Category: North Edinburgh News

theSpaceUK announce another 150 shows go on sale at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024

theSpaceUK continues its tradition of championing new writing with an eclectic array of shows that promise to entertain, enlighten, and engage. From stand-up comedy to poignant dramas, musical mayhem to physical theatre, there’s something for every taste.

With over 150 brand new shows going on sale at theSpaceUK for the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, here are some highlights of the shows you won’t want to miss: 

Theatre

David Hare’s groundbreaking drama play, Via Dolorosa deals with the history, complexities, and tensions of the Israel-Palestine conflict in this new adaptation by Chasing Rainbows. The 2023 Fringe First winners, Xhloe Rice and Natasha Roland, return with their smash-hit sell-out, What If They Ate The Baby? Enter the world of housewife secrets and societal expectations in this comedic exploration of hidden desires and untold truths.

There’s a world of suspense and intrigue with Agatha Christie’s The Rats by Hart Players, a one-act play from Agatha Christie’s Rule of Three collection. Take a witty and irreverent trip through ballet history in Bluffing Your Way in Ballet, which features an ensemble of former Royal Ballet dancers telling tales from backstage stories to iconic performances.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of 1980s urban culture in Bouncers & Shakers by Paperlight Theatre as nightclubs and cocktail bars come alive with energy. From prom to after-party, follow the generational identity crises of a group of friends in Disco, Baby? by Acting Speaks Louder, set to an original score blending pop, funk, jazz, and disco. Set in the 1980s, follow Kevin’s journey from coding to time travel as he navigates an alternative AI world with his brand-new Commodore 64 in Hungry Like the Future by Greene Shoots Theatre Company.

Join eccentric ex-detective Richard P Cooper in two uproarious adventures, featuring time-bending mysteries and laugh-out-loud escapades in Defective Inspector: A Stitch in Time and Defective Inspector: An American Odyssey by The Defectors. Strap in for a sky-high spectacle as two passengers embark on a comedic journey 30,000 feet above the Atlantic with Cabin Fever by Fresh !nk Theatre Company. Bucket List by Show Don’t Tell Productions is a darkly humorous tale of shared lives and afterlives.

The complexities of platonic and romantic love are explored in Three Bed (No Living Room) by Laldie Theatre, an original play set in a student flat in Edinburgh, exploring queer identity in the 2020s. There’s a feminist retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea myth in Malion by Tired Horses Theatre, which explores themes of identity and socialisation in a thought-provoking narrative.

Buckle up and brace yourself for a twisted ride through OCD, breakups, breakdowns, and self-discovery in the shockingly funny solo show Driver’s Seat: Obsessive Compulsive Disaster by Ellie Brelis.

Enter a world where nursery politics collide with Shakespearean subplots in Get Thee to a Nursery by Exi Attica, a whimsical exploration of childhood imagination.

Music & Musicals

There are new musicals aplenty in theSpaceUK’s lineup for 2024. Set in 1960s Georgia, USA, The Gardening Club: A New Musical by Wright and McRitchie is a new musical that follows six girls who start an illegal drug ring to distribute birth control pills, using their gardening club as a cover-up.

There’s an exploration into the complexities, love, and ambition of the enigmatic Wallis Simpson in the brand new musical, Wallis by BramwellBrand Productions.

Join six eccentric middle-schoolers as they compete in the hilariously quirky The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by C&C Productions. Enter the mysteriously spooky world of the Addams Family in the kooky musical, The Addams Family by The Talentz.

Packed with show-stoppers and chart-toppers depicting a day at Cambridge University, Cadenza is a whirlwind journey through smooth jazz, angelic choirs, and beloved pop hits. Embark on a creative musical journey through the rich tapestry of Celtic melodies that connect us to our roots and the places we call home in Celtic Roots by Kevin Littlejohn and Right Here Productions.

Finally, don’t miss the intimate acoustic show by 22-year-old singer-songwriter Sean Lomas. With heartfelt lyrics and acoustic undertones, Sean shares the stories behind his songs, promising an evening of genuine emotion and raw talent.

Comedy

Join Andrei Palchyk for a solo stand-up show filled with Instagram-approved jokes that delve into the immigrant experience and the resilience required to survive dictatorship in The Ultimate Collection of Reels.

Brace yourself for a candid and at times unsettling glimpse into the life of a doctor in Keith Mendes: Medical Negligence by Keith Mendes. From unspeakable acts of medical negligence to encounters with ghosts and demons, Keith shares stories from his career and personal life that are sure to leave audiences both intrigued and entertained.

Love / Less of a Man by Isabella Pip and Jess Elgene is a double bill offering a contrasting exploration of love and self-discovery.

Isabella Pip brings her disdain for love to the forefront, while Jess Elgene shares her journey of transition and empowerment. Join two Plebs as they hilariously recount the tale of Macbeth armed with nothing but their wits, wigs, and willies in MacPlebs by The Raymondos. Despite not having read the play, these surviving cast members give their unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic.

Dance Physical Theatre and Circus

Unconventional introvert Thomas typically fiddles and fumbles through his conventional office job until he’s dragged on a journey of discovery by a mischievous briefcase in A Brief Case of Crazy by Skedaddle Theatre Company.

Experience the beauty and mystery of traditional Korean artistry as various pictures are painted on stage using the traditional Korean hat called sangmo in Korean Painter by Contemporary Yunhee.

Pushing the genre of Argentine tango to its limits, there’s super-charged stage tango dancing, acting, video projection, and sensory, sensual immersion in Auto-Erotic Tango by Tango Fantasy, which explores the tension created between a traditional heteronormative tango couple and their unusual, real, and hidden desires.

Cabaret and Variety

Dive into a dazzling night of song, story, and sensuality as Ryan Patrick Welsh and The K*ntz! boldly explore sex, sexuality, and sex work in “Sex, Camp, Rock’n’Roll” by Ryan Patrick Welsh – 8th Best Legs Productions. Step into the world of LA actress Nina Rose Carlin as she navigates the highs and lows of seeking representation in Hollywood in Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation.

Rising star Angus Baskerville combines mind-reading and trickery in an exploration of autism and magic in Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet. Join scientist and jazz singer Malcolm Windsor as he explores the chemistry between couples through story and song in Love, Loss, and Chemistry by The Swells.

Plenty of shows to pore over and ponder for the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

Foreign Secretary to bolster support for Ukraine in visit to Washington DC

The Foreign Secretary will travel to Washington DC to urge US partners to unlock additional funding for Ukraine

  • David Cameron visits Washington DC to reaffirm the joint UK-US commitment to support Ukraine, which remains vital for US and European security.   
  • In discussions with Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders, he will call for urgent further support for Ukraine.   
  • He will meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior US Government figures, reinforcing our steadfast partnership to defend freedom and democracy around the world as NATO allies.   

The Foreign Secretary will travel to Washington DC today (Tuesday 9th April) to urge US partners to unlock additional funding for Ukraine, giving them the tools they need to win its war with Russia.    

He will hold talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the UK’s continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression which aims to redraw European borders by force. He will engage with key figures across Congress to call for them to change the narrative on Ukraine this year and provide the extra $60bn (over £47.5bn) in supplementary funding that’s going through Congress.

Over $184bn (over £145bn) has already been committed to Ukraine by European nations including over $15bn (nearly £12bn) from the UK, in addition to the nearly $74bn (nearly £59bn) already committed by the US – which is making a huge difference on the battlefields of Ukraine and the waters of the Black Sea. Ukraine has proven time and time again that with the right tools it can succeed.

The Foreign Secretary will reassert the importance of stepping up economic pressure on Russia now and continuing to give Ukraine the military and humanitarian support it needs to hold the line this year and go on the offensive in 2025.  

David Cameron will highlight how Europe and the US are united in their support for Ukraine, with European countries providing more than half of the total support. He will emphasise that nothing can match the pace and scale of US support which remains “the key stone in the arch” in the fight for freedom, democracy and the right of free countries to choose their own future.  

The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron said: “Success for Ukraine and failure for Putin are vital for American and European security.

“This will show that borders matter, that aggression doesn’t pay and that countries like Ukraine are free to choose their own future.

“The alternative would only encourage Putin in further attempts to re-draw European borders by force, and would be heard clearly in Beijing, Tehran and North Korea.

“US support for Ukraine has massively degraded the military capacity of a common adversary, Russia has lost half of its pre-invasion land combat power, and a quarter of its original Black Sea fleet, while creating jobs at home and strengthening the Western alliance and NATO.”

Two years on from Russia’s illegal invasion, it’s more important than ever that as NATO allies, the UK and US continue to defend its shared values, including by upholding Euro-Atlantic security. The visit will build on the strong ties between the US and the UK and our shared commitment to defending freedom and democracy around the world.    

While Ukraine continues to make gains against Russia, they are increasingly being overmatched by Russian artillery on the battlefield, underlining the importance of agreeing further US support.   

Talks will also focus on the Middle East, including the path to a sustainable ceasefire and the delivery of greater quantities of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Six months on from the 7 October attacks, the UK and US have stood united in their support for Israel who suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas and have been clear in Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.  

The Foreign Secretary will continue to push for a full, urgent, and transparent investigation into the terrible events in Gaza last week, which saw three British aid workers lose their lives.

He will underline that the deaths of World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers are completely unacceptable and that major changes need to be made to ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground.  

Alongside the US, the UK and other partners recently announced plans for the opening of a maritime route, which will see aid delivered by sea to a new temporary US military pier in Gaza, through a maritime corridor from Cyprus. Partners including the United Nations, Cyprus, European Commission, the UAE, Qatar, Germany, Greece, Italy and The Netherlands, have joined the UK and the US in the creation of the route.  

The Foreign Secretary also will reinforce UK support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti by announcing a £5m contribution to its deployment.

The MSS, working with the Haitian National Police, will help to tackle gang-related violence which is destabilising the country, worsening the humanitarian situation and causing daily pain and suffering to the people of Haiti.

He will emphasise that a Haitian-led political solution is the only way to tackle this insecurity head on and long-term.    

Operation Elite tackles drug crime and supports most vulnerable

In Edinburgh one of our priorities remains tackling drug-related crime and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Following concerns raised by the public, officers in the North East of the city initiated Operation Elate to address drug-related harm in the Leith area.

Working with partners, we’re also supporting vulnerable individuals through effective intervention and outreach.

Throughout March, 2024 this operation led to 25 individuals being charged for drug related offences and drug seizures with a street value in excess of £55,000. 

The North East Support Team, made up of Special Police Constables alongside Road Policing colleagues, focused on drug related criminality on the road, including drink and drug driving. This resulted in the seizure of seven vehicles and numerous charges for road traffic offences.

There were 19 additional arrests relating to offensive weapons, crimes of dishonesty and outstanding warrants.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Thanks to the continued support from our communities, we have taken positive action in Leith to disrupt those who are involved in the supply of drugs on our streets and safeguard those who are vulnerable.

“Removing illegal drugs and targeting criminals who seek to profit from other people’s misery continues to be a priority for Edinburgh Division and Police Scotland.

“Operation Elate and wider officers across Edinburgh remain committed to tackling and reducing drug related crime, and we will continue to work to ensure offenders are dealt with robustly.

“As ever, we are grateful for the support of the public and we would urge anyone with any information in relation to drugs in their communities to contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

If you or anyone you know are affected by drug related harm, support and assistance are available via 0333 3 448 355 (Alcohol & Drugs Action).

Father and son plead guilty to Greendykes murders

A father and son have pleaded guilty to the murder of 37-year-old Derek Johnston and 66-year-old Desmond Rowlings.

Mr Johnston and Mr Rowlings were subjected to horrific crimes before their deaths at the hands of Ian MacLeod and Dean McLeod in November 2022 in Greendykes Road, Edinburgh.

The pair admitted murdering their victims when they appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Monday, 8 April, 2024.

Detective Superintendent Susan Balfour said: “My thoughts remain with Derek and Desmond’s families. They have had to endure unimaginable pain and trauma.

“These crimes were some of the most violent I have seen, and everyone involved was affected. There is no doubt in my mind that people are safer now that these two men are in prison.”

More than 123,000 potholes were reported to councils in Scotland last year as Britain’s pothole problem continues to burden drivers


The 53% increase in reports since 2020 has resulted in council’s paying out around £411,000 as a result

  • The worst roads revealed: the A703 from Peebles to Leadburn and Irvine Road in East Ayrshire are just some of the roads named by councils as having the most number of pothole reports overall. The most prolific being Great Western Road in Glasgow, with 1,451 reports by drivers in 2023.
  • Elsewhere, some of the worst regions also include Scotland and the South West of England. But the South East is the worst overall, with almost 200,000 pothole reports from drivers.
  • And drivers from all over the UK are seeing similar conditions. That’s as data shows how around 1 million pothole reports were made last year, with 4.4 million claims made as a result. But compensation payouts are down by 13% overall.
  • The most common damages caused by potholes include punctured tyres (57%), damaged suspension (35%) or damaged tracking (32%).
  • And repairs are costing drivers around £169, on average, to fix.
  • Not sure what to do if you hit a pothole? Drivers should always go directly to their local council first, but Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com, shares further advice on what to do.

More than 123,000 potholes were reported to councils in Scotland last year as Britain’s pothole problem continues to be a burden to drivers. That’s as new data reveals how there’s been a 53% increase in reports since 2020, resulting council’s paying out around £411,000 as a result.

And it’s a similar picture elsewhere in the UK. The worst region overall is the South East of England, with almost 200,000 pothole reports made by drivers in 2023. The South West had more than 173,000 reports and Scotland had more than 123,000. So it might come as no surprise that around 1 million pothole reports were made in total by UK drivers last year. That’s an increase of 24% since 2020.

As a result, more than 4.4 million claims were also made by drivers for pothole damage last year. That’s a 6% rise in pothole claims in comparison to the 3 years prior. But despite claims going up, it appears that payouts aren’t following the same trend. Data reveals how councils paid out around £3.3 million last year for pothole damages. But in comparison, this is down from £3.8 million that was paid out in 2020.

Potholes are all too common on UK roads and affect millions of drivers each year. Further research of 2,000 UK drivers found almost all (92%) have driven over a pothole in the past. More than 1 in 5 (22%) damaged their car as a result. Tyres suffered the worst damage by potholes, with more than half (57%) of those reporting a punctured or flat tyre. More than a third (35%) said potholes damaged their suspension, and another third (32%) said their car tracking was impacted.

To repair these damages, drivers said they had to pay out £169, on average. But less than 1 in 5 (17%) tried to claim back repair costs from their local council. And with those drivers saying they found the process stressful (42%) or long-winded (30%), it could be why many chose to just fund the repairs themselves. And of those who made a claim to their local council, around a third (31%) were completely unsuccessful in getting compensation. But those who did managed to claim back around £214, on average for damages..

More than half (58%) of drivers think UK roads have never been worse for pothole damage. But the amount of potholes and the lack of compensation offered to drivers could be down to the tight budgets given to local councils.

Last year, the government recognised the influx of potholes creating dangerous scenarios for many UK drivers. And as a result, the government announced a £200 million pot of money for councils in England during the 2023 Spring Budget(2).

This was to specifically tackle pothole repairs and funding was allocated to councils by the Department for Transport (DfT). But some local councils received a bigger slice than others. This could be one of the main reasons why some drivers are more successful with claims than others. It could also be why some councils are able to repair potholes more frequently than others.

Money aside, councils were kept busy last year. That’s as data reveals how 1.2 million potholes were collectively fixed across the UK in 2023. The good news is that the amount of pothole repairs is up by 19% in comparison to 2020.

But the bad news is that a fairly equal amount is still being reported annually, so the burden on drivers is vast. And potholes can not only cause serious damage to cars, but injure drivers and risk the safety of many other road users. In fact, a third (33%) of drivers say potholes are one of their main safety concerns as a driver. And if potholes aren’t fixed by councils in a timely manner, they could continue to be a burden for many who use the roads.

And despite efforts by the government to tackle the problem, it seems that the majority of UK drivers want further change. That’s as almost half (48%) want the government to put more funding towards pothole repairs. And more than half (53%) think that it should be a legal requirement for councils to repair a pothole after it’s been reported.

Motor expert, Louise Thomas at Confused.com car insurance comments: “Although the harsh winter months are almost behind us, potholes are still proving problematic for drivers. That’s as pothole reports in the region reached more than 123,000 last year. And across the UK, data shows how reports totalled almost 1 million – a 24% increase compared to 2020.

“There’s no denying that the UK has a pothole problem, and the government has dedicated more funding as a result. But for some drivers this isn’t enough. Especially if they live in high risk areas, where wet and colder weather means problems are more likely to arise.

“If you see a pothole while driving, it’s important to report it to the local council straight away. Even if it didn’t damage your car, you could help to protect other drivers who might come into contact with it at a later date. Potholes can cause damage to vehicles, so the sooner it’s fixed, the safer road users will be.

“If your car is damaged due to a pothole, you should always try to reclaim the cost of damage through the council first. That’s because pothole repairs are their responsibility. When making a claim, make sure to take pictures or videos for evidence and be as detailed as you can.

“You should share information about where the pothole was, the time of day it happened and the damage it caused your car. And if the local council won’t compensate for damages, you could also make a claim through your car insurance. But be wary that this could result in a higher premium the following year, so always try the council first.”

Appeal for information following serious assault in Charlotte Square

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a serious assault in the city.

Around 4.50pm yesterday (Sunday, 7 April) a 49-year-old man was assaulted by a group of men in Charlotte Square.

He was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell of CID said: “This was a shocking attack on the victim. Our investigations so far have established five men that we would be keen to trace.

The first suspect is about 5”10” tall, large build, in his 50s with medium length grey hair, wearing a blue and purple polo shirt with white details around the collar, a light grey zip hooded top, light blue jeans and white trainers.

The second suspect is about 5”10” tall, medium build, in his 50s with very short greying hair, wearing a light blue/grey coloured collar shirt, light blue jeans and white trainers.

The third suspect is in his 50s, medium build, wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and a thin black puffer jacket.

The fourth suspect is about 6”0” tall, average build with short brown hair, wearing a beige/salmon coloured long sleeved shirt, black trousers and grey shoes.

The fifth man is about 6”0” tall, medium build, wearing a black baseball hat, black jacket, and grey shorts.

“We know the area was busy with passersby and motorists. We’re asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, call 101 quoting reference 2423 of 7 April, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Wearable device to help people deal with stress and anxiety on display at Edinburgh Science Festival event

EVENT TONIGHT:

Innovation Late

Monday 8th April at 7.30pm

Dynamic Earth

Innovation Late, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is a gathering of some of the most inventive minds in the UK, ready to show off their incredible work for audiences to get hands-on with it.

An evening of celebrating technology excellence, Innovation Late presents the work of previous winners of UK’s premier prize for engineering innovation, the MacRobert Award, named after the trailblazing geologist, suffragette and philanthropist Lady Rachel MacRobert.

Audiences will have a chance to:

  • Listen to artist Ted Humble-Smith talk about his innovative new photography exhibition, in conversation with Morven Cunningham.
  • Meet the AI reincarnation of trailblazing geologist Lady MacRobert
  • Experience the Neurobright light and sound wearable device, designed to help ease anxiety
  • Programme robots and manoeuvre over a Martian landscape
  • Encounter the latest in kidney dialysis technology with Quanta Dialysis Technologies
  • Build a hovercraft
  • Test their construction skills on our earthquake table
  • Make a light theremin and a pencil organ with the adorable bumblebees
  • Find out how Renzor are preventing brain injuries in sport
  • Contribute to a poetical version of the Forth Rail Bridge

Spring Jam Jar Workshop at Granton Castle Walled Garden

💐 Spring Jam Jar workshop with Ochre Botanical Studios

Join our flower farmers for a spring jam jar making session on Sunday 14 April from 2 – 4pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden.

❤ Entrance is by donation to Granton Castle Walled Garden.

#grantoncastlewalledgarden#grantoncastle#Granton#grantoncommunity#ochrebotanicalstudios#flowerfarming#flowerfarm#flowergrowing#freeevents#flowers#workshop#jamjars#charityevents#floriculturalists#florists

Drylaw Park Project: Follow up Community event on Saturday 20 April

I am getting in touch to follow up with some information regarding the Drylaw Park project and to invite you to our second follow up engagement session on Saturday 20th April at the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre from 1:30 – 3:00pm at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre – DNC – The place to be! (drylawnc.org.uk)

We are very pleased and grateful to the team at the Neighbourhood Centre as we will be joining their Future Family Fun Day taking place on the same day.  We will be there to share some of the draft designs and ideas for the park and we’d love to hear your feedback.

As a reminder, we have been working with the City of Edinburgh council to develop concept designs for enhancements across Drylaw Park. These include improvements to park connectivity, accessibility and safety, infrastructure to address surface water issues, nature enhancements and improvements to play provision.  

The concept designs take these themes into account and have considered a variety of previous feedback from the community and other key stakeholders.

The Drylaw Park forms part of the Climate Ready Craigleith project which sits under the cities overarching Climate Ready Edinburgh strategy and there is more information on the developing storymap here: 

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/6c5e4815a3f54ce5be4d6f99b0dff213

Lets hope for some April sunshine and look forward to seeing you on the 20th April!