The REALIST

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THEATRE THE LION KING

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AROUND TOWN EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY

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THEATRE I CAN GO ANYWHERE

The Disney spectacular created by Julie Taymor shows little sign of letting its grip go on the global consciousness, with Simba and co back for another musical extravaganza. See feature, page 49. Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 5 Dec–Sun 29 Mar.

Another year is about to dawn and that means celebrating like there’s no tomorrow. In Edinburgh, this includes seeing a galaxy of stars such as Marc Almond, Mark Ronson and Dick & Dom (pictured). See feature, page 56. Various venues, Edinburgh, Tue 31 Dec. Directed by Eve Nicol (pictured) and written by Douglas Maxwell, this bold drama focuses on the relationship between an ageing academic and a troubled asylum seeker with an intriguing backdrop of mod culture. See preview, page 124. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Sat 7–21 Dec.

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C O L N H A T T E R S L E Y

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FILM MARRIAGE STORY

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VISUAL ART THE MACKINNON COLLECTION

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AROUND TOWN MAGICFEST

Noah Baumbach majestically directs Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in an emotional piledriver which pulls no punches on the messy and traumatic business of divorce. See review, page 93. Selected release from Fri 15 Nov, Netflix from Fri 6 Dec. Scottish life and identity from the 1840s all the way through to the 1940s is represented in an evocative collection of photography. See preview, page 133. Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 16 Nov–Sun 16 Feb.

The tenth instalment of the conjuring event formerly known as the Edinburgh International Magic Festival promises many tricks up sleeves including an opening gala with Colin Cloud, Chloe Crawford and Kevin Quantum (pictured). See preview, page 80. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Dec–Sun 5 Jan.

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CHOSEN BY ACTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT JOHNNY MCKNIGHT

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT

OK, how can this not be a hot ticket? It’s got literally everything going for it to be the ideal Christmas treat. An award-winning score by Danny Elfman played by our very own RSNO? Check. A live reading from comedy great Catherine O’Hara (I’ve my fingers crossed she’s got a selection of her wigs from Schitt’s Creek to wear throughout the show)? Check. A Monday night performance: the one day off I have from panto? CHECK! And with only two shows in the whole of the UK (London being the other date) it makes it a rare treat in Glasgow. Aye, it might be strange singing ‘This Is Halloween’ after Halloween but that’s just yet another reason to make this show absolutely unmissable. Cinderfella, Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 27 Nov–5 Jan; The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Mon 2 Dec; see feature, page 53.

1 Nov 2019–31 Jan 2020 THE LIST 9