispy wild rice, and a barbecue heritage potato dish showing that anything could be next. A paired menu of accompanying wines is available for around £35.

Edinburgh BOROUGH

BISTROS AND BRASSERIES 50–54 Henderson Street, Leith, 0131 629 2525, boroughrestaurant.com, £19 (lunch) / £35 (dinner) After a brief hiatus, Borough is back. Chef-proprietor Darren Murray and restaurant manager Aleksandra Murray are now firmly in the driving seat of this neighbourhood spot, which fits neatly between the Michelin-starred glitz nearby and the Shore’s more casual options. Lunch is only available Fri–Sun, while their focus on sourcing means dinner is a fourcourse no-choice format. That might mean a clever combination of squash, carrot and crowdie; hake with cauliflower and blood orange dressing; then a perfectly cooked lamb loin; all rounded off by a dessert that riffs on traditional flavours, like set chocolate cream with barley and mint granita.

UMI JAPANESE CUISINE JAPANESE 18–24 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, 0131 343 6991, umiedinburgh.com, £16 (lunch) / £26 (dinner) Umi aims to carve out a noodle niche with a line of soulful ramen dishes.

Subtly flavoured, they are elevated by details like a tangle of bright chilli hairs, or a traditional ajitama soyseasoned egg with just-set, custardy yolk. As you’d expect from Bentoya and Kenji’s sister restaurant, sushi is also strong, though creative liberties have been taken with toppings and fillings: look out for cheddar, jalapeño, cranberry and pomegranate. If the house is full, it’s a slight squeeze in to the traditional tatami room, but the light filtering through and the gleaming lacquered wood creates instant ambience and charm.

WHISKERS WINE CAFE BARS & PUBS 48 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, 0131 343 3681, whiskerswinecafe.co.uk, £12 (lunch) / £16 (dinner) Jonnie Cook comes fresh from Chop House and has dropped the deli (the space was formerly home to Henri of Edinburgh) to focus on cooking food beautifully. He didn’t go far to find suppliers – meat comes from George Bower a few doors down, fish from Armstrong’s and cheese from Mellis. There are around 30 wines available by glass or carafe, which the informative staff will happily match with your meal. Food comes on small plates with big attention to detail – think cured sea trout with gin cucumber, avocado and nori, or highland venison tartare with egg yolk and brioche.

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 72 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

SUPPORTED BY

ACCESS ALL AREAS Every year, The List’s reviewers visit around 1000 venues across Edinburgh and Glasgow for our Eating and Drinking Guide. Checking disability access is just one of the areas they look at – reviewer Ellen Renton explains why it’s so important

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ccessibility is complex, and often the conversations we need to have about it are sidestepped for fear of saying the wrong thing. We generally associate ‘access’ with the wheelchair symbol: in the restaurant world that might mean adding a wheelchair ramp or accessible toilet. But, according to Disability Sport, fewer than 8% of people with a disability use a wheelchair – and often even basic physical access needs aren’t met. It’s clear we need to rethink our cultural approach towards accessibility.

Getting access right isn’t just about doing the right thing. With over 13 million disabled people living in the UK, failure to accommodate their access needs means alienating a huge potential market, as well as contributing to the exclusion of people with disabilities in our communities.

As a partially sighted person, it’s increasingly difficult for me to find fully accessible cafés and restaurants.

Trends like mismatched furniture, cluttered layouts and overhead chalkboard menus have a real impact on my experience. Of course, layout and design are crucial elements to consider when trying to create the perfect atmosphere, but the apparent prioritisation of aesthetic over customers’ comfort risks making people with disabilities like mine feel awkward and unwelcome.

Many places are getting things right though, and positive changes are afoot. May saw the opening of Sensoriale – a Kirkcaldy café specifically designed to provide an accessible sensory experience for every customer. As manager Melanie Lingwood explains, ‘Sensoriale’s mission is to be fully inclusive, and by fully inclusive we really do mean all disabilities.

Our staff, who are all on the autistic spectrum, are learning sign language, and we’re bringing in Braille

menus. We want to raise awareness about disability generally.’

Financed by crowd-funding, it’s early days for the venue who admit they need to be welcomed by both disabled and non-disabled customers to make ends meet. But their approach is refreshing and a real example of what can be achieved. While not every venue can purpose-build or make structural adaptations, details like cushion choice, remotecontrolled lighting and providing sectioned plates are easily adopted.

Edinburgh café Di Giorgio is one example of an operator trying hard to make small changes. Their proximity to The Yard, a play space for young people with disabilities, has made the café popular with the disabled community, and knowledgeable staff do what they can to provide assistance. For example, they balance their commitment to the environment with their commitment to customers by keeping back a small supply of plastic straws for those who can’t drink without them (alternatives to plastic don’t work for everyone).

These small details often make a huge difference, in particular signalling a welcoming attitude to customers with disabilities. No one wants to feel like a nuisance when they go out to eat. I don’t want to bring a café to a standstill while a helpful member of staff reads me the entire menu from an illegible chalkboard on the other side of the room. I just want to enjoy my coffee and cake like everyone else.

Our website list.co.uk/food has accessibility information for most of the bars, restaurants and cafés we review and we’d love to hear how we can improve our coverage. Euansguide.com is also a brilliant resource.

Booking a restaurant isn’t always straightforward for people with disabilities.

Bronwen Livingstone, a member of our Glasgow reviewing team and a wheelchair user, explains ‘Let’s eat somewhere new tonight.’ Sounds straightforward enough. But not if you’re a wheelchair user. First, you visit the restaurant’s website in the hope they have an accessibility statement somewhere (usually they don’t.) Next you look for photos of the front door. Is there a step? How wide is the doorway?

Then you search for pictures of the interior so you can see how tightly packed the tables are. How about the seating? All booths?

Canteen-style fixed chairs? How high are the tables? If everything looks good, you finally pick up the phone to make the reservation (of course you reserve because the restaurant has to be prepared to accommodate a wheelchair user).

‘One last thing: do you have a disabled toilet?’

Back to square one.

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EATING & DRINKING GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS

THE LIST

EATING & DRINKING THE HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating everything that’s good about the eating and drinking scene across Edinburgh and Glasgow, our 25th annual Eating & Drinking Guide contains reviews of around 1000 venues, all freshly compiled by our team of 70 reviewers. Our coveted Hitlist selections celebrate the best of the best, there are handy Tiplists with recommendations for every occasion, plus coverage of around 160 new openings. So dig out the stretchy trousers and let the eating commence!

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EATING & DRINKING GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS

EATING & DRINKING

AWARDS As always, our Eating & Drinking Awards recognise the most exciting places and people on the scene, while our Reader Awards, generously sponsored by Birra Moretti, put the power in the people’s hands

WINNERS

WINNERS

PHOTO: JAMES GOURLAY

Nauticus

Five March

A pocket-sized bistro halfway down Leith Walk, The Little Chartroom is navigating its way to a bright future after one of the year’s most talked-about openings, with precise cooking, ever-changing seasonality and relaxing service. 83 Hanover Street blends Chilean flavours with Scottish produce to produce bright, bold small plates in a sunny basement space, with meticulous yet laid-back service. Nauticus is a new breed of local pub – championing Scottish drinks and producers with one of the best cocktail lists in the city, it’s equally good for a pint pitstop on your way home from work. And there’s special recognition for local hero Stuart McCluskey, whose family of bars and restaurants (including Bon Vivant, the Devil’s Advocate and newcomer Lady Libertine) have done so much to influence Edinburgh’s bar scene over the past decade, with a focus on good drinks, good people and good times.

EATING & DRINKING

AWARDS READE

The Finnieston scene continues to evolve, and Five March’s inventive, confident Middle East and East Mediterranean-influenced small plates and exotic cocktail list exemplifies the area’s vibrancy and innovation. Over in the Southside, Justin Valmassoi’s tiny 14-seat diner Nanika shows that exciting dining often comes in small packages with his passionate take on South East Asian street food, with exceptional cooking at affordable prices. Also on the Southside, we were thrilled to see Locavore, a dynamic community-oriented food project, expand into bigger, better, busier premises in the past year, adding a cracking communal café and organic grocery shop. And heartfelt congratulations to Mhairi Taylor and the Zique team for a remarkable run, with recent arrivals Bakery by Zique and sophisticated Gather by Zique joining the much-loved Cafezique family of good food establishments in the Hyndland area.

In association with

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PHOTO: JAMES GOURLAY

TAPA

WINNER

BATTLEFIELD REST

WINNER

EDINBURGH READER AWARDS

GLASGOW READER AWARDS

TAPA

BATTLEFIELD REST

The Birra Moretti Readers’ Awards saw a nail-biting finish in Edinburgh, with Tapa being crowned the eventual winner. This locals’ favourite has offered a nuanced take on contemporary Spanish cuisine and wine in Leith’s Shore for the past ten years. Our two fantastic runners-up were the powerhouse that is Bross Bagels, who’ve taken Edinburgh by storm with two new branches this year; and Contini George Street, a temple to authentic Italian flavours and impeccable Scottish sourcing, all wrapped up in genuinely warm hospitality.

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Thousands of readers’ votes saw Southside favourite Battlefield Rest become the worthy Glasgow winner. They’ve been serving Italian food for an incredible 25 years in their elegant former tram stop waiting room, and our readers recognised their endearing hospitality and skillful ability to keep things fresh and interesting after a quarter of a century. Runners-up were idiosyncratic West End steak house and bar-diner Finsbay Flatiron, while eclectic menus and local sourcing saw readers voting in their droves for Broomhill bistro The Square Bar and Restaurant.

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44 Main St Milngavie @Finsbaygla finsbay.com

160 Woodlands Road Glasgow @FFWestEnd ffwestend.com

14 Stewart St Glasgow @FPizzaGla fpizza.co.uk

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78 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

T HER E I S O N LY O N E O CEA N

EATING & DRINKING GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS

THE

LAUNCHES Thank you to everyone who supported our Eating & Drinking Guide launches in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

As always, particular thanks go to our sponsor Birra Moretti, who have generously supported us for so many years.

In Glasgow, we tip our hat to our fantastic venue The Argyle Street Arches, an incredible events space and home to the weekly food celebration Platform, as well as Quality Meat Scotland for providing us with delicious morsels of Scotch beef, prepared by wellknown Fife chef Scott Lyall. In Edinburgh, Loudons kept the party going at their brand new venue in Waverley Arches, with their unparalleled hospitality and delicious, eye-catching canapés.

We would like to thank long-time sponsor Birra Moretti who supplied us with classic Moretti brews, Moretti Zero and draft from their BLADE machines.

We are also incredibly grateful to Johnnie Walker, Darnley’s Gin, Summerhouse Drinks, and Great Grog for providing beverages for all our guests – we couldn’t have done this without you all.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to give a shout-out to The List events team – Sheri, Rachel, Amy and Shaun – who helped deliver both events in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY: EDINBURGH - IAN GALLACHER, GLASGOW GABRIEL REYNOLDS

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AROUND TOWN FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /AROUNDTOWN

GLASGOW MELA Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival returns to Kelvingrove Park Glasgow Mela is all about celebrating the diversity of the city and its many communities, while showcasing live music, theatre, arts and food from around the world. This year, the Mela will be returning to Kelvingrove Park, with the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists’ Network at the helm as the new producers of the festival. Their aim for the future of the event is to transform it into a platform for activism through arts and culture, exploring the Scottish-Asian and British-Asian experience in the process.

The purpose of this fresh approach is to work towards breaking away from the North Indian, Panjabi-centric trend in British-Asian culture.

By focusing on new and emerging artists, the Glasgow Mela will draw attention to pluralistic representations of Asian identity, celebrating Asian heritage in new and exciting ways.

This year’s programme features everything from anti-caste protest songs from local noise-rocker Kapil Seshasayee to Scotland’s very first Sufi Qawali group, to Deepa Nair Rasiya (pictured), who has been described as a ‘pioneering and innovative composer with a deeply soul-stirring vocal style.’ The Glasgow Mela, which is free to attend and open to all, will also play host to comedians, poets and a ceilidh. Plus, for the first time, artist-inresidence Mila Brown will be at Kelvingrove Park all day, inviting all Mela-goers to help her make a new piece of work. (Arusa Qureshi) ■ Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, Sun 23 Jun.

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HIGHLIGHTS | AROUND TOWN

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

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

DRUMMOHR MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL Drummohr House & Grounds, Musselburgh, Sun 23 Jun, ctzn.tk/ summerfest Vision Mechanics, Leith’s immersive visual theatremakers, are hosting a summer festival for the first time. The one-day festival will include circus, aerial, storytelling, puppetry, food & drink and live music.

GLASGOW TRUE ORIGINS Briggait, until Sat 1 Jun, trueoriginsco.com Festival celebrating Scottish gins, with masterclasses, live music, Scottish-inspired street food and plenty of botanicals to enjoy.

SOUTHSIDE FILM FESTIVAL Various venues, until Sun 2 Jun, southsidefilm.co.uk A superlocal festival that brings an eclectic programme of films and workshops to pop-up cinemas in various venues.

GLASGOW MELA Kelvingrove Park, Sun 23 Jun, glasgowmela.com For over 25 years this huge outdoor festival has been celebrating the traditions of Glasgow’s many and varied immigrant communities with a mix of international music, dance, stalls and other activities. See preview, page 80.

FESTIVAL OF WINE Trades Hall, Sat 29 Jun, festival-ofwine.com A tasting of over 200 wines poured by some of the country’s best retailers and the world’s best producers.

Sample some wines, stock your drinks cabinet and enter blind tasting competitions.

RESONATE SEC, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul, resonatetotalgaming.com A celebration of gaming, software and gadgetry, now in its fourth year. The line-up features big industry names such as WillNE, Pyrocynical, Syndicate and Alfie Deyes.

EDINBURGH EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Various venues, Wed 19–Sun 30 Jun, edfilmfest.org.uk The oldest

HITLIST

WEST END FESTIVAL Various venues, Glasgow, until Sun 30 Jun, westendfestival. co.uk Taking over the West End of Glasgow, the festival treats the ears to a great musical line-up, tantalises the senses with a carnival, and delves into local studios and exhibitions with the Hidden Lane open days.

True Origins

continually running film festival in the world, the EIFF draws on its prestige to consistently present abundant programmes of new features, documentaries, retrospectives, shorts, panel discussions and educational workshops, with a few high-profile premieres. See feature, page 20.

RACE FOR LIFE Holyrood Park, Sun 23 Jun, raceforlife.org.uk Join the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event and walk, run, jog or dance 5 or 10k to raise money for Cancer Research UK. FOODIES Inverleith Park, Fri 2–Sun 4 Aug, foodiesfestival.com Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs cook up a storm at this year’s festival dedicated to epicureans, as well as offerings from local producers and workshops for food lovers young and old.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Various venues, Fri 2–Mon 26 Aug, eif.co.uk Bringing world-class arts to the capital since 1947, the EIF sets the standard for classical concerts, opera, dance and theatre, while it’s recently also added an excellent contemporary music strand.

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE Various venues, Fri 2–Mon 26 Aug, edfringe.com Each year, thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 6–Sun 16 Jun, glasgowscience festival.org.uk A packed programme of workshops, shows, films, discussions, exhibitions and art collaborations allows budding scientists to learn something new or even take part in an experiment.

all over Edinburgh to present shows for each and every taste. From big names to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, children’s shows, music and cabaret.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL Various venues, Wed 21–Fri 23 Aug, thetvfestival.com An essential fixture for everyone in the television industry is back in 2019 with inspiration, networking, learning and fun on the agenda. Run by and for the television industry, it is attended by over 2000 delegates.

OUT OF TOWN CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL Aviemore Macdonald Resort, Tue 4– Thu 6 Jun, celticmediafestival.co.uk Promoting the languages and cultures of the Celtic countries, this three-day celebration of broadcasting, screen and film talent hands out awards in various categories including documentary, drama and animation.

SOLAS FESTIVAL Errol Park, Perth and Kinross, Fri 21 Jun, solasfestival.co.uk A midsummer music and arts festival in the heart of Perth and Kinross with performances and workshops in world music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts, as well as talks and debates.

LEITHLATE Various venues, Edinburgh, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jun, leithlate. co.uk Multi-arts festival that takes place across multiple venues in Leith, showcasing the very best in emerging artists, musicians, poets and filmmakers.

EDINBURGH FILM FEST IN THE CITY

EAST NEUK FESTIVAL Various venues, East Neuk, Wed 26– Sun 30 Jun, eastneukfestival.com World-class, critically acclaimed music, art and literature converge on this busy corner of Fife. Though chamber music remains at the heart of its programme, the East Neuk Festival’s most varied selection yet includes musical surprises, international authors and imaginative artworks, all located in quirky venues.

THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK The Sabai Pavilion, Dundee, Fri 28 Jun–Sat 6 Jul; The Sabai Pavilion, Aberdeen, Fri 12–Sat 27 Jul, ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk The Lady Boys of Bangkok are back with a bigger, glitzier show than ever before, featuring costumes, comedy, choreography and more.

XPONORTH Various venues, Inverness, Wed 3 & Thu 4 Jul, xponorth.co.uk A two-day cross-genre film and television festival devoted to crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music. There are workshops, masterclasses and conferences during the day, evening showcases of music and film, as well as opportunities to network with movers and shakers in the creative industries.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH THEATRE Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, Fri 5–Mon 8 Jul, ytas.org A colourful programme of performances and special events showcasing the creative work of youth theatre groups from across Scotland and further afield. The 2019 festival moves to the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr after a successful stint over in Fife at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.

St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, Fri 14–Sun 16 Jun, edfilmfest.org. uk/filmfestinthecity This three-day weekend event is an increasingly popular set of free openair film screenings held in partnership between Essential Edinburgh and Edinburgh International Film Festival, and produced by Unique Events.

FRINGE BY THE SEA Various venues, North Berwick, Fri 2–Sun 11 Aug, fringebythesea. com With a spot of sea air and an entertaining line-up of music, comedy, theatre, film, author and children’s events, North Berwick’s multi-arts festival offers a respite from the madness of Edinburgh in festival season, and it’s just a short train trip away.

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BOOKS FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /BOOKS

CYMERA New festival celebrates fantasy, science fiction and horror

PHOTO: JENNA MAURICE

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From Game of Thrones to The Expanse, TV shows with a strong genre premise have been capturing imaginations for years now. So isn’t it about time we celebrated their literary counterparts and, in fact, the books behind many of these hit shows? New Edinburgh-based book festival Cymera aims to do just that.

Scotland’s first festival championing fantasy, science fiction and horror writing is launching with a bang in June. Cymera has over 80 speakers – including big names like VE Schwab (pictured) and Ben Aaronovitch – across a packed programme of more than 50 events. Ann Landmann, the driving force behind the event, founded Cymera as a place to showcase three incredibly popular genres that are often overlooked when it comes to programming and academic discussion.

From nothing but an idea to a fully formed festival in under two years, Cymera has found fertile ground. ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic and incredibly supportive responses from publishers and authors, and the interest this has sparked around the world,’ says Landmann.

Expect international authors like Zoraida Cordova, Dhonielle Clayton, Sarah Maria Griffen and Aliette de Bodard as well as plenty of local talent. There will be a focus on new voices as well as workshops for honing writing skills and even a cosplay ceilidh. If you’re looking for scares, wild sweeps of imagination or some serious interrogation of the future in your books, get yourself along and join in the action. (Lynsey May) ■ The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Fri 7–Sun 9 Jun.

BOOKS | REVIEWS CRIME NOVEL

KATE ATKINSON

Big Sky (Doubleday) ●●●●●

PHOTO: HELEN CLYNE

Fans have been clamouring for the return of Kate Atkinson’s private eye Jackson Brodie ever since Started Early, Took My Dog ended with a massive cliffhanger in 2010. Luckily the fifth appearance of this former policeman with a big heart doesn’t disappoint.

As always, the story is not Brodie-centric.

While he’s often at the eye of the storm, the novel features a familiar face or two as well as a full roster of new characters. At the forefront, we have the unfortunate Vince Ives, whose humdrum existence disintegrates in a spectacular way, and Crystal Holroyd, who’s made the perfect life for herself against all odds and now must fight to keep her daughter safe. Reggie Chase also makes a welcome appearance, as do Brodie’s familial responsibilities and entanglements.

The various storylines inevitably intertwine to create a weave that’s both tight in terms of plotting and expansive in its exploration of human nature.

Atkinson excels in couching unlikely turns of events in such a way that they become a signpost to the fickleness of fate, rather than a reminder of the authorial hand. Wry asides give us not only welcome moments of levity, but also the kind of interior thoughts that evoke sympathy even where it’s least deserved. The competing and complicated facets that make up a person are a central theme, embodied by the ever-empathetic and occasionally morally compromised Brodie. Join him in this tour de force of a detective novel; you’ll be glad you did. (Lynsey May) ■■Out Tue 18 Jun.

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

POETRY

Feebleminded (Translated by Annie McDermott and Carolina Orloff) (Charco Press) ●●●●●

Tiger (Quercus) ●●●●●

Noctuary (Bloodaxe Books) ●●●●●

ARIANA HARWICZ

Feebleminded follows Ariana Harwicz’s Die, My Love which was longlisted for the Man Booker International 2018. As part of what the author describes as an ‘involuntary trilogy’, there is certainly a similarity in the violence of the prose and extremity of emotion.

Feebleminded is the story of a mother and daughter drinking, laughing, fighting and courting the darkest kind of ruin.

Harwicz is already a big name in contemporary Argentinian literature and this is Feebleminded’s first outing in English translation. It’s a novel with no sugar-coating, where you’re immediately thrust into a stream of consciousness that is both slightly bewildering and undeniably powerful. Fittingly, for a book that interrogates unhealthy relationships and blurred boundaries, even the protagonist is hard to define: ‘Now I’m a mass of nocturnal birds. Now I’m an impossible horrible wonderful night. Now, a hollow avalanche.’

The book’s complex lyricism makes its sudden stabs of clarity all the more vicious and there’s a feeling of exhilaration in receiving these hard-won insights. Without a great focus on plot, readers will be left feeling that they, like the characters, are being driven towards an inevitable crescendo. If you’re looking for fiction that challenges and provokes, leaving you occasionally frustrated and slightly destabilised, Feebleminded is for you. (Lynsey May) ■■Out now.

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POLLY CLARK

If you read Polly Clark’s Helensburgh-set debut novel Larchfield and fell for her tale about a mother and WH Auden, then you might be surprised that her second offering focuses on a fierce predator. The story begins with a prologue located in the Russian taiga region in 1992, depicting a hunter who is taught a lesson about the forest’s natural order. This leads the novel to unfold in three individual parts, all unique in place and character but connected through the force of one tiger and the universal fight for survival.

Firstly there’s Freida, an ex-Bonobo researcher who’s been fired from her post for stealing morphine to help in the aftermath of a terrible assault. She finds herself at the unconventional Torbet Zoo, where keepers are encouraged to go in with the animals.

A Siberian tiger-breeding programme has been launched there and a one-eyed tigress named Luna rattles into Frieda’s life to change the course of her self-destructive path. We then switch to a Russian conservationist living with his father and colleagues in one of the world’s harshest environments. While working to preserve the wild tigers, he comes across a native family trying to survive in the natural world.

As the book comes full-circle and the separate worlds collide, the fundamental differences between humans and animals are reinforced. The level of detail and knowledge in the book is impressive and although the three tales don’t completely gel, this is a compelling and imaginative read. (Katharine Gemmell) ■■Out now.

NIALL CAMPBELL

Niall Campbell’s second poetry collection is at its best when turning small, intimate aspects of fatherhood into transcendental wonders, but loses its way when it drifts from this narrow focus.

This is not intended as a thorough exploration of parenthood’s ups and downs, more a poet’s realm of silent, snowy nights shared between father and son.

When it drifts, there are a few provocative pieces (‘Poacher’, for example, revels in rather than dissects ‘secondary violence’), and later in the collection the blurb on the back acts as a necessary guide. These detours feel insubstantial, with a few exceptions where Campbell is able to integrate them with his slices of fairytale fatherhood.

As a consequence the book meanders, noodling amid themes without bridging gaps.

While this approach produces undeniable beauty there are questions begged by the absences: what is Campbell’s thinking behind his partner being a peripheral, almost completely absent figure? Is the contrast between the selected truths of this collection and the rural, island landscapes the most effective one that could be made? Is the dream-like world concocted here, teetering on the verge of repetition then expanding into new forms, substantial or decorative? There’s skill and wonder here to be sure, but the dynamics of the collection feel skewed, dulling the overall potency of its crescendos. (Andrew Blair) ■■Out now.

BOOKS | HIGHLIGHTS

BOOKS HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST Category Is Books, Sun 9 Jun, categoryisbooks.com As part of the Southside Film Festival, Category Is hosts a screening of the 2018 film that was adapted from Emily M Danforth’s coming-of-age teen novel. It also includes a screening of short film My Loneliness Is Killing Me by Michael Richardson and Tim Courtney.

CAITLIN MORAN LIVE: HOW TO BE FAMOUS City Halls, Thu 18 Jul, glasgowconcerthalls.com The bestselling author and journalist hosts an evening of all things famous, feminist and funny in this live event produced by Penguin Live.

EDINBURGH GHOSTS WITH HELEN GRANT, RACHEL BURGE AND CLAIRE MCFALL Pleasance Courtyard, Sun 9 Jun, pleasance.co.uk Helen Grant, Rachel Burge and Claire McFall, all authors who write in the fantasy genre, talk about the ghost stories that inspired their work.

DEBI GLIORI: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM? Royal Botanic Garden, Sun 9 Jun, rbge.org.uk Author and illustrator Debi Gliori gives an informal talk on the landscapes and ecosystems of Scotland that stimulate her creative processes.

HITLIST

Borders Book Festival

BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL Harmony Garden, Melrose, Thu

84 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

GAVIN FRANCIS: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPES OF THE HUMAN BODY Royal Botanic Garden, Sun 9 Jun, rbge.org.uk Author and GP Gavin Frances presents an illustrated talk on exploring the landscapes of the body and how our bodies and minds can offer positive change.

THE RAPTURE: CULT, OBSESSION AND DREAMS WITH CLAIRE MCGLASSON Golden Hare Books, Wed 12 Jun, goldenharebooks.com The Edinburgh launch of Claire McGlasson’s debut novel The Rapture, which follows a woman during her life in a cult.

MOTHER COUNTRY HELEN MOORE Lighthouse Books, Wed 12 Jun, lighthousebookshop.com Helen Moore introduces her new poetry collection The Mother Country. It explores dispossession in a range of ways, including her own experience of being written out of her mother’s will.

ART OF THE STORYTELLER: AS I WALKED OUT ONE MIDSUMMER E’EN Scottish Storytelling Centre, Fri 21 Jun, scottishstorytellingcentre.com Donald Smith leads this inspiring tour from Edinburgh’s Storytelling Centre to Arthur’s Seat, which shows how storytelling takes us into the landscape and creates meaning.

AN EVENING WITH LOUISE CANDLISH & FIONA CUMMINS Waterstones West End, Thu 4 Jul, waterstones.co.uk Louise Candlish and Fiona Cummins chat about their respective novels that both explore the dark side of suburban living.

CAT HEPBURN: #GIRLHOOD Rose Theatre, Wed 31 Jul–Sun 25 Aug, rosetheatreedinburgh.com Spoken word artist and one half of Sonnet Youth, Cat Hepburn debuts the stage adaptation of her hit poetry book.

I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS BY MICHAEL MORPURGO Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 31 Jul–Mon 26 Aug, pleasance.co.uk Morpurgo’s much-loved story comes to life in an intimate show that is sure to thrill audiences both young and old.

CREATIVE WRITING WITH ES THOMSON Royal College of Physicians, Thu 15 Aug, rcpe.ac.uk Author ES Thomson hosts this three-hour creative writing workshop that lets participants use material from one of the oldest medical collections in the UK. POWER OF MUSIC St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Mon 19 Aug, Wed 21 Aug, Fri 23 Aug, stagw.org.uk Series of events with prominent cultural figures about the music that’s shaped them, hosted by Andrea Baker. Hear from novelist Louise Welsh (Mon 19 Aug), scientist and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer (Wed 21 Aug) and crime writer Val McDermid (Fri 23 Aug).

TUCK INTO POETRY – A LITE BITE OF CHEESE AND PUNS Surgeon’s Hall, Mon 19–Sat 24 Aug, thespaceuk.com Suzanne Tuck serves up poetry and laughs.

OUT OF TOWN THE ART OF READING 7Tower Foyer Gallery, Dundee, Sat 30 Mar–Sat 29 Jun, dundee.ac.uk Exhibition of works from the University of Dundee’s art and design collection, exploring the ways in which artists are inspired by or make use of books.

CHEERS TO WOMEN’S FICTION Templehall Library, Kirkcaldy, Wed 5 Jun, onfife.com Celebrate the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019 with readings from shortlisted books, a competition to win all of the books on the shortlist and some delicious drinks.

AN EVENING WITH MARKUS ZUSAK Topping & Company Booksellers, St

Andrea Baker

Andrews, Fri 7 Jun, toppingbooks. co.uk The author of the global phenomenon that is The Book Thief treats fans to an evening of storytelling and discussion on his new work Bridge of Clay.

BOOK LAUNCH: BARNHILL BY NORMAN BISSELL Waterstones, Oban, Thu 18 Jul, waterstones.co.uk Norman Bissell celebrates the launch of his new novel Barnhill that is based on George Orwell’s time on Jura — where he created his dystopian masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four.

AN EVENING WITH TESSA HADLEY Topping & Company Booksellers, St Andrews, Thu 15 Aug, toppingbooks.co.uk The celebrated novelist gives insight to her latest piece of fiction Late In the Day, looking at the tangled relationships of a group of friends.

ISLAY BOOK FESTIVAL Various venues, Isle of Islay, Thu 29 Aug–Sun 1 Sep, islaybookfestival. co.uk An intimate and friendly festival on the popular whisky isle that caters to Scotland’s love of crime thrillers as well as introducing quirky and challenging books in a programme with something for all ages.

13–Sun 16 Jun, bordersbookfestival.org The Borders Book Festival attracts world-class literary figures. The line-up features David Coulthard, Kate Humble, Susan Calman, Kirsty Wark and more.

Hall, Sat 29 Jun, glasgowcomiccon.com Glasgow Comic Con is a highly popular annual event and will once again host a wide range of established and up-andcoming creators from all across the globe.

SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR WRITING Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, Sun 7–Tue 9 Jul, cymerafestival. co.uk New genre fiction festival. See preview, page 82.

GLASGOW COMIC CON Glasgow Royal Concert

CYMERA: SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL OF

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh, Sat 10–Mon 26 Aug, edbookfest.co.uk The world’s largest public celebration of the written word. As well as leading Scottish and international authors, the varied programme also covers poets, politicians, historians, journalists and children’s authors.

COMEDY FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /COMEDY

JAMES ACASTER Singular talent with a new two-part stand-up treat

PHOTO: EDWARD MOORE

A comedian who shall remain nameless once opined in casual conversation that the worse a human being James Acaster got, the better a comedian he became. If that is close to the truth, then the Kettering man must be absolutely intolerable right now. Not quite literally on fire but still revving up those standup engines to the max, the heat he’s currently producing onstage is in direct opposition to the temperature within the layered pasta dish that his current show is named after.

Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 is a break from the norm for his standup titles, having ditched the monomoniker trend of Lawnmower, Prompt, Recognise, Represent, Reset and Recap (the last four being bundled together for his Netflix series Repertoire). This new show is split into sections, with the ‘1999’ part focusing on a glorious year in his life featuring an idyllic continental family holiday running alongside the early stages of mainstream internet usage, while the second half deals

with 2017, a professional and personal bummer of a 12-month spell.

But fear not for too much doomgloomery, as the five-time nominee of the Edinburgh Comedy Award might dabble in the deep and serious but ultimately revels in playing with an audience’s emotions and expectations. O2 crowds are set to witness another triumph from a unique talent. (Brian Donaldson) ■ O2 Academy, Glasgow, Sat 20 Jul, Sun 29 Sep.

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COMEDY | PREVIEWS STAND-UP

GARY MEIKLE

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Sat 13 Jul; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 2 Aug After five years of stand-up, Gary Meikle turned professional last summer and attracted strong reviews for his Edinburgh Fringe debut. Yet the Glaswegian wasn’t happy with the level of exposure it brought him. Nine days later, he posted his now infamous rant about his daughter’s eyebrows on Facebook, which went viral, changing his life overnight. Since then, he’s attracted more than 125 million views for his videos on the social media platform, rejected appearing on Britain’s Got Talent and Judge Rinder, and become an international act, with tours of Europe, North America and Australia booked for the next 12 months.

‘Social media is changing everything,’ he acknowledges. ‘I genuinely think it’s a big part of my success so far because I am so interactive with my audience and really give them an insight into my life.’ Mixing his introductory hour about being a 41-year-old grandfather and sharing his home with daughter Ainslie and granddaughter Gracie, alongside new material, The iBrow Guy attributes his relative ease with his burgeoning fame to a tough upbringing in the care system.

Nevertheless, after recently signing his first boob, he admits to being surprised by the deluge of eyebrow photos sent to him by female fans.

‘I’m bombarded with emails from women all over the world,’ he marvels. ‘And it’s just pictures of their forehead most of the time, from the nose up, leaving out the rest of their face, asking “Gary, do you like my eyebrows?”’ Some go further though. At gigs, ‘a lot of women are cupping my arse,’ he admits. ‘I’ve had two women try to cup my balls. Another tried to put her hand up my top three times! It’s a shame because I love doing the meet’n’greets afterwards. They’ve given me their money and got babysitters, the least I can do is hang around for a picture. There’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed though. But quite often, it is!’ (Jay Richardson)

LOCAL LAUGHS LIAM FARRELLY

ANOTHER UP-AND-COMER HAS A GO AT OUR Q&A Do you have any pre-show rituals you can tell us about?

I’m not superstitious, so not really.

But what I usually do before I go on is watch the compere talk to the audience, as it helps to get an idea of the type of people in the crowd and what stuff they laugh at.

How do you handle hecklers?

If they’re properly steaming and you engage too much with them the whole thing just sounds like an argument up the back of a night bus, so it’s good to hit them with one put-down and not give them a chance to respond.

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

I don’t think there should be a line; I believe that every comedian has the right to say whatever they want when they’re on stage. But equally the audience have the right not to laugh at something they find offensive.

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What’s the one thing you remember about your very first stand-up gig?

One of the main things I remember about my first gig was that I had to leave it early. I was still in high school at the time and the gig was on a Tuesday. My mum would have been raging if I’d come home after midnight on a school night so I never got to see the headliners. As I was leaving a guy asked me if I had work in the morning and I had to say ‘no mate, I’ve got National 4 Lifeskills Maths in the morning’. It was pretty surreal going back to class where I was being taught the names of 3D shapes when I had been performing for over a hundred people the night before.

■ Liam Farrelly is part of the bill at The Stand, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 6 Jul. See much more of this q&a at list. co.uk/comedy

PREVIEWS | COMEDY

list.co.uk/comedy FESTIVAL

REWIND

Scone Palace, Perth, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul A bastion of heritage culture, Rewind has ostensibly been a nostalgic walk in the park (or stroll around castle grounds) for those able to conjure up memories from the 80s and early 90s UK charts. A strong music line-up remains the festival’s main thrust with the likes of Hazel O’Connor, Bryan Ferry, Foreigner, The Stranglers, Toyah, The Primitives and Midge Ure helping to keep ye ancient songs burning in the heart. A comedy line-up is an intriguing element to such a festival.

While the likes of Phill Jupitus, Fred MacAulay and Jimeoin are long in the tooth enough to have forgotten the material they were performing way back when, it’s unlikely they’ll take a leaf out of the musos’ books and dip into their back catalogues in quite the same way.

Emmanuel Sonubi and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd represent change and freshness at Rewind, with the former numbering Russell Kane as a fan (‘a new talent at the door of stand-up, his name’s down and he’s definitely coming in’ quoteth the energetic Essex one). As a fatherof-two and a former bouncer, Sonubi should have a way with hecklers, but it’s probably best to just not bother shouting at him. Glasgow’s Macarthur-Boyd looks set to be the next big Scottish thing in stand-up, having ploughed away for a number of years on the circuit, and recently being snapped up by powerhouse comedy agency Off the Kerb. (Brian Donaldson) MY COMEDY HERO

ELEANOR CONWAY

The Stand, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun; The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 9 Jun At school, we’d eagerly await a new episode of The Mary Whitehouse Experience and the morning after would run up to each other shouting ‘milky milky’: it still makes me laugh now.

The only reason I now don’t do it as an adult is that no one would get the reference and I’d just be a random lady shouting about dairy products to strangers. That show was famous for its catchphrases and the thought of pointing at an object and saying slyly to another person ‘see that? That’s you that is’, still makes me snort. The 90s were a fine time for silly, extreme comedy in a way that you couldn't do now. Watching grown men smash the shit out of each other on Bottom was inherently funny to me, and I often wondered how it was allowed on TV. Absolutely Fabulous was also pivotal for me; it was the first time I’d really seen women behaving badly and being celebrated for it. Personally, I’m pretty sure I embodied some of Patsy through my early adulthood. I sit in the space of women behaving badly and not being ashamed of it. I think often, as women, we are only encouraged to be a ‘little bit’ naughty, in a coquettish way, but Patsy slathered the bad behaviour on and we loved her for it. That, for sure, has definitely stayed with me, especially while writing Walk of Shame: Reality Bites, a show about sober, sexual boundaries and how I don’t have any. (As told to Brian Donaldson)

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COMEDY | HIGHLIGHTS

COMEDY HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW

theatre Adam Kay shares entries from his diaries as a junior doctor in this hour of stand-up and music. Also Edinburgh Playhouse, Sun 18 & Mon 19 Aug, atgtickets.com/venues/ edinburgh-playhouse.

STEWART FRANCIS: INTO THE PUNSET Pavilion Theatre, Sat 1 Jun, paviliontheatre.co.uk Surreal and deadpan one-liners from the Canadian stand-up and TV regular, as seen on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.

ROB AUTON: THE TALK SHOW The Stand, Sat 6 Jul, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow Comedy about talking by writer and performer Rob Auton, following on from his shows about hair, sleep, water, faces, the sky, and the colour yellow.

ADAM KAY: THIS IS GOING TO HURT (SECRET DIARIES OF A JUNIOR DOCTOR) King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon 24 Jun, atgtickets.com/venues/kings-

SCOTT GIBSON: ANYWHERE BUT HERE Eastwood Park Theatre, Sat 20 Jul, eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Gibson takes you on an epic odyssey

that charts the choppy waters of youth. Also Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh, Thu 1–Tue 27 Aug, gildedballoon.co.uk TONY LAW IDENTIFIES The Stand, Sat 29 Jun, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow Surreal comedy from the inimitable Canadian.

EDINBURGH ELEANOR CONWAY: WALK OF SHAME 2 The Stand, Sat 8 Jun, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Edinburgh Sequel to Conway’s Walk of Shame which follows what happens when you stop chasing the ‘perfect’ version of yourself. See My Comedy Hero, page 87.

Jay Lafferty

Also The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 9 Jun, thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow LARRY DEAN: WORK IN PROGRESS The Stand, Wed 12 Jun, Sun 14 Jul, thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Edinburgh Work in progress from the Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 17 Jun, Mon 15 Jul, thestand.co.uk/whats-on/ Glasgow TOM LUCY: RELUCTANT MILLENNIAL The Stand, Sun 16 Jun, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Edinburgh Millennial angst from the young comedian. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Mon 17 Jun, thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow GARY DELANEY: GAGSTER’S PARADISE The Stand, Tue 25 Jun, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Edinburgh Puntabulous comedy from Mock the Week regular. Also The Stand, Glasgow, Wed 26 Jun, thestand. co.uk/whats-on/Glasgow BESOMS: COMEDY AND CABARET Gilded Balloon Basement, Thu 27 Jun, gildedballoon.co.uk A monthly evening of comedy featuring underrepresented groups, hosted by Jay Lafferty.

GARY MEIKLE: THE IBROW GUY Assembly Rooms, Sat 13 Jul, assemblyfestival.com Gary Meikle talks about eyebrows etiquette, frisky female fans, logic and laws. See preview, page 86. Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 2 Aug, glasgowconcerthalls.com DANIEL SLOSS: X Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 15–Sun 18 Aug, atgtickets.com/venues/ edinburgh-playhouse The Fife comic and recipient of the 2016 Sydney Comedy Festival ‘Best of the Fest’ International Award, presents his latest show in a venue he could only have dreamed about playing a decade ago.

PHOTO: IDIL SUKAN

HITLIST

ADAM RICHES The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 2 Jun, www. thestand.co.uk/whatson/Glasgow Character larks from the Edinburgh Comedy Award winner.

88 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

RHOD GILBERT: THE BOOK OF JOHN King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sun 23 Jun, atgtickets.com/venues/ kings-theatre Gilbert returns after a six-year hiatus to discuss his life since. Also Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Mon 24 Jun, alhambradunfermline. com

REWIND SCOTLAND Scone Palace, Perth, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul, scotland.rewindfestival. com The heritage music festival features a host of comedy performances this year, from the likes of Phill Jupitus, Jimeoin, Emmanuel Sonubi, Fred MacAulay and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd. See preview, page 87.

JAMES ACASTER: COLD LASAGNE HATE MYSELF 1999 O2 Academy, Glasgow, Sat 20 Jul, academymusicgroup. com/ o2academyglasgow New show from the comedian who named it after a time he tried, and enjoyed, cold lasagne.

See preview, page 85.

NICK OFFERMAN: ALL RISE Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 24 Aug, assemblyfestival.com The beloved Parks and Recreation actor tours the UK with his new show.

See First & Last, page 128. Also O2 Academy, Glasgow, Wed 28 Aug, academymusicgroup. com/o2academyglasgow

FILM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /FILM

THE DEAD DON’T DIE Deadpan love letter to the zombie genre from director Jim Jarmusch Jim Jarmusch addresses the state of the American nation and global ecological catastrophe in this deadpan zombie movie that goes straight for the jugular by placing Steve Buscemi’s racist farmer in a MAGA-style cap that simply states ‘Keep America White Again’.

Jarmusch puts his own unique stamp on the living dead by making the humans criminally dumb and apathetic, and the zombies thirsty for coffee, wifi and candy. It’s also a love letter

to the late horror legend George A Romero, with direct nods galore.

Amassing a cast of stellar collaborators such as Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Adam Driver, RZA and Tom Waits, Jarmusch leads the viewer through small-town America with a host of typically idiosyncratic characters.

Swinton, as a Scottish samurai sword-wielding mortician, works her usual magic, and Caleb Landry Jones serves up the goods as a horror

geek / gas attendant.

It’s the visual gags, such as Driver’s cop dramatically swerving up to a gory crime scene in a tiny Smart car, that keep the blood pumping, while Jarmusch bites down hard on capitalism, consumerism and race relations in a film that’s akin to Joe Dante’s Matinee in its satire of wilfully destructive human behaviour.

(Katherine McLaughlin) ■ General release from Fri 12 Jul ●●●●●

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 89

FILM | REVIEWS COMEDY

BOOKSMART

(15) 102min ●●●●● Geek girls get a well-deserved blowout in the fabulous first feature from actor-turned-director Olivia Wilde. The teen party movie has been done to death but Booksmart boasts a fresh message and centres on characters who have traditionally been sidelined.

Ballsy in its comedic and visual verve, Wilde’s debut pops all over the shop as it combines bags of bad attitude with savvy to spare.

Hell-bent on becoming a Supreme Court justice, the aggressively self-possessed Molly (Beanie Feldstein) has made school her sole focus. When she discovers that several of her peers have managed to secure spots at Ivy League establishments without living like monks, she becomes psychotically jealous. And so, Molly and her similarly studious best friend Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) set out to fit four years of fun into a single all-nighter.

Feldstein (the supporting star of Lady Bird and sister of Jonah Hill) steps up to leading lady status with in-your-face aplomb in a strikingly confident comic turn, complemented by Wilde’s zesty direction, some killer put-downs and a swaggering hip hop soundtrack.

Not judging a book by its cover has rarely been applied so broadly, in a film where no one is what they at first seem. Our protagonists’ predicament may be a platform for the usual hedonistic hilarity but it rings true in a society where pressure to succeed is triggering a mental health crisis among the young.

Wonderfully played by a universally on-point ensemble, it’s rare to see this many believably drawn and diverse teenage characters.

There are superficial shades of The Breakfast Club in the subversion of stereotypes but such comparisons ultimately feel redundant in an effervescent and edgy film that’s thoroughly in tune with our time. (Emma Simmonds) ■■Out now.

COMEDY DRAMA

DRAMA

DRAMA

(TBC) 112min ●●●●●

(15) 102min ●●●●●

(TBC) 104min ●●●●●

YESTERDAY

Yesterday represents a long-overdue fusion of creative minds: Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis.

The once-edgy Trainspotting director meets the cosy Notting Hill screenwriter for a story about the Beatles (or the absence of them); it feels like a match made in British film industry heaven.

The conceit is vaguely sci-fi. When the world suffers a brief electrical outage, aspiring singersongwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is knocked unconscious. On waking, he discovers that nobody has any idea who the Beatles are.

Realising this gift-horse, Jack swiftly writes down all the Fab Four lyrics he can remember. With a little help from the lovely Ellie (Lily James), Jack manages to get some tracks down, which fall into the hands of Ed Sheeran (playing himself, to good comic effect). When Jack heads to LA to hook up with Kate McKinnon’s merciless agent, the film stumbles.

If former EastEnders star Patel sings well, he’s a touch morose. Joel Fry adds pep as Jack’s roadie and it’s hard not to warm to a film filled with so many Beatles tracks. But it never quite convinces as a classic Curtis rom-com and lacks the euphoria of Boyle’s best work. (James Mottram) ■■General release from Fri 28 Jun. 90 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

GLORIA BELL

As played by Julianne Moore, Gloria Bell is a lovelorn independent woman in her 50s, something that few films deem worth portraying. Reworking his 2013 Chilean drama, Sebastián Lelio’s latest deviates from the norm by being sensitive to Gloria’s highs and lows, even if those around her are not.

Long divorced with grown-up children, Gloria has summoned enough faltering self-confidence to seek out new romance in the LA nightlife scene.

She begins a stuttering relationship with Arnold (John Turturro), who’s struggling with his family responsibilities now that he’s out of the marital home.

After Arnold lets Gloria down in a painfully public way, she’s left with a choice: get him to shape up or risk ending up alone.

Lelio has an ideal lead in Moore, using a dowdy pastel wardrobe, oversized glasses and a series of lank hairdos to cement Gloria as a three-dimensional character. A regrettable weakness is the use of on-the-nose pop music to reflect its protagonist’s state-of-mind. However, such quibbles are banished by the rousing conclusion, while Moore gives one of her most sympathetic performances, ringing true as a mature, gutsy woman who won’t let her age, or the failings of men, define her. (Eddie Harrison) ■■Selected release from Thu 6 Jun.

DIRTY GOD

A young woman is scarred by an acid attack in this London-set drama from Sacha Polak. The Dutch director has cast an actress with real facial scarring: newcomer Vicky Knight, who was burned in a fire as a child. Knight puts in a sensitive, understated performance as Jade, a mother and party girl who struggles to settle back into either role after her appearance is drastically altered – never mind the trauma of having been disfigured by her boyfriend.

In the tradition of social realist films like Fish Tank, it’s light on exposition and heavy on naturalistic dialogue, presenting a riveting portrait of the life of a working-class woman experiencing a radical change. But there’s something even bolder about this film: Jade isn’t defined by her situation and it’s unusual and empowering to see her having online sex with strangers. This is tinged with sadness, though: dim lighting and distance is the only way she feels comfortable.

Dirty God isn’t an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding one that marks Knight and Polak out as exceptional talents and challenges preconceptions about attractiveness in a thought-provoking way. It’s the movie we need in 2019. More, please. (Anna Smith) ■■Selected release from Fri 7 Jun.

REVIEWS | FILM

list.co.uk/film

HORROR

DOCUMENTARY

COMEDY

(TBC) 118min ●●●●●

(TBC) 130min ●●●●●

(15) 102min ●●●●●

IN FABRIC

Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio) is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. His ethereal, giallo-esque approach makes for unique cinematic expression but this elusive style fails to mask the limitations of In Fabric’s narrative.

As ever, the idea is intriguing. A stunning red dress, purchased from a bizarre department store, endangers those who wear it. The first, single mother Sheila (a brilliant Marianne Jean-Baptiste), wears it on a couple of dates and seems to find love. And, later, washing machine repair man Reg (Leo Bill) and his fiancée Babs (Hayley Squires) find the dress adds an incendiary spark to their humdrum existence.

There’s an interesting duplicity at play, with the otherworldliness of the store contrasting sharply with the mundane lives of the dress owners. There is also well-observed commentary about the cult of consumerism and an appealing thread of off-kilter humour that runs throughout. Augmented by some truly lush cinematography from Ari Wegner, In Fabric is, like the central garment itself, masterfully crafted and undeniably gorgeous. Yet, despite its beauty and the brilliance of individual moments, it never coalesces into a satisfying whole. (Nikki Baughan) ■■Selected release from Fri 28 Jun.

DIEGO MARADONA

LATE NIGHT

After Senna and Amy, British director Asif Kapadia completes his unofficial trilogy with another documentary portrait of a fallen idol: peerless footballer Diego Armando Maradona. Focusing primarily on his eight years in Italy, when he propelled struggling Napoli to two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup win, Kapadia’s film is in the same style as his earlier works, as new, audio-only interviews are cut to archive footage.

The big difference is that, unlike singer Amy Winehouse and racing driver Ayrton Senna, Maradona is still alive. Kapadia does get time with his subject, who goes on the record about his party lifestyle that came to the fore in Naples, when he became heavily addicted to cocaine under the watchful eye of mobsters, the Camorra. But Kapadia gives equal room to the sporting highs, like spearheading his native Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, including that quarter-final win against England.

If the film isn’t as moving or compelling as Amy or Senna, it’s perhaps because Maradona’s third act has yet to be played out. But, by reserving some focus for his illegitimate son, Kapadia finds enough emotional heft to ensure this isn’t just a celebration of Diego’s greatest goals. (James Mottram) ■■General release from Fri 14 Jun.

Comedian Mindy Kaling brings her piquant perspective to a tale of an outsider entering a hostile workplace. Taking on an industry she knows all too well – TV comedy – the writer-star frames her observations within a peppy narrative, in a film that plays like Working Girl meets 30 Rock.

Directed by Nisha Ganatra, it’s the story of seasoned talk show host Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson, in her best role for years). She’s an Englishwoman taken to America’s bosom, but whose shtick has grown stale. Scripted by men, her own acerbic personality is hidden. However, when her job is threatened, Katherine is forced to make some changes; joining her writing staff is Kaling’s Molly, an inexperienced woman of colour, whose last job was in quality control at a chemical plant.

Thompson snarls and snarks her way through well-crafted putdowns, while Kaling’s irresistible sweetness adds a spring to the story’s step; their salt-and-sugar dynamic is the film’s trump card. Late Night clocks the need for co-operation in its battle-ofthe-sexes narrative, without compromising its ideals.

Looking beyond the obvious bad guys, its intrinsic good nature suggests a way past society’s current stalemate. (Emma Simmonds) ■■General release from Fri 7 Jun.

DRAMA

NEVER LOOK AWAY (TBC) 189min ●●●●●

If the prospect of a three-hour film isn’t immediately enticing, remember writer-director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s debut was 2006’s Oscar-winning The Lives of Others. If you are in the camp that thought that among the best films of its decade, you will have no problem being drawn into this engrossing drama with a wonderful cast and Oscar-nominated cinematography by American veteran Caleb Deschanel.

The story spans 30 years in 20th century Germany: from Nazism to the Communist GDR and a flight to freedom in the west. As seen through the eyes of artist Kurt Barnert (Tom Schilling), it’s a chronicle of love, loss, betrayal, politics and art. In 1937, young Kurt is taken by his beautiful, fragile aunt Elisabeth (Saskia Rosendahl) to a now infamous Nazi exhibition of degenerate art, in which modern works by Picasso, Klee and Kandinsky were reviled as illustrations of mental illness and crimes against culture. ‘Don’t tell anyone, but I like them,’ Elisabeth whispers. Soon after, she has a breakdown and is incarcerated in a ‘clinic’, where a diabolical SS doctor (a chilling Sebastian Koch) decides whether patients are treated, sterilised or killed.

We follow the fates of Elisabeth and Kurt’s family and watch his love affair with Ellie (Paula Beer) unfold, which all feed into the encompassing theme of art and personal expression versus ideology, with individuality extinguished by those who would control what is seen and thought. Kurt becomes successful painting murals of heroic workers but he restlessly searches for his real path and voice. There are stunning sequences – awful, rapturous, illuminating – while pieces of the fractured past finally connect in a thrilling climax. (Angie Errigo) ■■Selected release from Fri 5 Jul. 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 91

FILM | REVIEWS

HORROR

KNIFE+HEART

(18) 102min ●●●●●

COMEDY DRAMA

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (TBC) 159min ●●●●●

Cinema is the ultimate purveyor of dreams for Quentin Tarantino. It has allowed him to recreate lost times, recalibrate familiar genres and even rewrite history in the case of Inglourious Basterds. The very title of his latest epic has a suggestion of grandeur and the promise of a fairytale.

This baggy opus immerses us in the Hollywood of 1969. It is a Twilight of the Gods moment in the city of dreams and actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) already fears he is becoming a has-been. The star of television hit ‘Bounty Law’ has seen his career dwindle to guest spots in episodic dramas. Studio bigwig Marvin Schwarzs (Al Pacino) thinks his best career option is making spaghetti westerns in Italian. Dalton has the abiding friendship of his stuntman, driver and gofer Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) and Tarantino imagines their world with an almost fetishistic attention to detail.

Dalton happens to be the Hollywood neighbour of rising star Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her husband Roman Polanski. The film gradually intertwines their lives as it moves inexorably towards the violence unleashed by Charles Manson and his followers.

Tarantino’s period mosaic is a compelling, provocative but, frankly, uneven affair.

He devotes surprisingly little time to the sweet, sunny Tate and too much time to the production of a television western featuring Dalton. There are scenes that crackle with tension, a darkly charismatic performance from the seemingly ageless Pitt and moments of black comedy and savage, sustained violence. Even with all his impeccable craft and cinematic flair, there is nevertheless a niggling sense of reservation that this time Tarantino may have bitten off more than he was able to chew. (Allan Hunter) ■■General release from Wed 14 Aug.

A camp, colourful slasher set in the gay porn industry of late 1970s Paris, Knife+Heart is almost as fun to describe as it is to watch. In this Gallic ode to the giallo genre from Yann Gonzalez, blue movie producer Anne (Vanessa Paradis) investigates the mysterious man brutally killing her actors, while reeling from a break-up with long-term girlfriend and editor Loïs (Kate Moran). An arresting sight in her tricolore wardrobe of atomic blonde hair, red boots, and electric blue eyeshadow, Anne is determined to impress Loïs creatively, using the investigation as inspiration for her new film, 'Homocidal'.

Although the early murders set a dark tone, there’s a persistent playfulness and the film features a strikingly tender, jubilant portrayal of the queer community. With the spectre of death haunting them, and the authorities unmotivated to help, it’s not hard to find parallels with the AIDS crisis to come. If the narrative falters in the third act, the biggest misstep is tonal – a character’s attempted rape muddies what is otherwise a melancholic yet love-filled relationship. While the film quickly moves on, it won’t be so easy for some viewers to ignore.

(Sophie Willard) ■■Available to stream on MUBI and on limited release from Fri 5 Jul.

DRAMA

OUR TIME

(TBC) 173min ●●●●● ROMANTIC DRAMA

ONLY YOU

(15) 118min ●●●●● Raw and, for some, devastatingly relatable, Only You is an in-depth look at a lesser-seen consequence of falling in love, as it focuses on the agony of infertility. It’s the assured debut of Harry Wootliff, a BAFTA nominee for his 2004 short Nits.

Elena and Jake (Laia Costa and Josh O’Connor) are strangers when they share a cab one New Year’s Eve in Glasgow. It’s a classic meet-cute; he’s sober having DJed that night, she’s wasted, vomits, and impulsively invites him back to hers. They quickly fall into something more long-term but the signs are somewhat ominous.

Cinema has done little to aid understanding of those who undergo fertility treatment. Only You doesn’t feel overly maudlin but it is a picture of when the initial spark makes way for reality – it’s a fight for Elena and Jake not to buckle under the strain.

The film is most notable for its deeply affecting performances. God’s Own Country’s O’Connor again delivers a low-key turn full of endearing inflections, but Costa makes you feel every single blow.

With camerawork that’s both sensitive and searching, it’s an ostensibly modest but heartbreakingly real drama that dares to speak uncomfortable, shrewdly discerned truths. (Emma Simmonds) ■■General release from Fri 12 Jul. 92 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

From Woody Allen to Atom Egoyan, filmmakers have occasionally taken the step of casting themselves opposite their off-screen partners. The results have rarely been as intriguing as Carlos Reygadas’ Our Time. Starring with real-life wife Natalia López – an editor who worked with Reygadas on Silent Light and Post Tenebras Lux – the Mexican director takes a deep dive into marital discord and jealousy over three leisurely hours.

Reygadas plays Juan, a poet living with his wife Esther (López), who runs a bull ranch. Working with them is Phil (Phil Burgers), an American horse-breaker who is having an affair with Esther. Rather than cause a fissure in their relationship, Juan encourages his wife. Later, he even prods her towards rekindling passions with a former flame.

Some will consider it indulgent, others will believe Reygadas is simply playing out his marriage on screen. Whatever the intention, there can be no denying the poetic qualities of the film. From aerial shots of Mexico City as a plane comes in to land, to the sight of bulls rutting in unusually frosty weather, Our Time has a haunting beauty to it, as it confronts us with the painful, searing truth about the quixotic nature of mankind.

(James Mottram) ■■Selected release from Fri 12 Jul.

REVIEWS | FILM

list.co.uk/film

ROMANTIC DRAMA

DRAMA

DOCUMENTARY

(TBC) 108min ●●●●●

(12A) 102min ●●●●●

(TBC) 95min ●●●●●

TELL IT TO THE BEES Love is the great healer in this elegantly crafted, quietly touching adaptation of Fiona Shaw's novel.

The Scotland of 1952 provides a suitably dreich, oppressive setting for a tale in which narrow minds are prised open, prejudices are defied, and young and old alike seem to learn valuable lessons and grow.

The story unfolds through the innocent eyes of schoolboy Charlie, played by scene-stealing screen natural Gregor Selkirk. Charlie’s English mother Lydia (Holliday Grainger) is a stranded outsider in a tight-knit Scottish community. Abandoned by her philandering husband (Emun Elliott), she struggles to pay the rent and put food on the table. A chance encounter with local doctor and beekeeper Jean (Anna Paquin) is the start of a friendship that blossoms into a scandalous romance.

Tell It to the Bees may be a little too cautious and restrained in places but there is a tender, convincing chemistry between the two leads that helps to carry the story. The consequences of closed minds and blind prejudices add some grit to a mild-mannered but persuasive tale that marks a welcome return to filmmaking for Annabel Jankel, directing her first cinema feature since Super Mario Bros back in 1993. (Allan Hunter) ■■General release from Fri 26 Jul.

TRANSIT

HAIL SATAN?

With Nazi troops entering Paris, German refugee Georg (charismatic, Joaquin Phoenix-alike Franz Rogowski) flees for Marseille. He’s in possession of transit papers belonging to a writer, Weidel, who has just committed suicide. Since only those who can prove they’re able to leave are allowed into the port town, Georg assumes Weidel’s identity. While awaiting his passage, Georg meets the mysterious Marie (Paula Beer) and falls in love. The problem is, she’s Weidel’s wife.

If the premise for Anna Seghers’ 1942 novel isn’t intriguing enough, German director Christian Petzold lends it considerable resonance by setting the action in the present day and stripping away most of the WWII context. The result is an unusual drama, out of time, capturing the terrible limbo in which refugees find themselves, whatever the conflicts that created them. One of today’s most coolly cerebral directors, Petzold’s films feature characters wrestling with identity amid reunification (Yella), the Cold War (Barbara) and global conflict (Phoenix). While he doesn’t fully exploit the love story’s emotional possibilities – this is more Kafka than Casablanca – it’s another elegantly shot and thought-provoking experience. (Demetrios Matheou) ■■Selected release from Fri 16 Aug.

It might sound scary but, with a rising membership and a mission ‘to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people’, The Satanic Temple – founded by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry in 2013 – is certainly worthy of examination. In this documentary, director Penny Lane (Nuts!) introduces us to a diverse bunch of members from different chapters across the US and UK, who have found a welcoming home in Satan’s arms.

As they rebel against state corruption and call out religious hypocrisy, the Temple’s early tactics amount to media stunts, conducted with a knowing smirk on their faces. But it’s difficult to argue with their stance as they take a stand against the Westboro Baptist Church, infamous for its use of hate speech.

Lane’s reaction as she interviews Greaves is one of delighted fascination. She spends time with Detroit chapter head Jex Blackmore, who, exasperated at Trump’s America, begins to diverge from the group’s peaceful message. The filmmaker follows Blackmore’s story to its unfortunate conclusion and, in doing so, displays an aptitude for rigorous investigation. Despite dabbling in dark material, Hail Satan? provides a humorous beacon of hope in our troubled times. (Katherine McLaughlin) ■■Selected release from Fri 23 Aug.

DRAMA

PAIN AND GLORY (15) 113min ●●●●●

A reclusive film director reflects on the moments that made him in the latest from movie maestro Pedro Almodóvar. Although unmistakable in its autobiographic elements and visual vibrancy, Pain and Glory finds the flamboyant filmmaker in subdued, melancholic form, as his alter-ego plunders his past to reinvigorate his present.

When his 32-year-old movie ‘Sabor’ is treated to a restoration in a nod to its now-classic status, retired director Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas) returns to the limelight. Suffering from various maladies and reluctant to re-enter the filmmaking fray, it becomes all about his mother (Penélope Cruz’s indomitable matriarch Jacinta), as his daydreams take him back to her. Meanwhile, in the present day, he’s reunited with his actor nemesis Federico (Leonardo Sbaraglia) and ex Alberto (Asier Etxeandia).

Although it threatens to unleash quintessential Almodóvar qualities like farce, melodrama and passion, Pain and Glory tends to stop short, while the suspenseful score suggests Hitchcockian intrigue that the narrative fails to deliver on. The various reunions and discoveries are beautifully played, but such scenes never flower into raw, palpable emotion – its protagonist’s despondency dictating the film’s slightly standoffish tone.

Nevertheless, Almodóvar’s sense of cinema remains undiminished. Working with regular cinematographer José Luis Alcaine, they flood the screen with colour in the shape of clashing prints, courageous fashion choices and an enviable, art-filled interior that acts as Salvador’s sanctuary. And, while hardly the director’s most emotionally honest work, it’s a story that speaks compellingly, if a touch reticently, about the patchwork nature of our lives. (Emma Simmonds) ■■General release from Fri 23 Aug 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 93

FILM | HIGHLIGHTS

FILM HIGHLIGHTS Films are listed by release date.

Submit listings for your event at list.co.uk/add GLORIA BELL A woman in her 50s searches for love in LA dance clubs. See review, page 90. Out Thu 6 Jun. DIRTY GOD After being the victim of an acid attack, a young mother has to embark on a journey to rebuild her life. See review, page 90. Out Fri 7 Jun. LATE NIGHT A veteran late-night talk-show host who is accused of being a ‘woman hater’ hires a young woman for her all-male writing team, who might just be what she needs to save her career.

See review, page 91. Out Fri 7 Jun. DIEGO MARADONA Fly-on-the-wall documentary charting the life of infamous footballer Diego Maradona, compiled from more than 500 hours of footage. See review, page 91. Out Fri 14 Jun. MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL A spin-off of the successful Men in Black film series. Out Fri 14 Jun. SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER Detective drama about a man trying to reconnect with his missing son. Out Fri 14 Jun. WE THE ANIMALS A family portrait that explores sexuality and violence. Out Fri 14 Jun. THE CAPTOR Comedy drama based on the hostage crisis that begat the term ‘Stockholm Syndrome’. Out Fri 21 Jun. CHILD’S PLAY Remake and reboot of the notorious 1988 horror. Out Fri 21 Jun. ANNABELLE COMES HOME Part three in the saga of the demonic doll. Out Fri 28 Jun. APOLLO 11 Documentary marking the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with never-before-seen footage and newly discovered audio recordings. Out Fri 28 Jun. IN FABRIC A lonely 50-something single mother buys a 70s vintage dress which turns out to be mysteriously cursed. See review, page 91. Out Fri 28 Jun. SUPPORT THE GIRLS The general manager of a Hooters-like sports bar has her optimism and faith 94 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

The New Mutants

shaken by events taking place in one long day. Out Fri 28 Jun. YESTERDAY After a worldwide power outage, a struggling musician wakes up to discover that no one has ever heard of the Beatles. When he starts to play the band’s songs, he soon becomes a pop sensation. See review, page 90. Out Fri 28 Jun. KNIFE + HEART Anne produces cheap gay porn, but when her editor, Loïs, leaves her, she attempts to get her back by producing a better quality flick. See review, page 92. Out Fri 5 Jul.

THE QUEEN’S CORGI Animated adventure following the escapades of one of the Queen’s faithful hounds. Out Fri 5 Jul.

STUBER Odd-couple comedy about a detective and an Uber driver. Out Fri 12 Jul.

VITA AND VIRGINIA The love story of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Out Fri 5 Jul.

THE LION KING Live action remake of the beloved Disney animation. Out Fri 19 Jul.

THE BRINK Chronicle of former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon’s quest to spread extreme nationalism. Out Fri 12 Jul.

VARDA BY AGNÈS Autobiographical work from the late artist Agnès Varda. Out Fri 19 Jul.

ONLY YOU Romantic drama about two people who meet arguing over a taxi. See review, page 92. Out Fri 12 Jul.

THE CURRENT WAR Dramatic retelling of the race between Edison and Westinghouse to harness the power of electricity.

Out Fri 26 Jul.

HIGHLIGHTS | FILM

HITLIST

BRIGHTBURN An alien child crashes to earth. But he’s no Superman. A dark twist on the classic superhero Events are listed by city, then date.

Out Wedat 19 Jun. Submit listingslegend. for your event list.co.uk/add TOY STORY 4 The gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and new toy Forky, reuniting with Bo Peep along the way. Out Fri 21 Jun.

TEEN SPIRIT A shy American teen in small-town US enters a singing contest that will offer escapism. Out Fri 26 Jul. TELL IT TO THE BEES Adaptation of the Fiona Shaw novel about oppressive small town life. See review, page 93. Out Fri 26 Jul. THE NEW MUTANTS The X-Men saga comes to a close with this tale of young mutants. Out Fri 2 Aug. ARTEMIS FOUL Family fantasy about the nefarious plans of a young Irish criminal mastermind. Out Fri 9 Aug.

a peaceful town finds itself battling a zombie horde. See review, page 89. Out Fri 12 Jul.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Peter Parker goes on holiday (including a trip to London) in this follow-up to Spider-Man: Homecoming. Out Tue 2 Jul.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

NEVER LOOK AWAY Historical drama about an artist who is tormented by his childhood under

Nazi rule and the traumas of an entire generation.

See review, page 91. Out Fri 5 Jul.

THE DEAD DON’T DIE Jim Jarmusch’s all-star horror comedy, in which

FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW Two of the franchise’s most popular characters get a spin-off adventure of their own. Out Fri 2 Aug.

PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE Animated adventure based on the popular toy, featuring the voices of Daniel Radcliffe, Jim Gaffigan, Meghan Trainor and more. Out Fri 9 Aug. SPIES IN DISGUISE Comedy adventure about a super-spy who inadvertently becomes a pigeon.

Out Fri 9 Aug. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Quentin Tarantino’s new film follows a faded TV actor and his stunt double, set in Hollywood’s golden age.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Al Pacino. See review, page 92.

Out Wed 14 Aug.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

“SO EXCITING YOU CANNOT LOOK AWAY FOR A SECOND”

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NY OMPA SEnC R O t H prese R ACE &

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THE TIMES

9PM (10PM) 02 - 24 AUGUST 2019 (not 7, 12, 19)

6PM (7PM) 3 - 24 AUGUST 2019 (NOT 12, 19)

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 95

KIDS FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /KIDS

WEE HANSEL AND GRETEL Fresh take on much-loved ballet for little ones Already one of the most fun works in the company’s repertoire, Scottish Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel has undergone some pruning to make it even more accessible for little ones.

Now trimmed to just 50 minutes long, leavingque in the most colourful and engaging Toriame volo magnate molorum quoditatis parts, Wee Hansel and Gretel been moluptas et aut expeliquisit aut has ex es designed specifitenis callyeturio with 3dit to escitae 8-year-olds ipicabo reictatur, pel in mind. The tale Tioreriatur of a brother sister lost maximusant fuga. si and occus sendae. in the woods, ‘befriended’ by aexseemingly Oditatem quoditat fuga. Os aut elesequid ut kindaciassincit witch and then upquod for dinner, is delici ea si fattened aces etur, maximet known to most. But this beautifully designed aut erita cus.Rem faccum ex ea que plandem adds some extra elements, such exadaptation evendigendel eiur?Ommoloratia acesendis as dancing treats and toystincto that come to life. ipidellendi quo mo occupta is molora Choreographed byoditistor Scottishab Ballet’s nimagniet is elignam, illectoartistic director, Christopher the ossitati ballet will essintenis apelest arionHampson, essiti quoditi performed by dancers from the company utbe latqui corem non por anihil ilibeate nus. alongside talented students soon to graduate Busdande que voluptu reperis inihit from the Royal Conservatoire Scotland’s aborporrum ium quis es aut pra of net, sam restia Modern Ballet volore, sum, quecourse. etur sitio molores nis untio ballet ismodita close to my heart, con‘This est omnissi veliquis aut so offiI’m ciur ad delighted to share this specially adapted show with young children across Scotland,’ says Hampson. ‘It’s full of dancing and storytelling, plucky characters and a happy ending – perfect for experiencing the magic of live performance.’ (Kelly Apter) ■ Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul.

ABOREHENAT DOLUM Id qui berum fugita sa nonseriam fugiature vereritisi dolum ius molo

PHOTO: RIMBAUD PATRON

96 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Nov 2018–31 Aug 2019 Jan 2019

endae. Ut quia parchit, venis quae maion est aperit acesto excesciatque voluptatet, iusci con porectem ex et que volesse quiamus, sunt fuga. Im imil mod que pore, tet debis audis velecat dolescipiet fugit, simusandi doloratur, seque dende inum quamus exerum, velesequas voloreperum qui si archil mo te doluptatur?

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FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /KIDS

PREVIEWS | KIDS

list.co.uk/kids MUSIC / FILM

WALLACE & GROMIT’S MUSICAL MARVELS

Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun; Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sun 9 Jun

PHOTO: TM AARDMAN/W&G LTD

It’s been exactly 30 years since Wallace & Gromit, Nick Park’s series of animated comedies about one man and his dog, debuted with A Grand Day Out, and since then there have been multiple spin-offs and three Academy Award wins.

Meanwhile, having spent four years performing a fully orchestral take on The Snowman, Carrot Productions’ managing director Rachel Whibley decided it was time to take on a new challenge and expand the company's repertoire.

‘However, I’m quite fussy,’ she says, ‘and only wanted to collaborate with a British brand that I loved and respected. So I contacted Aardman in 2017 to see if we might work together on this – and 18 short months later, here we are!’

Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels pairs a live orchestral score to selected screen adventures of the title characters, Aardman’s most famous creations. Over two halves, the show will present bespoke animations created by the Aardman team – originally for the BBC Proms in 2012 – and Julian Nott’s original score for The Wrong Trousers.

Composer Daniel Whibley has introduced new music for the first part, while the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s Steve Magee conducts, and the show is presented by cellist, actor and singer Matthew Sharp. And everything we’ll see has been fully approved by Aardman.

‘I’m so pleased with everything about it,’ says Rachel.

‘It’s been such a labour of love for so many people, a true collaboration, and has resulted in the most amazing experience for both the audience and performers. I hope they’ll be thrilled, entertained, moved and exhilarated in equal measure. The reaction has been phenomenal from everyone, we couldn’t be happier or more proud.’ (David Pollock)

PHOTO: MARC DOUET

STAGE ADAPTATION

OUTDOOR THEATRE

King's Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 5–Sun 9 Jun; King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 13–Sun 16 Jun

Greenbank Garden, Glasgow, Tue 6 Aug

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Audiences go through the gamut of emotions while attending a Horrible Histories stage show. One minute covering their eyes in terror, the next holding onto their tummies in case their most recent meal returns thanks to the horror unfolding, before laughing their heads – like two of Henry VIII’s wives – right off.

Actor Simon Nock is unapologetic about the more gory elements in Birmingham Stage Company’s Horrible Histories experience. ‘The show brings a very anarchic, exciting telling of history through its many gruesome tales,’ says Nock. ‘I think its main weapon is that it doesn’t pander to children; it shows the blood and gore, and through this it attempts, very successfully, to make history interesting. It’s also enjoyed by children young and old, and an entire family can come and see our shows, have a brilliant time and learn a great deal.’

This most recent version of the brand is a double dose of nastiness with Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians. Which period does Nock reckon was the ghastliest? ‘Tudor times were pretty horrible, especially with Henry VIII around, beheading wives! The Tudor period, though, lasted for just over 100 years while the pharaohs ruled for hundreds and hundreds of years. There must have been many more horrible things that a poor Egyptian would have to contend with, especially with some of those mad pharaohs around.’ (Brian Donaldson)

THE SECRET GARDEN

Transporting an audience to a different world is the aim of every theatre company. But with its latest production, Chapterhouse has been given something of a head start, with each date on its UK tour of The Secret Garden taking place in an actual garden.

‘There’s so much emphasis on the garden and the natural world in the novel,’ says Richard Main, artistic director of Chapterhouse. ‘Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote, “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

And although it’s fine to stage a production of The Secret Garden indoors, I think by performing it outdoors we can help the audience feel more connected with Mary’s adventure. As she experiences the garden, so do we.’

It’s over 100 years since Hodgson Burnett wrote her novel, and life for today’s children is very different in terms of their relationship with Mother Nature, something the production is hoping to address. ‘We’ve adapted and directed the show with children and families very much in mind,’ says Main. ‘Getting children outdoors and engaged with nature is more important than ever.’

The novel itself also contains a lesson we all need to learn when passing from childhood into adulthood. ‘The story tracks that important progression from selfishness to selflessness the more we experience the world,’ says Main. ‘By finding herself in a new environment, Mary softens from being spoilt and petulant to someone more understanding and thoughtful.’ (Kelly Apter) 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 97

KIDS | HIGHLIGHTS

KIDS HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW THREE AGES POETRY SLAM Tron Theatre, Sun 7 Apr, tron.co.uk Three teams of poets go head-tohead in this poetry slam competition, divided up into age categories ‘Teens’n’Twenties’, ‘Thirtysomethings’ and ‘Old Enough to Know Better’.

Hosted by Robin Cairns.

T. REX IN TOWN Kelvin Hall, Sat 1 Jun–Wed 31 Jul, kelvinhall.org.uk Step back in time to the Cretaceous period and meet Trix, one of the three most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons in the world.

T.Rex in Town

GLASGOW SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, Thu 6–Sun 16 Jun, glasgowsciencefestival.org. uk Budding scientists can sit back and learn something new or take part in an experiment in this packed programme of workshops, shows, films and exhibitions.

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL King’s Theatre, Wed 31 Jul–Sun 4 Aug, madagascarthemusical.co.uk Musical adaptation of DreamWorks’ hit animated film, featuring Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo.

GAELIC FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON The Café Hub, Sat 22 Jun, westendfestival.co.uk Storytelling sessions in Gaelic for primary school children, featuring superhero escapades and the adventures of Goldilocks’ siblings.

WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Glasgow Green, Fri 16 & Sat 17 Aug, theworlds.co.uk The best pipe bands from all over the world compete for the coveted World Champion crown. A dedicated children’s zone, gourmet food and Highland games add to the day out.

THE WHIRLYBIRD Eastwood Park Theatre, Sat 6 Jul, ecodrama.co.uk Retelling of the ugly duckling story with an ecological twist, told through storytelling, music and puppetry. Also touring, see list. co.uk/kids for details.

DANTDM PRESENTS THE CONTEST SSE Hydro, Sun 7 Jul, thessehydro. com Popular YouTuber DanTDM heads out on tour with his immersive gaming experience for the whole family.

HITLIST

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS AND TERRIBLE TUDORS King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 5–Sun 9 Jun, horrible-histories. co.uk Experience scary pharaohs and all the terror of the Tudors in these stage versions of the bestselling kids’ books. See preview, page 97. Also King’s

98 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

EDINBURGH SMALL WONDERS The Warehouse, Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun, imaginate.org.uk Acclaimed theatre company Punch Drunk presents the tale of Nanny Lacey and her collection of miniatures, set in a purpose-built flat. For ages 5–11. See review at list.co.uk THREE LEGS Southside Community Centre, Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun, imaginate.org.uk Specially created for little ones aged 18 months to five years, this playful show is

Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 13–Sun 16 Jun. WALLACE & GROMIT’S MUSICAL MARVELS Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun, wallaceandgromit. com A live orchestra accompanies newly created animations and a special screening of

filled with games and dance movements about supporting each other through life.

See review at list.co.uk INVISIBLE MAN Traverse Theatre, Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun, imaginate.org.uk Aimed at ages 4–11, this show finds two artists, a stage technician and a musician all waiting for the show to start – but things keep going wrong.

GROMIT MODEL MAKING WORKSHOP Usher Hall, Sat 8 Jun, wallaceandgromit.com Iconic animators Aardman, creators of Wallace and Gromit, host this model-making workshop for participants to try their hand at making their very own Gromit.

Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sun 9 Jun, wallaceandgromit.com DEBI GLIORI: FOR LITTLE BUNNIES WITH BIG IMAGINATIONS Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Sun 9 Jun, rbge.org.uk Authorillustrator Debi Gliori reads from her beloved Alfie books at this storytelling event, followed by a crafting session with the chance to make a bunny mask.

Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. See preview, page 97. Also Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sun 9 Jun. SCOTTISH BALLET: WEE HANSEL AND GRETEL Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul, scottishballet. co.uk Hour-long show

FAMILY CYCLE AND PICNIC Middle Meadows Walk, Sun 9 Jun, edfoc.org.uk Leisurely family cycle along a railway path with plenty of stops for the wee ones to play. Be sure to bring a packed picnic lunch.

FAMILY ART TOURS Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Sat 29 Jun, nationalgalleries.org Short interactive tours designed to provide a familyfriendly introduction to art and boost confidence in talking about and engaging with artwork.

THE LAURISTON CASTLE TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Lauriston Castle, Sun 21 Jul, edinburghmuseums.org.uk Bring your teddy friend along to this picnic, with bear-approved fun and snacks, as well as a fancy dress competition.

OUT OF TOWN FAMILY FUN DAY Paisley Arts Centre, Sat 13 Jul, paisley.is Summertime family fun in the grounds of Paisley’s Art Centre, with plenty of free activities and entertainment to be enjoyed.

specially adapted to introduce wee ones to the magic of the ballet. See preview, page 96. Also touring, see list.co.uk/ kids for details.

THE SECRET GARDEN Greenbank Garden, Glasgow, Tue 6 Aug, nts.org.uk Outdoor staging of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel,

Wallace & Gromit

following a young girl on her journey of self-discovery.

See preview, page 97.

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

Wee

Hansel &Gretel FOR 3 — 8 YEAR OLDS & THEIR GROWN UPS TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BALLET

SAT 13 JULY, 11AM & 1.30PM

SUPPORTED BY

SUN 14 JULY, 11AM & 1.30PM 08448 717 648 ATGTICKETS.COM/GLASGOW

WeeHG_The List_134x94.indd 1

COMPANY REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND NO SC065497. SCOTTISH BALLET IS A REGISTERED CHARITY NO SC008037.

21/05/2019 09:26

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 99

MUSIC FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /MUSIC

HONEYBLOOD Line-up changes, fresh sounds and a new label for Glasgow native For all the darkness, In Plain Sight handles its goth credentials with a baroque playfulness and sonic ornamentation which lets Honeyblood’s stories breathe. Although she promised herself not to ‘make another witchy-themed album’, images of hexes, spells and poisons abound.

A self-confessed impulsive writer, Tweeddale suggests the lyrics are part of her subconscious, a way of figuring out ‘what was I trying to tell myself. Sometimes years after I’ve written a song, I’m like “oh wait, that’s what I meant”.

At the time I’m like, “this has no relation to my personal life”, but then it becomes obvious later on.’ (Maria Sledmere) ■ Beat Generator, Dundee, Sat 1 Jun; Summerhall, Edinburgh, Mon 3 Jun.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 101

PHOTO: MARIEKE MACKLON

Three albums in, Honeyblood is now fully honed to the bone-sharp solo vision of founder Stina Tweeddale. Latest album In Plain Sight is the child of a new label, Marathon Artists, a new freedom and fresh collaborations. It’s a strange child, born of Tweeddale’s native Glasgow and Los Angeles, where the album was recorded with producer John Congleton (Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, St Vincent). It reflects the stark realities of the former city alongside the latter’s cinematic vision.

Untethered from Honeyblood’s original guitar and drums set-up, In Plain Sight experiments with different styles, combining dirge with broody synthwork, a looser 90s groove and the irresistible, straight-up noise rock which made the band’s fame in the first place.

MUSIC | KISS KISS (left to right): Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer

LIP

SERVICE As rock legends KISS prepare for their final world tour, Henry Northmore talks to founding member Gene Simmons about the decision to call it a day and what fans can expect from their farewell shows

102 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

E

very show opens with the same announcement blaring over the loud speakers before the curtain drops: ‘You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world: KISS!’ It’s one hell of an introduction.

The KISS experience is one of the most spectacular live shows in rock’n’roll. A grandiose mix of greasepaint, special effects and pyro – lots of pyro. Since 1973, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have guided KISS to world domination. Their otherworldly personas – Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), The Spaceman (originally Ace Frehley, now Tommy Thayer) and The Catman (initially Peter Criss, currently Eric Singer) – captured the imagination and turned KISS into rock icons.

Kings of stomping glam metal anthems built to be shouted out loud in arenas and stadiums around the world, the KISS juggernaut is coming to a screeching halt after the men in makeup announced their final ever world tour. We caught up with bassist Simmons to find out more.

E

KISS | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music

An Evening with

Why have you decided to make this the final tour?

Let’s be realistic, I’m going to turn 70 in August and by the time this three-year tour is done, I will be 73. If you have self-respect and believe in the integrity of the band and love your fans, get off the stage. I should have been born Keith Richards or The Edge or any number of other players in bands we all love and respect. But all they have to do is put on a pair of sneakers and a t-shirt, they don’t even have to break a sweat. KISS are the hardest working band in showbusiness. I wear dragon boots that are eight inches high, that will break your back, bitch; each boot weighs 8–10 pounds, then another 40 pounds of armour. Put Keith in my outfit and he’s going to pass out in a half hour. Oh and I forgot you have to spit fire, fly through the air and do it for two hours. You are about to see the ‘hottest band in the world: KISS’ those words have to mean something or get off the fucking stage.

Friday 19 July

EDINBURGH Queen’s Hall 0131 668 2019

THE FLAMING LIPS PERFORM THEIR MASTERPIECE ALBUM

The Soft Bulletin PLUS SPECIAL GUEST

THURSDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Is this really the last we’ll see of KISS?

EDINBURGH USHER HALL

There are really no plans. I don’t know if we will do anything after our final show. I doubt it. But KISS will continue in other ways. We have a KISS golf course in Las Vegas, there’s a KISS limo service; KISS continues as the iconic imagery in all kinds of ways.

ALL HUMANS ARE URGED TO ATTEND O131 228 1155

Is there any truth to the rumour that KISS will continue after you and Paul have left?

Why not? There’s something about this rock’n’roll thing that becomes the soundtrack of people’s lives. People get married to our songs, certainly at funerals our songs are played, both the Paul brothers from Pantera – Dimebag and Vinnie – were buried in KISS Kaskets. It’s more than songs, it’s more than just the band.

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

Will original members Peter Criss or Ace Frehley be involved in the final tour?

We have asked Peter and he declined. Ace came over and sat with me and Paul and we certainly discussed how great it would be if he jumped up on stage here and there. But you can’t depend on Ace and Peter to do a tour, especially not a three-year tour, the physical rigour of it. You have to be in amazing physical shape for one thing and they have been in and out of the band three different times, so that will never happen again, we learned our lesson a few times.

But certainly it would be nice for them to get up on stage and get a taste of that ‘hey I was there at the beginning’ kind of thing. But if that never happens, it’s not going to be because of us.

THURSDAY 11TH JULY 2019

EDINBURGH CASTLE

PAULWELLER.COM REGULARMUSIC.COM 0844 844 0444 TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

Where did the idea of the make-up and characters come from?

Character is not a fair usage of the word, it’s more persona. I’ll tell you why. If I thought ‘I’ll put a star on my eye and wear ruby red lipstick’, I wouldn’t be convincing; likewise if Paul put on my makeup and stuck his tongue out, it wouldn’t be convincing in the least. There’s got to be some connection with who you are on the inside. There was no grand master plan. We literally just wanted to put together the band we wanted to see on stage. We all grew up liking the Lovin’ Spoonful, Donovan, Cat Stevens or the Zombies, you name it. Then you’d go see them live and they were frozen in front of their microphones. We loved their songs but, for fucks sake, I’m ready to fall asleep. So immediately, from our very first show when we were fourth on the bill, we decided to give people bang for their buck.

What can people expect from the setlist?

We will add different songs in Europe that we didn’t do in America – ‘Crazy Crazy Nights’, ‘God Gave Rock’n’Roll to You’ and a few other surprises.

A

P R ES E NTATI ON I N ASS OCI ATI ON W I TH CAA

P L US S P E CI A L G UE S T S UT

SUNDAY 14TH JULY 2019 SOLD O DATE MONDAY 15TH JULY 2019 EXTRA

EDINBURGH CASTLE R E G U L A R M U S IC .C O M 0 8 4 4 8 4 4 0 4 4 4 T IC K E T M A S T E R .C O .U K

And what about the stage show?

Most shows are designed to have a big opening then build from there to the final big production number, but we decided to treat it like a street fight – KISS are coming to kick your motherfucking ass, and from the very first blow, there’s no let up; just bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, ‘til your dead.

KISS, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Tue 16 Jul.

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

regularmusic.com

In person from Tickets Scotland Glasgow/Edinburgh.

Venue Box Offices and all usual outlets

regularmusicltd

regularmusicuk

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 103

MUSIC | GOSSIP

RUMOUR HAS IT As Gossip return after a two-year break, Beth Ditto chats with Katherine McLaughlin about Trump, working with producer Rick Rubin and her love of original riot grrls Bikini Kill

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104 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

now in America. I’ve been trying to give what I can to that and give it a voice. As a person who’s financially sound, I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing – and I know I’m very privileged that way – I’ve been donating when I can to what is going to be helpful in the moment, whether that be for the advancement of women of colour or trans people or the ACLU [American Civil Liberties Union].’

A lot has changed over the last ten years since Gossip put together Music for Men. ‘It was a really surreal time to be 27 and have this incredible chance,’ recalls Ditto. ‘It was pretty fucking wild! No one ever expected it and then all of a sudden, we were given this chance to work with Rick Rubin. You have this budget to make a record that you’ve never had before, and someone is giving you carte blanche in a way that you could do whatever you wanted to do and there was no wrong. I learned a lot at that time. It was more about love and acceptance. I’ve learned to have patience with people who have different opinions and different musical tastes and stuff like that. At the heart of it all, I still roll my eyes a lot. There’s still a punk in me. When I’m at a fancy function, I’m still sticking out like a sore thumb.’

As far as what the audience can expect from the tour, Ditto joyfully explains: ‘In true Gossip fashion, we have not started practising yet. But we’ll get there. I’m excited to get back to playing music with the people I’ve been playing music with since I was a kid. I’m curious to see how it will all fall back into place.’

Gossip, SWG3, Glasgow, Fri 19 Jul.

PHOTO: LEE BROOMFIELD

fter the resounding success of their stirring LGBTQ+ anthem ‘Standing in the Way of Control’, Gossip were given the chance to work with legendary producer Rick Rubin on their follow-up album Music for Men in 2009.

The band split in 2016, but have now reunited for a UK and European tour to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of that first major label release. Punk icon and vocalist Beth Ditto, who still lives in Portland (as does drummer Hannah Blilie), speaks to us from Los Angeles where she is riding high from seeing the original riot grrls Bikini Kill, who have also recently reformed.

‘I never got to see them before as I was a little bit too young, but if you love Bikini Kill, you’re going to lose your mind. It’s solid hits. It’s so good!’

At a time when hateful rhetoric and actions are on the rise, and legislation under the Trump administration is threatening women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights and a whole host of basic human rights on a catastrophic scale, it feels like the perfect time for these bands to return for a courageous rallying cry. ‘We have really insane fascism in our faces,’ states Ditto. ‘It makes me furious and upset. All of the white supremacy that’s running rampant right now. We all know it’s been there; racism never went away like homophobia never went away. For these things to be shouted from the mountain tops from the highest powers that be, it’s so dumbfounding. I feel like right now the biggest contribution I can give is being vocal.’

As well as the upcoming tour, Ditto has been taking action by donating to the institutions that have been hit hardest.

‘Reproductive rights and health are really being threatened right

1979-2019 40 Years of Music Memories www.thequeenshall.net | Tickets & Info: 0131 668 2019 85–89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 2019 LISTINGS AT THE QUEEN’S HALL, EDINBURGH JUNE

AUGUST

Fri 7

1 (preview), 2–11, 15–18, 22–25

Sun 9

Wed 7

Thu 13

Mon 12

Fri 21

Tue 13

Mon 24

Weds 14 & 21

Wed 26

Mon 19

Thu 27

Tue 20

Leo Sayer

Henning Wehn: Get On With It

Simon Schama

Phamie Gow & Phriends

QH@40 Tommy Smith, Brian Kellock, Kathleen MacInnes Summer (Solstice) In The City

The Singing Sixties Scottish Jazz and Beyond

St Mary’s Music School Summer Concert

Blazin’ Fiddles with Emily Smith

Lauren MacColl: The Seer

This is Caledonian Soul: Blue Rose Code

Liminal Nights #1

Anais Mitchell

Fri 28

EIFF: Sketches of Spain

SEPTEMBER

Sat 29

Sat 7

Raise It Up! Phoenix Choir

Last Podcast on the Left

Sun 30

Mon 9

Tartan Threads: Global Patterns

An Evening with Richard Jobson of The Skids Thu 19

July

Peter Hook & The Light

Sat 6

Fri 20

40th Anniversary Concert: Steven Osborne and Alban Gerhardt

Duncan Chisholm – The Gathering

Thu 11

Sun 22

QH@40: Heidi Talbot presents Duke Special, James Yorkston & Brìghde Chaimbeul

The Gospel According to Mr Niz Fri 19

An Evening with Cowboy Junkies

Fri 27

SNJO: An American Journey with Bill Evans

Thu 25

Josh Ritter

Sat 28

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham

Fri 26

The SAY Award: Live at the Longlist

Sun 29

Penguin Cafe

Sat 27

Jenny Lewis

MEDICI ADVISORS

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@queenshall

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QH@40 events supported by Creative Scotland

MUSIC | PREVIEWS ROCK / GRUNGE

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

O2 Academy, Glasgow, Wed 12 Jun Stone Temple Pilots have been through the grinder. They crashed the grunge scene with their debut album Core in 1992, an album filled with moments of light and dark, hugely emotional songs and big stomping rock. It was a huge commercial success but divided opinion: the band simultaneously voted Best New Band by Rolling Stone’s readers and Worst New Band by the magazine’s music critics.

‘The fans kept us so busy we didn’t really have time to think about the critics,’ explains bassist Robert DeLeo. ‘I don’t think anyone can be prepared for it, it’s like being shot to the moon and not everyone can handle it.’

Part of STP’s appeal lay in magnetic frontman Scott Weiland, shedding his skin, exposing his heart, laying himself bare every night. Weiland wrestled with his own inner demons and wellpublicised struggles with drink and drugs and sadly was found dead on his tour bus in 2015. ‘You don’t really experience things like that too often, when someone like that comes into your life and you create a dream. I’m here today because of what we created, especially when I’m on stage playing one of our songs, he’s always running through my spirit,’ says DeLeo. In 2013, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington briefly joined the band for an EP and tour (tragically he took his own life in 2017).

‘I love Chester. He had an amazing energy about him. He always looked for the solution, he never got tangled in conflict, he was like an angel that stepped in and set us straight.’

Robert alongside his brother, guitarist Dean DeLeo, and drummer Eric Kretz have remained at the core of STP, recently recruiting former lead vocalist with nu-metal band Dry Cell and X-Factor finalist Jeff Gutt for their seventh album. ‘The first time he came over to the studio we knew he had everything we were looking for, an understanding of writing and melody. It has given the band a new life.’ (Henry Northmore)

METAL / HIP HOP

FEVER 333

Cathouse, Glasgow, Mon 17 Jun Fever 333 specialise in a politically charged mix of hip hop, metal, industrial and even p-funk.

A band who think about everything they do, even their name comes loaded with meaning. ‘I like the idea of a fever spreading like a sickness or an epidemic,’ explains vocalist Jason Aalon Butler. ‘That idea of something spreading from one person to ten to 100 to thousands to millions. C is the third letter of the alphabet, and they [333] stand for Community, Charity and Change which is the foundation for this whole project.’

A chance meeting with Blink 182’s powerhouse drummer Travis Barker while working at a supermarket, when his previous band Letlive were on hiatus, was the flashpoint that led to the creation of Fever 333 with former Chariot guitarist Stephen Harrison and Night Verses drummer Aric Improta (Barker guests on the album and also the tour when available).

Just a few minutes talking with Butler and you realise how seriously he takes the band and their message. Their debut album, Strength in Numb333rs, tackles racism, police brutality, poverty, gun violence and social justice. However, it’s not some po-faced diatribe but an explosive hardcore rap-rock hybrid that rattles the bars of the cage. ‘There are a lot of institutions and different agendas that are usually used to leverage power against people and we’re hoping to do our best to encourage people to recognise their own power and remind themselves of that power,’ says Butler. (Henry Northmore)

PHOTO: DONALD MILNE

107 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

ROCK / POP / INDIE

SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE BANDSTAND

Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, Fri 26 Jul–Sat 10 Aug Now in its sixth year, Summer Nights at the Kelvingrove Bandstand has becomes a much-loved part of Glasgow’s music calendar, reclaiming the historic venue and its beautiful setting for gigs.

This year’s bill is a cross-genre mix of some of the biggest, best and most intriguing artists, covering everything from the introspective indie of The National (Tue 6 & Wed 7 Aug) and Scottish heroes Teenage Fanclub (Tue 30 Jul) to 80s hitmakers Human League (Sat 3 Aug) and punk innovator Patti Smith (Thu 1 Aug).

‘We are delighted to have such an incredible array of talent, both home-born and international, including some true music legends, all performing at Summer Nights this year,’ says Mark Mackie, director of Regular Music. ‘Kelvingrove Bandstand has such a fantastic atmosphere and the feedback we have had from both artists and audiences is that they have a great time being there.’

The full line-up includes Caro Emerald (Sat 27 Jul), Suede (Wed 31 Jul), Father John Misty (Fri 2 Aug), Echo & the Bunnymen (Thu 8 Aug), Bloc Party (Fri 9 Aug) and Hue & Cry (Sat 10 Aug). But it all kicks off with the classic easy listening of Burt Bacharach (Fri 26 Jul). ‘I’m looking forward to joining Glasgow’s opening night concert at your Summer Nights at the Bandstand Series,’ says Bacharach. ‘See you there this summer and I will hold off playing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head” until the end so as not to tempt fate, as I hear it rains a lot in your beautiful green city!’

(Henry Northmore)

MUSIC | RECORDS

ALBUM OF THE ISSUE

INDIE POP ELECTRONIC

KONX-OM-PAX

Ways of Seeing (Planet Mu) ●●●●●

It’s hard not to feel that Tom ‘Konx-Om-Pax’ Scholefield has been an underrated presence amid the canon of great electronic musicians to have emerged from Glasgow in recent years.

As an animation and sleeve designer, his work is synonymous with the aesthetic of artists including Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and Oneohtrix Point Never; yet his own musical output isn’t quite as eagerly raved about as it deserves to be.

His lush, imaginative and sonically adventurous soundscapes bear positive comparison with the likes of Machinedrum and Oneohtrix Point Never himself, and Ways of Seeing capably expands upon the promise of the title, playfully fusing experiments in mood with a well-developed sense of what makes a rhythm addictive. Scholefield’s instinct is for dark, icy slabs of synthetic sound, evidenced on opener ‘LA Melody’, a sinister Michael Mann soundtrack of the mind made while working with Hudson Mohawke in the titular city. Further collaborative efforts yield something of the aesthetic of the guest artists involved; a warm ambient glow surrounds ‘Saule Acid’, made in conjunction with Sylvia Kastel, for example, while Nightwave features on the rave-flavoured ‘I’m For Real’.

On ‘Rez’, the title reference to Scotland’s most famous warehouse rave belies the gentle groove of the song, while the mood lightens with the bright, contemporary pop style of the appropriately named ‘Optimism Over Despair’ and ‘Magenta One’. There’s a fresh, cinematic sense of timelessness to much of the music here, an odd feeling of warmth despite the fact that Scholefield’s experiments appear to revel in the lack of overt human sound or presence. (David Pollock) ■■Out Fri 14 Jun.

SACRED PAWS

Run Around the Sun (Rock Action) ●●●●● The arrival of this second album by Glasgow-based duo Sacred Paws, winners of the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2017 for debut Strike a Match, feels like a brisk return from a group who are clearly under a reasonable amount of pressure to get things right after the increased attention which has now fallen upon them. Yet nor does anything about this record feel unduly bashed out or rushed; clearly, Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers aren’t just a skilled pop songwriting team, but they’re also a remarkably efficient one.

That this album is here just in time for summer is a good thing, because the music which fills it feels like it was made to be listened to in the sunshine. Aggs’ guitar lines skip and prowl impatiently around the songs, bearing all those previously remarked-upon highlife influences, but also a dose of early-90s shoegaze and indie-pop’s aesthetic. In ‘What’s So Wrong’, for example, there are swirls of reverb painting vivid pictures over Rodgers’ rattling drum fills, while in the swooning but urgent opener ‘The Conversation’ there are heavy hints of the Cure; it’s no wonder Sacred Paws have found a home on Mogwai’s Rock Action label.

This is a record of no great stylistic leaps, but rather a solid commitment to get everything as right as the pair managed last time, while expanding upon the sheer artisan craft of what they do. It’s hard to understate their seemingly effortless ability for sculpting something of the perfect pop experience in every song, such as the upbeat revoking of anxiety in the brasssurfing ‘Life’s Too Short’ or the taut harmonies and urgent lyricism of ‘Write This Down’, a far-distant cousin of the Stones Roses’ spectral funk.

Throughout, Aggs writes words not for love songs but relationship songs, their lyrics fusing a sense of realism with joy in human contact. Their return is rich in rewarding emotional depths, but they make it all sound so easy.

(David Pollock) ■■Out now.

FUNK ROCK

INDIE FOLK

Dépaysé (City Slang) ●●●●●

Years to Burn (City Slang) ●●●●●

SINKANE

A collision of Sinkane’s journey to date, Dépaysé reckons with their place in today’s turbulent world. Sinkane is the musical project of Ahmed Gallab, who was born in London to Sudanese parents and emigrated to America at the age of five.

He played in several mid-2000s electronica acts (such as Caribou and Yeasayer), and Sinkane’s music is equally informed by them as it is by West African highlife and psychedelic folk-rock. On this album, Sinkane attempts to capture the sound of the live band, using their energy to underscore lyrical themes of inclusivity (the album title is a French word that means ‘to be removed from one’s habitual surroundings’ – reflecting Gallab’s dislocation in our modern political climate).

‘Everybody’, the album’s opening track, sets the stage with a rallying call-andresponse of ‘Everybody! Means everybody!’, followed by lines like ‘Now I’m feelin’ stronger/Even after the truth/Stand up cause you gotta/Together we can change the news’. Although lyrics such as these can be on the nose, the band reflect this faith in humanity with their energy, as every word is met with an explosive melting pot of global sounds. Drums are pounded, synths explode and guitars fizzle throughout. This blending of world music continues throughout the album – on the track ‘Stranger’, Gallab sings in multiple languages over strutting drums, before the vocals fall away altogether, replaced by a blistering funk rock guitar.

Unfortunately, the force of the music and the well-meaning lyrics cannot sustain the entire album, and at points it feels like we are treading ground we have already covered. By the time the surging psychedelia of ‘The Searching’ and the sweet ‘Mango’ come about, the dynamism of the music has worn off.

Sinkane are celebrated as a live act, with the band adding a new sense of vigour and joy to their already upbeat music. This new album captures that spirit, but also leaves the listener longing. For all the globetrotting sounds and liveliness, the album often loses its sense of adventure.

(Sean Greenhorn) ■■Out now.

108 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

CALEXICO AND IRON & WINE Ahead of the latest collaboration between two of US indie-folk’s staples, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam reckoned that this album had an ‘ambiguous title, because life is complicated’. Listening to the eight tracks from Years to Burn, the first official hook-up between Calexico (Joey Burns and John Convertino) and Beam since 2005, it’s clear that the world has the capacity to be a much more straight-forward place where lovely vocal melodies and nifty chord progressions can reign supreme.

Recorded over four December days in Nashville, there’s a detectable country undercurrent to the record with opener ‘What Heaven’s Left’ and ‘Father Mountain’ both spinning quickly into joyfully tuneful Jayhawks-esque stomps.

‘Midnight Sun’ sandwiches those two with a slightly more meditative slice of alt-folk that finally powers over the line via a triumphant jam. Providing a spirited change of pace, short instrumental mood piece ‘Outside El Paso’ could be the result of Tom Waits getting the Ouija board out to channel the spirit of Miles Davis, while the CD’s other major leftfield contribution, ‘The Bitter Suite’, is a zig-zagging eight-minute epic which has more gear shifts than ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

‘Follow the Water’ harks back to yonder folky times by hinting at classic Neil Young with its early strumming before becoming its very own highly contemporary thing. Closer ‘In Your Own Time’ sounds like the kind of swinging shanty number you’d end a good night on, and its inclusion here certainly makes it appear that the boys had plenty fun making this record. Perhaps they might not leave it as long before booking studio time together in the future.

Since that 2005 EP, the years which have lapsed between collaborations have been mainly due to circumstances rather than any sense of enmity. A lot of indie-folk water has flowed under both of their bridges in that interim period, but if timing is everything, then Calexico and Iron & Wine have synchronised matters to perfection. (Brian Donaldson) ■■Out Fri 14 Jun.

RECORDS | MUSIC

list.co.uk/music DUB REGGAE

COMPILATION

More Fyah (Scotch Bonnet Records) ●●●●●

Split 12" Vol. 7 (Song, By Toad) ●●●●●

MUNGO’S HI FI X EVA LAZARUS

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Nearly two decades since they started producing tunes on an old Atari with speakers they found in a skip, Mungo’s Hi Fi have come a long way in terms of production. Although they’ve built a worldwide reputation, the crew remain the beating heart of Glasgow’s dancehall and reggae scene. More Fyah might be the Hi Fi’s most sophisticated and open-minded release to date, but is one that continues the lineage of soundsystem culture in signature Mungo’s fashion.

With dozens of albums now in their oeuvre, they continue to keep their sound fresh by seeking out emerging artists to work with. On More Fyah, the crew collaborate with singer and MC Eva Lazarus who appears on every track, bringing a distinct flavour with her impressive vocal versatility and genrehopping ease.

The album begins with safer, more conventional sounds. An updated classic in ‘Dub Be Good To Me’ which shows off the collective’s tight horn section; the next track ‘We Weren’t Made For This’ introduces Lazarus’s distinctive flow as an MC, and her smart lyricism shines on ‘Amsterdam’, an inebriated ode to lighting up.

It’s in the latter half of the record that the soundsystem get really creative and explore reggae’s sub-genres more experimentally, always retaining their clean but impressively weighty sound. ‘Babylon Raid’ is a highlight, a track of two halves which pairs some classic reggae featuring roots legend Max Romeo, with a big wobbly, grimy drop.

The group breezily branch out even further stylistically into waist-winding dancehall on ‘Live my Life,’ and hip hop shuffle on ‘Gasoline’.

On the opening track, Lazarus sings ‘Mungo’s good to me,’ and truth be told, Mungo’s are being good to all of us with this new release, serving up pure easygoing good-time vibes, which are refreshingly far from being a rehash of what we know and love them for. (Kate Walker) ■■Out Fri 19 Jul.

‘How Long Has It Been?’, are the first words sung in hushed, sombre tones by Dana Gavanski on Song, By Toad’s latest, and probably final, release as a record label.

Ten years is the answer; taking stock of that timescale, you can’t help but admire what Matthew Young and his team built down in Leith. An extensive back catalogue encompassing idiosyncratic songwriting visions of all kinds; snarling punk, fragile folk, throbbing electronica and more besides.

Vol. 7 features four Canadian artists (Gavanski is joined by Woodpigeon, LT Leif and Foonyap) who each contribute three tracks recorded at Young’s Happiness Hotel headquarters. With directions to keep it 'quick and simple', each track is raw and urgent – an earnest outpouring liberated from the burdens of overproduction.

Woodpigeon's cuts, in particular, are worth considering in this light; each featuring in more fleshed out form on Mark Andrew Hamilton's Frontperson album from 2018. It's not a case of picking sides; but Vol. 7’s version of 'The City Is Mine' is subtler, a gentle thud mimicking a nervous heartbeat throughout, almost as if heard underwater. A distorted guitar line rises from nowhere in 'Postcard From a Posh Man' – invigorating in the way it continues to ominously grow, before dropping out entirely.

Foonyap's more experimental cuts were written quickly, at odds with her usual, more meticulous, method of composing. 'Yes/No' is the standout, in which intermittent strings soar, suggesting the desire to, in some way, break free.

Gavanski and Leif's offerings are, without exception, wonderful. The former's unfamiliar chord progressions and fragile vocal are the most stripped back Vol. 7 gets – powerful and haunting in their simplicity. The wordless melody of the latter's 'No Birds' is a hypnotic highlight of the release, as Leif navigates her way around a fingerpicked guitar line with reverence for the power of a strong melody.

If this is indeed Matthew Young’s farewell to Song, by Toad Records, then it’s a strong one, a distinguished coda to a marvellous decade. (Craig Angus) ■■Out Fri 7 Jun.

SYNTH POP

ALT JAZZ

Small Mercies (4AD) ●●●●●

Origin (Ninja Tune) ●●●●●

PIXX

At a time when the mainstream British recording industry appears to be taking the path of least creative resistance in choosing to throw its weight behind a succession of stale males, the lesser publicised evolution of Pixx, aka 23-year-old Londoner Hannah Rodgers, serves as a reminder that the BRIT School for Performing Arts does nurture some idiosyncratic talent in its privileged corridors.

Rodgers is an agreeably free-thinking musical auteur, as happy with a grungy guitar riff as a modeish synthesiser refrain, and with a pliable voice which shifts song to song from characterful contralto to breathy soprano, all the better to inhabit the diverse characters on her smart, playful second album.

Small Mercies is an encouraging leap forward from the internalised angst of her debut, The Age of Anxiety. Liberated from the need to examine her own headspace, she looks outwards – at one point, tackling polite society’s abdication of responsibility (‘Duck Out’) – and thinks laterally, using the world’s largest flying bird (‘Andean Condor’) as an entry point to discuss natural selection, social hierarchy and gender roles via featherlight funk pop.

Pixx doesn’t hang about – the music is predominantly pacey left-of-centre pop, while the lyrics have a clipped, punky precision and spiky intent.

‘Disgrace’ is a motorik synth pop takedown of a conservative Catholic-school upbringing which chips away at self-worth (‘we didn’t know what to say, we had nothing to confess that day’) rather than preach love and empathy.

Elsewhere, she personalises the relationship between Earth and earthlings, God and humankind, and even between toy and boy on the charmingly quirky ‘Funsize’, which will probably be the only song this year written from the perspective of a disposable ornament longing for a more lasting connection with its owners.

(Fiona Shepherd) ■■Out Fri 7 Jun.

JORDAN RAKEI

Jordan Rakei has become a bit of a golden boy of the alternative pop world.

He’s got a star-studded list of friends and collaborators that includes trendy names like Loyle Carner and Jorja Smith, and has clocked up over 100 million Spotify streams. His trademark genre-melding sound spans many different genres – neo-soul, pop, R&B – but undoubtedly springs from London’s burgeoning young jazz scene. The anchor of this signature blend is Rakei’s voice, which is very tricky to describe without rolling out that old ‘soulful’ adjectival chestnut.

After 2017’s Wallflower explored more intimate feelings, the lyrics on Origin turn to the zeitgeisty topic of dystopian futures, where technology has had detrimental effects on human connections. Rakei also taps into pop culture’s current fascination with spirituality, mostly in the intro to final track ‘Mantra’ which features drones, chimes and quasi-devotional singing that borders on the corny.

The whole album is built on dense, opaque orchestration, with endless new timbres pinging about all over the shop. Tasty basslines on ‘Rolling into One’ and ‘Moda’ sound a bit Daft Punk does Flying Lotus, and it all gets very Snarky Puppy with the cheeky flourish of cross rhythms towards the end of ‘Oasis’. ‘Mind’s Eye’ is categorically a massive tune, pairing a pure popsong hook with detailed but distant beachy guitar. The music eventually gets some space on the penultimate track ‘Speak’, but with the introduction of a plush string ensemble at this point, it’s hardly much of a breather.

Audacious and multifarious, with this album Jordan Rakei is simultaneously spinning a whole heap of plates piled high with different genres. Thanks to some excellently detailed and playful orchestration, he does an admirable job of spilling very little along the way.

(Kate Walker) ■■Out Fri 14 Jun. 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 109

MUSIC | GOING UNDERGROUND

GOING UNDERGROUND Stewart Smith digs out some of the best underground, DIY and self-released music currently coming out of the Scottish music scene

COMFORT Not Passing ●●●●●

Comfort’s debut album Not Passing is one of the most powerful recent albums from a Scottish artist: not only for its exhilarating electronic punk sonics, but for its unapologetically queer politics.

In Scotland, certain politicians and parts of the media have created a hostile environment for trans people. In this climate, radical works of art like Not Passing are all the more vital. As Natalie (vocals, electronics) writes, ‘I am debated as if my existence is deniable . . . my womanhood needs no permission.’ Not Passing is an angry record, full of deal-with-it defiance and sarcastic barbs, but it’s also an uplifting one. The razorsharp phrasing and insistent beats are utterly compelling, while the raw invention of Natalie’s electronics takes the music to an ecstatic pitch. ‘Calm of the Crowd’ pulls us through a rave wormhole to a fractured and discordant dimension, while ‘You’re Shaking’ sounds like a deranged post-industrial take on Arthur Russell, as bit-crushed drums thrash at an apparition of disco pianos and strings. There’s a gorgeous melancholy to the Blade Runner synths of ‘Better Need Assumptions’ while ‘Work Through Fault’ grinds a cold wave riff deep into your brain. An instant Glasgow underground classic.

WOJCHIEC RUSIN The Funnel ●●●●●

The latest release from Glasgow-based Akashic Records is a very strange record indeed, taking in medieval polyphonic singing, field recordings, self-built electro-acoustic instruments, and alchemical texts. The Funnel grew out of a commission for the 2017 edition of experimental 110 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

broadcast project Radiophrenia. Partly recorded in Port Talbot steel works, the piece creates its own universe, one that is simultaneously ancient and futuristic. Wojchiec Rusin has created a truly uncanny work of art, from the autotuned canticles of ‘Paolo’s Dream’ to the sinister pitched-down vocals and eerie sussurance of ‘First Encounter’.

The epic ‘Celestial Twins/Procession’ opens with keening female voices and twinkling bells over strident cellos, before plunging us into a sepulchral realm of foggy drone and drizzling reverb. Heavenly voices and shimmering beams slowly lift us out of the gloom.

TOM MUDD Brass Cultures ●●●●●

The latest tape from Glasgow/Manchester label Fancyyyyy takes us to the outer limits with Tom Mudd’s synthesised brass instruments. Created with digital models of ‘physically impossible brass instruments’, Brass Cultures is touted as sitting ‘uncomfortably somewhere between radical computer music and 19th-century brass band music’. There are also echoes of the extended techniques of improvisers like John Butcher. This is no mere technical exercise: the results are compellingly odd and frequently uncanny, with Mudd playing on the strengths and limitations of synthesis. The opening track sounds like an AI recreation of a bass saxophone and foghorn duet, while the second takes us into a strange realm of glitching bagpipes and soprano saxophone. There are two versions of ‘C’, one all percussive valve taps and flanged tones, the other choppy and contrapuntal, like a cybernetic World Saxophone Quartet. A mind-boggling project, strangely beautiful in both concept and execution.

HOWIE REEVE Cracks ●●●●●

Fusing Basque folk with post-punk and improvisation, Tattie Toes were one of Glasgow’s greatest ever bands. Their bassist Howie Reeve has become a true DIY troubadour, taking his tender folk-punk to Europe and Japan, making friends and collaborators along the way. Several of these appear on Reeve’s latest album Cracks, including former the Ex vocalist, GW Sok. Spanish accordion player Marcos Padrón backs Reeve on a rousing version of the popular 1904 song ‘It’s The Poor That Helps The Poor’, while Ale Fajardo sings the refrain of ‘Pol Maccanni’ over French horn and bass harmonica. Elsewhere, the focus is on Reeve’s intimate vocals, as he delivers diaristic observations and enigmatic imagery over intricate acoustic bass parts, suggestive of a folkier take on the art-punk of Dog Faced Hermans.

TAUPE Get The Keys ●●●●●

This Glasgow-Newcastle trio follow their 2017 album with a two-track tape of nervy jazz-rock and alien atmospherics. Guitarist Mike Parr Burman, alto saxophonist Jaimie Stockbridge and drummer Adam Stapleford revel in formal deconstruction and textural mutation, resisting the temptation to ride out a riff for too long. The nagging saxophone motif that opens ‘Get The Keys’ is more an exercise in demented repetition than catchiness, while the discordant and sour electronic effects Stockbridge brings to his horn are deliberately alienating.

That’s not to say this music is misanthropic – there’s a sense of punky mischief here that recalls Naked City or Melt Banana.

HIGHLIGHTS | MUSIC

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW ANA DA SILVA & PHEW The Old Hairdresser’s, Sun 2 Jun, theoldhairdressers.com Ana da Silva of post-punk outfit the Raincoats and Japanese electronic musician Phew perform tracks off their collaborative album Island.

KELLY JONES Royal Concert Hall, Sun 2 Jun, glasgowconcerthalls.com The Stereophonics front man goes solo.

Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 1 Jun, usherhall.co.uk SACRED PAWS St Luke’s, Fri 7 Jun, stlukesglasgow. com Post-punk and Afro-pop influences from the Scottish rock duo.

Also Summerhall, Edinburgh, Sat 15 Jun, summerhall.co.uk DOVES SWG3, Sat 8 Jun, swg3.tv Pounding yet reflective indie types reunite for a series of gigs across the UK. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS O2 Academy Glasgow, Wed 12 Jun, academymusicgroup.com As they approach three decades of rock and roll dominance and with a new frontman at the helm, Stone Temple Pilots continue to thunder forward on their world tour.

See preview, page 107.

ROB ZOMBIE O2 Academy Glasgow, Thu 13 Jun, academymusicgroup.com The master of shock rock and metal takes a break from directing horror films to go back to his music roots.

TAKING BACK SUNDAY Barrowland, Fri 14 Jun, barrowlandballroom.co.uk The American rock band head out on tour in celebration of their 20th anniversary.

HITLIST

THE HUG AND PINT’S FOURTH BIRTHDAY PARTY The Hug and Pint, Glasgow, Fri 14 Jun, thehugandpint.com Celebration of the muchlauded music venue, with a secret musical line-up.

Previous years have seen musicians like Frightened Rabbit and BMX Bandits help blow out the candles.

FEVER 333 The Cathouse, Mon 17 Jun, facebook.com/Cathouserocks American hip hop and punk rock trio made up of former Letlive vocalist Jason Aalon Butler, former Chariot guitarist Stephen Harrison and Night Verses drummer Aric Improta. See preview, page 107.

Mac DeMarco

FOALS SWG3, Tue 18 Jun, swg3.tv Much admired stripped-down angular and funky indie sounds from the earnest Foals.

GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL Various venues, Wed 19–Sun 23 Jun, jazzfest.co.uk Festival bringing together some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music, with performances from David McAlmont, Haftor Medbøe and Jacob Karlzon, Mulatu Astatke and more.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & THE STRANGERS Royal Concert Hall, Thu 20 Jun, glasgowconcerthalls.com Famed outlaw country singer who collaborated with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Tue 18 Jun, usherhall. co.uk SCHWEFELGELB Stereo, Fri 21 Jun, stereocafebar. com Berlin-based techno duo.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD SSE Hydro, Wed 26 Jun, thessehydro.com Last tour of American country rock from the band that brought us ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, alongside special guests Status Quo. MAC DEMARCO Kelvingrove Bandstand, Wed 26 Jun, kelvingrovebandstand.org.uk Downbeat indie rock from the Canadian singer-songwriter.

GUN, TERRORVISION AND WILDHEARTS Kelvingrove Bandstand, Thu 27 Jun,

KISS SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Tue 16 Jul, kissonline. com Final tour from the rock gods, fronted by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

See feature, page 102.

DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, Fri 19–Sun 21 Jul,

kelvingrovebandstand.org.uk Rock’n’roll triple-bill featuring reformed Scottish rockers Gun, jolly 90s ensemble Terrorvision and Geordie group the Wildhearts.

THE SKIDS, REZILLOS, BIG COUNTRY Kelvingrove Bandstand, Fri 28 Jun, kelvingrovebandstand.org.uk Triplebill of veteran Scot rockers take to the stage.

LA WITCH Stereo, Wed 3 Jul, stereocafebar.com

dounetherabbithole. co.uk Boutique festival with a strong line-up of music, theatre, comedy and spoken-word. 2019 will feature performances by John Grant, Sister Sledge, the Wailers and more. See feature, page 40.

SUMMER NIGHTS Kelvingrove Bandstand, Glasgow,

Female reverb-heavy garage-punk trio.

EAGLES SSE Hydro, Thu 4 Jul, thessehydro. com Famous American rockers, known for iconic hits like ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Take it Easy’, head back out on the road.

ELECTRIC FIELDS SWG3, Thu 4 Jul–Sat 6 Jul, swg3.tv The popular Dumfriesshire music festival relocates to inner city Glasgow for its sixth outing. The line-up for 2019 features the likes of Metronomy, the

Fri 26 Jul–Sat 10 Aug, whatsonglasgow.co.uk Open air gig series, with big names like Burt Bacharach, Father John Misty, the National and more. See preview, page 107.

SUMMER SESSIONS Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Fri 16 & Sat 17 Aug, Sun 25 Aug, smmrsessions.com The

annual concert series returns to Bellahouston Park, with a 2019 line-up that includes Foo Fighters, Slaves, the Cure, Mogwai, the Twilight Sad and the 1975. See feature, page 50.

Foo Fighters

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 111

MUSIC | HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED Vaccines, Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls and more. See feature page 35.

JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN St Luke’s, Tue 9 Jul, stlukesglasgow.com Dramatic violinist and vocalist Joan Wasser, who has performed with Rufus Wainwright and Antony and the Johnsons, heads out on her UK-wide Joanthology tour. Also Pleasance, Edinburgh, Sun 7 Jul, pleasance.co.uk TRNSMT FESTIVAL Glasgow Green, Fri 12–Sun 14 Jul, trnsmtfest.com TRNSMT storms Glasgow Green with another high octane programme, featuring the likes of Stormzy, Gerry Cinnamon, Years & Years, George Ezra, Circa Waves and more. See feature, page 36.

GOSSIP SWG3, Fri 19 Jul, swg3.tv Glamorous dance-punk trio reunite to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their album Music for Men. See feature, page 104.

A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS The Art School, Fri 19 Jul, theartschool.co.uk 80s rock-pop fourpiece best known for hit single ‘I Ran (So Far Away)’.

TREVOR HORN Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 27 Jul, glasgowconcerthalls.com The legendary English record producer and former member of the Buggles, Yes and Art of Noise reworks his hits from the 80s live.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS Garage, Fri 2 Aug, garageglasgow. co.uk Instrumental progressive metal from Washington DC. PLAYGROUND FESTIVAL Rouken Glen Park, Fri 2– Sun 4 Aug, facebook.com/ playgroundfestivalscotland Music festival featuring an eclectic mix of international names and local musicians in Glasgow’s Southside.

The line-up for 2019 featuring Groove Armada, Ms Lauryn Hill, Anna Calvi,

Chvrches 112 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

Spice Girls

Hot Chip, Django Django and more.

TIM PRESLEY’S WHITE FENCE The Hug and Pint, Mon 19 Aug, thehugandpint.com Solo project of the American singer-songwriter, once a member of psych-rock band Darker My Love and the Nerve Agents.

STEVE GUNN Stereo, Wed 28 Aug, stereocafebar. com Brooklyn-based folk and blues singer-songwriter touring in support of his new album The Unseen In Between.

SKUNK ANANSIE O2 Academy Glasgow, Sat 31 Aug, academymusicgroup.com Punk-tinged Britrock quartet still going strong, nearly 25 years later.

INDIAN SUMMER SWG3, Thu 29 Aug, swg3.tv Summer music blowout featuring the great Courtney Barnett, Hockey Dad, Babe Rainbow, Hotel Lux, Fauves and Crystal.

EDINBURGH HONEYBLOOD Summerhall, Mon 3 Jun, summerhall.co.uk Glasgow-based grunge rock from Stina Tweeddale on guitar and vocals. See preview, page 101. Also Beat Generator Live, Dundee, Sat 1 Jun, beatgenerator. co.uk

OUT OF TOWN NOEL GALLAGHER Bught Park, Inverness, Sat 8 Jun, noelgallagher.com Post-Oasis indie rock from Gallagher senior who’s quite happy to dip into the Oasis back catalogue to bolster his set.

SPICE GIRLS Murrayfield Stadium, Sat 8 Jun, thespicegirls.com Twenty years on, the pop Wannabes are still performing together. Well, mostly.

KELBURN GARDEN PARTY Kelburn Castle, Largs, Fri 5–Mon 8 Jul, kelburngardenparty.com Eccentric music festival in a fairytale setting. 2019 features Leftfield (DJ set), Gentleman’s Dub Club, LTJ Bukem and more.

VISTAS Sneaky Pete’s, Sun 16 Jun, sneakypetes.co.uk Edinburgh-based indie-rockers, in the style of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Biffy Clyro. Also PJ Molloys, Dunfermline, Sat 15 Jun, pjmolloys.co.uk

GARBAGE Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Wed 17 Jul, alhambradunfermline. com Reformed American alt-rock band best known for 90s hits like ‘Only Happy When it Rains’ and ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’.

EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL Various venues, Fri 12–Sun 21 Jul, edinburghjazzfestival.com Groove on down to Scotland’s biggest jazz celebration, with a programme boasting big names and all genre styles, from swing and soul to blues-rock and the boogie-woogie. Featuring Jools Holland, Davina & the Vagabonds, Popa Chubby, Kenny Wayne Shephers, Ibibio Sound Machien and many more.

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL Belladrum, Inverness, Thu 1–Sat 3 Aug, tartanheartfestival.co.uk Family-friendly music festival with a strong spoken-word, theatre and art component as well. This year’s festival features the likes of Jess Glynne, Chvrches, Elbow and Lewis Capaldi.

KYLIE MINOGUE Edinburgh Castle, Sun 14 & Mon 15 Jul, edinburghcastle.scot Pop behemoth Kylie tours ahead of the release of her fifth greatest hits album Step Back in Time.

PARTY AT THE PALACE Linlithgow Palace, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Aug, partyatthepalace.co.uk A selection of music royalty performs against the regal backdrop of Linlithgow Palace over two days of live music at this family-friendly fest, which this year features the Charlatans, KT Tunstall, Deacon Blue and Wet Wet Wet.

Jack Dee Work In Progress July 2019

SAT 12TH OCTOBER THE BLUE ARROW GLASGOW

Friday 5th MacArts, Galashiels Saturday 6th Birnam Arts, Dunkeld SOLD Theatre, OUT Sunday 7th The Byre St Andrews Monday 8th The Macphail Centre, Ullapool OUT Tuesday 9th AnSOLD Lanntair, Stornoway Wednesday 10th The Carnegie Hall, Clashmore Thursday 11th Orkney Theatre, Kirkwall OUT Saturday 13thSOLD Mareel, Lerwick OUT Town Hall Sunday 14thSOLD Elgin SOLD Barn, OUT Monday 15th The Banchory SOLD OUT Tuesday 16th Inchyra Arts Club, Perth

Susan McCabe 11 Oct, Ceilidh Place, Ullapool 12 Oct, Lyth Arts Centre ,Wick 16 Oct, An Lanntair, Stornoway 19 Oct, The Tolbooth, Stirling 24 Oct, Macarts ,Galashiels

13TH DECEMBER THE GARAGE GLASGOW

SOLD OUT STIRLING 7 JUNE, THE ALBERT HALLS

KELSO 8 JUNE, TAIT HALL

LAST FEW TICKETS

tidelinesband.com

MONTROSE 14 JUNE, TOWN HALL

LAST FEW TICKETS

THURSDAY 4TH JULY ORAN MOR GLASGOW

CAMPBELTOWN 15 JUNE, THE VICTORIA HALLS SOLD OUT GLASGOW 2 NOVEMBER, BARROWLANDS

Thursday 21st November The Tolbooth | Stirling Friday 22nd November The Tolbooth | Stirling SOLD OUT

Saturday 23rd November Fat Sam’s | Dundee Sunday 24th November The Lemon Tree | Aberdeen

Tickets:beyondpresents.co.uk ticketmaster.co.uk Tickets-scotland.com Tel:08444999990

MUSIC | CLASSICAL

L A C I ASS

CL

CLASSICAL

MUSIC AT PAXTON

Paxton House, Paxton, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Fri 19–Sun 28 Jul

PHOTO: BENJAMIN EALOVEGA

‘The thing about chamber music, I feel, is that it’s a dialogue between audience and performer.’ So says Angus Smith, incoming artistic director of Music at Paxton, a summer festival of chamber music held annually in the Scottish Borders. ‘It’s different from the music you hear in opera houses and grand concert halls – the clue’s in the name. It’s music that’s been designed to be played in a room, with intimacy – a connection between musicians and listeners.’ Smith builds on the work of founding director Helen Jamieson who stepped down last year after 12 years at the helm. The event brings a wealth of music from established performers and rising stars to the stunning surroundings of Berwickshire’s Paxton House.

‘You watch these period dramas on television and you see the manner in which the music was performed in the 18th century – the period when the house was built,’ says Smith. ‘It’s an entertainment for friends, a gathering of like-minded people.’ Part of Smith’s focus for this year’s festival has been to open up discourse with performers and audience members by introducing Q&A sessions before concerts, singing on the lawns, having a marquee set up for anyone who wants to bring a picnic, and throwing an end of festival party with artists in residence, the Maxwell Quartet. The festival is, as it has always been, a huge advocate for emerging professional players, though bigger names such as Paul Lewis and Tamsin Little will grace its stage too. ‘Whatever stage of their career these artists are at, they are all excellent musicians, wonderful players, captivating personalities – everything that sets us up for a wonderful series of concerts.’

(Miranda Heggie)

CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS HITLIST

SCOTTISH OPERA: THE MAGIC FLUTE Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 5, Sun 9, Tue 11, Thu 13, Sat 15 Jun, capitaltheatres. com/your-visit/festival-theatre It's impossible not to enjoy Sir Thomas Allen’s effervescent – and five star – production of Mozart favourite, The Magic Flute.

Comedy, fantasy and pantomime combine in the opera’s search for wisdom, love and truth. Watch out for rising star soprano Julia Sitkovetsky as Queen of the Night.

114 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

OPERA BOHEMIA: THE MERRY WIDOW St John’s Renfield, Tue 20 Aug, operabohemia.co.uk Celebrating another milestone anniversary is the small-scale professional touring company, Opera Bohemia, who mark their ten years of bringing opera to audiences across Scotland with favourite Franz Lehár operetta, The Merry Widow. A perfect showcase for some of the finest new musical talent around, including Catriona Clark, Douglas Nairne, Marie Claire Breen and Andrew McTaggart. Also St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, Thu 15 & Fri 16 Aug; Perth Theatre, Sun 18 Aug; Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, Tue 20 Aug; Lanark Memorial Hall, Thu 22 Aug; Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Sun 25 Aug.

EDINBURGH STEVEN OSBORNE & ALBAN GERHARDT The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 6 Jul, thequeenshall.net Marking the night 40 years ago, in 1979, when HM Queen Elizabeth II declared the doors of Edinburgh’s

Catrin Finch

Queen’s Hall open, two of the venue’s international favourites from over the years – namely Messrs Osborne and Gerhardt – give a celebratory performance of music for cello and piano, perfectly suited to the hall’s fine chamber music acoustic.

OUT OF TOWN EAST NEUK FESTIVAL Various venues, East Neuk, Fife, Wed 26–Sun 30 Jun, eastneukfestival.com It’s difficult to pull out just a couple of must-sees from this year’s bumper edition of the East Neuk Festival, but legendary pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja’s solo recital (Bowhouse, St Monans, Thu 27 Jun), with Mozart, Chopin, Jord Widmann and Schumann, is a sure winner. As is former royal harpist Catrin Finch (Anstruther Town Hall, Sat 29 Jun), performing a unique blend of classical and other music traditions with Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita.

NYOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SUMMER TOUR Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, Wed 7 Aug, nyos.co.uk For the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, life

PHOTO: RYHS FRAMPTON

RSNO: SØNDERGÅRD CONDUCTS BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sun 1 Jun, glasgowconcerthalls.com Thomas Søndergård, RSNOmusic director, brings his first season to an electrifying close with Walton’s knock-out cantata, Belshazzar’s Feast. Also Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 31 May, usher hall.co.uk

GLASGOW

doesn’t begin at 40, but very much began 40 years ago when this brilliant national youth orchestra and associated ensembles were founded. For 2019’s summer tour of Kirkwall, Dundee and Stirling, the Australian-British conductor Jessica Cottis takes her young forces through a wealth of orchestral colour, including Bartok’s ever popular Concerto for Orchestra.

Also Caird Hall, Dundee, Thu 8 Aug; Albert Halls, Stirling, Fri 9 Aug.

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THEATRE

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /THEATRE

549: SCOTS OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR Exploration of Scotland’s role in pivotal conflict embarks on national tour

PHOTO: SIMON MOORHOUSE

After a successful debut in 2018, 549 – Wonder Fools’ study of the Scottish men who fought for the International Brigade during the Spanish Civil War – heads out for a comprehensive tour of the country. The company’s desire to reveal a hidden story grounds the show in the recollections of the relatives of those who fought. It also brings a local perspective to one of the 20th century’s most important conflicts, when the rising tide of fascism in Europe faced off against international resistance.

116 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

‘We want people to explore the history and heritage of their communities,’ say Jack Nurse and Robbie Gordon, the company’s founders.

‘We begin the show by stating “we learn from history that we do not learn from history”, a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and this is something we hope 549 will spark a conversation around.’

Having recorded conversations with the relatives of the men who went to war, the production focuses on the story of four individuals from Prestonpans. Inspired by

the heroism and willingness of these men to risk their lives for their beliefs, the company see the story as too important to be lost.

‘We wanted to play a part in ensuring that the Scottish involvement in the Spanish Civil War wasn’t confined to a chapter in a history book,’ say Nurse and Gordon, ‘but shared and championed to as wide an audience as possible.’ (Gareth K Vile) ■ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 6–Sat 8 Jun; St Luke’s, Glasgow, Tue 11 Jun; Platform, Glasgow, Wed 12 Jun; and touring.

PREVIEWS | THEATRE

list.co.uk/theatre OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE

BARD IN THE BOTANICS

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Wed 26 Jun–Sat 3 Aug Now entering its 18th year, and still committed to a vision of Shakespeare that pays respect to his scripts while adding a contemporary aesthetic, Bard in the Botanics continues its enthusiasm for gender equality in its ‘Muse of Fire’ season. With Nicole Cooper playing Hamlet, and Henry V and Richard III exploring political machinations in a timely manner, artistic director Gordon Barr promises another selection of classic plays with the company’s distinctive identity.

‘Shakespeare is a great humanist,’ he says. ‘He touches something universal in the human spirit.’ Barr’s approach, grounded in a knowledge of the Bard’s context but recognising the value of modern adaptations, challenges the belief that Shakespeare is exclusive. ‘The structure and the cultural baggage does create a barrier, but outdoor theatre can break down a lot of those barriers.’

To further challenge those obstacles, Bard in the Botanics has developed a distinctive style of staging and a commitment to gender equality: ‘For the last three or four years, we committed to a 50/50 gender split,’ he says, adding that this is not mere gender swapping. In the production of Hamlet, ‘what happens to this story if it is told through the perspective of a female character?’ he asks. Rather than tokenism, this allows a new interpretation to emerge, without betraying the power of Shakespeare’s language.

As a familiar, even venerable part of the Glasgow theatre year, Bard in the Botanics offers an opportunity to revisit familiar plays, be challenged by imaginative interpretations and indulge the unique pleasures of a theatre that lacks the usual walls. (Gareth K Vile)

PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

PHOTO: RICHARD CAMPBELL

FOOTBALL TRAGEDY

CLASSIC REVIVAL

BIOGRAPHY

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 18–Sat 22 Jun, and touring. Reviewed at Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock ●●●●●

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 8 Jun; Tramway, Glasgow, Wed 4–Sat 21 Sep

Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 27 Jun, The Brunton, Musselburgh, Fri 28 Jun; and touring

THE RED LION

Patrick Marber’s The Red Lion celebrates the rough-edged authenticity of semi-professional football and bemoans its descent into quasi-criminal commercialism. Through the shifting personalities of manager Kidd (Brendan Charleson), young star Jordan (Harry McMullen) and aging club legend Yates (John McArdle), Marber plays out what director Michael Emans calls ‘a clash between a powerful collective ethic and raw individual ambition’.

Charleson’s Kidd is cast as petulant, a caricature of the blunt northerner who ultimately breaks in the face of retribution for his antics; McArdle lends Yates a degree of quiet dignity, despite a sense that he has never recovered from his failure as the club’s manager. The production’s strength comes from allowing the script’s tension to play out at its own pace: Marber confuses the issues at stake with the personalities of his characters, ultimately making the conflict a simplistic clash of good and evil, capitalism and community. The more emotive scenes – such as when Jordan threatens Kidd – lack a raw impact, yet the direction’s pacing encourages this football drama to suggest deeper philosophical tensions beneath the soccer surface. (Gareth K Vile)

THE DUCHESS (OF MALFI)

Playwright Zinnie Harris is no stranger to updating classic plays for contemporary audiences. Her recent triumphs, This Restless House and Rhinoceros resurrected Aeschylus and Ionesco to great critical acclaim. And now, her adaptation of Jacobean revenge tragedy The Duchess (of Malfi) promises to draw out John Webster’s themes of female agency, power structures and family relationships; and with plenty of bloodshed and intensity.

‘In this #MeToo age of feminist uprising in the face of toxic masculinity,’ says Harris, ‘it now feels like the time to revisit this incredible, brutal story of female determination in the face of patriarchal power.’ Following the Duchess’ attempt to remarry, her brothers decide to take drastic action to keep the family line ‘pure’. Justice is eventually served, but only after insanity and bloodshed destroy family and state.

A superb team has been put together for the production, including Kirsty Stuart in the titular role, dramaturg Frances Poet, and Adam Best, George Costigan and Angus Miller in supporting roles. Harris is a writer of visceral, often shocking texts, and this adaptation is sure to be no exception, unflinchingly putting the Duchess’ cross-class romance and brutal downfall within a contemporary context. (Lorna Irvine)

THE BENNY LYNCH STORY

‘He’s a Scottish icon and it’s a true story. When I read the script, I was drawn to it; it’s out of my comfort zone, a challenge!’ Known as Shellsuit Bob from BBC’s River City, Stephen Purdon is excited about his return to the stage as legendary Scottish boxer Benny Lynch. ‘It’s a rags to riches thing, and then back to rags,’ he says. ‘He was a world champion, then he lost it all and died very young.’

Lynch’s tale has elements of tragedy and contemporary documentary drama, with his rising from the slums to international fame before dying at only 33 from malnutrition. ‘It is important to remember Scottish icons,’ Purdon continues. ‘There is a dark side to the story – he had a lot of demons – but to have it told in 2019 is educational. He is one of our own, from the Gorbals. We don’t really hide anything in the play: it has the good times and the bad times.’

With Scottish theatrical icon David Hayman playing Lynch’s trainer, and Simon Weir, recently seen in Trainspotting 2, as Tash, ‘the Gorbals’ sage’, this production promises an intense reminder of one man’s astonishing life, successes and ultimate decline into violence, alcoholism and crime. (Gareth K Vile) 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 117

THEATRE | PREVIEWS GERMAN SATIRE

THE UGLY ONE

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 4–Sat 20 Jul The Tron’s July production – usually humorous and playful – wraps up its spring season with the Scottish premiere of a German play. Following the adventures of an engineer who finds himself ‘fixed’ into an impossible beauty after plastic surgery, The Ugly One mocks the capitalist preoccupation with beauty as a signifier of worth. Marius von Mayenburg’s script juxtaposes broad humour, absurdism and satire to poke at contemporary values.

‘I read The Ugly One maybe seven years ago – it was written in 2007 – and I loved the form of it,’ says director Debbie Hannan.

‘The things I love always have a fairly big imaginative gap for the audience, so there is a lot of work to be done: following how the character has surgery but nothing changes about the actor’s face, you are having to play a game of what is happening in your head versus what is being said. To me, that is one of the most interesting things about theatre.’

The play does have a strong vision, she explains. ‘It is quite high satire, it is absurdist, but there is a truth to how utterly warped and bizarre our obsession with homogenous beauty is. It takes a thesis and stretches it to its absolute end conclusion.’

Born in 1972, Von Mayenburg follows a typical German pattern of working as both a dramaturg – the often ignored role that engages with the live production of a show – and playwright. This sensibility encourages the kind of complex interplay of language and theatricality that structures The Ugly One, which uses a visual motif as a platform for comedy and commentary.

Hannan is excited to see how the Scottish cast’s sensibility will mesh with the German humour, but she believes The Ugly One has a distinctive flavour that is ideal for Glasgow, with gallows humour, a critique of capitalism and a lively, emotion-filled and restless dynamism. (Gareth K Vile)

PHOTO: DARREN BELL

PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE

SKETCH COMEDY

Tramway, Glasgow, Thu 27 Jun–Sat 6 Jul

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sun 2 Jun

THEM!

For Them!, Stewart Laing draws together many of the team from his previous company Untitled Projects, music from Teen Canteen’s Carla J Easton, an irreverent attitude towards predictable theatre structures and 150,000 leafcutter ants. Operating as a reinvention of the classic 1950s paranoid science-fiction film, Them! is a reflection on contemporary floating identities and a subversion of the TV chat show. A Scottish theatre-maker arrives on-set to discuss his remake of the ‘seminal creature-feature’, but discovers (through a sudden shift to a nightclub at the end of the world) that issues of class, race and culture can never be ignored.

‘About four years ago, writer Pamela Carter and I started to work on an idea about personality identity and the possibilities of change,’ Laing says. ‘I came across Them! in a list of JG Ballard’s sci-fi movies. And I love that movie!’ The film operates as a foundation to contemplate ‘change and remaking: the plot of the show is about how one could remake it,’ he continues. And while this production follows Laing’s familiar interests in science-fiction and meta-theatrical commentary, he’s also interested in ‘creating a complete world in the theatre: we are not trying to convince anybody that anything is part of something else.’

Although it is story-led, Them! promises Laing’s distinctive combination of the fantastical and the naturalistic, presenting a theatre that recognises the multiplicity of identities, makes claims for the importance of inclusivity, and maintains a cerebral power without losing immediate and visceral thrills. (Gareth K Vile) 118 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Hormonal Housewives is a rare production, concentrating not on the esoteric anxieties of usurping kings or tragic protagonists, but on taking a bold and revealing look at contemporary women’s lives. From sex to celebrity gossip, its cast of familiar actors offer a funny and heartfelt alternative to the theatrical dominance of Shakespeare, Ibsen and other dead white male playwrights.

Yet for Josephine Partridge, who has joined the cast (completed by Vicki Michelle and Julie Coombe) for its national tour, there is an immediacy and energy that comes through the fast-paced broad humour. ‘The audiences have been incredible,’ she says. ‘We are in constant awe of the response we get. There is something profoundly moving and humbling seeing that many women weeping with laughter at various points. It is such an uplifting and empowering show; it’s all about friendship and acceptance, and we can see that translating to the audience. It’s just amazing to see them leaving with an added air of confidence.’

With its lively atmosphere and sketch-based scenes, Hormonal Housewives is an unpretentious reminder of theatre’s immediacy and intimacy. Partridge describes the production as ‘just three mates having a night in my living room sharing our experiences and conversations with hundreds of other women (and the odd man!).’ Its refusal to bow to politeness – nothing is taboo – and willingness to discuss those awkward subjects through humour and fun make Hormonal Housewives a night of celebration as much as drama. (Gareth K Vile)

PREVIEWS | DANCE

list.co.uk/dance

E C N DA

BALLET

BALLET BLACK

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun

PHOTO: BILL COOPER

In a few short years, Sophie Laplane has gone from company dancer with Scottish Ballet to its choreographer-in-residence – and now a sought-after dance maker outside Scotland.

Her latest triumph took place in March, when Ballet Black premiered Laplane’s new work Click! at the Barbican in London.

‘We get requests pretty much constantly from choreographers who want to do something with us,’ says Ballet Black’s artistic director, Cassa Pancho. ‘But as we’re quite a small company, we can only make so much new work in a year. Sophie is someone who’s been at the top of my list for ages, and being from Scottish Ballet she already understands what it’s like to be a ballet dancer and to dance en pointe.

‘I said to her I want something really enjoyable, because the other two pieces in the triple-bill are heavy. I knew Sophie had a very quirky, fresh and individual style, and she came up with a gorgeous, fun piece that gets the biggest cheer at every performance.’

The ‘heavy’ pieces Pancho refers to include a return of Martin Lawrance’s popular Pendulum, and a powerful new work by Ballet Black dancer, Mthuthuzeli November. A fusion of ballet, African dance and singing, Ingoma looks at the struggles of black South African miners in the 1940s.

‘We’ve wanted to take on more issues that relate to our own cultural backgrounds for a while,’ explains Pancho, ‘but we’re very aware that we need the right voice to tell those stories.

In our long history, we’ve worked with a minute amount of black choreographers, but our dancer Mthuthuzeli came to us having already worked as a choreographer in Cape Town.

At the moment, we’re the only company in the UK that can tell this kind of story and it’s really been resonating with our audiences.’ (Kelly Apter)

BALLET / CONTEMPORARY

BA MODERN BALLET GRADUATION PERFORMANCE Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Thu 13–Sat 16 Jun

You can hear the stories and watch from the sidelines, but nothing prepares you for a career like doing it yourself. Which is why the young dancers on the BA Modern Ballet course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland are so lucky. Run in conjunction with Scottish Ballet, the course will wrap up this summer with third year students touring Scotland in the company’s Wee Hansel and Gretel.

‘We’ve had a lot of fantastic opportunities on the course,’ says student Hannah Cubitt.

‘Principal dancers from Scottish Ballet have taught us work from the company’s repertoire, and touring with Wee Hansel and Gretel will be a great insight into the professional world.’

Before that, however, Cubitt and her peers will be dancing their hearts out at their graduation performance. Delivering sections from Giselle and Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella alongside contemporary works created specifically for them, the soon-to-be graduates will be hoping to make a good impression on future employers. Although for Cubitt, that box has already been ticked.

‘I’m going to be joining Scottish Ballet in September,’ she says, clearly delighted. ‘I trained with Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme, so I was one of those little kids looking up at the big professionals and thinking “I want to be like that”. Dancing with the company was a dream I never thought would come true and I still can’t quite believe it.’ (Kelly Apter) DANCE THEATRE

WASTELAND

Tramway, Glasgow, Fri 14 & Sat 15 Jun In 1994, ten years after the miners’ strike which led to the widespread closure of many British collieries, workers in the village of Grimethorpe gathered to watch their old pit being demolished.

Wasteland marks the 25th anniversary of the South Yorkshire colliery being torn down, at the same time as the illegal rave scene was just coming up.

As working class communities struggled to adjust to the new landscape – many of their residents had gone without pay for a year during the bitter industrial disputes of the 80s – derelict work spaces found a new purpose. Abandoned warehouses were taken over for big parties, where dance and music forged new communities.

Touring the UK this year and next, Clarke’s Wasteland celebrates the euphoric, defiant rave subculture that allowed a feeling of togetherness and hedonism to thrive, despite the political backdrop. As well as shellsuit tops, bucket hats, sweaty naked torsos and Clarke’s artful, highenergy interpretations of ‘big fish, little fish, cardboard box’ moves, the production also features rare archive footage of mining’s last days and early raves, with a sound score by Charles Webber.

‘For our generation, the future was bleak with very little prospect,’ says choreographer Gary Clarke. ‘The rave culture gave many of us the opportunity to escape these grim and grey realities and go into a new world of music and dance, where we could express our inner feelings, desires and frustrations. My passion for dance grew from this discovery.’ (Claire Sawers) 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 119

THEATRE | HIGHLIGHTS

THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War

GLASGOW HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Theatre Royal, Sun 2 Jun, whatsonglasgow.co.uk Join Vicki Michelle and the Hormonal Housewives in an evening all about the challenges of modern womanhood. See preview, page 118. Also touring, see list. co.uk/theatre for details.

BA MODERN BALLET GRADUATION PERFORMANCE Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Thu 13–Sat 15 Jun, rcs.ac.uk Students of classical ballet, contemporary dance and jazz dance perform works by Christopher Hampson, Diana Loosmore and Owen Montague. See preview, page 119.

DUSTY WON’T PLAY Òran Mór, Mon 17–Sat 22 Jun, oranmor.co.uk Annie Caulfield’s play about Dusty Springfield’s 1964 tour of South Africa, taking in apartheid, segregation and one singer standing up for what she believes in.

THE RED LION Theatre Royal, Tue 18–Sat 22 Jun, whatsonglasgow.co.uk Rapture Theatre present Patrick Marber’s comedy about ‘the beautiful game’. See review, page 117. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details.

THE BENNY LYNCH STORY Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 27 Jun, eastwoodparktheatre. co.uk Tale of Scotland’s first boxing world champion, from his childhood in

BALLET BLACK King’s Theatre,

120 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

the slums of Gorbals to the height of his boxing success and his tragic death.

See preview, page 117. Also touring, see list.co.uk/theatre for details.

THE UGLY ONE Tron Theatre, Thu 4–Sat 20 Jul, tron.co.uk Marius von Mayenburg’s comedy about beauty, identity and moving up in the world. See preview, page 118.

BARD IN THE BOTANICS: RICHARD III Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Thu 18 Jul–Sat 3 Aug, bardinthebotanics. co.uk Four actors perform Shakespeare’s chilling tale about the royal malcontent in the Kibble Palace Glasshouse, echoing present-day notions of post-truth. See preview, page 117.

PROJECT Y Tramway, Wed 24 Jul, tramway. org Scotland’s national youth dance organisation presents four new contemporary dance works, performed by some of the UK’s best young dancers aged 16–21. Also touring, see list.co.uk/dance for details.

EDINBURGH CROSS CURRENTS King’s Theatre, Thu 6 Jun, capitaltheatres.com Showcase of dancers training at Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS).

549: SCOTS OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR Traverse Theatre, Thu 6–Sat 8 Jun, traverse.co.uk Historic play that looks at the 549 Scottish people involved in

Lawrance’s Pendulum, Sophie Laplane’s CLICK! and Ingoma (Song) by company dancer, Mthuthuzeli November. See preview, page 119.

PHOTO: MTHUTHUZELI NOVEMBER

HITLIST

THE DUCHESS [OF MALFI] Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 1–Sat 8 Jun, lyceum.org.uk Based on John Webster’s play, Zinnie Harris’ adaptation explores male rage and female resistance.

See preview, page 117.

PHOTO: JASSY EARL

PENETRATOR Dram!, Mon 17, Mon 24 Jun, dramglasgow.co.uk Staging of Anthony Neilson’s darkly comic look at toxic masculinity by Fear No Colours, which follows a pair of flatmates whose life is disturbed by the sudden reappearance of an old friend.

Ballet Black

Edinburgh, Sat 8 Jun, balletblack.co.uk The company performs a triple bill featuring Martin

WASTELAND Tramway, Glasgow, Fri 14 & Sat 15 Jun, tramway.org Gary Clarke’s sequel to his award-winning COAL,

the Spanish Civil War. See preview, page 116. Also Platform, Glasgow, Wed 12 Jun, and touring, see list. co.uk/theatre for details.

CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN King’s Theatre, Tue 18–Sat 22 Jun, capitaltheatres.com Rona Munro and Melly Still adapt Louis de Bernières’ novel to the stage, which follows a passionate love affair on the Greek island of Cephallonia during WWII. Also Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 25–Sat 29 Jun, atgtickets.com SHALL WE DANCE The Studio at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 6 Jul, capitaltheatres. com Relaxed evening of contemporary ballroom dancing, led by professionals with live music from the Sound of Seventeen Big Band.

explores what happened when the Grimethorpe Colliery was demolished.

See preview, page 119.

THEM! Tramway, Glasgow, Thu 27 Jun–Sat 6 Jul, tramway.org New performance event from Stewart Laing and Pamela Carter exploring identity in a changing world. See

preview, page 118.

BARD IN THE BOTANICS: HAMLET Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Thu 18 Jul–Sat 3 Aug, bardinthebotanics.co.uk Shakespeare’s existential tragedy about ghostly visitations and the pursuit of revenge. See preview, page 118.

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1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 121

TELEVISION FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /TV

STRANGER THINGS Teenage kicks as the creepy sci-fi show returns Season three of Stranger Things is probably the most anticipated show on Netflix in 2019. Its mix of sci-fi, horror and mystery with pitch-perfect 80s styling has become a monster hit. The show’s secret weapon is undoubtedly the cast’s chemistry. Shored up by Winona Ryder and David Harbour, the young team of Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton and Sadie Sink have really captured the hearts and minds of the viewing public. Their interaction feels so natural and real even in the face of the fantastical and bizarre.

122 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

The new season finds our intrepid heroes entering their teenage years, but in this age of spoilers, further details are thin on the ground with everyone involved keeping schtum until launch date (on 4 July, which is rather appropriate given that it looks as though much of this series is set at a funfair on Independence Day). The trailer promises malls, hit-men, aerobics, packs of rats and hideously gooey creatures. ‘There are some big surprises in this season,’ Harbour told Den of Geek recently. ‘It really is a hell of a ride.’ (Henry Northmore) ■ Stranger Things returns on Netflix, Thu 4 Jul.

PREVIEWS | TELEVISION

list.co.uk/tv

HIGHLIGHTS KILLING EVE – SEASON 2 BBC One, Jun (date tbc) Full boxset of the multiple BAFTA-winning killer thriller will drop on iPlayer. See preview, left.

POLDARK – SERIES 5 BBC One, Jun (date tbc) More brooding period drama starring Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson in the last season of Poldark.

DEADWOOD THE MOVIE Sky Atlantic, Sat 1 Jun, 9pm The long rumoured Deadwood movie finally becomes reality, wrapping up the much loved, ultraviolent western series after a 13 year absence.

DEATH BECOMES HER As Killing Eve returns, Henry Northmore looks at how its creative force, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, turned the show into such a huge success

P

hoebe Waller-Bridge can do no wrong.

The second series of Fleabag was a huge critical hit, Waller-Bridge taking the lead role as a hugely complex woman in a beautifully downbeat mix of comedy and drama. She has been announced as script doctor for the as-yetuntitled 25th James Bond movie and the West End live show of Fleabag sold out its entire run in under an hour.

Then, of course, there’s Killing Eve, WallerBridge’s adaptation of Luke Jennings’s Codename Villanelle novella series, a dark and bloody thriller featuring Sandra Oh as MI6 officer Eve as she attempts to track down elusive and enigmatic killer Villanelle (Jodie Comer).

The thrill of the chase and the violent set pieces had viewers on the edge of their seats in the first series, but it was the obsessive relationship between Eve and Villanelle that had them hooked.

‘I think the kind of cat-and-mouse aspect with females isn’t that common,’ explains WallerBridge. ‘Also the fun we had playing with the heightened elements of the show, allowing them to be humorous as well as it being a thriller, is unusual – I hope in a good way. So I guess it’s just a very unusual game of cat and mouse.’

Season 2 picks up directly where the first series finished. It has already premiered in America so a quick internet search will give you all the story details you could desire, but we’re not going to ruin any plot twists here. Due to her packed diary, Waller-Bridge has stayed on as producer but delegated some responsibility for the second series, hiring her friend Emerald Fennell as head

writer (who you can also see starring as a young Camilla Parker-Bowles in season three of The Crown).

Oh picked up multiple awards for her portrayal of Eve (including a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award). ‘She has brought the guts, the heart, the courage, the vulnerability, and the intelligence of Eve right to the fore – I cannot imagine anyone else paying this part,’ said Waller-Bridge. ‘She’s so bold, she’s so smart and she’s so across the scripts and cares so much about the character.’

Hollywood Reporter recently name-checked Jodie Comer on their annual list of Rising Young Stars and she beat her co-star Oh to win best actress at the BAFTA television awards. ‘She’s brought so much complexity to this character and so much vulnerability to her that she’s [Villanelle] bizarrely relatable in Jodie’s hands. This wild and otherwise probably fantastical kind of character has been brought down to earth; she’s charming – and you’ll make the mistake of falling in love with her and then she will kill you.’

In a recent interview, Sian Clifford, who plays Fleabag’s uptight sister Claire, suggested that Fleabag is now finished. Thankfully, WallerBridge is working with HBO on a new series called Run (starring Domhnall Gleeson and Merritt Wever) and the day after season 2 of Killing Eve was broadcast in the States, season 3 was confirmed, so it appears the chase continues.

Killing Eve season 2, BBC One, June (date tbc), all episodes will be available on iPlayer the same day.

BLACK MIRROR – SEASON 5 Netflix, Wed 5 Jun More freaky sci-fi morality tales and bleak satire from the mind of Charlie Brooker.

BIG LITTLE LIES – SEASON 2 Sky Atlantic, Mon 10 Jun, 2am (and 9pm) Meryl Streep joins the cast as Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley must face the repercussions of their actions.

LEGION – SEASON 3 FOX, Thu 4 Jul, 9pm Baffling but beautiful superhero story vaguely based on the X-Men comics. Final season.

STRANGER THINGS – SEASON 3 Netflix, Thu 4 Jul Much-anticipated return of 80s-set sci-fi horror. See preview, page 122.

SUITS – SEASON 9 Netflix, Thu 18 Jul Have you ever met anyone who has actually watched Suits?

Anyway it’s famous now Meghan Markle is a thing (even though she’s not actually in it anymore) and this is the final season.

PEAKY BLINDERS – SEASON 5 BBC One (date tbc) More retro gang warfare Birmingham-style.

THE HANDMAID’S TALE– SEASON 3 Channel 4 (date tbc) Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision of a totalitarian regime in America. Elizabeth Moss is outstanding and Yvonne Strahovski’s character has grown in complexity and depth over series two.

CATCH 22 Channel 4 (date tbc) Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and George Clooney lead the cast in this new adaptation of Joseph Heller’s darkly comic WWII novel.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 123

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

ROYALTY AND THE ROMANOVS

21 June – 3 November 2019 www.rct.uk 0303 123 7306 124 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

VISUAL ART FOR THE LATEST NEWS, LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, GO TO LIST.CO.UK /VISUALART

PHOTO: ARTIST ROOMS TATE AND NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND. LENT BY THE ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE FOUNDATION 2014.

SELF EVIDENCE Three tragic figures of 20th century photography captured beautifully The works of Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus and Robert Mapplethorpe are touchstones for any major gallery that wishes to explore the edgier side of 20th century photographic history. The images on display in Self Evidence focus upon these American artists’ own self-referencing work, and play not just upon their complementary styles, but also on the sense of societal change which each reflected.

All three died tragically young, and all found their heyday occurring during the seismic period between the 1960s and the 1980s.

Woodman often shot in derelict, post-industrial spaces or raw, unadorned residential rooms, and most of these candid black-and-whites concentrate on a contemplation of her own nudity or in long-exposure shots where she appears to be trying to alter or erase her

own presence before the lens. While none of the ten Arbus studies on display feature her, the fact they combine as her ‘A Box of Ten Photographs’ series says much about how she wished to be viewed as an artist.

Among them, Robert Mapplethorpe appears to love the camera the most, meeting its gaze and performing emphatically for it. Boldly, the show’s curation has allowed for that infamous shot in which he inserts the handle of a whip into himself, but it doesn’t affect the tone of a well-selected and staged triptych of mini exhibitions. The sense of youthful creative energy, challenging of 20th century social norms, and sadness around the final circumstances of each life fuse together beautifully. (David Pollock) ■ Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 20 Oct ●●●●●

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 125

VISUAL ART | PREVIEWS & REVIEWS GAMING HISTORY

VIDEOGAMES: DESIGN / PLAY / DISRUPT V&A Dundee, until Sun 8 Sep ●●●●●

This new display in V&A Dundee’s large and atmospheric temporary display galleries offers a fresh and detailed view of the videogame industry and culture surrounding it. We open with a beautiful, scene-setting quote from Frank Lantz, director of the New York University Game Center: ‘Making games combines everything that’s hard about building a bridge with everything that’s hard about composing an opera. Games are operas made out of bridges.’

The first and largest element of Videogames: Design / Play / Disrupt is an in-depth study of eight ground-breaking games, each broken down into individual design processes. Audiences are shown the ‘emotional mood boards’ for the multiplayer online Journey, which are used to influence responses to every scene; we see the breadth of character designs, set paintings and motioncapture movement creation which informed the cinematic scope of The Last of Us; there are the elements of city planning and fashion design which Splatoon incorporates, and the very different literature roots which feed into the aesthetic and dialogue of Kentucky Route Zero and No Man’s Sky. Also featuring Bloodborne, Consume Me and The Graveyard (whose creators Tale of Tales produced a ‘Realtime Art Manifesto’ in 2006, recreated here), the show is packed with detail in the form of notebooks, development art and concept visualisations. It’s a fun introduction to the mass of design and development work the industry’s creators undertake. The show also reflects on the political implications of the games industry. Through film and text, it looks at weighty subjects such as violence, sex, representation, the treatment of women, and the slow shift of the industry away from white, western ideals, before lighter sections include films on gaming communities and a mock-up DIY arcade featuring playable versions of some eccentric contemporary designs. (David Pollock)

PHOTO: JAMES BOYER SMITH

P R E V IE

W

DRAWING

PAINTING

Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 20 Oct ●●●●●

City Art Centre, Edinburgh, until Sun 13 Oct

THOMAS KILPPER: THE POLITICS OF HERITAGE VS. THE HERITAGE OF POLITICS

Victoria Crowe’s work doesn’t shout: it doesn’t have to. She may have become one of Scotland’s most important artists with very little fanfare, but this is all set to change this summer when she is the subject of a major retrospective at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.

Over three floors, and including more than 150 paintings and drawings, the exhibition is a rare opportunity to see a spectrum of Crowe’s work from her 50-year career, and to celebrate her rigorous skills and probing vision. Her best known work is still ‘A Shepherd’s Life’ (shown at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2000), a portrait of her neighbour, Borders shepherd Jenny Armstrong, whom she met after moving to Scotland in 1968. But this is only one strand in a wide-ranging oeuvre.

The former Edinburgh College of Art teacher’s work has been compared to poetry in the way it weaves together images and ideas, and consistently asks the deep questions of life. Fusing elements of portraiture, landscape and still life, she pursues philosophical ideas rigorously. Continuing to explore new ways of working, her recent projects have included a film of her paintings to work in parallel with a live performance of Schubert’s ‘Winterreisse’.

(Susan Mansfield)

This show by German artist-activist Thomas Kilpper is the inaugural exhibition in Edinburgh Printmakers’ new home, a former rubber factory which later became a brewery. As the show’s title suggests, Kilpper embraces the social-political and artistic history of the venue, marking out its contradictions as he goes. He does this via a monumental sitespecific rogues’ gallery that fills floor and ceiling with a partisan topography of past, present and possible futures, with mirror images of a carved-up cast list of pop / art stars that would put Peter Blake’s gathering for Sergeant Pepper in the psychedelic shade.

Over 36 images, resembling a woodcut of a trade union banner writ large, Kilpper juxtaposes factory workers with art figures such as Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol. John Lydon and Jeremy Corbyn are there, as are artists Jim Lamble and Alasdair Gray.

Rats sit aloft the shoulders of Donald Trump and Nigel Farage. A wobbly Theresa May totters next to Kate Moss, while local boy Sean Connery, captured in his artists’ model days, shows exactly why he’s called ‘Big’ Tam. As a statement – of intent as much as reflection – Kilpper celebrates how worlds can be turned upside down. (Neil Cooper)

MARK MAKING: PERSPECTIVES ON DRAWING

Six artists, buddied up into duos across three rooms, draw here from their very singular world-views. Yet somehow you can find a through-line running across them all.

Erica Eyres and Jonathan Owen draw from found images, Eyres copying from photographs in 1970s naturist magazines, Owen’s ‘eraser drawings’ rubbing out movie stars from classic film scenes, so all that is left is the background. Where Owen’s images are existentially bereft, with Eyres, the joy comes, not through sex, but the everyday mundanity of chilling in the pool or barbecues in the sun.

The coloured line drawings of bodies in motion by France-Lise McGurn bend, stretch and dance their way through the frame with a classicist retro air. In contrast, Lois Green’s postcard-sized black and white still lives peer surreptitiously into unoccupied rooms.

Only in two pieces is that gaze returned, peering out onto trees or a river at dusk.

Gregor Wright’s digital drawings on large flat-screen TVs are dreamy collages of pink-hued worlds,while Ross Hamilton Frew’s opaque amalgams of words and images are reimagined from second-hand books, with evocative Zen-noir narratives. (Neil Cooper) 126 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

VICTORIA CROWE: 50 YEARS OF PAINTING

PRINT

Edinburgh Printmakers, until Sat 13 Jul ●●●●●

HIGHLIGHTS | VISUAL ART

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS Events are listed by city, then date.

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

GLASGOW MFA DEGREE SHOW Glue Factory, until Sun 9 Jun, gsa. ac.uk The show for graduates of the Glasgow School of Art MFA programme.

THE THEATRE OF ROBERT ANTON Tramway, until Sun 30 Jun, tramway. org Work by the avant-garde theatre artist Robert Anton, the first time it’s been seen in the UK. GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART DEGREE SHOW Glasgow School of Art, until Tue 16 Jul, gsa.ac.uk Graduates of the GSA fine art, architecture and design programs display their work.

THE GERMAN REVOLUTION Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 25 Aug, gla.ac.uk/hunterian Prints from important German artists working between 1918 and 1919, including Schiele, Klinger, Kokoschka, Munch, Dix, Schmidt-Rottluff, Nolde, Beckmann and Käthe Kollwitz.

MARK MAKING: PERSPECTIVES ON DRAWING Gallery of Modern Art, until Sun 20 Oct, glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/ venues/gallery-of-modern-art-goma Work by six contemporary artists who view drawing as central to their practice: Erica Eyres, France-Lise McGurn, Gregor Wright, Jonathan Owen, Lois Green and Ross Hamilton Frew. See review, page 126.

EDINBURGH EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART DEGREE SHOW Edinburgh College of Art, until Sun 9 Jun, eca.ed.ac.uk Annual degree show featuring work by graduating students across all disciplines. An ideal

HITLIST

NOW: ANYA GALLACCIO, CHARLES AVERY, PELES EMPIRE, AURÉLIEN FROMENT, ROGER HIORNS, ZINEB SEDIRA Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Edinburgh, until Sun 22 Sep, nationalgalleries. org/visit/scottishnational-gallery-modernart The latest in the three-

opportunity to view, commission and purchase new work. There are nine days of free public viewing, including two late night openings.

Russia: Royalty and the Romanovs

TRADING ZONE Talbot Rice Gallery, until Sun 23 Jun, ed.ac.uk/talbot-rice The return of the interdisciplinary student show featuring work by University of Edinburgh students.

CHARLES AVERY: THE GATES OF ONOMATOPOEIA Ingleby Gallery, until Sat 13 Jul, inglebygallery.com Charles Avery has spent some years focused on a fictional island; an all-encompassing, immersive investigation of the fabric and possibilities of another place. Through drawings, texts and objects, Avery describes the inhabitants, architecture, philosophies, customs and idiosyncrasies of this imagined territory, Onomatopoeia.

THOMAS KILPPER: THE POLITICS OF HERITAGE VS. THE HERITAGE OF POLITICS. Edinburgh Printmakers, until Sat 13 Jul, edinburghprintmakers.co.uk A site-specific floor carving by the German artist and activist, commissioned by the gallery to celebrate its opening at its new venue. See review, page 126.

THE LONG LOOK Scottish National Portrait Gallery, until Sun 27 Oct, nationalgalleries. org/visit/scottish-national-portraitgallery A collaboration between the painter Audrey Grant and the photographer and printmaker Norman McBeath, exploring the art of portraiture.

BRIDGET RILEY Scottish National Gallery, Sat 15 Jun–Sun 22 Sep, nationalgalleries. org A major overview of the work of one of Britain’s most distinguished artists, Bridget Riley, pioneer of Op Art. RUSSIA: ROYALTY AND THE ROMANOVS The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Fri 21 Jun–Sun 3 Nov, rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-

year series of contemporary art exhibitions is a major survey of the work of Paisley-born Anya Gallaccio.

VICTORIA CROWE City Art Centre, Edinburgh, until Sun 13 Oct, edinburghmuseums. org.uk/venue/city-artcentre Major retrospective of the work of Victoria Crowe, with over 150

palace-of-holyroodhouse Exhibition exploring the relationship between the royal families of Great Britain and Russia, featuring more than 170 works of art, photographs and Fabergé masterpieces.

DESIGN EXHIBITION SCOTLAND Lyon and Turnbull, Fri 28 Jun–Tue 2 Jul, designexhibitionscotland.co.uk Launched in 2018, Design Exhibition Scotland is a valuable showcase for Scottish designers working across a range of materials.

WILD AND MAJESTIC: ROMANTIC VISIONS OF SCOTLAND National Museum of Scotland, Wed 26 Jun–Sun 10 Nov, nms.ac.uk/ national-museum-of-scotland Displays and objects showing how some of the defining images of Scotland got created between the 18th and 19th centuries, including highland and military dress, landscapes, literature and other exhibits.

paintings from her career.

See preview, page 126.

SELF EVIDENCE: PHOTOGRAPHS BY WOODMAN, ARBUS AND MAPPLETHORPE Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 20 Oct, nationalgalleries.org/ visit/scottish-nationalportrait-gallery Images

OUT OF TOWN ARCHITECTURE FRINGE Various venues, across Scotland, Fri 7–Sun 23 Jun, architecture fringe.com Exhibitions, performances, discussions, screenings, installations and more on the 2019 theme of ‘In Real Life’. See feature, page 54.

PATRICK STAFF: THE PRINCE OF HOMBURG Dundee Contemporary Arts, Sat 22 Jun–Sun 1 Sep, dca.org.uk Exhibition featuring works by British artist Patrick Staff reinterpreting the play The Prince of Homburg by Heinrich von Kleist.

DANIEL LIE: THE NEGATIVE YEARS Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston, until Sun 14 Jul, jupiterartland.org Daniel Lie’s first solo exhibition, the result of a twoyear research partnership.

by three photographers working with self-portraiture: Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus and Robert Mapplethorpe. See review, page 125.

CINDY SHERMAN: EARLY WORKS 1975–1980 Stills, Edinburgh, Fri 28 Jun–Sun 6 Oct, stills. org An overview of the

seminal early works of Cindy Sherman.

VIDEOGAMES: DESIGN/ PLAY/DISRUPT V&A Dundee, until Sun 8 Sep, vam.ac.uk/Dundee Exhibition focusing on the design of video games, reflecting on their complexity and the international debates surrounding them.

See review, page 126.

1 Jun–31 Aug 2019 THE LIST 127

BACK PAGE FIRST&LAST NICK OFFERMAN The star of Parks and Recreation, Fargo and Lego Movie 2 takes on our Q&A in which he discusses babysitters, Bob Newhart, beer and belt sanders First record you ever bought

The Monkees Greatest Hits ordered off the TV with chore money.

Last extravagant purchase you made

A 1993 SCMI MiniMax dimensional belt sander for Offerman Woodshop, 25” width. After the fixes it needed, the ‘bargain’ became twice as extravagant.

First film you saw that really moved you

Last book you read

The Rescuers in 1977. I was seven years old and it was a big deal to drive over to the movie theatre in Morris, IL. I was swept away by the story, Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, and the plucky mosquito / outboard motor Evinrude.

How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan.

Last lie you told

Last time you were starstruck

I’m not that tired.

Talking to Randy Newman backstage at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Or, in another sense, this morning when Megan Mullally slapped me for stealing her bacon.

First movie you ever went on a date to

The Princess Bride.

First great piece of advice you were given

Work hard and tell the truth: my mom and dad.

Last time you cried

Wrapping six months of work on new FX series Devs with Alex Garland. The project and people were so exquisite that I cried at having to leave.

First thing you do when you’ve got time off work

Head towards my wife.

Last great meal you cooked

Dinner for ten. Burgers from scratch and king salmon on the grill, corn . . . my way. Wilted kale / almond / blueberry salad, Kettle Chips. And for dessert, key lime pie.

First crush

Kelly Ward, my babysitter.

128 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019

First thing you’d do if you ran the country

Reinstate shop class.

Last meal on earth

A moderate ball of opium.

First time you realised you were famous

When people began to yell ‘Ron!’ at me from a block away when they spotted my moustache.

Last time someone criticised your work

I ask Megan for constructive criticism most every day, and she is generous and fair in her delivery.

I am certainly much better than I would be without her tips.

Beyond her, I do get criticism of my books and comedy shows from narrow-minded people, usually offended on behalf of some rightwing ideology or other.

First three words your friends would use to describe you

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Gassy. Garrulous. Gorgeous.

Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it

1984. Midriff t-shirt.

First job

Shovelling pig muck in Grandpa Mike’s pig barn for a quarter.

Last person you fantasised about

Was just dreaming of negotiating a scene between Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer and myself on Killing Eve. First word you spoke

Beer.

Last crime you committed

The roiling cloud of stink to which I subjected my wife last night must have violated some local statutes.

Nick Offerman: All Rise, Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 24 Aug; O2 Academy, Glasgow, Wed 28 Aug. See more of this Q&A at list.co.uk

As the student population return to their labours or make a tutorial debut this autumn, it’s time to remind them that this moment is not all just deadline extensions and somehow staying awake through lectures. There’s plenty fun to be had, and we’ll be directing them to all the right places and people over the coming year. Plus, there’s a whole heap of entertainment on offer for everyone, with Eddie Izzard going on tour and SQIFF screening more annual delights.

YOU DON’T NEED A SPECIAL OCCASION, JUST EACH OTHER.

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