Category: North Edinburgh News

Fringe 2022: Luke Wright – The Remains of Logan Dankworth

Luke Wright (UK) presents

LUKE WRIGHT: THE REMAINS OF LOGAN DANKWORTH

Fast-paced, thrilling verse play about marriage and political upheaval, told in blistering verse by one of the UK’s most celebrated poets. ‘Cool poems’ Patti Smith ‘A poet for our day’ The Guardian

The Remains of Logan Dankworth is the third and final instalment of Fringe First and Stage Award winner Luke Wright’s trilogy of political verse plays. It looks at trust and privilege in the age of Brexit.

Logan Dankworth, newspaper columnist and Twitter warrior, grew up romanticising the political turmoil of the 1980s. Now, as the EU Referendum looms he is determined to be right there in the fray of the biggest political battle for years.

Meanwhile, Logan’s wife Megan wants to leave London to find a place to better raise their daughter. As tensions mount at home and across the nation, something is set to be lost forever. This gut wrenching and exhilarating slice of new writing won the 2020 Saboteur Award for Best Show with Luke winning Best Performer in 2021.

‘Sensational writing … human, vulnerable, eminently honest and very, very eloquent.’ The Guardian

The first two plays in the trilogy, What I Learned from Johnny Bevan and Frankie Vah, won praise from Fringe and UK-wide critics and audiences alike for their ‘mature, lyrical and politically relevant poetic writing’ (Exeunt), laced with wit, compassion and laser precision.

Luke said ‘The Remains of Logan Dankworth is the most complex and mature thing I’ve written so far. As with my earlier plays there is a personal story occurring against the backdrop of political upheaval.

“Previously I’ve dealt with Thatcherism and the legacy of New Labour, this is bang up to date and features a man approaching middle age excited by the febrile nature of British politics while trying to hold things together at home.”

Luke Wright is a poet and theatre maker who has been writing and performing his work for over 20 years, touring all over the world. He is acknowledged as one of Britain’s top stand-up poets and one of the principle architects of the now thriving spoken word scene. 

Flamboyant, political and riotously funny, Luke’s published work includes four full collections, three pamphlets and his three verse plays. He is the winner of a Fringe First, a Stage Award for acting excellence and two Saboteur Awards. The Remains of Logan Dankworth is published in book form by Penned in the Margins.

‘Great! A hurtling headlong hour ’ ★★★★ The Stage

The Remains of Logan Dankworth was co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre, National Centre for Writing, Colchester Arts Centre, and Freedom Festival. It is written & performed by Luke Wright, directed by Alex Thorpe who also has three Royal Shakespeare Company productions under his belt. Music for the show was written and performed by musician and writer Polly Wright with dramaturgy by Sarah Dickenson and lighting design by Joe Price.

Luke also performs Luke Wright’s Late Night Dance Floor Fillers (poems) at Pleasance Jack Dome 3- 29 Aug (not 15/16/17) at 23.00.

https://youtu.be/OEcE8EoGy4A
Listings information: The Remains of Logan Dankworth
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard, Above (Venue 33)Tickets: £12-£15.50 (previews 3, 4 Aug £7.50)
Dates: 3-29 Aug (not 15/16/17) First review date 3 AugVenue Box Office: 0131 556 6550
Time:   15.45 (60 mins) Online: pleasance.co.uk 

Top tips for exercising on your period

As summer of sport takes hold, Dr Shree and INTIMINA tackle your unanswered questions about exercising on your period

Recent headlines surrounding menstruation and Wimbledon have brought the conversation around sport and exercise whilst on your period back to the forefront. Whilst there is evidence to suggest that getting active whilst on your period can be beneficial, the thought may be daunting for some. Luckily, intimate wellness brand, INTIMINA, are experts on the subject and on hand to share helpful advice.

So if watching the Women’s Euros has inspired you to get active, these tips from INTIMINA’s gynaecologist and healthcare advisor, Dr Shree Datta, will tell you everything you need to know about exercising on your period. 

Should I exercise on my period?

Exercising whilst on your period is a matter of personal preference, and my main advice would be to listen to your body and what you feel up to. That said, there have been studies that suggest exercise may improve your mood and help with pain during periods, possibly due to the release of endorphins. So if you want to continue exercising or feel inspired to take up a new sport, don’t let your period stop you.

Can tracking your cycle be beneficial to sports performance?

The menstrual cycle has four key phases, which are marked by rising and falling levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones can affect our dietary needs, cravings, emotions as well as our response to different types of exercise. So, in short, yes, being in tune with your cycle and how you feel at each point of it can help you understand how your body will react.

It also can help to track your own sleeping, eating and exercise habits to take a personalised approach to your exercise programme and performance. Remember, your sleep is more likely to be affected in the days leading up to your period if you suffer from premenstrual symptoms and period pains – and fatigue can impact on your performance. Similarly, heavy periods may leave you feeling tired and “washed out” so it’s worth consulting your Gynaecologist if you find this is happening every month. 

What should I wear if I’m exercising on my period?

There is no doubt that wearing comfortable clothes, underwear and shoes whilst exercising influences our concentration and mood, thereby affecting our performance. Knowing your period cycle and moods can help you plan which exercise is best for you on your period, along with what is most appropriate for you to wear. There’s no one size fits all (excuse the pun!) here, so it’s about figuring out what works best for you.  Some women find looser clothing more comfortable in the first few days of their period, along with low intensity exercise. 

Although period blood is a normal part of our monthly cycle, if you’re worried about period blood leaking through, you may want to consider loose clothing or dark colours as well as “doubling ” up on period products – for example, using a menstrual cup as well as period pants or sanitary towel. Why not try INTIMINA’s Ziggy Cup 2, made of petal thin silicone meaning it can’t be felt, making it perfect for sport and exercise.  

Bear in mind that if you are regularly “flooding” or leaking blood through your clothes it’s worth speaking to your Gynaecologist as this may be a sign that you are losing a lot of blood during your period. This can be caused by several factors – for example, fibroids or polyps which can develop in the womb

What foods are best to eat to fuel me whilst on my period?

Studies suggest that diet and exercise performance may be most affected in the days leading up to and during your period. This is partly thought to be caused by the hormones we release in the second half of our menstrual cycle. Some research has shown that our total protein intake also increases in the second half of the cycle, along with an increase in appetite and cravings for sweet or salty flavour as a result of these hormonal changes. 

Whilst every person’s dietary needs vary, a balanced diet with plenty of fibre, protein and iron throughout the menstrual cycle are key as well as staying well hydrated.

Bear in mind that long periods of dieting can have a knock-on effect on your hormone release and can therefore affect the length of your period as well as the frequency – but don’t forget that this isn’t the only factor that can affect your period, for example stress and a hectic lifestyle.

Tracking the impact of your menstrual cycle can help you consider what foods suit you best in the first and second half of the cycle, when to undertake strenuous exercise and how your moods may be affected depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. 

Danela Žagar, Spokesperson for INTIMINA, commented: “We know that people may have concerns around playing sport of exercising on their period, so we’re happy to have Dr Shree Datta on hand to share advice on how to stay active in a way that works for you.”

For more information on staying active whilst on your period, visit:

https://www.intimina.com/sport 

Stenhouse Air Cadets are recruiting

Are you 12 years old and S1? Are you younger than 17? The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are recruiting.

We offer a range of activities and teach skills for life from First Aid and STEM to flying, gliding, and learning to survive in the field. You could find a new interest.

Join us for our Open Night on Monday 8th August to find out more. DM us for more information or email oc.287@rafac.mod.gov.uk.

#noordinaryhobby

Local hero Dolly the Sheep to be celebrated at Festival Fringe 2022

The cast has been announced for Hiya Dolly! ahead of its Fringe 22 run at the Space @ Surgeons Hall. 

The true story of how a cute, attention-seeking lamb became the most famous sheep in history, the world’s first cloned mammal. Lab created and born at the Roslin Institute outside Edinburgh, Dolly lived the good life.

A worldwide celebrity who never left her farm. Mother to six lovely lambs. She changed biology forever – and irrevocably changed the lives of all her human parents. Who were they? How did they do it? Where are they now? Come find out how to clone a sheep in this new play by Vince LiCata, laced with Dollified Scottish tunes and plenty of woolly humour.

Hiya Dolly! is a play with live music that explores the science, human relationships, and public reaction surrounding the remarkable cloning of Dolly the sheep at the Roslin Institute outside Edinburgh. At the time many high profile scientists had declared that cloning a mammal was impossible. 

It’s a whirlwind excursion through the creation of the world’s most famous sheep and the story of the people who made it happen. Itmixes science, human drama, music, humour and a talking sheep. Its songs are set to traditional Scottish folk tunes arranged by Edinburgh based musician Ciaran McGhee.

Writer Vince LiCata says, “The explosion of publicity about the cloning of Dolly the sheep was outrageous:  scientific advances just don’t get that type of public hype. 

“And yet all that mania included little about the actual cloning. So Hiya Dolly! is an attempt to tell the story of the cloning itself, but in a way that retains the atmosphere of the runaway circus that surrounded it.”

Director Andy Jordan comments: “I am delighted to be directing Hiya Dolly!, a highly unusual play about a truly remarkable animal. Dolly is an Edinburgh icon who was created, lived and died just outside the city, so I feel honoured to be involved in telling her truly astonishing story.

“This play brings a talking Dolly to the stage with chutzpah, wit and charm, in a way that can only happen in theatre. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Hiya Dolly!

Written by Vince LiCata,

Directed & Produced by Andy Jordan

Music Direction by Ciaran McGhee

Designed by Robbie McDonnell  

Listings info

Venue:  theSpaceUK @ Surgeons Hall (Grand Theatre)

Dates: Friday 5 to Saturday 27 August   No performance 14 Aug

Time: 20.00  Running time 70min 

Previews Aug 5-6 £5.00

Aug 7 £10.00 

Aug 8-13,15-27 £12.00 (£10.00) 

Family ticket all perfs £32

2for1 on Mon 8

Original Stand Cowboy goes out with a bang (Of the Gavel)!

Auction to take place at 5pm on Monday August 15th at The Stand Comedy Club

“We’re keeping our iconic cowboy, but it’s time for him to lay down his gun.” – Mike Jones, Managing Director

The cowboy is going nowhere, but after a quarter-century, he’s earned the right to lower his arms.

A piece of comedy history, it’s only right that the famous stage backdrop gets its own show: An unprecedented Stand auction slap-bang in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Hosted by The Stand’s very own Fred MacAulay, legendary Scottish comedian and one of the company directors, the auction will be a chance for the highest bidder to walk away with the dismounted backdrop* and do a whole lot of good in the process.

It will start at 5pm at The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Place. It is free to attend and we will be encouraging bids in-room, online and over the phone.

Replacing our cowboy will be, well, the cowboy. A new painting by its original painter (more on that below) will be installed before the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with the trademark image, just without the gun.. New backdrops will also be completed in our Glasgow & Newcastle clubs.

Proceeds from the sale of the York Place venue’s iconic backdrop will go to an exciting new initiative as The Stand works with local primary schools to encourage young people to write and perform comedy and get a chance to perform on our stage.

The project will be led by long-time resident comedian Jay Lafferty (Breaking the News, Scot Squad) and follows a recent trial event with Carnock Primary School from Dunfermline.

About the cowboy:

Its painter, Thomas ‘Mac’ Macgregor, was involved in setting up the club and his work has been permanently on display in the Edinburgh venue since 1998. A recent finalist on Sky Arts’s Portrait Artist of the Year, old family photos of his younger brother Dave in costume as a cowboy served as the inspiration for his oil paintings which featured in his BA degree show at Edinburgh College of Art some 25 years ago.

Says Mac: “The first was a small 1ft square with the face blanked out and some cigarettes (Johnny Vegas bought that one) Then I made a series of paintings with me and the cowboy. [The backdrop] was lurking in the back of the club for a few months before Jane and Tommy asked if it could be used for publicity. Dave and his dimple probably deserve more of the credit. “ Timelapse process video here.

*The backdrop is 9 feet high x 8 feet wide , oil painted on two and a half full size panels that will be dismounted and repaired with bespoke touch-ups from the original artist. Transport will have to be organised by the buyer.

About the initiative:

We want to work with young people from schools and community groups to encourage them to develop their comedy writing and performance skills. As well as developing creative skills and self confidence for all those involved, we want to open young people’s eyes to comedy, whatever their background.

Who knows, we might even discover the next Kevin Bridges or Daniel Sloss.

In June 2022 we worked with Carnock Primary School, Dunfermline in which their P6 & P7 students took to the stage for the first time. It was a resounding success. Here’s what they said:

From the school:

Vicky McCauley, Class Teacher, P6/7: “The children have grown so much from the start of the year. They embraced the comedy writing block of work and I think they really surprised themselves that by the end they were performing in a real comedy club in front of an audience.

“The parents are still raving about the show. We are all so impressed with the professionalism and quality of The Stand.”

From the students:

Angus, age 11: “I think that it was the best experience that I have had at school and I would go again. The Stand was awesome. I was shocked about how many famous comedians have been there. I will remember this experience forever.”

Junior, age 10: “It was really scary doing comedy writing. I found it hard to write the script as I’m dyslexic but I enjoyed performing it. My teacher helped me with the script and my parents listened when I practised at home. The Stand was an experience I will remember because its not something we would usually do.”

Elizabeth, student, age 10: “Doing comedy in the class was really fun. Writing my own comedy set was the best homework. I love making people laugh! I got a new life skill out of it, and it will look good on my CV. Performing at The Stand was the bees knees. Thank you for letting our class come.”

From the parents:

Ben Cook: “Seeing my 10-year-old daughter performing on the stage, the morning after Frankie Boyle had been on it was brilliant. It was interesting to see [it] filled with loads of laughing children and their parents. Watching my daughter overcome all her nerves to deliver a performance to be proud of is something I’ll never forget.

“The confidence she gained from presenting in front of quite a large group of people will do her a world of good in the future and to be able to say that she has taken the stage at Edinburgh’s premier comedy club is something special.”

All of the money raised by the auction will be put towards setting up a new charity which will deliver this exciting new project. We will also be applying for funding in order to be able to cover the project costs.

Warriors ready to pedal to help break the cycle of homelessness

A team of former Scotland internationals and Glasgow Warriors rugby stars will be donning lycra this summer as they take on the ‘Break the Cycle’ challenge for homelessness charity Social Bite. 

The team, led by ex-Scotland captain and current Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, and including the likes of Gregor Townsend, Sean Longstaff, Ryan Grant, Callum Forrester, and John Manson, as well as Glasgow Warriors staff, will be pedalling the 60-mile route on Sunday 4th September from Scotstoun Stadium through to BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh. 

They’ll be joined on the day by Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy, comedian Elaine C Smith and an estimated 1,000 fellow fundraising cyclists taking on either the 60, 20 or three-mile routes with the aim of raising £1m to fund vital projects to end homelessness.  

The Warriors team is called ‘Team Tom Smith’ in memory of the former Scotland international who tragically passed away from colorectal cancer earlier this year. Ten per cent of all fundraising will be donated to a trust that has been set up by the Scottish rugby community in aid of Tom Smith’s family. 

As well as the physical event, the Break the Cycle campaign is also open to all through virtual challenges – with individuals, workplace teams and schools all encouraged to take on their own challenges to raise money to end homelessness. 

There’s something for all the family as well with the shorter cycling routes on offer and a host of live performances, and food and drink vendors at the finish site within BT Murrayfield. 

Al Kellock, Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, said: “I’m so proud that as a club we’re able to support Social Bite’s incredible work and play a small part in helping to break the cycle of homelessness while also helping to support Tom Smith’s family after the incredibly tough time they’ve been through. 

“I would encourage Scottish rugby fans to join me in setting off from Scotstoun all the way to BT Murrayfield and help us raise as much as possible. 

“It’s been a wee while since some of us in the team have trained like we did when we were playing so we’d be very grateful for the support!” 

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “Break the Cycle is back this year, bigger and better and we’re thrilled to have Al and the rest of the Warriors on board to help us raise much-needed funds.

“The funds raised at Break the Cycle will help us support people across the country who have experienced homelessness, whether that’s through assisting people to find a safe place to call home, empowering people to get a job, or by providing free, fresh food to people who are homeless or suffering from food poverty.

“With our new routes this year, the support of our famous faces getting involved, and what promises to be a real festival feel at the finish line at BT Murrayfield, we’re in for a really exciting event. I’d encourage everyone to sign-up or donate if they can and come along to enjoy what’s set to be an incredible day.” 

Since launching in October 2021, Social Bite’s Jobs First employment programme has already supported 17 people from a background of homelessness in to mainstream employment.

The barriers to work for people who have experienced homelessness are vast, and by partnering with some of the UK’s largest employers to ensure meaningful employment with wrap-around support, Social Bite is well on its way to surpassing its year one target of 20 people in jobs.  

Break the Cycle takes place this September 4th.

To find out more, sign-up, or donate, please visit: www.breakthecycle.co.uk  

Nominations open for the 2022 Edinburgh Award

The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2022 award now open.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought our Capital to national and international attention.

Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists and exemplary sportspeople. The recipient of the last award in 2021 was Fergus Linehan, for his contribution to the arts and Edinburgh’s cultural heritage as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Edinburgh Award allows its citizens to recognise those individuals who have made a real and lasting impact on the city.

Edinburgh has three weeks to submit nominations for the 2022 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

Calling on individuals and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh continues to be a leading light in many fields, both nationally and internationally, and this is down to the character and achievement of our citizens.

“The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate the people who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today. By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give them the recognition and praise they deserve.

“The past two years has been one of the most difficult and unprecedented periods in the history of our great city, yet I am inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh have calmly persevered and cared for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our Capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.

“Now in our 16th year of the Edinburgh Award, we need the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy recipient.”

Nominations close at 12 noon on 15 August 2022.

Edinburgh Award recipients

  • 2021 Fergus Linehan
  • 2020 Alexander McCall Smith
  • 2019 Ann Budge
  • 2018 Doddie Weir
  • 2017 Sir Timothy O’Shea
  • 2016 Ken Buchanan MBE
  • 2015 Sir Tom Farmer 
  • 2014 Thomas Gilzean
  • 2013 Richard Demarco
  • 2012 Dame Elizabeth Blackadder
  • 2011 Professor Peter Higgs
  • 2010 George Kerr CBE
  • 2009 Sir Chris Hoy MBE
  • 2008 JK Rowling OBE
  • 2007 Ian Rankin OBE

Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers LIVE at the Edinburgh Fringe!

The Stand’s New Town Theatre

9:15pm, 8 – 11 August, £18, thestand.co.uk

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Having temporarily put down their pens and picked up guitars, this crime-writing super-group – Mark Billingham, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Luca Veste, Doug Johnstone and Stuart Neville – happily murder much-loved songs by The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Beatles, Talking Heads, The Jam, The Pretenders, Johnny Cash and many others who are currently considering legal action.

Between them, they have sold over 20 million books worldwide and won every major crime-writing award, but now they’re rocking out on the stage instead of the page and performing killer tunes in a series of killer shows at major festivals and venues, including this first ever run at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

The band have rocked the stage at Glastonbury, blown the roof off The Queen’s Hall, and performed to international audiences from Reykjavik to Toronto. The unlikely band formed at the House of Blues in New Orleans in 2016, when an open mic night at a crime-writing festival got out of hand.

Fuelled by whisky, beer and distinctly murderous tendencies, the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers deliver the most rocking night out this side of a library. Murder on the dancefloor is guaranteed!

Crane specialist Bernard Hunter gets a lift at Musselburgh’s Friday Night at the Races

A well-known Edinburgh company will celebrate its 75th year in businesses by sponsoring Musselburgh Racecourse’s popular Friday Night at the Races.

Long term racecourse supporter Bernard Hunter was founded in 1946 and is synonymous with mobile crane hire and metal recycling, employing around 60 staff in Leith, Danderhall and at its Gilmerton headquarters.

One of the firm’s new 60-ton cranes will be on display at the East Lothian track on Friday (29 July) as the family-run business, led by chairman Jim Rafferty and managing director Mark Rafferty, welcome guests to celebrate the landmark birthday.

Mark Rafferty said: “We have been corporate sponsors at Musselburgh since 2007 where we have sponsored certain races and its always a great day out, and we were delighted to sponsor the popular Friday Night at the Races to mark this special occasion.”

The competitive six race meeting includes the Bernard Hunter Mobile Crane’s nursery handicap five furlong dash and the seven furlong Bernard Hunter 75th Anniversary Race, with gates open at 4.30pm and first race off at 6.10pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “With the weather forecast looking like it will be a warm sunny evening what better way to kick star the weekend out in the open air and enjoying the thrill of Flat racing on the coast.

“Bernard Hunter have been a great supporter of Musselburgh Racecourse and we are delighted they have chosen to celebrate a special birthday here on Friday. With Radio Forth’s Boogie in the Morning and Funkwagen providing the entertainment after racing, we are sure it will be a night to remember.”

Racegoers with valid concession ID can take advantage of a special £15 gate admission ticket, and anyone booking in advance can save £5 on the raceday £25 admission price.

As with all Musselburgh race meetings, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk