MAILBOX Guy Masterson
MAILBOX
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor
Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain
EDITORIAL Acting Editor Claire Sawers Assistant Editor
Henry Northmore, Allan Radcliffe
Editorial Assistant
Niki Boyle Editorial Interns Sophie Stephenson, Varvara Bashkirova Research Manager
Laura Ennor Research
Alex Johnston, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith, Charlotte Runcie, Jen Bowden
SALES & MARKETING Media Sales Manager
Juliet Tweedie Senior Media Sales Executive
Jude Moir
Media Sales Executive Nicky Carter, Chris Knox,
Debbie Thomson Digital Sales Executive
Freya Cowan Digital Commercial
Manager Brendan Miles Sponsorship &
Promotions Manager
Sheri Friers
Circulation Executive Murray Robertson
PRODUCTION Senior Designer Lucy Munro
Production Manager Simon Armin
Production Assistant
Hannah Graham
DIGITAL Web Editor Hamish Brown
Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Bruce Combe
Software Developer Iain McCusker
Digital Design Associate
Jen Devonshire Digital Assistant
Phoebe Cooke
ADMINISTRATION
Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick Office Manager Amy Russell
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
8 THE LIST 16–23 Aug 2012
CLARIFICATION After the publication of a story in The List (issue 701) about Checkpoint Charlie, a pop-up venue taking over the former Forest Café premises on Bristo Place, the promoter Gamma Ray Dali informed The List she had pulled out of the venture and would no longer be involved in the venue’s programming. All information was correct at time of going to press. Checkpoint Charlie is still scheduled to go ahead. Additionally, the Forest Café has re-opened at a new location on the corner of Brougham Street and Lauriston Place in Tollcross. See theforest.org.uk for updates. THE JIGSY’S UP Re: Jigsy (●●●●●) I’ve got to say that I totally disagree with the star rating that you have awarded this show. That said, I agree with what you say in the write-up of it – it was wonderfully funny, touching and nostalgic. Les Dennis put in a performance that I previously would never have thought him capable of. Your review of it seems to utterly contradict the 3 stars you gave it. Just my opinion though! 4 stars in my eyes. Comment posted by Aiden Thaker on list.co.uk
Thanks for your n. comment, Aiden.
It’s The List’s belief that a
w three-star review
still constitutes a review worth
seeing, four stars is an
utterly fantastic
show, and a i ve star will do
nothing less than change
your life. We’ve
established this system
to make sure that when
people see a show has four
m or i ve stars from
The List, they know it’s an comments in full; in the
outstanding show. A three meantime, here are some
the doesn’t need rehashing . . .”?’
star review for Jigsy is not of the edited highlights:
an insult – we still believe it’s a very worthwhile show,
just not incendiary. Hope
that clears things up.
ANGRY GUY Re: The Half (●●●●●) In his review of The Half,
Matt Trueman referred to the play as ‘a cliché-ridden
indulgence’. The show’s
star, Guy Masterson, responded with two
lengthy comments on
list.co.uk. Head there to read the review and Guy’s
‘The play is an entertainment, i rst and foremost. It is a comedy and a tragedy. Yes, there are clichés in there and, guess what? The audience loves them.’ ‘As the “Justin Beiber of theatre criticism” [Matt’s Twitter biog], how is it possible at your tender age to have seen so many of these similarly-themed shows in order to qualify your claim that “it is an old and familiar one
‘If you knew that this theme was going to bore you, why on earth did you choose to cover it? Right there you are demonstrating an unfair bias which is surely unethical?’
‘You have a responsibility of impartiality, my friend. That is a cornerstone of criticism.’ ‘You have stated that you were tired of similarly themed shows and you came anyway. That is not really kosher.’
M Y E D I N B U R G H GREG HEMPHILL The star of Appointment with the Wicker Man shares his tips
First time I came to Edinburgh was . . . Fir folk who get one star reviews.
1990. I won So You Think You’re Funny 19 with The Trio Bros Troupe.
I come back because . . . It’s awesome fun.
Edinburgh’s unique selling point is . . .
A chance to try something out. To be bold and brave and stretch yourself.
My favourite place to eat is . . . Yo Sushi.
I am likely to be found . . . Anywhere along Rose Street in one of the i ne ale houses!
I am least likely to be found . . . In a kilt shop.
The one thing that Edinburgh really needs is . . .
A Guantanamo Bay-style prison for the
■ Appointment with the Wicker Man, Assembly Rooms, 0844 693 3008, until 26 Aug (not 20), 3.10pm, £16 (£12).