Festival

TOP 20 The number of acts performing at this year’s Festival might seem a trifle overwhelming, so here’s a round-up of 20 unmissable shows

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BOOKS VISUAL ART

Ali Smith Stuart Kelly chairs this event with Ali Smith who’s talking about her latest work, multi- award winning How to be Both. See preview, page 33. Charlotte Square Gardens, 16 Aug. Charles Avery: The People and Things of Onomatopoeia Major exhibition from Avery, exploring his imaginary archipelago of islands. See review, page 101. Ingleby Gallery, until 26 Sep.

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COMEDY

THEATRE THEATRE

Daphne Do Edinburgh Phil Wang, Jason Forbes and George Fouracres make up Daphne, arguably the top sketch trio in town, impressing everyone with their slightly demented and often devilish skits about kids characters, TV chefs and massive cups of coffee. This debut hour is packed with big hitters. See review, page 45. Traverse Pleasance Courtyard, until 31 Aug (not 17).

Paul Bright’s Confessions of a Justified Sinner An attempt to adapt James Hogg’s novel spawns a story of obsession, ambition and love. See feature, page 79. The Queen’s Hall, 19-22 Aug. Polyphony This masterclass monologue by Daniel Kitson may be sold out, but it’s definitely worth checking for returns every day. See review, page 82. Roundabout @ Summerhall, until 30 Aug (not 18, 25).

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MUSIC

THEATRE COMEDY

Independence Ensemble Thing take on the ongoing Independence debate as they perform John De Simone’s new work, a look at cultural identity in Scotland from the POV of an English- born Scottish-Italian. See preview, page 74. Summerhall, 18, 20, 22 & 23 Aug.

The Encounter In award-winning actor, writer and director Simon McBurney’s first International Festival appearance, he reveals the secrets of time and sound in a spectacular retelling of an Amazon journey. See feature and review at list.co.uk/festival EICC, until 23 Aug (not 13, 18). Tim Key: Work-in-Slutgress The man whose works-in-progress are generally way better than most acts’ carefully considered and complete oeuvres. Fringe babe Tim Key mixes poetry, stand-up, musings, fun times and more. Pleasance Courtyard, 15-31 Aug (not 17).

4 THE LIST FESTIVAL 13–20 Aug 2015