The REALIST J A N U A R Y
1 MUSIC Celtic Connections
2 VISUAL ART / THEATRE Burns Unbroke
Here comes the 25th anniversary programme of Scotland’s foremost folk festival, which has now become a rich mainstay of eclecticism. Among the delights being laid on are the GRIT Orchestra performing a large-scale live version of Martyn Bennett’s Bothy Culture, and US singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin marking 20 years of A Few Small Repairs. Plus there’s Shetland’s Fiddler’s Bid, Mali’s Oumou Sangaré and Finland’s Frigg. See feature, page 57. Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 18 Jan–Sun 4 Feb. ’Tis the season when the country bows down to its bard and this innovative capital venue hosts visual art, performances and talks focusing on contemporary evaluations of Robert Burns’ work. Summerhall, Edinburgh, Thu 25 Jan–Sat 10 Mar.
3 FILM Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh directs his own screenplay, with an Oscar-worthy Frances McDormand as a mother seeking justice for the brutal death of her daughter. See review, page 89. Out Fri 12 Jan.
10 THE LIST 1 Nov 2017–31 Jan 2018
4 COMEDY Chris Rock
5 THEATRE Manipulate
The film star and rabble-rousing stand-up plays his first live show here for almost a decade. His analysis of bigots and a certain US leader should make for a night of challenging comedy. See preview, page 17. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Wed 24 Jan. The visual theatre festival delivers a feast of puppetry, choreography and physical theatre with a big emphasis on Scottish talent bolstered by a strong French contingent. See preview, page 118. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 26 Jan–Sat 3 Feb.