So much culture, so little time. We boil it down to 20 of the best events
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MUSIC TradFest
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KIDS Puppet Animation Festival
A dynamic community-led traditional extravaganza takes over the capital for 12 days with pub sessions, folk gigs and piping displays exploring the rich heritage of Scottish music. See preview, page 83. Various venues, Edinburgh, Wed 26 Apr–Sun 7 May. With almost 140 events across Scotland, the Puppet Animation Festival proudly stands as the largest performing arts event for children in the UK. With theatre, puppetry, movies and more, there really is something for all the wee ones. See Highlights, page 26. Various venues, Scotland, until Sat 15 Apr.
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DANCE Scottish Ballet
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COMEDY Uncles
Each Other is a world premiere choreographed by Israel’s Uri Ivgi and Holland’s Johan Greben which rather topically takes on the debate over national borders, as they bring almost two decades of innovative collaboration to Tramway. See preview, page 104. Tramway, Glasgow, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Apr. Burnistoun guys Robert Florence and Iain Connell unveil new characters in a show that has been described as a less rude Derek and Clive. Their bar- room philosophers muse amusingly over everything from Viagra to Henry VIII. See review at list.co.uk/comedy. The Stand, Edinburgh, Sun 9 Apr; The Stand, Glasgow, Sun 16 Apr.
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VISUAL ART Glasgow Open House
Over a long weekend, many Glasgow artists will open up their homes and let an enquiring public in to see events and exhibitions. Art students and established names alike will all be mucking in for this most DIY ‘n’ grassroots of arts festivals. See preview, page 108. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 28 Apr–Mon 1 May.
KIDS 9
Mr Bloom’s Nursery Friendly gardener Mr Bloom (aka Ben Faulks) brings us some organic tales from his allotment in the company of talking fennel, a chatty aubergine and sociable butternut squash. See preview, page 81. King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sat 29 Apr; King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Sun 30 Apr.
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CHOSEN BY STORYTELLER MARA MENZIES The Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer
A lover of stories in every sense of the word, I’m absolutely thrilled that The Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer is back at the Storytelling Centre in April. Storytellers Daniel Serridge and James Spence present multiple versions of one of Scotland’s finest legends. When a young man encounters the beautiful Queen of the Fairies upon a white horse, a sweet kiss seals his service to her. A journey to Elfland allows him to sidestep time, witness the most incredible sights and, on his return to our world, he’s given the gift of prophecy. By punctuating the story with personal anecdotes, we witness the power of story come alive as the thought-provoking tale of Thomas is stunningly interpreted from two unique standpoints. This gently powerful story is not to be missed. The Two Truths of Thomas the Rhymer is at Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 29 Apr; Mara Menzies is at Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 1 Apr (Workshop: Art of the Storyteller), Tue 4 Apr (Tiny Tales), Thu 4 May (Tantalising Treats).
1 Apr–31 May 2017 THE LIST 5