So much culture, so little time. We boil it down to 20 of the best events
4 FILM Slow West
5 AROUND TOWN West End Festival
Having made promo videos when he was in the Beta Band, it’s no real surprise to see John Maclean creating lots of waves in the movie world now. With Slow West, he delivers an offbeat western starring Michael Fassbender as a hired hand. See review, page 71. General release from Fri 26 Jun. Marking 20 years of West End Festivals, here’s another top programme of events with highlights including Peggy Seeger, the Viper Roller Disco, Zombie Science, Sarah Cracknell, Elaine C Smith and Julia Donaldson (pictured). See feature, page 41. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 5–Sun 28 Jun.
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6 BOOKS / MUSIC Neu! Reekie!
7 AROUND TOWN / KIDS MagicFest
With a new anthology just launched, those worker bees at Neu! Reekie! are certainly witnessing the fruits of their labours. And they’re also putting on their biggest live show to date, with Young Fathers headlining #UntitledLive. See preview, page 60. Central Hall, Edinburgh, Tue 9 Jun. Here’s a festival with plenty up its sleeve such as a Magic Village in Summerhall and the Late Night Horror Magic Show. Plus, there’s Colin Cloud (pictured) and Ali Cook pulling wool over your eyes. See preview, page 77. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Jun–Sat 4 Jul.
DANCE Matthew Bourne’s 8 The Car Man Bourne’s version of Carmen will provide enough heat to power the summer. This sensual work transports the 19th-century opera to a 1960s diner in smalltown USA. See preview, page 95. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue 9–Thu 11 Jun.
9 COMEDY Reginald D Hunter
One of British comedy’s most vibrant stand-ups just so happens to be a man from the Deep South. But Reg has been here for the best part of two decades, so it’s safe to claim this preacher-scientist-comedian as one of our own. See preview, page 67. SECC, Glasgow, Fri 12 Jun.
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CHOSEN BY SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TOMMY SMITH Edinburgh International Film Festival After hours of composing, teaching or performing, I find that often the best way to unwind and relax is to watch a film. Offering the whole range from new and experimental to old classic films, I just wish I had time to immerse myself in the entire Edinburgh International Film Festival. The amazing selection of world- class films from every genre is exciting, inspiring and offers something for everyone; in particular this year, the hair-raising opening night film, The Legend of Barney Thomson (pictured) which is Robert Carlyle’s debut film as director. And there’s Bill Drummond’s documentary, Imagine Waking Up Tomorrow and All Music Has Disappeared. Both sound truly fascinating and thought-provoking. I hope to make at least one of them in between touring. EIFF, various venues, Wed 17–Sun 28 Jun; SNJO’S Alba: Songs of Scotland is on tour, Wed 10–Fri 26 Jun, and at Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Mon 10 Aug.
4 Jun–3 Sep 2015 THE LIST 5