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Red hot and Dutch
The third in our series spotlighting high-kickers from the low countries.
This week: Boris de Leeuw.
Tip-toeing through the tutus to become this week’s hoe-downer from Holland is Dutch National Ballet’s very own Boris de Leeuw. Don't attempt to pronounce his name, but do try to catch him and his tight-clad chums as they embrace two enticing mixed programmes celebrating major 20th century choreographer Hans van Manen. Born in Holland in 1972, Boris was but a nipper when he joined DNB as a student. In 1995 he earned his ballet stripes by becoming the first Dutch dancer to become the company’s first soloist since its birth in 1961. Since then, Boris has flexed muscle at lead roles in all from fluffy classic Swan Lake to van Manen's slicked-back modern ballet 5 Tangos (pictured). But which one is he? (Ellie Carr)
Programme One (International Festival) Dutch National Ballet, Edinburgh Playhouse (473 2000) 24—26 Aug,
7.30pm, £5—£35. Programme Two (Festival) Dutch National Ballet, Edinburgh Festival Theatre (4 73 2000) 29—30 Aug, 7.30pm, £ 5—£ 22.
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This issue's fleet-footed Dutchman poses a particular enigma. Incredibly, despite the presence of three major Dutch companies at the International Festival, he's the only dancer among them who actually hails from Holland . . . and no one in Edinburgh knows what he looks like. We asked the Dutch National Ballet to organise an identity parade for us, and we'd like our readers to help us decide which one is Boris. Answers on a slice of Edam rind to the usual address.
Bob Downe
He's bronzed, he's beige and he’s back. He's Bob Downe, Sydney's synthetic superstar, and he's bestowing his presence on us this week. Improbably, he'll be accompanied by his girlfriend, sexy Pastel Vespa - who joins him for a swinging selection of hits entitled Mil/ion Sellers. The programme includes 'Candy Man', ’The Girl From Ipanema’ and — waddayaknow? — an Ian Dury tribute. (Andrew Burnet)
’2 I] fly ECI a i r Million Sellers (Fringe) Bob Downe,
Calder’s Gilded Balloon at the Here she comes — you better watch your step. Jenny Eclair, femme fatale of paI/adjum (Venue 25) 225 2151, the comedy circuit, is keeping an eye on you this year, in her one-woman- 24-17 a 31 Aug, 1030me- 28_30 play, Mrs Nosey Parker (see review in 6—8pm section). If you want to see Aug, 11pm, £10 ([8),
her in more familiar stand-up mode, you have two chances in one night. And no lady would grant you more than that. (Andrew Burnet) Jenny Eclair (Fringe) Jenny Eclair, Pleasance (Venue 33) 556 6550, 25 Aug only, 8pm 81 10.30pm, £8 (£7).
Fred MacAulay & Bruce Morton
Once upon a time, the Scottish comedy scene amounted to Bing Hitler, Victor & Barry and the occasional visit from a still-bearded Billy Connolly. Then, from out of the west a posse rode, calling themselves the Funny 2* ' Farm. Among their number was a nervy beanpole who changed his name from lan to Bruce, and an amiable former accountant whose name no one could spell. Both suffered premature hair loss, but as their hairlines receded, so their fame grew, and both are now at the peak of their comic powers. Who needs a fringe when you've got the Fringe? As George Bernard Shaw never noted. (Andrew Burnet)
Fred MacAulay (Fringe) Fred MacAulay, Calder's Gilded Balloon at the Palladium (Venue 26) 226 2151, 20—31 Aug, 7pm, £8.50 (£7.50).
Blood Below The Window (Fringe) Bruce Morton, Traverse Theatre (Venue 15) 228 1404, until 23 Aug, 10.30pm, £9 (£6).
Bruce Morton "Ed MacAulay
10 rueusr 20—27 Aug 1998