Theatre HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
list.co.uk/theatre
N O S S R E P N A H O J
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Lovesong Siân Phillips stars in this moving look at a couple’s relationship from two points in their lives: the early days of their marriage and the final ones. See preview, page 113. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 7–Sat 11 Feb.
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Barflies A revival of Grid Iron’s acclaimed piece of site-specific theatre based on the booze-soaked writings of Charles Bukowski. The Barony Bar, Edinburgh, Mon 6–Thu 9 Feb & Mon 27 Feb–Thu 1 Mar.
The Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide Mark Fisher shares his insights into the challenges of bringing a show to the world’s largest arts festival. See Stage Whispers, right. Published Thu 16 Feb by Methuen. Mwana Tawona Sithole’s play explores a Zimbabwean family’s secrets. See preview, page 114. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Fri 10-Sat 18 Feb; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 22–Sat 25 Feb.
PUSH Contemporary dance company Curious Seed and writer Luke Sutherland team up to create a dream-like work exploring what causes us to kick against the world. See preview, page 112. Platform, Glasgow, Fri 17 & Sat 18 Feb, then touring.
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An Appointment with the Wicker Man Greg Hemphill co-writes and stars in this play-within-a-play based on the classic horror film. See preview, page 111. Macrobert, Stirling, Fri 17 & Sat 18 Feb; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 28 Feb-Sat 3 Mar.
All New People Scrubs star Zach Braff brings his self- penned play about a man facing a personal crisis on his 35th birthday to the Glasgow stage. See feature, page 22. King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 14–Sat 18 Feb.
Spirit of Adventure Oliver Emmanuel’s play depicts Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in the event’s centenary. Discovery Point, Dundee, Tue 7–Sat 11 Feb; Oran Mor, Glasgow, Mon 13–Sat 18 Feb.
Passing Through Romcom about an encounter between a young woman and a magician. Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Feb; Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 22–Sat 25 Feb and on tour.
Steel Magnolias Robert Harling’s heart-warming tale of love and support among six women in Louisiana gets a welcome revival courtesy of Dundee Rep ensemble. See preview, page 110. Dundee Rep, Wed 22 Feb–Sat 10 Mar.
R E H S F I
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Stage WHISPERS
MARK FISHER FIVE THINGS I LEARNT WHILE WRITING THE EDINBURGH FRINGE
SURVIVAL GUIDE
1 Choosing a title takes ages It’s as straightforward as they come, yet The Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide was a title born of months of discussion. The subtitle, How to Make Your Show a Success, was arrived at no quicker. My editor couldn’t believe it.
2 The Edinburgh Fringe is the most exciting place on Earth Actually, I knew this already, but the process of researching the book really brought it home. Not only were all the actors, comedians, directors, producers and publicists I spoke to passionate about the Fringe, but they reinforced the sense of it being unique. No festival on the planet has such a combination of scale, discovery, opportunity, unpredictability and exhilaration. That’s why it’s addictive.
3 You don’t have to mortgage your house No question the Fringe is costly and no question it’s only the elite few TV-name comedians who make money, but I heard relatively few stories of financial ruin. Whether you treat it as an expensive holiday or a long-term investment in your career, you should be able to come up with a manageable budget. If you have a clear grasp of costs and a realistic projection of income – plus a bit of fund raising – you should be able to break even. 4 Flyering works To you, it looks like a load of waste paper, but time and again, performers told me how much difference well- targeted face-to-face marketing made to their audience numbers.
5 Overdoing it the night before can do more than ruin your show Among the book’s horror stories is the time comedian Ed Byrne stayed up all night, nodded off at Edinburgh Airport and missed his flight to the Reading Festival. ■ The Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide (Methuen) is published Thu 16 Feb, edinburghfringesurvival guide.blogspot.com
2 Feb–1 Mar 2012 THE LIST 109