what’s in the bag? SHOP
PICTURES: AN DY LAING
AIRPODS
SALTED PEANUTS
AirPods are vital, even if I think I’m going to lose them every day. I’ve been touring last year’s Fringe show, so whenever I’m about to do a tour show, I listen to the pre-show playlist that the audience listened to, which keeps my head in the right place. That playlist has songs like ‘Paper Planes’ by M.I.A and ‘About Damn Time’ by Lizzo. In general, I also listen to a lot of Mac Miller, Run The Jewels and Action Bronson.
Perfect pre-gig snack because they are tasty and release energy slowly. I always have them in my bag. Extra points if you have a resealable bag otherwise you are hoovering peanuts out of the depths of a rucksack.
WATER
Ahead of his Glasgow International Comedy Festival appearance, Robin Grainger lets Megan Merino have a nose inside his bag. What treasures lie within?
Sounds silly but I need to remind myself to drink enough water. I love coffee too much (at my caffeinated peak, I was drinking over ten cups a day) so I’m trying to strategically drink as much water as I possibly can to offset my dependency on caramel macchiato.
BOOKS/GRAPHIC NOVELS I spend half of my life on public transport so books are a must. I’ve recently discovered Bret Easton Ellis. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a book I read years ago but I genuinely think about it every day. It’s bleak and beautiful and everyone should read it. Graphic novel recommendations are the wonderful Saga series, Ice Cream Man, Asterix, and In. by Will McPhail.
NOTEPADS I type a lot of jokes using phone notes but using a pen and writing them down just makes me feel better. All my jokes start long form, then I scribble bits out and change the order up for each gig until I have a list of words to remember; this tour show is 60 minutes long so I have six words written down and I’m good to go.
CAP Another obsession, along with books and sneakers. I have too many, but they are practical and look cool. This one is from an amazing shop in Edinburgh called Pieute. Good people. Robin Grainger: Robin Time, The Stand, Glasgow, Sunday 2 April, as part of Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
shop talk
Emily Millichip
EMILY MILLICHIP This Edinburgh-based artist’s homeware designs are punchy, bright and, most importantly, fun. Chintzy floral tablecloths are embroidered with ‘EAT THE RICH’, hot pink leopard-print bolster cushions are decorated with skateboard-style stickers, and tropical floral cushions are piped with bright acidic colours. Along with her wry humour, sustainability is at the core of Millichip’s designs, with all pieces made to order in her Portobello studio and offcuts reworked into zero-waste collections. Online at emilymillichip.com, @emilymillichip on Instagram PICTURE: ALIX MCINTOSH
FLOWERS VERMILLION If you’re looking to recapture the feeling of being a kid in a sweet shop, Flowers Vermillion have nailed it. Their gift shop includes a range of Japanese
Claire Stuart checks out another trio of must-visit shops and independent sellers
stationery, rails of chore jackets, vintage quilts and sculptural floral bouquets, alongside jars of sugar mice and traffic-light lollipops. Everything about it is inviting and abundantly playful. Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, it’s hard to leave empty handed. 920 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, @vermillion_stores on Instagram
BAM GLASGOW This basement store is a treasure trove of well-priced vintage and retro glassware. On the main floor, the walls are filled with local art (the twisted ‘Americana’ by Doug Wright is fantastic) and tables are stacked with treats, including candles in vintage jars, decorative plates adorned with bandits rendered in black marker, and lovingly hand-knitted dolls. 44 Nithsdale Road, Glasgow, bamglasgow.co.uk March 2023 THE LIST 33