Festival BOOKS
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COMEDIANS AT THE BOOK FESTIVAL
Because stand-ups can write books too, you know
The Edinburgh International Book Festival kicks off this weekend – and if you thought this was your chance to escape the melee of comedians kicking about town, think again.
First, there’s grand duke of comedy Alexei Sayle who’ll be talking about his second memoir, Thatcher Stole My Trousers (14 Aug, 6.45pm). Also in the i rst week, Shappi Khorsandi – who’s also got a show at the Stand this month – will chat about her impressive debut novel, Nina Is Not OK (18 Aug, 3.45pm). You can also catch her readings from the book at Assembly George Square (11–13, 19 & 20 Aug). Later in the month, watch out for Book Festival appearances from Radio
4 favourites Sue Perkins (21 Aug, 9.45pm) and Susan Calman (23 Aug, 1.30pm). Plus, Ruby Wax (pictured), who’s become a champion of mental health issues talks to guest selector Gavin Francis about stress and her new book A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled (24 Aug, 11.45am). If you’ve got kids in tow, convert them to the ways of the DOD by taking
them to Comedy Award winner David O’Doherty’s event with illustrator Chris Judge, which is sure to be packed with silly merriment (14 Aug, 3.45pm). And Australia’s kids’ comedians The Listies are in town with plenty of poo-etry on offer (20 Aug, 6.30pm). We loved their Fringe show too – see review, page 67. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Edinburgh International Book Festival, 13–29 Aug, Charlotte Square Gardens, 0845 373 5888, edbookfest.co.uk
11–18 Aug 2016 THE LIST FESTIVAL 31
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