inted

[inted]

Funny Women at the Edinburgh Fringe 2013

Edinburgh's Fringe is not like any other festival in the world. For an entire month, the city of Edinburgh turns everything "larger than a cupcake tin" into a performance venue.  The population triples, the bars are open until 5am, and no matter where you are in the city there is always something happening.

Today, I had the privilege of attending two spectacular events at Venue 47 - Le Monde 1. Sex, Lies and Lots of Cake - a great pop-up chat show with various fringe guests (Daily at 12:15 in the Shanghai Club on George Street) 2. Thpethial - Award winning stand-up who questions "what it means to be 'thpethial', and why isn't everybody? (Daily at 1:30 in the Shanghai Club on George Street)

The first, "Sex, Lies and Lots of Cake" ... honestly, how can you go wrong with a title like this? AND...FREE CUPCAKES? Consider me there! Today's host was 2013 Time Out & Soho Theatre Cabaret Award Winner: Lynn Ruth Miller joined on stage by Kate Copstick - chief comedy reviewer for The Scotsman, Sarah Louise Young - Actress and Cabaret performer at the Fringe, Comedian Luke Benson, and David Bates - Theatrical Producer for the Spiegeltent. Lynn Ruth Miller is a fantastically feisty madam who kept the conversation flowing sirrounding various topics as to what makes the fringe tick? And how important LIVE theatre and comedy is to both audiences and performers. "It fills that void in your heart when you hear applause...that's why we come back" stated Sarah Louise Young. This was a great insight to the fringe from a selection of different perspectives from the fringe and I highly recommend catching this act before its over as the guests and topics change daily! Click here for more information.

NOW...onto my...dare I say it...FAVOURITE SHOW AT THE FRINGE thus far! Honestly, Ria Lina was such an unexpected surprise to the stage and I left feeling as if I had discovered 'THE' show. The songs are what got me...”The Coming Song” “Internet Porn Song” etc...the lyrics left me needing to run for a pee break, and her incredible voice left me in awe as to why she’s not a signed artist. However, the show is not all gag songs, but is an eclectic mix of comedy, powerpoints, audience sing-a-longs, and elusive story telling. Some of her subject matter has lead to vicious complaints from women who thought that she was being offensive, but Lina honestly is only trying to normalize the group labeled as Special Needs and treat them as if you would treat any other person on this planet.

With her pie charts and graphs, witty comebacks, songs on the ukelele, and stories of her ugly third child, Lina leaves you questioning your own opinions and judgments and pushes your see things from a more ‘thpethial’ point of view.

At the end of the show, I donated a few £ to the Autism Society Collection box and received a "I'm Thpethial Too" pin which I will wear proudly. Bravo Ria and thank you!

For more information on the show, Ria and FunnyWomen, Click Here.

Be sure to stop by Funny Women at the fringe under Le Monde hotel in the Shanghai Club on George Street.  Stand up Comedy, Theatre, Chat, Workshops, Kids Shows, Cupcakes, Drink and More (they're in association with benefit cosmetics and there may or may not be some free samples depending on availability)! What more can you ask for?

[inted]

Terrifically Terrifying films at EIFF 2013

Horror fans are about to lose their collective heads when they hear about our line-up of films dedicated to everything that splats, splices and slices. That’s right, this year Edinburgh International Film Festival brings back the ever-popular Night Moves programme strand which will feature all the films that are only suitable for screening after dark.   What is more terrifying than Frankenstein’s monster? Why Frankenstein’s army of course which is exactly what you’ll be getting with the aptly named ‘found footage’ frightener, Frankenstein’s Army. Set in Eastern Germany during World War Two, a ragged unit of Russian soldiers discover a secret Nazi laboratory where a deranged scientist is using Dr Frankenstein’s work as a blueprint for creating a monstrous army for the Fuhrer’s final assault. If the plot alone doesn’t sway you, this horror extravaganza has all the makings of a cult classic and is worth a watch for the gloriously gory set pieces alone.   Now I don’t have to tell you that the only thing capable of topping a film about Nazi zombies is TWO films featuring Nazi zombies? Yep, this year EIFF has gotten its hands (severed or otherwise) on the third instalment of the popular UK Outpost series, Outpost 3: Rise of the Spetnaz. If you haven’t already guessed from the title, the film is set in WW2 and follows a member of Russia’s elite special forces, Dolokhov as he is captured by the Germans and taken to an underground bunker where horrific experiments are under way.   So grab a copy of the 2013 brochure or click here, sit back and relax with a nice glass of Chianti (liver perhaps?) and start planning your time at this year’s Festival. And don’t fret, if you happen to faint during all the excessive gore, they know a great doctor. 

[inted]

The SciFest!!! 23rd of March – 7th of April

What a unique and magnificent experience!!!

This years Science Festival has reached new heights. With 2013 being its 25th year anniversary the festival has made it’s mark as a unique and magnificent learning experience. Festival Attendees leave with not only a fun and atmospheric experience but also with their minds blown off by the knowledge that each event has offered. The events I got a chance to see were:

Pieces – 10,000 balloons, six days, 5 people!!

Created by New York based artist Jason Hackenwerth. The madness behind the masterpiece comes from the Greek Mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and her son Eros, who together escaped the fearsome monster Typhon by transforming into a tightly woven spiral of two fish (symbol of pieces star sign). Inspired by this story and the geometric patterns of nature, Jason created a staggering, spiraled double helix structure, reflecting our interconnected world that stretched from coral to the cosmos. The sculpture hangs from the Grand Gallery of The National Museum of Scotland for the remaining duration of the festival, Sunday 7th of April.

  Hypnotizing Interpretive Dancers lose you in their world!!

Chaos and Contingency – 23rd and 24th of March.

The award winning Janis Claxton Dance Company performed for two days in the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The performance was based on the study of emergent mathematical patterns, which evolved and dissolved. The cast was a mix of Scotland and China and music was composed by Philip Pinsky. With this performance taking place next to the Pieces masterpiece, people of all ages flocked and just sat there in a daze taking it all in.

Richard Wiseman’s Beginner’s Guide to the Universe – 28th of March

This was a real eye opener. I believe I learnt more in that than in all my years of education put together. With the recent news that came out on the previous Friday the 23rd of March, that the Universe is older than we thought (personally had not a notion), it is in fact 13.798 billion years old. The sun is a star and there is more than one universe. We are a tiny speck in the Universe amongst many planets and stars. And to top it all off there is more than one universe!! This made me realize that any current issues are not really that important on a larger scale and my life is extremely insignificant – nothing matters!!

Indestructible Energy – 28th of March

Talk given by science lab enthusiast, Jamie Gallagher, on how we will never run out of energy. He went through the different forms of energy and discussed how we are not taking advantage of what is being created around us. He put on an interactive performance. The highlights were one child skipping across a room and putting his hand in crushed ice and churning a paper windmill and the fact that we will soon be able to power our phones through mechanical energy, i.e. from just walking around the place!!

The Edinburgh Medal was awarded to Professor Peter Higgs and CERN Organisation at Edinburgh’s Signet Library on the Sunday the 24th of March.

The Edinburgh Medal is a prestigious award given each year to men and women of science and technology whose professional achievements are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and well being of humanity. In 2012 the world awoke to the news that CERN’s Large Hadron Collider had detected the existence of an elusive, sub atomic particle consistent with the long-sought Higgs boson.  Professor Peter Higgs is a theoretical physicist and emeritus Professor at Edinburgh University.  In 1964 Higgs predicted the existence of a force-carrying particle, part of an invisible energy field that filled the vacuum throughout the observable universe. Without the field, or something like it, we would not be here.  The search for the Higgs boson has become a major objective of experimental particle physics. 

These were only the events I participated in but there was so much more to be discovered. Check out the Botanic Gardens, The National Museum, The City Art Centre and St. Andrews Square. The Mini Makers Faire is the final event taking place at Summer Hall from 10-5, admission £2.50 (no excuse). This is an event for everybody, showcasing creativity, invention and resourcefulness and celebrating the Maker movement. You will get a chance to see Scotland’s making and sharing skills and inspiration.

Check out some of their videos

[inted]

Oh yes, he is a sweet transvestite!

Recently a few of us attended a showing from the latest UK tour of Rocky Horror Picture Show (video sourced from another site, dont yell at us for piracy)

1 word.... BREATHTAKING

not only were we seated close enough for fishnet covered, silvery glittery crotch shots all night, the singing was amazing, the audience members engaging, and even the stage sets were beyond expectations.

We arrived in the brisk Scottish evening air, and were promptly surrounded by an array men in heels, women in underwear, and hunchbacked riff-raff lookalikes. My conservative corset and leather trousers made me feel underdressed compared to some of these outfits. Amazing.

We found our seats and were completley engaged for the full 90 minute show. Yes we stood up, yes we danced, and doing the time warp with 300 other audience members is a memory not soon to be forgotten.

This show comes highly recommended by a vareity of critics and you can add IntED to the list...this show rocks!

However, Oliver Thornton (frank-n-furter) makes me question my sexuality when he makes a corset and heels on a man look so good...

"Ready to thrill you with its frothy, fun, and naughty moments, this is the boldest bash of them all, so sharpen those stilettos for the rockiest ride of your life!"

(http://www.rockyhorror.co.uk/about_the_show)

go and see this show, coming soon to a city near you!

[inted]

In the lead up to Paddy's day........

What the world needs to know about Ireland's Holy Grail!

[inted]

The best place to get a craft beer in Edinburgh!

Last week I visited the Hanging Bat Beer Cafe (133 Lothian Road, Edinburgh) with some friends and my cousin to sample some local brews!

We were not disappointed!

If you enjoy a wide range of beers and would like to try a few, the Hanging Bat has a FANTASTIC deal where, for 10 pounds, you get 5 tokens for 5 1/3 pints as long as they are (7%) and under. PLUS you get to keep a Hanging Bat branded glass. Well worth it!

Each 1/3 pint (sometimes they were a bit larger, which was extra exciting) is served in a fresh glass and the staff don't just drop it off, they love to stay and chat with you about it, where its made, how its made, the history etc... they're very friendly and knowledgeable and up for some good banter.

The Hanging Bat is mostly standing room only, but if you get there early enough, there are a few seats on a lower level, as well as on the balcony level of the bar (personally, standing at the bar is way more fun, and they have hooks underneath to hang your jackets on, excellent!)

There's about a 90% male population (it is a microbrewery) but girls, put down those cocktails, grab your man/woman/friends and go sample some of the UK's finest brews!

What to expect: 20 draught lines, over 100 bottles beers, BBQ food, knowledgeable and friendly staff, 31 specialty gins, and the BEST BATHROOM SINKS in any bar anywhere...seriously anywhere!

Grab some mates, go have some fun, and enjoy the Hanging Bat!

-MJ

[inted]

An Interview with Cameron Ball from Cats the Musical

  I had a very pleasant morning with the lovely Cameron Ball, who told me all about what it’s like to be in Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical production of Cats based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S Eliot. Cameron plays both Admetus and Macavity in the show.

Having grown up with the musical as part of our popular culture, we both feel quite warmly towards it. It essentially was a part of our childhood, and I asked Cameron, who, like me, saw it as a 9 year old, what his memories of it were before he came to do the show. He ‘vividly remembers the adult cat in the audience and it was very other-worldly – that image stays with you as it was so different to any other show you’d ever seen – that was really inspiring.’ And now actually getting to be one of those Cats, he experiences it from the other side. ‘It’s so interesting looking out at the audience now; when I look at the audience and seeing pure wonder and amazement at these creatures coming towards them, which I can remember and it is nice to share that. People of our generation are bringing their own kids, with Cats you have to suspend disbelief and go on with it, it’s hyper realised.’  

He says, what’s so great for the show, coming from a dancers perspective is that ‘it’s a true dancers show as well, the entire thing is musically staged, which is very rare for a musical, it’s notorious for being hard to stage’. The original choreographer, Gillian Lynne, explained to them that ‘no two companies’ performances are the same.’ Cameron explained that this can be because the challenges of touring with different venues and the cats themselves going out into the audience, ‘the aisle set up can be different from theatre to theatre and we will have to re-block but that’s the nature of touring, a new venue brings new challenges… it does refresh it, if you are in the same venue it does make it not bored but can be good to freshen it up and have a new space to play with, not with the stuff that’s set, obviously that stays the same’.

And also because of the style of production itself ‘I think because the nature of cats, because we are all not human there is a lot of give and take with regards to improvisation in between scenes, there is a lot of freedom in between sections that allows you to develop your character, interact with the audience, that’s quite liberating really because you have this veil of a mask and a wig and a tail and you feel even more free to be able to do things that you probably wouldn’t do because you are less recognisable maybe’.  

It was really interesting hearing more about the rehearsal process; I asked Cameron what else they did alongside the improvisation to really bring the show to life. ‘ It’s a tight rehearsal process as we had four weeks, and it was quite intense, Gillian came in as the original creative director, and gave us a very inspiring speech, about how this show is different to any other, because it makes such an impression on people, more experiential, with such a connection to the audience.  Also with us being a tribe, the Jellicle tribe, status plays a big part in that you’ve got the older one, motherly one, the playful one, the rebel. We did a lot of work in that in rehearsal, a lot of improvisation playing with relationships and who would react to who in what way, and it was very helpful’.  

In the show itself Cameron doubles up, and for both characters he was given a breakdown of what they were like:

Macavity– Jealous, Hypnotic, and Dangerous

Admetus – Friendly, Easy Going, and Protective.

I asked him what the difference in playing these was ‘Macavity has very extensive costume, I do enjoy being the baddy for a change as I never normally play the baddie. But I really enjoy Admetus, I do like the iconic choreography with the white cat and the Jellicle ball. I’m very happy with my make-up for both characters it’s very specific make-up’.

The make-up for this show is really quite astounding; I was interested to hear more from Cameron into what went into the process:

‘Basically what happens is the make-up artist who worked on it in the West End, she came in and does half your face with all the steps, because you have about 20 different powders and pastes. Everyone has their place in the dressing room, she tells you what order, how to do it properly and the exact order of how to do it properly. It’s always going to take a bit of time, but equally even though is does take a bit of time, you become the character and your place in the show, you have to invest in it. When you are really eyeballing someone in the audience you have to get really invested, so the make-up helps.  People really giggle at me sometimes but you have to keep it together. My cat is at the front so you can see them with the lights, it’s quite disconcerting for the audience, but it’s all in a junk yard, we want to make the audience uneasy, the music is quite frantic, they are in our territory. ‘

And what it is like to work so intensely in a company, ‘It’s not catty yet, everyone is really lovely, it’s quite a young company as it’s so physical, the show goes very quickly, we are hardly off stage, so don’t get a chance to speak to people offstage. I can get through an entire show and not see anyone. But we have plenty of time to socialise so we have a nice time. It is like a touring family, you are always going to find people you get on with. ‘ and with a tour you must get to see so many places and explore them with your company ‘I love international travel, Istanbul is going to be amazing, I’m looking forward to being near London as a lot of my friends can be there, and I’m so proud of it, and to share that with them. We grew up with it, it’s not done very often so it’s not very often you get the chance to be in something like this.’

Cameron has big plans for the future, he loves that he has been involved in such an iconic show but ultimately he thinks he ‘would like to stay in the theatre world, producing interests me a lot, behind the scenes and also theatre marketing. I think it’s really important to get different perspectives; I've worked behind the scenes with backstage work so I have quite a growth of knowledge. And also I love it, I really enjoy the theatre. ‘

It is so great to get an inside look of what it takes to be involved in a musical tour, such a lot of hard work to make a moment of magic for the audience.  Cameron will be touring with Cats for the next year, to find out if he will be in a theatre near you, take a look at the tour dates here:

Cats UK/Europe Tour

LGW

[inted]

Arthur's Seat

So what should you do on a sunny weekend morning in Edinburgh, which is free, fun and exhilarating? Well when fellow blogger challenged me to walk up Arthur's seat my question was answered.

Now I am not the sportiest of person, I'm more inclined towards a gentle stroll then a full on hike, but Arthur's seat was a good start, it’s easy to navigate, a good distance for those who like me don’t relish the challenge and has incredible views across the city. Luckily for us the sky was clear blue, the sun was shining and we actually walked up in t-shirts, which is crazy for February!  There are some steep parts going up, but as long as you take a rest on them, they shouldn't stop you reaching the top. And just to be forewarned, there is no massive seat at the top. However you can take a breather on one of the many ledges and stare out across Edinburgh and it really is quite relaxing.

 In total I would give a couple of hours for this, you may be able to rush up in 30 min and down again in 20 if you want to, but the best thing about this walk is taking a moment to enjoy where you are, it’s a great spot for family picnics and my prized memory of the day was a little boy on one of the rocks, explaining that he couldn't move on because ‘daddy you don’t understand, I'm a dinosaur’ so it obviously gets their imaginations running.

There will be a few tourists walking up with you, but we found there was still moments of solitude, so don’t let that put you off.  If you do want to take some refreshments with you, we suggest getting them before you set off; there aren't many shops in the vicinity that we could see.

Our intention is to walk it once a month and see the city and the surrounding landscape change with the seasons – you’ll have to ask us in a few months if we stuck to this pact or not!

LGW

[inted]

Looking for a great Cocktail?... Visit Bramble!!

I recently stumbled upon an incredibly cool and unassuming cocktail bar called Bramble on Queen Street, Edinburgh. The bar itself is hard to find as it is currently hidden behind scaffolding (renovations are not on the bar itself but on the building next to it) and the signage for the bar is not very clear but don't let this stop you from visiting. The decor of the bar is all very cool and understated with low lighting and black and white decor. There is a huge array of cocktails available and the menu which changes very regularly. The bar staff are experts in the field of all things alcohol especially with combination of whiskies, gins and the likes. Just mention to the bar staff what flavour's you like and they will whip you up the most delicious drinks!

The dress code is dressy/casual and the vibe is is really relaxed and mellow. This bar has also featured on the worlds best cocktail bar lists and is most definitely  worth the visit .Enjoy :) 

VF

[inted]

Edinburgh's Old Town Underground!

The Mercat Ghost Tour is a great way to get a briefing on the history behind Edinburgh’s Old Town. The tour is no more than an hour, where you will find out all about the gruesome hangings and torturing’s that went on in the sixteenth century along The Royal Mile and the ghosts that haunt the alleyways!!! They then bring you down four stories to the city that was built underground. It is fascinating to hear what went on under there and to hear the traffic on Cowgate zoom by overhead. Fascinating stuff!

K.o'D!

[inted]

It’s A Day For Portobello Seaside!!

This is something anyone can take advantage of on any given day. Although it may be too cold for bikini season it is still definitely worth a visit. Hop on a no.15 or 26 bus from Princes street and sit yourself down on the ‘best seats’ (top-front) for fantastic views the whole way there. It’s around a twenty-five minute journey.  I got there early enough to give plenty of time to walk the promenade, watch the sun set and have a nearby drink. I would recommend checking out The Espy, even if it is only for one. It’s a retro bar right on the seafront. Grab a table that looks out over the whole beach. It has cheap enough drinks on offer and you might be lucky enough to catch a band. Portobello High Street is brilliant for fishmongers, butchers and few cute shops and cafes. The beautiful redbrick buildings go unnoticed, which Portobello is renowned for, relating back to the nineteenth century when the industrial town manufactured bricks. Would highly recommend it!

  K.o’D!

[inted]

Edinburgh’s Festivals are Scotland’s world-leading cultural brands with expertise, vision, impact and international recognition unmatched by any other cultural events on the globe. They are distinctively Scottish and yet profoundly international, drawing artists, audiences and media from every continent and over 70 countries each year. They are cultural platforms, forums for national and international debate, economic powerhouses, drivers of ambition and creators of cohesion. They represent Scotland at its most confident, its most open and its most creative.

festivalsedinburgh.com

[inted]

Itching to get out of the city and onto the fresh snow, we found ourselves renting a car (WAY CHEAPER THAN A BUS TICKET) and making the 3 hour trek from Edinburgh's City centre to Glencoe Mountain Resort.

We waited for sheep to finish crossing the road, chickens to get out of the way, and for the satellite gps to figure out where we were, and then we were off! The drive was stunning. Along the route we passed by the William Wallace Monument, the Stirling Castle, amazing old and rundown houses, and miles and miles (mucho kilometers) of snow covered mountains.

Arriving at the resort, we pulled into the car park, where we noticed the resort accommodation; tubular wooden cabins maybe 6 ft wide and 12 ft long. Now, as an American, the word resort kind of leads my expectations to a much higher level of value and quality. However, I consider myself an adventurer and would love to sleep in one of these. Be forewarned, resort is a word easier obtained outside the US. We rented our gear, $33 dollars each for boots and board, $33 dollars for our lift ticket (40 GBP in all) and proceeded to the lift....

The only places I have ever skii'd and snowboarded were in the states, and as a rule, you must strap in your front foot before proceeding onto the lift. I taught my friends how to strap in, walk sideways, and get positioned correctly for the arriving chair. Turns out, this isn't a rule here in the UK and we got a few strange looks. Safety people, c'mon!

Half way up we had a little trouble with the t-lift trying to hold onto the pole and put a little disk between our legs to pull us up (keep in mind we are standing sideways) and Godbless the patience of the "liftys" for time and time again they positioned us and got us ready, only to see us fall flat on our faces and pop right out of our bindings...we ended up walking up. The snow was great, a little icy due to the high winds, but it was pure powder at the top and glorious views. The staff were friendly, and had no problem taking picture after picture we were requesting to show that WE WERE HERE! I didn't hear a lot of English speaking people on the mountain, there were many french and German accents and the styles varied from neon onesies to the typical baggy pants and oversized jacket wearing "dudes".

I recommend this to anyone looking just to get out into the snow and have a little fun. If you are expecting double black diamonds and serious ski time, then you should probably just hop on a plane and go to the alps. This is a smaller mountain, with t-lifts, but its not crowded, the views are amazing, and you really feel incredible when you're at the top and there's no towns, road, houses, or any signs of civilization as far as you can see.

Go Glencoe! -MJ

[inted]

Ever experienced Edinburgh's festivals?

We would love to hear from you, what festival/event did you attend?