REVIEW: Piece of Work
Reading Time: 3 minutes“Piece of Work” is part of James Rowland’s “Songs of the Heart” trilogy, along with “Learning to Fly” and “James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show”.
Claire McArthur
REVIEW: Mr Chonkers
Reading Time: 2 minutesAn anarchic smorgasbord of delights Leaving Edinburgh’s Monkey Barrel on Friday night, I messaged a friend “I don’t know what I’ve just seen, but I think I really liked it”. I’m not quite sure who Mr Chonkers…
REVIEW: We Will Hear The Angels
Reading Time: 2 minutesHeartbreak is universal The tagline for Magnetic North’s multimedia production of We Will Hear The Angels is “what happens when all you want to do is sing the blues and someone hands you a microphone?” but this…
REVIEW: The Merchant of Venice
Reading Time: 3 minutesThis production boldly shakes off the presumption of Shakespeare being the sole domain of posh actors in ruff collars. Over 400 years since the Merchant of Venice was first performed, this production’s candle throws its beams far, with a blistering retelling of a story that has never been more relevant to our modern world.
REVIEW: Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Prokofiev and Brahms
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall are always an excellent combination, and this concert was no exception. Split in two - the first half was devoted to Sergei Prokofiev (Symphony No 1 in D major, Op 2, followed by Violin Concerto No 2, Op 63), and the second half to Johannes Brahms and his Symphony No 2, Op 73.
REVIEW: Soundhouse Winter Festival: Victoria Hume
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Soundhouse Winter Festival featured an inspiring performance by pianist Victoria Hume and collaborator Chris Letcher, showcasing her album "Radical Abundance." Their ethereal yet grounded songs, inspired by degrowth principles, captivated a small audience. Hume’s warm anecdotes fostered intimacy, making the experience feel personal and inviting. "Radical Abundance" is highly recommended.
REVIEW: Soundhouse: The Rugged Island – A Shetland Lyric
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Soundhouse Winter Festival in Edinburgh featured a captivating opening night. Pianist Amy Laurenson played songs from her debut album, complemented by guitarist Miguel Girão. Following intermission, the 1933 film "The Rugged Island" was screened with a live score by fiddle player Catriona Macdonald and Inge Thomson, creating an immersive experience celebrated for its Scottish creativity.
FEATURE: A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays
Reading Time: 3 minutesScottish theatre has a rich and varied history, not confined to the written text. As explained by journalist and critic Fergus Morgan at the launch of his new podcast “A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays”, it has undergone a rather unique evolutionary process, often out of necessity, from the obstacles in its way.
REVIEW: A Streetcar Named Desire
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis production of Tennessee William’s 1947 play A Streetcar Named Desire originated from the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Directed by Elizabeth Newman, the story of Blanche DuBois unravels itself around us, as she visits her sister Stella, and her brother in law, Stanley Kowalski, in the sultry heat of the New Orleans summer. As Stella and Stanley personalities clash, and the attraction to one of his friends and colleagues grows, Blanche’s history comes back to haunt her in unforgettable and iconic fashion.
REVIEW: The Boys In The Band
Reading Time: 3 minutesEdinburgh University’s Theatre Company is currently in a rich vein of form, with the latest being a terrific adaptation of Mart Crowley’s 1968 play “The Boys In The Band”, co-directed by Elle Catherine Willcocks and Aaron de Verés. The first act opens with Michael (played by James Cumming), fastidiously arranging his New York apartment for his friend Harold’s birthday party. The 1960s era is set with crackly gramophone recordings of movie soundtracks, and one by one, we’re introduced to our party-goers, with tantalising hints as to their interrelated histories and relationships – Donald (Ewan Little) observer of the group; Emory (Noah Sarvesvaran) with an unusual taste in birthday gifts, Bernard (Kikelomo Hassan), and a couple comprising teacher Hank (Dylan Kaeuper) and artist Larry (Issac Williams). Whilst they await their guest of honour, they’re unexpectedly joined by Michael’s old (and notably straight) college roommate from Georgetown, the tuxedo-clad Alan (Rufus Goodman). Emory’s ‘birthday present’ to Howard in the form of Cowboy (Ewan Guthrie) also arrives, before the guest of honour himself appears – Harold (Oscar Bryan).