Day: June 11, 2021

Strange Town presents Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten

120 young people from Edinburgh create multi-artform production

Strange Town, one of Scotland’s leading theatre companies for young people, is delighted to announce that their large scale multi-artform project – theatre, movement, spoken word, film, sound – ‘Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten’, will culminate in a live promenade performance and video installation event at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 June.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 restrictions throughout the five-month project, Strange Town’s most ambitious production to date has involved more than 120 of Edinburgh’s young people (aged 8 -18), with support from the company’s emerging playwrights (aged 18-25) and directors; and guided and mentored by industry professionals.

Using the stimulus, ‘Can Young People Change the World?’, ‘Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten’ has been created by, and will be performed by, members of the eight Strange Town Youth Theatre Groups from across the city.  

The members of Strange Town Youth Theatre responded to the stimulus with work addressing a range of topics including isolation, technology, identity, generational division, Black Lives Matter, climate change, ideal society/world, protest, kindness, having your voice heard and Covid-19.

In order to maximise the opportunities audiences will have to experience the live performance and video installation, the 60-minute promenade event will be presented to 20 socially distanced audience members three times a night in three separate spaces. 

The whole audience will come together to experience a live performance from just six actors before being split into two separate groups to watch film and listen to audio material. 

Additionally, a site specific eight-minute video will be projected on a wall next to the St. Andrew, Ukrainian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Pochaev, on Dalmeny Street, which will include a specially choreographed movement piece.  This will also be be a ticketed event for socially distanced audiences. 

On 26 and 27 June there will be an opportunity to pay to view a film of the live event together with a variety of additional video, audio and written material developed by the groups.

Funded by Creative Scotland’s Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development Programme, through the National Lottery, ‘Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten’ has been developed flexibly in response to the ever-changing situation caused by the pandemic.  

The eight groups have met for weekly online digital drama workshops and face-to-face creative sessions, where possible, to explore the question and to create, write, film and record material.  The groups have also worked together with members of the new Strange Town Young Writers Group who have both developed the work the groups have devised and written their own additional scenes.

As well as theatre, choreography and movement has played a big part in the project.  70 young people from the company got involved in a professionally choreographed movement piece, reflecting on the stimulus.  This involved Zoom rehearsals and everybody recording their final performance on their mobile phones.

Rehearsals for the live performance are now underway with a drastically reduced number of actors working to strict guidelines, while video and sound design and editing is nearing completion

The Creative Scotland funding has also enabled Strange Town to employ a full technical team and additional production staff that include film editors, projection mappers, sound designers, a choreographer and production designer.

Steve Small, co-creative director of Strange Town and producer of ‘Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten’, said: “The Gen Z project is a testament to the hard work put in by everybody involved in the company.

“Despite the challenges and difficulties of the pandemic, watching the enthusiasm, skill and pride with which the production team has undertaken this task and having seen how the young people have adapted and risen to the challenge, as well as the range and quality of the work they’ve produced, it’s impossible not to feel massively encouraged. Despite the dark days of the lockdown restrictions, we hope better days are coming. People will always find a way to be creative.  

“Thanks to the funding from Creative Scotland, Generation Z: The Future is Unwritten’s mix of indoor and outdoor and digital work means that everyone will be able to enjoy it wherever they are. We hope it will create some much-needed hope and enjoyment for 2021.”

Celebrities urge Scotland to play in support of Childhood Day

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of the NSPCC run service Childline, TV presenting duo Ant & Dec, and Scotland’s only professional Netball Team Strathclyde Sirens are calling on Scotland to play today in support of the NSPCC’s Childhood Day.

Thousands of children and adults have already signed up to play and raise money for the leading children’s charity, with communities from all corners of the UK and Channel Islands organising play themed events.

From a children’s play event in Govan Cross in Glasgow, to a pop-up fundraising stall in East Lothian, there is no end to the number of ways people are getting behind the day.

The NSPCC thinks we could all do with a bit more play and is calling on families, friends and work colleagues to celebrate childhood and give children their moment to really be kids after a difficult year.

To mark their support as Childhood Day champions, Ant and Dec are releasing a video which sees them playing some fun and simple games to show just how easy it is to get playing this Childhood Day.

The challenges that children have faced such as school closures, cancelled exams and being separated from family and friends have had a devastating impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many young people, with Childline delivering over 73,000 counselling sessions about this issue.

The NSPCC has also found that the pandemic has increased the risk of abuse and neglect. The Childline service reported an 18% increase in counselling sessions about emotional abuse, when compared to the year before.

Following a recent online YouGov poll of 1,036 parents across the UK with children aged three to twelve, the NSPCC found that almost three quarters (74%) think play has helped their child’s mental health and wellbeing since the start of the pandemic. 

Just over half think it’s helped to reduce stress (53%) and prevent loneliness (54%) and 58% said its helped to support learning outside of school. 

As we move out of the pandemic, it is vital we remain here for children and that they get the help and support they need to have a better and brighter future.

Those taking part in Childhood Day will not only get the chance to have fun with their loved ones, they’ll also be playing their part in helping to keep children safe by raising vital funds for the NSPCC.

Ant said: “It’s such an honour to be supporting the NSPCC’s Childhood Day today.

“There are so many benefits to play and sadly it is something that’s been really restricted over the last year with many children not being able to play with their friends like they normally would.”

Dec said: “As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we want all children to have a bright future ahead of them.

“That’s why we’re getting involved in Childhood Day today so we can play our part for children. Check out our video and get playing!”

Gia Abernethy, Strathclyde Sirens captain, said: “The past year has been really hard for all of us, and we can only imagine how difficult it has been for children and young people, especially with most clubs and after-school activities being closed for much of the time.

“Thankfully, in our team we have been there to support each other, and we’ve really found some solace in training and playing our sport together.

“Play, being active and connecting with others is so important for all of our physical and mental health. That’s why we’re proudly supporting the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, and we encourage families across the country to do the same and enjoy playing together today.”

The online YouGov poll of 1,036 parents with children aged three to twelve also found that just over three quarters of parents (78%) think spending time with grandparents and the wider family will be important for their child’s wellbeing this summer.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder and president of Childline, said: “The impact of the past year on children cannot be underestimated.

“The challenges that they’ve faced have turned their lives upside down and many have really struggled to cope. Throughout all of this, Childline has remained a vital listening ear and our counsellors are amazed each day by the resilience that children and young people demonstrate.

“After all the disruption and uncertainty, I think it is fantastic that the NSPCC are marking the importance of play through Childhood Day, whilst fundraising for their vital work.

“As a grandparent myself, I have really struggled with not being able to see and spend time with my grandchildren. The moments when we can be together and play feel even more precious now.

“So, if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to visit the NSPCC website and get involved in Childhood day today.”

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day, which was previously piloted in specific areas, launched this year with a refreshed look and feel and a renewed ambition to celebrate childhood by getting the nation playing after a challenging year. 

Over the past few months the charity has been encouraging people to sign up, download a fundraising pack and organise a play event to fundraise for the NSPCC.

There’s still time to get involved and sign up to host a play event this weekend. Visit nspcc.org.uk/childhood-day to download your free fundraising pack with lots of play ideas.

You can also support Childhood Day and help protect children by making a donation through the NSPCC website – www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/donate/

LifeCare invites locals to take part in a summer of virtual events

Older people’s care charity delivering fun and free online community sessions 

LifeCare Edinburgh is inviting local people to sign up to take part in its varied calendar of virtual community events.  

Funded in partnership with Inverleith Neighbourhood Network, Foundation Scotland and The TOR Foundation locals can take part for free. Events include history talks, quizzes, conversation groups discussing current affairs and special events such as the recent private virtual visit to Edinburgh Zoo.   

The renowned local charity offers registered care, outreach activities and help at home services for older people living across the North of the city.

Established in 1941, the organisation supports over 800 elderly clients a year including those suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty, mental health problems and support for carers.  

The charity usually delivers its calendar of community events in-person at the LifeCare Centre on Cheyne Street, however organisers set up the sessions through Zoom in response to the pandemic.   

LifeCare understands that some people need a little encouragement and support to get started using Zoom.  Organisers therefore offer free, safely delivered one-to-one support for individuals to get started with the IT platform ensuring they have the skills and confidence to use technology to be part of their community. 

Aleks Pacula, LifeCare’s Community Engagement Facilitator said “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to continue our successful calendar of events across the last year – we have more people signed up than ever before.  

“Shifting the delivery from in-person to Zoom had a few challenges at first but everyone is very much enjoying it now and it’s allowing more people to take part. We all look forward to the sessions – it gives us a chance to catch up with each other safely, see a friendly face, have some fun together and learn new things about where we live. 

“We’ve received a lot of feedback telling us that the talks bring back fond memories and give people the opportunity to share life-experiences with others. Our free tutorials helping people to use Zoom for the first time have been very popular.  

“I know our regulars found the help really useful at the start and they are unstoppable now!  We regularly update our calendar of events online so visit the LifeCare website to find out more and get involved.” 

The charity has already announced a few highlights to look forward to across the summer.  

In addition to their usual weekly schedule of events they will be hosting “Lothian castles on film” by Anne Daly on Tuesday 29th June at 3pm, “The visit of George IV to Scotland in 1822” by Eric Melvin on Tuesday 27th July at 3pm and “Greek inscriptions in Edinburgh” by Ian McHaffie on Tuesday 24th August at 3pm. 

 Gavin Barrie, Chair of Inverleith Neighbourhood Network said “We are extremely pleased to hear about the success of LifeCare’s Community Engagement Project.

“The important project reaches out to some who may be suffering isolation in our community.  The programme demonstrates all that is good when various arms of our community pull together to assist those in need of support. We were delighted to help LifeCare achieve its aims of engaging with local members of our community.” 

Beverley Francis, Chair of LifeCare said “A huge thanks to our generous funders for enabling LifeCare to continue to deliver and grow our important calendar of community engagement activities.  

“These events deliver huge benefits to those in our communities in normal times, but they are even more important through the current time. Activities are designed to keep people connected, give something to look forward to and to provide something stimulating for health and wellbeing needs.  We are encouraging anyone that is interested to get in touch to find out more.” 

LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders.  Key relationships include Barclays, The TOR Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Tesco Bank and all the many local people who take part in community fundraising events.  

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/lifecare-space/whats-on/ 

Tenement Tales!

Sometimes things do get magically placed on your doorstep!

The Scottish Storytelling Forum (TRACS) are running the fantastic initiative ‘Tenement Tales’, which kicks off this Saturday at 11am.

If you’re based in a #Leith tenement, open your windows and you might catch a story or two, without leaving the comfort of your home!

#communityspirit

Supported by Creative Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal

Thrill seekers: Slide this way!

Edinburgh Leisure launch AquaDash Extreme

Calling all thrill seekers, Edinburgh Leisure is launching a new extreme element to AquaDash, its inflatable playground on water at the Royal Commonwealth Pool when it reopens on Saturday, 26 June 2021.  Bookings are now live.

Two inflatable slides will be attached to the 3m and 5m diving platforms and will be available during some of the Saturday AquaDash sessions.

Two different types of sessions will be offered: AquaDash (normal offering) and AquaDash Extreme (which includes the slides). Customers who attend AquaDash Extreme will be able to move between the AquaDash assault course and the slides during their 45-minute sessions.

Launched by Edinburgh Leisure in February 2018, it was the very first in Scotland. Suitable for all fitness levels, AquaDash is the ideal activity for the full family to enjoy. Participants slide, climb, and bounce their way through thrilling challenges, beating each one and racing friends and family to victory. There is a bonkers bridge, slippery slide, wacky wiggle discs and adventurous action tower to name a few.

Customers aged 6 years can access AquaDash. There is no specific swim requirement although the activity is more enjoyable if participants have water confidence and some swimming ability.

Claire Rusack, Leisure Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “After the year everyone has had, AquaDash Extreme is sure to inject some excitement into life.  AquaDash is fun but without the sun.

“Whilst we might not be blessed with wonderful continental weather, AquaDash promises all the excitement of an amusement water park but indoors in a safe environment that can be enjoyed by all family.  And it promises a good workout at the same time.”

To ensure everyone remains safe, there have been some changes to the way AquaDash operates:

  • The maximum number has been reduced from 45 to 25 to ensure appropriate distancing between adults.
  • The safety briefing has been reviewed to include rules of play to ensure appropriate distancing is adhered to
  • There will be a break of 15 minutes between sessions to enable sanitising of the course.
    • Session times have been reduced from 50 minutes to 45 minutes to enable these changes.

AquaDash/AquaDash Extreme* will be available on the following days:

Saturday

13.45, 14.45*, 15.45*, 16.45*, 17.45*.

Sunday

08.45, 09.45, 10.45, 11.45, 12.45.

The basic AquaDash sessions will cost £10.00 for an adult and £8.50 for a junior. AquaDash Extreme will cost £12.00 for adults and £10.50 for juniors and last 45-minutes. 

All sessions will need to be pre-booked and paid online.

Customers will be able to book 28 days in advance (rolling booking date).

Book on the Edinburgh Leisure app or website:

 https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash

DO YOU DARE TO DO THE DASH?

UK to donate 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses

The UK will donate 100 million surplus coronavirus vaccine doses to the world within the next year, the Prime Minister has announced

  • The UK will donate at least 100 million surplus coronavirus vaccine doses within the next year, including 5 million beginning in the coming weeks
  • Donation is in addition to UK work to support Oxford-AstraZeneca’s contribution to fighting COVID and our financial backing to COVAX
  • G7 leaders are expected to agree to provide 1 billion doses via dose sharing and financing to end the pandemic in 2022

The UK will donate 100 million surplus coronavirus vaccine doses to the world within the next year, the Prime Minister has announced today (11 June 2021).

The pledge comes ahead of the G7 Summit, which begins in Cornwall today. Last week the Prime Minister asked fellow G7 leaders to help vaccinate the entire world by the end of next year.

At the Summit world leaders are expected to announce they will provide at least 1 billion coronavirus vaccine doses to the world through dose sharing and financing and set out a plan to expand vaccine manufacturing in order to achieve that goal.

The UK will donate 5 million doses by the end of September, beginning in the coming weeks, primarily for use in the world’s poorest countries.

The Prime Minister has also committed to donating a further 95 million doses within the next year, including 25 million more by the end of 2021. 80% of the 100m doses will go to COVAX and the remainder will be shared bilaterally with countries in need.

By sharing 5 million doses in the coming weeks the UK will meet an immediate demand for vaccines for the countries worst affected by coronavirus without delaying completion of our initial domestic vaccination programme.

By vaccinating more people around the world not only will we help bring an end to the global coronavirus pandemic, we will reduce the risk to people in the UK. This includes significantly reducing the threat posed by vaccine-resistant variants emerging in areas with large-scale outbreaks.

The UK helped to establish COVAX last year and is its fourth-biggest donor, pledging £548 million to the scheme. COVAX has so far provided 81 million doses to 129 of the world’s poorest countries. 96% of these were the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the development of which was funded by the UK.

With the support of the UK Government, Oxford-AstraZeneca are distributing their vaccines on a not for profit basis the world. Thanks to this commitment, half a billion people have received a dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine so far.

The Prime Minister said: “Since the start of this pandemic the UK has led the way in efforts to protect humanity against this deadly disease. Over a year ago we funded the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on the basis it would be distributed at cost to the world.

“This unprecedented model, which puts people squarely above profit, means over half a billion doses have been administered in 160 countries so far.

“As a result of the success of the UK’s vaccine programme we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them. In doing so we will take a massive step towards beating this pandemic for good.

“At the G7 Summit I hope my fellow leaders will make similar pledges so that, together, we can vaccinate the world by the end of next year and build back better from coronavirus.”

At the G7 leaders will also discuss how to expand the supply of vaccines internationally, with the Prime Minister asking the group to encourage pharmaceutical companies to adopt the Oxford-AstraZeneca model of providing vaccines of cost for the duration of the pandemic.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have already pledged to share 1.3 billion doses on a non-profit basis with developing countries.

Leaders are expected to discuss additional ways to support countries experiencing acute coronavirus emergencies and put in place mechanisms to prevent future pandemics. This follows on from commitments made at the virtual meeting of G7 leaders earlier this year.

The cost of donating the UK’s surpluses will be classified as ODA. This will be in addition to the £10bn already committed in aid this year.

The doses the UK has announced it will donate today will be drawn from the UK’s expected excess supply. The 100 million figure has been calculated based on the total needed to vaccinate the UK population, factoring in the possibility of future vaccine-resistant strains being detected and potential disruptions to our supply.

Later this year the UK will also host the UN climate change conference, COP26. Today the UK is also announcing that in order to enable more representatives to attend safely we will work to provide vaccines to those accredited delegations who would be unable to get them otherwise. We are exploring with the UN and partners how we can work together to deliver this offer.

This will mean that those countries most affected by climate change are better able to participate fully in discussions about creating a greener future for the planet.

Scotland 1 England 0!

= Scottish legend Ally McCoist gets One over on England rival Jermaine Jenas In a hilarious stitch up ahead of the England v Scotland game =

= Heineken joins the hugely anticipated UEFA EURO 2020 England v Scotland clash with a wind-up that leaves Jermaine in hysterics =

  • England legend Jermaine Jenas believed he had been invited by Heineken to model a bespoke commemorative suit to celebrate 60 years of the European Championship
  • The tailor-made suit was unveiled at a photoshoot, with Jermaine thinking it was being presented ‘live’ by Scottish TV sports reporter Emma Dodds
  • What Jermaine couldn’t see was the jacket switch orchestrated by his Scottish rival and fellow pundit Ally McCoist to bear a giant Scotland flag on the back
  • The surprise twist on Jermaine was released today from Heineken, Official Partner of UEFA EURO 2020 to celebrate fans of England and Scotland finally back together to enjoy the fun in rivalry when the two nations compete on the 18th June https://youtu.be/nJZREon4_98

England v Scotland is the oldest and most intense rivalry in the history of international football. The last time the two sides met in the European Championship was at Wembley in 1996, which was an epic encounter that saw England win 2-0, on the day. With the rival sides set to meet again at Wembley on 18th June, Scots fans will be desperate to get a victory over the ‘Auld Enemy’. 

To celebrate the impending clash and bring to life the fact that football isn’t half as fun without your rivals, official UEFA EURO 2020 Partner Heineken teamed up with Scottish football legend Ally McCoist to stitch-up England rival and fellow pundit Jermaine Jenas into the ultimate friendly wind-up – posing in a tailor-made suit emblazoned with The Saltire across the back.

Ally is the passionate Scot who scored Scotland’s last goal in a Euros tournament and was on the field when England beat Scotland in 1996. His mate and fellow pundit Jermaine is the stylish former England international, who seamlessly crossed over into the world of broadcasting. 

Ally teamed up with Heineken to convince Jermaine that he’d been given the honour of modelling a specially made commemorative suit to mark the 60th anniversary of the European Championship.

What Jermaine was not to know was that Ally was directing the suit design, photo shoot and a fake live broadcast behind the scenes. In classic Scottish style, Ally enlisted fellow Scot, sports presenter Emma Dodds, to host a ‘live broadcast’ of Jermaine’s glossy photoshoot.

The ruse began with a fitting at a renowned Savile Row tailor, where Jermaine was measured by an over-assertive tailor, played by an actor. Having obtained Jermaine’s measurements, Ally briefed the tailor to provide the surprise addition to the beautifully cut suit – a giant Saltire (Flag of Scotland) embroidered on the back.

Jermaine has been the subject of many a fashion shoot but became increasingly unsettled and distracted by the peculiar behaviour of the tailor on set and by the questions fired at him by Emma. With Jermaine distracted, he had no idea that the jacket had been switched, resulting in him obliviously posing in Ally’s Scottish masterpiece. 

When Emma asks Jermaine to check out the back of the jacket on the monitor, he instantly realises he’s been duped, which is the cue for Ally, accompanied by a piper playing Scotland the Brave, to storm the set. At the end, Jermaine, Ally and Emma celebrate the moment by sharing a Heineken and having a laugh together as they look ahead to the hugely anticipated clash.

Jermaine Jenas said: “I was very flattered to be asked to model the anniversary suit, it was made by a brilliant Savile Row tailor. I like my fashion and nothing seemed out of the ordinary about the shoot until I realised that I was being broadcast with the flag of our biggest rivals spread across my back!

“When Ally appeared out of nowhere, the penny dropped as there were a few other Scottish references throughout the day. Hopefully, England will take the victory on 18th June and that might keep even Ally McCoist quiet!”

Ally McCoist said: “Jermaine is a dapper fellow who can strike a pose even better than he could a football. We just knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the offer of tailor-made suit and a photoshoot.

“Everyone present could see what was on his back apart from him and I took great pleasure in getting him to model it for the camera. Jermaine’s face was an absolute picture when he realised he’d been stitched up. This is a victory for the Scots and I’ll raise my glass for another one at Wembley!”

Emma Dodds said: “I’ve never had so much fun seeing an interviewee unsettled by the carefully planned comments and distractions going on around. Jermaine is normally so calm and composed in front of the camera, but he looked very confused. Let’s hope that the Scots unsettle England in the same fashion when they meet on the pitch!”

Michael Gillane, UK Marketing Director for Heineken commented: “This is the oldest rivalry in world football and fans of both nations have been enjoying the passion and drama of it for generations.

“We’ve all missed live football and to be able to come back together and enjoy the friendly rivalry once again, really makes the experience all the richer. We’ve had to wait an extra year for the kick-off and as Official Partner for the UEFA EURO 2020 this is a unique occasion for fans to finally come back together, get behind their team and enjoy the rivalry over a Heineken once more.”

The activation is part of a wider global campaign from Heineken, ‘Finally Together’ which recognises the long-awaited reunion with fans, and the rivalries that go alongside – bringing energy and positivity to the sport and fans alike.