Mailbox Ask Bob
BOB SERVANT, window cleaning kingpin and beneficiary of Dundee’s Cheeseburger Wars, turns Agony Uncle for The List
Bob, Worrying times around the world just now. Where do you stand on the intervention debate? Owen Bell, Glasgow Bob, I see from the papers that you’re destined for the TV. This must be exciting times at Bob HQ? Annie Griffin, Edinburgh
Owen, You have to be careful with intervention. In the 1990s I infamously launched an ‘aggressive humanitarian’ expedition to Fife and it didn’t exactly go as planned. I broke up a fight in Kirkcaldy, though in doing so caused a riot, and the humanitarian side didn’t really work either. I gave away some sandwiches to a guy in Cupar though he didn’t show quite enough appreciation (a ‘bit bland’ whatever that means) and that unfortunately led to another riot. I hope that helps, Bob
Annie, Yes and no. I’m glad that the BBC have finally realised I can be a TV big fish in the tradition of Wogan and Corbett but I’m extremely unhappy that I’ve not been allowed to play myself. Old Coxy isn’t a bad lad (he’s kind enough to admit I’ve been a huge influence on him) but I’m yet to find any clips where he comes close to matching some of the stuff I can do with my eyes. So, mixed feelings really.
Your Servant, Bob Servant Send your questions to bob@bobservant.com twitter.com/bobservant
LETTER OF THE ISSUE ASK YOUR MUMMY Re: Fascinating Mummies preview (692)
I remember seeing Tutankhamun's mask in the City Art Centre in Edinburgh [as part of the 1988 Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition]. My friend is adamant that it in fact was
not the mask of Tutankhamun, but the mask of Psusennes. Can any one else remember going to the exhibition, I kind of feel like she has pissed on my parade as I’m sure I’m right. Comment posted by Rooney, West Lothian, on list.co.uk
Editor's note: Get your umbrella out, Rooney – we're afraid your friend is right. We got in touch with David Patterson at the CAC on your behalf, who told us: ‘No, we didn't have king Tut's mask [pictured] on display. In the 1988 Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition, the gold funerary mask belonged to Pharaoh Psusennes, from the XXIst Dynasty, about 1000 BC. The artefact came from the Cairo Museum. I hope that clarifies things.’
THE Question
The GCF is celebrating ten years of laughs. We asked some top comedians why they’re packing their bags for Glasgow once again.
WHY COME BACK TO GLASGOW COMEDY FESTIVAL?
Because I have a big family event that weekend that’s what they said as I couldn’t quite understand the accent. MICHAEL WINSLOW
This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity
to play at my home city’s wonderful comedy festival. What a perfect reason to retire from retirement! DOROTHY PAUL The reason I always go back to Glasgow is cos it’s
I’m already excited about stopping at Tebay services, easily the best service station in the UK. The pond! The farm shop! The ducks! VIKKI STONE
lovely, but also mental. The extremes of both. I got heckled at a gig in Glasgow when I was 17 and before I could wittily destroy the heckler a 40- year-old women leaned over, smacked him across the back of the head and said ‘you let that sweet little boy finish’. DANIEL SLOSS
Glasgow has the same sense of humour as the North Edinburgh might have the history, the critics, the media
East of England – the people have that edge to them where you can take the mick and have a joke and they’ll either laugh or knock you out! PATRICK MONAHAN
presence, the prestige. Personally I prefer Glasgow where you just have a laugh. MARK NELSON 15 Mar–1 Apr. See Comedy, from page 59.
that I want to avoid. ARDAL O’HANLON
Because it may be the last chance to visit Scotland before we need a passport. DILLIE KEANE OF FASCINATING AIDA
I have been to Edinburgh but everyone said that Glasgow was
a lot more vibrant. I hope 2 THE LIST 1–29 Mar 2011
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor
Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain
EDITORIAL Editor
Jonny Ensall Deputy Editor Claire Sawers Assistant Editor
Henry Northmore, Allan Radcliffe
Editorial Assistant
Niki Boyle Research Manager
Laura Ennor Research
Alex Johnston, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith Editorial Intern
Emma Prior, Varvara Bashkirova
SALES & MARKETING Media Sales Manager
Juliet Tweedie
Senior Media Sales Executive
Jude Moir
Media Sales Executive Nicky Carter, Lindsay Paul Digital Sales Executive
Freya Cowan Digital Commercial
Manager Brendan Miles
Sponsorship & Promotions
Manager Sheri Friers
Promotions Executive
Amy Russell
Circulation Executive Murray Robertson
PRODUCTION Senior Designer
Lucy Munro Production Manager
Simon Armin
DIGITAL Web Editor Hamish Brown
Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Bruce Combe
Software Developer Iain McCusker
Digital Design Assistant
Daniella Zelli
ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick
SECTION EDITORS Around Town/LGBT
Lauren Mayberry Books/Comedy Brian Donaldson Clubs/Play
Henry Northmore
Dance/Kids Kelly Apter Food & Drink Donald Reid
Film Gail Tolley
Music/Shopping Claire Sawers Noticeboard Anna Millar
Theatre/Visual Art Allan Radcliffe