This winter is already far worse than last winter, says RCEM President
The latest data from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Winter Flow Project 2021/22 show that since the beginning of October 2021 there have been 56,096 patients delayed by 12 hours or more from time of arrival in Emergency Departments.
In comparison, last year’s Winter Flow Project 2020/21 didn’t record over 50,000 12 hour stays from time of arrival in Emergency Departments until February Week 3.
Data also show that in December 2021 Week 2, four-hour performance fell to 56.3%, the lowest ever recorded.
Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said:“The data show a deepening crisis. We’ve now reached 50,000 12-hour delays, a figure we didn’t reach until February last winter.
“It is hard to communicate the enormous strain NHS staff are under and how deeply the pressures affect patient care. The latest Winter Flow Project report details some of the harrowing conditions patients find themselves in and conditions in which staff are delivering care. This winter is already far worse than last winter, with the coming weeks set to take us deeper into crisis.
“Trusts are already doing all they can, opening every last bed where safely possible. The government must ensure adequate support is given to social care, as difficulties in discharging patients following their treatment has knock-on effects throughout the system and causes exit block in Emergency Departments, ambulances handover delays, and prevents ambulance crews from returning to the community and responding to emergencies.
“The public must be cautious and sensible over the Christmas period and take care of themselves and those around them. Using facemasks, washing hands, avoiding spending long periods of time in very crowded places, getting tested if you develop Covid symptoms, and getting boosted – all these practices will make a real difference in the coming weeks.”
Some of Edinburgh’s most promising young performers will be appearing on the West End this festive season, as Stagebox members take to the stage as part of the star-studded casts of West End Musical Christmas and West End Does: Christmas.
Boasting a long line of successful members and clients, Stagebox is an award-winning programme for theatre, film and TV training and management, responsible for the nation’s most promising young performing talent. With centres across the UK including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London, Stagebox’s current clients have enjoyed success on both stage and screen, from the BBC and Netflix to the West End and Broadway.
Appearing in West End Musical Christmas (13th & 20th December) alongside stage legends John Owen-Jones (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera), Michael Xavier (Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music), Emma Hatton (Wicked, Evita) is Stagebox’s Arwen Seilman, who trains at the Edinburgh centre.
The West End show will excite all musical theatre fans, featuring the nation’s favourite Christmas and showstopper numbers performed alongside a live band and dance ensemble.
Stage veteran and national treasure Maureen Lipman will host West End Does: Christmas on 19th December, with Gina Beck (Wicked, Showboat), Liam Tamne (Prince of Eygpt, Wicked), Aisha Jawando (Tina the Musical) and many more.
The performance will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols and songs to get the audience into the festive spirit.
The star-studded cast will be supported by a choir formed of Edinburgh Stagebox members Alexandra Bruce-Dickie, Chloe Bloice, Circe Miller, Hazel Craig (Nativity! The Musical), Laura Koechlin, Layla Davies and Tommy Thompson.
Jasmine Quinlan-Gardner, General Manager at Stagebox, says: “This is a huge moment for our wonderful members who will be representing us on a world-famous stage this December.
“After such limited interaction last Christmas, we’re looking forward to lighting up both the Lyric Theatre and Cadogan Hall alongside some stage legends!”
Stagebox auditions for 2022 will soon be opening.
West End Musical Christmas takes place at 8pm on Monday 13th and Monday 20th December. For tickets, please visit: www.westendmusicalchristmas.co.uk.
As the year draws to an end and festive cheer starts to build, Dance Base celebrates all things dance by hosting a new showcase, SNOW MOTION: three evenings of live performance back in the glorious Studio 1 space.
This December, Dance Base is delighted to welcome a fantastic array of dance artists from across Scotland to bring their work back to the stage and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dance Base making its home in the Grassmarket building.
Each artist joining the company has a deep connection to the Company having developed work with Dance Base over the years through residencies, Festival performances and sharings. This new showcase also marks the first major Dance Base project for the company’s new Artistic Director, Tony Mills, which is set to showcase his bold new vision for the organisation.
With a different programme each evening, there is truly something for everyone, from playful takes on office life, to lyrical explorations of an enchanted Hebridean world, to a delightful tale about food (and being eaten!) for younger audiences.
Featuring new and reimagined performances by Bridie Gane, Jen Wren, Kirsten Newell, Mamoru Iriguchi, Taylor Han and Tess Letham, SNOW MOTION celebrates storytelling and connection, showcasing an array of live music, physical theatre, spoken word and contemporary and traditional dance.
Click here for more information on each performance.
SNOW MOTION is a celebration of Dance Base in its 20th year in the Grassmarket. As well as featuring artists connected to the organisation, it will also showcase the organisation’s history, and hugely popular programme of dance classes.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early and take part in a fun and uplifting dance class suitable for all levels. A bar will be set up so if a class doesn’t appeal, there’s also the chance to chat with friends over some festive drinks and follow Dance Base’s history with a brand-new exhibition display in the building.
SNOW MOTION is an evening for us to come together again, raise a glass to all that has been, get in the Christmas mood, and – most importantly – dance!
This event has been made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland and funding from Scottish Government through the Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund.
This December Scottish Ensemble will take its annual Concerts by Candlelight on tour to locations across Scotland for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taking place at venues in Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow from the 2 – 8 December 2021, Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration is the perfect pre-Christmas musical feast set against a backdrop of shimmering light.
For the first time ever the incisive and dynamic presence of violinist and director Matthew Truscott will lead proceedings and Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration will offer something for every taste, with a selection of music spanning centuries, inclusive of a variety of genre and styles.
A web of connectedness binds this string programme around its central work, Beethoven’s taut and beautiful ‘Heiliger Dankgesang’. A song of thanks for recovery from illness it is one of the most celebrated, profound and joyful pieces of string music from any period, and its intimations of past, present and future make it a very fitting tribute to the past 18 months, as we emerge into the ‘new normal’ and enjoy live music all together, once again.
From the gorgeous musical balm of Henry Purcell to the warmth and generosity of Brahms, the touching music by Biber, and the thick, treacly sonic textures of Julia Wolfe’s Four Marys, wherever you are in Scotland this winter, Concerts by Candlelight is the perfect outing for both families and friends.
Violinist and director Matthew Truscott said:“I am very much looking forward to working with Scottish Ensemble to help bring some warmth and restoration to audiences across Scotland with Concerts by Candlelight this December.
“The programme features music that channels sentiments of courage and overcoming adversity, which seems fitting this year, and I can’t wait to perform in front of live audiences in Scotland once again.”
Scottish Ensemble & Nemone Metaxas launch Common Sound, a concert and discussion celebrating collective experience touring Scotland this October
Scottish Ensemble teams up with 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas for Common Sound
Common Sound is a mix of music and discussion exploring what performance means for audiences & performers
Taking place in Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh with performance options adapted to accommodate those social distancing
All tickets are at the special price of £10 to welcome back audiences to live performance
Scottish Ensemble is excited to return to live performance at locations across Scotland for the first time since the pandemic. Common Sound is a brand-new programme of live, in person events exploring the importance of live performance, which will take place at four locations across Scotland this autumn.
Common Sound is an hour-long event that asks the question ‘why is live music important?’ and Scottish Ensemble are inviting audiences from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness to come along, take part and share thoughts, insights and inspiration.
At a time when many, if not most, performances – from music through to dance and theatre – are available to watch online, Nemone and Scottish Ensemble performers will discuss what it is about being in the same room as other people who are all seeing and hearing the same thing, that elevates the quality and impact of a performance.
Blending live musical performance with provocations, conversation and debate, Common Sound will see Nemone and Scottish Ensemble musicians sharing their perspectives on what music does to us and why. Carefully devised sets of music, including tracks by Jonny Greenwood, Caroline Shaw and Steve Reich, will create an absorbing listening experience for mind and body, and a specially developed atmospheric lighting design will bring the music to life on stage.
After 18 months of primarily online performance, SE can’t wait to get back in front of audiences from across the country at this exciting set of events which have been tailored to accommodate those with concerns around safety, as we emerge from the pandemic. In a nod to those who are still adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and seek the reassurance of social distancing, SE will host both socially and non-socially distanced events at all locations, apart from in Dundee Where the single performance will be socially distanced
Common Sound will take place at Cottiers in Glasgow on Wednesday 21 October, at Eden Court in Inverness on Friday 22 October, at Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh on Saturday 23 October and finally at Marryat Hall in Dundee on Sunday 24 October 2021. The performance in Edinburgh on the Saturday 23 October, will be live streamed (audio only) via Mixcloud (full programme below).
William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said:“It’s hard to put your finger on what it is exactly, but there’s something very special about sharing a performance with a room full of expectant audience members.
“We hope that Common Sound will go some way to exploring what that intangible something is, and it’s particularly apt as this will be the first time we’ve gathered indoors for live music with audiences across Scotland for almost two years.
“Developing these concerts with Nemone has been a privilege and joy, there have been so many creative ideas being exchanged, and we’re going to have our work cut out to fit it all into a 60 minute show!
“I’m thrilled to be meeting audiences across Scotland, face to face, and exploring our relationship to live music in more depth. It feels like such an important conversation to have, particularly after the events, or rather the non-events of the past 18 months.
“We very excited to share this project with audiences, and as a thank you to them for sticking with us during the last 18 months we’re going to be offering all seats at just £10.”
Nemone Metaxas, 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist, said:“I’m really excited by my first collaboration with Scottish Ensemble. It’s been fantastic devising the Common Sound project with their Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.
“It’s going to be so reaffirming to be back in front of live audiences for Common Sound and listening to live music together once again.”
The Brunton, in association with David Ross and Tommie Travers, is delighted to announce open auditions for an exciting new amateur production of SUNSHINE ON LEITH – one of Scotland’s most popular and successful musicals.
Written by Stephen Greenhorn and with songs by The Proclaimers, SUNSHINE ON LEITH will be overseen by a professional creative team and will be staged at The Brunton from Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th February 2022, six performances in total.
Auditions take place at The Brunton on Saturday 30th October, between 2pm – 6pm and Sunday 31st October, between 12noon – 4pm.
Applicants will be allocated a 5-minute audition slot on their chosen date, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and must also be available to rehearse on Tuesday evenings, from 7pm – 9pm, approx.
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, promotes local and international multicultural artists.
It engages local audiences through music, dance, poetry, storytelling and visual arts that represent Edinburgh’s diverse cultures, including African, Asian and Eastern European.
The aim of the festival is to better engage local, both BAME and indigenous, residents with local multicultural arts provision as well as promote diversity through shared experiences.
It is also to create a platform for BAME artists to share their talent, culture and artistic endeavours with other local artists and local audiences. It is seen as a unique opportunity for multicultural artists based in Edinburgh to share stages and experiences as well as encourage greater collaboration across arts disciplines.
The festival takes place across different venues in the North of Edinburgh, which is recognised as one of the most diverse areas in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is produced by African Connections CIC is a community interest company based in Scotland. It provides benefit to African and UK-based artists and communities as well as African and UK-based arts and culture groups and organisations.
African Connections CIC celebrates diversity and creates connections between African and other communities by means of sharing cultures, creative ideas, skills and experiences.
The company plans to establish information, guidance, events and trading centres showcasing quality African products and creatives productions with the aim of creating opportunities for all communities in Scotland and beyond to share and engage in cultural experiences.
The Grand Reveal Part 1 | Literary and Visual Art
1 October 2021 | granton:hub
Join us for an art exhibition featuring the work of Harriet Mould, Jose Luis Cote and Kate Soltan and creative writing and visual literacy workshops.
12:00-13:30 The Land of Punt: Reading and Creative Writing Workshop with Joan Hephzibah and Ebony Pollard (ages 7-12)
13:45-15:30 Imagination in Motion: Visual Literacy Workshop with Kate Soltan and Magda Adamow (all ages)
16:00-17:00 Person Behind Picture: Exhibition and Panel Discussion with Visual Artists Harriet Mould, Jose Luis Cote and Kate Soltan (all ages)
The Grand Reveal Part 2: Edinburgh Multicultural Festival LIVE!
Programme 2 OCTOBER 2021: DANCE, POETRY AND NEW WRITING FOR STAGE & FILM – PASS
Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre & Costume for Stage (PASS) Theatre at Edinburgh College (Granton Campus) will be home to exciting dance, theatre, poetry and stand-up comedy work presented by Scotland-based diverse artists on 2 October 2021.
With this programme we would like to present the work of artists at different stages of their creative careers and promote collaboration and exchange of skills and practice. Join us for three showcase events with the focus on DANCE, POETRY and NEW WRITING for THEATRE, FILM and STAND-UP featuring Divine Tasinda, Tuflamencoo with Inma Montero and Danielo Olivera, Fronteiras Theatre Lab, Lubna Kerr, Sean Wai Keung and Jinling Wu, and Raheema Sayed.
12:00 – 13:30 Musical Musings feat. instrumental music performed by harpist Mio Shudo, sitarist Alec Cooper and fiddler Roo Geddes will soothe your soul and take you on a journey into the sounds and stories of sea-bound people of Japan, South Asia and Ireland. [Entrance: Upper Grounds at Laverockbank Road]
14:00 – 19:00 StarDome21: Edinburgh Multicultural Festival Finale at Starbank Park with big bands and bigger sound. The Spinning Blowfish, Mother All Mighty, Los Chichanos and Shona the Musical – Band and Choir will grace the StarDome21 Finale Stage with an eclectic mix of Trad and Folk to Neo Soul / Hip Hop / R’n’B.
From Africa to South America, and back to Scotland, the finale concert will satisfy your music buds and fill your heart with joy. Not all goodbyes should be sad! [Entrance: Lower Grounds at Starbank Road]
InterContinental Edinburgh The George has partnered with Scottish Opera to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott with a special balcony performance of ‘Spargi d’amaro pianto’ from Lucia di Lammermoor, an opera based on Scott’s historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor.
Yesterday’s performance – on 21 September, which is the anniversary of his death – featured Scottish Opera’s emerging artist, soprano Catriona Clark, accompanied by pianist Toby Hession.
Forming part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of Sir Walter Scott, and in the wake of the pandemic, Scottish Opera will feature the novel, The Bride of Lammermoor as a creative stimulus and inspiration to explore issues such as loneliness and isolation.
‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ aims to empower women who have been struggling during lockdown and to help build creative skills, as well as increase self-confidence and self-expression.
The hotel boasts a historical connection to Scotland’s beloved Sir Walter Scott and was originally a collection of five prestigious townhouses. James Ferrier and his family lived at Number 25, with many literary links including Sir Walter Scott, who was also a well-known friend of novelist Susan Ferrier and was regularly entertained at the family home.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George will welcome back Scottish Opera next year to host a curated exhibition of the artwork created throughout the ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions.
Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager InterContinental Edinburgh The George said: “It is hugely exciting to host Scottish Opera at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, both to support the launch of Scottish Opera’s ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ as well as commemorate Sir Walter Scott.
“This world-class performance is not only a nod to Sir Walter Scott, whom had a personal connection to the historical building of this hotel, but also highlights that InterContinental Edinburgh The George is open, following the many challenges faced by the hospitality industry.
“The impact from the pandemic has left many people with feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety and it is important that we support them. We look forward to our partnership with Scottish Opera, and to welcoming them back to host a selection of the artwork created during their ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ workshops.
Jane Davidson, Director of Outreach and Education, Scottish Opera said:“The past 18 months has been a challenging time for many people, and even although some things are returning to normal, some of us are struggling with mental health and well-being which can make it difficult to re-connect with our usual activities, social circles or with the places where we live and work.
“At times like this it is important not to undermine the power of opera and the ability individuals have to connect with the art forms involved. We thank InterContinental Edinburgh The George for its support in our ‘Sweet Sounds in Wild Places’ sessions and look forward to celebrating the artwork created during the workshops with them later in the year.”
As part of the partnership The InterContinental Edinburgh The George join The Cruden Foundation and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels in supporting the Sweet Sounds in Wild Places project.
For more information about the InterContinental Edinburgh The George visit:
Victoria Park & North Edinburgh Cycle Paths Sunday 12th September, 1pm – 6pm
A full afternoon of music outdoors, along and nearby the cycle paths in North Edinburgh. Join us along the trail for any or all of the following events!
See the map for details of where we’ll be playing.
Note: the event & times are dependent on the weather – if it’s dry we’ll be there, if not we may have to cancel.
LMNS launches online application tool as it announces 2021 audition dates
New tool will help LMNS continue to support musicians from across Scotland as they embark on professional careers post pandemic
Applications close Friday 8 October and auditions take place Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 November 2021
LMNS continues to innovate by exploring new ways to audition musicians that represents the diversity of Scotland’s music scene
Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) has announced its 2021 audition dates by unveiling a brand-new online application tool that will allow musicians impacted by the pandemic, and at the beginning of their professional career journeys, to apply in the most accessible and efficient way.
Taking place on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 November 2021, these auditions are an opportunity for musicians from across Scotland’s many regions and diverse music scene to become part of LMNS, an opportunity that grants unparalleled access to fairly paid, professional opportunities and engagements across the country, throughout the year.
Image: Calum Huggan
LMNS has sought to make the audition application process as simple and streamlined as possible, and musicians can now apply directly via the website, where they can also find an introductory video from Director Carol Main and handy ‘how to’ tips.
This upgraded system reflects the needs of musicians as we emerge into the ‘new normal’ and looks to support those whose careers have effectively been put on hold due to the pandemic, and who have literally been deprived a stage as they launch their careers.
With application open until Friday 8 October, soloists, duos, ensembles and every other configuration (of up to five musicians) from across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for the chance to work with this groundbreaking organisation at the heart of the country’s music scene.
Inspired by the philosophy of world-famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and philanthropist, Sir Ian Stoutzker, LMNS aims to bring the highest quality of music to audiences of all backgrounds, not least those who, for whatever reason, might not otherwise have access to it and who arguably, may have the most to gain by hearing it.
Not only that, LMNS is committed to supporting and facilitating musicians in the infancy of their professional careers, granting them access to new audiences and offering them a platform upon which to grow both their professional careers, and as performers.
By bringing its audition application process online, LMNS is also taking the first step in updating its audition model, as it continues to reflect the diversity and development of both the music and musicians that make up Scotland’s rich music scene.
Carol Main MBE, Director at Live Music Now Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce our 2021 audition dates as we come to the end of a very difficult year for musicians across Scotland, and indeed the world. With restrictions beginning to ease, and the ‘new normal’ on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the next generation of musicians based in Scotland, has to offer.
“We are also excited to launch our brand new, online application tool aimed at making the process of applying to audition as streamlined and user friendly as possible.
“We love the fact that our musicians come from a diverse range of backgrounds, span a wide variety of musical genres, and represent a multitude of cultures, and this new online tool is the first step in updating our audition process to reflect this diversity.”
LMNS has supported over 600 of musicians in launching their professional music careers and recent alumni include Ainsley Hamill whose latest album Not Just Ship Land was the Guardian’s album of the month, and who was described by RnR Magazine as “One of the best of her generation.”
Image: Ainsley Hamil
Calum Huggan, international percussionist & marimbist, has also recently released a debut album entitled American Music for Marimba, and said: “I’m always talking with my students, colleagues telling them how important LMNS was for my career in both education and performance settings, so I hope you feel a little bit of yourselves in this.”
