Hibs’ skipper Liam Craig has insisted that the confidence within the squad has grown during pre-season and the team are determined to show the supporters the progress that’s been made against Dundee United at Easter Road on Sunday (27 July, kick off 2pm).

The former St Johnstone midfielder told Hibernian TV: “Our belief and confidence is growing – hopefully the supporters, who have watched us in pre-season so far, have already seen some encouraging signs.

“Our pre-season has been first and foremost about building our fitness, but it’s been a valuable opportunity for us to build our confidence up too.

“There is a big difference in the way we’re playing – we’ve enjoyed how the pre-season friendlies have gone so far and it seems as if the supporters have appreciated it too.

“Sunday will be a great test for us against a good Dundee United side, but we’re confident that we can produce another decent performance leading towards the Cup tie at Rangers.

“We’re making progress, but our next task is to get the Easter Road crowd back onside and make our supporters believe we’re capable of achieving success this season.

“At every home game, we want our fans to go home happy after watching us win and win in a way that’s good to watch.

“Of course, some weeks we may win and it won’t be pretty, but we want to bring the feelgood factor back to Easter Road.

“When Easter Road is full and we win it’s an incredible experience and that’s what we want to see happen time and time again.

“We can’t disguise the fact it was a tough summer, but we’re now all looking forward to the start of the season and we’re confident we can achieve something memorable.”

Photo by John Preece

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/jlp-photography

Assembly George Square Studios, One,   11.45, Running Time: 90mins. Dates:31 July, 2,4,6,8,10,14,16 August. Preview 31 July. Tickets: Preview 31 July £6; 2 & 6-16 August £9; 4 August 2 for 1 £11

A closer look at the lives of Shakespeare’s commoners.

In the year of Shakespeare’s 450th anniversary the ITDP takes a fresh look at his eight iconic Wars of the Roses plays. Focusing on the scenes and characters often sacrificed in other adaptations, The Dogs of War re-examines representations of war via the bodies of the common people.

With an ensemble of sixteen portraying more than three dozen different characters, The Dogs of War brings into light the gritty lives of the populace: living under six kings, spanning forty odd years, clamouring to have their voices heard by the powers that supposedly represent them, and undoubtedly govern their fates.

The Dogs of War highlights the discrepancy between those in power who make decisions, and the people who have to live out the ensuing consequences. At the same time it examines the similarities in human experience of war, as a chorus guides us through the underbellies of some of the Bard’s most famous plays.

Unfolding in an episodic rather than linear plot line, The Dogs of War is a strikingly contemporary, multimedia incarnation of the history canon. It investigates the consequences of privileging the voices that we as audiences have been unable or unwilling to hear, and asks what these commoners reveal for us in our own particular time and space.

Devised, adapted, and directed by Josy Miller, The Dogs of War re-orientates Shakespeare’s words alongside new text by Master of Verona author, David Blixt. Miller is a California based theatre director, scholar and educator whose current work focuses on Practice-as-Research and contemporary Shakespearean performance.  Miller was a 2014 recipient of the University of California Institute for Research in the Arts’ Major Grant Award to support this production.

Assembly George Square Studios, Two, 14:00

Dates: 31 July, 1 – 24 August. Previews 31 July, 1 August. No show Mon 11, 18, 25 August.

Tickets: Previews 31 July & 1 August £8; 10 & 11, 16-18, 22-24 & 29 August £13 (£12); 6-9, 12-14, 19-21, 25-28 August £14 (£13)

In 2009, the man known as the King of the Fringe -Guy Masterson- told his old roommate, the American actor Bob Paisley, that he was just perfect to play Bill Clinton. All they needed was a play. Enter Rachel Mariner, lawyer turned playwright, who, while meeting Masterson about a courtroom drama, let slip that she’s been on Bill Clinton’s legal team during the Paula Jones litigation.

She had worked down the street from the White House, even went in a couple of times. She lived, like everyone else in DC in the 90’s, in Clinton’s world.

“Clinton makes a perfect subject for a bio-play…” says Masterson – who has been involved in more than his fair share (playing Burton, Adolf, Goering’s Defence, Morecambe etc.). “Here you have a genuine rags-to-riches story with hugely charismatic, flawed genius at its heart. But what makes Clinton even more compelling is that his story is not over: he could still have a huge part to play in our lives and this play explores all that.”

Mariner and Masterson were adamant that this would not be just a simple re-telling of Clinton’s life story or some kind of tribute. Indeed, with his wife about to run for the Presidency, Clinton’s final chapters are yet to be written. “Bill Clinton Hercules takes us to the core of Clinton; his influences, his passions, his dreams and aspirations, but also his regrets. More importantly, it postulates what he might do if and when he becomes the first, ‘First Gentleman’.” Masterson quips “When you’re called Mr. President until you die, how is it going to work across the White House breakfast table if Hillary wins? They will be the first Mr. and Mrs. President.”

Kansas City’s eminent actor/manager Bob Paisley, at EdFringe last year directing Bedtime Solos also at Assembly, is just about perfect for the role; “Apart from being a truly gifted actor, he possesses the right looks, size, voice and accent… plus he oozes that same Southern charm.”

Masterson says. “We were flat-mates in Hollywood back in the eighties at the start of our careers and the girls would ogle him! But it’s wonderful when things come full circle like this.”

Web: www.billclintonhercules.com Web: theatretoursinternational.com Web: assemblyfestival.com

Twitter: @ClintonHercules Facebook: www.facebook.com/GuyMastersonTTI

Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills will be headlining The Pleasance Theatre’s Kidzone.

Children are invited to become Mil’s Trills band members by getting a fun start to their day with an entertaining interactive musical adventure led by electric ukulele-ist Amelia Robinson, who sings original and engaging songs for the whole family to enjoy.

The Pleasance Theatre Trust welcomes the return of New York-based children’s artist Mil’s Trills to their family-friend Kidzone at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a show called Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills.

Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills will feature songs from Ms. Robinson’s debut album, Everyone Together Now!, combining rhythms and instruments from around the world, dipping into genres of urban funk, blues, honky-tonk, and calypso. Mil’s Trills performances are always interactive as audiences are encouraged to join in and become a part of the show.

Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills will be presented twice daily at 10:30am and 11:30am at The Pleasance Courtyard’s KidZone on The Green from 30 July to 17 August with the exception of 11 August, 2014. Tickets range from £6.50 to £9. Shows will last for 50 minutes and are suitable for grown-ups with children ages six months and up. All performances are relaxed.

Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills

An Interactive Musical Adventure for Children of All Ages

Start your day with an interactive musical adventure and experience what it’s like to be part of the show! After a sell out Pleasance run in 2012, ukulele-playing New Yorker Amelia Robinson returns to the Kidzone, playing original whimsical songs for the whole family to enjoy. To celebrate community, Amelia (a.k.a Mil’s Trills) highlights tracks from her debut album, Everyone Together Now! dipping into genres of urban funk, blues, honky-tonk and calypso grooves.

Date:  30 July – 17 August, 2014 (with the exception of 11 Aug)

Time: 10:30am to 11:15am & 11:30am to 12:15pm

Venue:  The Green, Pleasance KidZone, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ
Price: £6.50 – £9

To book: Call 0131 556  6550 or visit the website.

The body of a man was recovered at 9.30 yesterday from the Water of Leith at Stenhouse Industrial Estate.

Officers have launched an investigation into his death, which they are treating as unexplained.

A spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to the Water of Leith, near to the Stenhouse Industrial Estate, at around 9.30am on Monday July 21 where the body of a man was recovered from the water.

“Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An investigation is underway following the discovery of a body at the side of a rail track near Slateford.

The body was found just before 9am on the Glasgow Central to Edinburgh line causing a delay to services.

Emergency services were called to the scene and services are likely to be cancelled or heavily delayed throughout the day.

A spokeswoman for train operator ScotRail said: “Services between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central via Shotts are being disrupted.

“Customers with valid tickets from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh can use tickets to travel on alternative routes from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh via Falkirk High and Airdrie.

“Customers travelling to or from Livingston South station with valid tickets can also use Livingston North as an alternative.

“The train operator urged customers to check before travel by visiting its website at scotrail.co.uk.”

A spokesman for British Transport Police said enquiries were at an early stage.

Music Room Assembly Hall George Street  30 July – 24 August 2014 @ 4.05PM

Jane Fonda’s controversial effort to end the Vietnam War is one of the most divisive stories in American history. Peace activist or traitor? You decide.

Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning actress Anne Archer will make her Edinburgh Festival debut starring as ‘Jane Fonda’ in the world premiere of THE TRIAL OF JANE FONDA, written and directed by seven-time Emmy award-winner Terry Jastrow.

The play focuses on a little-known event which occurred in Waterbury, Connecticut on 18 June 1988, where Fonda confronted a room full of hostile war veterans intent on boycotting the filming of her movie Stanley & Iris (co-starring Robert de Niro). Many of the controversial and polarising issues that had festered for years regarding Fonda’s activism during the Vietnam War surfaced during the course of this meeting.

John Sackville will play ‘Rev John Clarke’, the Episcopal minister who presides over the meeting. The group of Vietnam vets who air their grievances with Fonda in the room are played by a distinguished group of actors, including Jay Benedict as ‘Archie Bellows’, Darrell Brockis as ‘Larry Bonk’, Greg Patmore as ‘Tommy Lee Cook’, Ian Porter as ‘Buzzy Banks’, and Ian Virgo as ‘Donny Simpson’.

The most famous actress of her time, Jane Fonda was vocal in her opposition to the Vietnam War. In 1972 she went to the capital city of North Vietnam, Hanoi, to call worldwide public attention to the Nixon Administration’s cover-up of US policy of deliberately bombing the country’s vital system of dikes. During that trip she made radio broadcasts denouncing as a war crime the US use of antipersonnel bombs banned by the Hague Convention, and visited US POWs. On the final day of her trip, she was photographed laughing and clapping astride a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun. This activity by Fonda caused enormous controversy and galvanized a huge hate campaign amongst the US military and supporters.

Writer and director Terry Jastrow did extensive research, including travelling to Hanoi to interview Fonda’s guides and interpreters, retracing Fonda’s steps, speaking to eyewitnesses, combing North Vietnamese libraries and film archives all in search of the truth. Jastrow interviewed Fonda herself on a number of occasions, as well as doing comprehensive interviews with dozens of war vets to ensure balance, accuracy and authenticity.

It is important to note that while Ms. Fonda has contributed time and information to ensure her story is told accurately, she has no creative input or veto power, has never read or seen the play, and has no participation in ownership or proceeds from the production.

Police Scotland is urging parents to ensure their children are safe from traffic when out playing with their friends during the school holidays.

The warning follows two incidents on the road in the past week involving young people.

On Tuesday 15th July a 3-year-old girl was knocked down by a bicycle at around 4pm in The Vennel, Linlithgow.

She was taken to Forth Valley Hospital after sustaining minor injuries and was released the following day.

At around 3.45pm on Wednesday police responded to a collision in East Queensway, Penicuik involving a 4-year-old boy and a car.

Once again the child sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

Road Policing Inspector Richard Latto said: “While serious road collisions involving children remain consistently low across Scotland, the summer holidays and warm weather can lead to an increase in the number of children being on or around roads as they increasingly venture outside.

“Young children have limited road sense, and it is essential that parents and guardians ensure they remain safe when playing near traffic.”

The council’s licensing committee will decide today on whether to allow the Orange Walk planned for the Saturday prior to the Independence Referendum as well as the Grand Lodge’s proposed 75th Anniversary Parade on 30 August.

The two other items of business at today’s Licensing Sub-Committee are the proposed Grand Black Chapter Marches on 9 August and the proposed SDL march on 23 August.

These are all planned to take place on city centre routes and are all of a contentious nature which has not been resolved through negotiation.

The Council proposes to alter the route of the Referendum Rally on 13 September by moving it away from the High Street. Police Scotland have recommended some conditions on the way the march is conducted, such as the composition of the parade by restricting the marchers to four people abreast rather than six, and a prohibition against using a megaphone, and no music is to be played outside churches where ceremonies are being conducted. It appears to have been agreed by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland that the parade will move off at 11.00am.

The second march on 30 August will end at Saughton Park. The council officers recommend allowing this march and that to be held on 9 August by the Grand Black Chapter.

But councillors are recommended to ban the SDL march planned for 23 August. It is likely that as in the past the SDL will then hold a static rally rather than a march. Police Scotland have raised particular objections about this planned activity and in particular the lack of engagement by the group in dealing with the police regarding organisation of the march. This is not in the view of Police Scotland the same a previous events where the organisers did cooperate with police in the planning process.  The police are also worried that there are other elements in the SDL who deliberately seek confrontation and disruption to residents would be expected at a time of the year when the city and the police are already busy..

Councillor Gavin Barrie will chair the meeting and the other members of the committee are Councillors Blacklock, Aitken,Burgess, Cairns, Gardner, Bill Henderson, Heslop and Redpath.

The council can only decide whether to take no action allowing the march to proceed, or to impose conditions on its conduct. Only in limited cases does it ever ban marches.

Alan Stubbs says he is looking forward to Sunday’s friendly against Dundee United at Easter Road after goals from Jordon Forster and Alex Harris ensured Hibs’ unbeaten run during the pre-season programme extended to four matches with the squad still yet to concede so far this summer.

Speaking to Hibernian TV ) Stubbs said: “Looking at the players, they’ve been fantastic since I’ve come in – they’ve been great.

“They’ve shown a desire and an attitude to do everything that I’ve asked of them and they’re the ones, who are now getting the rewards.

“The players deserve all the credit – not me – which is great. There is a real togetherness amongst them; they want to make this work and have a really successful season.

“We’re all in this together – it’s as simple as that. I’m 100% behind the players and they know that.

“We want the fans to be right behind us and they have been throughout pre-season.

“That’s been great brilliant because the players want the supporters to go away from games happy.

“There may be a hiccup along the way – we possibly aren’t going to win every game – but as long as the players are giving 100% and looking to do the right things on the pitch then any fan would accept that.

“The fans have backed us, they’ve been very supportive and when we have our first game back at Easter Road on Sunday I’m expecting the same – it will be great.”

14/15 Season Ticket Members   admission to that friendly fixture while admission prices for non-Season Ticket Members are £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.

Venue: St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile  (Venue No.187) Saturday 2nd August  12.15pm to 1pm – free non-ticketed

Venue: The Jazz Bar, 1A Chambers Street (Venue No.57)Sunday 3rd August 17.45pm to 19.30pm £5. Box office 0131 226 0000

Popular Yorkshire based Sundown Swing make their debut at the Edinburgh Fringe with two exciting shows of popular swing music.

The band, consisting of 5 saxes, 3 trumpets, flute and rhythm section, perform a varied mix  of well-known  swing classics  including many made famous by  Glenn Miller and Count Basie in the 1940s, and some more recently revived by Robbie Williams and Michael Buble.

Although the music is mainly instrumental a couple of vocal items are included to add extra variety to the show. Come and hear their feast of foot-tapping favourites.

Police Scotland is issuing home security advice following the incident in the Morningside area on Friday (11th July) when an elderly woman was attacked within her home.

Police are reminding homeowners that thieves can take advantage of open or unlocked doors or windows as homeowners spend more time outdoors during the summer months.

It’s therefore important to secure your windows and doors even when in your garden as thieves can slip-in undetected.

Police would also urge people to look out for their neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable, and if you see anyone suspicious in the area you should contact police.

Chief Inspector Richard Horan said: “Morningside is an area that is safe despite the serious nature of the incident last Friday. Residents should be assured that we have a dedicated team investigating this incident. We have also stepped up high-visibility patrols in the area.

We have been delivering home security leaflets around the area as there are safety measures you can take to help ensure your home is secure. Residents across the City can contact their local policing team for a security check of their property. Officers will offer free advice and tips on how you can secure your home and protect it from thieves. If you see anything suspicious in the area make sure you report it to police.”

Police also have security advice if you receive unsolicited callers at your home.

Keep your front and back doors locked.

Use the door viewer or nearby window before answering the door.

Fit a door chain or bar – and use it.

Only let callers in if they have an appointment and you have confirmed they are genuine.

Ask for identification, but don’t rely on it – it can sometimes be fake.

If you don’t know who the caller is, and you’re not expecting them, don’t let them in.

Don’t be persuaded by persistent callers, if need be arrange a different time when a family member or friend can be there.

Look out for those in your community and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland on 101.

If the person refuses to leave or you feel scared or threatened Phone 999 and ask for the Police. ·       Please remember, if in doubt keep them out.

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a road collision which happened around 5pm yesterday in Wester Hailes Park.

A 6-year-old boy was involved in a collision with a Suzuki Swift and suffered a serious injury to his leg.

The driver stopped immediately and assisted officers with their enquiry.

The boy was taken to the Sick Kids Hospital where he continues to be treated. His injury is not life threatening.

Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this collision are ongoing and anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to come forward.

Inspector Andy Gilhooley said: “The child has sustained a very painful leg injury but thankfully was not more seriously injured.

“At this time we are still trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone who was in the area and witnessed the collision is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

Hibs’ under-20s will play their home matches during the 2014/15 SPFL Development League season at Ainslie Park, home of Spartans – starting with the mini Edinburgh Derby against Hearts on Tuesday 19 August, kick off 7.45pm.

Head of Football Operations George Craig believes Ainslie Park will provide the under-20 squad with the perfect setting to develop and to prepare for life in Hibernian’s first team.

Craig said: “Our new partnership with Spartans has allowed us to utilise the excellent facilities at Ainslie Park as the recognised home venue for all of our Development League fixtures this season.

“We were keen to get an established home venue that would allow supporters who are looking to follow the progress of our young players easier access.

“Fixtures will take place predominantly on a Tuesday with a mix of evening and late afternoon kick off times.

“It is important to stress the development nature of these fixtures. As part of the National Player Development Programme introduced by Scottish FA Performance Director, Mark Wotte, all Development League matches have to be played in a ‘Stadium Environment.’

“This is to help the young players adjust from Academy football played mainly in open spaces to the more realistic match day experience they would encounter if called into the first team.

“We hope that through time we will get a regular following for the matches, but would again emphasise that these matches are designed to assist the technical and tactical development of the player and are not part of a competitive league competition.

“To further assist the development process the league rules allow each club to play a number of overage players.

“Senior players will benefit from additional game time, but will also be required to provide on field support to our younger players.

“It is also very likely that as the season progresses promising young players from the Academy will begin to appear regularly as they too continue their development.

“We are all looking forward to providing the young players with a positive and supportive environment at Ainslie Park this season, and also wish to thank our partners Spartans for their assistance.”

All under-20s games will be open to supporters and for admission prices there will be an opportunity to make a suggested donation of £5 for adults and £3 for concessions (with under-16s gaining free admission). This donation will go towards funding the new Transition Academy

TUESDAY 22 JULY 2014 

Lunchtime concert: Orchestra Giovanile Diego Valeri. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Bookbug Rhymetime – rhymes and songs for the under 3s. 10.30-11am, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free. No booking required.

Groovy Greek Myths  – free creative writing workshop. Journey through time to Ancient Greece in this interactive workshop. Learn about terrifying legendary monsters, put your creative writing skills to the test, and have a go at writing your own myth! 12 noon-1pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. To book call into the library and speak to a member of staff, or phone them on 0131 529 5506. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

London College of Fashion talks: New Horizons.  Clare Buckley of the London College of Fashion discusses luxury high fashion, bespoke and artisan brands, with reference to contemporary fashion. From 12 noon. The Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) 54 George Street.  Free. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

Making Monsters: two day workshop. This is no ordinary art session!  Try out your shaping and making skills using wicker, paper, clay, colour and imagination.  Sessions will include photography, model making, crafting, photoshop and more, to make lots of fierce and fantastic monsters. For ages 8+. 10am – 12 noon and 2-4pm BOTH days (today and Wednesday.) Booking essential – see website. Free – bring your own lunch. WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove.

Some Friendly Fairways: Depictions of Golf in Railway Posters. Ed Bartholomew, Senior Curator at the National Railway Museum, York, looks at how artists depicted golf in railway posters and paintings.  12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.  Free and unticketed.

Mystical Japanese Panoramas: imagine a bird’s eye view of the castle’s Japanese garden. Mike Durnan will show you how to construct a view and incorporate silvery ponds and little rocks. Learn about the symbolism in Japanese gardens. Family event. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £5 and must be booked via the Usher Hall box office, either in person, by phone or online – see website.

Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice: drop in to find out how to grow your own food and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project Team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, open to all, no booking required.

Makers’ Market: curated by festival director Anna Freemantle, James Sugden, Director of Johnston’s of Elgin and model Stella Tennant, the market will showcase a selection of the finest makers, designers and brands in Scotland and South Africa.  The curators aim to bring awareness to the wider public regarding the journey of a garment.  Stallholders will include Common People, Naromode, Brora, Pringle and Bebaroque. 12 noon-6pm, The Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) 54 George Street.  Free. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

Art Week: if you love all things arts and crafty, come along to a wonderful Create session. Plenty to try, from portrait painting to animal mask making and everything in between, each day this week. 10am-12 noon for ages 5+, 2-4pm for ages 10+.  WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free, drop-in, no booking required.

Menswear Salon Show: a salon showcasing five leading lights in Scottish and South African menswear, with music provided by Ben Prestage in association with Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. 5pm, The Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) 54 George Street.  Free. Part of Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents Beverley F Wright: Songs from the Hilltop and Beyond. Aberdeen University graduate, artist, actor, singer, writer, and poet in residence at Tightlaced Theatre launches her second book of English and Scots poems. 6.30-7.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets available from the shop’s front desk or by calling 0131 622 6218.

Arts and Crafts: come along to these inspiring arts and crafts sessions to get creative and learn some new skills. Work with a range of different artists to create mini artworks using recycled materials. 10-10.50am for ages 9-12, 11-11.50am for ages 5-8. 50p per session. North Edinburgh Arts (next to Muirhouse Library.) Also available on Wednesday and Friday.

Dance and Movement: a chance to work with different dance tutors to get active, play group games and have fun learning some dance styles. 10-10.50am for ages 9-12, 11-11.50am for ages 5-8. 50p per session. North Edinburgh Arts (next to Muirhouse Library.) Also available on Wednesday and Friday

Creative Writing Course: a children’s summer activity with Explore Learning. 10.15-11.15am,  Currie Library, 210 Lanark Road. To book a place email currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5609.

Battle of the Beasties: fantasy role play for ages 5-11. 2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Creative Writing Course: a children’s summer activity for ages 8+ with Explore Learning. 4-5pm, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Free. To book a place contact library staff.

Commonwealth Games Quiz: test your knowledge of national flags. For under-12s.  2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street.

Library walks

Shrubhill House

 Royal Visit

Fringe 2014

Today at the Jazz Festival

Visit the Ramblers Scotland site to download the maps or pick up pick up leaflets from the following libraries which features as start / finish points:

Currie, Granton, South Queensferry, Wester Hailes, Blackhall,, Leith, Portobello, Central, Craigmillar and Morningside.

And if you’re doing one of the Wester Hailes Library routes you can borrow a pedometer and starter pack, so you can see how far you walk in a day!

Make sure and ask too about the guided walks that the library are running throughout August – and check our progress chart to see which member of staff does the most steps between now and the end of the Commonwealth Games!

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Greener Leith has a photo of the demolition of Shrubhill House last week. They say that by this time next year there will be a new building in its place.

And they draw attention to some of the videos made in the building before it was torn down. Here is one example:

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The Duchess of Cornwall is in Edinburgh today visiting the Shortbread House on Tennant Street.

This is their wee video showing off their work:

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We have started publishing some Fringe previews. But The Edinburgh Reporter also interviewed Andy Gray and Grant Stott about their upcoming show Kiss Me, Honey Honey here

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Today at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival there is only one act to see: Van Morrison.

There appear to be tickets still available here. The Edinburgh Reporter was at a Van the Man concert once when he walked off after five minutes decrying the quality of the sound system. We hope the system at the Festival Theatre is to his liking!

This is our favourite track, what’s yours?

• Two NE Scotland deals underline Lomond’s new Stonehouse brand as leading force in Aberdeen’s residential property sector
• Manchester deal cements Lomond’s Thornley Groves business as leader in the NW city

The Edinburgh- based property management company, Lomond Capital, has completed its 18^th, 19^th and 20^th acquisitions in its four years of trading, underlining its leading position in the growing private rental and residential property markets in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Manchester.

In Aberdeen it has acquired Langley Serviced Apartments from Bill Brebner as well the lettings book of business from Alex Hutcheon Legal & Estate Agency business. The Aberdeen lettings team now has 1,600 property assets under its management worth £365m and has a 38-strong property management team, operating from three branches to cater for its growing client base.

The news comes as the various lettings brands owned by Lomond in the region are brought together under the Stonehouse name. The newly consolidated Stonehouse brand brings together the legacy brands Stonehouse, Simpson Brebner, K.W.A.D., Bon Accord and Yvonne Moir along with the newly acquired book of business from Alex Hutcheon.

In Manchester Lomond Capital has acquired Vital Space’s Manchester City Centre lettings business, which will be absorbed into its Thornley Groves operation in the North West city. The deal takes the total number of properties managed by Thornley Groves to 2,600.

Stuart Pender, Chief Executive of Lomond Capital, parent company of Stonehouse and Thornley Groves, said: “These three acquisitions, the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th since we set up in 2010, bring great benefits to our offerings in Aberdeen and Manchester.

“We see Aberdeen, with its strong micro-economy, as a strategic pillar of our business plan. The Aberdeen property market has experienced consistent growth in recent years and has out-performed the central belt over the last decade. Being able to offer the corporate market excellent quality serviced accommodation through our Langley Apartments business is an exciting new venture for us in this dynamic marketplace.

“In Manchester Thornley Groves has established itself as one of the North West’s most highly respected and recognisable estate agencies. The deal with Vital Space enhances its position offering further choice of properties.

“We are committed to delivering more efficient, professional property management services that benefit both tenants and landlords in all three cities we operate in, as this sector continues to grow.”

The industry is seeing rapid consolidation and improving service levels for property owners who now expect their property asset managers to assist them with insurance, maintenance and mortgage sourcing to help our landlords extend their investment in the private rental sector. There is an even greater focus on tenant retention, minimising void periods and enhancing yields.

Since it was set up in 2010 Lomond Capital has undertaken 20 acquisitions. It now employs over 240 personnel, manages over 7,400 residential properties worth over £1.5 billion and sells over £70 million worth of residential property every year.

Lomond currently operates in three major UK cities – Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Manchester and is set to launch into Birmingham and Leeds later this year with a view to entering other cities in the south of England in 2015.

Venue: Sweet Grassmarket, International 1        Tickets:  £7.50/£7

Date: 2nd–24th August 2014 (not 11th or 18th).  Time: at 7:40pm (1 hr)

200 blood packs ready for the Edinburgh Fringe

With 240 on-stage deaths during the run of Riptide: The Slasher Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe, the blood will be flowing.

Riptide: The Slasher Musical is a new musical with songs by two classically trained brothers, Simon and Mark Nathan, and book by NSDF award winner Chazz Redhead.

A parody of 80’s horror films and teen musicals – think Little Shop of Horrors meets Friday the 13th.

The story will have you howling with laughter – or terror! – the songs are catchy, poignant and exciting and the audience leaves humming the big show stopping numbers.

A vibrant team of young professional actors and musicians come together in this Slasher Surf Spectacular. With sweeping romance, epic tunes and just the kind of guys you don’t want to meet on vacation, this is one road trip you’ll never forget!

UPDATE: Children now traced safe and well  in the early hours of this morning.

Police in Forth Valley Division are appealing for information to help trace to missing children in Tullibody.

Brandon Iliff, aged 13 and his 8-year-old brother, Bernie took their pedal cycles for a ride around their street in Redlands Road earlier this evening and were due to be back home at 6pm.

However, the pair have since failed to return and following a search by the family, police were contacted.

An investigation is now underway to establish their whereabouts.

Anyone who can assist in locating the youths is asked to come forward.

Brandon is described as white and wearing a white t-shirt, blue trousers and trainers with yellow tops.

Bernie is described as white with dirty blond hair. He was wearing a long-sleeved Mario t-shirt, black trousers and blue Spiderman trainers.

Superintendent Matt Richards said: “Given the boys’ young age and the time since they were due to return home we are growing increasingly concerned for their well being.
“Officers are currently conducting various lines of enquiry locally to trace Brandon and Bernie and anyone with information as to their current whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately.

“I would also ask members of the public in the Tullibody area to check their sheds, garages and other outbuildings where two children might take refuge.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

Stand V ~ 3.00pm ~ July 31– August 24. not Aug 11

– Winner: Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit Of The Fringe Award, Edinburgh Fringe 2013 UK comedian Alexis Dubus, writer and performer of acclaimed shows “A R*ddy Brief

History Of Swearing” and “A Surprisingly Tasteful Show About Nudity,” presents his first spoken word show, trialled on the Free Fringe for a week at Edinburgh Fringe 2013, and now playing a full run at The Stand’s new venue, Stand V.

A 55-minute ode to travel and lost love performed entirely in verse, Cars And Girls was recently a hit at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe and New Zealand Comedy Festival.

Directed by Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Phil Nichol, it is a paean to wanderlust and youthful lust, to growing up, and to encountering humanity in the strangest of situations.

Alexis has been a regular on the UK and international comedy circuit for the past decade,and has made appearances on Channel 4’s Derek, Sky Atlantic’s Set List and BBC3’s Pramface, Russell Howard’s Good News and Live At The Electric.

In 2013 he won the Best Comedy Award at Fringe World in Perth, and in 2012 the Amused Moose Award for Best Comedy at Edinburgh Fringe. His 2008 show was placed in Three Weeks’ Top 10 Fringe Experiences and awarded an Editors’ Choice Award.

Venue:  Assembly George Square Studios Three, EH8 9JZ

Time:  1500  Running Time: 90 mins

Dates: 1st – 25th August. No show Mon 11 or 18 August.

Tickets: Previews £9; 2 & 3, 6 & 7, 12-14, 19-21 & 25 August £13 (£12); 4 & 5, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 August  £14 (£13)

The Matchmaker, based on the novella “Letters of a County Matchmaker” by John B Keane one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers, will play at Georges Square Studio Three as part of the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 1500 daily from 31st July to 25th August.

The production stars television favourite Anne Charleston known for her roles as “Madge Bishop” in the Australian soap opera Neighbours (Kylie’s Mum) and “Lily Butterfield” in Emmerdale.  Irish Actor and comedian Jon Kenny(who was part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt) joins Anne to complete the cast. Kenny is best known outside Ireland for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.   Together the duo play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.

The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn.  Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses “The Matchmaker” as an exploration of rural loneliness. Aware that generations of people became masters of their own destinies late in life, and only then began to look for companionship and love, once their duties as minder of ageing parents were concluded or they had finally inherited, or were the left over brother or sister. Using his inimitable way with words and his one sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely county people and creates a marvellously colourful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders.

The language is that as spoken by the people of north Kerry particularly the area known as Lyracrumpaín (Lyra crum paw inn) which is Irish – translated into English directly,  so the words follow often the syntax of an Irish sentence structure … but in English.

Cinderella had a terrible life, right?  And her ugly sisters were to blame – of course!  But have you ever looked at this from the siblings’ point of view?

In 2011, The Uglies Do Edinburgh, a tale of ‘two ordinary girls’ coming to the capital to find their own Prince Charmings, was a smash hit at the Fringe.  Here’s a clip of the 2011 show:

In 2014 Annie and Fannie are back in pantomime mode to tell the story of what happened next, and why it’s rubbish living with a stepsister who gets all the breaks.

Two well-upholstered women, six songs, five costume changes and countless double entendres make for a family-friendly show for all ages.

David Kent and Dereck Walker are in character once again to give you an hour of music, melodrama and madness.  Take a break from all that serious stuff – you’ll enjoy this much more (oh yes you will…)

Here Come the Uglies! is at Cafe Camino, 1 Little King Street at 1.15pm on 1-9, 11-16 and 18-23 August 2014. Free entry, no tickets required. ‘U’ – universal suitability. A DK Productions show.

‘Peace is not only an absence of conflict, it is a presence.’

The issue of how that peace can be created is the focus of the 2014 just Festival, which opens on 1st August 2014. A vibrant and diverse programme of  performance, film, music, talks, conversations and family events will explore the festival’s key themes of home, freedom and forgiveness. With contributors from all over the world from Soweto to Assam, Syria to Scotland, the just Festival will open your eyes, lift your heart…..and teach you how to make a butter sculpture.

just Starting

The festival kicks off with guest speakers and special performances in a mix of culture and wisdom, followed by a reception.  Come and catch up with old friends, make new friends and get in the Festival spirit.

8-9pm (then reception till 10pm), Saturday 2nd August 2014, The Church at St John’s, Princes Street.

Tibetan Monks Art Workshop

Monks from Tashi Lhunpo offer you the chance to try the unique traditions of Buddhist monastic art: sand mandala making, prayer flag printing and butter sculpture.  Learn some Tibetan language or make a dukar wheel.

10-11.30am, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st August 2014, The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace. Suitable for all ages. Tickets £5/£3.50

My Luxurious 50 Square Feet Life

A multi-media performance featuring the housing problem of Hong Kong.  Explore how life in a 50 sq ft ‘sub-divided unit’ influences people’s interpersonal relationships and family communications. Packed with cultural exchanges and new experiences.

6-7pm Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August, 4-5pm and 8.30-9.30pm Monday 11th August 2014. The Hall at St John’s Church, Princes Street. Tickets £10/£8.

Conscientious Objectors & Women’s Responses to the First World War

In the centenary year of the Great War, this conversation considers those who followed their consciences and refused to fight, and the women who, rather than urge their men to go to war, organised to oppose it.

3.30-5pm, Wednesday August 20th 2014, Peace & Justice Centre, 121 George Street. Tickets £5.

Mindfulness at Lunchtime and a Mindful Walk

Come and find peace and mindfulness at lunchtime with a guided sitting and walking meditation. Bring your lunch and enjoy food together, mindfully in silence, ending with a short silent meditation.

Tuesdays 5th, 12th and 19th August 2014, St Mark’s, Castle Terrace. Free.

Join a silent walking meditation led by Zen Buddhists and preceded by a brief introduction to mindful walking as meditation practice.

9.30 -10.45am, Sunday 3rd August 2014, meet beside Henderson @ St John’s, Princes Street.  Free. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult.

South African Voices – live and on film

Music from the townships is going to sing out in many forms at the festival – from Soweto Melodic Voices to Jabulani and Simply Soweto Encha (who are also the subject of a fascinating documentary), you can feel the rhythm and join in the song in these life affirming performances.

Various times, dates and venues – see programme for details.

Beyond Binaries: LGBT Voices & the Freedom to Self-Identify

Society’s need for everything to be categorised, often in binaries, has been cited as a cause of mental health problems in LGBT communities.  How can we remodel our language in addressing sexuality and gender? Or are genders and sexualities fixed identities controlled by society?

6-7.30pm, Friday 15th August 2014, The Hall at St John’s, Princes Street. Tickets £5.

Tango Negro: Slavery on Film

Angolan filmmaker Dom Pedro explores the expression of the tango’s African-ness and the contribution of African cultures to its creation. The film reveals the depth of the footprints of African music on the tango, a reflection of the social life of the slaves who were taken to South America.

8-10pm, Thursday 14th August 2014, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace. Tickets £6/£4.

Such a Nice Girl

Eilidh has always been such a nice girl. She’s caring, she’s polite…and she’s in jail over an email full of vicious threats and sectarian hate speech.  A play about grief and prejudice.

2-3pm, Friday 15th to Sunday 24th August 2014, The Church at St John’s.  Tickets £10/£8.  On Sunday 17th August at 3.15pm The Church at St John’s will host a free discussion with the writer, director and actors of Such a Nice Girl.

Kimono Japan

See a marvelous collection of Kimonos inherited from mothers and grandmothers at this stunning fashion show. The Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, still worn and beloved in its home country.

4-5pm, Sunday 24th August 2014, The Church at St John’s,Princes Street. Entry by donation. Presented by the Consulate General of Japan and Japanese Arts and Culture International.

This is  just a small selection of what the festival has to offer – for full details see the festival website; programmes are also available at many venues in the city.  Tickets can be purchased online or via Brown Paper Tickets, Miller Row EH4 3BQ, tel: 0131 411 8881.

And if all that leaves you in need of refreshment, Knights Kitchen at St John’s Terrace will be open every day from 10am to 10pm, offering fantastic African fusion street food – everything from ginger tea and Mandazi (Kenyan doughnuts) to Peri-Peri chicken.  Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

The 2014 just Festival supports Streetwork and Mercy Corps. A 50p surcharge on every ticket sold will be shared between these two inspirational charities.

For more information and to book tickets, see www.justjust.org.

PBH Free Fringe from 2nd- 24th August, every evening at 6pm. The venue is the Banshee Labyrinth, Cinema Room, 29-35 Niddry Street.

Born in Barnsley, raised in Africa- Bafrican! Morgan Berry is the world’s first 24 hour Pet Bereavement Counsellor. He will be offering live healing for those people who have lost their beloved furry pals. But be warned, if you’ve lost a dog, a cat, a horse- he can’t help you- you should have lost a rabbit!

After returning from Botswana where he grew up Morgan has returned back to his birth place of Barnsley to fulfil his lifelong ambition of owning a car wash and helping the people of Great Britain get over their rabbit bereavement issues.

Morgan Berry is the character creation of award winning comedian Joe Rowntree: Joe is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and presenter. His television career started back in 2001 writing put-downs for Anne Robinson on “The Weakest Link”. He has hosted 2 UK tours of “Brainiac Live” which culminated at the Hammersmith Apollo after appearing in all six series of the award-winning hit Sky 1 show “Brainiac: Science Abuse.” He has supported Rhod Gilbert & Stephen K Amos on their national tours and recently recorded “Dave’s One Night Stand” (Dave).

In collaboration with Northern Stage at Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2 – 23 August

As the centerpiece of the company’s 40th anniversary programme, Paines Plough’s portable in-the-round theatre is unveiled at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a repertory of new work performed by an acting ensemble. After three years in development the brand new Roundabout auditorium will be unveiled at Summerhall this August.

A prototype of the theatre space was co-produced with Sheffield Theatres in 2011 and played at Shoreditch Town Hall in 2012. Armed with the experience of these two runs, and the generous support of principal funder Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation along with J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust, John Ellerman Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation, the brand new pop-up theatre will form an integral part of future Paines Plough programmes.

Duncan Macmillan’s critically acclaimed Lungs will return as part of the season, joined by his Every Brilliant Thing, with Dennis Kelly’s play for young people, Our Teacher’s a Troll – originally commissioned by Paines Plough and Half Moon in 2005, it will be presented here in a new co-production between the two companies – and the world première of Alexandra Wood’s The Initiate. The 2014 Roundabout Season is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

The company for Lungs, Our Teacher’s a Troll and The Initiate is Andrew French, Abdul Salis, and Sian Reese-Williams. The cast for Every Brilliant Thing is Jonny Donahoe.

Paines Plough will also stage relaxed and signed performances throughout the run in Edinburgh for each of their productions.

Following performances in Edinburgh, the auditorium and season of plays will embark on a series of nationwide residencies including Newbury Corn Exchange (27 – 30 August), Margate Winter Gardens (3 – 7 September) and Barnsley Civic (1 – 5 October).

Northern Stage will partner with Paines Plough for this year’s Roundabout Season at Summerhall – staging their own productions Dead To Me, Britannia Waves the Rules and Beats North; and Show 6 a new play by Mark Ravenhill written for the Lyric Hammersmith’s innovative Secret Theatre Company.

Paines Plough’s Artistic Directors James Grieve and George Perrin said today, “Roundabout is the epitome of Paines Plough and everything the company has striven to achieve in its 40 year history. Our beautiful pop-up theatre means we can tour outstanding new plays further and wider than ever before, giving audiences a thrilling in-the-round experience on their doorstep. Roundabout will pop-up in sports halls and warehouses in parts of the country that don’t have theatres, and our own productions will sit alongside community shows and events as a mini-festival that will bring new plays and great entertainment right to the heart of local communities.

“In collaboration with our friends at Northern Stage, we are unveiling Roundabout at Summerhall with a repertory of plays by three of the most exciting writers in the country. Paines Plough has a long history of premièring work in Edinburgh, and the largest arts festival in the world is a fitting and exciting place to unveil our ground-breaking new portable theatre. We can’t wait to welcome audiences in Edinburgh and around the UK to Roundabout.”

Rupert Thomson, Artistic Director of Summerhall commented, “Among the things we value here at Summerhall, are imaginative and alternative approaches to familiar things, and positive collaborations between like-minded parties. Paines Plough’s Roundabout project fulfils both of these perfectly, with a beautiful and purpose-built structure for theatre in an intimate setting, and a partnership with both them and Northern Stage to present it as part of the Fringe. We are thrilled that so many excellent plays feature in this space, and look forward to welcoming audiences to them throughout August.”

ZOO Venue 124    Tickets: £8, concessions £6       Dates: Aug 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,   13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25      Time: 15:45

Held in prison without trial for six weeks, three women await interrogation. This isn’t Germany. This isn’t Russia. This is England.

Two government officials, Charles Lyon-Jones and William Thompson, interview three women as part of a disciplinary hearing under Regulation 18B, a government decree which suspends British citizen’s right to a fair trial during wartime. Lyon-Jones is young and eager, believing wholeheartedly in his task to protect the British state against fascism, whilst Thompson takes a more cynical view of this apparent transgression of justice. Tensions between the interrogators boil over as they face the eternal predicament of what is necessary, and what is right, in a time of war.

Exploring the little known wartime defence regulation that arguably undermined the fundamental democracy of Churchill’s Britain, 18B exposes moral questions over a period of history honoured in the textbooks. The three women; a charming fascist, an eccentric outsider and an apparent German infiltrator, force their interrogators to question the measures we resort to in the protection of state and nation.

18B is an innovative, compelling and challenging new perspective on our nation’s history written and created by Nottingham University students with a central background in historical research.

The Nottingham New Theatre prides itself in being the only entirely student run theatre company in England. It is a fresh and exciting performance company that produces exceptional new writing and has won multiple awards at the National Student Drama Festival. 18B is in consideration for the National Student Drama Festival ‘Edinburgh Award’ 2014.

A Rap Guide To Religion/The Rap Canterbury Tales/Off The Top

With Canadian, Baba Brinkman, about to Fringe premiere his deity defying show A Rap Guide To Religion, it may be apposite to recall Voltaire’s deliciously death-bed naughty retort to the priest’s pleading for him to renounce Satan and all his Works – ‘Now, now, my friend, this is not the time to be making enemies!’

Brinkman’s previous Fringe First winner and subsequent World-touring knock-out show A Rap Guide To Evolution still remains a thorn in the side of Creationist as well as ruffling many Fundamentalists’ feathers (those fluffy things that came from dinosaurs, guys).  So, what icon-kicking spells has he got cooking in his devilish crucible of creativity for unsuspecting Fringe audiences this year? Here are some tempting preview teasers –

Baba’s unique brand of ‘peer reviewed rap’ brings together hip-hop, comedy, and behavioural sciences, striving to make sense of nature’s most unpredictable primate. So what about religious beliefs? Do they provide an evolutionary benefit, or are they nothing but a virus of the mind? It’s time to eff with the ineffable. Fringe First Award winner 2009, Spirit of the Fringe Award winner 2008, ThreeWeeks Editor’s Award winner 2007.

Chaucer’s classic tales as you’ve never seen them before, with sparkling wordplay, live turntablism, and seriously medieval swagger. Comedic hip-hop storytelling fresh from New York’s Soho Playhouse, with music by Mr Simmonds, written and performed by Fringe First Award Winner Baba Brinkman (The Rap Guide to Evolution, 2009). What happens when Eminem meets the Wife of Bath? Hilarity ensues. ‘Delightful’ (New York Times). ‘Truly awe-inspiring’ ***** (Scotsman). ‘Warm, funny, and fascinating throughout’ ***** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Genius… staggeringly clever’ ***** (ThreeWeeks).

Fringe First winner and science rapper Baba Brinkman (Rap Guide to Evolution) teams up with neuroscientist Dr. Heather Berlin to explore the brain basis of improvisation. What’s going on under the hood when a comedian or musician improvises? Why are the spontaneous moments of life always the most memorable? Does anything actually rhyme with Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex? A married couple in real life, Baba and Heather bring you the latest research on brain science and creativity with featured guests mixing their scripted material with unscripted moments of hilarity. ‘Perfect for your inner science geek’ (List).

Venue 406 LifeCare Centre, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh EH4 1JB

1 Aug – 3 Aug, 8 Aug, 10 Aug, 15 Aug -17 Aug, 22 Aug, 24 Aug  at 3:00pm (1 h 30 min)

23 Aug at 2:00pm (1h 30 min)

Tickets: £10 (Adult); £7 (Concession); £6 (Family)

Dance Ihayami invites you to the ultimate Indian dance feast of full heart involvement, spontaneity working to its fullest, precise technique, unforgettable expressions and a mesmerising mixture of Indian and Celtic rhythms. This dance masala will leave you wanting more…

Ihayami Masala will be followed by a classical Indian dance workshop. Anyone is welcome to join and discover the flavour of Indian dance.

As one of the leading South Asian dance companies in the UK, Dance Ihayami offers “a disciplined and elegant alternative to the dominance of Western forms” (Skinny). Dance Ihayami is Scotland’s Indian dance company dedicated to the contemporisation of Indian dance. Founded in 2003 by Priya Shrikumar, the company is based in Edinburgh and works throughout Scotland and beyond. The company challenges ideas about Indian classical dance and creates innovative contemporary work, regularly collaborating with different art forms and media. The work is rooted in strong classical Indian technique, with an edgy contemporary style. Dance Ihayami’s vision is to enrich the Scottish national repertoire of dance, and engage people of all ages and backgrounds in Indian classical and contemporary dance as audience, artists and participants.

Dates: 30 July – 25 August 2014, The Dairy Room, Underbelly, Time: 12.25 pm

Previews: £7 / Mon-Thurs: £10/£9 / Fri-Sun: £13/£9

Edinburgh-born award-winning composer Lucinda Mason Brown joins the creative team of new gangster comedy.

Winner of the BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Sound for ‘Bad Memories’ and nominated for ‘Saturday night and Sunday morning’, Lucinda Mason Brown will be composing music for the award-winning script. Lucinda is a composer, sound designer and producer. Now co-director of Essential Music Ltd and Goldhawk Essential, she previously worked in-house in BBC Radio Drama and the BBC Writersroom.

‘Frank Sent Me’, will preview at Theatre 503 on 18 and 19 July at 9pm. The play then opens in the Underbelly’s Dairy Room, Edinburgh on 30 July.

In this bleakly comic Ortonesque comedy, a relationship moves inexorably towards its conclusion and a gentlemen’s honour code is broken.

Lucinda also produced ‘Kindness’, a radio 4 pick of the week play with Sophie Thompson, written by Julian Poidevin and directed by Peter Darney – the team behind this sparkling new play. Her contribution ‘Frank Sent Me’ is very special.

Underbelly, Belly Button

Thursday 31st July – Sunday 24th August: 12.40pm (Excl. Wednesday 13th)

Tickets  £6 – £10

Fat Git Theatres present Winky by George Saunders

Developed in Association with Soho Theatre.

Adapted by the company from the short story by 2014 Folio Prize Winner, George Saunders

Neil Yaniky, a born loser, strongly suspects that his ‘yugly’ sister Winky is his metaphorical oatmeal-crapper. Spurred along by Tom Rodgers, founder of The Seminars™, Neil returns home to confront his sister. After all, “now is the time for him to win.” But while Neil’s thoughts revolve around self-help mantras, erotic fantasies and dreams of inner peace, Winky has been preparing a party for Neil, her brother, her pal to the end, the only loving soul she has yet found in this world. She may be ‘yugly’ and lonely and a little sad, but thank the Lord she has Neil-Neil.

A unique, thoughtful and hilarious satire staged verbatim from the short story written by George Saunders, Winky exposes the lie under self-help, pitting the fantastic dreams of fast cars and instant success against the loyalty one man has to his unbearable sister.

Winky was developed at Redbridge Drama Centre and previously enjoyed a limited, popular run at the Soho Theatre (June 10th – June 15th, 2014).

George Saunders won the 2014 Folio Prize for his ‘darkly playful’ short story collection, Tenth of December, and was referred to by Time Magazine as “the best short story writer in English. Not ‘one of’, not ‘arguably’ but the best.”

Josh Roche, Artistic Director of Fat Git, also works in the Artistic Team at Soho Theatre, as the Writers’ Centre Associate. He has also worked with Shakespeare’s Globe, English Touring Theatre, nabokov theatre and Sonia Friedman Productions.

Fat Git Theatre discovers new approaches to new writing – often concerning ugliness and the grotesque – and creates muscular, compelling work that is theatrically bold and politically engaged.