Day: July 22, 2022

Fringe 2022: Done To Death By Jove! 

Gavin Robertson & Nicholas Collett 

in

Done To Death, By Jove!

BRITISH DETECTIVE GENRE GETS A COMEDY MAKEOVER …

“The 39 Steps” meets “An Inspector Calls” via Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and Midsomer Murders. A cast of six brings a comic flurry of suspects and characters together to discover who done what, and why …

Except, well … four of the cast are stuck by the side of the road in the van, and only those two knights of the Theatre – Sir Gavin of Robertson and Sir Nicholas of Collett have managed to get to the venue… but ‘the show must go on’…

Comic clichés from the Detective genre abound in this genre-busting comedy from the masters of inventive silliness! That’s if the two of them can get through the play at all without losing the plot. Literally.

It’s not a new idea – it’s been DONE TO DEATH, BY JOVE – but not like this! Promise.

From touring in USA, Australia and beyond, they’re now at the The Space!

After two years of inaction while covid killed off live performance, investigating a murder seemed appropriate!

But how? With no income and no production funds in the bank, what to produce and how?

Nicholas Collett & Gavin Robertson found a solution – produce a show for six actors but manage with two! With almost no budget and a dearth of necessary actors this was a case of writing a Whodunnit, rehearsing the ACTUAL storyline – then working out how to sabotage themselves at every turn!

The result is this show – a storyline complete with bickering, audience on-the-spot interaction, and laughs a-plenty. And many hats!

Gavin and Nicholas now have 9 shows as a partnership, with Gavin best known for his West End hIt, THUNDERBIRDS F.A.B. (first seen at Edinburgh in 1987!) and Nicholas in the award-winning ‘Black & White Tea Room’ in 2019.

★★★★ Broadway Baby “Comedy gold” ★★★★ Bath Echo “Great fun”

Listings information

Venue:                         theSpace Triplex

Dates:                          Aug 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27

Time:                           17:05 (1hr)

Ticket prices:                   £11.50 / concessions £9.50 / children £8.50 / Family £8.00 Student £8.50

Fringe box office:           0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

Dobbies and Waitrose grocery partnership launches in Edinburgh

Dobbies Garden Centres, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has marked its partnership with Waitrose by opening its first foodhall in Edinburgh.  

Featuring the supermarket’s wide range of high-quality food, grocery products, and everyday essentials, the Waitrose foodhall is one of more than 50 that are to be launched at Dobbies’ stores across the UK and which will bring Waitrose to 20 new towns and cities.   

Shoppers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh can choose from an extensive selection of products including the essential Waitrose range, which is the biggest value tier of any supermarket, plus its premium range – Waitrose No. 1 – and Waitrose Duchy Organic. Ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, prepared fruit and vegetables, snacks and cupboard staples will also be available.  

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Through a shared commitment to great value, quality and sustainability, Waitrose was the natural grocery partner for us as we continue to build on the success of our foodhalls in recent years. I am sure our first Waitrose foodhall at our flagship store in Edinburgh will prove popular with our customers.  

“Our foodhalls are integral to our garden centre ranges and the experience of our customers, and we look forward to introducing Waitrose’s offering across our network of UK stores.” 

To find out more about the partnership, visit www.dobbies.com.  

Newhailes welcomes dogs for their very own festival

Doghailes guarantees to get tails wagging

The scruffiest pooch, the most precious pup and the best owner / dog lookalike are just some of the categories which will be judged  at Doghailes, a festival for dogs which will be held at the National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes on Sunday 31 July.

The historic estate will be transformed into Doghailes as hounds from across the country descend on the stunning estate which is located on the edge of Musselburgh in East Lothian.

Canine companions can try their paw at a vast array of competitions, including best fancy dress, waggiest tail and the most golden oldie. 

Have-a-go activities especially for dogs will keep pups entertained, and delicious food and drink will be on offer at the day-long festival.  Tickets cost £2 per entry, making it a great value option for an excitement-filled day, all while contributing towards the conservation of Scottish heritage.

Claire Grant, Operations Manager for Edinburgh, said, “We are thrilled to once again welcome dogs and their owners  to Newhailes for our annual Doghailes festival. 

“Newhailes’ 34 acres of parkland and woodland is home to a wide range of Scottish wildlife and with unspoilt views across the River Forth, the Estate is very popular with dog walkers. 

“Doghailes provides us with a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate a fun day in our beautiful grounds.”

Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation charity and cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage. 

Membership, which provides funding for Scotland’s largest conservation charity, can be purchased online from just £9.80 per month for families, £5.25 for adults and £3 for children.

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, Newhailes and to plan your summer itinerary, visit: www.nts.org.uk.

Pictures: Mike Wilkinson

Local success in battle against motorcycle crime

On Wednesday (20th July), members of Police Scotland’s #OperationSoteria arrested and charged a 14-year-old boy with a number of offences in relation to the robbery of a motorcycle from the Drylaw area on the 19th July 2022 and a number of road traffic offences.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Officers from Operation Orbit have also been out and about on patrol with their off-road bikes, assisting #OperationSoteria with tackling motorcycle crime and anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh.

Operaton Orbit improves their ability to prevent and respond to incidents, whilst providing a high visibility patrol and improving engagement with local young people.

Anyone with information about motorcycle crime or the dangerous use of motorcycles in the city can speak to officers confidentially and anonymously on 101, or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are teenagers’ top three news sources

Teenagers in the UK are turning away from traditional news channels and are instead looking to Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to keep up to date, Ofcom has found.

Ofcom’s News Consumption in the UK 2021/22 report shows that, for the first time, Instagram is the most popular news source among teenagers – used by nearly three in ten in 2022 (29%). TikTok and YouTube follow closely behind, used by 28% of youngsters to follow news.

Top 10 news sources among 12-15 year olds

BBC One and BBC Two – historically the most popular news sources among teens – have been knocked off top spot down to fifth place. Around a quarter of teens (24%) use these channels for news in 2022, compared to nearly half (45%) just five years ago.1

BBC One remains the most used news source among all online adults, although it is one of several major TV news channels to reach fewer people in 2022.2 News viewing to BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News channel, ITV and Sky News is now below pre-pandemic levels, resuming a longer-term decline in traditional TV news viewing.

TikTok clocks up millions more news users

Conversely, TikTok has seen the largest increase in use of any news source between 2020 and 2022 – from 0.8 million UK adults in 2020 (1%), increasing to 3.9 million UK adults in 2022 (7%).3 This brings it onto a par with Sky News’ website and app.

TikTok’s growth is primarily driven by younger age groups, with half of its news users aged 16 to 24. Users of TikTok for news claim to get more of their news on the platform from ‘other people they follow’ (44%) than ‘news organisations’ (24%).4

Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s Group Director for Strategy and Research, said: “Teenagers today are increasingly unlikely to pick up a newspaper or tune into TV News, instead preferring to keep up-to-date by scrolling through their social feeds.

“And while youngsters find news on social media to be less reliable, they rate these services more highly for serving up a range of opinions on the day’s topical stories.”

TV news remains trusted

TV news remains the most trusted news source among UK adults (71%), with news on social media considered the least reliable (35%). CNN (83%) and Sky News (75%) are highly trusted by their viewers for news, while the public service broadcasters are also trusted by the majority of their viewers – BBC (73%), ITV (70%), Channel 4 (66%) and Channel 5 (59%). Sixty-seven per cent of newcomer GB News’s viewers trust its news reporting.

Among teens, half of YouTube and Twitter users think they provide trustworthy news stories (51% and 52% respectively). Despite its popularity for news, fewer than a third of youngsters (30%) trust TikTok’s news content.

Decline in print news appears to accelerate

The combined use of print and online newspapers among adults is 38% in 2022, a significant decrease from 2020 (47%) and 2018 (51%).

This is being driven by the substantial decrease of print newspaper reach in recent years, with the trend seen pre-pandemic appearing to accelerate, likely exacerbated by the pandemic.

Less than a quarter (24%) of UK adults use print newspapers for news in 2022, compared with more than a third (35%) in 2020, and two in five (40%) in 2018. Use of newspapers among teenagers fell from 19% to 13% in the last five years.

News-Consumption-in-the-UK-2022-report-Download

Fringe 2022: EUNICE OLUMIDE MBE: AFROPOLITICOOL

SHOW: EUNICE OLUMIDE MBE: AFROPOLITICOOL

DATES + time:14th – 15th August 2022 / 17th – 21st August (rest day 16th) 8.35pm
(1 hour)

VENUE: The Stand Comedy Club, New Town Theater 96 George Street EH2 3DR
Suitability : 18+ ( Restriction)

https://www.thestand.co.uk/shows/1260-afropoliticool-eunice-olumide/

From Vogue magazine to putting Piers Morgan in his place and zombifying politician’s on Question Time. Come and join Edinburgh-born Supermodel Eunice Olumide for this hilarious exploration into the crazy and complicated world of modern-day political narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths running the planet we live on today.

Beyonce says ‘Who runs the world… Girls?’ Is this true or is it just Karen?
From the catwalk to hard talk, sit back as she fashions a lyrical and hysterical debrief covering themes of home, family, politics and where we find ourselves in 2022.

Booking and performing at the well respected ‘The Stand’ comedy venue at the Fringe is no small feat for Eunice’s first show.

She says “Comedy is where my heart is, but since I’m not known as a comedian I’ve had to put myself on the line and push back against all those telling me to ‘stay in my lane’. I really just want to make people laugh and have a good time in many ways I never had the chance to just be myself before”

BIO

Born in Edinburgh, Scottish Supermodel MBE career spans continents across the globe.

Eunice Olumide is a force to be reckoned with, a Scottish supermodel, actress, and art gallerist, she has never shied away from controversy and speaks with authority on subjects she is passionate about. It is fair to say that everything Eunice touches turns to gold, but not by luck, through sheer dedication and hard work.

She landed a major role with urban music mogul ‘Stormzy’ in Malorie Blackman’s
Noughts and Crosses’ adding to previous achievements playing live at the Apollo NYC, and a five-star review for her solo production Metamorph at The Traverse Theater and cameo appearances in Ab Fab The Movie, Star Wars Rogue One, and The Last Jedi.

A passionate activist and campaigner Eunice has worked with the Center for Social Justice and spoken at the House of Parliament influencing the first ever inquiry into the impact of fast fashion on the environment. She is currently the Ambassador for FAD, Best Beginnings, Graduate Fashion Week, AAI, Zero Waste Scotland, and Fashion Targets, joining the ranks of Kate Moss, Edith Bowman, Twiggy, Alan Carr, and Sharon & Kelly Osborne.

Eunice starred in / produced the UK’s first ever award-winning podcast dedicated to women of color on BBC Radio 5 Live called the ‘Sista Collective’. Interviewing world heavyweights in film, fashion, and television including Amma Asante.

In November 2020 she worked with Simon Fredricks on the life of Stephen Lawrence and founded the ADBSF Fund primarily focused on supporting Afro-Caribbean businesses in a daunting Coivd-19 climate.

Taking a prime position in Simon’s 2021 ‘The Outsiders’ In 2019 she created ‘Next Generation Regeneration’ curating exhibitions, talks, and events at Tate Modern and The V & A, becoming the first ever Scottish Model to call into account the UK Government and highlight the Windrush Scandal.

She has appeared in every publication imaginable including ELLE, Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Collectible DRY, WAD, ID Magazine, Dazed & Confused, Oyster, Paper Cut, New York Magazine, Vogue, Italian Vogue, Bahrain Confidential, and Tatler.

Celebrate National Travel Agent Day  

The benefits of booking with a Travel Agent and the myths dispelled 

Today, Friday, 22nd July, marks National Travel Agent Day. Across the UK and Ireland more than 3,700 travel agents and over 11,000 homeworkers will be celebrating this trusted profession dating back to the early 1800s. 

Launched during the pandemic by adventure travel company Intrepid, National Travel Agent Day was conceived as a way of gaining support and recognition for the industry during a turbulent period of trading and restrictions.  

Today, with the onset of the cost-of-living crisis and the continuing ‘travel chaos’ headlines, the day continues to mark the great service travel agents deliver to UK consumers as more and more people recognise the many benefits of booking with their local agent.  

A recent impact survey* conducted by The Advantage Travel Partnership showed of the 94% of respondents who are seeing an increase in new customers, 30% reported these new customers fall into the 35–44-year-old age bracket, with 33% of new customers aged between 45-54 and 15% over 60. 

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “As the biggest Travel Agency partnership in the UK, today we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the travel agents across the UK who have had to manage their way through an incredibly tough few years.   

“While the challenges continue, as an industry we face the future with optimism. Travel and holidays remain on the top of the priority list for many millions of Brits and there continues to be a huge post-pandemic, pent-up demand for travel, even though the market is currently hampered by the significant disruption we’re experiencing. 

“Nonetheless, in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain, booking with a travel agent is still the best way to travel as they offer such extensive support and peace of mind, should the unexpected happen.” 

Travel agents have played a key role on the UK’s high streets and local communities for many years, with Thomas Cook widely credited as being the first travel agent, back in 1841. 

Today, they continue to provide a valuable service to consumers the world over and is a sector that constantly reinvents itself, with many agents now offering both a shop and online proposition to make it more convenient for consumers.  

10 myth-busting reasons to book with a Travel Agent 

  • Travel agents are true professionals who are trained in understanding the broad-ranging world of travel, from train travel to cruising, from package holidays to solo tours – there’s nothing they won’t explore for their clients.  
  • Travel agents can navigate complex booking processes, so you don’t have to – from ensuring international flights connect, to planning detailed itineraries to far-flung destinations.   
  • Travel agents can tailor packages to suit their customers, always planning what is right for each individual.   
  • Travel agents can support customers with changes to bookings when the unexpected happens; they will go above and beyond to provide help in any circumstances – from in-destination travel restrictions to flight disruption.  
  • Travel agents will always find you the best deal for your holiday. With access to many thousands of competitive offers across a wide range of holidays and travel products, travel agents have access to an overview of the entire travel ecosystem. 
  • Travel agents have constantly evolved with the times, with most agents now having both a shop-based and online offering giving consumers the opportunity to book through the most convenient channel. 
  • Booking with a travel agent is not more expensive. Travel agents have access to preferential rates that consumers won’t find online and with 700 branches, Advantage members have access to competitive pricing.  
  • Independent travel agents have access to a wide range of tour operators meaning consumers will get a breadth of choice when it comes to choosing their holiday and can offer unbiased advice.  
  • Travel Agents can provide all the information that you need, from visa information to vaccination advice, from weather in resort to places to visit whilst on holiday. 
  • Travel agents are seeing an influx of new consumers across all age demographics benefiting from the peace of mind that comes with booking through a travel agent.  

To find your local agent, supported by The Advantage Travel Partnership, visit: The Advantage Travel Partnership. 

Drug Deaths: Words must become actions, say Scottish Families

changing-lives-taskforce-final-reportDownload

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs has published a response to the report published yesterday by the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce.

The Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce has published its final report ‘Changing Lives’ that sets out the evidence-based strategy for ‘turning the tide of Scotland’s drug deaths crisis.’

The Scottish Families’ Family Reference Group which supported the national Drug Deaths Taskforce has today published its own companion report alongside the office Taskforce report, called ‘What about Families?!’

Families hope that the Taskforce and the Scottish Government will consider their reflections and recommendations to inform future developments, including the need for meaningful involvement of families, and ensuring their views are respected and drive real change.

Scottish Families’ Family Reference Group is made up of family members across Scotland who are affected by a loved one’s drug use.

This includes those whose loved ones are in recovery, are still actively using substances, and those who have been bereaved. The Group is chaired by Colin Hutcheon who was the sole family member representative on the Drug Deaths Taskforce.

Justina Murray, CEO of Scottish Families, comments: “There is much to welcome in today’s final report by the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce. Indeed many of the recommendations mirror the changes and improvements which families have been campaigning for over many years.

“The Taskforce has helpfully brought together new partnerships and additional resources, along with a level of political expectation and a willingness to test out new approaches. Families and others with lived experience have been involved from the start, which is good practice.

“There have been times where we have felt frustrated at the pace of change or questioned if there was more lived experience involvement than influence, however the final report makes a number of powerful recommendations which have the potential to reduce drug-related harm and risk to families and their loved ones.

“There have been some notable successes over the lifespan of the Taskforce, such as the national naloxone roll-out and the drafting of national standards for Medication Assisted Treatment. The commitments to expanding support for families in their own right, and to mandatory workforce training in family inclusive practice are particularly welcome.

“Families are frequently judged, stigmatised and excluded by services, and only reach family support at a time of crisis, after many years of coping alone. We also welcome the significant expansion in access to life-saving naloxone treatment, including the ongoing commitment to a national Click and Deliver naloxone service. This follows the successful establishment of Scottish Families’ service during the pandemic, proving that many family members and members of the public want to carry naloxone, so they can save a life.

“Families want to see a firm focus now on implementation and accountability, so that these written words become tangible actions, and families can see and feel real change in their own lives and in their local communities.”

What-About-Families-Family-Reference-Group-Report-July-2022-FINAL-PUBLISHEDDownload

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Science exhibition lands in Edinburgh

The Scottish premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will take place at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh this December.

This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 10 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, will explore the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.

Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this new exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who. 

A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible, as well as the Monster Vault, where you can get up close with some of the weird and wonderful characters that have graced our screens.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, where it will run until 30 October.

Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are tremendously excited to be bringing this exhibition to Scotland.

“From the wonder of the science fiction of the TV show to our present-day understanding of the big scientific topics it touches on, there is something for everyone.”

Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.

“The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”

Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor.

Other notable cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I.

Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.

The show has featured several other Scottish icons. The Loch Ness Monster appears in 1975’s Terror of the Zygons with Tom Baker, while the Picts featured along with the 9th Legion of the Roman army in 2017’s The Eaters of Light (which starred Peter Capaldi and Michelle Gomez).

Other episodes set in Scotland include 2006’s Tooth and Claw, set in the Highlands and Under the Lake/Before the Flood (2015), set in Caithness.

The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition.

Tickets for Doctor Who World of Wonder will go on sale this autumn at:

www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho.

Another cannabis farm discovered in North Edinburgh

LAST Friday (15th July), officers from the Drylaw Locality Initiative Team executed a warrant on Wardieburn Place East, uncovering a cannabis cultivation with a potential street value of £400,000.

Two men have since been remanded in custody.

This is one of three cultivations uncovered by the Drylaw team over the past three weeks in the North of Edinburgh, totalling the recovery of drugs to a value in excess of three quarters of a million pounds.