The REALIST
P H O T O :
A N D Y R O S S
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AROUND TOWN HOGMANAY
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FILM SQIFF
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DANCE SCOTTISH BALLET: CINDERELLA
Whether the world will be a better place in 2019 than it was in 2018 is up for debate, but Edinburgh will be triggering a new year celebration in style with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Gerry Cinnamon (pictured), Capercaillie, and DJ Andy Joyce all appearing. See feature, page 52. Various venues, Edinburgh, Mon 31 Dec. Another top Scottish Queer International Film Festival is on its way, featuring opening night shorts, the true story of a female-owned, all-black underground strip club in 90s LA, and lesbian representation on screen with Dykes, Camera, Action!. See feature, page 54. Various venues, Glasgow, Wed 5–Sun 9 Dec.
As Scottish Ballet heads towards its 50th year celebrations, great movement and well- conceived comedy merge in Christopher Hampson’s adaptation of the classic fairytale. See preview, page 121. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 8–Sun 30 Dec; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Fri 4–Sat 12 Jan.
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COMEDY STEWART FRANCIS
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KIDS FLUTTER
With Into the Punset, the UK-based Canadian and one-man joke factory is officially signing off on his live comedy career with a show that he insists is a fitting final curtain to a decade of top- notch gagging. See preview, page 88. Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, Sat 1 Dec, then touring. Tortoise in a Nutshell crack open another gem for younger audiences with a show all about the joys of winter as two sisters discover their garden has been transformed by snow. See preview, page 100. Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, Sun 25–Thu 29 Nov; Platform, Glasgow, Sat 1–Wed 5 Dec.
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VISUAL ART MARGARET SALMON
The Jarman Award-nominated artist brings us Hole, a 16mm film shot through a camera that’s pretty much attached to her and which reflects the mundane but universally recognisable. See preview, page 133. DCA, Dundee, Sat 8 Dec–Sun 24 Feb.
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CHOSEN BY MUSICIAN PHIL CUNNINGHAM THE GIANT LANTERNS OF CHINA
I meant to go to this last year but missed it, though I sent my goddaughter and her mum and they had a magnificent time. I’ve been a huge fan and a member of the zoo since I was a little boy. They have something in the region of about 450 giant lanterns based on myth and legend and I think this year there’s even going to be a Loch Ness Monster. It’s the kind of thing you can make an afternoon of by seeing the animals first and then going to this when the lights die down so you get the full benefit of it. I like anything large-scale and this is a great venue for it. I think it will be especially fun to just watch the faces on the weans. Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook, Albert Halls, Stirling, Sat 15 Dec; Perth Concert Hall, Sun 16 Dec; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Wed 19 Dec; Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Dec; The Giant Lanterns of China, Edinburgh Zoo, Fri 16 Nov–Sun 17 Feb.
1 Nov 2018–31 Jan 2019 THE LIST 9